U.S. National Park System - Visits and Ranking in 2010

United States is a country with many amazing natural wonders, scenic places and routes, historic sites and recreational areas. While planning your next adventure, it may be important to know what are they but also how popular they are among visitors. Unfortunately, even with the Internet, it may require more than click (at least in my experience) to get such data. However, if the place you are interested in as a tourist destinations is administered by the U.S. National Park Service, it is easy to obtain statistics regarding number of visits. Dec. 28, 2011

Smithsonian National Museum of American History, First Floor: Science, Innovation, Technology and Transportation.

When you plan your visit to the American History Museum, you should be aware that it is organized by thematic collections. Although they are structured to represent important aspects of the American heritage, museum's exhibitions do not represent a consistent timeline in the history of the United States from the time when first settlements were founded up to the most recent historic events. It seems that the reason behind this approach is simple: it's much easier to narrate about separate aspects of the American history rather than present in one place the whole history of such big country as the United States.

- National Museum of American History: About the Museum
- National Museum of American History, First Floor: Science, Innovation, Technology and Transportation.
- National Museum of American History, Second Floor: American Lives and American Ideas
- National Museum of American History, Third Floor: American Wars and Politics

July 23, 2010

Smithsonian National Museum of American History, About the Museum

The National Museum of American History: Kenneth E. Behring Center is a very good place for kids and adults to start learning or to improve knowledge about American history. I also think that this museum can be interesting for visitors from other countries. American History museum is located on the National Mall, at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. The Museum is open daily except December 25. Regular hours are 10:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. with extended hours until 7:30 pm during summer time. Admission is free and no tickets are required.

- National Museum of American History: About the Museum
- National Museum of American History, First Floor: Science, Innovation, Technology and Transportation.
- National Museum of American History, Second Floor: American Lives and American Ideas
- National Museum of American History, Third Floor: American Wars and Politics

July 23, 2010

Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Second Floor: American Lives and American Ideas

Exhibitions on the second floor of the American History Museum are focused on social aspects of American history - American lives and ideas. Here you will find interesting exhibitions "Within These Walls..." and "Communities in a Changing Nation: The Promise of 19th-century America." There are several collections dedicated to African-Americans and exhibition related to Jewish immigration. But again, no matter how interesting current collections are, there are significant gaps in museum's presentations related to some even very important historic events.

- National Museum of American History: About the Museum
- National Museum of American History, First Floor: Science, Innovation, Technology and Transportation.
- National Museum of American History, Second Floor: American Lives and American Ideas
- National Museum of American History, Third Floor: American Wars and Politics

July 23, 2010

Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Third Floor: American Wars and Politics

Did you pay attention to those gray areas on maps with National American History Museum floor layouts? It seems like these are areas closed to public with displays not setup yet for public viewing. Just looking at maps, I would say that about 40-45% of the total floor space at the museum is not used currently for exhibitions. If this is true, I hope that there is an effort in progress to show visitors much more than what is shown now. I am talking about this, because currently only half of the third floor is used for it direct purpose - to promote understanding of the American history and in particular, such things as American wars and politics.

- National Museum of American History: About the Museum
- National Museum of American History, First Floor: Science, Innovation, Technology and Transportation.
- National Museum of American History, Second Floor: American Lives and American Ideas
- National Museum of American History, Third Floor: American Wars and Politics

July 23, 2010

Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center - Part 2: Dining and Accommodations

The second part of the article dedicated to Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center: let's now move on to things that are closer to more practical issues related to any traveling - food and accommodations. The most important observation in these areas is that Orlando World Center Marriott is self-sufficient in almost any life related aspect. I mean literally, everything you may practically want or need during your several days of staying at this place can be found without leaving it.
Part 1: Common Areas and Convention Center
Part 2: Dining and Accommodations May 10, 2010

Orlando World Center Marriott Resort - Part 1: Common Areas and Convention Center

Orlando World Center Marriott Resort and Convention Center is a large complex well known among both, leisure and business travelers from all over the world. Its popularity is well deserved due to its prime location and proximity to Walt Disney World Resort (about 5 miles - World Center Drive continues as Epcot Center Drive on the other side of I-4) as well as large event space occupying a total of 450,000 square feet. Add to this Orlando World Center accommodations facilities with about 2000 rooms and 80 suites, several restaurants, bars and lounges, its own golf course, plus a complex with 6 pools, waterfalls, water ride and whirlpools in a lagoon-like setting, and you will understand why this piece of real estate located on more than 200 prime acres is so much appreciated by many visitors.
Part 1: Common Areas and Convention Center
Part 2: Dining and Accommodations May 10, 2010

Downtown Frederick, Maryland - Restaurants and Bars - Isabella's, Brewer's Alley, and Acacia

Review of three of some popular restaurants in Downtown Frederick: Isabella's Taverna & Tapas Bar, Brewer's Alley Restaurant & Brewery and Acacia Fusion Bistro. All three are located in the heart of downtown, North Market Street, and very close to each other. I heard that they are own by the same person. However, regardless of the ownership issue, the main thing they have in common is that although all three are worth visiting, they are not the best of what restaurant industry can offer. Aug. 16, 2009

In Downlown Frederick, Maryland - Streets, Shops and Landmarks (Part 2)

This is the second part of the article and photo journal dedicated to Frederick, Maryland. In its first installment, I tried to convey the general atmosphere in the Downtown Frederick. Now, I will be focusing more on some specific places and landmarks you may find interesting. Examples include Carroll Creek Linear Park which offers a wonderful opportunity for a stroll and Emporium Antiques - antiques and vintage collectibles in Frederick. I have pictures of various restaurants and bars located on Market Street - the heart of Downtown Frederick. Browse the photo gallery - maybe you will like one of them enough to come and try it. Aug. 11, 2009

In Downlown Frederick, Maryland - Streets, Shops and Landmarks (Part 1)

Many outsiders would tell you that there is nothing special about Frederick - a city in west-central Maryland, United States (also the county seat of Frederick County). Yet, if you have a day, I would recommend without hesitation to spend it in Frederick - a place where history and modern life intertwined into a lovely and vibrant community to enjoy and understand. There are no glamorous monuments or world fame museums in Frederick. Yet, if you want a opportunity to get familiar with a small American city and enjoy the simplicity of life in an outlying community, go to Frederick, and you will not regret it. The savor and the charm of a traditional place like Frederick may very well be what you need to escape from your usual get-up-and-go life.

Aug. 8, 2009

Downtown Frederick, Maryland - Restaurants and Bars - The Tasting Room, Firestone's Restaurant & Bar and Black Hog BBQ

We continue our review of restaurants in Downtown Frederick, Maryland. This time, we'll talk about The Tasting Room, Firestone's Restaurant & Bar and Black Hog BBQ. As often the case, there is a reason why for this part of the article, I selected those three. On one hand, The Tasting Room, Firestone's Restaurant & Bar are located very close to each other (in fact, they are in neighboring buildings on N. Market Street). So, it would be interesting to see how they stack up against each other. Black Hog BBQ is a bit different from both; in fact, it's different from anything you can find in Frederick. Still there is one thing Black Hog and Tasting Room share - and that will be their owner. July 8, 2009

Downlown Frederick, Maryland - Restaurants and Bars - Bushwaller's American/ Irish Pub, Patrick's Irish Pub and Frederick Cellars Winery and Tasting Room

Well, this time I will be talking about places where you are supposed to drink primarily: there is a couple of popular pubs in Downtown Frederick: Bushwaller's American/ Irish Pub and Patrick's Irish Pub. The third place in this installment is actually a winery and not a restaurant. But they have a tasting room, and the place has some good reputation in Frederick. So, I though it could be a good idea to group all three together based on "drinking" nature common to all of them. July 8, 2009

National Museum of Natural History - Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals

Arguably, the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems and Minerals is the most interesting of all 18 exhibition halls of the National Museum of Natural History. It is located on the second floor of the museum and occupies rather large space with seven thematic galleries. To explore the whole collection, you will need at least one hour and half. This article with a photo gallery provides an overview of what you can see in three (out of seven) of them: Harry Winston Gallery, Gem Collection Gallery and Minerals and Gems Gallery. June 29, 2009

Legal Sea Foods

Legal Sea Foods restaurants are a chain of more than 30 establishments located in nine states on the Eastern coast of the United States and Washington DC. It's not franchise but a family owned business, and perhaps this is one of the reasons for its success. According of the Legal Sea Foods motto, if it's not fresh, it's not legal. Legal Sea Foods offers unmistakably American cuisine and a good one with its focus on value and quality of food. May 28, 2009

National Aquarium in Baltimore - Dolphin Show

The second part of the article with overview of National Aquarium in Baltimore. This page is dedicated to the Aquarium Dolphin Show scheduled daily. The length of the show is about 25 minutes, and I would say it's a must to see especially if you have never seen dolphins from a short distance. May 18, 2009

National Aquarium in Baltimore - Glass and Pier 3 Pavilions

Although National Aquarium in Baltimore is not the largest one in the world or even in the United States, it's big and interesting enough to attract huge crowds of visitors not only from places close to Baltimore but also from all the United States and many other countries. Today (2009), the Aquarium is a home to about 16,500 specimens and more than 660 species of animals. National Aquarium in Baltimore is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with your family and at the same time expand the knowledge about life on Earth. It's entertaining and educational - come and you will not regret. May 18, 2009

One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 2, Submarine USS Torsk SS-423

The second part of the article dedicated to four ships opened to public in Baltimore Inner Harbor. Read about Submarine USS Torsk SS-423 and enjoy pictures of the submarine from outside and inside.

One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 1, Inner Harbor and USS Constellation
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 2, Submarine USS Torsk SS-423
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 3, Lightship Chesapeake and USCGC Taney
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 4, Walking Inner Harbor

May 10, 2009

One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 1, Inner Harbor and USS Constellation

Many years ago, the Baltimore Inner Harbor and area surrounding it were not pretty. However, some two decades ago, Baltimore waterfront underwent a renaissance with the creation of Harborplace, which evokes more than a century of history and urban lore. Today, Baltimore Inner Harbor is a vibrant location attracting annually hundreds of thousands of people with its nice and clean environment, more than a hundred dining and shopping establishments, several modern hotels, National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and several ships accessible to public: USS Constellation - the last all sail warship built by the US Navy, USS Torsk - submarine SS-423, US Coastal Guart Taney and Lightship Chesapeake. This three-part article with photo galleries is dedicated to these four ships and the opportunity they provide to learn more about related chapters in the US history and what life could be on ships like this.

One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 1, Inner Harbor and USS Constellation
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 2, Submarine USS Torsk SS-423
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 3, Lightship Chesapeake and USCGC Taney
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 4, Walking Inner Harbor

May 10, 2009

One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 4, Walking Inner Harbor

The last installment of the article dedicated to Baltimore Inner Harbor and its four ships opened to public. This page describes other places in the harbore: where to eat and what to see.

One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 1, Inner Harbor and USS Constellation
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 2, Submarine USS Torsk SS-423
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 3, Lightship Chesapeake and USCGC Taney
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 4, Walking Inner Harbor

May 10, 2009

One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 3, Lightship Chesapeake and USCGC Taney

The third part of the article dedicated to four ships opened to public in Baltimore Inner Harbor. Read about Lightship Chesapeake and USCGC Taney and watch a photo gallery about both ships.

One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 1, Inner Harbor and USS Constellation
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 2, Submarine USS Torsk SS-423
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 3, Lightship Chesapeake and USCGC Taney
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 4, Walking Inner Harbor

May 10, 2009