Natalie

July 4, 2022July 6, 2022

The Most Iconic Places in America

Today is the Fourth of July, and in honor of America’s birthday, let’s look at some of the most iconic landmarks and famous sites across the country.

Mount Rushmore, North Dakota

In the middle of the country are the Black Hills Mountains, named for their black appearance caused by the dark evergreen trees covering the mountainsides.

In the 1920s, local and federal leaders proposed a unique idea to increase tourism: Carve the faces of four influential presidents into the side of the mountain. And so it happened. The faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt were carved in the mountain.

These days, more than two million people stop by to check out the “Shrine of Democracy” every year, especially during the summer months, when families make cross-country vacations to see America’s sites.

Mount Rushmore

Las Vegas, Nevada

In the middle of the desert is an oasis of fun, entertainment, and gambling in Las Vegas, Nevada. Founded as getaway for California’s rich and famous, “Sin City” is one of the country’s most exciting places to visit.

And there’s plenty to do for everyone, with gambling, amazing dining and drinking, shows for people of all ages, and more. Whatever you choose, it’s guaranteed to be over the top, fun, and memorable. The Strip, the heart of the city, beats all day and all night; there’s always something going on in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas: The Strip - Google Earth

Times Square, New York City, New York

On the other side of the country is Times Square, called the “Crossroads of the World” because people from around the world gather here for the full New York experience. The iconic intersection gained a global reputation for entertainment. It has dozens of theaters and venues for plays, musicals, and other entertainment.

But by the 1980s, it was a seedy, crime-ridden area. After a concerted effort by the city, the area was cleaned up, and the center of the world was back in business.

These days, the digital billboards, flashing advertisements, and all-night stores are an all-American site, one you absolutely must check out if you can.

Times Square

Statue of Liberty, New York City, New York

Just down the way is one of America’s most heartfelt symbols: the Statue of Liberty. A gift from France in 1886, the 151-foot statue was once a shiny copper beauty, but exposure to air has turned Lady Liberty a light green beacon to the world.

Standing watch over the harbor where millions of immigrants sailed to their new home, Lady Liberty has been a welcome site to many seeking freedom, safety, and a new life in a new country. Inscribed in her base are the words “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free”. She does indeed represent all that is good about America.

Statue Of Liberty

Grand Canyon, Arizona

One of the most breathtaking land features in the world, the Grand Canyon is a marvel millions of years in the making. Carved by the Colorado River, the spectacular canyon spans nearly 300 miles. Two billion years of history are on display in the walls of the canyon, where the water has cut out the mountainside, revealing colorful rainbows of soil.

This American landmark is visited by more than five million people each year. You can hike into the canyon, check out hidden caves in the sides, or just enjoy the view from a rim. Be sure to bring a jacket; the high elevations means that even on the hottest days, the nights can get quite cold.

Grand Canyon

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

The Golden Gate Bridge often seems to rise from the mist of the bay, making it seem like a scene from another world more than a man-made marvel. Considered one of, if not the, most beautiful bridge in the world, the suspension bridge certainly holds a special place as an American icon.

One mile long, the bridge made of steel was completed in 1937. These days, more than 100,000 cars use the bridge a day, in addition to pedestrians and bicycles.

Because the San Francisco Bay is often taken over by fog and low clouds, the image of the bridge in the skyline is quite striking. Over the years, it has become a beautiful symbol of American ingenuity, daring, and design.

Golden Gate Bridge

From coast to coast, the United States is filled with countless sites, cities, and landmarks that make it unique, and memorable. Happy Birthday, America!

July 1, 2022July 13, 2021

O Canada!

It’s Canada Day, celebrated as Canada’s birthday in honor of the three original Canadian colonies joining together in a federation.

In honor of Canada Day, let’s look at some of the highlights across Canada, from breathtaking mountain vistas to hip urban centers. You’ll be packing your bags to visit by the end of this list!

Banff National Park

Banff National Park is located in Alberta, and is part of the Rocky Mountain range. It has mountain ranges, great valleys, beautiful lakes and stunning glaciers.

Lake Louise is a favorite destination spot because of its pristine water that has an emerald hue from the melting glacial water that feeds the lake. There is a luxury resort on the eastern shore of the lake, so you can experience nature and the high life simultaneously.

Lake Louise

The Crowfoot Glacier can be viewed from the Icefields Parkway, which connects Lake Louise to the city of Jasper.

Crowfoot Glacier

For those who enjoy mountain climbing, Mount Chephrenis a must-visit in Banff. It is a difficult but rewarding climb, and often involves snowy traverses, so hikers must bring appropriate hiking gear.

Mount Chephren

Sable Island and National Park Reserve

Sable Island was one of the first Canadian islands discovered by European explorers. It has a unique ecosystem, including the world’s largest breeding colony of grey seals. It’s rough seas, foggy weather and changing sandbars have led to over 350 shipwrecks, and it is nicknamed the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”.

Sable Island National Park Reserve

Ivvavik National Park

Ivvavik National Park in the Yukon Territory is a national park with many sites of cultural importance to Native people, a protected calving area for caribou, and some of the best river rafting in the world. Because of its remote location and protected habitats, only a limited number of visitors are allowed each year.

Ivvavik National Park

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies includes both hot springs and glaciers, in addition to the stunning mountains, valleys, lakes and streams that create the breathtaking landscapes of the park.

The Columbia Ice Field is the largest field of interconnected glaciers in the Rockies. It is estimated to be at least 140,000 years old!

Columbia Icefield - Athabasca Glacier

Angel Glacier is named because of its unique shape the looks like an angel with outstretched wings, and is located on Mount Edith Cavell.

Angel Glacier and Cavell Lake

Even though much of the national park is comprised of glaciers and has a reputation of being frozen, the Athabasca Falls are stunning and powerful. The falls flow except on the coldest days, due to runoff from the gorge upstream.

Athabasca Falls

Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the largest metropolitan areas of Canada. Growing from a small railroad outpost in the 1800s, it is now a regional economic and cultural hub, with both a cosmopolitan feel and cowboy undercurrent.

Calgary Skyline

For a great view of the city, visit the Calgary Tower, which is an observation tower standing at 626 feet high.

Calgary Tower

Visitors can gaze out over the city in one of the observation decks or while dining in the rotating restaurant, Sky360.

Calgary Tower

Back on the ground, the Calgary Zoo is a great place for families to visit. It is internationally acclaimed for its conservation efforts, as well as its commitment to presenting the wild animals in a humane and educational manner.

Calgary Zoo

The Calgary Stampede is an annual rodeo and festival held in Calgary every summer.

Calgary Stampede Grounds

It has large exhibitions, parades, a market and even amusement rides in addition to the famed rodeo.

Amusement rides at the Calgary Stampede

The rodeo is one of the largest in the world, and many of the events are held in the Scotiabank Saddledome indoor arena. The arena is also home to the city’s professional hockey team, the Calgary Flames.

Scotiabank Saddledome

Vancouver

Vancouver has it all, from a cosmopolitan city center and vibrant nightlife to relaxing beaches, activities such as bird watching, hiking, boating, fishing and camping.

Rated as one of the best parks in the entire world, Stanley Park is a mix of natural beauty and careful landscaping.

Stanley Park

Totem poles dot the park, commemorating and paying tribute to the Native peoples of the northwest who were largely displaced by European settlers.

Totem poles at Stanley Park

VanDusen Botanical Garden is a must-see for tourists, as it has both international vegetation growing throughout and a significant focus on local and regional plant life.

VanDusen Botanical Garden

Montreal

Montreal is a gem of a city. Located in Quebec, it is a primarily French-speaking city, and the European influences are felt throughout the city’s design and culture.

Montreal City Hall

Like any European city, Montreal has its fair share of beautiful churches. Basilique Notre-Dame is located in Old Montreal, which was settled in the 1600s. The cathedral is breathtaking in its beauty and detail, especially when it is lit up at night.

La basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal

Canada is the second largest country in the world, and as this list shows, there are so many amazing things to discover about this hidden jewel of North America!

June 26, 2022June 1, 2022

Happy 48th, Derek!

Today is Derek Jeter’s 48th birthday, so let’s take a look at the life and legacy of the MLB Hall of Fame superstar.

Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York

Derek Jeter played for the New York Yankees for his entire 20-year major league career, leaving the team in 2014 as the team’s all-time leader in games played, hits, stolen bases, and more.

Derek played 2,747 games for the Yankees, in the old stadium and the new, which was finished in 2009. It cost $1.5 billion, making it one of the most expensive stadiums ever built. It’s also the sixth-largest capacity stadium. The old stadium, just a block away, was demolished and the land was turned into a park, called Heritage Field.

It was here that Derek won his fifth and final World Series Championship, against the Phillies, in 2009, the first year the stadium was used.

New Yankee Stadium

National Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, NY

When Derek was scouted as a teenager, someone famously said “the only place he’s going is Cooperstown.” And in his first year of eligibility, Derek was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, with a nearly-unanimous ballot.

And boy did he deserve it. Derek was an All-Star 14 times, an AL Golden Glove, Rookie of the Year, and so much more.

To any lover of baseball, Cooperstown is the perfect place for the hall of fame and museum, as it’s presumed that baseball originated in the small, northern New York town. Around 1,500 people live in the village, dwarfed by the millions who have visited the venue over the years.

National Baseball Hall of Fame

Mariah Carey’s Triplex, New York City, New York

Shortly after blasting into national fame as a starting shortstop for the Yankees, Derek fulfilled a childhood dream when he started dating gorgeous singer Mariah Carey. During the time they dated, Mariah bought units in this NYC building, eventually owning a triplex penthouse.

Derek and Mariah didn’t last, but the successful singer has kept the apartment all these years. It’s one place the entertainer worth more than $300 million has returned to over and over, especially during Covid lockdowns.

Mariah Carey's Triplex Penthouse

Mansion in Tampa, Florida

Derek was not just a superstar on the baseball field, he was a superstar real estate investor, too. He bought a large home in Tampa in 2011, and upgraded and expanded the property until it was a 20,000 mega-mansion fit for a king! With private boat lift, pool right on the ocean, nearly a dozen bedrooms and bathrooms, and more, you’d think Derek and his wife and three girls could stay forever.

For some reason, they moved out, and when Tom Brady came to Tampa, his family rented the estate. In the end, the property was sold for more than $20 million.

Derek Jeter's Mansion

High Rise Condo in Coral Gables, Florida

After retiring from the Yankees, Derek became part owner of the Miami Marlins, until he sold his ownership in early 2022. To be close to the team, he bought a unit in a high rise condo building. He also owned a mansion in the area, which he offloaded in 2021.

Also in 2021, he bought some prime real estate in the area for $16.5 million, with the intent to build a dream home for his family from the ground up. When you’re worth nearly $200 million, you can do almost anything!

The Grove at Grand Bay

Derek seems to go from success to success, in both his professional work and personal life. Therefore, he is probably having a fabulous birthday. Let’s wish Mr. November a happy birthday, and hope he knocks the celebration out of the park. Happy birthday, Derek!

June 22, 2022June 1, 2022

Movie Locations You Can Check Out

Hollywood movies are magical because they take the viewers to amazing places without leaving their seats, spinning alternate realities for audiences of places that often don’t even exist.

But, there are some places that do exist in real life, and you can visit them all across the United States.

Rocky

The iconic 1976 movie of a nobody boxer turned hero who goes the distance against the tough Apollo Creed was a knockout hit and turned Sylvester Stallone into a movie star. It also turned the Philadelphia Museum of Art into an international sensation when Rocky, training hard for the fight, used the 72 steps to prove he could take on the challenge.

The steps are now often referred to as the “Rocky Steps” and visitors from around the world stop at the museum just to walk up the steps, never entering the museum itself.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Thelma and Louise

This 1991 film features two housewives turned unintended outlaws who end it all in a dramatic drive over the edge of the Grand Canyon. In addition to earning both Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis Best Actress Oscar nominations, it was the breakout role for Brad Pitt.

The famous Grand Canyon scene was filmed at Dead Horse Point State Park in Utah, and park tourists can look up the exact location online and visit it, though there are no official markers, for various reasons.

Dead Horse Point State Park

Jaws

Just saying the name of the movie gets the adrenaline flowing. Steven Spielberg set the thriller in a fictional New England town where a great white shark is menacing the town. The film was largely filmed on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, a sleepy fishing and resort town in Massachusetts.

Since the filming, the island has had a significant and sustained increase in tourism, but guests of the island will immediately recognize sites from the movie, since little has changed in the more than forty years since the original film’s release.

Martha's Vineyard

Ghostbusters

An instant sensation, Ghostbusters is a goofy supernatural comedy that takes place in New York City. As the trio of ghostbusters need a new business location, they take over an abandoned fire station. The station is the real life home to Firehouse, Hook & Ladder Company 8, a part of the New York City Fire Department. The building’s exterior was used in the film but interior shots were done mostly in California. Nonetheless, the site is a quirky but popular tourist site in the city.

It is also known for its firefighters being among the first to respond to the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001.

Ghostbuster Firehouse

A Christmas Story

A cult Christmas classic, A Christmas Story tells the tale of a young boy who wants an air rifle for Christmas, but is told by every adult that “you’ll shoot your eye out, kid”. This film is a holiday tradition, largely because it provides an idealized view of Christmas through the eyes of children and portrays the dynamics of a realistic if not ridiculous American family.

The movie was filmed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1983, and has the perfect home to portray an all-American family. The home, so integral to the movie’s plot, has been turned into a museum dedicated to the movie, and you can even buy souvenirs including a Major Award Leg Lamp and a full body bunny suit!

House From 'A Christmas Story'

Hunger Games

The second installment of The Hunger Games focused on the tributes’ living quarters, which was an elaborate and breathtaking facility in Panem.

In real life, many of the scenes were shot at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.

Atrium of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis

The hotel’s breathtaking atrium and glass elevators were the perfect location for the pivotal scenes in the movie. Several other scenes were filmed in and around Atlanta, providing any fan days of touring and reliving the exiting scenes from the movie.

"Atlanta Marriott Marquis" by John Portman

Field of Dreams

The 1989 tale of a man compelled to build a baseball field in his corn field in Iowa is now a sports classic, bringing back feelings of nostalgia for one’s youth, relationships with loved ones and memories of childhood dreams left unfulfilled.

The farms where much of the movie was filmed, including the house and baseball stadium, have been preserved as a tourist destination. Admission is free and guided tours are provided with a reservation. The local community is very involved in preserving the magic of the story and there are often interactive experiences available for visitors to the site.

Field of Dreams

Whether you’re a die hard movie fan or just happen to be in an area where any of these movies were filmed, you should take the time to visit the sites. It will be a fun experience, especially if you sit down to watch the movie again after seeing it in real life!

June 18, 2022June 1, 2022

June’s Deep Dive into History: Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte was a minor aristocrat who rose to power after the French Revolution. He was crowned Emperor of the French on December 2, 1804. He then nearly succeeded in conquering most of Europe. But on June 18, 1815, Napoleon’s luck turned one last time, and he was defeated at Waterloo. He was banished (for a second time) to Saint Helena, where he died at age 51.

On the anniversary of Napoleon’s greatest defeat, let’s look back at the life of one of the world’s greatest historical figures.

Birthplace in Ajaccio, Corsica

Napoleon was born on August 15, 1769, into a large family of minor nobility. His family lived in the ancestral family home, which had been in the family since 1682.

The home was eventually donated to the French government, and in 1962, it was turned into a national museum. It’s now one of the island’s most popular tourist attractions.

In order to move up in society, Napoleon’s family enrolled him in French military school when he was nine years old, and he only returned to his home island a few times after his youth.

Maison Bonaparte

Campaign in Egypt and Syria

Napoleon demonstrated his military genius early. At the age of 27, he was promoted to major general and given control of an entire army. Then, he began planning a campaign in Egypt and Syria, to prepare France to invade Great Britain.

Napoleon’s troops fought many battles in the Middle East and North Africa, and had some major successes. The Battle of the Pyramids, where French troops scored a decisive victory, led to Napoleon seizing Cairo and taking over rule of Egypt.

Great Pyramid of Giza

Chateau Malmaison, Paris, France

When Napoleon returned to Paris, he took up residence at the Chateau Malmaison, a large estate just outside the city. His wife Josephine had purchased it for 300,000 francs, and spent more money restoring the home.

Josephine lived here after her divorce from Napoleon, until she passed away in 1814. Napoleon took up a brief residence there before he was exiled. Later, the house was abandoned, ransacked, and partly destroyed. In the 20th century, it was restored and is now an important historical site.

It was while living here that Napoleon seized power and made himself leader of France. Within a few short years he went from being a temporary leader to an all-powerful emperor. After years of chaos and turmoil, the people of France largely welcomed Napoleon and the stability he promised.

Malmaison castle

Crowned Emperor at Notre Dame, Paris, France

Notre Dame has long been the religious center of Paris, but it was not the where the Kings of France were crowned. This event usually took place in the Cathedral of Saint Denis, just outside the city. However, Napoleon chose to be crowned emperor in Notre Dame.

Pope Pius VII participated in the coronation ceremony, but unusually, he gave the crown to Napoleon, who crowned himself. This sent a clear message: Napoleon was not controlled by the Catholic church.

Notre Dame took nearly 200 years to build, and was finished in 1345. In 2019, the roof caught fire and caused an international outpouring of grief and sympathy. The cathedral is still open, but with limited areas open to the public.

Notre Dame de Paris

Place Vendome Column, Paris, France

Part of what the French people, and people even today, loved about Napoleon was his aggressive and successful military campaigns that brought pride and victory to the people of France after years of internal turmoil and international struggle.

He defeated combined armies of the Great Britain, the Prussian Empire, and the Russian Empire at the Battle of Austerlitz, in modern day Czech Republic. He had a monument erected in honor of the victory in a plaza named for the battle. The column was destroyed by revolutionaries in 1871, but later reconstructed, and is still on display in the plaza.

Place Vendôme Column

Home on Elba

After Napoleon tried to conquer all of Europe, Europe fought back, and the combined forces conquered France and forced the now-former emperor to exile on Elba, an island off the coast of Italy. He had two homes, including this home in Portoferraio. It is now a museum where people can learn about Napoleon, his reign, and his improbable escape from Elba after less than a year in exile.

Napoleon Bonaparte's home (former)

Route Napoleon, France

Napoleon refused to remain away from power, and from France. After a short time on Elba, he broke free and seized power over France, declaring himself emperor once again.

There are now markers and paths along the route Napoleon took along the French Riviera. It starts in Golfe-Juan, where Napoleon landed and began his fateful campaign that ended just a few months later at Waterloo.

Route Napoleon, Prairie de la Rencontre

Waterloo, Belgium

Immediately after taking power in France, the forces of Europe and England rallied to oppose Napoleon, knowing that the militaristic emperor would not stop until he was king of all Europe, or removed permanently.

Napoleon and his troops faced forces from a dozen countries on a field outside Waterloo in present-day Belgium. On Sunday, June 18, forces began fighting. The British Duke of Wellington repelled the French forces all day, and with help from the Prussians, defeated Napoleon.

Today, the site is preserved, with a large man-made mound with stairs and a giant lion statue on top. Tourists can pay a small fee to climb the 226 steps up the mound and get a good look at the entire vista, literally a place where the fate of the world hung in the balance one fateful day.

Lion hill of Waterloo

Residence on St. Helena

Once again, Napoleon was banished. This time, however, he was banished to an island 1,200 miles off the coast of Africa, closer to South America than to France! The tiny island is a protectorate of the United Kingdom, and it was here Napoleon lived out his last days, in a large home built specifically for him.

While the out of the way island has few tourists, this and other locations related to Napoleon are available to the public.

Longwood House

Les Invalides, Paris

In downtown Paris, Les Invalides was founded as a hospital for veterans and others, and Napoleon added crypts for famous military leaders. After his death in 1821, Napoleon was interred at Les Invalides in a giant sarcophagus.

Les Invalides

In spite of, or perhaps because of, his attempt to conquer all of Europe and Russia, Napoleon remains a larger than life hero in France.

June 13, 2022June 1, 2022

The Best Zoos in the World and around the Corner

June is known as the Great Outdoors Month. It’s the perfect time to have fun doing things outside, and going to a local zoo is one of the easiest, and most entertaining things to do. Nearly every town or city has a zoo, large or small, where people can check out cool animals and have a great time with friends and family. Here are some of the world’s best, and most popular zoos.

Tiergarten Schönbrunn, Vienna, Austria

Operating since 1752, the Tiergarten Zoo within the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria, is known as the longest-continually operating zoo in the world. In addition to the wide variety of animals from pandas to polar bears and penguins, it has a center for popular and endangered farm animals, highlighting the agricultural way of life so central to Austrian heritage.

Beyond the amazing wildlife, it is a beautiful zoo designed with landscapes and vistas that rival the animals in the enclosures.

Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Vienna Zoo)

San Diego Zoo, San Diego, California

The San Diego Zoo constantly makes, or tops, lists of the best zoos in the world. It was a leading institution in open-air enclosures, modeling a more natural and healthy way to allow animals to live and thrive in captivity. The exhibits are divided by region, making it educational and more realistic for visitors. The huge zoo has a Skyfari Tram to make getting around easier.

The zoo focuses on breeding endangered animals, including koalas, pandas, Sumatran rhinos, and more. The zoo is also famous for being the site where Jawed Karim filmed the first video ever uploaded to YouTube, fundamentally altering social media and information sharing.

San Diego Zoo

National Zoo, Smithsonian, Washington, D.C.

The National Zoo in Washington, D.C. is part of the Smithsonian Institution, and is a rare zoo in that is is free to visitors. The zoo has a reputation for helping endangered animals, and has successfully bred giant pandas several times.

The zoo has several fun activities for guests throughout the year, including Boo at the Zoo, Zoolights around the winter holidays, and Easter Monday, which was an Easter egg event created to counter segregated Easter egg rolls in the first half of the 1900s.

Smithsonian National Zoological Park main entrance

Singapore Zoo, Singapore

Relatively smaller compared to other zoos, the Singapore Zoo on the small island nation of Singapore, is nonetheless known as one of the best zoos in the world. It’s a newer zoo, and was designed in the more animal-friendly style of open, natural enclosures that allow the wildlife to enjoy a better quality of life.

The zoo uses moats, glass walls, trenches and other “hidden barriers” to create a more attractive experience for visitors and a better environment for animals.

Singapore Zoo

Bronx Zoo, New York, New York

One of the biggest and most visited zoos in the US is the Bronx Zoo. The zoo was designed with stunning Beaux-Arts structures and ironwork. It is a stunning place to visit, in the heart of the biggest city in the US.

Since its inception in 1899, it has focused on animal conservation. Recently, the zoo helped breed three Chinese alligators, which were released into the wild. The zoo has also worked with endangered rhinos, flamingos, monkeys, and other animals that have been adversely impacted by humans.

Bronx Zoo

Berlin Zoological Garden, Berlin, Germany

Berlin’s premier zoo has been around for close to 200 years. It has one of the most well-developed and varied collection of animals, and is said to have the most species and animals of any other major zoo.

It is one of the most-visited zoos in the world. The zoo focuses on breeding European animals, protecting species from extinction, and working to reintroduce animals to local habitats.

In 2005, the zoo gained international attention when a polar bear was born at the zoo and rejected by his mother. He was raised by zookeepers, and became an international celebrity. Sadly, he passed away in 2011 after drowning in the enclosure while suffering from a brain disease.

Berlin Zoo (entrance)

Beijing Zoo, Beijing, China

The Beijing Zoo was built on old dynastic grounds, and is the oldest zoo in China. It exhibits on Chinese and Asian wildlife. Giant pandas, red pandas, Chinese tigers and Chinese alligators are some of the rare and endangered species housed at the zoo.

The zoo has a beautiful design, modeled after Chinese gardens with natural growth, ponds and pools, and delicate structures. More than four million visitors walk through the distinctive front gate each year to see the land and marine life, as well as the flora and fauna on display at the Beijing Zoo.

Berlin Zoo (entrance)

Henry Doorley Zoo, Omaha, Nebraska

It may be a surprise, but the Henry Doorley Zoo in Omaha tops most lists for biggest and best zoo in the world. The city of barely 500,000 is regarded for the zoo, which has a stellar reputation for conservation, education, and research.

It has one of the world’s largest indoor rain forests, the world’s largest swamp and the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit. Just a few years ago, a renowned African grasslands exhibit opened to house several elephants that had been evacuated from southern Africa during an extensive drought. This is just one of many ways the zoo has developed an international reputation for conservation and safe-keeping of all sorts of animals.

Henry Doorly Zoo

From around the world to around the corner, these are some amazing zoos! Go check out your local zoo and enjoy nature, wildlife, and just being outside.

June 10, 2022June 1, 2022

Rome: The Capital of the World

Rome, the center of the ancient Roman empire, was known as the Capital of the World for a thousand years. Even after the fall of the empire, the city has maintained its hold on the western world as a center of cultural, religious and historical prominence.

Millions of tourists gather in the Italian capital city each year to drink deeply of the historical, architectural, religious and cultural sites the city has to offer.

Colosseum

One of the most iconic sites in all of Rome is the ancient Colosseum, which was built around 70 AD by Emperor Vespasian when he ascended to the throne, as a means of earning the good graces of the people of Rome. It was an multipurpose amphitheater that could host gladiatorial games, hunts of wild animals and even staged naval battles. It was even the site of crucifixions of early Christian.

Colosseum

While is is too deteriorated to host events now, tourists can visit the site, walk throughout the stadium and get a great feeling of what it would have been like to be entertained in ancient Rome.

Colosseum Interior

The Forum

Near the Colosseum is the Forum, the large plaza that was the center of daily commercial, political, social and religious life in Rome. Ruins of several important temples including the Temple of Saturn, as well as an old Senate building, remain, along with thousands of columns, statues, pillars and building foundations.

It provides an epic visual education of just how advanced and wealthy Rome was at its peak, and just how far it fell after it was sacked and overrun in 410 AD, and again in 455 AD.

Forum Romanum

Trajan’s Column

Between the Colosseum and the Forum is the giant Trajan’s Column, which was commissioned by Emperor Trajan to commemorate his great military successes. It is an architectural and artistic feat, built and raised with only manual labor, and crafted with exceptional skill and attention to detail.

It is a great stop for visitors exploring Rome and wanting to walk in the footsteps of emperors and common men alike.

Trajan's Column

Pantheon

Unlike much of Rome’s tourist highlights, the Pantheon is a fully functioning building that has been in constant use since it was started in the time of Emperor Augustus and completed about 100 years later. It was possibly originally used as a temple to all, or many, gods as the Greek name Pantheon implies.

By the 800s AD it was a Christian church, and has been since that time. Religion aside, it is a structural marvel. The rounded building has a rotunda that is uniform in size, shape and dimensions throughout. It had a concrete coffered dome with an oculus, a round hole in the building’s roof. The oculus provides a natural source of light during the day, and actually contributes to the structural soundness of the building.

This building is a must-see to any visitor!

Roman Pantheon

Trevi Fountain

Not everything in Rome is ancient and broken down. The beautiful and romantic Trevi Fountain was completed in 1762 in the Baroque style on the site of ancient aqueducts and fountains, which in the opulent style of the time, were deemed not lavish enough.

The intricate fountain, which is over 160 feet wide and 80 feet high, has become a centerpiece of Roman culture, appearing in opera, novels, romantic tales, and even movies including Roman Holiday. Any visitor to Rome should throw a coin from their right hand over their left shoulder to ensure they return to Rome someday.

It’s a fun place to hang out, especially for love birds!

Trevi Fountain

St. Peter’s Basilica

While not technically in Rome, but in the independent country of the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica is truly a sight to behold. Founded on the traditional burial site of St. Peter, the grounds are sacred to Christians, especially Catholics, because the Vatican is the home of the Pope and the heart of the religion.

The Basilica is not just important to religious pilgrims. It is an architectural beauty, with sculptures, statues and frescoes that rival any in the world. Most famous among the artisans who contributed work to the church is Michelangelo.

In one corner is one of his most moving works, the Pieta, a marble sculpture depicting Mary holding the dead body of her son Jesus after his crucifixion.

St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter’s Square

Outside the basilica is St. Peter’s Square, a large plaza used for holy visits and commemorations conducted by the Pope. The trapezoidal shape of the plaza is embraced by two colonnades, said to represent the arms of the church embracing her people. The plaza is gigantic, over 1,000 feet deep.

St. Peter's Square

Spanish Steps

Technically just a set of stairs connecting a church to an embassy below, the steps have become a focal point of culture, tourism and entertainment. The steps lead to the Piazza di Spagna, or Spanish Plaza, which has high-end retail shops, excellent dining, impromptu outdoor entertainment and an enchanting nightlife atmosphere.

It’s certainly a place a visitor would want to see on foot, walking down the steps from the Trinita de Monti church, enjoying the view and then spending an afternoon or evening enjoying the fun vibe the area has to offer.

Spanish Steps

While Rome is no longer the official center of the known world, it still holds the heart and soul of the ancient western world, and all visitors will throw their coins in Trevi Fountain hoping to return soon, taking memories that will last a lifetime, and leaving a bit of their soul in the great city.

June 8, 2022June 1, 2022

Frank Lloyd Wright Houses

Frank Lloyd Wright, born on June 8, 1867, was one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. In fact, he is so well-regarded that several of his designs are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Even more than 60 years after his passing, his designs are noteworthy and famous. Let’s take a look at some of the most famous and well-regarded buildings constructed by the prolific architect.

Fallingwater, Home in Pennsylvania

Fallingwater is one of the most iconic of Wright’s structures. It was designed to be a weekend retreat, and demonstrates his commitment to the “form follows function” design style. Built in a forest at the top of a waterfall, the home was fully integrated into the surroundings.

The house was used privately for thirty years, then donated to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy which has maintained and repaired the 84 year old structure. It also allows for tours of the site.

Fallingwater By Frank Lloyd Wright

Guggenheim Museum, New York City, New York

The Guggenheim Museums are a series of art museums around the world. The Guggenheim in downtown New York City was the first, founded in 1937. The current building was completed in 1959, designed by Wright. Designed as a winding cylinder wider at the top than the bottom, it was described as a “temple of the spirit”.

Exhibits are set on the interior walls, and the patrons walk up a slightly inclining path to the top of the museum, which is covered in a giant skylight, allowing for natural light to flood the gallery. The art museum itself was a work of art.

This was Wright’s last major design, as he passed away a few months before the gallery opened.

Guggenheim Museum

Taliesin West, Scottsdale, Arizona

Frank Lloyd Wright designed homes for wealthy clients, but also designed one of his best homes for himself. Taliesin West in Scottsdale was Wright’s winter home and design studio for more than 20 years. It now serves as the headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.

The 70 year old and his students helped build the structure by hand, using desert materials as much as possible. They even slept in tents during the construction process. One unique feature is a cabaret theater in an irregular hexagon, allowing for nearly perfect acoustics.

After some controversy, Frank was cremated and interred on the grounds along with his third wife.

Robie House, Chicago, Illinois

One of Wright’s earlier works, he designed the single-family home in 1908, from the structure to the furniture. It went through several owners, and was slated for demolition twice, before being preserved by the University of Chicago. It is now one of the World Heritage sites, designated for its importance as an example of the Prairie School architecture style.

In recent years, it has been renovated and restored at a cost of around $11 million. Tours of the estate are available.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House

Hollyhock House, Los Angeles, CA

Built for an oil heiress, the Hollyhock House in Los Angeles, focused on integrating exterior and interior living spaces. It ran into cost overruns and design disputes, so Wright was removed from the project before it was finished. However, his influence is still felt throughout the structure, and the home is a World Heritage site.

The residence is now part of the Barnsdall Art Park, and is available to tour. Wright’s creative and innovative designs were not ideal for southern California’s weather, including heavy rains, and the structure was not earthquake-proof. It has been reinforced significantly over the years, while maintaining a commitment to the original design and aesthetic.

Frank Lloyd Wright's 'Hollyhock House'

Frank Lloyd Wright’s prolific work spread from coast to coast, and some of his most renowned works are available for viewing by the public. If you ever have a chance to check out a design, be sure to add it to your list. You won’t regret it!

June 2, 2022June 1, 2022

Queen’s Jubilee June 2

This weekend, the United Kingdom will be decked out in red, white, and blue, with the Union Jack flying everywhere as the country celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. This year marks 70 years the queen has led the UK and the Commonwealth, and celebrations are planned all year.

Let’s take a look at some of the places that will be part of official celebrations, as well as some places important to the longest reigning British monarch in history.

Westminster Abbey, London, UK

While traveling in Kenya, Elizabeth found out her father had passed away on February 6, 1952, and she was now queen. She returned home to Britain and ascended to the throne. But it wasn’t until June 2, 1953 that she was officially crowned queen at Westminster Abbey.

More than three million people gathered along the route to the Abbey in 1953, which has been the site of every British coronation since 1066. People will again gather at the abbey this weekend, for special tours of the church, and the roof.

Westminster Abbey

Tower of London, London, UK

The Tower of London has played an important part of royal history for a thousand years, and currently holds the Crown Jewels of England. During the Jubilee, the Tower will be open for tours, with a special floral display in the historic moat. Several pieces of the Crown Jewels will be on display, as well as other historical and important pieces from British history.

Tower of London

Horse Guards Parade, London, UK

The celebration of the Jubilee will coincide with the Queen’s official birthday. An important celebration for the birthday is the Trooping the Color which is a military parade that starts at Buckingham Palace and culminates at the Horse Guards Parade on the opposite end of St. James Park, where the Queen or her representative inspect the troops.

On June 2, the long weekend celebration will kick off with the Trooping the Color, which always ends with a flyover by the Royal Air Force. Members of the royal family gather on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to view the festivities, greet the crowds, and pose for photos.

Horse Guards Parade

Buckingham Palace, London, UK

Along with the Trooping the Color, Buckingham Palace will be the center of celebrations for tourists lucky enough to get a tour of the central palace. Special for the occasion, there will be displays of crown jewels and the Queen’s jewelry, carriages, and tiaras.

On June 4, there will also be a concert live from the palace. Buckingham Palace has been an important part of British royal history since the 1700s, and became the institutional center of the monarchy when Queen Victoria came to the throne.

Buckingham Palace

Epsom Downs, Surrey, UK

The Queen has long been a true fan of horse breeding and racing. On Saturday, June 4, the Queen will attend the Derby at Epsom Downs, along with members of her family. The tradition of royalty attending races at Epsom Downs is hundreds of years old, and Elizabeth has fully embraced the tradition. After a rough few years, it will be a welcome activity for the dedicated monarch.

Epsom Downs Racecourse

Saint Paul’s Cathedral, London, UK

On Friday, the Queen will participate in a service of Thanksgiving held at Saint Paul’s Cathedral. The cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of London, and has been an important and recognizable part of London for close to 2,000 years.

There will be a display at the Cathedral for the next six months, featuring the jubilees of George III, Victoria, George V, and Elizabeth II.

Saint Paul's Cathedral

Windsor Castle, Windsor, UK

Leading up to the Jubilee, several of the Queen’s residences and properties will be open to the public, with displays honoring the queen and her time as queen. Windsor Castle will be one of the most popular destinations. Displays at Windsor will include the coronation robes and attire from the 1953 event.

Just outside London, the castle was built by William the Conqueror, and has been an official residence since the 1200s. Since 2012, Elizabeth has made the palace a primary residence. It holds special sentiment for her, as she and her sister stayed here during the worst of the bombings during World War II.

Windsor Castle

Balmoral Castle, Scotland

The Queen has enjoyed spending holidays and summers at Balmoral in Scotland. Queen Victoria loved the location as well, and developed the property. Since then, royalty have gathered there for informal retreats, Christmas celebrations, hunting excursions, and more.

The castle will be open for tours during the Jubilee weekend, and will have a special display on “Life at Balmoral” featuring favorite attire and accessories used at the rural castle.

Balmoral Castle

These are just a few of the many important locations featured in the official celebrations. The Queen has invited everyone to participate in street parties, picnics, gatherings, and service projects, especially planting trees. She hopes that people will get to know their neighbors, make a difference, and extend her legacy by leaving the world a better place.

May 30, 2022May 4, 2022

Happy Birthday, Wynonna!

It’s been quite a month for Wynonna, with her mother’s tragic passing on April 30, and her induction in the Country Music Hall of Fame on May 1. And today she turns 58. She might be glad to start a new year, so let’s take a moment to learn about this amazing woman, and wish her the best year yet!

Let’s take a look at Wynonna’s life and career, and her amazing family.

Wynonna Judd’s Home, Lieper’s Fork, TN

When she recognized her daughter’s undeniable musical talent, Naomi decided to form a group with Wynonna and see where they ended up. The pair became a country music sensation, touring all over, selling out concerts, and hitting the charts.

After her mother stepped away for health reasons, Wynonna kept on singing. She has managed an amazing solo career, being in the music business for more than 30 years and touring all around the world. Even though she’s worth more than $20 million, she still calls Tennessee home, and spends much of her time there.

In 2006, she built a “dream home” on 500 acres near her mom and sister outside Lieper’s Fork, Tennessee. The farm was even the site of her 2012 wedding to Cactus Moser.

Wynonna Judd's House

Naomi Judd’s Home, Lieper’s Fork, TN

Naomi lived all around the US, from Kentucky to Los Angeles, and had amazing stories to tell! She was even Elvis Presley’s personal nurse for a time back in the day. She ended up back in the south in the 1980s, and fell in love with the land outside Nashville in an area called Lieper’s Fork. She bought land in the area, and has even gotten her daughters to move close by. All told, she and the family own more than 1,000 acres.

Her house, nicknamed Peaceful Valley, has 20 rooms spread over 8,000 square feet. It really is a peaceful retreat, and has amenities to make life easier. That includes an elevator, and even a small kitchenette in the main bathroom!

Naomi Judd's House

Ashley Judd’s Home, Lieper’s Fork, TN

Beauty and an ability to entertain must run in the family, because Ashley Judd became a major Hollywood actress in the late 1990s and 2000s. She was at one point the highest-grossing actress in the business.

But she’s not just a pretty face on a screen, she’s also an environmental activist and global humanitarian. She boldly advocates on behalf of women who have been sexually assaulted, having been assaulted herself, including by Harvey Weinstein.

Her home in Lieper’s Fork is close to her mom’s house, where she lives these days. It’s a good thing she’s so close to family; in 2021 she suffered a major leg injury while in Africa and has relied on them to help her heal mentally and physically.

Ashley Judd's House

Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, TN

Playing at the Grand Ole Opry is nothing short of a career highlight for any country musician, and Wynonna is no exception. The theater is more than just a structure, it’s a status symbol, a club, a career achievement. The new theater in downtown Nashville hosts weekly shows as well as the radio program that got the whole thing started.

The new venue opened in 1974, and seats more than 4,000 people. It suffered from flooding in 2010, and had to alter its performance plans during Covid, but things are back up and running at the Opry.

Grand Ole Opry

Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN

The original home of the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville is still a great place to perform for country musicians. Wynonna has performed here both with her mom Naomi, and on her own.

The Ryman serves as backup to the new Opry, and hosts a weekly program there in addition to other performances at the bigger venue.

Ryman Auditorium

Wynonna has seen it all. From a transient childhood to young fame with her mom, to solo success and challenges along the way, she has persevered. She has worked to resolve personal and family struggles, and things are looking up for her!

So, on her birthday, let’s take a second and send her good thoughts and wishes for a great day and a wonderful year. Happy Birthday, Wynonna!