Sitting out in the Bay of Biscay, surrounded by rolling, powerful waves is the small, beautiful, and rocky islet of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Made famous by the hit HBO series Game of Thrones, it has become a popular tourist destination. The Basque word “gaztelugatxe” is believed to have two complementary meanings – “rock castle” …
Continue reading San Juan de Gaztelugatxe: Conquering the Game of Thrones Climb.
Nestled in the Arizona desert, Tombstone is a special place for history enthusiasts and Wild West aficionados alike. Its fame stems from real-life events like one of America's most infamous gunfights and its portrayal in iconic films like 1993's Tombstone. Established in 1879 by prospector Ed Schieffelin, Tombstone emerged as one of the final boomtowns …
Continue reading Tombstone, Arizona: The Town too Tough to Die.
Among the various national monuments in the United States, Scotts Bluff National Monument is arguably one of the lesser known. In fact, if you took a random street poll, chances are most people would have never heard of it. Located in rural Nebraska, it only attracts about 100,000 visitors annually. To put that into perspective, …
Continue reading Scotts Bluff National Monument: Home to the Oregon Trail.
As the final resting place of Wild West icons Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, Deadwood, South Dakota has rightfully earned its place in the United States' Frontier Gold Rush Hall of Fame. Established in 1876, the city earned its name from early settlers who discovered an abundance of dead wood in its surrounding valleys …
Continue reading Deadwood, South Dakota: Entertaining Guests Since 1876.
One of the easiest hikes I've ever done, the Ah-Pah Interpretative Trail offers an enjoyable and accessible hiking experience within Redwood National Park. Originally a 20th-century logging road, it has been transformed into a family-friendly trail, making it perfect for visitors of all ages, including my seven-year-old daughter, who walked it effortlessly. While it may …
Continue reading Ah-Pah Interpretative Trail at Redwood National Park: Short but Great.
As the largest cliff dwelling in North America, the Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde National Park is truly a sight to behold. It's impressive whether you're viewing it from afar, across the valley on the viewing platforms, or up close and personal during the Cliff Palace tour. I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing both perspectives. …
Continue reading The Magnificent Cliff Palace of Mesa Verde National Park.
Sitting prominently in the center of the Town Hall Square in Tallinn, Estonia (Tallinn, Estonia: The Friendly Russia.), stands an impressive building that initially appears to be a church or a castle. However, it is neither; it is the historic Tallinn Town Hall. With construction beginning in the 12th century, this architectural marvel was completed …
Continue reading The Medieval Bell Tower of Tallinn Town Hall.
The Lady Bird Johnson Grove, named after a notable former First Lady of the United States, ranks among my top hiking experiences at Redwood National Park. Nestled within a magical grove of old-growth redwood forest, it offers a beautiful hike ideal for families and a highlight of any itinerary in Redwood National Park. About 3 …
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As one of the original, and oldest, buildings in historic Tombstone, Arizona, the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park is a must-visit on any Tombstone travel plan. This 142-year-old structure stands prominently on a street corner, just a stone’s throw from the infamous O.K. Corral (The O.K. Corral: Site of the Wild West’s Most Infamous Gunfight.). …
The Quaker Church. Growing up, I always wondered why the Saline Creek Pioneer Village and Museum in Southern Illinois wasn't more popular. I thought, "This is a legitimate pioneer village from the olden days - why wouldn't more people want to see it?!” As an adult, I learned that while the buildings on the grounds …
Continue reading The 1800’s Pioneer Village of Southern Illinois.