Heron Release on shores of Gulf Shores State Park
Photo by: USFWS/Southeast, Creative Commons

There are times when having a vacation with family or friends with only one thing to do like swimming or fishing is not enough to spend one’s time. But at Gulf Shores State Park there are activities to choose from which includes swimming and fishing. When spending a vacation here, one group could enjoy swimming while others are fishing and both are having a good time. But those are just two of the many activities that can be done in this park.

The Gulf Shores State Park is almost similar as Monte Sano but instead of that mountain fresh environment, the Gulf Shores State Park has the lakeside and white sandy beach environment. Also with a number of different activities to choose from like playing tennis, or golf, surfing, swimming or fishing along the beach coast of Alabama or at Lake Shelby which is also located within the Gulf Shores State Park. Both the lake and the beach are great for swimming and fishing.

A total of eleven cottages are available and are located near Lake Shelby and the Gulf Shores State Park Golf Course however, pets are not allowed. Like Monte Sano, Gulf Shores State Park also has available campsites for those who want to camp instead of staying in a cottage, there are hundreds of campsites available and one has the choice of what type of camping to do, whether a modern type or a primitive type. Picnic areas are also available for people to have a nice outdoor meal and enjoy the sight and the nice environment of the beach or when eating near the lake, the nice environment of the lake also gives a nice outdoor feeling.

The Gulf Shores State Park is perfect for families and friends that aim to have an activity-filled vacation. With a wide variety of activities to choose from, one is sure to have a good time when spending a vacation in this park.

The Island from the air
Photo by: divemasterking2000, Creative Commons

The Dauphin Island Marina is a full service marina located beside the Gulf of Mexico Intracoastal Waterway. Since it is inside a sheltered bay and it operates from 6 am to 6 pm, traveling yachtsmen and fishermen can feel safe and secure docking here. It is a convenient overnight stopover for those travelling either from the west or the east by sea, and is also a good sight for those who want to see the boats entering and exiting the island while savoring Mobile Bay.

The marina features wet slips, dry storage, a fuel dock (diesel, gasoline, and oil), a ships’ store, loads of fishing bait and tackle (complete with advice), chartered boat fleets for professional deep sea fishing, bottom fishing and sports fishing trips, fishing tournaments, special tours, engine repair, towing and assistance, and yacht brokerage. Large and small groups of not more than 44 passengers can be accommodated at once.

Feeling your stomach growling while experiencing the marina? No problem! You can grab some bites at any of the food establishments in Dauphin Island: the Lighthouse Bakery, the Island Rainbow, Barnacle Bill’s Marina Grill, the Oar House Restaurant, Skinners Seafood, the Common Loon, Flamingo Fae’s Beachside Grill and Tiki Bar, and Street’s Island Grill. Many of those establishments are located along Bienville Boulevard, the island’s main thoroughfare. The marina is also situated near other attractions and services on the island.

The Bayou from above
Photo by: Adrien Lamarre, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Creative Commons

Bayou La Batre is a small village in Mobile County, Alabama. Dubbed as the Seafood Capital of Alabama, the town’s progressive fishing industry has netted $80-100 million a year in revenue. Moreover, it is also famous for its shipbuilding yards. With the combination of quaint Southern culture and brisk modernization, not to mention its location along the central Gulf Coast, Bayou La Batre offers coastal living like no other. No wonder the town is featured in the novel and movie Forrest Gump, and a ship featured in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean movies was built there.

The town was established as a French settlement in 1786 by Joseph Bosarge and its name means “bayou of the battery” due to artillery installed on the bayou’s west bank. Ever since its establishment, fishing has always been the way of life there, and its significance is celebrated is celebrated in events such as “Blessing of the Fleet” and the “Miss Seafood Contest”.

It was also a resort town from the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s due to the Bay Shore Railroad, and its medicinal spring water was spoken of in historical lore. Storms have wrecked this town several times, including Hurricane Katrina; but the people, almost 3,000 strong (according to the 2005 census), never gave up.

Another reason for the town’s nickname is the proliferation of seafood processing plants. Catches from other states and even other countries are processed in Bayou La Batre, and with the plants’ high standards, seafood is made more valuable.

The Estuarium from the Marina
Photo by: Gnomedude, Creative Commons

The Dauphin Island Sea Lab Estuarium is a coastal water resource center that focuses on the four key habitats of costal Alabama: the Tensaw River Delta, Mobile Bay, the Barrier Islands, and the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Upon visiting this facility, you will have a deeper understanding of the interactions that take place in one of the largest estuary systems in the United States, the Mobile-Tensaw Estuary System.

The Estuarium is owned and operated by the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL), a marine laboratory founded in 1971 by the state legislature. The lab also has research programs and coastal zone management services to impart the knowledge of marine life to the world.

The Estuarium offers a showcase for people of all ages like the 10,000 square foot exhibit hall, the Living Marsh Boardwalk (a walkway through a salt marsh rife with grasses and wildlife), Miss May (an open vessel that provides a hands-on look at navigation, personal flotation devices, marine debris information, and Mobile Bay-endemic seafood, which are oysters and shrimp), a real-time weather station, a gift shop and bookstore, the Billy Goat Hole Gallery (which contains a replica of an old French sailing vessel), touch tanks (which lets visitors touch aquatic animals), facilities for undergraduate and graduate students, dormitories and apartments, a cafeteria, an IT center, and a library. There are plenty of things to do indeed at this facility sandwiched between two pristine bodies of water.

Inside the Fort
Photo by: nola.agent, Creative Commons

The world seen today is made possible by the history that happened before. Certain events that lead to what the world is today can only be commemorated through certain artifacts seen during excavations or researches and perhaps the biggest form of artifact there is are historical landmarks where important events in history took place. One of the historical landmarks is the Fort Morgan.

This fort was a replacement for Fort Bowyer, the first fort built on that location that withstood to attacks both coming from a British naval and land attack. Its construction was aimed for a stronger fort that could defend against both naval and land attacks as well as protect the bay’s entrance.

After the War in the year of 1812 the U.S. decided to embark on a program focusing on strengthening its coastal defenses. The plan on building the fort went to many contractors because of an epidemic during those days that cut their lives short, however after passing to a number of contractors the Army then assigned the task to a Corps of Engineers and eventually the fort was completed.

The fort encountered numerous battles from the Civil War, taking on bombardment after bombardment. Most parts of the fort became heavily damaged and during those times instead of restoring it, it was demolished. Shortly before the Civil War ended it was used as a base for reconnaissance raids and finally after the war it became a staging area for two more battles. Later on this fort was repaired and was used again for another war, additional defenses were placed on the fort and then once again the fort took heavy firing for a number of battles.

Fort Morgan is one of the key fort during those times and was used a lot by the military, being on a key location the fort was subject to constant battles and of course became heavily damaged and then repaired and then damaged again and eventually became an abandoned fort. Now it is considered as one of the many historical landmarks and is being preserved, people go to Fort Morgan and appreciate the history it holds as it is part of what made the modern world today.

Wheeler Wildlife Refuge at Dawn
Photo by: Clarkbhr, Creative Commons

The Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur is a 35,000 acre National Wildlife Refuge located along the Tennessee River between Huntsville and Decatur, Alabama. It was established via executive order by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938 and is named after Major General Joseph Wheeler, a military commander and an Alabama representative.

This Refuge is a sanctuary to wintering and migratory birds in the eastern United States and is also the home to the state’s largest duck population, all due to a mix of habitat types like bottomland hardwoods, wetlands, pine uplands, agricultural fields, and backwater embayments.

Besides birds, it is also home to 115 species of fish, 74 species of reptiles and amphibians, 47 species of mammals, and 285 different species of songbirds; with some of those species listed as endangered or threatened. Some of the unique species found in the Refuge are the Southern James Bay Canada goose and the red-tailed hawk. The Refuge is indeed a paradise for animal lovers who want a break from the fast-growing city of Madison, Alabama.

The Refuge offers opportunities for hunting, hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Fishing is a popular activity there, drawing 200,000 visitors a year. Public hunting is permitted in places that accumulate to half of the total area. It also has five hiking trails, boat launch areas that let you access the Tennessee River, and a visitor center for bird watching. Five annual events are held from March to October.

The Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge can be found at 2700 Refuge Headquarters Road, Decatur, AL 35603. It is about 80 miles north of Birmingham and 30 miles west of Huntsville. To get to the Refuge from Interstate 65, take Exit 334. Afterwards, go west on Highway 67. The visitor center is 2 miles on the left and the Refuge headquarters is 2.5 miles on the right.

Old Mine Entrance
Photo by: Graham and Sheila, Creative Commons

Aside from being well known for its vast parks and majestic glaciers, Alaska is also known for having gold deposits. If you want to start or end your tour in Alaska with a bang, you should go and visit the El Dorado Gold Mine. There is a guided tour which will give you the chance to learn the quest of people in order to get gold and get rich as well! You will also get the chance to pan and get gold. It will definitely be an experience that you will treasure (pardon the pun).

The gold mine is a destination which is going to be enjoyable for people of all ages. You will not only get to experience how to search and pan for a real gold, you will also be equipped with knowledge you never thought you would know. The train ride which will bring you to the actual gold mine is going to be an enjoyable one. The travel to the destination alone is worth remembering for. The staff, the driver and the conductor will not let you feel bored or idle; you will be surprised as to how they will entertain you. Learning along with entertainment is one of the best features of the tour in the gold mine.

Panning for gold may appear to some as boring and dirty, but once you get to experience it first hand, you will realize how fun it is! The step by step process, from steps to proper panning, you will learn and enjoy this when you visit the gold mine. It is going to be one of the best moments you will get to experience with the family. One good service that the place has is the availability of wheelchairs for people who are disabled. This place is for everyone to enjoy!

Mount McKinley and Wonder Lake, Denali National Park, Alaska.
Photo by: BillC, Creative Commons

The Denali National Park and Preserve is one of the most famous landmarks in Alaska. It is located at Denali Borough and Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Living up to its name, Denali, which means the high one, has the highest peak in the whole of Alaska. It was, and still is popular, because of the fact that it is where you can experience to see the highest peak in Alaska. Because it is the location of the highest peak and the government has identified is as a preserve and it was designated as an international biosphere reserve in the latter part of 1970s. On the 1st day of December in the year 1978, Denali National Monument was proclaimed.

If you enjoy nature and adventure, going here is going to be one of the best decisions you will ever make. You will get to see the rich mountain ranges of Alaska with your own eyes. It is not every day that you will get to see a well preserved natural treasure right before your very eyes. Aside from the rich mountain that you will get to see, Denali is also known for being the home for Alaskan birds and mammals. Get your cameras ready to capture the birds and mammals that you might encounter when sightseeing.

It is important to ask the visitor center about the current situation before finally going there. The weather can be unpredictable. Going there without plans and knowledge about the weather may be unwise. Make sure to ask the center assigned for the tourism if it is safe to go out for a tour of the area.

Cabins in pioneer park
Photo by: jkbrooks85, Creative Commons

Pioneer Park was built during the 1967 Centennial Exposition in Alaska. Most people have this misconception about the park being like Disneyland and other theme parks with a lot rides. The Alaskaland Pioneer Park in Fairbanks in not your ordinary theme park. It is a park which is teaches things about Alaska and its rich culture and history. Apart from learning, a visit to the park is surely fun for everyone of any age.

The area is so large that the children of any age will enjoy it. The can run and play freely and still get to see the beauty of nature. The park itself has no admission fee, so you can get to enjoy the whole beauty of the park without having to spend. If, on the other hand, you would want to see more and not just settle in roaming around the park, you can always enter museums which have reasonable entrance fees.

If you want to experience an even more enjoyable experience in the park, make sure to call in before going to check if there are special activities and when is it going to be. It is open year round so you will not have to worry about not having enough time to go and visit the park.

Aside from the park and the museums you can visit, you will also get the chance to try their famous all you can eat meal like the Alaskan Salmon Bake. When you finally get tired of roaming and walking around the park and the museums, you will surely be satisfied with the most delicious and reasonable meal you can eat in Alaska. Make sure to bring your cameras to capture the fun moments you shared with your family or friends in this beautiful park.

A seiner fishing for salmon off the coast of the Kodiak Archipelago
Photo by: NancyHeise, Creative Commons

Three miles from the town of Kodiak is one of the places that you will surely want to include in your tour of Alaska. The Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park covers 182 acres and has been a part of the Alaska Park System since 1969. One of the major attractions is the ruins of a coastal defense installation in World War II. The park also boasts of a natural beauty that visitors will surely want to explore.

The park is managed by the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, the park was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1985. The Kodiak State Parks Headquarters and Visitor Center can also be found here.

There are many recreational facilities available at the park, such as picnic tables, camping sites and provisions for groups visiting the park. Groups have the option to reserve recreational sites with pavilions. The Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park has one of the best developed trail systems in Kodiak and also has trails that are accessible to handicap people. Activities like fishing and swimming are sure to be enjoyed by visitors because inside the park is Lake Gertrude which is full of salmon and Rainbow trout.

The camping sites are specially designed for tent campers. RV campers will find it difficult to maneuver the narrow roads so they would find that the overflow parking area or the Buskin River State Recreation Site would be more comfortable.

There are few other parks in the Alaska State Park System that have the cultural and natural resources that Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park has. The beauty of the deep spruce forests and wildflower meadows combined with the historic World War II ruins, make the park a great place to relax, enjoy the scenery and learn about a historic World War II event at the same time.
.

Confederacy White House
Photo by: Spyder Monkey, Creative Commons

When asked about where the first white house of the confederacy is located, most Americans will point to Richmond, Virginia, neglecting to note that before the Confederacy capital was moved there in May of 1861, it was situated in Montgomery, Alabama. This piece of history is something that locals hold dear to and wouldn’t likely mix up as most do. They take pride in the fact that it is in the town of Montgomery where you can find the first white house of the confederacy.

The Italianate-styled residence served as the executive housing of the first and only President of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis during the time of the American Civil War. It became the site for many parties and lavish gatherings that Mrs. Davis loved to host. The family stayed here from February 1861 to May of the same year, when the confederate capital was moved to Richmond, Virginia for tactical purposes. Though short lived, the house on 644 Washington Avenue is still kept and valued by people in the area for its role in the nation’s early history landing it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

The house has since then been moved 10 blocks away from its original location and has been turned into a museum preserving the memory of the Davis family and of the Civil War itself. The house has been renovated and is kept fully furnished with period furniture from the 1850s to 1860s. Memorabilia and different artifacts fill the place providing a rich experience for visitors and for students wanting to know more about their history. Visiting hours are from 8 am to 4:30 pm every Monday to Friday. The place is closed during weekends and holidays.

Alaska’s rainforest
Photo by: ckroberts61, Creative Commons

Bordering the splendid Tongass National Forest is the Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary. This rainforest reserve can be found 8 miles from Ketchikan and is full of cedar trees, hemlock and tall stands of spruce. The forest floor is covered in moss, a variety of wild flowers and berries. This rainforest is sure to provide a unique travel experience to every visitor.

There are many exciting things to do and discover during a visit to the rainforest, like visiting the Alaska Wildlife Foundation center and the historic Alaska sawmill. Visitors may interact with the Alaskan Reindeers or watch how a totem pole is made by a Native master carver.

Guided tours are available to take visitors along the available trails. Most guides like making sure that every tour is as personal as it gets so each group consists of a maximum of 15 people. Each tour will take around an hour and forty minutes. A full hour is usually dedicated for the nature trail, 30 minutes for the interpretive center and 10 minutes for the sawmill. All of the guides are well trained, not only on the details of the surrounding area, but also in first aid just in case a medical emergency should arise.

The tour will take you through the rich rainforest and on to an elevated boardwalk running along the banks of Eagle Creek, known to be one of the richest salmon spawning streams in Alaska. Located across the boardwalk is a major fish hatchery.

Watching the salmon and the various plants are not the only things to do along the trail. Bear watching is now included in the tour. Platforms and sky-bridges were built in 2010 to provide unique vantage points to watch the bears in the area. The abundance of salmon in the area attracts the bears and even Bald eagles and some other birds. The Sanctuary is surely a place to visit for nature lovers.

Rosa Parks Library & Museum
Photo by: Spyder Monkey, Creative Commons

Rosa Parks is an African American woman who refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man despite taunts by the bus driver to call the police on her. This sparked a flurry of events leading to the Montgomery Bus Boycott participated in by no less than Martin Luther King Jr. has forever etched the civil rights activist Rosa Parks into the heart and minds of millions of African Americans earning her the distinction as the mother of the freedom movement.

Such acclaim deserves no less than the continuing remembrance of her life and struggles through the Rosa Parks Library and Museum. This establishment is situated inside Troy State University, a perfect location for anyone who wishes to know more of the brave woman and of the African American Civil Rights Movement.

The museum house different materials revolving around the life and works of people associated with the Movement and these can be easily perused by anyone who wants to use them for research, studies, or simply for pleasure. Aside from the wealth of information one can gather from the materials available in the library and the museum, a permanent exhibit is set up for the viewing pleasure of the public wherein the racial segregation and the Montgomery Bus Boycott are portrayed in life size detail for better understanding of its effects. For groups tours of the place, classrooms, conference rooms, and an auditorium are available in the premises where discussions can take place.

The Rosa Parks Library and Museum is open from Monday to Friday at 9 am – 5pm and on Saturday from 9 am – 3pm. There is a minimal admission fee for adults and children.

Near downtown, Big Spring Park
Photo by: Spyder_Monkey , Creative Commons

The body of water known by many as the ‘big spring’ served as the foundation of what is known today as the city of Huntsville. It is so called Big Spring as it is referred to by indigenous tribes. Its founder, John Hunt saw this spring and with its abundance in water resource and a plentiful area for hunting big game he settled near this spring. The Big Spring became the water source of the early people of Huntsville and is now one of the famous parks around Huntsville.

Unlike other parks where hiking trails, cabins, and camping sites are available, Big Spring Park is simply what it is called: a park. Nothing much to do that involves making reservations, complex trip preparations and the like but simply a place for people to relax and enjoy the environment around the spring. Even without many outdoor activities to be done in this park, people can enjoy a simple outdoor of their own playing common and simple outdoor games or just have a small picnic by the big spring.

Big Spring Park today features gifts from other countries which include a 1903 light beacon, commonly known or referred to as a lighthouse, a 1929 fog bell and other smaller gifts. In addition to these features, the place is also known to be a venue for the event called Panoply Arts Festival which is a celebration of the arts with a variety of hands-on activities, different kinds of performances, exhibits and demonstrations. This event is celebrated annually and lasts for three days, and is a Huntsville tradition since the 14th of May in the year 1982.

In addition to the art festival, the Big Spring is also a venue for the Big Spring Jam which is a music festival that is also celebrated annually and lasts for three days. This music festival is celebrated during the fourth weekend in September and began in the year 1993.

Though it may seem peaceful during ordinary days, during these special festivals the big spring comes to life. With lots of people celebrating, the Big Spring makes for a good place of enjoyment for both family and friends.

Sitka National Historical Park “whale” totem pole
Photo by: thirteenhbat, Creative Commons

It may come as a surprise for those who see Alaska as a land full of ice and glaciers that much can also be talked about their rich cultural heritage and their history. One proof is the existence of the Sitka National Historical Park. Located in Sitka city that sits on the Baranof Island, the national historical park serves as a remnant for the previous migration of Russian nationals in the area. Back in the early 1800’s, the exact site where the museum is built was the location of the infamous Battle of Sitka where native Tlingit battled against the Russian hunters.

The park was originally taken over by the US army to use for during war and training excercises. This caused some major environmental wreckage in the area. Such issue led the way to the park being turned over to a new handling team from the Department of the Interior. By such time, the needed restorations were made and the park went back to its former glory..

Aside from the natural preserves and breathtaking views in the area, the Sitka National Historical Park serves as a home for the native and authentic totem poles gathered from the different areas of Alaska. Originally designed to serve as a collection site for totem poles, it was then converted into a national museum so proper actions can be taken as well as creation of replicas which are now in display in the area. Local tribes and clans donated the totem poles to the organizers but these originals are now stored and preserved to prevent from future damage and deterioration.

Getting around the area to see the different totem poles need not be strenuous as many spruce trees and beautifully landscaped flowers adorn the hundred acre park.

Near Shuyak Island, Entering the mouth of a salmon stream on Raspberry Island Alaska by kayak
Photo by: NancyHeise, Creative Commons

Located on the northern part of the infamous Kodiak Archipelago, Shuyak Island is yet another nature lover’s paradise. This island in the state of Alaska is one of the most compact, yet it houses the most diversified mixture of birds flying over the sea. Imagine one of those movie scenes where you see nothing but calm and pristine waters, you hear of chirping birds and soothing air and you only get a glimpse of what Shuyak Island really is.

Spending a day or two in Shuyak Island is surely one way of being in touch with nature. With a limited amount of cabins that can be rented out, a traveler may opt to camp out and be at one with the environment. Coming to the area, being a couple of miles away from the mainland is an adventure in itself. Camping out at Shuyak Island takes a lot more than just being mere sight-seeing enthusiasts. One must be self-contained enough to attend to his or her own needs as you really get to experience that detachment from the normal and crowded streets of the metro.

So in order to enjoy and make the most out of your trip to Shuyak Island, careful planning and anticipation must be considered. If you want to take pleasure in an adventure of a lifetime in Shuyak Island, you should acquaint yourself with the weather and norms in this area. It is quite challenging to enjoy your trip if you don’t have the slightest idea about the place you’re roaming at, especially if its lifestyle is quite far from how city living is. It is better to be well aware of the conditions especially the temperature in the area. That way, you can carefully plan your trip and enjoy being one with your inner-self in the pristine and calming view around the

Walk through the Botanical Gardens
Photo by: Scott, Creative Commons

The Huntsville Botanical Gardens is home to a number of plant species around the world, from common garden flowers and plants to rare breeds. Different kinds of gardens provide different kinds of environment that help those who visit witness and absorb the beauty each garden presents them.

One garden in particular is the so called ‘Garden of Hope’ which seems to help people express different kinds of feelings like as its name suggests, hope, other feelings like fears and many more. This garden may also give a person that is going through a difficult time, some form of recovery to help him or her go through it.

Another garden is the ‘Children’s Garden’ is actually a set of gardens where children can peacefully play around and have fun. One of the gardens here is designed after the prehistoric world of dinosaurs where giant rib cages, fossils and other prehistoric items can be seen. Another garden is designed after a Space Station for that space age feeling.

A garden filled with rainbows, bubbles and other beautiful things within a child’s mind is also part of the ‘Children’s Garden’, this garden being filled with rainbows and such, are called by some as the rainbow garden. These are just some of the many gardens that make the ‘Children’s Garden’ and together with the ‘Garden of Hope’ these are just two of the many gardens within the Huntsville Botanical Gardens that can be visited.

The Huntsville Botanical Gardens is a great place for a peaceful trip outdoor and a great place for children as well to enjoy the world outside their home. With the garden’s huge variety of garden sets a trip to this place is really one of the memorable ones.

Fall colors on a Monte Sano trail
Photo by: Jeff Hunter, Creative Commons

From time to time during a vacation people go to different places to relax and enjoy themselves with whatever the venue of their choice offers. However, some vacations spots offer only a few of many things people can do to relax and enjoy their vacation. But in Monte Sano State Park people have a wide variety of activities to choose from. The name Monte Sano is a Spanish word that means “Mountain of Health.”

From a simple relaxation away from home to certain outdoor activities, the Monte Sano State Park has it all. For people who would want to stay a few nights (or even just one night) there are a number of cabins to choose from, a total of fourteen cabins all in all.

These cabins are built with the style of Arts and Crafts, built from stone with hand-crafted stone fireplace together with an original wood floor they give any person that decides to stay here that mountain feel, breathing fresh mountain air together with a spectacular panoramic view of the park’s natural surroundings.

For those who want to get away from the comforts of a cabin and get even more in with nature, there are also a number of camping sites available, with the choices of an improved campground (with water, electricity and a dump station) or a primitive campground for that more outdoor experience. For those who simply want to spend their day at the state park and eat together there are a lot of picnic areas available to choose from.

Large pavilions are available for those with a large group or even meet with other people and make friends. Small pavilions are available for what would seem like a private family or friendly gathering. There are hiking trails or biking trails available for those who simply want to have that simple outdoor experience and enjoy the scenic views the park has to offer.

Seeing a spectacular view of nature is very relaxing in a peaceful land, free from the stress of the outside world. Though the experience might be short-lived or temporary, the state park is always there for those who would want to return and relive the experience.

Boating on Davidson Glacier Lake
Photo by: DaveReichert, Creative Commons

Since its discovery by John Muir at 1867, Davidson Glacier has been a popular sight-seeing destination in Alaska. Back at that time, the glacier simply protruded its way from the Chilkat Inlet. It wasn’t gaining that much attention at the time until the moment when it made its way from the inlet and moved into the mountain hills, making room for its own lake. The lake looked as though it is embracing the glacial formation.

These days, people who visit the Davidson Glacier may not be in total awe because it may not look as how they expected it to. The glacier has suffered from the cruel ways of the world and already started to deplete. However, the view itself is still breathtaking despite the receding. In fact, even though the glacier is slowly losing its former glory, it still stands as one of the most-visited glaciers in Alaska. Most travelers request their tour guides for a kayak ride just to see the Davidson Glacier.

One highlight of a trip to the Davidson Glacier is the actual movement of the glacier, its minute breaking, or possible melting of some tips of the glacier. It may look cruel for some, but still its nature taking its toll. A kayak around the glacier and the lake is also a treat in itself. The location is serene enough that you can’t help but feel that you’re one with the nature.

If you plan on going on a trip to the Davidson Glacier, it is better if you contact a tour specialist or guide first. This is so that he or she can carefully plan out your itinerary and may inform you about the best kayak spots in the entire Alaska. This means you get to enjoy many other glaciers aside from the Davidson.

Located in Montgomery, Alabama, the Civil Rights Memorial serves as a tribute to those people who died in their struggle for an equal and fair treatment of those with European and African descent in the United States. A total of forty names are included in the memorial covering a period from 1954 to 1968 when the struggle was at its peak.

Sponsored by the Southern Poverty Law Center, the artist Maya Lin was tasked to create the memorial, which she did so in similar fashion to her earlier work, “Women’s Table”. She drew on the following lines from Martin Luther King’s speech, “I Have a Dream” as inspiration on how the monument will look.

“We will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream”

As such she came up with a design that naturally brings out the effects that running water has to soothe and to heal – an inverted cone that serves as a fountain. Engraved on the base of the cone are the 40 names paid tribute to and this is where the water flows freely on its way down to the tip of the cone. This is a peaceful and healing picture that remembers the struggles of the American Civil Rights Movement against racism – a good destination for students and travelers alike, who want to learn a little more about the Civil Rights Movement.

Group tours, which last for an hour, are available all throughout the week except Sundays. There is an admission fee for adults, but children enter for free. The memorial is easily accessible and is just within walking distance from other historic sites in Montgomery. A guard is stationed nearby to prevent vandalism, but otherwise people are free to go near the monument and even run their hands over the running water.

Childhood home of Martin Luther King Jr.
Photo by: jimbowen0306, Creative Commons

One of the greatest Americans who played a vital role in the Civil Rights Movement is Martin Luther King Jr. By now he is imprinted in the history not only in African Americans, but in the whole world. His non violent approach to attaining advancements in civil rights is similar to that done by another man, Mahatma Gandhi. With all his accomplishments as a man, some may forget that he too spent his earlier days pretty much as any normal child would. That is why it is with this fervent remembrance of the life that he led that people come and visit his former home in Montgomery, Alabama.

Situated in 309 South Jackson Street, the house of the Martin Luther King and his family is quite a presence with its two-story Queen Ann construction. The house was built in the 1920s, and has witnessed the growth of the family with the birth of the three King children, Martin Luther Jr., Alfred Daniel, and Christine. The family eventually moved out in 1960 and the house has seen degradation through time.

To bring it back to it former state, restoration teams were aided by Christine who saw through that the house resembled its former glory and that period reproductions of furniture are kept faithful. Visitors can get the whole experience of the family’s home life by way of the original furniture present as well as through photographs and other memorabilia on display.

Tours are only made possible with the assistance of a park ranger and are arranged on a first come first serve basis. You can register for tours for groups of 15 at the National Park Service Visitor Center. Make sure you make arrangements early because they tend to be busy during the weekends and holidays. It is also advised that comfortable shoes are worn as well as clothing appropriate for the weather.

F. Scott Fitzgerald is the author of the acclaimed book, “The Great Gatsby”. Written in the earlier part of his career, it has transcended through time and is currently still being enjoyed by literary enthusiasts from all over the world. In a manner that only fate could have worked out, the life of this man is also one for the books and has in fact captured the fancy of many people for its great triumphs and heartbreaking losses. The interest in the life of Scott and his wife Zelda has in fact been so great that their former home has been turned into a museum meant to salvage the remaining memory of this couple’s enchanting tale.

The house was built in 1909 in 919 Fielder Avenue Montgomery, Alabama and was inhabited by the couple from 1931 to 1932 together with their daughter Scottie. It was in this house that Scott wrote his novel, “Tender is the Night” and also where Zelda wrote her only published novel, “Save Me the Waltz”. The couple, described as beautiful by people who have encountered them, experienced a great of loss early in their married life as two of their children died during infancy. These losses however were accentuated with moment of success especially in the area of Scott’s writing. As years went by however, their personal and married lives deteriorated leading to years of struggle and pain for both.

The house is the only intact Fitzgerald residence available today having been saved from demolition in 1986. It is now divided into different apartment units with the whole ground floor serving as the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum, which was opened in 1989. Different artifacts from their lives can be found here most of which belong to Zelda who grew up in Montgomery. A complete collection of the first editions of Scott’s works is available as well as other memorabilia. The museum is open only from Wednesday to Sundays. Though no admission fee is charged, the place is only maintained through donations and the help of volunteers, so those are highly welcome.

Bering Land Bridge National Preserve in Alaska.
View of the bunkhouse at Serpentine Hot Springs in the rosy light of sunset
in an autumn landscape.
Photo by: Ralph Jones, Creative Commons

When compared with other national parks and natural reservoirs in the United States, the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is amongst the most serene because of its remote location. However, its location still does not hinder tourists from dropping by the area especially those who are much interested with the Bering Land Bridge that is known to be the connecting bridge between the lands of Asia and the North American during the ice age.

Each and every tourist who sets foot at the preserve is being embraced by the geological wonders of the site. Also, they can’t help but be in awe of the historical significance of the area which dates back up to thousands of years ago. For those who are not too keen on prehistoric ages and geological land formations, much can be done and enjoyed in the area. There is a famous hot spring sitting on the park known as the Serpentine Hot Spring. Up to date, it is one of the most anticipated parts of the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve tour. The scenery and the serenity it brings never fail to fascinate every traveler from any nation.

Although the park has been present for more than three decades now, it never lost its unique touch. Back when it was originally coined as a national monument in December 1978 up until today when it serves as a nautical highway and an abundant fishing spot across the border of Russia and the United States, the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve never fails to captivate any lookers.

Surely dropping by the perfect spot of the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is one adventure of a lifetime you should not miss out on especially if you are along the coasts of Alaska. With the vast information and historic preservation that the park contains, it is definitely a must-visit.

Aerial View of the Space & Rocket Center
Photo by: Reubenbarton, Creative Commons

There are a few chosen people who can truly experience what it is be like in space and those are astronauts. Ordinary people who are curious as to what those astronauts experience have a chance to do so with the help of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. They have different kinds of attractions that simulate some of the things that astronauts experience when venturing into space: like the experience of a rocket launch, a simulation of a Command Service Module and many more.

Traveling into space is very dangerous, not only is there no oxygen out there which we need in order to breath, there is also the danger of getting out of the Earth’s atmosphere when a huge amount of force is needed in order to fight the Earth’s gravitational pull and the tremendous amount of air pressure when pulling away from the center of the Earth itself.

After surviving all of those there is almost no time to relax since certain amount of threats are still possible to happen, like the ever common malfunctions of the vehicle being used which could easily threaten the lives of the astronauts. In addition to those dangers, since there is no gravity in space, the body would float thus making the person, in this case the astronaut feel lighter. If this happens, a message would be sent to the brain that the body is lighter and thus will make less effort in carrying the body, making the person’s bone density weaker since there is not much effort in keeping the body upright.

When this person returns to Earth, his or her body might become too heavy for his or her bones to carry and might lead to serious ailments, thus astronauts in space keep their body condition in check and in order to maintain one’s bone density, exercise equipments are available. However in the U.S. Space and Rocket Center there is no worry, all safety measures are taken so that those who would want to experience what the astronauts do would be safe from harm.

The U.S. Space and Rocket Center reveals what makes the space so spectacular and traveling into it so exciting. Different kinds of attractions give people the experience that was once exclusive only for astronauts. With the U.S. Space and Rocket Center one can explore the wonders of space even here on Earth.

Majestic Bear Glacier on Rt 37@ 6000 Feet.
Photo by: Rigadoon Glass, Creative Commons

Many have dreamt of stepping foot on Alaska and finally experience a once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan tour. Embarking on such tour can instantly make you feel like you went off to a movie scene where you face perfect icy mountains and you’re surrounded by abundant marine wildlife and a multitude of beautiful glaciers. If you want to experience that, then you should be booking your trip to Bear Glacier.

The place’s name suggests what to expect during a tour in the area — spotting bears! In the Bear Glacier, sightings of seals, black bears, wolves, seabirds, and birds of prey are but a normal sight. Such ambience is best enjoyed while riding a kayak and carefully gliding through the icebergs in the area. With the span of 3 miles, the Bear Glacier is an icy paradise! Also, it is a good spot for camping and hiking. Nature wonders are also present and accessible from the area and a minimal travel time can lead you to magnificent waterfalls and majestic caves. If you chanced upon visiting the area on June or July, you will see a picturesque landscape filled with fireweed, chocolate lilies, and geranium wildflowers.

While it is recommended that a couple of days be spent in order to maximize your visit to the Bear Glacier, there are also day tours offered which usually takes 10 to 12 hours of pure exploration and sight-seeing. These tours involve wildlife observation at the glacier, kayaking within the area, and a couple of hours to lounge around the area. But if you have the luxury of time, you can try their overnight camping trips and hiking activities prepared and carefully planned out by expert tour guides.

Whether you like to gaze upon the beauty of a true summer solstice, enjoy watching wildflowers bloom at Spring, or you simply want to take time spotting bears, the Bear Glacier is a perfect spot for you.