Amazing Sights, Amazing Goods

Public libraries in larger cities aren’t just a rotating book list but often one of the most significant pieces of architecture in a city. The historical documents inside are astounding pieces of our story displayed in political papers, handwritten letters, sheet music, and early draft manuscripts from famous works.

Besides their permanent collections, most large-city public libraries offer temporary exhibits as well. This is where you might find your favorite author featured with sample handwriting, early manuscripts, and treasured letters.

An Early Edition

When it comes to public libraries, a couple immediately came to mind. One is the New York Public Library with its great outdoor stairs where locals can be found lunching and resting throughout the day. Another is the Boston public library, because it was the first free municipal library in the United States.

A great addition to Boston educational student tours, this public library set the stage for all of those to follow. First, it brought together historical documents, rare treasure, a wealth of resources for research, and popular reading. But secondly, the Boston Public Library set the standard for civic architecture, using world-class architects and the classical design features of the time. The building is now a showcase of murals, domed halls, paintings, sculpture, and architectural beauty. Tours are available just for this purpose, making the Boston Public Library something visited both for itself and for the treasure it holds.

And Then There Were More

Boston was also the first public library to open various branches and begin that beautiful tradition of bringing a wealth of information and various programs and exhibits closer to every resident in the city – not just those close to the main branch. Boston’s various branches each have their own unique collections and programs. The Faneuil branch, for instance, has great programs for children and an inspiring art-deco design. Connelly holds a vibrant handicap-accessible branch, and Charlestown offers a busy schedule of activities for children, adults, and many age groups between. With twenty-six branches, you know the Boston Public Library has something for every Boston resident as well as those who visit.

Consider visiting a nearby public library of your own this summer, maybe even venturing to a large one within driving distance. It’s an inspiring part of our culture and definitely something to consider for exciting student tours.

Photo by wallyg on Flickr.

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I thought you might like to look too. It’s a picture of the blossoming cherry trees in Washington D.C. with the Jefferson Memorial just beyond. It’s probably during or very near the two weeks designated each year as the National Cherry Blossom Festival in our nation’s capital – filled with activities, fireworks, cultural performances, street celebrations, and more.

Do you know the trees were a gift from Japan? Two different times they befriended us with a gift of at least three thousand cherry trees. The first time we reciprocated with flowering dogwoods. In the eighties we offered them cuttings from the cherry trees themselves, to replace those they had lost in a flood. It’s a beautiful story of friendship between nations, really. (Though I confess to being a bit confused about the events of a certain World War right in the middle years of all that giving).

Think of the most beautiful moments in your life. The biggest moments, whether with people, surrounded by nature, or both. Now think of the pictures you took at the time. Do they compare?

Not even a little bit.

If you’re looking for the perfect destination for student tours, look no farther than Washington D.C. with its myriad museums, monuments, memorials, statues, parks, and history and culture galore. There’s no better place on the planet for educational travel. And if you’re looking for the best time of year to be there, the most breathtaking time, the time when nature’s framework for some of the most beautiful architecture in the world is at its very best. Consider the spring, the few weeks somewhere near the end of March and the beginning of April when the cherry blossoms bloom, and a festival is thrown in their honor.

(Amazing photo by ghbrett on Flickr.)

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It’s also the common what-about-me syndrome. No matter how cool a thing sounds, if it doesn’t connect with some part of ourselves, some specific interest or dream, then it won’t register on our must-experience list. After all, tons of people want to visit Paris one day, but each person who would say that probably has some personal connection to the idea. “I’ve wanted to ever since I saw that musical,” “My great-great grandmother was from there”, “I’m into fashion,” etc. And, I would venture to say, many popular destinations for student tours fall into this list of cool places that you’ve heard about so much you feel kind of indifferent to actually experiencing them for yourself.

For me, one of these amazing things that had earned its place as a must-experience location but that so many people had declared as such that I wanted to be different and ignore it, was Niagara Falls. I was extremely indifferent to this powerful, magnificent display of water rushing over a cliff. Extremely. (I actually did the same thing with Hawaii and the Caribbean Islands – so perhaps I had an aversion to classic honeymoon cliches?) Anyway, all this changed when I actually saw the Falls for myself.

It helped that I was sort of “in the area”. It helped for, you know, the casual factor. I was staying in Buffalo, New York, and a few us made the trip to the falls both at night and during the day. And it. Was. Breathtaking. I’ll never forget the way they looked by the lights at night. I’ll never forget the way you can feel the water splashing on you even from hundreds of yards away. (I’ll also never forget that pretty much everyone standing nearby heartily declared, ‘But it’s so much better from the Canada side,’ which is something I actually do want to discover for myself.)

So – all I’m saying – is don’t rule it out just because it’s so completely awesome that it’s become a travel cliche. Most things become a cliche for a reason, and Niagara Falls is one of them. This gorgeous natural destination really is, though, perfect for students. Niagara Falls student tours offer tons of exciting ways to actually experience the beauty, the power, and the adventure of the Falls. None of them include going over the Falls in a barrel, but they are thrilling. Think helicopter tours and boats like the famous Maid of the Mist. And, seriously, consider this amazing destination for your next student tour.

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Grapevine student tours offer charming touches like live artisan demonstrations in the beautiful Grapevine historic district. Other historic sites include the Grapevine Vintage Railroad with an 1896 steam locomotive, and Nash Farm, reflecting the farming life of Grapevine’s earliest settlers.

But Grapevine is also the perfect choice for thrills. X-Drenaline is a popular outdoor paintball course for an exciting competition with friends. Or if you prefer indoor sports, Main Event offers everything from bowling and billiards to arcade games and popular laser tag. Finally, Grapevine Mills is perhaps the most popular destination in Grapevine. It’s a huge shopping and entertainment center, perfect for every season, with available activities way beyond the average mall.

Grapevine has so many great places to visit, you can even take a tour on the popular amphibious vehicles known as DUCKS. It’s a great way to start your Grapevine experience as the entertaining narrator guides the way and helps you decide exactly what you want to do next.

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“A haven for recreation and reflection,” the National Park Services has said of these beaches known as “OBX”, or the Outer Banks of the North Carolina coastline.

These narrow barriers present great opportunity for some water sports like kayaking and wind surfing. But they are perhaps best known for leisurely strolls, exploration, and quiet escapes to serenity. They’re dotted with a lighthouse or two, some as authentic and original as any in the nation. They offer a couple amazing historical landmarks – the site for the first flight by the Wright brothers and the location for the first English Colony.

The Outer Banks are also filled with pleasant wildlife, from nesting sea turtles to the endangered piping plover (it’s a little bird that nests on sandy beaches – I know you were wondering). And they’re unpredictable. Thanks to their narrow topography and nearness to the ocean, these barriers are constantly changing from wind and storms, ocean currents, and the rise and fall of the sea. Spend a day on them, and you’ll surely notice even subtle differences yourself.

The ocean is generally conceded to evoke great thought, reflection, and a general awareness of our relative insignificance in a massive universe. The Outer Banks are no exception, and added to that sense of the ocean’s vast existence comes the uncertain reality of standing on a narrow, changing space almost at the whim of the ocean’s power.

Still, if you tire of reflection – if you actually walk on these sandy shores and brilliant dunes long enough that you’ve decompressed from all the stress of work and school and home and have no more thinking left to do – there’s always the surf. This beautiful National Seashore is equal parts reflection and adventure, and you’ll love both activities for Outer Banks student tours.

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US National Whitewater Center

The whitewater rafting is just the beginning of the adventure possible at the US National Whitewater Center, an official U.S. Olympic Training Site. Other activities include a mega zip line, mountain biking, a climbing center, and more – all created to help promote healthy lifestyles and environmental awareness. But healthy/inspirational agenda aside, visitors will love every thrilling activity here.

Discovery Place is one of the most visited attractions in the Carolinas. In its simplest label, it’s a science museum. But with the unveiling of its all-new exhibits, there’s even more proof that Discovery Place is much more than that. Hands-on activities, unique ways to experience marine life, the rain forest – even physiologic systems of the human body – all make this museum like none you’ve seen.

Charlotte Motor Speedway

NASCAR fans will love the behind-the-scenes tour of this popular raceway, including the full-tilt experience of 24-degree banking and a photo op in Victory Circle. The tours are only offered on non-event days, but they’re definitely a popular choice. For even more celebration of the famous racing events, visitors will love the NASCAR Hall of Fame with almost 40,000 square feet of memorabilia and interactive exhibits celebrating the sport.

And you know, these are just the beginning, right? Charlotte also offers much more with history, art, and thrills. And it’s a perfect choice for educational tours.

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Emerald Coast, Florida

What makes the roads red in Canada? One of my favorite children’s books addresses this question. The main character asks it and then later in the book declares that she finally knows the answer. But the reader isn’t let in on it. Still, I’ve always loved that part. I love the amazing variety in our world – the variety of colors. Why would anyone travel if there wasn’t something new to discover wherever they went?

Beaches are a favorite destination for all kinds of student tours. But it can be difficult to decide which one to choose. Here are three favorites divided by – you guessed it – their variety in color. It’s a figurative jewelry box of beaches, jasmine, emerald, and pearl.

Cancun

For jasmine, I’m choosing one of the many gorgeous destinations that can boast the clear, delightful blue waters of the Caribbean. You may not realize that of Cancun since it’s also known for its Mexican hospitality. But Cancun rests on the Yucatan Peninsula, and its waters are indeed Caribbean. They also offer some of the best snorkeling in the world as part of the Great Mayan Reef (world’s second largest coral system). These blue waters will keep you busy all day with jungle tours, beach lounging and volleyball, cave and wreck diving, and much more. But if you go to the beach for an exciting nightlife, Cancun definitely delivers on that as well, offering some of the most innovative nightclubs in the world.

Emerald Coast

The green to turquoise color of the waters is what gives this Florida coast its name. But technically it’s the sand that’s so unique here. The Emerald Coast stretches along the Gulf of Mexico from Pensacola, Florida, to Port St. Joe. The sand along this brilliant coast has actually worn off of the Appalachian Mountains and traveled through the waterways to the ocean. It’s pure quartz. Each grain is almost perfectly round, and their color is clear. This makes them as a whole appear as white as sugar, amazingly soft and fine. Perhaps its the contrast of this brilliant white that gives the water such striking color. There are many, many destinations to choose from along the Emerald Coast. It’s perfect for families, for students, for romantic getaways – for any kind of getaway at all. The minute you sink your toes in that sand, you’ll be extremely glad that you came.

Cocoa Beach

Other Florida beaches – and let’s face it, this is one of the best U.S. states for beach time – may have slightly less brilliant white sand and not quite such jewel-toned water. We’ll call this off-white, blue-gray blend the pearl of the ocean jewelry box. Cocoa Beach is one of my favorites. It’s not far from Orlando, so there are plenty of on-land activities (can you say Disney and Universal?), but the beach itself is an amazing respite all by itself. You’ll find all the normal activities – volleyball, water sports, sand castles, swimming, and good old-fashioned lounging. The pier offers classic beach-y souvenir shopping and delicious food. Plus, it’s out there that you’re most likely to catch dolphin sightings – always one of the happiest parts of being at the beach.

Anytime’s a good time for the beach

No matter which jewel tone you choose, the beach is always a brilliant choice. There’s no place like the ocean. Many of the destinations here are perfect for spring break trips. Parents should keep that in mind. After all, these beaches are also a great choice for family, but best for little kids on either side of the March madness typical for the spring break season.

Photo by lotopspin on Flickr.

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Black history tours are some of our most popular along these lines. African-Americans have had an intense journey as US citizens. All US citizens come from a long line of independent thinkers and fighters of freedom. But for black Americans, that fight hit its peak in much more recent history. Students of black history are often very familiar with the stateside heritage of black Americans even before they travel. But how much more will that heritage come alive when they visit the places where civil rights heroes were birthed, the places where they spoke to thousands or to the places where African-Americans built churches, schools, and businesses that gave black Americans a place in the New World as well.

Boston, Massachusetts, is one exciting city for student travel that lends itself beautifully to a black history tour.

The Black Heritage Trail includes the African Meeting House, which served as both a church and a school until integration allowed students to be educated at the Phillips School – also part of the trail. These sites and others showcase the efforts of black Americans in Boston to build a legacy for their families, their children, and their future. All African-Americans in Boston were free by the year 1790, and the Black Heritage Trail lets that history shine.

The George Middleton House tells the story of black Americans in the American Revolution. Boston is rich with American Revolution history, and students will love learning about the role of black Americans in it. Middleton was said to have led the all-black company known as the Bucks of America. This site is part of the Black Heritage Trail. It’s located on Beacon Hill, a thrilling historic neighborhood in Boston that all groups should include in Boston tours.

The Harriet Tubman House is not just a tribute to that amazing icon of black history but to the architect who designed it. He was one of the few African-American architects at the time and won awards for his work.

Boston is filled with American history. It makes American heritage come alive for any student. And as you can see, students of black history can find extra value in this popular city for student travel.

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If you watch ABC, you may notice your favorite characters volunteering during their storylines this week. It’s part of ABC’s push toward “a better community” through giving back.

There are lots of destinations that lend themselves best to student volunteering around the country. National parks offer cleanup and maintenance opportunities that bring you close to nature. Zoos, wildlife preserves, humane societies, and other organizations let you volunteer with animals. And there are any number of habitats for humanity and Red Cross projects  grateful for the extra help from teens. These tours can be exciting because you can bookend the volunteering with fun theme parks or other popular sites.

But ABC and other volunteer organizations are hoping to get the word out that there are many volunteer opportunities right where you live. Before raising the travel money for Yellowstone, why not call your own Parks and Recreation department? I’m sure they could put a group of teens to work. Though volunteering tends to be its own reward, you’ll sometimes find other benefits when you get in touch with community leaders. My friends and I once cleared a cemetery of fallen acorns then took them to the conservation department for cash. It helped us raise money for other projects we were working toward.

Besides working with nature, many organizations provide help to your peers and neighbors through their various services. You can probably find a local chapter of the Red Cross or even a Habitat for Humanity home in your area. Check around and you may also find ways to help homes for battered women and children, youth in foster care, or a food depot.

Remember that we are all connected, and when we help each other, we really do help ourselves. Open your eyes to the community around you. Listen for the needs that might be right next door. And start volunteering now to begin a lifetime of giving back.

Photo by laura.ouimette on Flickr

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They’re also economical. There are lots of exciting destinations around the country filled with theme parks, live performances, and innovative restaurants. But with these tours, every attraction requires more money. This can put the final bill far beyond a student group’s budget. Even after the Saturday car wash and bake sale. If the school is funding any of the trip at all, they may be less likely to pitch in for expensive attractions as well. National Parks don’t cost much more than the price of travel and a few sensible meals.

But the take-away is awesome. You’ll find you don’t have to spend extravagant money to induce awe and wonder. Nature has consistently done a pretty powerful job of this all by itself. Our national parks were chosen as such because somebody stood in awe and said, “We can’t let this get paved over for roller coasters.”

The impact is highly individualized. While man-made entertainment typically produces a similar reaction in all its participants (e.g., “That ride is thrilling,” “This restaurant is colorful.”), nature has a way of affecting its visitors personally. Some are moved toward faith, others to action, still others to a sense of quiet unmatched by the daily grind. Visiting national parks guarantees a unique and powerful response in almost every person. Nature and wildlife – they move people.

They inspire participation. National parks are also a great choice for student volunteering. Many have programs already in place for this. A two-day tour could easily include one half day of eco-friendly volunteerism. The most beautiful spots on earth are of course the most inspiring for taking care of the planet. Students not only feel encouraged to join global efforts for the environment, they participate in practical ways to do it.

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