Monthly Archives: June 2010

Jun28

Natural History Museum of Las Vegas

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Natural History Museum of Las Vegas

Among the glittering lights, the talent, and the 4 star hotels in Las Vegas , it might be easy to forget that this city is set in the midst of a desert, home to natural wonders all on its own, but there’s one destination to which you may bring the whole family as a reminder: The Las Vegas Natural History Museum .

With exhibits of live sharks and stingrays, with dioramas of the Serengeti in Africa and prehistoric life, including dinosaurs, and even a replica of King Tut’s Tomb, the museum has the objective of education families, adults and children, in the natural sciences, from the past to the present, from Nevada to around the world.

The museum began about 21 years ago, in 1989, when citizens asked the Las Vegas City Council to help them find a place for a collection of wildlife and prehistoric exhibits. Approximately two years later, the museum opened to the public.

Among the exhibits, guests of the museum will discover a 3,000 gallon tank of the aforementioned sharks and stingrays. Life-sized replicas of more sharks hang from the ceiling. In the Young Scientist Center, kids and adults alike can become amateur paleontologists, digging for fossils; the center even recreates the exploration of the ocean depths by simulating what it’s like to be a marine biologist examining sea life from inside a submarine.

In the section on ancient Egypt, viewers may find out about how archaeologists uncovered the Tomb of Tutankamun, among other ancient treasures; the exhibit takes guests through the entrance to Tut’s Tomb and recreates the best known archaeological finds there, from the Golden Throne to the Golden Shrine, chariots and the outer sarcophagus; these recreations are not just any replica of Tut’s Tomb — they are one of only two sets that the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities authorized outside the genuine items.

Other exhibits include displays of African and international wildlife, of geology, and a section called Wild Nevada, where the exhibits explore the plant and animal life of the Mojave Desert. It’s ten dollars for adults and eight for seniors, military, and students, and only five for children aged three to eleven. Except for New Years Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, families will find this museum open every day from nine in the morning to four in the afternoon. Just head north until reaching 900 North Las Vegas Boulevard at the intersection of Las Vegas Blvd., and Washington.

Jun23

Ghosts of Gettysburg

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Ghosts of Gettysburg

Ghost Tours in Gettysburg abound and for good reason, it may very well be one of the most haunted places in America. There’s a lot of history in this town, mostly the Civil War, which has permanently left its mark. The young men with ideals for a bright future and who were called by the patriotic dream, only to be caught in disillusionment losing there lives in mortal combat and for some unknown reason, seem to be reaching out to the living to tell their stories of woe. Over the centuries, since the battle, stories of scores of sightings keep emerging from the houses and fields in and around Gettysburg.

Stories of sightings of soldiers moving in a battle line across the fields where they once marched and where they fell; tales of visions through a rip in time revealing the horrible scene of a Civil War hospital; apparitions appearing before guests staying at hotels Gettysburg provides all the Civil War history buffs, all put together leads to some great ghost tours. Gettysburg has several tour companies to choose from and they are all good. One tour offers escorts dressed in period clothes and each guide isn’t following any script, they have their own unique ghost stories and have been thrilling tourist for decades. Most tour guides will tell you of their very own experiences and some interesting experiences some visitors have had during the tour such as walking past what was once an orphanage during the Civil War and having their shoelaces constantly coming untied.

You’ll be taken through battlefields, buildings where battlefield hospital were located, and Inns and restaurants, both of which would rather you not know about their haunting. Walk on the grounds of the modern hotels where disembodied voices are heard, phantom arms appear and where unsuspecting tourist are awakened in the dead of night by strange noises. Even if you don’t believe in the spirits, you’ll still enjoy the Ghost Tour, you’ll hear some really great stories and learn more about Gettysburg . Plus, the tour guides really do know everything about certain battles and all the gory details. These tours are not for the squeamish, but for those looking for something a little bit on the scary side of Gettysburg.

Jun19

Palm Springs Museums and Wild Life

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Palm Springs Museums and Wild Life

Whenever planning a trip to any one of the great southern California cities, one of the top items on most people’s agenda is going to be to enjoy some relaxation in the natural beauty of their environment. And while this is true for Palm Springs, which is particularly known for its peaceful environment, beautiful resorts and amazing geography that seems to create a natural harmonious ambiance in the town, there are also a lot of incredibly fun and exciting things to do while you’re there. So, while you will probably want to enjoy some quiet afternoons by the pool, don’t think you’ll going to want to spend the whole day there. There is simply too much to see and do in this great California city.

In addition to touring some of the great historical buildings and landmarks in the city there are plenty of contemporary establishments that are also intriguing and entertaining. There are numerous museums and galleries in the city that represent diverse forms of art and culture. If you want to take a short drive east of the city you can explore the General George Patton Memorial Museum . This honorary museum is dedicated to General Patton and the World War II veterans who risked their lives in the Battle of the Bulge. There are numerous relics, photos and documents that are included in the exhibits.

The Living Desert is an incredible conservation establishment and is also the city’s botanic garden. There is a large collection of desert animals that are housed and protected by this organization whose focus is on maintaining and displaying the beauty and wonder of desert plants and animals. And don’t forget the great tours that are available to explore the surrounding landscapes and near by geographic spectacles. There are off-road specialty tours that are as much fun to be on as the view is as exciting to see. So, enjoy your rest at the Palm Springs best hotel , but definitely don’t spend your entire trip there.

Jun17

Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee

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Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee is one of the prominent southern cities in this country. It is well known for its country and western music tradition as well as blue grass and Dixie heritage. And probably its most famous association to music was a rock and roll singer, and probably the most famous one in the world. This of course is Elvis Presley and Graceland is probably the most highly visited attraction in Memphis. The hoteles Memphis are more than accustomed to providing information on and directions to this incredible monument and museum.

Graceland itself refers to the incredible white mansion that was Elvis Presley’s home for most of his life. It is located in the Whitehaven community which is about twelve miles outside of downtown Memphis. It is also only four miles north of the Mississippi border and there are plenty of people from that state that have visited this incredible complex, well that statement is true for people from across the world. Only the White House has more visitors, in the statistics based on visitations to private homes.

In 1982 it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places and it was added to the list of National Historic Landmarks in March of 2006. Presley was buried at the estate, as was his parents and grandmother. They were buried in the area known as the Meditation Gardens. This was also the home of Priscilla Presley who lived there for five years prior to their marriage and then for five more years until their separation. It was also the first official home of their daughter Lisa Marie Presley who became the official owner of the estate when she turned 25. She has since sold 85 percent of it and it remains dedicated to the tourists who visit it every year. The family continues to celebrate Christmas at Graceland and Lisa Marie pays periodic visits to the property throughout the year.

Jun15

Anaheim Has No Doubt

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Anaheim Has No Doubt

It would have to be one of the great dreams for kids in this country, to grow up in Anaheim, California. Living so close to that great, archetypal park where all the kid dreams are promised and realized would have to be fun. The reality, of course, is that no one can live in the amusement park world all the time, and even when someone grows up so close, the rest of the world starts to enter in.

It’s an interesting city, with a very lively and vibrant population. Living in a resort city does offer some fascinating advantages, because there is a sense of hospitality that underlies everything. Visitors are welcome here, and that does make the daily life of the people just a little bit more friendly than anywhere else. The search for the best Anaheim hotel leads to a lot of conversations between people, where visitors and locals intermingle, and it’s the recipe for charm.

There is plenty of charm in the group No Doubt , and if it’s difficult to see the connection here, the band members all grew up in Anaheim, California. They began here in 1986, and the early years weren’t characterized by the punk-edged rock they’re famous for today. In the beginning, ska was the word, and that’s what they played, and it was good. In hindsight, a ska band in this part of the world was pretty visionary for the time, but it didn’t sell a lot of records. It wouldn’t start to pay off for a few years.

By the time we get to the reunion of the band, more than two decades pass, and sees a rise in lead singer Gwen Stefani ‘s solo work, and eventual decision to rejoin. It also sees her married to a band member, then married to the lead singer of Bush, and a lot of tabloid stories about her and her two kids. Her vibrato is still as deep as it ever was, and the edge in all things is still edgy. The styles have moved all over the musical map, and it all suggests that there’s much more to come from these kids from Anaheim.

Jun8

Burbank’s Hidden Treasures

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Burbank’s Hidden Treasures

There is more to Burbank, California than just its beautiful airport and industrious television studios; Burbank is a wonderful supporter for the arts and culture community, from one of the best farmer’s markets to live theater to dance, Burbank has much to offer. Plus there is a reason many people fly into Burbank instead of Los Angeles, it’s less expensive and the hotels are as good if not better than hotels in Los Angeles and cheaper. You can say that Burbank is a hidden treasure just a stones-throw away from Hollywood and the City of Los Angeles.

The Downtown Burbank Farmer’s Market happens every Saturday from 8am to 12:30pm, and offers the public fresh fruit, vegetables, organic foods and flowers. Most of the farmers come from Southern California and offer a huge assortment of great products grown and made locally. Located in the parking lot directly behind Burbank’s City Hall Annex on 3rd Street and Orange Grove, there’s plenty of free parking, but you need to get there early, because the best selection of produce and other great products go quickly.

The Colony Theatre , located at 555 N. Third Street, has a live theatre season line-up sure to please anyone. Currently ‘Grace & Glorie’ is being performed right now from June 9 to July 18, 2010. The West Coast Premiere of ‘Free Man of Color’ will be performed August 11 to September 12, 2010. The Colony Theatre has been around since 1975 and was started by a group of young Los Angeles television actors who were missing their theatre roots. Over the years, the theatre evolved from a small local ensemble to a well-established, nationally recognized, award-winning company, known for its high quality productions. The Encyclopedia Britannica Almanac listed The Colony Theatre as one of the 25 Notable US Theater Companies.

Burbank also offers it’s visitors and locals alike one of the best dance centers in California – The Media Dance Center , located at 237 E. Palm. The Media Dance Center is one of the preferred studios with professional dancers, like dancers from ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and it’s home of the Media City Ballet Company. The Ballet Company carries the traditions of Classical Russian Ballet for over 3 generations. The Media Dance Centre offers a variety of dance styles taught by world-renowned teachers.

This is just the tip-of-the-iceberg when it comes to the arts and culture that is to be found in the city of Burbank, check with any of the hotels Burbank
offers its visitors for a complete list of things to do in beautiful downtown Burbank.