The old goat herder stands before his flock. Stick in hand, he bears the look of experience. His beaten old hat keeps the sun off his unshaven face.
His weathered trousers have seen better days and wear a belt, crudely tied around his waist. His braces are actually two of the elastic straps you use to tie your luggage to the car’s roof rack.
As the sun beats down on the plains of Agia Marina he herds his goats to pastures new and another day of contentment.
When your country has suffered 9000 years of constant invasion, any break in hostilities is greeted with appreciation.
Cyprus is a blend of many influences. Turkish, Greek, Muslim and Christian invaders have all set foot upon this hallowed land and made their mark.
Mosques and Christian churches stand side by side as a reminder of the often turbulent and violent past of Cyprus.
But when free of the shackles of conflict, Cyprus is a place of beauty and discovery. The Byzantine churches amongst the Troodos Mountains are an essential experience.
The sense of history and culture is overwhelming as you journey through mountain passes and wonder at the ancient architecture.
For a genuine sense of solitude try cycling through the barren land of the Karpas Peninsula or hiking the well-trodden trails of Mount Olympus.
The blue crystal waters of Cape Greco provide a wealth of opportunity for swimming and diving.
When the sun goes down, the Cypriot nightlife will have you dancing into the early hours. Youngsters tend to make their way towards the large contingent of British pubs in Agia Napa.
The more cultured make their way to the traditional Cypriot cafes and bars. Here you can drink raki, the local firewater made from distilled grapes.
If you’re peckish, try the baked lamb dish of kleftiko, or another local favourite mezedes.
Rome is a city that requires no introduction. The name alone invokes images of leaf-crowned emperors, mythical gods and majestic architecture. Travel in Rome is an enveloping task as Rome is one of the largest and oldest cities in Western Europe, with every corner marked in meticulous detail. Italy’s capital city is largely a sightseeing extravaganza geared almost solely toward the tourist; consequently, you may want to venture to the outskirts of town to experience local life and hospitality (and cheaper prices).
Rome’s Vatican City: See the Holy See
Many are confused by the autonomous status of the Vatican; however, Vatican City is an enclave within Rome that functions independently as an ecclesiastic state with the Pope as head. It is comprised of Saint Peter’s Basilica, Saint Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums. Saint Peter’s Basilica is the largest and arguably the most awe-inspiring church in Christianity’s history, covering 5.7 acres with a capacity of over 60,000. The famous dome (cupola) was constructed by Michelangelo, who remained the main architect for many years. To get an idea of the total magnificence, the Statue of Liberty can fit neatly inside the dome where the main altar sits. While inside the Vatican City walls, be sure to visit the Vatican Museums, which house an incredible collection from ancient Egypt to Ethnology.
From the Imperial Age to the Renaissance Era
The Eternal City, as Rome is appropriately known, stands fixed and timeless within history’s ever-moving corridors. Ancient Rome still stands proud in the form of the Coliseum, the ultimate symbol of gladiator-like prowess and community gathering. The Sistine Chapel, named after Pope Sixtus IV, speaks of the enlightened Renaissance era with the most famous ceiling in the world 1000 square meters painted by Michelangelo alone. For a comprehensive and detailed history of Rome, be sure not to miss the Capitoline Museum and the Galleria Borghese, a collection started by the Borghese family in 1600. For a look into government, visit the Palazzo Montecitorio. This grandiose palace built by Bernini around 1600 housed the courts of Rome until 1870, when it became the Lower House of Parliament. Nearby, the 15th century Palazzo Madama was once the powerful De Medici family’s residence and in 1871 became the House of the Italian Senate.
Rome is not all monuments and architecture. The city is dotted with splendid and elaborate parks, gardens and villas that are open to the public. The residences of many of Rome’s celebrated families, including the monstrous Villa Borghese, are wonderful escapes from Rome’s – of course beautiful – marble surroundings. Travel to Rome in the mild spring and autumn months but be prepared for the busloads of tourists, which make it almost more desirable to brave the hotter but quieter months of the summer. Centrally located on the Italian peninsula, Rome is also an excellent jumping point to explore the rest of this convivial country.
For more information on international travel and discount airfare to Rome, visit www.cfares.com.
Virginia Is For Lovers With Plenty Of Bed And Breakfasts
The state slogan for Virginia is “Virginia is for lovers” and there are plenty of bed and breakfast locations to help lovers spend some quality time together in a peaceful, relaxing and special atmosphere that simply cannot be found in a hotel. As a result, if you live in Virginia or are simply passing through, consider a Virginia bed and breakfast for your accommodations and you will certainly enjoy your stay even more.
Virginia is a very diversified state in the fact that there are mountains, city, the beach, and everything in between. And, no matter where you find yourself in Virginia there will be a bed and breakfast to meet your needs. Of course, there are more bed and breakfast locations in the cities especially closer to Washington D.C., but there are so many bed and breakfast locations that you can truly find just what you are looking for no matter where you find yourself. It might be difficult to just happen across a bed and breakfast in Virginia however because they are generally houses with signs, but nothing to compete with the big lit signs of hotels. As a result, you should plan ahead and look for Virginia bed and breakfasts in one of the many bed and breakfast directories available. Doing this will allow you to find all the bed and breakfasts listed in Virginia and you can check out rates, amenities, and then contact the b and b to make a reservation. Having your stay planned in advance will make you rest easy.
A bed and breakfast in Virginia is really a great option because it is almost as if you are staying at home, but with someone preparing a full breakfast for you and willing to meet your every need and even whim. As a result, a bed and breakfast can be an enjoyable and very romantic place to stay. If you are planning a trip to Virginia, check out the bed and breakfast options and you will more than likely choose to stay in a bed and breakfast on your next trip to Virginia.
The amazing country of Costa Rica is full of so many natural treasures, that choosing what to see with the limited time you have while visiting, can be quite challenging. I have had the good fortune of exploring the entire country of Costa Rica, and have come up with the top three must-sees while you are visiting this paradise. Each one is unique in its own way, and all are sure to provide an unforgettable experience that you will always remember.
1. Nauyaca Falls and the Don Lulu Tour – This amazing set of waterfalls are located in between the surfing village of Dominical on the central Pacific coast and the bustling little city of San Isidro de General. The falls are privately owned and the best way to tour them is by taking the Don Lulu tour, which consists of a horseback ride to the falls and includes breakfast and lunch. The tour costs only $40 per person making it a great value. The tour begins on the highway where you mount your horse, and begin the 3 mile trek to the falls, stopping at the quaint tico-style home of Don Lulu for a typical Costa Rican breakfast of fresh fruit and gallo pinto(beans and rice). After breakfast, its back on the horse for the short trip to the entrance to the falls. After a fairly steep descent down a hand cut stairway, you arrive at one of the most amazing natural attractions in all of Costa Rica. The falls consist of two levels with the upper falls towering over 500 feet and the lower falls consisting of a wide cascade of over 100 feet that plummets into an idyllic 30 foot deep pool. Your guides on the tour will be more than happy to help you climb up into the lower falls for a once in a lifetime leap of faith into the refreshing pool below. After a few hours swimming and relaxing next to this Costa Rican treasure, its a short but strenuous climb back up the staircase to your waiting mount. A wonderful lunch is served at Don Lulus and then the tour concludes back at the highway. The rest of the day is spent reflecting on the wonderful experience had by all.
2. Volcano and Lake Arenal – Volcano Arenal towers over Lake Arenal in the north central region of Costa Rica. It is the most active volcano in Costa Rica with daily eruptions, and vibrant glowing lava shows that can be enjoyed at night. The volcano last had a major eruption in 1968 when it buried the old town of Arenal in ash and soot. The Costa Rican government has since flooded the area where Arenal used to be to create Costa Ricas largest lake, and submerging this once lively village in hundreds of feet of water. The lake is home to some of the best rainbow bass fishing in the entire world, and there are many local guides that will take you to the best spots. In addition to the world class fishing on the lake, Lake Arenal is also internationally known for its windsurfing. There are many types of accommodations in the Arenal area ranging from five star resorts like the upscale Tabacon Hot Springs Resort to small rooms for the budget minded traveler. There are some wonderful canopy tours in the area in which you can spend a day zipping down a cable over the rainforest canopy below. The Arenal area is truly an amazing piece of paradise where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of an active volcano looming over a picturesque lake. Truly a must-see in this spectacular country.
3. Manuel Antonio National Park – The crown jewel of Costa Ricas national parks, Manuel Antonio is without a doubt a must-see on your visit to Costa Rica. Located just south of Quepos on the central Pacific coastline, the park is only a few hours from San Jose making it very accessible. Manuel Antonio is a very small park in relation to the other parks in the country, but it attracts more visitors per year than any other park. The park has pristine powder sand beaches back dropped by lush emerald green mountains that plunge into the deep blue Pacific. Manuel Antonio has become so popular that the park director has had to limit the number of people allowed into the park to 600 on weekdays and 800 on weekends. Its no wonder that people are lining up to get in to this amazing place, as on any given day you can spot 3 different species of monkeys, sloths, marmosets, ocelots, river otters, pacas, and speckeled caimans as well as, 200 species of birds. The beaches at Manuel Antonio are often considered the most beautiful in all of Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio was actually discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1519 on his quest for the fountain of youth, and while he may have never located that particular fountain, it appears he had stumbled upon the garden of Eden. This place will leave you breathless and with unforgettable memories about the beauty of Costa Rica. A definite must-see on your visit to paradise.
The beautiful city of Vancouver is located in the Southwestern corner of British Columbia, Canada; on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Being overlooked by the Coast Range Mountains and surrounded by water on three sides, the city has a landscape that truly takes your breath away.
The Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) has everything from Beaches, mountains and 192 beautiful parks to a cosmopolitan downtown area, fabulous shopping and entertainment. Due to it’s location it has a mild climate, which means not too much snow in the winter and pleasant temperatures in the summer, but it does to tend to have a lot of rain. The average annual rain and snow fall is 1219mm.
As Canada’s third largest city, the downtown area has a population of 514,000 (1996 census) and the GVRD has a population of almost two million.
Vancouver is a city of newcomers, according to the 1996 census 45 percent of residents were immigrants. According to international surveys, Vancouver is one of the best cities in the world for quality of life. It is also ranked, along with four other Canadian cities, as one of the safest cities in North America.
The Greater Vancouver Regional District comprises 21 separate municipalities each is home to several hundred thousand people and many were once cities in their own right before being swallowed up by the urban sprawl. The actual city of Vancouver itself is made up of 23 different Neighborhoods – each having its own distinct character.
There are many wonderful places to visit, shop and eat in. This includes a vast number of galleries, sophisticated shopping and antique shops to choose from. Chinatown is one of the largest in North America and is a thriving commercial and residential district.
Gastown is the historical part of the city with cobblestone streets, heritage buildings, shops, restaurants and galleries. It’s located just south of the harbor and is a vibrant place.
Located just under the Granville Street Bridge is Granville Island Market which offers a mix of food, arts and crafts, shopping and theatres. Water taxis ferry shoppers to and from the market or you can stroll there.
Stanley Park, located close to downtown, has over 1000 acres of forest and is a firm favorite with both locals and tourists. The park has many kilometers of pathway, an aquarium, a pitch and putt golf course, a miniature railway, tennis, restaurants, beaches and on summer evenings live theatre. Robson Street is in the heart of downtown and offers boutiques, side walk cafes, shops and restaurants.
The city has many tree lined streets and no highway cutting through the city so walking is encouraged. It is illegal to cross the street anywhere but at a marked intersection crossing in the city.
There is an excellent public transport system which consists of buses, Seabus, Skytrain and a commuter rail service called the West Coast Express. This is an integrated system and you can use the same tickets for different modes of transport. There is also an extensive system of bikeways, so cycling is another good way to get around.
The Port of Vancouver rates number one in North America in total foreign exports and is the gateway for Asia-Pacific trade. It has a natural deep water harbor and covers 233 kilometers of coastline. In 2003 its total cargo traffic was 66.7 million tones. The Port is also home to the Vancouver – Alaska cruise, one of the worlds most popular cruises.
There are many attractions in and around the city offering a wide variety of activities.
Grouse Mountain – located just 15 minutes from downtown, also known as the Peak of Vancouver. Riding the Gondola to the mountain top is an absolute must, in the winter you can experience the skiing, snowboarding, snow-shoeing, ice skating and sleigh rides and in the summer mountain bike tours, helicopter tours, tandem paragliding or maybe just enjoy the magnificent views at one of the restaurants.
Science World – located on Quebec Street offers hundreds of interactive exhibits, wrap around movies in a giant theatre and year round special events. There are always new exhibits arriving so it never gets boring.
Capilano Suspension bridge and Park – located 10 minutes from downtown is the city’s most popular visitor attraction. The swaying footbridge bridge is 230 feet above the Capilano River and spans 450 feet. There is also a colorful Totem park, trails through the West Coast rain forest and much more.
Vancouver Zoo is located in Aldergrove just off the Trans Canada Highway. They are open all year round and offer either daily admission rates or season passes. There is a miniature safari train and a safari bus tour, you can also hire quadra cycles or bring your own bikes, in-line skates or any motor-less transportation to get you around.
The city Aquarium is situated 5 minutes from downtown in Stanley Park. They are a self supporting and not for profit group and are Canada’s leading aquatic conservation organization. Open year round they have many different types of marine life to learn about and a daily schedule of shows.
The Vancouver Canucks are one of the strongest teams in the NHL (Ice Hockey) and with the BC lions always very competitive, there is a good supply of sports choices.
Vancouver is without doubt the most impressive city I have ever stayed in and is a must to visit if you are in Canada. Undoubtedly one of the most expensive places to buy property in Canada but with the amount the city has to offer I can understand why. For more detailed information including full descriptions of each municipality, visit http://www.onestopimmigration-canada.com/vancouver.html
SEVILLE
Seville (Sevilla), the capital of Andalucia stands on the banks of the Rio Guadalquivir which has sculpted the surrounding landscape and left the area a fertile plain, perhaps one of the reasons that Seville is such a beautiful city with its lush sub tropical gardens.
You need at least a few days in which to explore Seville, though falling in love with this ancient city will take far less time. Exploring by foot is the best way to get to know Sevilla, La Arenal is a good place to start. The port of Seville was once here, before the river silted up and the area took a downward turn, becoming entwined with the notorious underworld. However after the river was converted to a canal, the area began to regain its previous glory. Today boat trips can be taken down the river to view Seville from the peace of the water. The Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza is Sevilles bullring and built in the 18th century is one of the oldest in Spain. The arena seats up to 14000 and visitors can take guided tours here. Bullfighting season beings on Easter Sunday and lasts until October.
Santa Cruz is the old Jewish quarter, a literal maze of narrow streets, and small sunny squares hiding tapas bars, plazas and quaint gardens. Excellent bars and restaurants can be found here. Sevilles cathedral towers above the Jewish quarter and was previously the site of a large mosque when Sevilla was under Moorish rule. Don’t leave Seville without visiting one of its wonders, the Reales Alcazares, Royal Palace. The palace is a work of art in itself and the beauty of the buildings, facades and gardens will take your breath away.
Leaving the city into the region also known as Seville, we find a countryside of distinctive flavours. The area around Seville, as mentioned previously is a fertile farmland, La Campina. To the north of the region you’ll find the La Colmarca de la Sierra a mountainous area with lots of options for outdoor activities.
In the first century BCE, the Romans appropriately renamed this former Etruscan town Florentia, or destined to flower. With this blessing, Florence (Firenze) remained faithful to its namesake to become the unrivaled authority of Renaissance art, literature and culture. The romantic narrow passages of the city’s core hold timeless treasures that gracefully dissolve the rest of the world’s troubled existence. Travel to Florence for a truly authentic Renaissance experience.
Soaring high above the city skyline, the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore is the quintessential emblem of Florence’s architectural prestige. The fourth largest cathedral in the world transcends all boundaries of Renaissance aesthetics and principles. Finally completed by Brunelleschi in 1436, the munificent red-tile dome with intricate interior frescoes rivals the glory of Michelangelo’s St. Peter’s Cathedral in the Vatican. Laden with white, green and red marble, Giotto’s Bell Tower crowns the enormous faade. Opposite the Piazza del Duomo, the Baptistery de San Giovanni, built in 1128, is one of Florence’s oldest monuments of Romanesque architecture and a sight not to be missed.
Spanning the narrowest segment of the Arno River, the Ponte Vecchio miraculously still stands as one of the world’s most coveted bridge crossings. Two previous bridges claimed this sight until they were wiped out by floods in 1177 and 1333. The “modern” rendition was completed in 1345 and has stood the test of time, though nearly swept away by another major flood in 1966. Nearby, the Galleria degli Uffizi houses the most extensive art collection in Florence and dates back to the De Medici rule during the 1500s. Rembrandt, Botticelli, Goya and Raffaello are among the masters of the gallery’s exquisite permanent collection. And of course, a visit to Florence is not complete without a view of Michelangelo’s David located in the world’s (alleged) first official academy of art and architecture, Galleria dell’Accademia.
A Gateway to Tuscan Travel
Florence is the provincial capital of Tuscany, and from 1865 to 1870 served as the capital of the new Kingdom of Italy. Consequently, exploring Florence is an excellent beginning to a broader Tuscan adventure and a great way to become acquainted with the history and lifestyle of the culturally rich region. Tuscany’s countryside is unparalleled anywhere else in Italy, offering delectable produce, fresh meats and outstanding wines for your personal indulgence. From Florence, a short drive will lead to the historic towns of Pisa and Lucca. To really pamper yourself like only the Italians know how, escape to the lush mountains of Bagni di Lucca where a handful of full-service natural hot spring spas are tucked away.
Travel to Florence and Tuscany will draw you back in time, suspended in a moment of history when art, architecture and living a quality life were the most heated topics of discussion. Florence is the ultimate guide on how to truly live richly.
The range of vacations available in Belize is incredibly broad with those seeking an adventure holiday as well catered for as those seeking a romantic island getaway for example.
The appeal of Belize is also extensive because the country has such a diverse natural landscape and this allows vacationers to enjoy the best of the beach as well as the best of the rainforest.
In terms of the cost of affording a vacation in Belize this very much depends on the individuals budget because a holiday can be tailor-made to suit almost any level of affordability. Backpackers are welcome in Belize and those in search of five star luxury are also well catered for.
For those hoping for something of an adventure in Belize a dual centre holiday could well fit the bill. How about starting off with diving the barrier reef from the Cayes and then doing some sea and river kayaking before heading inland and into the rainforest for caving, hiking and birding trips?
If you prefer a more laid back holiday and are searching for the perfect island retreat. Belize is also home to some world class five star resorts such as Caye Chapel Island Resort where visitors will benefit from some serious pampering.
Families en route to Belize can tailor make a holiday that combines rest and relaxation for the parents with fun and education for the children. A number of hotels in Belize run kids clubs and have babysitting services available so that mom and dad can have some time alone on the beach or by the pool. Then there are many interesting, educational and fun excursions that can be arranged when on the ground in Belize for all the family excursions such as horse riding in the rain forest, snorkelling around the barrier reef or mountain biking in the jungle are all extremely popular.
Finally those who want to learn more about the history, biodiversity and culture of Belize can custom design a vacation that takes in the Mayan ruins, whilst learning about the rainforest and the unique flora, fauna and people of Belize.
It is difficult to think of a modern industrialized city that has been through quite as much upheaval and stress in recent times as Berlin. The German capital has been undergoing a massive reunification effort and cultural explosion since 1989 that has held an awe-inspired and utterly captivated audience of visitors since then. No other city offers such an intimate understanding of the complexities and atrocities of world war than once-divided Berlin.
Despite the destruction of the Berlin Wall in 1989, East and West Berlin are still two very distinct regions. A stroll through Berlin’s charming streets is the best way to experience the time warp from which many parts of the city are slowly emerging. Berlin Mitte is the central region, offering the most restaurants, shopping and attractions. Everywhere in Berlin, visitors are surprised by the expanse of green, beautiful spaces and parkland.
Society of Expression and Celebration
Berlin’s Cold War generation has flowered from suppressed beginnings into a flourishing world of creative expression. A cutting-edge culture has boomed onto the international stage in the form of festivals and celebrations after 50 years of silence. As the summer season wanes, Berlin hosts the annual Art Forum Berlin in September and October, which showcases trendsetting and fresh contemporary art from all over the world, including Australia, Latin America and the USA. Attendees may also participate in seminars and workshops focused on the art of tomorrow. The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), held in February, rivals its Italian and French competitors with acclaimed submissions and coveted awards. The most massively unifying and culturally eclectic celebration is Berlin’s renowned Love Parade. Initiated with a mere 150 people in 1989 as a display of love, tolerance and an homage to electronic music, this gargantuan festival of DJs and dancers aboard competitive floats makes its journey down Berlin’s Groen Stern to finally gather at the Victory Column where the party ensues into the night.
A History Not Forgotten
Despite the exemplary movement forward by the citizens, including an affinity for nightlife, Berliners make a special point to capture and embrace their harsh (and ancient) history. The Jdisches Museum is the largest Jewish history museum in Europe.; The museum not only covers the victimization of Jews in German history, but largely celebrates their contributions to German society, art, science and technology. The museum itself, designed by Daniel Libeskind, is a stunning example of modern minimalism. Also, be sure to visit the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, which documents the historical significance of the Checkpoint Tower that was used to patrol the no man’s land of the Berlin Wall between the east and west. The museum also offers an interesting collection of stories from escapees and those who helped them across the border. For a more extensive history, visit the Berlin Historical Museum, which covers Berlin’s modest beginnings as two farm towns straddling a river up to modern day with a special exhibit on 20th century portraits.
Traveling the Berlin of today is a journey through time unparalleled by any other European city. Witness the remarkable hardiness and overflowing spirit of a city that is growing, changing and unifying right before your very eyes!
For more information on international travel and discount airfare to Berlin, visit www.cfares.com.
The Land of Lincoln sprawls over 56,400 square-miles primarily of prairie, but half of its population of 12 million is concentrated in the greater Chicago area. Lets explore the five regions of downstate and then discover Chicagoland.
Southern
This region is home to the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, which is a 25-mile trail through the Shawnee National Forest that visits five wineries. They are Alto Vineyards, Owl Creek Vineyards, Winghill Vineyard, Von Jakob Vineyard and Pomona Winery. The newest winery is the new Blue Sky Vineyard in Makanda, a Tuscan-themed winery featuring a 360-degree mural in its tasting room. Many of the wineries stage special events during September, which is Illinois Wine Month.
Nearby Metropolis is the official adopted Home of Superman. Stop for a photo with the 15 foottall Superman statue and cross the street for the Super Museum, featuring Superman memorabilia and props. There is a Superman Celebration here each June, with superhero-themed entertainment and celebrity appearances.
Southwest
More than 1,000 eagles migrate to the Alton and Grafton areas to spend the winter on the bluffs along the Great River Road. Pere Marquette State Park offers eagle-watching programs from late December through February. The new National Great Rivers Museum in Alton tells the story of the Mississippi River through over 20 interactive, animated displays. Tours of the Melville Locks and Dam allow guests to view the river traffic from atop the eight-story dam. Nearby, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Hartford tells the story of the famous journey that began in Illinois. Groups can explore a full-scale model of one of their keelboats, watch a film entitled At Journeys Edge and view a replica of Camp River Dubois.
Cahokia Mounds in Collinsville are the remains of an ancient Mississippian Indian culture that existed here from 700 to 1400 A.D. Sixty-eight of the original earthen mounds have been preserved, including the 100 foot-tall Monks Mound. Each August, artisans demonstrate fire starting, pottery making and flint knapping on Archaeology Day.
The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville has twelve different devotional areas. The Lourdes Grotto is a replica of the religious site in France. A free guided trolley tour is available through the 200 acres of grounds. Each year from November to January, the shrine features carriage rides, caroling, a display of decorated trees and outdoor light sculptures that tell the Christmas story in an event called Way of Lights.
West
The Illinois River Road Scenic Byway, a natural preserve along the banks of the Illinois River, was recently designated a National Scenic Byway. The byway allows visitors to travel the routes of the French voyageurs and it parallels the Illinois River Country Nature Trail, a chain of over one hundred linked nature sites that offer outdoor recreation. Along the route is Dickson Mounds Museum in Lewiston that traces the 12,000-year history of Native Americans in the Illinois River Valley in one of the finest on-site archaeological museums in the country.
Bishop Hill is a historic country village that highlights its Swedish heritage through restored colony buildings, museums, crafts and antique shops and restaurants run by the descendants of the towns founders. The Carl Sandburg Home is in Galesburg, where you can view the Pulitzer Prize-winning authors birthplace, tour the visitors center and visit the perennial garden where he is buried. Another famous American, lawman Wyatt Earp, was born in Monmouth. His four-room home features period furniture and memorabilia. Earp became famous for his gunfight at the OK Corral in Tombstone, Ariz.
The history of Moline is inextricably linked with John Deere, whose plow changed farming. The John Deere Pavilion shows vintage and modern Deere equipment, along with other agricultural exhibits.
Wildlife Prairie State Park in Peoria offers an 1800s pioneer farmstead, with one-room schoolhouse and log cabin. During its Frontier Days, native Illinois animals such as cougars, bison, black bears and others are on display.
When the Mormons fled upstate New York in the early 1840s, they settled in the small river town of Nauvoo. The Historic Nauvoo Visitors Center displays artifacts and offers a live musical about old Nauvoo during the summer. The Joseph Smith Historic Site Visitors Center tells the story of the movement in Nauvoo and of Smith, the groups first president. Horse-drawn carriage rides and guided walking tours are offered. Baxters Vineyards here dates from 1857, making it Illinois oldest winery. Next door is Nauvoo Glassworks, where visitors watch artisans craft art glass. Follow the river south to the East End Historic District in Quincy. National Geographic Magazine named it one of the ten most architecturally significant corners in the nation, where one can view homes spanning every period of design since the 1850s.
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