October 13, 2009
The Way We Were
There are lots of ways to escape for a little while, from the daily grind, from the slow climb to economic recovery, from homework. Some people do it through travel, and if you’re looking to get away from all the stress of today’s modern world and discover the problems of a previous generation of Americans – Colonial Williamsburg is a sure bet.
You know you’re supposed to be grateful for modern comforts, but there’s nothing like watching an eighteenth century blacksmith, farmer, or housewife try to carve out an existence in “the simple life” to drive the point home. While we can drive through for three meals a day and snacks in between, colonial tours present a different time – an era in which the next meal came by sweat, hard work, and a homemade fire.
Colonial Williamsburg is one of the most popular communities to tour when you’re looking for an escape to another time. These homes and businesses are more than show. The community almost solely supports itself – the blacksmith providing the nails for the general store being built down the street – and so on. You’ll be fascinated by every square inch of this journey to yesterday. But Colonial Williamsburg isn’t the only U.S. location where time stood still.
Nearby historic Jamestowne presents one of the first communities on U.S. soil. Visiting here you’ll hear wrenching stories of failure and success as these settlers from the Virginia company tried and failed and tried again to carve out an existence in the new land.
Or how about a modern community with a colonial feel? On Mackinac Island in Michigan, you get all the simple, beautiful charm of colonial times simply because the residents long ago decided to keep it so. No motorized vehicles of any kind are allowed on the charming island. And the horses – used for transportation – are beloved friends, cherished by the residents of Mackinack.
Other communities exist throughout the country that offer this same escape, such as Yorktown in New York or the Amish communities of Pennsylvania. Find these modern escapes, and you’re sure to be inspired for today.
(Photo by humbertomoreno on Flickr).
Filed under Attractions by Serenity
April 13, 2009
Busch Gardens Europe – A Legend Among Theme Parks
You know what doesn’t get talked about enough? Awesome roller coasters. And what are exciting student tours without a roller coaster or two?
This week: THEME PARKS. Five great ones spread throughout the country, giving you five more reasons to travel and to diversify the destinations.
Today’s highlighted theme park is Bush Gardens Europe. Kind of like the Epcot Center of theme parks, you’ll feel you’re traveling the world in this park divided by sections into various European countries.
Despite the themes based on authentic countries, the rides here are pure legend. Let’s take a look at a few of the higher thrills just to whet your appetite.
The Griffon - Pictured here by milst1 on Flickr, The Griffon is based on a mythical bird that is actually part eagle and part lion. This drop? It’s ninety breathtaking degrees at seventy miles per hour. And it’s just the beginning.
Apollo’s Chariot – This ride consistently ranks on the lists of top 10 steel coasters in the world. It’s all 4G climbs and smooth, weightless falls that keep visitors coming back again and again.
The Big Bad Wolf – An exciting suspended coaster, the premise here is that you’re following the Big Bad Wolf as he races over natural terrain that includes a dense, dark forest. At any given point your answer to “Who’s afraid?” might very well be a raised hand. But isn’t that why we enjoy them?
The Loch Ness Monter – I told you it’s all about the legends here. And after this monster flings you 13 stories in the air and 114 down, you’ll probably feel it’s been answered once and for all just who the phony is in this story.
I think that fills our thrill factor quotient for the day. Come back tomorrow for more high-speed, fast-plunging, ultra-looping excitement. For whatever less thrilling stuff you have to focus on now, I’m truly sorry.
