OffbeatTravel: Offbeat Destinations and new twist on Old Favorites

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Offbeat places and unusual destinations and a fresh look at old favorites written by people who have been there.

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Newest Feature

St. George Utah: Hiking, Art, Wildlife, and History

by Neala Schwartzberg McCarten. With a little help from my friends, I'm standing almost at the top of a stone "sand dune" in Snow Canyon Park. Eons ago volcanic activity and windblown sand combined to create the geologically diverse state park. The day before my hike I was gazing at stuffed (mounted) animals from all continents in the world. St. George offers quite a diverse palette of experiences. Enjoy the video of the hike, the stuffed/mounted animals, and more.

Read about Attractions of Saint George, Utah

Other New Features

	A Visit to the Crazy Horse Memorial by Lisa Waterman Gray. An almost regal facial profile, with aquiline nose, crowns meticulously carved rock on the distant mountain summit. Nearby a long, flat surface flanks a small archway that frames brilliant blue sky, and white paint marks where future carving will shape exposed rock. The completed image of a proud North American Indian chief with flowing hair, mounted on a prancing horse, is gradually emerging from the mountain's depths. This is the Crazy Horse Memorial -- the Lakota (Sioux) nation's tribute to one of its most revered chiefs, and the lifetime project of one tenacious family. Read about Chief Crazy Horse Memorial
	St. Kitts: A Perfect Little Island with Great Diving (and more) by Denise Mattia. Whether disembarking a cruise ship for the day or arriving by plane every traveler passes through Basseterre, the charming capital of St. Kitts. Certainly Basseterre is wortth a stroll and exploration, but when it comes to diving, St. Kitts there's fun of a different nature under St. Kitts with the three dive operations and a watersports center on the island. There's a lot to do in St. Kitts and the high standards of the operations, hotels and restaurants and the polite Kittitians guarantee visitors a wonderful holiday. And, of the photos you can take underwater -- enjoy the video. Read about Diving in St. Kitts
	Two Unique Independence Missouri Destinations: World's only hair museum, and puppets around the world Lisa Waterman Gray. Independence, Missouri is probably best known as the home of President Harry S. Truman. Visitors often flock to the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, with a replica of the Oval Office and his famous 'The Buck Stops Here' sign. But Independence also offers tours a couple one-of-a-kind destinations. Read about Hair wreaths and great puppets
	Museums and Tapas in Cordoba Spain by Inka Piegsa-Quischotte. A day trip to the fabulous city of Cordoba in the south of Spain combines outstanding art with mouth watering food. I've been living on Benalmadena Costa on Spain's sunny and easygoing Costa del Sol. One of the reasons, apart from the weather and the life style was, that several of Spain's most historic and fascinating cities, including Cordoba are within easy reach and very suitable for numerous day trips. Read about Munching and Museums (and more) in Cordoba Spain
	Oregon's Northern Coastal Towns and Beaches by Patrice Raplee. A light mist envelopes the tranquil coastal town of Seaside, Oregon, as visitors stroll the sidewalks, gazing into art galleries and cozy cafes. Little do they know, just a few miles out in the ocean, lays an isolated lighthouse with a strange and haunted past. Oregon's northern coastal towns draw intrepid travelers throughout the fall to spring months, when the chill and rainy weather is often challenging. This generally foggy and gray-skied, ocean landscape adds an appealing singularity for those who walk in peaceful solitude along the water's edge. Moreover, it's a perfect time to explore the scenic state parks and small communities of Seaside and Cannon Beach, without the crush of summer crowds. Read about Without the Summer Crowds Oregon's North Coast is even more Welcoming
	Touring the Formidable Castles and Kirks of the Scottish Highlands by Bobbie Green. Most Scottish Castles began as fortresses for protection against another Clan or the English. The Laird lived in the Castle and provided protection for his people and the fortress grew in size through the years according with their wealth. Most of the Kirks (churches) began small and grew through the years, according to their wealth or alliances. And many (both intact and in ruins) can be toured. Our tours through the back roads of the Scottish Highlands gave us an opportunity to visit some of these intriguing places. Read about Scotland's Castles and Keeps
	The Fun of Macau is in the Details by Teresa Bergen. For me the beauty of Macau was in the surprising details. This former Portuguese colony hanging off the edge of mainland China has a fascinating cultural history -- a mix of Portuguese and Chinese, Catholic, Buddhist and Taoist. This manifests in mixed architecture, mixed cuisine and mixed people. You see it in the beautiful little shrines on the sidewalks outside businesses, and in the blue and white Portuguese tile work on the walls of the old parts of town. Read about Macau Beyond the Casinos
	24 Hours in Quito: A Guide to one perfect day in Ecuador's Capital by Rick Neal. The stunning colonial architecture of Quito's revitalized Old Town makes Ecuador's capital city a must-see travel destination. Quito's top attraction is its historic Old Town, the Centro Historico, which is where I'm headed today. It's only a ten-minute cab ride from my hotel, but I decide to take advantage of the balmy weather and make the forty-minute trek on foot. Read about 24 Hours in Quito: A Guide to one perfect day in Ecuador's Capital