Georgia

Georgia is in “The Deep South”.  I’m not quite sure what is meant by that phrase but I do know that when you visit Georgia, you will notice most people speaking with a strong Southern accent.  When you eat lunch or dinner anywhere you can order sweet tea and it is definitely SWEET tea!  Southern Hospitality is alive and well. Be sure to try the peach cobbler or peach pie or peach ice cream as Georgia is known as the Peach Tree State.   People expect that you will stay for dinner and every child knows how to say “Yes, ma’am” or ”Yes, sir” in polite company. 

Typical homes in Savannah with
wide verandas on the side of the home.

Two places stick in my mind as my favorites .  This last fall we took a trip which included a visit to Savannah, Georgia which is a great representation of the antebellum south.  There is a large area with historical homes, churches, parks and even an old pirate house.  A free trolley takes you on a loop so you can hop off to explore one area and then hop onto another trolley to go to the next interesting place.  Many of the streets are made of cobbled stones which add to the charm.  The Georgia State Railroad Museum is also in this area of Savannah.  Near the Savannah River Port are many shops to browse through along with a number of restaurants.  Savannah’s National Landmark Historic District is a wonderful place to explore for a day or two.

Two views of the bas relief on the mountain
and the lift to the top.

My other favorite is Stone Mountain State Park, east of Atlanta.  The centerpiece of this park is the memorial to three Confederate Generals.  It is a bas relief carved in the granite of the mountain.  There is a lift to the top and a hiking trail for those who love a challenge.  The park also contains Historic Stone Mountain Village, an antique car museum, a petting zoo, and both picnic and camping areas.  On summer nights a laser show lights the sky for the enjoyment of all.     

One of the Georgia lighthouses.

There are many additional places to visit in Georgia as it is one of the fastest growing states at this time.  The Capitol city of Atlanta is a major air hub and home to many companies including Coca Cola and CNN.  A website of the free or  inexpensive things to do in Atlanta can be found at this web address:  http://www.atlanta.net/visitors/seedo/freeAtlanta.html .  There is a wealth of historical places since Georgia  was one of the original thirteen colonies.   Georgia is a state with a variety of scenery from the beaches and coastal towns on the Atlantic Ocean to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northern part of the state.    If Georgia is your destination then I suggest you check the Official State website at http://www.exploregeorgia.org.    There are interactive maps for each region of the state to guide you.

Florida

Listening to the tide brush the shore, feeling the cool, salty air through the open window, lying between clean smelling sheets – this is a wonderful way to be lulled to sleep at night.  Waking up to the crash of the waves with the early light brightening the room around you is wonderful.  Spending the day strolling along soft white sand, wading in the shoreline, swimming with the waves, basking in the sunshine  - this is the way to spend a relaxing day.  Welcome to Florida where the beaches surround the state on three sides.

Vintage Postcard prior to Disney World when the
Space Center was called Cape Canaveral

Florida is a state that is probably well known all over the world.  It is a state that seems like a dream come true with tropical or sub-tropical weather all year long, lots of fun places to go, a four hundred year old history and sparkling white beaches.  Oh yes, don’t forget Disney World, the Everglades, The Kennedy Space Center and a few other attractions.  This state is truly a vacation spot.

If you like history, St. Augustine is commonly called the nation’s oldest city and has many interesting buildings to see.  If you love the beach, you have your pick of those on the Gulf of Mexico side or the Atlantic side.  A trip to the Keyes involves a highway that skips along from one key to the next.  This has been the playground for many of the rich and famous for years.       
  

 

Old Spanish Inn



St. Augustine City Gate and Oldest
Wooden Schoolhouse in the USA

Even though I have been to Florida a number of times, there are so many places that I still have not visited.  I’d like to see a manatee and perhaps swim with the dolphins.  An airboat ride in the Everglades sounds like it would be a lot of fun. Epcot Center is one of the places I have never been and would really enjoy seeing. 

Cindrella Castle
Fantasy World

One of the most impressive things about Florida is the abundant plant life.  Everything seems to be green.  The warm temperatures and high humidity allow for so many tropical and sub-tropical species to thrive here.  Summers feel very hot because of that humidity.  Many travelers prefer the spring, fall or winter when it is usually more comfortable.  Occasional dips in the jet stream send cold air to the region but they are uncommon and normally last only a day or two.

White Sand Beaches

Because of the multitude of things to do and places to see, a trip to Florida should be planned in advance to choose your favorite places.  To view all available places, the official state tourism site is http://www.visitflorida.com

Delaware

This project is beginning to make me wonder if I really know what I’m talking about.  I feel like I am completely failing on this state.  It’s not the state – it’s me.  I’m sorry to mess this one up so bad.  It has taken me so long because I keep drawing a blank when I try to figure out what to write.   I honestly don’t know enough to tell you anything.

I have driven through Delaware many times but the only time I actually was”there” was when my Dad had to attend a meeting of some kind at Dover Air Force Base when I was about 13.  (60 years ago!)  I was at that miserable stage when nothing was interesting to me and I was just aggravated and wanted Dad to hurry so we could go home.  Therefore, I have no real impression of Delaware that can tell you anything you can’t figure out for yourself.  Below are just a few things that might begin to give you a picture of Delaware. 

Fun Map of Delaware

 Delaware is the second smallest of the United States, just a bit larger than Rhode Island.  At its narrowest spot, it is only 9 miles wide (14 kilometers).  It is not quite 100 miles (about 154 kilometers) from North to South and is only 35 miles or 56 kilometers at the widest point from West to East.  In this compact state are 900,000 people making it the sixth most populous state. 

Its unique location allows Delaware to have both fresh and salt water beaches along with all kinds of water sports.   Beaches and summer water sports are a favorite attraction.

The second longest twin span suspension bridge in the world is the Delaware Memorial Bridge.

There is no commercial air service in the state because it is close enough to other airports that it is not necessary to provide this service locally.  Passengers normally fly out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania  or Washington, D. C.

The World Championship Punkin Chunkin Contest is an annual event along with other unique fairs and festivals.  This is televised and is a fun event because it is so unusual.  Contestants build all kinds of machinery to throw their pumpkin as far as possible.  That means catapults, cannons and other engineering contraptions. 



Zwaanendaek Museum in Lewis, Delaware
Built to celebrate the Dutch settlement here in 1631.



Dover Air Force Base is the entry point for deceased members of the military service fallen in  the line of duty.

The state has developed several self tours depending upon your particular interest.  You can try out the Geocaching Trail, The Wine and Ale Trail, History Trail or the Culinary Trail.  All of these are shown in detail on the Delaware tourism site located at:

http://www.visitdelaware.com

Connecticut

Kent Station in Kent, Connecticut, now operating
as Connecticut Antique Machinery Association Museum

Connecticut has it all – beaches, mountains, parks, cities, quaint little towns, a beautiful river valley, lots of history, artists and art shops, casinos, amusement parks, several train rides and both train and trolley museums, art, history, the maritime trades, and many others.  All this and more in one little state located in New England.

 When I started on this week’s state I realized that most of my memories and impressions of Connecticut are from a very long time ago.  I was in college at the University of Bridgeport and then I lived in Hartford working prior to marrying my husband.  Since we’ve been married more than 50 years, then you know these memories are really old ones.



Air View of Stonington Borough,
the oldest borough in New England

Although the years have gone by, Connecticut is still basically the same place.  The cities have grown in size and I’m sure there are more little towns near New York City than there were then, but the countryside is still the same.  The history that was made in this area has only grown a little older.  Since Connecticut was one of the original colonies, its history dates back before the Revolutionary War.  In almost every town in Connecticut are statues, monuments, historical buildings and museums telling the stories of how Connecticut became one of the United States.



Point O'Woods Beach
South Lyme Connecticut

The United State Coast Guard is based in New London and there is a long maritime tradition.  Mystic Seaport is an excellent destination with many attractions including an excellent maritime museum. 



When I was in college at Bridgeport, our dorm was a massive three story home that rumor said was part of the original P. T. Barnum estate.  (No idea if that was true or not.)  The P. T. Barnum Museum and many old Victorian style homes are in Bridgeport.   Our dorm overlooked a large grassy area and beyond that was an access to the beach on the sound.  It was a fun place to go to school although I only stayed one semester due to lack of money.  At that time, school loans were something most girls just wouldn’t consider.  It was an era when most girls only worked or attended school until they married.   Aren’t you glad times have changed?

After I left school I moved to Hartford, the State Capitol, to work in an office that did research for the insurance industry.  One rainy Sunday my boyfriend (now my husband) drove down to visit me.   We wanted to get in out of the rain.  Since I lived in a girl’s rooming house with little privacy in the lounge area, we decided to see the Mark Twain House which was a short distance away with only a small entry fee.   It was a fascinating afternoon touring the home.  I believe they had just started giving tours at that time as we were the only people there.  The one thing that impressed me the most was the fireplace.  He wanted a window above the fireplace in the dining room so he could see the snowfall while enjoying his meal and the warmth from the fire.  The architect worked with him and they routed the flue around the window instead of having the chimney go straight up like an ordinary fireplace.   Mark Twain had a vivid imagination and many of his unique ideas are showcased in the home.  The home is still in Hartford and I’m sure the tour is still a marvelous one.  In addition to the house, there is also a museum now.

Their website is http://www.marktwainhouse.org/

A large portion of the population of Connecticut is in the extreme southeast corner of the state, near New York City.  This area is home to many who work in the city and prefer living in the country or smaller suburban towns.

As always, I recommend you check out Wikipedia or the state tourist website for specific information on places that you might enjoy.   The website for Connecticut tourism is:

  http://www.ctvisit.com/     This is an interactive site including a map of each area highlighting the places to visit.

Colorado

One of Colorado Ski Destinations

Crisp cool mountain air, warmed by the sun, the aroma of spiced apple cider in the air, strolling from one unique shop to another, checking out the art galleries and hand crafted shops – this is Manitou Springs, Colorado or it could be a dozen other towns in Colorado.  Fall in the Rocky Mountains is sunny, cool and dry so that the air feels wonderfully refreshing.

       A land of breathtaking scenery, known for winter sports, especially skiing, Colorado is a state with many other places to see and things to do.  Aspen, Vail and Steamboat Springs are all well known and loved, but along with skiing, almost any outdoor activity can be enjoyed here.  In addition to the wonderful winter sports areas, the summer season offers hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, fishing, and mountain climbing.  National and State Parks are throughout the state with a wide variety of facilities to make your outdoor adventure a reality.    http://www.parks.state.co.us/ for the state park website and http://www.nps.gov/state/co/ for the National Park website. 

Pike's Peak

The cog railway trip to the top of Pike’s Peak has some really spectacular views.  The aspen leaves were yellow when I went and were scattered among the other trees as we made our way to the top.  No matter what time of year, it can be very cold at the top and the wind can be quite sharp on the lookout deck.  What a view from there!

My daughter lived in Colorado Springs for a few years and also took us to see Cripple Creek – an old mining town with a colorful history.  You can stroll down the main street or try your hand at panning for gold, grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants or see the items in the many shops.   Since my trip there, Cripple Creek has expanded to become more of a tourist destination with the addition of casinos and other attractions.  They have their own website at http://www.visitcripplecreek.com/ and feature special events all year so check them out if you are going to be in Colorado.

Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel

The Air Force Academy and The Olympic Training Center are also in Colorado Springs.  One of the places I enjoyed most in Colorado Springs is the  Von Briggle Pottery Factory and Showroom.  Check out the website for Colorado Springs to locate more great places to visit at:   http://www.visitcos.com/  

Vintage RPPC of the Red Rocks Amphitheater

Denver is the capitol city of Colorado and has a most impressive Capitol Building with a golden dome.  When I was about eight, my parents took my brother and I to see the Capitol and we were allowed to climb up into the dome.   Denver boasts a number of museums, a zoo and an arboretum, a mile long pedestrian mall, breweries, professional sports teams and many great restaurants and hotels.  The Red Rocks Amphitheater is shown at the left in an old black and white real photo postcard.

Garden of the Gods

Colorado has a long history and the places to go to experience this history.  There are Dinosaur sites and museums; Native American archeological sites such as Mesa Verde; Gold, Copper and Silver mining operations and some surviving or restored boom towns to tell that history; factory or mine tours plus modern museums of art and culture.  For the entire variety to choose from, visit Colorado at  http://www.colorado.com/ on the internet.  

As always, I suggest you check the state website for an overall view that is more comprehensive than my insights to each state.  Some of the cities also have their own website. 

California

Once again, the problem of seeing the United States is that it is so huge.  California is a perfect example of this problem.  From the Oregon border in the north to the border with Mexico in the south is almost 700 miles or 1,240 kilometers. It is about 250 miles or 400 kilometers wide.  As I did my imaginary trip for you, Amtrak is one way of seeing a lot of the country, but not everyone wants to look out the window most of the time and make a few stops here and there.  If you fly from city to city, it runs into a lot of time in airports, not to count the expense of all those flights.  Then you still have the problem of how to get around in each city since not all cities have public transportation.  If time and money are both plentiful, then the best way to see California – or the entire USA – is by car if you can handle driving with all those crazy Americans on the right side of the road.  That way you can see the top attractions and also take little side trips to see some of the less well known places. 

Everyone wants to go to California.  It’s always been the place of dreams – first the settlers moved west to California for wonderful land to farm – then the gold rush brought those who dreamed of getting rich.  During the depression, people left the dust bowl of the Midwest to find jobs and the hope of a new beginning in the Golden State.  Hollywood and the movie world brought those who dreamed of fame and fortune.  A mild climate, beautiful land, beaches and cities for young dreamers has kept California the desirable destination for many generations.  California continues to grow and people there seem to continually dream big dreams.  Silicon Valley is one of the more recent places where dreams became reality for many.  Who knows what will be dreamed up next in this golden land?

Today there are many destinations for those who travel.  Most travelers already know the destinations where they want to visit because the whole world knows of the famous places in California.  As always, I suggest you check online for the state website to guide you in finding the places that appeal to you. The state is one of the largest in the United States and borders the Pacific Ocean. It has beautiful fertile valleys, deserts, scenic mountains, fascinating cities, wonderful parks in addition to many fun places for youngsters such as Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland.  Sports of every kind are available from skiing to surfing.

Vintage postcard of the burning of the Cliff House

It is impossible for me to imagine what I could possibly tell you about California that you don’t already know.  I am going to give you a few suggestions of some places that are not so well known.  If you are in San Francisco, you will probably see the Golden Gate Bridge.  The Golden Gate National Recreation Area has expanded and the Cliff House is now part of the park.  The Cliff House has a long and interesting history, having been destroyed and restored several times.  On the deck of the Cliff House is a room sized camera obscura.  



Lombard Street



Lombard Street in San Francisco has been called "the crookedest street in the world and people enjoy driving up or down the street. 



Alcatraz Island is a great place to spend a few hours exploring the prison and the island itself.  It has a very colorful history and many people have left their stories here.



Lick Observatory (Vintage)

South of San Francisco is San Jose.  About 20 miles to the east from San Jose is the Lick Observatory, a state of the art observatory for the University of California.  Be aware that the road was built years ago and is narrow in places as it winds up the mountain.  (No gas at the top.)  There are historical displays and visitors are welcome to see the Great Lick Refractor and a 120 inch reflector.   



Sequoia National Park



As I talked about in my imaginary trip, the Redwood or Sequoia Trees are one of the most unique things in California.   Sequoia National Park has many of the trees that are large in diameter, including “General Sherman” which is the largest tree in the world by volume.  The Redwood National Park includes the tallest trees in the world.  These trees are amazing to see.  At one time you could drive through one of the trees in Yosemite National Park but it fell in the late 1960s. Any of these parks are well worth the visit just to see the trees.  Of course, there are also many other attractions to see in the parks.



The Bells of Mission San Juan Capistrano



In California there are 21 Mission Churches that were founded between 1968 and 1853.  They range from San Diego in the south to Sonoma, 40 miles north of San Francisco.  The Presidio in San Francisco is one of these Mission Churches.  The one In San Miguel, where I used to live, was damaged by a 2003 earthquake.  It has been partially restored.  The murals in this mission have been preserved well and are very colorful.To visit one of these Mission Churches would be very enjoyable .



Scotty's Castle in Death Valley



Death Valley actually has an 11,000 foot high mountain known as Telescope Peak!  There is more to the desert than just wasteland.  The desert blooms when the weather brings rain.  There is also a castle in the northern part of Death Valley called Scotty’s Castle.  It is built in the Spanish Colonial Revival style and was built by a wealthy man and his wife as a vacation home in the 1920s.  Walter Scott, a flamboyant friend, considered it his “hideaway”. Tours of both the house and the underground tunnel system are available.

I could add dozens of other places to visit, but I think it’s best if you find the treasures by yourself.  Those special places that you discover always result in the best memories.

Arkansas

First, a few memories of Arkansas from when I was a little girl - a long time ago. 

We used to go to my aunt and uncle's house for Christmas and sometimes in the summer for a vacation.  I always thought it was great fun because they lived in Arkansas, in a little house out in the country.  At Christmas we could always depend on my Dad driving the car into the muddy ditch near my uncle's house.  My Dad would have to get out in the pouring rain (because it always rained at Christmas in southern Arkansas) and trudge through the mud to ask Uncle Frank to bring the mule to pull us out.  Of course, Dad was always mad about this time but to us it was funny because we knew we would be staying up beyond our bedtime.  We finally would get into the house and Aunt Edith would tell us to get warm in front of the fire while she warmed up some supper for us.  They had a fireplace that heated their home and I thought that was fantastic since I was a little city girl and not used to wood fires.  There would be food for us to eat once we got warm and then into bed. 

We sometimes would walk through the woods to my Mrs. Downey's house (my Aunt Edith's Mother).  Along the way we would find cicada shells to hook onto our coats.  They looked like little ghost grasshoppers.  The cicada sheds its skin once it reaches adulthood and leaves its exosceleton on a tree trunk usually - similar to a butterfly emerging from its cocoon.  The little hooks on the shells feet  were perfect for clinging to fabric so we would wear them like badges.



Vintage postcard near my Uncle's farm

 During the summer months that we visited, my brother and I would play with my cousins, walking down the dirt lane to the mailbox or exploring the fields.  Once we saw some wild boars (or razorback hogs) in the ditch but I think they weren't interested in us and ran away when we got near.  We were always told to watch out for them and for snakes during the summer. We would play near the pond, chase the dogs and play in the hay in the barn.  It was a very simple farm but  that was the joy of it for us children.  We could catch fireflies at night in a glass jug and watch them flicker their lights.  We could sit on the porch watching the stars come out, hugging the dogs, and listen to the big folks talk and tell stories.  It was for me, a wonderful place to visit.

  

Pivot Rock

Ozark Region

This the most difficult state for me to write about because I have so many good memories that I want to tell you about everything.  It is where I was born.  I have lived in many other states but returned to live in Arkansas about four years ago.  Arkansas is almost like a miniature of the United States.  If you want to see mountains, Arkansas has the Ozark and the Ouachita mountain ranges.  If you want to see forests, most of Arkansas is covered in some kind of timber.  If you are looking for prairie or farm land, the south and east parts of the state are almost entirely farm lands.  Lakes are scattered throughout and provide excellent fishing. 



Buffalo River aerial view



Rivers include the Buffalo River, which is a popular spot for white water floating and tubing.   There are caverns and a diamond mine where you can search for your own diamonds.  There is no ocean or white sand beach and the canyons here are not as grand as those in Arizona but for outdoor beauty and diversity, Arkansas is at the top of the list. 



Vintage postcard of Lake Chicot

It is the state where I have lots of relatives and where we hold our family reunion each year.  (It is not far from where my Uncle used to have his farm.) The reunion is usually held at Chicot State Park in the southeast corner of Arkansas.   The park faces Lake Chicot, a huge oxbow lake formed when the Mississippi River changed its path at one time.  The park is wooded and well kept.  It is a fisherman’s paradise and has boat launches and a tackle store.  The cabins are rustic in appearance but have been updated over the years to include everything except you, your clothes and your food.  Camping sites are plentiful and the park holds activities for the children during the summer months.  Reservations are needed for the cabins.  Parks similar to this are scattered throughout the state.

The Natural State is the motto for Arkansas because so much of the state remains open country rather than settled as cities.  Like almost every state in the USA, the majority of the towns are not large.  Many small towns and villages have just a few hundred people.  There are a few cities but even our big cities in Arkansas would be considered small by European standards.  Little Rock is the capitol city and I live just to the northeast from there in Sherwood which has almost 30,000 people.  Little Rock has a little more than 190,000.  The entire state has a total population of 2, 915,000 with the large majority living in rural areas, villages and small towns.



Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs



Oak Lawn Racetrack



Though the cities are not huge there is much to see in each of them.  Hot Springs includes the oldest National Park and has a popular horse racing track. 

Fayetteville is a college town, the site of the University of Arkansas, famous for their football team called the Razorbacks.  Fort Smith is near the Oklahoma border, El Dorado is near the Louisiana border, Pine Bluff is south of Little Rock which is in the middle of the state. There are other small cities but I am mentioning just a few of the larger ones. 



The Old Mill



Like most cities, Little Rock has its art museum, a sports arena and a number of places for the night life that young people enjoy.  Heifer International headquarters are also in the area near River Market.  River Market is a restored older section that includes unique shops, a farmers market several days of the week, a food court, several bars and other businesses.

The Clinton Presidential Library is near downtown Little Rock and the River Market Area.  I have toured it several times and find it fascinating each time I go.  It has a variety of displays showing the early years and then the Presidential years of Bill Clinton and his wife, Hilary.  A recent exhibit highlighted both of their Mothers.  Another exhibit that was amazing showcased some of the many gifts to the people of the United States given to President Clinton by heads of state from various countries.  Paintings, carvings, vases, jewelry, hand crafted items, jewel encrusted ceremonial swords, and many other items were included in this display.    

I am looking forward to a trip next month to Bentonville, which is near the Missouri border.  My son is treating me to a birthday trip to see an art exhibit.  Bentonville is the home of Wal-Mart and their family has gifted the area with an art museum called Crystal Bridges.  Currently there is an exhibit of Norman Rockwell’s paintings that I would like to see.  He was famous for his many Life Magazine covers reflecting the average American family.  My trip is also going to include a visit to Eureka Springs in the heart of the Ozarks.  It is a quaint old city that reflects much of the life of the early mountain settlers in this part of the country.  It is most famous for its Passion Play presentations.