USA Travel Magazine - Topics

One of the beautiful spots to see within the Florida Botanical Gardens is the Majeed Discovery Garden . This accessible children’s garden has a Trunk Jump, a Bamboo Bridge, along with the Pollinator Landing, and more for kids to explore. When walking in a garden a watchful glance around presents nature in motion everywhere. The Florida Botanical Gardens is one example of a peaceful oasis. The Gardens are open 7am - 5pm Monday - Sunday, and admission is free, except during select events. Visit The Florida Botanical Gardens Managed by the  Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Department ,    the Florida Botanical Gardens is has two Locations with complementary parking - one at 12520 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33774, and another at 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo, FL 33778.  Visit the  Florida Botanical Gardens  website for current programs, exhibits, and  events like the anniversary of the Majeed Discovery Garden this November.

August 25th 1916 was the official start of National Park Service, which was created to "preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations." Since this time the parks system has grown to over 400 national parks. The NPS is host to many programs around the world that bring us together to celebrate our national cultural and natural treasures and traditions. With so many parks available, there’s always something new to discover. And, as you visit a new park, share your "park story" on social media using #MyParkStory or #MiParqueMiHistoria.  Did You Know? The National Park Service has virtual activities to experience. Find out more about these events, parks to explore, and schedules of upcoming programs to join on their website and social networks.  

The Holden Arboretu m is invites us to discover pollinators among miniature trains and larger-than-life botanical sculptures starting today. Pollinator Expres s is coming to the Holden Arboretum, featuring miniature trains and larger-than-life pollinator sculptures.  This entertaining exhibit features G-scale model trains rolling on along a landscape of iconic sculptures that depict unique plants from around the globe, paired with the insects and animals they depend on for pollination. Exhibit included with admission from now until September 8th. Plan A Trip To Kirkland Explore regional recreation, entertainment, and more to do in the region at Visit Kirkland . Find nature riding the rails with the  Pollinator Express  at  Holden Arboretum  at 9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland, Ohio - see their website for more events!

What not-for-profit organization was established to support education and research efforts at Badlands National Park?  The  Badlands Natural History Association  (BNHA) was founded in 1959  to support education and research efforts at Badlands National Park . Since then, the park has become a favorite place to take a hike and witness how preserving nature does help support wildlife. Since the park was establishment as a National Monument they have reintroduced once exterminated species of bison, bighorn sheep, swift fox, and black-footed ferret. The region is now well known for the thriving grass prairie - ideal for photographing wildlife and birds in their native habitat. Support The Badlands Natural History Association Did you know when you shop at the bookstore in the Ben Reifel Visitor Center it supports the work of the Badlands Natural History Association . In the bookstore's collection are books about the park's natural and cultural history. Plus,  Ben Re...

  Rick Calloway of the Indiana Astronomical Society hosted Photographing the Solar Eclipse at the Mooresville Public Library. The engaging program on the April 8th eclipse covered : Photography equipment and filters    The stages of the eclipse to anticipate    Apps, photography techniques, and resources for the Eclipse   What the expect before, during, and after the event  Safety First For The Eclipse  Safety of eyes was key among the key topics. Mr. Calloway explained the importance of using certified glasses to protect eyes. And, how helpful it is to have a separate filter for cameras that can be removed during totality of the Eclipse. This is one presentation in the “Countdown to the E2024 eclipse" series at the Mooresville Public Library. Go to the Mooresville Public Library website for additional events, book clubs, and services available, or, stop by their location at 220 West Harrison St, Mooresville, IN 46158.

Quad City Botanical Center presents several special events to join:  Winter Nights Winter Lights : The holiday bright and festive during the Winter Nights Winter Lights at the Quad City Botanical Center set for November 18-January 1. View over 160,000 glowing lights and a dancing light show in the Conductors’ Garden that includes a live recording from the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.   Lights and Flights : Wake Brewing brings together a light display and samples of locally-crafted brews in Downtown Rock Island. Sample flights of their riff-infused, artistic brews, and enjoy live music by Roger Carlson and friends from December 15 or 29 from 6-8:30 pm. Visit Santa : Share holiday cheer and snap memorable photos on a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus on December 9-10 from 5-8 pm.  Purchase tickets for these and upcoming events online at the Quad City Botanical Center website.   www.qcgardens.com Visit The Quad Cities  Located close to several major state highw...

  Gear up for the prestigious Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's Masters Walleye Circuit (MWC) World Walleye Championship (WWC), held October 8th-10th. This is will a chance to witness the "very best of the best" walleye anglers from across the country battle it out for a $120,000 prize pool. The tournament boasts a "protected slot limit" to ensure healthy fish populations, with anglers aiming for a maximum of five walleye, sauger, or saugeye, with specific size restrictions. The event will be filmed and broadcasted, offering a chance for everyone to witness the action. This is just the beginning of events to join this weekend - The Fishers of Men National Tournament Trail brings the Berkley Team Series District 11 Championship to the Quad Cities on the same dates. These tournaments highlight the Quad Cities' commitment to promoting the Mississippi River as a world-class fishing destination. Don't miss the chance to join these exciting fishing events this Oct...

  We arrived in Miami ready to travel along the Florida Keys. We had no problems finding our bags, and everyone who worked at the Miami International Airport was nice and helpful when we had questions. Once you're in Miami, pack your bags and friends and family in the car for a cruise through the Keys. Bring along a cooler with some refreshments, a few snacks, and pop in a Howard Livingston & the Mile Marker 24 Band's CD or Jimmy Buffet to set the mood as you set off on your dining adventure. (Yes, you can fly into Key West and find such a exciting mix of activities and attraction to enjoy, but then you'll miss the opportunity to meet many of the other Characters of the Keys.) Mile Marker 79.9 - 106.5 - As you begin your journey through the Florida Keys you'll notice Mile Maker's along the way. These are the easiest way to figure out where you are and what you're looking for as you travel down the Overseas Highway towards Key West. This is...

  Established in 1908, The Bison Range, a historical wildlife conservation area, was created to preserve the species. Over 300 bison live on the wildlife refuge, and two scenic, self-directed driving tours are available to view the wildlife. Many native species live in the area, including elk and pronghorns . Watch for deer , bears , and other wildlife as well.     Visit The Bison Range   See The Bison Range website for full schedules, fees, and information.   Video Credits: The Bison Range Update - links  

  Whenever I work in the garden the world around me disappears. I find myself relaxing, and letting go of thoughts of work and the daily grind. Here, in my garden I nurture not only the plants, but also my spirit, which always feels refreshed when I am done for the day. A visit to the Cleveland Botanical Garden is such a renewing experience. Here, you can roam among the ten acres of lush, beautiful gardens and let the world outside slip away. The Cleveland Botanical Garden, which is located in Cleveland's University Circle, has an extensive collection of native plants, as well plants from around the world. I love roaming through the rainforest area where there are new and interesting plants, butterflies, as well as animals and reptiles to see. In fact, we discovered a variety of amazing cacti that we would have never known existed without a visit to the Cleveland Botanical Garden. I also find it enjoyable speaking to other gardeners and professionals, who give us insight into the ...

A drive along the Midwest byways offers a glimpse of country crafts near small towns. Waynesville is such a lovely town and known as the Antique capital of the Midwest. The town is picturesque with the streets lined with quaint shops, beautiful trees, park benches for those who want to rest or people watch. This town is also a lovely place to browse the shops and sites. The Cobblestone Village and Cafe - While strolling around the town, the Cobblestone Village is one of the sites to stop in at and explore the items. They say the Cobblestone Village is the place which has nothing you need but everything you want. Whoever said that was absolutely correct - I did find some home decorating items.  Owners Rick and Brenda Weber created a unique blend of really neat and creative gifts for the country home and a fabulous café too. They also have the largest collection of quilts in the region. The workmanship of these quilts is awesome with some really beautiful designs. The Hammel Ho...

  When seeking a place to stay guests staying at the  Alpine Lodge will find cozy rooms and great amenities. And as a surprising touch you'll also discover bear tracks inlaid on the floor and copper salmon swimming on a smooth pebble river that covers the front desk reception area, and a décor featuring an Interior Alaskan theme. Fairbanks’ newest luxury hotel, the Alpine Lodge is a 115-room three-story hotel with amenities such as complementary breakfasts, an outdoor spa, a fitness center and business center. They offer free shuttles from the airport, which is only minutes away. The majority of the rooms are identical but there are family suites and business suites available too. The conference room holds approximately 75 people Known as the Ice Capital of the World , Fairbanks has been the home for the World Ice Art Championships since its inception in 1988. This annual international ice sculpture competition sponsored by the non-profit organization, Ice Alaska, has about ...

  Home to over a dozen different craft breweries, micro distilleries, and wineries, Lake County is gearing up for Pig and Whiskey 2014 . During the festival you'll have the opportunity to sample over 50 whiskeys or visit the Cleveland Cocktail Corner, or enjoy a cold beer from one of the multiple awarding winning breweries. In fact, Lake County's brew masters have won awards at Ohio Brew Week , the International Beer Fest, and the World Beer Championship. And, local find, Seven Brothers Distilling Company won first prize in the COSE Small Business Pitch for their unique brewing concept and hand-designed equipment. Prefer wine? The local wineries have also won their share of awards at the Pinot Noir Shootout, the Pinot Noir Summit, Riverside International Wine Competition, Grand Harvest Awards, San Francisco International Wine Competition, Tasters Guild International, Great Lakes Wine Judging, and many other competitions. Many folks join the Pig and Whiskey  for the mouth-wat...

  Located high in the North Georgia Mountains at the intersection of state highways 60 and 180 is the unincorporated community of Suches , Georgia . Just south of Blairsville and sandwiched between Dahlonega and Blue Ridge, Suches is one of Georgia's best kept secrets. So, if you are looking for somewhere different to spend part of the day during your Georgia travel, then why not spend some time here. One of the most interesting places to visit in Suches is the footbridge over the Toccoa River. The 265 foot long suspension bridge is the longest one east of the Mississippi River. Known by many as "the swinging bridge", it was built to make it easier for those hiking the Benton McKaye Trail to get across the Toccoa River. Suches is convenient to the Chattahoochee National Forest and its many outdoor activities. One such place is Sosebee Cove. The cove is only three tenths of a mile, but it is home to 2 dozen wildflower species, as well as splendidly tall trees. Also in the...

  In all seasons, Vermont is an iconic place to visit: winter brings exhilarating skiing and riding, spring features fresh, pure maple syrup, and summer offers Ben & Jerry's, swimming holes, hiking, and lazy afternoons. And, of course, autumn brings thousands to the state for foliage season. But there's more to Vermont in the fall than spectacular leaves. Fall is harvest season in this agricultural state renowned for its artisan food products. So, during your Vermont weekend getaway this autumn, and in between leaf peeping, hiking, and driving slowly to take in the view, consider exploring some of Vermont's harvest hot spots. When visiting Vermont there are a number of great farms and orchards that offer a taste of the state heritage and home town pride. Vermont is prime apple country, and you'll find everything from Cortland and Liberty, to Royal Red Delicious, and a stunning variety of heirloom varieties. Many orchards also offer fresh apple cider and irresistible...

  Our children have always loved dinosaurs, and if you do as well then while in Cleveland visit the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Here, you'll find Dinosaur exhibits, and plenty of fun hands-on activities to share with the whole family. In addition to dinosaurs, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History features wildlife habitats, live animal shows, and daily planetarium programs. There is also a hands-on Discovery Center for children of all ages and, outdoor gardens where you can relax after a day of fun. Cleveland's first collection of natural history began in the 1830s in a small, wooden building known as "the Ark." Located in Cleveland's Public Square, "the Ark" consisted of two rooms that were packed with animal specimens. Through the passion and enthusiasm of a group of men who frequented "the Ark," The Cleveland Museum of Natural History was founded in 1920. Today, The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is one of the finest natural...

  The National Park Foundation is proud to release their annual ‘Top 10’ list, a photography guide highlighting the very best Fall photo experiences in America’s national parks and public lands. Coming in at number two among the ‘Top 10’ is Bryce Canyon National Park, famous for its unique geology, consists of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah. The vast and austere landscape is one of the world’s most scenic backdrops. Its awe-inspiring canyons and cliffs embrace a spectacular array of geological wonders. This high, rugged, and remote region has bold plateaus and multi-hued cliffs running for distances that defy human perspective. The park’s diverse landscape makes Bryce Canyon National Park an ideal site for photographers to explore the rich color and texture of rock formations. A Ford Photo Tip For Your Trip - With such vast beauty it is often best to search for details, and this is easy to do when...

  Cruises to Alaska offer a unique opportunity to explore the state's natural beauty while enjoying a intimate adventure unlike any other. With a diverse selection of large and small cruises available, you'll find many options for a great trip to Alaska, and below you'll find a few suggestions to help you plan your next adventure: Celebrating over 30 years of Alaska exploration, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic offers the Undersea Alaska Program, that lets you experience the beauty and mysteries of life beneath the ocean's surface. An undersea specialist onboard each Alaska expedition will dive 40-80 feet below the water and collect high-definition footage to share as well.  Lindblad Expeditions' Alaska itineraries include the eight-day Exploring Alaska's Coastal Wilderness and the 12-day Alaska, British Columbia and San Juan Islands trips offered May through September. Its fleet includes two 62-guest vessels that voyage into remote passages where you ca...