Offbeat Travel Shorts:
Short Travel Items About Places You Didn't Even Know You Wanted to Visit

Items are arranged by country and state with new places added regularly

Australia

Eureka Tower in Melbourne This is a just-opened new attraction. Eureka Skydeck 88, located adjacent to the Yarra River in the heart of the Southgate Precinct, is said to be the highest public vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere offering unparalleled views of Melbourne and its surrounds. Eureka Skydeck 88 also features a changing program of sound and light, as well as the unique 'Edge' experience. The Edge, a world first, is a huge moving glass cube which works like a giant matchbox carrying passengers from the inside of Eureka Tower all the way outside of the building. For more information visit EurekaLookout.com.au Summer, 2007

Canada

Burnaby Village Museum in Burnaby, British Columbia Visit the 1920s in village created with a combination of heritage and replica buildings on a 10 acre site. Period costumed staff and volunteers welcome visitors and give demonstrations in the homes, businesses and shops. Enjoy the elegance of the Interurban #1223 and the interactive tram exhibit. Ride on the fully restored historic 1912 CW Parker Carousel. Amenities include an ice cream parlour which offers a menu for light meals and snacks, picnic tables, and a gift shop. The site is wheelchair accessible. For more information visit Burnaby, Canada Spring, 2008

Inglis Grain Elevators National Historic Site, Inglis, Manitoba This is the last remaining row of historic grain elevators. These are an architectural symbol of the Prairies and the grain industry from 1900 to 1930. Guided tours and an interpretive center. For more information visit InglisElevators.com Winter, 2007/2008

Costume Museum of Canada in Winnipeg, Manitoba The Costume Museum of Canada is home to a collection of 35,000 artifacts spanning 400 years. The renowned collection represents the identity of everyday Canadians, urban and rural, public and private, through the garments that they made, purchased and wore. It also showcases world fashion from Chanel, Norman Hartnell, Worth, Schiaparelli, Vionnet, Scassi and Paco Rabanne. For more information visit CostumeMuseum.com Winter, 2007/2008

Kimberley's Underground Mining Railway -- Kimberley in the East Kootenay Region of British Columbia Ride the rails through the beautiful Mark Creek valley as you listen to the history of Kimberley and the Sullivan Mine. Experience life as a miner at the Underground Interpretive Centre. Participate in tje mining show and be exposed to working mine equipment. Enjoy spectacular scenery and the occasional wild life as you travel to the Kimberley Alpine Resort. After a brief stop at the Resort Station you can learn more about Kimberley as you continue back to the Downtown Station. For more information visit KingerleysUndergroundMiningRailway.ca Summer, 2007

Chile

World's Largest Swimming Pool san Alfonso de Mar, near Santiago Okay, perhaps it's a human-engineered lagoon, but it is really, really big. How big, you ask? San Alfonso's signature amenity- has reached its final size; over one kilometer in length, 8 hectares in surface area and 2.5 million liters of water. Too big to picture? Let's put it this way, the size of the lagoon is equivalent to 6,000 standard-size 8-meter long swimming pools. We aren't so good with metrics so check on the picture... SanAlfonso.cl Thanks to Alyce H for this itemSpring, 2008

Colombia

Plaza Botero in Medellín Filled with the luscious sculptures of Fernando Botero. Yes, you can certainly visit the Botero Museum (and should) but we have a fondness for art in public places. Summer, 2007

Dominican Republic

Parque Nacional del Este There are over one hundred ten cave systems - some of which were used by the Taino (the original population of the island). These caves and the drawings left by the Taino display their myths, beliefs, and events. For more information visit ExploreLaRomana.com Fall, 2007

England

The Beatles Story in Liverpool It's the Beatles museum, in their hometown. Or, as they put it The Beatles Story is the world's only Beatles-themed visitor attraction. Located within Liverpool's historic Albert Dock, the Beatles Story is a unique visitor attraction that will transport you on an enlightening and atmospheric journey into the life, times, culture and music of the Beatles. For more information visit BeatlesStory.com Winter, 2007/2008

France

Musée de la Poupée in Paris About 500 amazing dolls from 1800 to today made of bisque, composition, cloth, rubber, celluloid or plastic materials are presented in situations of the past with pieces of furniture, accessories, and toys from their period and at their scale. The new temporary exhibit of the Musée de la Poupée-Paris is dedicated to Barbie® in her thousand and one activities and vocations. Summer, 2007

Lithuania

Holocaust Museum (the Green House) in Vilnius During World War II most of the Lithuanian Jewish population was massacred. This museum focuses on the history and destruction of that community. Located at 12 Pamenkalnio Street. Summer, 2007

Museum of Genocide Victims in Vilnius "...established in the building where plans for deportations and the arrests of peaceful inhabitants, the persecution of opponents and the suppression of the resistance were devised and carried out by Soviet institutions between 1940 and 1991. For the whole Lithuanian nation, this building is a symbol of the 50-year-long Soviet occupation. Set up in the former KGB headquarters, the museum is the only one of its kind in the former Soviet republics." The museum’s objective is to collect, keep and present historic documents about forms of physical and spiritual genocide against the Lithuanian people. For more information visit Museum of Genocide Victims Summer, 2007

The Netherlands

Tassenmuseum Hendrikje/Museum of Bags and Purses, Amsterdam The Museum of Bags and Purses is a unique museum that shows the history of the ladies bags in Western culture from the end of the Middle Ages until the present day, including the works of contemporary designers. 3500 bags, pouches, suitcases, purses and other accessories. The collection includes 17th century pouches and alms purses, 18th century thigh bags, wallets and framed bags, 19th century reticules and stocking purses and classical, exceptional and special models from the 20th and the 21st century. Even the building sounds fascinating -- dating from 1664 on the Herengracht in the centre of Amsterdam with two period rooms with painted ceilings and chimney pieces dating from the 17th and 18th century. For more information visit TassenMuseum.nl Fall, 2007

Portugal

Europe's only tea plantation -- Porto Formoso, on the island of São Miguel in Portugal's Azores Islands You might not expect tea in Portugal, but this island is home to two tea factories and a plantation, the only one in all of Europe. It succeeds because of the island's balmy climate and the rich, volcanic soil here. At one time, there were many plantations and 14 factories on the islands, when tea replaced oranges as a crucial item for trade. At Cha Porto Formoso, the tea is processed on vintage 19th century machinery from England. Visitors can walk the fields of tea plants, tour the tea factory and sit and sip in the tearoom. For more information visit Chaportoformoso.com Spring, 2008

Scotland

Strathisla Distillery in Speyside For the tour, of course. This distillery, one of the oldest working distilleries in the Highlands, is open for tours. And it's owned by Chivas. For more information visit ScotlandWhisky.com Winter, 2007/2008

United States

National Park Service Find lesser-known and quite wonderful parks and attractions across the United States. Browse their photo library, download information on historic places and even travel itineraries. It's a terrific resource for travelers. Visit National Park Service.

Arizona

Arizona Folklore Preserve in Hereford The Arizona Folklore Preserve features entertaining and informative performances by celebrated folk artists including Arizona's Official State Balladeer, Dolan Ellis. Their motto is: Where Arizona’s songs, legends, poetry, and myths are collected, presented for audiences of today, and preserved for the enrichment of future generations For more information visit ArizonaFolklore.com Spring, 2008

Grand Canyon Skywalk It opened in March, 2007 to much fanfare -- it's not often people have the opportunity to walk out over the Grand Canyon and look down. Owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe, the Skywalk is a cantilever horse-shoe shaped glass walkway suspended about 4,000 feet above the canyon’s floor and extend out 70 feet from the canyon’s rim. For more information visit GrandCanyonSkyWalk.com Winter, 2007-2008

California

Jelly Belly Tours in Fairfield Jelly Bean lovers, take note. Not only is tgere a Jelly Belly Visitor Center but there are factory tours. Free factory tours. During the 40-minute walking tour, Jelly Belly guides will show you a real working factory where they cook up over 150 different sweet treats. Discover why it takes more than a week to make a single bean. See taffy, chocolates, and wild gummi critters in the making, too. For more information visit JellyBelly.com Fall, 2007

Noah Purifoy’s Outdoor Desert Art Museum in Joshua Tree It's folk art, installation art, it's not easily described, but they are the creations of Noah Purifoy. See examples of his work, and find contact information at NoahPurifoy.com Summer, 2007

The Woolworth Building Museum in Oxnard Located in the lobby of the building, at 210 West Fourth Street in Oxnard. This is the only museum that they know of that commemorates original Woolworth store paraphernalia. With hundreds of rare Woolworth’s items and photos from stores across the country, an antique phone booth with working dial pay-phone, classic “take-your-own-photo” booth like those you saw at the Woolworth stores), antique, working vending machines, and other period features, including floors, bathroom tile, light fixtures and more, for a feel of the 1950s and 60s. For more information visit TheWoolWorthBuilding.com/Museum Summer, 2007

Reiff's Gas Station House in Woodland It's actually not a gas station, but a residence, of Mark Reiff, a collector of 1950s memorabilia and the house is his homage to an era gone by. His garage is lined with antique pumps and his front lawn looks, well, you drive by 52 Jefferson Street, Woodland and see what you think. Open for tours by appointment only (530 666-1758). Summer, 2007

Davis Farmers Market in Davis One of the most successful and famous Certified Farmers Market in California, the DFM brings farmers and consumers together twice a week, rain or shine, year-round. Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings you will find fruits, vegetables, nuts, organic produce, flowers, honey, wine, cheese, crafts and gift baskets and much, much more. On Wednesday evenings, April-September you will also find an international food faire and live music. Kids will enjoy Wednesday evenings with balloons, pony rides, face painting, bouncing bungalows, craft activities and much more. Saturday hours are 8:00AM to 1:00PM. Wednesday hours are 4:30PM to 8:30PM April-October and 2:00PM to 6:00PM November-March. For more information visit DavisFarmersMarket.org Summer, 2007

Connecticut

Philip Johnson Glass House in New Canaan Put this on your calendar -- it opens in Spring, 2008 and you won't want to miss this unusual structure completed in 1949. Its exterior walls are of glass with no interior walls, It began a fifty-year odyssey of architectural experimentation in forms, materials, and ideas through the addition of many new "pavilions" — Guest House, Lake Pavilion, Painting Gallery, Sculpture Gallery, Ghost House, Studio, and Visitors Pavilion — and the methodical sculpting of the surrounding forty-acre landscape. For more information visit PhilipJohnsonGlassHouse.org Winter, 2007/2008

Florida

Jackie Gleason's Mausoleum - Miami We don't think it's morbid, but do we find cemeteries to be fascinating places. You just never know who you'll find there. And, at the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery in Miami, in a rather large outdoor mauseoleum, you can find the grave of Jackie Gleason, most famous for playing Ralph Kramden in "The Honeymooners." It is said that the only inscription on the mausoleum is Gleason's signature parting lines: "And Away We Go." For more information visit FindAGrave.com Fall, 2007

Georgia

The Ray Charles Plaza in Albany, Georgia Commemorates the life and legacy of Ray Charles Robinson. The main focal point of the plaza is a life size sculpture of Ray seated at a baby Grand piano. The sculpture rests on a rotating pedestal with sheets of water flowing over the top and spilling into a reflecting pool at the base. A base relief sculpture, a smaller version of the life sized piece, will convey its own rendition of the Ray Charles story in Braille for all to appreciate. Spring, 2007

Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon And what music it is! Currently featuring an exhibit on Otis Redding, it also offers Tune Town the museum's 12,000 square foot area of permanent exhibits. It is designed to look like a small Georgia town. Each of the buildings in Tune Town represents a different genre of music. Audio landscapes play overhead, and CD listening stations are located throughout Tune Town, so you can experience a variety of Georgia's musical styles. And don't forget -- Otis Redding until September, 2008. For more information visit GeorgiaMusic.org Summer, 2007

Hawaii

Taste the Abalone in Hawaii Hawaii's Big Island is home to Big Island Abalone Corporation offering weekday tours of its 10-acre farm, the only abalone farm in Hawaii. The farm uses pure, nutrient-rich cold seawater from 3,000 feet below the Kona Coast to raise the mollusks. Guests are able to hold, taste, and purchase the live abalone Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 10:30-11:30 a.m., or 12:30-1:30 p.m. for the Japanese-speaking guided tour. Adult admission is $12 and children under 12 are free. For more information, visit BigIslandAbalone.com Winter, 2007/2008

Hawaii's Plantation Village on Oahu, Hawaii This outdoor history museum tells the story of life on Hawaii’s sugar plantations (c. 1900). The village includes restored buildings and replicas of plantation structures such as houses of different ethnic groups, the community bath, camp office and plantation store. For more information visit HawaiiPlantationVillage.org Summer, 2007

Idaho

Minidoka Internment National Monument The Pearl Harbor attack intensified hostility towards Japanese Americans. As wartime hysteria mounted, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 causing over 120,000 West Coast persons of Japanese ancestry (Nikkei) to leave their homes, jobs, and lives behind to move to one of ten Relocation Camps. This constituted the single largest forced relocation in U.S. history. Minidoka is the story of one Camp. After the relocation center was closed a large number of the buildings were removed for various uses, including housing, migrant labor camps, meeting halls or for salvage value. The land was divided into small farms. Forty-three of these small farms were allotted in 1947 to World War II veterans, whose names were drawn in a lottery. Today there is a small gravel parking area, paths, and interpretative signs about the internment located at the stone guard house and waiting room beyond the Hunt Bridge. Also commemorated here are the Japanese Americans from the relocation center who died serving in the military during World War II. For more information visit NPS.gov/Miin Winter, 2007/2008

Illinois

Lakeview Museum's Community Solar System in Peoria (and more) It's a model of the sun and nine planets, where size and distance are represented on the same scale. Doesn't sound like much? Well, the space between the planets is enormous relative to their size, so "few models exist in the world which show the true scale of our solar system. In our model, the Sun is 36 feet across and the orbits of the planets span 60 miles of central Illinois." Recognized since 1993 in the Guiness Book of Records as the largest solar system model in the world, the Lakeview model is spread throughout central Illinois. For more information visit Bradley - Solar System Fall, 2007

Robert Pershing Wadlow Statue in Alton Why? Robert Pershing Wadlow, also called the Gentle Giant, was born in Alton on February 22, 1918 and became the tallest human of record. His state is his actual size the year he died (at age 22). He was over 8 feet and 11 inches tall. The statue was donated by the people of Alton and can be found on College Avenue across from the Alton Museum. For more information visit GreatRiverRoad.com Fall, 2007

Clark Bridge in Alton When is a bridge a work of art? When it's the Clark (named after Clark of Lewis and Clark fame) in Alton. A graceful bridge is not an oxymoron. This bridge links Illinois and Missouri. It's a cable-stayed bridge spanning the Mississippi River with the roadway "hanging" from the cables. The grace and beauty come from the design in which cables fan down from the top of the tower to multiple points along the roadway. Summer, 2007

Indiana

Lunar footprints of Neil Armstrong in West Layfayette It's at Purdue University and it's part of their bronze sculpture of alumnus Neil Armstrong. The statue is "accompanied by a trail of sculpted moon boot impressions and other symbolic features, can be found in front of the new Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering. For more information visit Purdue.edu Fall, 2007

Shipshewana Home to 537 residents and thousands of tourists, the tiny Amish town offers shopping (but not on Sunday), great food, and the Menno-Hof Visitors Center to learn about Amish and Mennonite life. Although the Auction and Flea Market (billed as Midwest's largest flea market) is only open May 1-October 31st they have an antique auction and livestock auction every Wednesday, Horse Auction every Friday, year-round. And a carousel for children of all ages. For more information visit Shipshewana.com Fall, 2007

Clabber Girl Museum in Terre Haute If you're a baker you've probably heard of Clabber Girl Baking Powder -- this is the museum. It includes antique household items (inlcuding an 1800s kitchen), Victorian-ear home parlor as well as an actual Indy racecar and other related memorabilia (yes, it sounds odd to us too, but it seems the Indy Motor Speedway is their sister company). For more information visit ClabberGirlMuseum Summer, 2007

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fam Museum, Indianapolis On the ground of the famous motor speedway there are more than 75 racing cars spanning decades. Classic cars (Duesenberg, Stutz, and more), historic cars, and more all beautifully restored. Engines, trophies, memorabilia special movie, and you can even take your photo seated in a vroom, vroom racing car. For more information visit Speedway Museum Summer, 2007

For Bare Feet Factory Tours in Helmsburg It's a sock-making factory, family owned for 21 years, open to the public. "From cones of yarn to the finished socks, you will see each of the steps... ." For more information on the tour call 812-988-2067. Summer, 2007

The Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis This is the only museum of its kind in the Midwest, and one of only two museums east of the Mississippi that showcase both Native American and Western art, culture and history. The museum contains one of the best Native American and Western art collections in the world, including traditional and contemporary work by artists such as T.C. Cannon, N. C. Wyeth, Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe, Allan Houser, Frederic Remington, Charles Russell and Kay WalkingStick. For more information visit Eiteljorg.org Summer, 2007 Our thanks to MC of Indianapolis

Kansas

Kansas Underground Salt Museum in Hutchinson Showcases salt, salt that exists hundreds of feet below the Kansas plains. This unique "museum" takes place in an environment carved from salt deposits formed 280 million years ago, 650 feet below the surface. Hutchinson has the only salt mine in the Western Hemisphere that has an underground museum open to tourists. For more information visit UndergroundMuseum.org Fall, 2007

Massachusetts

Young at Heart Tribute to Marathon Runner John Kelley, in Newton Considered to be one of the more colorful characters in the history of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon, Kelley started 61 races, and finished 58 times A two-time winner of Boston (1935 and 1945), Kelley finished second a record seven times.His last race was in 1992 when he was 84 years of age. If anyone could be said to be young at heart, John A. Kelley should be counted among them. The statue depicts a young Kelley after winning his first race in 1935, and his older self at his last race. For more information visit BostonMarathon.org

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to the memory of our nation's thirty-fifth president and to all those who through the art of politics seek a new and better world. Located on a ten-acre park, overlooking the sea that he loved and the city that launched him to greatness, the Library stands as a vibrant tribute to the life and times of John F. Kennedy. Want more? How about Hemingway? The Ernest Hemingway collection is the most comprehensive body of Hemingway material currently available in one place, the result of correspondence between Mary Hemingway and Jacqueline Kennedy. Summer, 2007

Michigan

The American Horse in Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids The story behind this 15-ton bronze stallion is fascinating -- it was actually designed by Leonardo da Vinci but never cast, until Nina Akamu created it for this truly gorgeous Gardens & Sculpture Park. Fall, 2007

Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum in Muskegon Tour two historic vessels. The USS Silversides is a WWII submarine launched in 1941 and declared a national landmark in 1986. The USCGC McLaine commissioned in 1927 seeing action as part of Prohibition then in the Bering Sea off Alaska during WWII. Both now reside on Muskegon Channel and are open for tours. A wonderful place for the family Fall, 2007

Mississippi

Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale Explore the history and heritage of this unique American musical art form known as the "Blues." See Muddy Waters Cabin and Statue, guitar museum, women in music, famous folk and much more. For more information visit DeltaBluesMuseum.org Summer, 2007

Missouri

The College Basketball Experience & National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, Kansas Although the mission is to celebrate the history of men’s collegiate basketball, their website warns: This is not a museum. You may sweat. Threats of sweating aside, it is part honoring of coaches, players and contributors and part educating and entertaining fans and visitors through interactive exhibits that test a visitor’s basketball skill level and knowledge. For more information visit CollegeBasketballExperience Winter, 2007-2008

National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial The 30,000-square-foot Museum is the first and only American museum solely dedicated to preserving the objects, history and personal experiences the war once called the Great War and It houses a collection of more than 50,000 objects – most of which have never before been displayed. It uses the latest in interactive technology, integrated with a world-class collection to tell the story of the war through the eyes and voices of those who lived it. For more information visit LibertyMemorialMuseum.org Winter, 2007-2008

United Federation of Doll Clubs UFDC Doll Museum in Kansas City Dolls displayed in the Museum span a time frame from the 1700s to today. The Research Library and special exhibits. For more information visit UFDC.org Summer, 2007

The National World War One Museum in Kansas City It's the nation’s official WWI Museum. Located at Liberty Memorial, the newly opened museum uses interactive technology and exhibits containing objects and documents ranging from weaponry and uniforms used during the war, to letters and postcards from the field. You can read more about the museum at www.nww1.org/. Summer, 2007

Museum of Transportation - Kirkwood It’s home to more than 300 moving vehicles including locomotives, streetcars, aircraft and automobiles. The passenger car collection includes the 1964 Bobby Darin “Dream Car” and a 1901 St. Louis car – a four-seat, single or two-cylinder engine vehicle with tiller steering. Another display features a portion of the Coral Court Motel – St. Louis’ infamous Route 66 rendezvous spot that offered drive-in units. For more information visit MuseumOfTransport.org Summer, 2007

Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis everything from cute dollhouses to an entire recreated western town on display. For more information visit MiniatureMuseum.org Summer, 2007

New Jersey

Batsto Village is a New Jersey historic site located in the South Central Pinelands, which is administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Parks & Forestry. This site is nationally recognized for its historical significance and beauty. The roots of Batsto Village can be traced back to 1766. Two centuries of American history are available to visitors, with the Pinelands environment as a scenic backdrop. Walk through the village streets and look into the restored buildings -- visualize an earlier time and a different way of life. Tours are available as well. For more information visit BatstoVillage.org Spring, 2008

New Mexico (For More New Mexico information visit OffbeatNewMexico.com)

Billy the Kid's Grave -- Fort Sumner Located a few steps south of the Old Fort Sumner Museum. The tombstone has been stolen three times since its placement in the 1940's. The grave is now enclosed by a metal cage and the cemetery is open to the public. There is no charge to visit Billy's grave, although there is a charge to visit the museum. GPS Waypoint: N34 24.252 W104 11.604 Fall, 2007

Dalley Windmill Collection in Portales It’s not everyday you find a yard landscape with 85 (at last count) windmills. Big, small, reaching to the sky, low to the ground, wood, metal, or painted, Bill and Alta Dalley have windmills. The Dalleys specialize in historic pieces, most dating back to the late 1800s or early 1900s. It's an amazing collection that will totally charm. It's located at 1506 South Kilgore Avenue.
GPS Waypoint: N34 10.522 W103 19.057 Fall, 2007

Telephone Museum of New Mexico, Albuquerque Housed in the original 1906 Telephone Central Office this unusual museum is a joy to visit. Filled with historic telephones, switchboards, and exhibits on the development of the telephone. The staff is all volunteers and passionate about their museum. Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM. For more information call 505 842-2937. Fall, 2007

Murals of Tucumcari The 17 wall murals of Tucumcari celebrating its history and culture, including the Mother Road. Painted by Doug and Sharon Quarles they grace building walls turning brick into canvas for their murals. You can pick up a map of the murals at the visitors center or download the map at: Tucumcarinm.com Summer, 2007

North Dakota

Enchanted Highway Sculptures in Regent It starts off Interstate 94 (Exit 72) approximately 20 miles east of Dickinson, North Dakota and is graced with six sculptures spread out along the 32 miles stretch called the Enchanted Highway. It features the huge works by artist Gary Greff. For more information visit EnchantedHighway.net

Ohio

The National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame in Euclid Yep, The National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame Museum is filled with artifacts and memoribilia from polka stars of yesterday and today. Some of the highlights include America's Polka King, Frank Yankovic's accordion and stage outfits, Johnny Pecon's accordion and Cleveland's Polka King, Johnny Vadnal's accordion along with many other items. Memoribilia dates back to the turn of the century. For more information visit ClevelandStyle.com Spring, 2008

Oklahoma

The Toy & Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley educate & excite visitors with a comprehensive collection of classic "pop culture" toys, with an emphasis on the social and historic evolution of the action figure, pay tribute to the designers, sculptors, and toy companies that have turned action figures from a child's plaything to a work of art. For more information visit ActionFigureMuseum.com Winter, 2007/2008

Coleman Theatre in Miami And that would be pronounced My-a-Ma. The history is fascinating but the story of the renovation is heart-warming and as lovely as this historic building which opened in 1929. Like many old theaters, it had fallen on difficult times and the restoration and renovation of the theatre has become a "labor of love" in the community. Stop by and see them, the folks are welcoming and excited to show off their beloved theater. Although the tours are free, donations are appreciated. For more information visit ColemanTheatre.org Fall, 2007

Oregon

Drift Creek Falls and Suspension Bridge Called cross between the Golden Gate Bridge and one of those rope bridges that span Himalayan gorges this hike near Lincoln City goes over a 240-foot suspension bridge (the longest in Oregon) with a 100 feet view of Drift Creek below, including the cascading 80-foot Drift Creek Falls. For more information visit OregonCoast.org Winter, 2007-2008

High Desert Museum in Bend Chat with a stagecoach driver. Ask the Widow Danison about daily life in a mining boomtown of the 1880s. Experience life on an 1880s homestead ranch. Join in daily chores or pan for gold. Learn about raptors. It's life in the high desert. Fore more information visit HighDesertMuseum.org Summer, 2007

Pennsylvania

The Cathedral of Learning -- Pittsburgh The University of Pittsburgh's Gothic skyscraper has 26 Nationality Classrooms, each representing the nationality communities of Allegheny County and the highly creative periods or aspects of their heritage. For more information call 412/624-6000 or visit www.Pitt.edu/~natrooms Fall, 2007

South Dakota

Big Thunder Gold Mine in Keystone Tour the authentic 1890's gold mine and learn about the mining experience. Handicapped accessible. For more information visit BigThunderMine.com Spring, 2008

Tennessee

Museum of Appalachia in Norris Pastures, historic 19th century buildings (over 30 log buildings), and authentic old-time music on 63 acres with hundreds of exhibits celebrating the creativity and color of Appalachia. The intention was to develop the Museum as an authentic representation of early life in Appalachia. Consistent with that is the emphasis on music -- both in its preservation of physical artifacts and in efforts to provide performance venues for artists who preserve the old musical styles. For more information visit MuseumOfAppalachia.com Fall, 2007

Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis Located at the original site of Stax Records, the museum pays tribute to all of the artists who recorded there with a rare collection of more than 2,000 interactive exhibits, films, artifacts, items of memorabilia, and galleries. Perhaps one of the only soul music museum in the world, it also spotlights America's other major soul music pioneers, including the sounds of Muscle Shoals, Motown, Hi, and Atlantic Records, spotlighting the contributions of such soul pioneers as Ike & Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, The Jackson Five, Ann Peebles, Al Green, Sam Cooke, James Brown, Ray Charles, and many others. For more information visit SoulsvilleUSA.com Summer, 2007

Texas

Bandera Music History Hall of Fame Project in Bandera The Project has produced a computer "juke box" of Bandera area musician's music from the old to the current. It's located in the Kronkosky Library of Bandera County on Main Street Bandera. No Charge. Hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday. Spring, 2008

Monastery Miniature Horses in Brenham The sisters of the Franciscan Poor Clare Nuns needed a source of income and chanced upon breeding miniature horses. These tiny equines will charm you as you gently scratch them in a special enclosed area. Not more than 34 inches high, they are a delight and Sister Angela is happy to answer questions. But becareful or you'll end up buying one of these delightful miniature horses. For more information visit MonasteryMiniatureHorses Spring, 2008

American Airpower Heritage Museum in Midland Located at Midland International Airport in Midland, Texas, the museum is dedicated to preserving the complete history of World War II military aviation. It includes World War II artifacts and memorabilia, including uniforms of Allied and Axis countries, armament, photographs, weapons and equipment, and more. For more information visit AirPowerMuseum.org Winter, 2007-2008

American Wind Power Center and Museum in Lubbock The ninety plus windmills indoors (no small feat) and signs with manufacturer’s history and usage. No guided tours, just a good stroll among a great collection of windmills. For more information visit Windmill.com Winter, 2007-2008

Utah

Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab One the nation’s largest sanctuary for companion animals, at the heart of Southern Utah's Golden Circle of national parks, it is home to about 1,500 dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and other animals. They offer four full tours of the sanctuary each day. The tours take approximately an hour and a half and wind through the magnificent red-rock landscape of Angel Canyon, a sacred place to generations of people for thousands of years. Special tours are available for the Bunny House, Feathered Friends, and Pot-Bellied Pigs. For more information visit BestFriends.org Spring, 2008

The Moqui Cave north of Kanab Moqui cave hosts a collection of Anasazi artifacts, a flourescent mineral collection and a lot of Kanab area history. Plus Lex, owner of the Moqui Cave, leads group tours. For more information visit MoquiCave.com Spring, 2008

Vermont

Hope Cemetery in Barre Cemeteries are fascinating places -- you never know who you'll find. But Hope has something more -- some of the finest examples of memorial design and granite craftsmanship ever produced. Situated in the "Granite Capital of the World" all the stone must be Barre granite and the cemetery presents a rich and distinguished history of memorial art in stone. Hope cemetery was established in 1895 and originally contained 53 acres. Since that time it has expanded to a total of 65 acres. For more information visit Central-VT.com Fall, 2007

Washington State

Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum in Leavenworth View different styles of wooden toy soldier nutcrackers, the name used for the colorful German figures of Steinbach, Ulbricht, and the Erzgebirge makers. Plus Betel cutters from Asia, the beautifully carved wooden figurals from Europe, the precious ivory and porcelains, the silver that matched the Victorian tableware, or the conventional utility type strong enough to conquer the black walnuts. You will find hand-held metal nutcrackers in beautiful designs as well as those more crudely crafted in blacksmith shops. You will see beautifully carved ebony and boxwood figures, so durable they have withstood hundreds of years. And nutting bowls...artifacts found in the southeastern United States and Europe which date back thousands of years. All this and more! For more information visit NutcrackerMuseum Summer, 2007

Washington, DC

The Newseum Opening on April 11, 2008, this should be a very cool place to visit. News, history, etc. are inherently fascinating topics. It's only that years of sitting in classrooms while people lectured, or reading pages of dry text that makes all too many believe it is an inherently boring. (Can you tell we hated history and current events in school?) But with an interactive newsroom, a soaring, 90-foot-high atrium showcases breaking news, and so much more, we're ready to go and visit. And be amazed and informed Spring, 2008

President Lincoln's CottageThe National Trust for Historic Preservation, in cooperation with the Armed Forces Retirement Home-Washington, has restored the Cottage to the 1860s, when Abraham Lincoln and his family resided seasonally at the Soldiers' Home from June to November to escape the heat and political pressures of life in the White House. During the months that he lived here, Lincoln rendered some of the most important decisions about the Civil War and the direction of our democracy, including the revolutionary Emancipation Proclamation. Tours sell out quickly so make arrangements in advance. For more information visit LincolnCottage.org Spring, 2008

Wisconsin

Ten Chimneys, Genesee -- Home of Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne Almost all the estate's personal décor and collections are intact and unchanged since the Lunts first assembled them in the 1930s and '40s. Ten Chimneys overflows with memorabilia: notes from Laurence Olivier and Carol Channing, mementos from Helen Hayes and Noël Coward, inscribed first edition books by Edna Ferber and Alexander Woollcott. Full Estate Tours feature the three-story Main House, the Swedish-style log cabin Studio, and the enchanting Cottage, as well as the exteriors of the Poolhouse, Greenhouse and Creamery, and other outbuildings. For more information visit TenChimneys.org Fall, 2007

Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservancy in Milwaukee Three glass domes each stand six stories high and cover an acre of garden space. There's also themed exhibits of the Show Dome, the world-class collection of succulents thriving in the Arid Dome, and more than 750 rare and exotic blooms in the Tropical Dome. For more information visit Mitchell Park Summer, 2007

Wyoming

Occidental Hotel/Museum in Buffalo Is it a hotel with historic aspects, or is it a museum you can sleep in? And everywhere you look, you will see the Old West the way it really was. Because the beautiful embossed ceilings you will see over your head in the lobby and in the saloon are the original ceilings. The magnificent back bar that you will see in the saloon is the original back bar that was brought in by wagon a hundred years ago. And the chairs you will sit in are likely to be antiques that are original to the hotel. Even the bullet holes that you will see in the saloon are originals. Dating back to 1880 with guests from the famous to the infamous. For more information visit OccidentalWyoming.com Winter, 2007/2008

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