May 1, 2008
Smithsonian magazine recommends American vacation spots
I thought this press release would interest some. I could pass on the frog festival but the Chicago Blues fest and some of the other ideas here seem like great vacations:
New York, New York (April 28, 2008) – The May 2008 issue of Smithsonian uncovers the most notable places to explore in North America. “Destination America” reveals five of the most distinguished destinations inside the US including an ancient homeland in Acoma, New Mexico and an underwater odyssey in Silver Springs, Florida. “Destination America” joins “Destination Asia,” in the March 2008 issue, as part of Smithsonian’s commitment to bringing its readership the inside scoop on the most awe-inspiring locations around the globe.
“‘Destination America’ proves that you don’t need to scour the world to find exotic and inspiring destinations,” said Smithsonian Editor Carey Winfrey. “Some of the most beautiful places this world has to offer are right here in our own backyard. The May 2008 issue offers the perfect opportunity for American’s to begin researching for summer vacation destinations close to home.”
“Destination America” includes:
“Acadia Country” (pg. 46) - Harbor islands, placid lakes, deep forests: in Maine, a beloved stretch of coast exerts it piney allure
“Ancient Citadel” (pg. 56) - A native homeland for thousands of years, Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico is now the site of an unusual cultural center
“The Life Aquatic with Bruce Mozert” (pg. 62) - For 40 years, the photographer’s inspired underwater tableaux drew tourists to the crystalline waters of Silver Springs, Florida
“Back to the Frontier” (pg. 66) - Where can you tan a hide and play vintage baseball? At the Conner Prairie living-history museum in Indiana
“End of the Road” (pg. 70) - Winding from Tennessee to Mississippi, the Natches Trace, aka the “Devil’s Backbone” thanks to its bloody history, is a hike (or stroll) to remember
“Destination America” also includes an all-inclusive list of other hotspots and highlights around the nation:
The Chicago Blues Festival that showcases such greats as guitarist B.B. King and singer Koko Taylor
North American Indian Days, a celebration in Browning, Montana that includes Native American drumming and dance competitions
The California Rodeo in Salinas, California where nearly 1,000 contestants test their skills in challenges that include calf roping, steer wrestling and bareback riding
The Frog Festival in Rayne, Louisiana offers an old fashioned frog racing and jumping contest
The Uptown Art Fair in Minneapolis, Minnesota where 350 artists set up a street market to peddle crafts from painting to glass sculpture and jewelry
About Smithsonian
Founded in 1970 with the launch of Smithsonian magazine, Smithsonian Media—comprising Smithsonian magazine, Air & Space, goSmithsonian and the Smithsonian digital network—allows the intellectually curious to indulge and engage their passions for history, the arts, science, the natural world, culture and travel. Smithsonian Media’s flagship publication, Smithsonian magazine, has a circulation of more than two million. This multimedia network is also affiliated with the world’s most visited museum and research complexes at the Smithsonian Institution. For more information, visit www.smithsonian.com
Posted by James Trotta at May 1, 2008 1:19 AM | TrackBack
Somday-I hope to be able to come to Washington D.C. for a vacation-I have always wanted to go see the Smithsonian-Unfortunately,my husband does not like to fly and I dont like to drive for days at a time-The really sad thing is my husband works for the airlines-so we fly free-but he wont fly-I guess I should have made a point of it when I was younger and living in N.Y.-BUT someday I hope that I will see-from what I've heard-One of the greatest places to see-I've seen all the ones that were in N.Y. when I lived there-The Smithsonian is the only one left that I would like to experience.It's a little rough these days with the price of food and gas and all that going on-but when things improve-I hope I can talk a friend into joining me-I dont travel alone-I will experience the greatness of the Smithsonian museum-In the meantime I will check out your website-Sincerly yours ,Peggy D. Houston, Tx.
Posted by: Peggy Downey at May 1, 2008 11:48 AMWashington DC is amazing for the Smithsonian and for many of the other attractions. I would say that you can skip the spy museum - it's not even close to any of the Smithsonian museums or the National Gallery. The memorials and monuments are also must-sees.
In the winter it is freezing but empty, if you can endure walking around in the cold it's a great time to visit. Around Chrstmas they have the tree. If you are expecting a Rockefeller Center kind of tree it could be underwhelming but if you appreciate the tree for what it is, you're in for a beautiful experience.
I like Washington DC in winter (even though the cold does get to me).
Posted by: James Trotta at May 1, 2008 10:10 PMThe Smitnsonian Air and Space Museum at Dulles Airport advertises with emphasis that the museum is free. Then they nail you with a $30 parking charge. (Parking outside and walking in is verboten.)
Congress has legislated free entry to all Smithsoonian buildings. The board of the Smithsonian uses not-so-clever mendacity to circumvent Congress.
This is but another example of how the System disdains the people they are meant to serve.
Posted by: Gerald Black at May 4, 2008 1:45 AM