Friday, November 13, 2020

Afghanistan

Afganistan Flag


Why visit Afghanistan?
Known for ancient ruins, archaeology sites, culture, history and mountainous scenery.


Pyandzh (Pyandzh/Pyanj) River, Afghanistan. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay 


At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Afghan coats, brass items, carpets, embroidery, gold ware, karakul (domestic sheep) skins, lambskin rugs, lapis lazuli (blue rock), leather goods, musical instruments, silk fabric and silver items.
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Dumplings (Mantu). Kabuli Palaw, a steamed rice pilaf with mixture of carrots and  raisins served with beef or lamb. Lamb Grilled Kebab. Qormah, a stew served with chalau rice. Quroot, made from sheep or goat milk is a very sour cottage cheese served with other dishes.
  • Local Drink: Doogh, made by mixing water with yogurt garnished with fresh or dried mint served cold. Kahwah, a hot tea.

Village Market, Afghanistan. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 


Fun Facts
  • Archaeologists have found Buddhist relics dating back to the 2nd Century (101 AD - 200 AD).
  • During the 1980, the Russian language was taught in public schools.
  • On 9/11/01, Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida network is known to be associated with terrorist attacks striking our country. 
  • Divided by two mountains Hindu Kush and Himalayas.
  • Women's Rights is nonexistent. A high percentage experience forced marriage, physical abuse, psychological abuse and/or sexual abuse.
  • The Silk Road, was a trade route to China, India and Persia. 
  • Buzkashi is a polo-like sport where players attempt to place a goat or calf carcass in a goal.
  • Native dog breed, Afghan Hound is best known for their long hair and speed.
  • Largest opium poppy producer in the world, harvest producing more than 90% of illicit heroin globally.
  • Zoroastrianism (Mazdayasna) is one of the world's oldest practiced religions, a multi-faceted faith centered around good and evil.
  • Majority of the population are practicing Muslims. Therefore, no public churches.
  • Agriculturally, a leading producer of apricots, grapes, melons, pomegranates and saffron.
  • Their untapped mineral deposits has an estimated $1 trillion dollar value. On mineral deposits said to generate around $10 billion dollars annually.
  • Afghansat 1 (satellite), is their own Telecommunication services (internet, phone, and television).
  • "Ring Road" (Highway 1), is essential to their trade economy (domestic and international) which also connects to five major cities.
  • United States is building six faculties of education and five provincial teacher training colleges around the country.
  • Child Marriage (under 18) is prevalent as marriage is legal at 16 years young often to a parallel cousin. The Groom often pays a "bride price" (dowry).
  • Clothing for both men and women generally consists of shalwar kameez. Traditional attire khet partug or perahan tunban (men). Women wear a head covering, chador or a burqa, a full body covering.
  • Rugs, every province is known to have their own specific characteristics.
  • Culturally poetry is popular (Pashto or Persian).
  • Most popular sport played, cricket and association football.

Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay 


Holidays/Special Occasions
  • Ashura, the tenth day of Muharram, first month in the Islamic calendar. Marking the day that Moses and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh by God creating a path in the Sea.
  • Damboora Festival, annual musical event (Bamyan Province).
  • Diwali, a Hindu Festival of Lights, symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance" usually over the course of five days.
  • Eid al-Fitr "Festival of Breaking the Fast", is a Muslim religious holiday marking the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. The only day in the month of Shawwal which is not permitted to fast.
  • Guli Surkh Festival (Red Flower Festival), is during Nowruz, celebrating the first 40 days of the year when the Tulip flowers grow surrounding the city (Mazar-i-Sharif).
  • National Independence Day (August), celebrates their independence, Anglo-Afghan Treaty of 1919 under King Amanullah Khan.
  • Nowruz, an ancient tradition celebrated with buzkashi tournaments, dance and music marks a New Year.
  • Pamir Festival, celebrates Kyrgyz and Wakhi culture. Celebrated with buzkashi tournaments, dance and music
  • Ramadan, observed by Muslims the ninth month of the Islamic calendar consists of community fasting, prayer and reflection.
  • Vaisakhi, a historical and religious festival (Sikhism and Hinduism) celebrated in April. 
  • Yaldā, ancient tradition commemorates the ancient goddess Mithra and the longest eve night of the year (December). Families usually recite poetry and eat red fruits, mixed nuts, pomegranate and watermelon.

Desert, Afghanistan. Photo Credit: Andrè Seifert/Pixabay 


Good to Know
  • Al-Qaida and Taliban loyalists are known to kidnap and attack Westerners. 
  • Beware of high levels of child malnutrition, corruption, poverty and terrorism. Most of the country is lawless and outside central government control. 
  • Majority of visitors are aid workers, journalists and soldiers.
  • Known to have excellent trout fishing (Salang Pass).
  • Languages spoken Dari (north area), Pashtun (east and south area) and Uzbek (north and west area).
  • Bargaining is common at bazaars and some shops.
  • Teahouses are most common. 
  • Alcohol is limited.
  • In country, Embassy Services is limited.
  • Women should dress conservatively.
  • Photographs of local woman is prohibited unless consent by an elder man.
  • Do not drink local dairy products or tap water. Consume prepackaged drinks.
  • Don't forget to pack: Bug Repellent, First Aid Kit, Malaria Suppressants, Skin Infection Ointment and Sun Block.
  • Medical Care and Services are sparse.
  • Homosexuality is punishable up to a year in prison (even death).

Vrang Wall, Afghanistan. Photo Credit: Makalu/Pixabay 


Your Must-See & Do
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Buddhas of Bamiyan and Minaret of Jam

This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport with six months validity from return date. One blank page for entry stamp.
  • Tourist VISA.
  • Polio Vaccination is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
  • Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $20,000USD.

Most countries, list them on the Travel Advisory as a Level 4, Do Not Travel.

  • Best Time to Visit: April - June & October - November
  • Coldest Months: December - March
  • Hottest Month: July 
  • Peak Season: April - May & October

Herāt City, Afghanistan. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

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Thursday, November 12, 2020

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia Flag


Why visit D.C.?

For culture, cycling, fishing, galleries, golf, government buildings, history, kayaking, monuments, museums, national institutions and parks.


The White House, Washington, DC. Photo Credit: Olya Adamovich/Pixabay 


At a Glance
  • Capital: Washington
  • Bird: Wood Thrush
  • Dessert: None
  • Flower: American Beauty Rose
  • Gemstone: None
  • Mammal: Bison
  • Rock: Potomac Bluestone

United States Capitol, Washington, DC. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 


Fun Facts
  • Built in 1765, Old Stone House (Georgetown) is the oldest original standing building.
  • Named after the first president (1789) and Founding Father, George Washington (1732-1799).
  • In 1791, Pierre "Peter" Charles L'Enfant, French-American Military Engineer designed the basic plan, "L'Enfant Plan" commissioned by President Washington. His design was based on cities such as Amsterdam, Karlsruhe, Milan and Paris. 
  • Since the fourth elected President (1809-1817) James Madison (1751-1836), nearly every president has sat in Pew 54 at St John's Church (H St NW).
  • In 1814, the White House was burned by the British raid, "Burning of Washington".
  • In 1829, James Smithson (1765-1829), English Chemist & Mineralogist left his estate to The United States of America.
  • In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act ending slavery locally freeing 3,100.
  • In 1888, home of the city's first motorized streetcars.
  • In 1935, the United States Supreme Court Building was completed.
  • Our Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence is maintained by the National Archives & Records Administration. 
  • Martin Luther King Jr,  wrote his "I Have a Dream" speech (August 28, 1963) at the Willard InterContinental Hotel (Pennsylvania Avenue NW). 
  • Residents may vote for President and Vice President, however hold no representation in the Senate.
  • Congress approves the city's budget with veto power over any laws passed.
  • Over 20 million visitors visit the capital city annually.
  • City hosts 177 foreign embassies. 
  • All road names include the quadrant district abbreviation to indicate their location and house numbers corresponding with the number of blocks away from the Capitol. 
  • Over 1,600 residential properties (Massachusetts Avenue) are owned by foreign countries.
  • Largest district building approximately 3.1 million square feet, Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center (Pennsylvania Avenue NW). 
  • Go-Go, a post-funk, percussion-driven flavor of rhythm and blues is their own native music.
  • Has fifteen official sister city agreements with Accra, Addis Ababa, Ankara, Athens, Bangkok, Beijing, Brasília, Brussels, Dakar, Paris, Pretoria, Rome, San Salvador, Seoul and Sunderland. 
  • The nation's capital has over 3,000 Cherry Blossom trees.
  • Features 14 National Parks.

Washington Monument (George Washington), Washington, DC. Photo Credit: skeeze/Pixabay 


Thank You!
  • Spotlight Celebrities: Alyson Hannigan (Actress), Amarr M Wooten (Actor), Andrew Luck (Athlete), Angela Renée White "Blac Chyna" (Model), Bella Hadid (Model), Bridgit Mendler (Actress), Elgin Baylor Lumpkin "Ginuwine" (Musician), Goldie Hawn (Actress), Jon Bernthal Actor), Isabelle Fuhrman (Actress), Katherine Heigl (Actress), Kevin Durant (Athlete), Marvin Gaye (Musician), Maury Povich (TV Host), Michael Ealy (Actor), Mýa Marie Harrison (Musician), Raven Goodwin (Actress), Regina Hall (Musician), Samuel Jackson (Actor), Stephen Colbert (Comedian) and Taraji Henson (Actress), just to name a few.
  • Movies to Inspire You: A Few Good Men (1992), All the President's Men (1976), Broadcast News (1987), Chances Are (1989), Forrest Gump (1994), In the Line of Fire (1993), No Way Out (1987), St Elmo's Fire (1985), Thank You for Smoking (2005), The Exorcist (1973) and The Pelican Brief (1993), just to name a few.
  • Reads Set in D.C.: Cross (written by 
    James Patterson), 
    The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears (written by Dinaw Mengestu), The Innocent (written by 
    David Baldacci), 
    The Lost Symbol (written by 
    Dan Brown), 
    The Pelican Brief (written by 
    John Grisham) and 
    The Street Lawyer (written by 
    John Grisham), just to name a few.

Cherry Blossoms, Washington, DC. Photo Credit: Rachel Bostwick/Pixabay 


Good to Know
  • Geographically in four Districts: Northwest (NW), Southwest (SW), Northeast (NE) and Southeast (SE) all corresponding from the Capitol. 
  • Shuttles operate frequently between key attractions.
  • Tours of working government facilities require reservations in advance with limited capacity.
  • Strictly prohibited and enforced are photos or recording in government facilities and several museums.
  • For Security purposes handbags and personal items are subject to being searched.
  • Restaurants are smoke-free.
  • While relatively inexpensive, do not use unlicensed cabs.
  • Picking cherry blossoms may impose a fine or even arrest due to destroying government property.
  • A culinary melting pot is well known for ethnic cuisine Ethiopian, Indian and Vietnamese cuisine.
  • Expect a citation for "jaywalking".
  • For security purposes, Presidential or Diplomatic motorcades are not required to stop at red lights or stop signs.
  • The Metro is the best method to maneuver throughout the city.
  • Violent Crime exists in concentrated areas associated with drug abuse, gangs and poverty areas.
  • The Smithsonian is open to the public free of charge.
  • One of our nation's worst road congestion.

Subject to flooding, humidity, hurricanes, nor'easters blizzards and snowstorms.

  • Best Time to Visit: March - May & September - November
  • Coldest Months: December - February
  • Hottest Months: June - August
  • Peak Season: March - August

Supreme Court of the United States, Washington, DC. Photo Credit: Mark Thomas/Pixabay 


Your Must-See & Do
  • Historical Sites: Administration Building Carnegie Institution of Washington, American Federation of Labor Building, American Peace Society, Anderson House, Andrew Mellon Building, Arts & Industries Building Smithsonian Institution, Ashburton House, Blair House, Blanche K Bruce House, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Carter G Woodson House, Charles Evans Hughes House, Charlotte Forten Grimke House, City Hall/ D.C. Courthouse, Cleveland Abbe House, Congressional Cemetery, Constitution Hall, Corcoran Gallery & Corcoran School Of Art, David White House, Decatur House, Elliott Coues House, Frances Perkins House, Franklin School, Gallaudet College Historic District, General Federation of Women's Clubs Headquarters, General Oliver Otis Howard House, General Post Office, Georgetown Historic District, Healy Hall Georgetown University, Hiram W Johnson House, John Philip Sousa Junior High School, Lafayette Building, Lafayette Square Historic District, Library Of Congress, Mary Ann Shadd Cary House, Mary Church Terrell House, Memorial Continental Hall, Meridian Hill Park, National Training School For Women And Girls, National War College, Newton D Baker House, Octagon House, Old Naval Observatory, Old Patent Office, Oscar W Underwood House, Pension Building, PHILADELPHIA (Gundelo), Red Cross (American National) Headquarters, Renwick Gallery, Robert Simpson Woodward House, Samuel Gompers House, SEQUOIA (Yacht), Sewall–Belmont House, Smithsonian Institution Building, St Elizabeth's Hospital, St John's Church, St Luke's Episcopal Church, State War & Navy Building, Supreme Court Building, Tudor Place, The Yard (Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel, Frederick Douglas Memorial Hall, Founders Library, Howard University), Twelfth Street YMCA Building, United Mine Workers of America Building, United States Capitol, United States Department of the Treasury, United States Marine Corps Barrack & Commandant's House, United States Soldier's Home, Volta Bureau, Washington Aqueduct, Washington Navy Yard, White House, William E Borah Apartment Windsor Lodge, Woodrow Wilson House and Zalmon Richards House.
  • Museums: African American Civil War Memorial & Museum, Anacostia Community Museum, Arthur M Sackler Gallery, Art Museum of the Americas, College Park Aviation Museum, Corcoran School of the Arts & Design, Dumbarton House, Dumbarton Oaks Museum, Freer Gallery of Art, Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens, Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, International Spy Museum, Kreeger Museum, Marian Koshland Science Museum, Museum of the Bible, National Air & Space Museum, National Archives Museum, National Bonsai & Penjing Museum, National Building Museum, National Children’s Museum, National Gallery of Art & Sculpture Garden, National Geographic Society, National Guard Museum, National Law Enforcement Museum, National Museum of African American History & Culture, National Museum of African Art, National Museum of African American History & Culture, National Museum of American History, National Museum of the American Indian, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of the American Indian, National Museum of Women in the Arts, National Portrait Gallery, National Postal Museum, Navy Museum, Newseum, Octagon House Museum, Phillips Collection, Potomac River, Renwick Gallery, Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building, Smithsonian Institution Building, Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian's National Postal Museum, Steven F Udvar-Hazy Center, The Newseum, The Phillips Collection, The President Woodrow Wilson House, The Textile Museum, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Wegmans Wonderplace and Woodrow Wilson House.
  • Popular Attractions: Air Force Memorial, African American Civil War Memorial Museum, Albert Einstein Memorial, Anthem, Arlington National Cemetery, Bar-Code, Bar Deco, Belmont–Paul Women's Equality National Monument, Ben's Chili Bowl, Black Cat, Bladensburg Waterfront Park, Blues Alley, Boundary Stone Public House, Bureau of Engraving & Printing, Busboys & Poets, Cafe Citron, Cameron Run Regional Park, Cherub Antiques Gallery, Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Chinatown, Churchkey, C&O Canal National Historical Park, Clyde's, Connecticut Avenue, Constitution & Independence Avenue, Constitution Gardens, District of Columbia Arts Center, Dumbarton Oaks, Dupont Circle, Earth Treks, Eastern Market, Embassy Row, Enid A Haupt Garden, Falls Road Golf Course, Fletcher's Cove, Folger Shakespeare Library, Ford's Theatre, Fort Dupont Ice Arena, Foundry Gallery, Founding Farmers, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Freer Gallery of Art, General William Tecumseh Sherman Monument, Georgetown Flea Market, George Washington's Mount Vernon, Glen Echo Park, Gravelly Point, Greenbelt Park, Great Waves Waterpark, Heurich House Museum, Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens, Hu's Shoes & Hu's Wear, Islamic Center, Jack Rose Dining Saloon, Jefferson Memorial, John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, JR's Bar & Grill, Kramerbooks & Afterwords, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Lafayette Square, Lake Artemesia, Larz Anderson House, Library of Congress, Lincoln Memorial, Lincoln Theatre, Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial Grove, Madame Tussauds Washington D.C., Madam's Organ, Maine Avenue Fish Market, Martin Luther King Jr National Memorial, Massachusetts Avenue, Mazza Gallerie, McCrillis Gardens, Meridian Hill Park, Miss Pixie's, Momofuku CCDC, National Arboretum, National Archives, National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, National Mall, National Sculpture Garden, Nationals Park, National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, National Theatre, National Zoological Park, 9:30 Club, Old Stone House, Old Town Alexandria, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace, Pennsylvania Avenue, Pentagon, Pohick Bay Golf Course, Politics & Prose, POV Rooftop Bar & Terrace, President Lincoln & Soldiers’ Home National Monument, Quill, Rasika, Reflecting Pool, River Farm, Rock Creek Park, Rock Creek Park Golf Course, Rose's Luxury, Round Robin & Scotch Bar, Sackler Gallery Shop, Second Story Books, Shakespeare Theatre, Shaw District, Signature Theatre, Six Flags America, Som Records, Studio Theatre, Sudhouse DC, Supreme Court, The Anthem, The Capitol Steps, The Capital Wheel, The DC Improv, The Ellipse, The Fashion Centre, The Mead Center for American Theater, The Music Center, Theodore Roosevelt Island & Memorial, The Park, The Phoenix, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , The Wonderland Ballroom, Tiny Jewel Box, Transformer, Tudor Place Historic House & Garden, Twins Jazz, Union Pub, Union Market, Union Station, United States Marine Corps War Memorial, U.S. Botanic Garden, U.S. Capitol, U.S. Navy Memorial & Naval Heritage Center, U Street District, U Street Music Hall, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Warner Theater, Washington Canal Park, Washington Monument, Washington National Cathedral, Washington National Opera, West Potomac Park , White House, White House Gifts, Willard InterContinental, World War II Memorial, Wisconsin Avenue, Wolf Trap National Park, Woolly Mammoth and Zenebech. 
  • Special Events: (January) Washington Auto Show, (February) D.C. Fashion Week, (March) National Cherry Blossom Festival, Rock 'n' Roll USA Marathon, (April) White House Easter Egg Roll, (May) DC Bike Ride, National Harbor Food & Wine Festival, Passport DC, Washington National Cathedral Annual Flower Mart, (June) By The People Festival, Capital Jazz Fest, Capital Pride, Firefly Festival, National Capital Barbecue Battle, (July) Capital Fringe Festival, Citi Open, Fort Reno, Immigrant & Refugee Music Festival, Marine Corps Marathon, Smithsonian Folklife Festival, (August) Lockn Festival, Metropolitan Washington Restaurant Week, National Book Festival,(September) Adams Morgan Day, DC Jazz Festival, H Street Festival, Summer Spirit Festival, (October) Adams Morgan Farmers Market, Columbus Day, Italian Heritage, Marine Corps Marathon, (November) National Christmas Tree Lighting, Veterans Day, (December) Military Bowl and Pearl Harbor Day.


Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC. Photo Credit: Lars Hoffmann/Pixabay 


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Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming State Flag


"Big Wyoming", "Cowboy State" and "Equality State"


Why visit Wyoming?
For the traveler seeking to enjoy backpacking, boating, camping, cowboy atmosphere, culture, fishing, geysers, golf, history, horseback riding, hot springs, hunting, kayaking, mountains, rock climbing, scenic drives, skiing, snowmobiling, white water rafting, wildflowers and wildlife.


Golf, WY. Photo Credit: Pixabay


At a Glance
  • Capital: Cheyenne
  • State Bird: Western Meadowlark
  • State Dessert: None
  • State Flower: Indian Paintbrush
  • State Gemstone: Wyoming Nephrite Jade 
  • State Mammal: American Bison 
  • State Rock: None

Grand Teton National Park, WY. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 


Fun Facts
  • From 1872-1903, Wyoming Territorial Prison (Laramie) held Robert LeRoy Parker "Butch Cassidy" incarnation. Gang Leader, "Wild Bunch" for American bank robbers and trains.
  • In 1920, voters elected the first all-female town council (Jackson).
  • From 1921-1923, the Teapot Dome (Casper) bribery scandal involved President Warren G Harding and oil tycoons (Mammoth Oil Company).
  • In 1924, the country's first woman governor, Nellie Taylor Ross was elected, serving from 1925-1927.
  • In 1998, former Governor Mike Sullivan was appointed Ambassador of Ireland.
  • The log cabin nicknamed, Hole-in-the-Wall (Cody) is the remote location where Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch gang would meet.
  • Home to the largest proposed wind farm in our country (Carbon County).
  • Producer of grain, livestock, hay, sugar beets, grain and wool. 
  • Pronghorns are said to out number the human population.
  • Economy is based on extraction of minerals (coal, natural gas, oil, trona) and tourism.
  • Nearly 48% of the state land area is owned by the federal government.
  • Features 5 National Forests, 2 National Parks and 16 State Parks.

Grand Teton National Park, WY. Photo Credit: Mike Goad/Pixabay 


Thank You!
  • Spotlight Celebrities: Adam Archuleta (Athlete), Ashlynn Yennie (Actress), Brandon Nimmo (Athlete), Ceclia Hart (Actress), Chris Cooley (Athlete), James Johnson (Athlete), Jesse Garcia (Actor), Jim Beaver (Actor), John Buck (Athlete), Kirby Heyborne (Athlete) and Zane Beadles (Athlete), just to name a few.
  • Movies to Inspire You: Brokeback Mountain (1983), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Dances With Wolves (1990), Django Unchained (2011), Every Which Way But Loose (1978), Flicka (2006), Rocky IV (1985), Shane (1951), Starship Troopers (1997), Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) and The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), just to name a few.
  • Reads Set in Wyoming: Banditti of the Plains (written by Asa Mercer), Climbing & Hiking in the Wind River Mountains (written by Joe Kelsey), Close Range (written by Annie Proulx), Dream Country (written by Luanne Rice), My Friend Flicka (written by Mary O'Hara), Riders of Judgment (written by Frederick Manfred), Roadside Geology of Wyoming (written by David R. Lageson), The Cold Dish (written by Craig Johnson) and The Legend of Colton H Bryant (written by Alexandra Fuller), just to name a few.

Grand Prismatic Spring (Yellowstone National Park), WY. Photo Credit: Mike Goad/Pixabay 


Good to Know
  • One of the richest sites for dinosaur fossils in the world is along Highway 30 (northwest of Rock River). 
  • Children (14 and younger) can fish for free with a licensed adult.
  • Hunting Licenses are by lottery for non residents.
  • Recreational Vehicle (RV) Camping is permitted in national and state parks.
  • Anticipate long distances between locations.
  • Be mindful, in high altitude climates intoxication occurs quicker.
  • Food (humans) is not subject to sales tax. Lodging tax ranges from 2%-5%, varies by county. Collects a use tax of 5% on items purchased elsewhere and brought into state.
  • Even during summer evenings a light jacket or sweater may be necessary.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. You will experience a drier climate, stronger sun and thinner air.
  • Large commercial planes are not known to fly into Wyoming.
  • Power outages are common during landslides, wildfires and winter storms.
  • Wyoming State Liquor Association is the state's sole legal wholesale distributor of spirits with the exception to wine.
  • There's no Amtrak services.

Subject to droughts, earthquakes, floods, landslides, possible volcano eruption, severe rainfall, snowstorms, tornadoes and wildfires.

  • Best Time to Visit: June - September
  • Coldest Months: November - May
  • Hottest Month: July 
  • Peak Season: June - October

Geyser (Yellowstone National Park), WY. Photo Credit: Pixabay 


Your Must-See & Do
  • Historical Sites: Ames Monument, Expedition Island, Fort D.A. Russell, Fort Phil Kearny & Associated Sites, Fort Yellowstone, Heart Mountain Relocation Center, Hell Gap Paleoindian Site, Horner Site, Independence Rock, Jackson Lake Lodge, Lake Guernsey State Park, Lake Hotel, Medicine Mountain, Murie Ranch Historic District, Norris Madison & Fishing Bridge Museums, Obsidian Cliff, Old Faithful Inn, Oregon Trail Ruts, J. C. Penney Historic District, Sheridan Inn, South Pass, Tom Sun Ranch, Swan Land & Cattle Company Headquarters, Union Pacific Railroad Depot, Upper Green River Rendezvous Site, Wapiti Ranger Station and Wyoming State Capitol.
  • Museums: American Heritage Center, American Indians of the Greater Yellowstone Museum, Anna Miller Museum, Big Horn Basin Geoscience Center, Bozeman Trail Museum, Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Campbell County Rockpile Museum, Carbon County Museum, Cheyenne Depot Museum, Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, Cody Dug Up Gun Museum, Douglas Railroad Interpretive Museum, Dubois Museum, Elk Mountain Museum, First National Bank Museum, Fort Bridger State Historic Site, Fort Casper Museum, Fossil Country Frontier Museum, Fremont County Pioneer Museum, Glenrock Deer Creek Museum, Grand Encampment Museum, Hans Kleiber Studio Museum, Heart Mountain Interpretive Center, Homesteader Museum, Hoofprints of the Past Museum, Jackson Hole Historical Society & Museum, J. C. Penney House & Museum, Jim Gatchell Memorial Museum, Laramie Plains Museum, Meeteetse Museums, Museum at the Bighorns, Museum of Flight & Aerial Firefighting, Museum of the American West, Museum of the Mountain Man, Museum of the National Park Ranger, National Historic Trails Interpretive Center, National Museum of Military Vehicles, National Museum of Wildlife Art, Nelson Museum of the West, Nici Self Historical Museum, Nicolaysen Art Museum, Norris Geyser Basin Museum, Paleon Museum, Parco Sinclair Museum, Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop, Red Onion Museum, Riverton Museum, Saratoga Museum, Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center, Stagecoach Museum, Tate Geological Museum, Texas Trail Museum, The Brinton Museum, The Science Zone, Uinta County Museum, University of Wyoming Anthropology Museum, University of Wyoming Art Museum, Warren ICBM & Heritage Museum, Washakie Museum, West Texas Trail Museum, Wright Centennial Museum, WWCC Natural History Museum, Wyoming Dinosaur Center, Wyoming National Guard Museum, Wyoming Pioneer Museum, Wyoming State Museum, Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum and Wyoming Women's History House.
  • Popular Attractions: A RARE Gallery, Artist Point, Ashley National Forest, Astoria Fine Art, Boiling River Hot Springs, Black Sand Basin, Brookover Gallery, By Western Hands, California National Historic Trail, Caribou–Targhee National Forest, Chapel of the Transfiguration, Devils Tower, Excelsior Geyser Crater, Flaming Gorge, Fort Fetterman, Fort Phil Kearny, Fossil Butte National Monuments, Frank Lloyd Wright Quintin Blair House, Gibbon Falls, Grand Prismatic Spring, Grand Teton National Parks, Great Fountain Geyser, Guernsey State Park, Hot Springs State Park, Independence Rock, Inspiration Point, Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis, Jackson Hole Rodeo, Jackson Lake Dam, Jackson Town Square, John B Kendrick Mansion, Laramie Territorial Prison, Laurance S Rockefeller Preserve, Legend Rock Petroglyph Site, Lewis Falls, Mammoth Hot Springs, Medicine Mountain National Historic Landmark, Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, Mountain Trails Gallery, Mystic Falls, National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center, Norris Geyser Basin, Old Faithful Geyser, Old Trail Town, Oregon National Historic Trail, Phelps Lake, Pony Express National Historic Trail, Ringholz Studios, Rocky Mountain Herbarium, Schwabacher Landing, Snake River, Steamboat Geyser, Teapot Dome, Thumb Geyser, Wind River Canyon, Wyoming Frontier Prison, Wyoming Governor's Mansion, Wyoming Pioneer Museum, Wyoming State Capitol, Wyoming Territorial Prison and Yellowstone National Park.
  • Popular Cities/Towns to Visit: Casper, Cheyenne, Cody, Douglas, Evanston, Gillette, Green River, Jackson, Jackson Hole, Lander, Laramie, Powell, Rawlins, Riverton, Rock Springs, Sheridan, Tetons, Thermopolis, Torrington and Worland.
  • Special Events: (February) Cody Ice Climbing Festival, (May) Old West Days, (June) Alpine Mountain Days, Cheyenne Celtic Musical Arts Festival, Cheyenne Frontier Days, Chugwater Chili Cook-Off, Flaming Gorge Days, Hulett Rodeo, Plains Indian Museum Powwow, Woodchoppers Jamboree & Rodeo, Wyoming Brewers Festival, (July) FossilFest, Gold Rush Days, Green River Rendezvous, High Plains Music Festival, Hot Air Balloon Festival, International Climbers Festival, Oyster Ridge Music Festival, Riverton Rendezvous & Balloon Rally, Wyoming’s Big Show, Yellowstone Beer Fest, (August) Big Horn, Cody Wild West River Fest, Jackson Hole Scottish Festival, River Festival, The Wyoming State Fair, (September) Jackson Hole Arts Festival, Northern Arapahoe Powwow and (November) Cowboy Christmas. 

Fort Laramie, WY. Photo Credit: Pixabay


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Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin State Flag


"Badger State" and "America's Dairyland"
"America's Dairyland ", "The Cheese State" and  "The Copper State"


Why visit Wisconsin?
A year round destination offering travels the opportunity of biking, birdwatching, boating, breweries, camping, canoeing, cheese factories, culture, fishing, forests, hiking, hunting, sailing, scenic railways, skiing, small towns,  snowmobiling and wineries. 
Madison, WI. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 


At Glance
  • Capital: Madison
  • State Bird: Robin
  • State Dessert: None
  • State Flower: Wood Violet
  • State Gemstone: None
  • State Mammal: American Badger
  • State Rock: Red Granite

Wisconsin Dells, WI. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 


Fun Facts
  • Around 10,000 BCE, Paleo-Indians arrived to hunt for boaz mastodon (ice age animal).
  • In 1673, explorers, Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet became the first to record traveling on the Fox-Wisconsin Waterway to the Mississippi River.
  • During the French and Indian War (1754-1763), the British gradually took over gaining full control of the state.
  • After (1783) the American Revolutionary War became a territorial possession of the United States. Economy shifting from fur trading to lead mining.
  • In 1873, John Michael Kohler founded Kohler Company (Kohler) best known for their plumbing products.
  • In 1885, Charles R Nagreen "Hamburger Charlie" (Seymour), created the hamburger sandwich after the idea to flatten a meatball.
  • In 1895, OshKosh B'gosh children's apparel company was founded (Oshkosh). Today, a subsidiary of Carter's.
  • In 1903, the American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson was founded (Milwaukee).
  • Since 1927, it has operated (Kenosha) our nation's oldest arena track cycling (velodrome) hosting annual races.
  • Since 1990, has maintained a diplomatic relationship with Chiba (Japan). 
  • In 1995, Frank Emmert Jr, Green Bay Packers claimed during a small plane crash (Stevens Point) the popular foam cheese wedge saved his head from injury.
  • In 2008, Public Enemies directed by Michael Mann was the first major film production to take advantage of the state's film industries new tax incentive. Production spent $18 million to produce the film to only receive $5 million in revenue.
  • In 2016, opened a Mexican Consulate (Milwaukee).
  • Green Bay is named because the water and the shores green tints early spring. French residents rather called it, La Baye. 
  • Some theories suggest the state name originates from Ojibwa (native language) to mean "red stone place", "where the waters gather", or "great rock".
  • Our nation's top cheese maker produces 2 billion pounds annually.
  • Goats are used to maintain traditional sod roofs (Door County).
  • Nation's leading producer of carrots, cherries (tart), corn, dairy, cranberries, ginseng, maple syrup, oats, potatoes and snap beans.
  • Economy thrives on agriculture, health care and manufacturing.
  • Ranks second for butter production.
  • Has a sister state relationship with Chiba Prefecture (Japan), Heilongjiang (China),  Hesse (Germany), Jalisco (Mexico) and Nicaragua (Central America).
  • Headquarters to moguls Ashley Furniture (Arcadia), Johnsonville (Sheboygan Falls), Oscar Mayer (Madison), Tombstone (Medford) and Usinger's (Milwaukee). 
  • Over 600,000 Hunting Licenses for deer are sold annually.
  • Has 22 Apostle Islands islands (Lake Superior).
  • Features 2 National Forests, 13 State Forests 46 State Parks and 11 Recreation Areas.

Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, Fish Creek, WI. Photo Credit: Mike Goad/Pixabay 


Thank You!
  • Spotlight Celebrities: Ava Max (Musician), Brady Tutton (Actor), Chris Tallman (Actor), Colin Kaepernick (Athlete), Dylan Mark Postl "Hornswoggle" (Athlete), Gene Wilder (Actor), Holly Brook Hafermann "Skylar Grey" (Musician), Jidenna Theodore Mobisson (Musician), Justin James "JJ" Watt (Athlete), Luke Eisner (Actor), Madilyn Bailey (Musician), Mark Ruffulo (Actor), Paris Berelc (Actress), Talia Jackson (Actress) and Tyler Herro (Athlete), just to name a few. 
  • Movies to Inspire You: American Movie (1999), Bridesmaids (2011), Iron Will (1994), Major League (1989), Public Enemies (2009), The Amityville Horror (2005), The Blues Brothers (1980), The Last Kiss (2006), The Giant Spider Invasion (1975) and Transformers Dark of the Moon (2011), just to name a few. 
  • Reads Set in Wisconsin: Death Stalks Door County (written by Patricia Skalka), Driftless (written by David Rhodes), Indian Nations of Wisconsin (written by Patty Loew), Milwaukee A City Built on Water (written by John Gurda), Old World Murder (written by Kathleen Ernst), Rascal (written by Sterling North),  Shotgun Lovesongs (written by Nickolas Butler),  The Flavor of Wisconsin (written by Harva Hachten), The Selma of the North (written by Patrick D Jones), Thimble Summer (written by Elizabeth Enright) and Wisconsin Death Trip (written by Michael Lesy), just to name a few. 

Milwaukee, WI. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 


Good to Know
  • Considered the "tubing capital of the world" (Apple River, Somerset).
  • Canada geese migration occurs in November.
  • Mosquitos are known to carry the West Nile Virus.
  • Has one of the healthiest populations of bald eagles compared to any other state.
  • Rut (Deer Mating Season) is September-October during this time in particular known to cause automobile accidents.
  • Ferry Service is available from Lake Michigan from Muskegon to Milwaukee, also between Ludington (MI) and Manitowoc (WI).
  • There are no toll roads (highway construction and maintenance are funded by motor fuel tax and non highway by the local government).
  • Home to the "The World's Largest Music Festival" (Summerfest) hosted annually (Milwaukee).

Subject to humidity, snowstorms, tropical storms, tornadoes and wildfires.

  • Best Time to Visit: August-October
  • Coldest Month: January
  • Hottest Month: July 
  • Peak Season: June - August

Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI, Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 


Your Must-See & Do
  • Historical Sites: Administration Building & Research Tower S.C. Johnson Company, Aldo Leopold Shack & Farm, Astor Fur Warehouse, Aztalan, Brisbois House, Dousman Hotel, Dr Fisk Holbrook Day House, Farmers' & Merchants' Union Bank, First Unitarian Society Meetinghouse, Fountain Lake Farm, Fourth Street (Meir) School, Greendale Historic District, Hamlin Garland House, Harold C Bradley House, Herbert & Katherine Jacobs First House, Herbert & Katherine Jacobs Second House, Herbert Johnson House, Little White Schoolhouse, Man Mound, Milton House, Milwaukee City Hall, Namur Historic District, North Hall, University of Wisconsin,  Northwestern Branch National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Oconto Site, Pabst Theater, Ringling Brothers Circus Winter Headquarters, Robert M La Follette Home, Schoonmaker Reef, Second Fort Crawford Military Hospital, Silver Mound Archeological District, Soldiers' Home Reef, Taliesin, Ten Chimneys, The History Museum at the Castle, Thomas A Greene Memorial Museum, Turner Hall, University of Wisconsin Armory & Gymnasium, University of Wisconsin Dairy Barn,  University of Wisconsin Science Hall, USS COBIA, Van Hise Rock, Villa Louis, Wade House Historical Site and Wisconsin State Capitol.
  • Museums: Above & Beyond Children's Museum, Alexander Noble House Museum, America's Black Holocaust Museum, Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass, Betty Brinn Children's Museum, Beyer Home & Carriage Museum, Building For Kids, Cable Natural
    History Museum, Camp Five Museum, Castlerock Museum, Chazen Museum of Art, Chippewa Valley Museum, Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear, Circus World Museum, Civil War Museum, Colfax Railroad Museum, Dahl Auto Museum, Deke Slayton Memorial Space & Bike Museum, Dinosaur Discovery Museum, Discovery World, Door County Historical Museum, Dr Kate Museum, EAA Aviation Museum, Fairlawn Mansion & Museum, Fennimore Doll & Toy Museum, Fort Crawford Museum, Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, Grohmann Museum, Haggerty Museum of Art, Hamburger Hall of Fame, Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum, Harley-Davidson Museum, Hazelwood Historic Home Museum, Hearthstone Historic House Museum, Henschel's Indian Museum, H. H. Bennett Studio, Hoard Historical Museum, Jewish Museum Milwaukee, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Kenosha Public Museum, Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Logan Museum of Anthropology, Logic Puzzle Museum,  L.R. Ingersoll Physics Museum, Madeline Island Museum, Madison Children's Museum, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA), Madeline Island Museum, Manitowoc County Historical Society, Military Veterans Museum & Education Center, Miller Art Museum, Milton House Museum, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum, Minocqua Museum, Mitchell Gallery of Flight, Museum of Historic Torture Devices, Museum of Wisconsin Art, Mustard Museum, National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, National Railroad Museum, Neville Public Museum, North Point Lighthouse Museum, Northwoods Childrens Museum, Octagon House Museum, Old Firehouse & Police Museum, Old World Wisconsin, Oneida Nation Museum, Oshkosh Public Museum, Paine Art Center & Gardens, Paper Discovery Center, Peshtigo Fire Museum, Portage WW II History Museum, Racine Art Museum, Rahr West Art Museum, Railroad Memories Museum, RAM's Charles Wustum Museum of Fine Arts, Sheboygan County Historical Museum, Snowmobile Hall of Fame, S S Meteor Maritime Museum, Stonefield Museum, Ten Chimneys, The Children's Museum of Green Bay, The Dells Mill  & Museum, The Mining & Rollo Jamison Museums, Trout Museum of Art, University Wisconsin Madison Geology Museum, Vilas County Historical Museum, Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, Washington Island Farm Museum, Waukesha County Historical Society & Museum, Wausau Museum of Contemporary Art, Webster House Museum, Weis Earth Science Museum, Wisconsin Automotive Museum, Wisconsin Black Historical Museum, Wisconsin Historical Museum, Wisconsin Logging Museum, Wisconsin Maritime Museum, Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts, Wisconsin Science Museum, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, World Of Accordions and Wright Museum of Art.
  • Popular Attractions: Amnicon Falls State Park, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Atwater Park, Aztalan State Park, Barlow Planetarium, Basilica of St. Josaphat, Bay Beach Amusement Park, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, Bear Foot Bay Indoor Water Park, Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery, Big Manitou Falls, Black Point Estate & Gardens, Blue Mound State Park, Boerner Botanical Gardens, Bradford Beach, Bronze Fonz, Brown County Historical Society & Hazelwood Historic House, Calvary Cemetery & Mausoleum, Cana Island Lighthouse, Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion, Cascade Mountain, Cathedral Square Park, Cave of the Mounds, Cave Point County Park, Cool Waters Aquatic Park, Copper Falls State Park, Crawdaddy Cove Indoor Water Park, Dells Ghost Boat, Dells of the Wisconsin River, Devil's Lake State Park, Discovery World, Door County, Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, Geneva Lake, Governor Dodge State Park, Grand Avenue Mall, Great River Road, Great Wall of China, GuitarTown Guitar, Helium Trampoline & Indoor Adventure Park, Henry Maier Festival Park, Henry Vilas Zoo, High Cliff State Park, Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells, Holy Hill Basilica & National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Horicon Marsh, House on the Rock, Interfalls Lake, Irvine Park Zoo, Jelly Belly Center, Jurustic Park, Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Klondike Kavern Water Park, Kettle Moraine State Forest, Knuckleheads Trampoline Park, Lakefront Brewery, Lake Monona, Lakeside Park, Lake Tomahawk, LaReau's World of Miniature Buildings, Lautenbach's Orchard Country Winery & Market, Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve, Little Amerricka Amusement Park, Little Switzerland Ski Area, Lizard Mound State Park, Logger's Landing Indoor Waterpark, Madison's University of Wisconsin Arboretum, MagiQuest, Mars Cheese Castle, Menominee Park Zoo, Miller Park, Milwaukee County Zoo, Milwaukee Riverwalk, Min-Aqua Bats, Mineral Point, Mirror Lake State Park, Mitchell Gallery of Flight, Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory, Mount La Crosse, Mt La Crosse Ski Area, Mt Olympus Water & Theme Park, Noah's Ark Waterpark, Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Old World Wisconsin, Oshkosh B'Gosh Outlet, Pattison State Park, Peninsula State Park, Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, Pirates’ Hollow Waterpark, Pleasant Prairie RecPlex, Pollock Community Water Park, Potawatomi Casino, Pyramids, Rib Mountain State Park, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, Road America, Rotary Botanical Gardens, Sphinx, Schoolhouse Beach Park, Simmons Island Park, Springs Water Park, Taliesin Preservation, The Elk Mound Castle, The Green Gallery, The House on the Rock, The Memorial Union, The Mountain Top Ski & Adventure Center, Timbavati Wildlife Park, Third Ward District, Tommy Bartlett Exploratory, Tyrol Ski Basin, Walnut Hollow Woodcraft Outlet, Wakanda Water Park, Whitecap, Wild Waterdome Water Park, Wild West Water Park, Willow River State Park, Wisconsin Deer Park, Wisconsin River, Wisconsin State Capitol and Wizard Quest.
  • Popular Cities/Towns to Visit: Algoma, Appleton, Ashland, Babcock, Baraboo, Bayfield, Beaver Dam, Berlin, Campbellsport, Cassville, Cedarburg, Dodgeville, Eau Claire, Egg Harbor, Elkhart Lake, Ellsworth, Fish Creek, Hayward, Horicon, Hudson, Jacksonport,    Janesville, Kenosha, Lake Geneva, Green Bay, Lake Mills, Lodi, Madison, Mellen, Milwaukee, Mineral Point, Monroe, Mount Horeb, Northwoods, Oshkosh, Paoli, Somerset, Pardeeville, Pattison, Portage, Prairie du Sac, Racine, Sauk City, Sauk-Prairie, Seymour, Sparta, Spring Green, Superior, Verona, Waukesha and West Bend.
  • Popular Islands to Visit: Bear Island, Devil's Island, Madeline Island, Oak Island, Outer Island, Pilot Island, Plum Island, Raspberry Island, Rock Island, Sand Island, St Feriole
    Island, Stockton Island, Washington Island and York Island.
  • Special Events: (February) Anime Milwaukee, Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race, Wiscon, (March) St Patrick’s Day Parade, (April) Country Thunder USA, No Brand Con, Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI),  (May) Syttende Mai (Norwegian Constitution Day), (June) Alice in Dairyland, Blue Ox Music Festival, Country Fest, Country USA, Great Wisconsin Cheese Festival, Metro Jam, Miss Wisconsin's Outstanding Teen, Polish Fest, Porterfield Country Music Festival, River Rhythms, Steel Bridge Songfest, Summerfest, Porterfield Country Music Festival, Willard Polka Fest,(July) Acoustic Fest, Bastille Days, Country Jam USA, Country Thunder, Driftless Music Festival, EAA Oshkosh Airshow, Eaux Claires, Festa Italiana, Hodag Country Music Festival, Kitsune Kon, Lifest, Lumberjack World Championships,Polka Days, Prairie Dog Blues Festival, Rhythm & Booms, Rock Fest, (August) Ashley for the Arts, Blues on the Chippewa, Big Bull Falls Blues Fest, Brat(wurst) Days, Harbor Park Jazz Rhythm & Blues Festival, Irish Fest, Madison Pride & MAGIC Picnic, Mile of Music, Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival, Voices of Peace Gospel Music Fest, Wisconsin Highland Games, Wisconsin State Fair, (September) Cheese Days, Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival, Oktoberfest, (October) African World Festival, Arab Fest, Indian Summer and (November) Daisho Con.

Devil's Lake, Sauk County, WI. Photo Credit: Amanda Krueger/Pixabay 


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                                                                                                  All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. 

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