Probably one of the most overlooked countries in Central America for vacations is Panama. Everyone knows about the Panama Canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, but there is so much more to this beautiful country that needs to be explored: Portobelo. On the Caribbean Coast lies the quaint town of Portobelo. A strategic port for the Spanish in the 17th century, there is plenty to see and do. For the history buffs, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fort San Jerónimo – one of the largest forts built along the Caribbean Bay. Or visit San Felipe Church, built in 1814 in honor of Portobelo’s patron saint, Black Christ. If you want to spend time in nature, take a hike in Portobelo National Park to enjoy the rainforests, some unusual birds and animals and the gigantic Los Monos Waterfall. You can also relax on one of three tranquil beaches near Portobelo: Playa Blanca, Playa Frances, & Playa Huerta. Boquete. Located in the highlands of Chiriquí, Boquete is an adventurer’s dream. Highlights here include a trip to the Finca Dos Jefes coffee plantation, where you can take a personal tour and learn about traditional organic coffee farming. For the more experienced hiker, take the trails up to Volcan Baru – at 3, 475 meters it’s the highest point in Panama. If you decide to trek to the top, plan an overnight trip and get a guide to accompany you. There are many other trails that aren’t quite so strenuous. For a little fun, take advantage of the Boquete Tree Trek which will take you ziplining through the extraordinary cloud forest that will take your breath away. Bocas del Toro. Bocas del Toro is the beach destination in Panama. Whether you just want to relax on the sand or are ready for some exciting water and land activities, you’ll find it all at Bocas del Toro. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the archipelago of Bocas del Toro consists of 6 small islands is fast becoming a hot beach destination in Central America. Go snorkeling in the clear waters, take a tour of the Bluff Beach Municipal Reserve to see leatherback, hawksbill and green turtle nests at Playa Bluff Beach, or just relax in the sun. Soberania National Park. Soberania National Park is a protected tropical rain forest that is home to sloths, monkeys, hundreds of types of birds, and much more – most of which is accessible through its hiking trails. While there, visit the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center on Pipeline Road. From its observation tower you get a beautiful view of the forest canopy. As you hike further along Pipeline Road, you’ll get a close look at much of the country’s wildlife. Panama City. Panama City is the main metropolis and capital of Panama and as you can imagine, there is plenty to see and do. Make sure that you spend some time in the historic Casco Viejo district, which was built in the 17th century after the pirate Henry Morgan looted and destroyed the original capital, Panama Viejo (which you should also see) and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Biomuseo, which offers a look at the of the Panamanian isthmus and its impact on the planet’s biodiversity. Don’t miss the hikes through the Parque Nacional Metropolitano - the only natural tropical rainforest located within city limits in the world. Panama Canal. Of course, no trip to Panama would be complete without seeing the Panama Canal. Initially started by the French in the late 19th century, the endeavor was abandoned in 1893 after thousands of workers died from malaria, yellow fever and other diseases. The United States took over shortly after the turn of the century and completed the canal in 1914 that allows quick passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The journey through the 3 locks takes ships about 10 hours to complete, and the best place to watch the mechanics of the locks in action at the Miraflores Visitor Center. Or take a boat tour for an up-close experience of this engineering marvel. As you can see, there is more to Panama than meets the eye. Let Luxury Destinations Concierge plan your trip to this Central American treasure. Just give us a call at (805) 236-4437.
0 Comments
Tennessee is fast becoming a top destination spot in the United States. And Nashville is the place to visit on any trip to the state. Whether you’re a fan of country music or just want to soak in the natural surroundings, there’s plenty for everyone in Nashville. Here are our picks for some of the top things to do in Nashville: Grand Ole Opry. The Grand Ole Opry has been a live radio staple since 1925, and has seen its share of country stars. This is one stop that you don’t want to miss. Take a tour to learn more about the history of the Grand Ole Opry and country music in general, and make sure that you get tickets for one of the daily live stage performances. Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. If you are a nature or art lover, the Cheekwood Estate & Gardens will capture your heart. Meander through the 55-acre botanical gardens and its greenhouses, sculpture trail and chromatic flower displays. Then, visit the Cheek mansion for its impressive collection of 19th – and 20th-century American art and other artifacts from around the world. The Hermitage. The home of President Andrew Jackson, the Hermitage is a National Historic Landmark that gives us a glimpse into this president’s home life. Built in the Greek Revival style, the mansion sits on a 1,000-acre estate. Guided tours will take you through various parts of the home, a log cabin on the grounds, Jackson’s tomb and the Old Hermitage Church. You’ll also learn the history of the 150 slaves that lived on the grounds from 1804 to 1865. The Parthenon. Although we normally associate Nashville with country music, it also bears the nickname of the “Athens of the South”, due to the number of universities and places of higher education in the area. In fact, this was brought to life at the Centennial Exhibition of 1897 when a full-size replica of the Parthenon was built. Although it was meant to be temporary, the Parthenon in Nashville has endured – including down to replicas of the statues found in the original structure in Greece. Today, you can visit the Parthenon and Centennial Park for a walk along the trails, or indulge in an outdoor concert, movie or theater performance. Nelson's Green Brier Distillery. Tennessee is known for its whiskey and bourbon, so take an opportunity to learn a bit of history from a distillery that has its roots in the 1800s. Charles Nelson began producing whiskey in the late 1800s in Greenbrier, Tennessee. In fact, his whiskey was so popular that he sold over 2 million bottles in 1885 alone! After he died, his wife carried on the tradition until Prohibition shut them down in 1909. In 2009, his great-great-great grandsons, Andy and Charlie Nelson, revived the business and brought it to Nashville. Today, you can take a tour of the distillery and tasting room and learn more about its history. Historic RCA Studio B. Take a step back in time at the Historic RCA Studio B that launched the careers of many country music stars, including Elvis, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. This is the studio that put country music on the map, and you can relive some of that nostalgia through its tours and educational programs. It continues to pay it forward by teaching students the technology of music and the science of sound. Arrington Vineyards. If whiskey isn’t your favorite drink, then head out to Arrington Vineyards in Arrington, Tennessee. Founded by country music star Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn, this beautiful vineyard is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the wine tasting experience. This is a great afternoon jaunt for if you’re on a Nashville Bachelorette party trip! Belle Meade Plantation. Known as the “Queen of the Tennessee Plantations”, the Belle Meade Plantation was built in 1853 in the Greek Revival style. Here, you’ll get a taste of its history as guides dress in period costume and take you through this antebellum mansion (complete with bullet holes in the columns from the Civil War). It’s home to the country’s first thoroughbred breeding farms, and the Iroquois Steeplechase – the oldest in the US. Take a tour of the mansion, learn the history of the plantation’s slaves, or even take a Segway ride through the arboretum and grounds. Broadway. The best place to get a taste of live country music in Nashville is the nightlife on Broadway, Nashville’s main thoroughfare. Whether it’s the iconic Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, or Robert’s Western World, there’s a honky-tonk for everyone to chill out and enjoy the Nashville music scene. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. No trip to Nashville would be complete without a stop at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Relive some of the great moments of country music walking through the exhibits and seeing the artifacts of the most well-known celebrities in the business. Nashville is a great choice for your next vacation, and Luxury Destinations Concierge is ready to help you plan your trip. Give us a call at (805) 236-4437.
When you think of New Orleans, there are several things that come to mind: Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street, music and food, and, if you’re a football fan, the New Orleans Saints. But there is so much more to New Orleans that we thought it would be a good idea to take a closer look. Jackson Square. At the very center of New Orleans sits Jackson Square. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, this public square is just bursting with live performers and artists, and is surrounded by restaurants, art galleries and shops that will give you a small sampling of New Orleans. St. Louis Cathedral. Proudly on display in Jackson Square is St. Louis Cathedral, the longest continually active Roman Catholic Church in the United States. Dating back to at least 1789, the church is named after Louis IX of France. The current Spanish colonial building was constructed in 1850, and an inside tour will reveal the beautiful stained glass windows and Rococo-styled gilded altar. As you walk around, you may notice that the floor has a slight tilt – the building is actually sinking. City Park. Take a stroll through City Park – the 6th largest urban park in the U.S. Built on swampland in the early 19th century, it was originally knows as the “Dueling Oaks”, where many city disputes were settled. The park is home to some of the world’s oldest oak trees – some dating back 600 years. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is New Orleans oldest cemetery and sits a block away from the French Quarter. Several famous historical figures are buried here, including the voodoo priestess Marie Laveau, and the aristocrat Bernard de Marigny. The cemetery is no longer open to the public, but you can take a guided tour of the cemetery, where you’ll learn more about those buried in the cemetery. You may even get a glimpse of the plot that Nicolas Cage has purchased. French Quarter. You can’t visit New Orleans without at least walking through the French Quarter of the city. This is the heart and soul of New Orleans, and there is much that will attract your attention. To get the most out of your visit to the French Quarter, consider taking a walking tour. Garden District. For a close look at how the upper class lived in New Orleans, visit the Garden District. Here, you’ll find Italianate and Greek Revival mansions such as the Goldsmith-Godchaux House, the Brevard-Rice House, The Manse and Colonel Short’s Villa. Take a guided tour of the district to hear more of the history and learn about some of the more famous residents. Old New Orleans Rum Distillery. The plantations around New Orleans were known for their sugarcane, so it’s appropriate that the oldest premium rum distillery is located in New Orleans. Located in a 150-year old cotton warehouse, the Old New Orleans Rum Distillery produces rums and pre-mixed cocktails from Louisiana sugarcane molasses. There is a 45-minute tour of the facility, where you’ll learn how the molasses is fermented, distilled and aged to become rum, and, of course, taste some of the results. Whitney Plantation. Founded in 1752, the current Spanish Creole house was built in 1803 as the plantation shifted from growing indigo to sugarcane. The plantation opened to the public in 2014, and is the only plantation in New Orleans that is dedicated to telling the story of the slaves living there. The 90-minute tour will take you through the slave cabins, the owner’s house and various outbuildings as well as a freedman’s church. Oak Alley Plantation. On the west bank of the Mississippi lies this beautiful plantation, which is accessible down a 240-meter alley of live southern oaks. Take the tour of the grounds and learn more about the lives of the men, women and children who were kept at Oak Alley, including how one slave was the first person to figure out how to propagate individual pecan trees. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve protects six different locations around New Orleans and encompasses bayou, prairie, swamp and the site of the Battle of New Orleans (1815) at Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery. Each center allows you to experience New Orleans from a historical and geographical perspective. New Orleans Jazz Museum. There is nothing more synonymous with New Orleans than jazz, so make sure that the New Orleans Jazz Museum is on your “must see” list. Here, you’ll see an amazing collection of notable jazz memorabilia including the first ever jazz recording from 1917, Louis Armstrong’s first coronet and other instruments played by jazz greats like Sidney Bechet, George Lewis and Dizzy Gillespie. Enjoy the thousands of jazz recordings and photos that document the earliest days of jazz. And, of course, if you’re lucky you’ll be treated to a live jazz concert or two. Café du Monde. While there are many restaurants and eateries in New Orleans that will entice you with their unique regional dishes, the one place that makes any trip to New Orleans complete is Café du Monde. Originally opened in 1862, this coffee stand is famous the world over for its coffee blended with chicory, and its beignets. Once you try them, you’ll be hooked. As you can see, there is a lot more to New Orleans than meets the eye. Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call at (805) 236-4437, and we’ll help make your next trip to New Orleans memorable.
Fall is definitely in the air. The crisp breeze, the scent of fresh apple cider, and of course the brilliant reds, yellows golds and browns that remind us of days gone by. Normally we associate the changing colors of fall with New England, but there are many other places around the world where you can experience the colors of the season. Edinburgh, Scotland. If ever there’s a place that could give New England a run for it’s money for fall foliage, it’s Edinburgh, Scotland. Make sure that you get to Edinburgh Castle to survey the bright colors below. Or climb up the majestic Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill for a panoramic view of the city. If you don’t want to take the hike, the Royal Botanic Garden is a great place to see Scotland in all its fall glory. Douro Valley, Portugal. Douro Valley in Portugal will give you a different perspective on the changing colors of fall. As one of Portugal’s main wine regions, instead of trees the hillsides are covered in terraced vineyards that are brilliantly colored. Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the world’s oldest wine region, so while you’re there, take a tour (or two) of some of the wineries and sample some of the delicious wines. Bavarian Alps, Germany. Of course, fall in Germany is always associated with Oktoberfest, but don’t miss the spectacular autumn views of the surrounding countryside. In fact, the fall may be the best season to visit the Bavarian Alps. Take advantage of the cooler weather to hike Berchtesgaden and Lake Tegernsee to see the epic scenery. Or visit Neuschwanstein Castle in all its fall glory. Kyoto, Japan. Even though Japan is known for its cherry blossoms in the spring, the fall foliage in Kyoto may be more spectacular. Visit one of the many temples or Kyoto Botanical Gardens and drink in the crimson colors of the season. One of the best views may even be from the Togetsukyo Bridge, where you’ll see the hillsides filled with fall foliage. Nova Scotia, Canada. Drive down Highway 2 in Nova Scotia for the gorgeous fall scenery, including serene river views, quaint farmhouses and vivid red blueberry fields along with the usual colorful foliage. Spend some time in Kejimkujik National Park exploring the area on foot or by canoe. Enjoy the numerous fall festivals throughout the season, including pumpkin carving, harvest festivals and more. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Even in the United States, there are other places to see the beautiful colors of fall. Shenandoah National Park is one of them. Take a ride down the 105-mile long Skyline Drive to get your fill of bright orange, red and yellow leaves. Or head over to the eastern side of the park and drive along Blue Ridge Parkway which climbs several thousand feet up to Cherokee National Forest. Either way, you’ll be glad you did. Upstate New York. Visit the Adirondacks not only to see the fall colors but also experience the bounty of fall festivals in the area. Or drive to the Catskills to the famous “Five State Lookout” in East Windham where you can see the fall leaves in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut simultaneously. If you’re up for a hike, trek to the summit of Mount Utsayantha in the Catskills for a 360-degree view. Upper Peninsula Michigan. Known for its coastlines, the Upper Peninsula is just as beautiful in the fall. Drive cross the Mackinac Bridge and along the Keweenaw Peninsula towards Copper Harbor, where the views are spectacular.
These are just a few of the many place that you can go and see the vivid foliage we associate with autumn. Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call at (805) 236-4437 to start planning your next vacation. Hawaii has always been one of the top vacation destinations, and the good news is that Hawaii will be lifting its quarantine restrictions soon. That means it’s time to think about your next vacation to the Hawaiian Islands.
There are 137 islands that make up the state of Hawaii, there are 4 that people remember the most: Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the island of Hawaii. Here are the top things to do on each of these islands: Kauai. Kauai is the fourth largest island, and truly earns it’s nickname of the “Garden Island”. Picturesque views, lush valleys, tropical rainforests and more form the backdrop for any trip to this island. There’s plenty to see here, including:
Oahu. Oahu, home of Hawaii’s capital Honolulu and most of its diverse population, is the third largest island. There is plenty to see and do on Oahu - here are just a few:
Maui. Maui is the second largest island in Hawaii and is nicknamed “The Valley Isle”. It has been voted the “Best Island in the US” by Conde Nast Traveler for readers for the last 20 years – and it’s no wonder. There is so much to do on Maui that it’s hard to narrow it down. Here’s what stands out:
The Island of Hawaii. Also known as the “Big Island”, the island of Hawaii is the largest island in Hawaii. In fact, it’s almost twice as big as all the other islands combined. Here are just a few things that you will want to see and do while on the Big Island:
Are you ready to start planning your trip to Hawaii? Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call at (805) 236-4437. We’ll help you make the most of your island getaway. Raising a glass in a toast is an ancient tradition for celebrations around the world. Those traditions vary from country to country. Here are some of the most common toasts and their traditions from around the world:
Germany: Prost With Oktoberfest just around the corner, it seems appropriate to start in Germany. Obviously, Germans value a good drink, and it’s important to do it right. To properly toast in Germany, it’s crucial to make eye contact during the toast – otherwise you insult your fellow drinkers. It goes back to the middle ages when you never knew who your enemy was. If they poisoned your drink, they would keep an eye on the rim of the glass to make sure that none of your drink found its way into your glass. If, on the other hand, they met your gaze, that established camaraderie and trust between the parties. When drinking beer, the common toast is Prost, which simply means “cheers”. If you are drinking wine, Zum Wohl, which loosely translated means “to your health”. And don’t drink before everyone has a glass in hand. Japan: Kampai Japan’s drinking and toasting traditions are very formal. The toast of Kampai, or “bottoms up” is always first given by the most senior member of the family or business. Other things to keep in mind when drinking in Japan: your glass should be lower than those senior to you in position; never pour your own drink – always let someone else pour for you (and then return the favor); and if you are drinking sake, sip, don’t gulp. Also, if you are finished drinking, don’t pour drinks for anyone else – they’ll feel obligated to fill your glass again, and it’s bad manners not to drink again. Russia: Za Zdorovie In Russia, the typical toast is za zdorovie, which wishes good health to your hosts. The response to this is usually nu, poneslis (Here we go again). The weird thing about drinking in Russia is that shot glasses (for Vodka) should never be placed on the table. Instead, when you have finished your drink and the bottle is empty, place them under the table. The reason: After the Battle of Paris in 1814 during the Napoleonic Wars, Russian Cossacks noticed that the number of drinks people were charged for was calculated by the number of bottles left on the table in local restaurants. Supposedly they cleverly placed the bottles under the table to avoid the charges. Hungary: Egészségére Hungary’s toast of Egészségére simply means “to your health”. Just as in Germany and other European countries, make sure that you make eye contact with those around you. However, whatever you do, don’t clink glasses together when drinking beer. Apparently, back in 1849 at the end of the revolt against the Hapsburgs, 13 Hungarians were hanged by Austrian soldiers who drank beer and clinked glasses. From that time on, Hungarians swore not to clink glasses for 150 years – and even though we’re well past that, the tradition continues. Turkey: Serefinize Serefinize! Is the toast of the day in Turkey. The usual drink is raki, also known as Lion’s Milk, and is a combination of grapes and aniseed. When toasting, make sure that you clink the bottom of your glass – clinking the top implies that you are better than the others. If there is someone you want to remember, lightly tap your glass on the table. And, if you don’t like raki, order some anyway and pretend. Some may be offended if you drink something else. France: À Votre Santé Even though we associate great wine with France, the fact is that the French are polite and very restrained when it comes to drinking. The usual toast is À Votre Santé or simply Santé, which means “to your health”. Don’t fill your glass more than halfway – it’s considered vulgar to do otherwise. Instead, pour a little at a time (and often). And don’t cross arms with anyone when clinking glasses. Iceland: Skál Raise a glass of beer in Iceland and say Skál! This toast can have two meanings. The first, and a little less believable, is “skull” relates to Vikings who would use the skulls of people they killed to toast and drink mead. The more reasonable translation is “bowl”, from an ancient Nordic tradition where people would drink from an empty bowl as a way of honoring someone no longer with them. And, by the way, beer has only been legal since 1989. There was a 74-year prohibition of beer due to alcoholism. Other alcoholic drinks were initially banned in 1915 as well, but eventually lifted on everything but beer in 1935. Icelanders now celebrate Beer Day every March 1st. One of the pleasures of traveling is being able to enjoy the tastes and traditions of different cultures. As you can see, toasting with the locals can be rewarding – as long as you follow the local traditions. Are you ready to experience the drinks and foods of the world? Let Luxury Destinations Concierge help plan your next trip. Give us a call at (805) 236-4437. South America is one of the most diverse and fascinating continents in the world. Unless you’ve traveled throughout South America, there’s probably a lot you don’t know about the countries, peoples and cuisines of the area. Here are some unique facts about South America to pique your interest:
From an early age, we are all enthralled by the stories of kings and queens, knights and their quests and, of course, the palaces they live in. While the fairy tales may just be stories, the beauty and majesty of the castles around the world can still captivate our imaginations. The best part is that we can visit many of them.
Palace of Versailles, France. Topping the list of castles and palaces is the Palace of Versailles. Built in the 1600 by King Louis XIV, Versailles is the pinnacle of opulence. From the lush gardens to the famous Hall of Mirrors, there is nothing that comes close to the majesty on display at Versailles. When you visit, don’t miss the tours of the Royal Chapel and the Royal Opera, take a boat down the Grand Canal or just relax and soak in the scenery in the Orangery. Alhambra, Spain. Built in the 13th century above Granada, the palace at Alhambra uniquely features a combination of Moorish and European influences. The influence of these North African Muslims is seen in the architecture and the intricate carvings that feature Arabic writings and motifs. Plan on spending the day walking through the complex, visiting the Alcazaba fortress, the Nasrid palace, the Generalife ancient summer palace. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany. You’re not wrong to think this castle looks familiar. That’s because Walt Disney used it as inspiration for the castle at Disneyland. Built in the 19th century by Mad King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a tribute to the composer Richard Wagner, with inspiration from Byzantine churches (especially in the throne room), and Roman and Gothic architecture. Forbidden City, China. China’s Forbidden City is the world’s largest palace complex. The 180-acre walled city shielded its emperors from the public. The mortar for the walls is actually made of egg whites and glutinous rice – and has lasted for centuries. But the main attraction is the complex itself, consisting of nearly 1000 buildings, various gardens and ceremonial traditions. Topkapi Palace, Turkey. For nearly 400 years, Topkapi Palace was the home to rulers of the Ottoman Empire. At one point it housed over 5,000 people, including many concubines and eunuchs. Don’t miss the tour of the harem, which consists of over 400 rooms, halls, terraces and apartments that get more luxurious as you progress through the complex. Hawa Mahal, India. This unique palace in Jaipur, India, was built by King Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh for the women of the court so that they could get some fresh air and enjoy the view of the city’s bustling streets. The pink castle is built of sandstone, with overhanging windows on every floor to let in the breeze. It is also built to resemble Krishna’s crown, as the King was a devoted follower of Krishna. One thing that you’ll notice: even though there are 5 floors, there are no stairs. Ramps were used so that the women could be carried on litters called palanquins. Winter Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia. As the home to the tsars of Russia from 1762 to 1917, the Winter Palace speaks to the opulent tastes of the Russian elite. The palace has one of the finest collections of artwork in Europe, including pieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian and Raphael. Windsor Castle, England. Windsor Castle is the only castle in England to be continuously inhabited by the Royal Family since the Middle Ages. It is also the largest inhabited castle in the world. William the Conqueror began building in 1070, and it has been added to and redesigned much over the years. In fact, Charles II updated the castle in an attempt to keep up with his cousin Louis XIV and his castle at Versailles. Are you ready to experience the castles of palaces of kings and queens? Let Luxury Destinations Concierge plan your royal trip. Give us a call at (805) 236-4437. When it comes to capitals around the world, we tend to go with the most popular or biggest city we can name. That theory holds true most of the time, but there are some country capitals that may surprise you. Here are 8 at the top of our list:
There’s a lot to learn about the United States, and most of it isn’t taught in history books. Here is the last installment of our look at some of the little-known state facts:
Ohio. The Ohio state flag is the only state flag that isn’t a rectangle. It’s believed that the designer may have been inspired by the shape of a pennant carried by the U.S. Cavalry. There’s also quite a bit of symbolism in the flag. The red circle represents the buckeye, while the white ring around it is an “O” for “Ohio.” The triangles are meant to symbolize the state’s hills and valleys. The 17 stars remind us that Ohio was the 17th state to join the Union in 1803 (although due to an oversight it wasn’t made “official” until 1953 – retroactively of course!). Oklahoma. Oklahoma is known as the Sooner state for good reason. In 1889, when the U.S. government had planned to open approximately 2 million acres of land for settlement, many people entered the land before the land’s run designated time. These people were dubbed “sooners.” In 1908, the year after Oklahoma officially became a state, the University of Oklahoma’s football team took “Sooners” as its nickname. The nickname became so popular that the state adopted it as its official nickname. Oregon. The world’s smallest park is located in Portland, Oregon. Mill Ends Park is a only 2-square feet, and was the creation of Oregon Journal columnist Dick Fagan. In 1948 he claimed to have spotted a leprechaun digging in that spot, and after running out of his office and catching it, made a wish for his very own park. Many years and several creative musings on the two-foot circle later, the city designated it an official park in 1976. It’s also considered the only leprechaun colony west of Ireland! Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh is home to the first drive-in gas station in 1913. While there were many places to buy gas before this Gulf Oil station opened, it was the first one designed specifically to sell gas. And the rest is history. Rhode Island. The oldest tavern in the U.S. is the White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island, which originally opened its doors in 1673. At nearly 350 years old, the restaurant is still up and running today! South Carolina. Morgan Island, also known as Monkey Island, is an uninhabited island that is home to the only free-ranging colony of rhesus macaque monkeys in the United States. There are over 4,000 monkeys on the island. The original colony arrived in South Carolina via a Puerto Rico research facility in the 1970s, and has been used by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ever since. South Dakota. The Crazy Horse mountain carving now in progress will be the world’s largest sculpture (563′ high, 641′ long, carved in the round). It is the focal point of an educational and cultural memorial to and for the North American Indian. Tennessee. Tennessee hosts America’s longest-running radio show, The Grand Ole Opry. The show went on the air as the “WSM Barn Dance” in 1925. It was later deemed “The Grand Ole Opry” by show host George Hay, and it’s still on the air 95 years later. Texas. The King Ranch in South Texas is bigger than the entire state of Rhode Island. It covers 1,289 square miles, versus Rhode Island which is only 1,212 square miles. There's also a windmill farm that's about seven times the size of Manhattan. Utah. We associate Kentucky Fried Chicken with Kentucky, but it was actually first sold in Utah! Utahans were the first to buy and get a taste of KFC. It was at the Harman Cafe in Salk Lake City that Colonel Sanders experienced his first success with the fried chicken recipe. Vermont. Vermont produces an average of 1.2 million gallons of maple syrup every year. That makes it the largest producer of maple syrup in the country. Virginia. The first woman-run bank in the U.S. started in Richmond, Virginia. Maggie Lena Walker was a successful African American businesswoman who chartered a bank, St. Luke Penny Savings Bank, in 1903. She was the bank’s first president and later chairman of the board of directors, providing black bank patrons a safe space to do business in the Jim Crow South. After a merger with two other banks, it survived as the oldest continuous black-run bank in the U.S. until 2009. Washington. Washington is the biggest producer of apples, raspberries, and sweet cherries in America. In fact, 6 out of 10 apples consumed in America are from Washington. West Virginia. The historic Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulphur Springs has hosted more than half of all U.S. Presidents. During the Cold War, it was also the location of a secret bunker where Congress could operate for up to 40 days in the event of a nuclear strike – until the Washington Post exposed the facility in 1992. Wisconsin. Wisconsin prohibited the sale and use of margarine from 1895 to 1967 to protect its dairy industry. Although the ban has since been lifted, there are still some restrictions that remain on margarine. Today, it is still illegal for restaurants to serve their customers margarine in place of butter unless the customer requests for it. Wyoming. There are only two sets of escalators in the entire state of Wyoming. Both are located in the city of Casper, and no one is exactly sure of the reason behind the strange rarity. Outside of stairs, some think that it may be due to the cost effectiveness and efficiency of elevators. That wraps up our fact-finding mission across all 50 states! One thing is certain – the United States is truly unique from coast to coast! Thinking about planning a vacation? Luxury Destinations Concierge is happy to help! Give us a call at (805) 236-4437. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
December 2023
Categories
All
|