Seen from a distance the Cathedral of St. Helena is impressive, but when you get inside, impressive doesn’t begin to convey the beauty of the neo-Gothic Cathedral. If your travel plans call for a visit to the area, it’s worth the time to stop off to check it out. Located in Helena, Montana, the Cathedral is modeled after the Votive Church of the Sacred Heart in Vienna, Austria. It was opened in 1914 (when the first service were held), but wasn’t finished, however, until 1924. Although the Cathedral was seriously damaged in an earthquake in 1935, it was reconstructed preserving both the impressive architecture and adding earthquake-proofing construction. It still maintains an impressive and imposing presence in Helena, attracting worshippers and travelers alike. As you walk up its stone stairs, take a moment to look behind you at the downtown […]
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New York City Airport Transportation
If a visit to New York City is in your plans, you’ll enjoy today’s guest post outlining your options from getting into the city from the area’s three major airports. One method not mentioned, and I think worth exploring, in the train/subway connection. Do your homework and you’ll save time and money. —- Whether flying for business or leisure, planning transportation can often bet the most challenging part of a trip. Not only that, but if there is something that travelers typically forget to plan for, transportation and parking is often that one thing. Thus, many travelers have to settle for the most convenient transportation and parking options, which aren’t always the most economical. This couldn’t more so be the case than in NYC, which has multiple airports, including the big three, LaGuardia, JFK and Newark. As one of the […]
Read MoreLatino Culture on LA’s Olvera Street
Olvera Street, also known as El Pueblo Historic Monument, is the birthplace of the City of Los Angeles. The block-long street, one of the oldest in the city, features historic buildings lining a traditional Mexican style plaza, and is home to one of the most colorful marketplaces that you’ll ever see. The street was originally a short lane called Wine Street. The lane was eventually extended, and the name changed to honor Agustin Olvera, the first county judge of Los Angeles. Although it became a dirty, unused alley for a period of time, the area was eventually rehabilitated, closed off to vehicles, trees were planted, and a large wooden cross was put up at the south end of the street. Olvera Street officially opened on Easter Sunday 1930, and provided a place for Mexican American vendors to sell their goods […]
Read MoreRevolutionary History at Boston’s Old North Church
Students spends lots of time learning about the revolutionary history of the country, and some of the heroes from that era. I remember memorizing the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow describing the famous ride of Paul Revere: One if by land, and two if by sea; And I on the opposite shore will be, Ready to ride and spread the alarm Through every Middlesex village and farm The poem refers to hanging a lantern (or lanterns) in the belfry of the Old North Church in Boston as a signal that the British were coming, a signal to Paul Revere to alert the neighboring villages to prepare and take action. The Old North Church still stands in Boston today, and is the city’s oldest surviving church structure as well as a National Historic Landmark. It’s 191 foot tall steeple makes it […]
Read MoreThe Floating White House in Jack London Square
The USS Potomac was used by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt as his presidential yacht, and to this day it is affectionately referred to as the “floating White House.” The ship was a 165-foot Coast Guard cutter before it was commissioned by the US Navy in 1936 and put to its new purpose. FDR hated to fly, preferring to travel by ship or train, and the USS Potomac was outfitted to accommodate his mobility issues. It could cruise along at speeds of 10-13 knots, and FDR would often hold informal strategy meetings aboard, enjoying the privacy and seclusion the yacht provided. Visiting dignitaries were entertained on the yacht, and at least one of FDR’s famed radio broadcasts originated from on board. There were many “secret” meetings held aboard, only some of which have been made public, leaving us to speculate about […]
Read MoreA Garden to End All Gardens: U.S. Botanic Garden
There are gardens, and then there are splendid gardens, and the latter is exactly what you’ll expect and get at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington DC. The name Botanic Garden is somewhat misleading, as this collection is more than just a garden — it’s a museum of living plants. The site is located on the National Mall, at the foot of the Capitol Building, and is comprised of the Conservatory, National Garden, and Bartholdi Park. The USBG dates back to 1816, with the concept of collecting, growing, and distributing plants from around the world that might contribute to the welfare of the American people. The idea started, and then sputtered, but eventually caught on after the Wilkes Expedition brought a collection of living plants from around the world back to Washington. Walking through the gardens, you’ll likely find some […]
Read MoreStanding Guard at the New York Public Library
In a city that never sleeps, it’s nice to find a quiet oasis, and that’s just how I think of the New York Public Library. On your next visit, take some time away from the sightseeing, shopping, and the frenzied pace of Manhattan and check out the library. The New York Public Library was founded by the 1886 estate of Samuel J. Tilden, who bequeathed money to “establish and maintain a free library and reading room in the city of New York.” Although there were two other libraries in New York at that time, both were experiencing serious financial hardships. The trustee of Tilden’s estate saw the perfect opportunity to fulfill his vision, and the libraries were combined to form what became the New York Public Library. A number of years later, philanthropist Andrew Carnegie donated money to […]
Read MoreLondon Bridge in London & Lake Havasu
Do you remember singing this as a child: London Bridge is falling down, Falling down, falling down. London Bridge is falling down, My fair lady. I sure do. But when I sang it, I had no idea what London Bridge was really all about or where it was – other than London, I mean.. So what’s the real scoop? London Bridge crosses over the River Thames connecting London and Southwark. This is city central, with lots of London hotels and attractions nearby, and is a busy spot in the city. Although London Bridge is often confused with the Tower Bridge, it is actually located between the Tower and the Cannon Street Railway Bridge. London Bridge has actually been a succession of bridges, with many incarnations occupying the same space and the same name. In the mid 1960’s, the then […]
Read MoreLas Vegas Weekend: Monte Carlo Resort & Casino
I recently had the opportunity to stay at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino and was curious to see how it had fared since my last stay some 10+ years ago. It was a mixed bag, like any hotel stay, so I’ll break it down into easy to understand categories. The Good: Great location at the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip (map) offers easy access to everything that’s going on in the area. A monorail moves you back and forth between the Monte Carlo and the Bellagio (map), meaning you have great access to all the hotels, casinos, and shopping on that side of the strip. Beautiful exterior facade, even more so when lit up at night. Affordable prices with lots of package deals currently being offered that can bring the price of a room to under $60 […]
Read MoreHonolulu Pride: Military History in the Islands
It’s easy to be caught up in the sun, sand, and surf of Hawaii, but the islands are also rich in military history and sites. Although it can be sobering and painful to think about, these military sites deserve a spot on any must-see list. Next time you’re on Oahu, take a beach break and work some of these spots into your schedule: Pearl Harbor: This site is administered by the National Park System, and in my book is the must-see historical site on the island. It’s an easy drive from Waikiki, about 45 minutes, and is also served by public transportation. If you’d prefer a tour, it’s a stop on many of them. The tour includes a brief video, followed by a boat ride to the Arizona Memorial. Like most visitors to the site, I was profoundly touched and […]
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