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February 09, 2014

Sunday Travel Thread: Historic Places [Y-not]
— Open Blogger

This thread sponsored by American Tourister (NOT by Samsonite, despite what you might think!):

Good day, Morons and Moronettes. Welcome to your weekly Travel Thread. Today I thought weÂ’d spend a little bit of time talking about travels, near and far, to historic places. This was inspired by the numerous comments a couple of weeks ago many of our morons and Â‘ettes who are fortunate to live near, or to have visited, famous battlefields, memorials, and other historic sites.

(Continued below the jump.)

To get us started, hereÂ’s a listicle, courtesy of the Dead Tree media: Best Historic Destinations (in the US) by US News & World Report (yeah, yeah, I know).

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An appropriate picture to illustrate that Washington, D.C. is the top historic destination in the U.S. per the brain trust at US News & World Report.

You can vote on the ones theyÂ’ve included, so let them have it if you disagree. ItÂ’s interesting that neither NYC nor Chicago make their list (and also that Yellowstone does, I think thatÂ’s a mistake). Could it be that some cities are so known for other things, commerce or industry for example, that they are no longer really thought of as historic sites? In any event, I think Annapolis should be on that list and IÂ’m not so sure about San Antonio. I was there many years ago, but aside from the Alamo, is it really that full of historic sites?

My top three historic cities (U.S.) are ones that are easy to get around (preferably on foot as much as possible), that have a distinctive architectural feel and layout, and that have a large number of historically significant and very accessible sites, as well as museums. Out of the places IÂ’ve visited thus far IÂ’d rank Annapolis, Boston, and Washington, D.C. (I denounce myself) as my favorites.

618_348_kevin-spaceys-favorite-late-night-restaurants-metropolitan-kitchen.jpg

True to her roots, Y-not selects Annapolis, home of handsome midshipmen and blue crabs, as one of her favorite historic cities. (Kevin Spacey likes it, too!)

Of the historically rich cities IÂ’ve visited overseas, IÂ’d put London and Strasbourg at the top of my list. My experience in London was terrific. I walked so much in the three days I was there that I literally broke off the heel of my shoe as I stepped off the jetway upon my return home. In addition to St. PaulÂ’s, I hit many of the iconic landmarks (the bridge is gorgeous, btw) and even managed to stumble onto a (peaceful) rally of footballers at Trafalgar Square. I really want to go back to London with Mr Y-not so we can visit the British Museum together. I know heÂ’d love it.

Y-notÂ’s visits to Strasbourg, France, which were on the heels of spending extensive time in Germany, made her declare it her favorite city in Germany!

Strasbourg is a nice, smallish city (only 270,000 people) with historic architecture (including a beautiful church with an amazing clock), a unique feel (owing in large part to the canals they have throughout the city), and what appears to be a desire to maintain their cultural history, whether it be through the food, cultural festivals, or even the music. IÂ’ve been there for short visits twice and enjoyed it both times. The people were very nice (as contrasted by Parisiens, who really are obnoxious) and even quite patient with me as I used my rusty French language skills.

Moving away from cities and on to historic sites, I thought FodorÂ’s list of Top 20 U.S. Historic Sites was pretty good. IÂ’ve only been to five of the ones listed, so clearly I have a lot of work to do.

I also found this list of Civil War sites according to National Geographic very helpful and interesting. Unfortunately, the National Geographic site requires free registration, but I think itÂ’s worth it in this case. But if you are not so inclined, hereÂ’s their list of Top Ten Civil War Sites:

Fort Sumter National Monument (Charleston, South Carolina)
Manassas National Battlefield Park (Manassas, Virginia)
Shiloh National Military Park (Shiloh, Tennessee)
Richmond, Virginia
Antietam National Battlefield (Sharpsburg, Maryland)
Gettysburg National Military Park (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
Vicksburg National Military Park (Vicksburg, Mississippi)
Andersonville National Historic Site (Andersonville, Georgia)
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park (Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia/Lookout Mountain, Tennessee)
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (Appomattox, Virginia)

I was surprised to realize that I have not been to any of these.

I find myself gravitating toward historic places that have activities associated with them, whether living history museums, themed festivals, or reenactments. In the latter department, Civil War reenactments are by far the most prominent here in the States. According to VirginiaÂ’s tourism site, more Civil War battles took place there than in any other state. Not surprisingly, they host quite a few reenactments.

And, of course, Gettysburg (PA) is the site of another impressive-looking Civil War reenactment.

Have any of you been to any of these reenactments or historic sites? Which would you recommend?

To conclude this weekÂ’s thread, hereÂ’s a fun music video by the very talented Lindsey Stirling. Hat tip to Mr Y-not for finding this video.

Happy travels!

**Normally, I don't mind off-topic stuff, but I'd rather Civil War arguments not dominate this thread, so I've made an Open Thread for those discussions and other political things below.**

Posted by: Open Blogger at 01:52 PM | Comments (228)
Post contains 896 words, total size 8 kb.

1 Civil War thread going up now for all things political and hatey.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 01:57 PM (zDsvJ)

2 I'll go get the others.

Posted by: LFW - Honorary Pointy Eared Vulcan at February 09, 2014 01:59 PM (SudzO)

3 So many threads... so little time.

Posted by: jewells45 trying to keep from going crazy at February 09, 2014 01:59 PM (/IQip)

4 Honest to God I was going to make an OJ Simpson joke until I saw the still. He had that Samsonite commercial way back in the day.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at February 09, 2014 02:02 PM (oFCZn)

5 Walking the Freedom Trail in Boston is a must do for any American.

Posted by: pilot141 at February 09, 2014 02:03 PM (nPwzA)

6
I nominate my house as good place for me to visit. It has food and a bed.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at February 09, 2014 02:03 PM (n0DEs)

7 >>I nominate my house as good place for me to visit. It has food and a bed. Are there blood stains on the carpet? ;-)

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 02:04 PM (zDsvJ)

8 And Re: the Freedom Trail, be sure to do the long walk across the bridge and finish up with a tour of the USS Constitution.

Posted by: pilot141 at February 09, 2014 02:04 PM (nPwzA)

9 >>Vicksburg National Military Park (Vicksburg, Mississippi) The husband wants to go there. It's only about 3 hours from here. Anybody been?

Posted by: Mama AJ at February 09, 2014 02:08 PM (SUKHu)

10 Dubrovnik Croatia, and Roma Italy are great places to visit. Florence Italy is a lot of fun also. I always laughed at the hotel names; Hotel Montreal, Hotel Londa, Hotel Colorado, and Hotels Golf and Jane, etc. Hotel California near the statue of David was my favorite name.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at February 09, 2014 02:09 PM (u82oZ)

11 Sorry for putting this up somewhat close to CBD's. We're still trying to come up with a semi-schedule.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 02:09 PM (zDsvJ)

12 I live within 45 minutes of Gettysburg and Sharpsburg MD and Harpers Ferry WV and within an hour of DC, Annapolis, and Manassas VA. Cool locations all. It is pretty cool to say I live here as these sights always fascinated me as I was growing up in MN. Petra Jordan, All of Israel, and Ephesus Turkey are all cool historic destinations that I have traveled too.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at February 09, 2014 02:11 PM (jucos)

13 Annapolis has too much of the "Ye Olde Towne" syndrome for my liking. In fact, pretty much every place in NoVa and parts of MD have this disease. Boston and Washington, sure. But you know, just because you have a 30 year old 7-11, doesn't mean you have an historic district. You're gentrified, not historic. I get that it's a money maker, but really. Some of the places that now claim old towns weren't even on the map 100 years ago. I can hardly wait for Old Town Tysons Corner.

You want Old Town, go to Florence and Venice, which while touristy and theme-parky, were at least once legitimately old cities.

(sorry, this is crankier than it started out being)

Posted by: pep at February 09, 2014 02:12 PM (6TB1Z)

14 I have always wanted to visit DC. Not now, however. We saw tons of historical stuff in Savannah that we enjoyed. Wish I had more money and time to travel.

Posted by: Infidel at February 09, 2014 02:14 PM (6bvBO)

15 >>13 Annapolis has too much of the "Ye Olde Towne" syndrome for my liking. You sound like my husband, who grew up in The Berkshires (Western MA), when he gets off on those carved wooden signs with gold lettering that are so common in New England.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 02:14 PM (zDsvJ)

16 I'd add to the Civil War sites: The Crater at Petersburg National Battlefield.

The summer my youngest brother was twelve, we went to a lot of the Civil War battlefields in the VA MD area. Got a quite different impression by doing that than you usually get by visiting only one.

Posted by: Retread at February 09, 2014 02:14 PM (cHwk5)

17 * sips Rebel Yell, contemplates.... *

Posted by: Mike Hammer at February 09, 2014 02:15 PM (aDwsi)

18 Don't think I've been to an historic place. Never been over the pond and never East of the Mississippi. I feel less than human.

Posted by: Ronster at February 09, 2014 02:16 PM (puNd6)

19 I've been to DC once during high school for a youth conference. They took us to the mall and told us to be back at the busses in three hours. Three. Fucking. Hours. It took us an hour just to get something to eat.

Posted by: Adam at February 09, 2014 02:17 PM (Aif/5)

20 18 Don't think I've been to an historic place. Never been over the pond and never East of the Mississippi. I feel less than human. --- Well, I was lazy and just went with the flow of these listicles, which were heavily biased toward the Eastern US, but there are plenty of historic sites out West, too. Most of us have some sort of "George Washington Slept Here" houses or monuments or something near us. That's the fun of it, imho. You don't have to travel far to have "traveled".

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 02:18 PM (zDsvJ)

21 @15

OTOH, my sister lives in Annapolis, and when she and her husband had the chance to move closer to husband's work, decided to stay put. I guess it has something I'm missing. She still can't send her kid to the local school, though.

Posted by: pep at February 09, 2014 02:19 PM (6TB1Z)

22 I like to Visit the ruins of Belle Isle prison where a thousand Yankees met justice.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 09, 2014 02:19 PM (6bMeY)

23 I'd like to visit DC just to see the air and space museum and the Lincoln memorial. Then drive up through NE in the fall.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at February 09, 2014 02:20 PM (j2X6g)

24 Pep, The thing I noticed during our recent visit to Annapolis was how DC it felt (not in a good way), especially in the hotels and their outrageous rates. Also, it's a bitch to drive there. That said, I loved the chance to tour the USNA, love the architecture and kooky streets, and enjoyed the references to the old Maryland families etc. I'm sure I'm biased because it's something I recall from my childhood.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 02:21 PM (zDsvJ)

25 Yeah, high schoolers are going to see to their stomachs before they see the sights. And the only museum on the mall that you might get through in the time left over is Modern Art.

Posted by: Retread at February 09, 2014 02:21 PM (cHwk5)

26 The rain forest on the Washington peninsula is gorgeous. I could spend an entire summer camping and hiking there.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at February 09, 2014 02:23 PM (j2X6g)

27 That's the fun of it, imho. You don't have to travel far to have "traveled".

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 06:18 PM (zDsvJ)

Well, I did visit a territorial prison near Yuma AZ. I guess that would qualify.

Posted by: Ronster at February 09, 2014 02:24 PM (puNd6)

28 I've been to Gettysburg. I would NEVER go back during the 4th of July, but would like to see it when it isn't bumper to bumper traffic. I lived in Richmond, and much of it feels like a museum, I would definitely visit there if you have not been. And if you ever get to go back to London, the Museum of London was excellent, but there are so many museums in London, not many seem to know about it.

Posted by: Nancy at February 09, 2014 02:27 PM (6CdEw)

29 "You want Old Town, go to Florence and Venice, which while touristy and theme-parky, were at least once legitimately old cities"

Yeah, Venice is crowded as hell during the day, but it clears right out at night--kind of like Disneyland for European day-trippers. Strolling around at night is actually pretty relaxing, though.

Posted by: AndrewR at February 09, 2014 02:27 PM (2zaB5)

30 Harpers Ferry is nice, but that's because it's got a great trail up to the bluffs on the other side of the Potomac. You have a great view of the town, the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac, and the RR bridge into town. Two other points of interest -- 1) The RR station is good for Amtrac visitors. 2) This is a good canoe put in spot for a great trip down the unspoiled Potomac to Point of Rocks.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at February 09, 2014 02:27 PM (u82oZ)

31 Based on your criteria, I'd say New Orleans (French Quarter) would fit neatly into all those categories. Not to mention that the French Quarter becomes an entirely different animal at night. I'd also recommend my hometown of Natchez MS. Lots of antebellum homes to tour. Natchez at one time had the highest concentration of millionaires just before the civil war.

Posted by: 144 at February 09, 2014 02:27 PM (15xq2)

32 The Peach Orchard at Shiloh. Surreal.

Posted by: Bobby Ahr at February 09, 2014 02:28 PM (zmZ2x)

33 BTW, y-not. Is that Washington Monument picture of a family member? Asking for a friend.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at February 09, 2014 02:28 PM (u82oZ)

34 There you go, Ronster! Furthest west I've been in AZ was the Sonoran Desert National Monument, which was quite nice.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 02:29 PM (zDsvJ)

35 9 Yes. Well worth the trip. Wish we had had more time. Don't miss the USS Cairo!

Posted by: Tuna at February 09, 2014 02:29 PM (M/TDA)

36 33 BTW, y-not. Is that Washington Monument picture of a family member? Asking for a friend. -- LOL. Nope. A little small for Mr Y-not! I was looking for a funny picture of DC and there were a lot of these ones. I guess it's a "thing" to do when you're there.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 02:30 PM (zDsvJ)

37 The Peach Orchard at Shiloh. Surreal.

The Sunken Lane at Antietam, too, even on a bright sunny day.

Posted by: Retread at February 09, 2014 02:30 PM (cHwk5)

38 5 Walking the Freedom Trail in Boston is a must do for any American.

Posted by: pilot141 at February 09, 2014 06:03 PM (nPwzA)

As a resident of Boston I'd agree. Then after the end of the Freedom Trail at the USS Constitution, go visit the USS Cassin Young, a WW II Fletcher class destroyer just a couple hundred feet away.

Another must see in Boston is the Museum of Fine Arts. They have a lot of colonial-era pieces including Paul Revere silver. The best (IMO) is a gallery of original portraits of many founding fathers. Before I first visited I had seen those portraits in history books but seeing the originals took my breath away.

A lot of other cool things nearby. Oh - and take a duck tour if you can!

Posted by: drunken beancounter, delurking at February 09, 2014 02:31 PM (1DiSS)

39 Stone Mountain, GA is a great little side trip if you are in Atlanta.

Posted by: Tuna at February 09, 2014 02:31 PM (M/TDA)

Don't think they are considered historical, but I have seen a lot of the west. Northwest WA is beautiful with all the forests, but depressing with all the overcast, never get to see the sun.

Driving thru Monument Valley never fails to take my breath away.

Redwoods in CA.

Posted by: Infidel at February 09, 2014 02:31 PM (6bvBO)

41 31 Based on your criteria, I'd say New Orleans (French Quarter) would fit neatly into all those categories. --- Yes, I think you're right. Although... is the weather EVER good? I've only been to NO in January for a conference and even then it was hot and sticky. But there are a lot of the beautiful cities in the South that I have not had a chance to visit as a tourist. Definitely need to do that.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 02:32 PM (zDsvJ)

42 Damn pixie, I included some carriage returns in that last post.

Posted by: drunken beancounter, delurking at February 09, 2014 02:32 PM (1DiSS)

43 Toad, in Wind In the Willows: "There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." Specifically, canal boats. Done it France, England, US, Canada so far. Excellent access to history, scenery, relaxation, pubs, you name it, while taking your home with you. U-drive for about $1K/week but that is everything you need except food. No storms and you can't get lost.

Posted by: Ray Van Dune at February 09, 2014 02:34 PM (qIFL7)

44 Y-not, if you're ever in danger of getting back to London, you can go to the Tower for the Ceremony of the Keys, which is evening lock-up. You have to reserve a spot months in advance since they keep the group small each night but it's quite impressive, very atmospheric.

Posted by: Retread at February 09, 2014 02:34 PM (cHwk5)

45 Mobile, Alabama is pretty nice and Gulf Shores isn't too bad either.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at February 09, 2014 02:35 PM (ETWo2)

46 Y-not, I'm not dissing your post. You do great work. (for a beginner

)

Posted by: Ronster at February 09, 2014 02:36 PM (puNd6)

47 >>40 Don't think they are considered historical, but I have seen a lot of the west. Any Lewis & Clark sites?

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 02:37 PM (zDsvJ)

48 36 Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 06:30 PM (zDsvJ) Indeed. I was outside the Smithsonian Castle when an old guy wearing a "National Sex Instructor" T-shirt was framing the top of the Capital dome with a tiger-stripped bra. His companion looked like she was in dire need of that article of clothing. Not that there is anything wrong with rocks in socks among the Geritol set. I lived in or near DC for 43 years (off and on) , and saw a lot of tourist high jinks.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at February 09, 2014 02:38 PM (u82oZ)

49 Search for images of the Church in the Rock in Idar-Obersein.

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 09, 2014 02:38 PM (ZshNr)

50 >>Walking the Freedom Trail in Boston is a must do for any American. Yep. One of the most accessible and meaningful pieces of history for every American. Pretty much all of eastern MA is chock full of historical Americana.

Posted by: JackStraw at February 09, 2014 02:38 PM (g1DWB)

51 Never heard of Lindsey S. Read Wiki, very impressive. A Mormon that did her mission work in NYC. THAT had to be tough.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 09, 2014 02:39 PM (0FSuD)

52 Any Lewis & Clark sites?

Now that would make a great late spring / early summer driving trip. Start in St. Louis and follow their route until you ran out of time and or money.

Posted by: Retread at February 09, 2014 02:39 PM (cHwk5)

53 44 Y-not, if you're ever in danger of getting back to London, you can go to the Tower for the Ceremony of the Keys, which is evening lock-up. -- That sounds cool. I was lucky when I was doing the science-thing to have a very good friend and collaborator who was a Cambridge professor. So I had a chance to dine at High Table and then go to some special room afterwards with soem of the other fellows and guests to have port and 300-year-old cheese (ok, maybe not that old but it was hard as stone). They even offered me snuff which I stupidly declined.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 02:40 PM (zDsvJ)

54 Explored a lot of the Berlin Wall from the inside and some from the outside (i.e., East Berlin). But my historic place is now history!

Posted by: t-bird at February 09, 2014 02:42 PM (FcR7P)

55 60% of the War of Northern Aggression was fought in Virginia. You can not travel very far without stumbling over a battlefield. For my money nothing is more impressive than the Capital. Get your congressman to give you a tour of the secret stuff. If you are REAL good, maybe he will take you up inside the dome to touch the Indian! Yes, I've done it.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 09, 2014 02:43 PM (0FSuD)

56 Mama AJ, I have been to the Vicksburg site several times, and found it wonderful. Easy to get around, and the facility and staff were always great.

Posted by: Stedenko at February 09, 2014 02:45 PM (2Eh1I)

57 What did you do with the stone-hard cheese? I would have been tempted to dip it in the port, if only to confirm their belief that their ancestors were right in throwing my ancestors out of the country.

Posted by: Retread at February 09, 2014 02:45 PM (cHwk5)

58 Have any of you either gone to reenactments or participated in one? There's also one of Little Big Horn that could be pretty damned cool, I think.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 02:45 PM (zDsvJ)

59 Y-Not. Plan at LEAST a day in the British Museum. A week and you will not see it all. Also a little known site is the "Residence" in Munich. All the shit the Holy Roman Empire stole is still there. That also is at least a day. http://tinyurl.com/kd2qbhj

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 09, 2014 02:46 PM (0FSuD)

60 I am going to Ravenna, Italy next Thursday.

Posted by: Mr. Dave at February 09, 2014 02:47 PM (W5p55)

Went to Gettysburg this summer for a week and understand the terrain much better and assume it is true for each battlefield. Get out and walk around after the bus tour with a good map. See why the Germans in 11th corps got their butts kicked back to Hesse. I prefer smaller reenactments for getting to talk to the members. It was fun asking Hancock if he was angry about losing the Presidency. His answer was after what happened to Garfield, he didn't mind.

Posted by: uwcryptocon at February 09, 2014 02:48 PM (6qMMx)

62 How could I forget. I visited the site of Custers last stand. That was years ago when you could walk anywhere you wanted to. I'm guessing it is now roped off with designated trails and signs, etc.

Posted by: Ronster at February 09, 2014 02:48 PM (puNd6)

63 >>57 What did you do with the stone-hard cheese? So it was quite a challenge. My host was the second-ranking old guy (I don't remember what they called it, but basically the oldest Fellow gets to preside). And if they have enough Fellows after dinner, they can go to the special room for the port, cheese, snuff, etc. Anyway, it was a little nerve-wracking because I had some sort of position as the ranking guest so I had to go first. And I was scared to death that I'd cut the cheese and it'd go flying across the room. So I used my fork to hold it down. Turns out that was the right thing to do. But the whole evening was interesting. You have dinner at this long table on a stage basically, while the students sit below. And you're using silverware that was given to the college (in this case Queen's College) by the Class of 1685 or whatever. Wild stuff.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 02:48 PM (zDsvJ)

Any Lewis & Clark sites?

No, not yet. Have been to the John Wesley Powell River Museum in Green River. Used to do a lot of whitewater rafting when I was younger. The Old Spanish Trail has a portion about 1/2 mile from my house that a preservation group has been working on.

Posted by: Infidel at February 09, 2014 02:49 PM (6bvBO)

65 Y-Not if you ever go to the Roman area, etc, you need to see this. http://tinyurl.com/olvyv

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 09, 2014 02:49 PM (0FSuD)

66 I've done the self-guided walking tour of Florence. Stayed in a hotel on the top two floors of an office building - the hotel terraces had a view of the Duomo. It was so ... touristy, though. It seemed like everywhere I went there was someone with their hand out. Ravenna was a nice change from that. All the old churches and baptisteries (with the exception of St. Apollinaire in Classe were within a tight walking distance - and they all were in this otherwise undistinguished small Italian city, and ordinary people just seemed so charmed and flattered that you had come all this way to see their treasures. I did a good walking tour of Rome, also - stayed in a wee tiny hotel off the Spanish Steps. For historic towns with massive reenactor presence - Goliad, Texas. They have a huge event commemorating the Coleto Creek fight, and the massacre of the Texan garrison of La Bahia afterwards - it's at the reconstructed citadel every year, in mid-March. One of the events is the candle-light tour of the citadel - supposedly on the evening before the Texians were marched out and killed at the order of General Santa Anna. All the reenactors camp within the old fortress - and there is no electric light anywhere, only candles, lanterns and bonfires. It's genuinely creepy - if there is one haunted place in Texas, I'd have to say the chapel of the La Bahia citadel would be it.

Posted by: Sgt. Mom at February 09, 2014 02:50 PM (Asjr7)

67 Everyone should go to Gettysburg. When you do, get one of the guided tours. Those guys know the entire story and will give an account that really brings the four or five close run points that determined the battle. Early on day one, the Confederate forces had the entire Union battle line in front of them for easy rolling up...and they couldn't get the orders done.

Abroad, the Great Wall is remarkable because many of the patrols on it were done on horseback. In the winter.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at February 09, 2014 02:50 PM (1qpwX)

68
Did the Grand Canyon last summer with the kids, because I figured it was a "thing" that should be a part of their Americana. Did it when I was little, but it was pretty enjoyable for a big hole in the ground.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at February 09, 2014 02:51 PM (n0DEs)

69 38 5 Walking the Freedom Trail in Boston is a must do for any American. Yes. I also liked the JFK Museum. His WW-II uniform was very eloquent. The ribbon rack had the N&MCM and campaign ribbons. Not one achievement award or award for valor. What a contrast to a better President - Dwight Eisenhower. The Eisenhower Library in Abaline, Kansas has a very interesting museum. My wife appreciated the large amount of coverage on Mame Eisenhower. I enjoyed his fitness report from Douglas Macarthur and a model of the Mulberry harbour system. His awards were well displayed. They only left out his Order of Victory from the Soviet Union. It has a large amount of diamonds set in platinum, with ruby and gold embellishments. Wiki says it's in the Library, but I didn't see it on my two visits.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at February 09, 2014 02:52 PM (u82oZ)

70 Amsterdam ( for the canals )

Brugges ( for the canals and Belgian beer )

Venice ( for the canals and the total lack of vehicles )

anywhere in Ireland ( no canals, except in parts of Dublin )

Posted by: Jules ( turning Chinese ) at February 09, 2014 02:53 PM (omBWL)

71 23 I'd like to visit DC just to see the air and space museum and the Lincoln memorial. Then drive up through NE in the fall. That is an excellent choice, but unlike the old days, 60's, the Smith now has about five different museums all pretty cool. Not talking about native America etc PC museums. The DAR hall is pretty neat too, but you have to be a member. The Air museum is less cluttered, but it is still a good day. DO NOT go in the summer.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 09, 2014 02:54 PM (0FSuD)

72 Did the Grand Canyon last summer with the kids, because I figured it was a "thing" that should be a part of their Americana. Did it when I was little, but it was pretty enjoyable for a big hole in the ground.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at February 09, 2014 06:51 PM (n0DEs)

That sounds like something I would like to do before I'm fed to the worms. Does one have to be in good shape to do the good stuff?

Posted by: Ronster at February 09, 2014 02:54 PM (puNd6)

73 And I was scared to death that I'd cut the cheese and it'd go flying across the room. So I used my fork to hold it down.

Yes, cutting the cheese is a source of much social anxiety. Using a fork seems a bit extreme, though, even for Brits.

Posted by: pep at February 09, 2014 02:55 PM (6TB1Z)

74 >>Brugges ( for the canals and Belgian beer ) And the mussels, as I recall! Belgium was fun place to visit as a foodie. Also, they really do all speak English.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 02:55 PM (zDsvJ)

75 67 Everyone should go to Gettysburg. NOT going, we lost.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 09, 2014 02:56 PM (0FSuD)

Goliad, Texas

I asked my Dad to bring me a Goliad Flag back from Texas a few years ago. I love that flag. They got it at the Town Hall.

Another good trip is Route 66. Truxton Station saved me one hot summer day! The second bridge over Hoover dam is spectacular.

Posted by: Infidel at February 09, 2014 02:56 PM (6bvBO)

77 Normandy grave site is a must if you go to France.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 09, 2014 02:56 PM (0FSuD)

78 Y-not, I have great issue with your list of top 3 American cities. Philadelphia is the most historic city in the US, particularly for the founding of the Republic. The Independence Mall district is called "the most historic square mile in the country," for goodness' sake. Ben Franklin was more Philadelphian than Boston. No historic site or monument in DC can measure up to Independence Hall. I've never been to Annapolis aside from Navy's arena, but I have to believe that if it had more to offer than Philly then I would know about it. Want more than just the features of the city most important to the founding? Valley Forge and Washington's Crossing are within an hour. Poe's raven (yes, there was an actual bird) is in the public library, as well as his museum (suck it, Baltimore). Fairmont Park, more than twice the size of Central Park and the largest municipal park in the world. The Art Museum, one of the finest on this continent.

Posted by: Conservative Crank's iPhone at February 09, 2014 02:58 PM (MhPEb)

79 I was lucky when I was doing the science-thing to have a very good friend and collaborator who was a Cambridge professor. So I had a chance to dine at High Table and then go to some special room afterwards with soem of the other fellows and guests to have port and 300-year-old cheese (ok, maybe not that old but it was hard as stone).

I had lunch in the Middle Temple Hall on the invitation of a barrister while I was in London a few years ago. Most awesome moment: reading through the list of former officers carved into the wall and finding Sir Thomas More listed.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at February 09, 2014 03:00 PM (KrRnU)

80 >>78 Y-not, I have great issue with your list of top 3 American cities. I didn't make it clear, but I was only speaking from direct experience. I've been to Philadelphia, but only at U Penn to give a lecture, so I didn't feel qualified to comment on Philadelphia.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 03:01 PM (zDsvJ)

81 >>78 Y-not, I have great issue with your list of top 3 American cities. I didn't make it clear, but I was only speaking from direct experience. I've been to Philadelphia, but only at U Penn to give a lecture, so I didn't feel qualified to comment on Philadelphia.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 03:01 PM (zDsvJ)

82 >>78 Y-not, I have great issue with your list of top 3 American cities. I didn't make it clear, but I was only speaking from direct experience. I've been to Philadelphia, but only at U Penn to give a lecture, so I didn't feel qualified to comment on Philadelphia.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 03:01 PM (zDsvJ)

83 NOT going, we lost.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 09, 2014 06:56 PM (0FSuD)

Dude.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at February 09, 2014 03:03 PM (1qpwX)

84 NOT going, we lost.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 09, 2014 06:56 PM (0FSuD)

Dude.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at February 09, 2014 03:03 PM (1qpwX)

85 NOT going, we lost.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 09, 2014 06:56 PM (0FSuD)

Dude.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at February 09, 2014 03:03 PM (1qpwX)

86 When I went to the Grand Canyon we drove up from the south and turned east, stopping at multiple overlooks and so got to see it as the sun moved through the sky. Made a surprising difference through several hours. We then continued east to Navajo country, returning in time to watch the sunset from one of the easterly overlooks. As the sun neared the horizon people quieted down and spoke in hushed tones when they spoke at all. Very moving. I'd do it again if I ever got the chance.

Posted by: Retread at February 09, 2014 03:03 PM (cHwk5)

87 When I went to the Grand Canyon we drove up from the south and turned east, stopping at multiple overlooks and so got to see it as the sun moved through the sky. Made a surprising difference through several hours. We then continued east to Navajo country, returning in time to watch the sunset from one of the easterly overlooks. As the sun neared the horizon people quieted down and spoke in hushed tones when they spoke at all. Very moving. I'd do it again if I ever got the chance.

Posted by: Retread at February 09, 2014 03:03 PM (cHwk5)

88 When I went to the Grand Canyon we drove up from the south and turned east, stopping at multiple overlooks and so got to see it as the sun moved through the sky. Made a surprising difference through several hours. We then continued east to Navajo country, returning in time to watch the sunset from one of the easterly overlooks. As the sun neared the horizon people quieted down and spoke in hushed tones when they spoke at all. Very moving. I'd do it again if I ever got the chance.

Posted by: Retread at February 09, 2014 03:03 PM (cHwk5)

89 Mr. Dave Oh! Oh! While in Ravenna, check out the frescoes --- IIRC Christ the Good Shepherd --- is the one you should see. And the pizza baked in a wood fired pizza oven --- must eat!

Posted by: L, elle at February 09, 2014 03:04 PM (Cuj/g)

90 I haven't been to the Grand Canyon yet, but I am looking forward to doing so. The pix Mr Y-not brought back from his internship days were spectacular.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 03:04 PM (zDsvJ)

91 The Grand Canyon and Grand Tetons are worth visiting.

In MA, I'd also suggest Salem (especially the Peabody Essex museum) and also Lexington and Concord to see where the Revolutionary war began. So many good sites in and around Boston!

Loved Quebec City, which is more accessible during the summer (for walking around), but Winter Carnival is fun, too.

Posted by: Lizzy at February 09, 2014 03:07 PM (POpqt)

92 I've been inside the original Olympic stadium in Olympia Greece. That was cool.

Posted by: grammie winger at February 09, 2014 03:07 PM (P6QsQ)

93 Monticello is a place I would like to visit.
Mount Vernon also.

Every place has a history.

Posted by: Fred. J at February 09, 2014 03:08 PM (6M3ob)

94 Near DC, I'd suggest visiting Mount Vernon and Monticello just to see how a couple of founders lived.

Posted by: Lizzy at February 09, 2014 03:09 PM (POpqt)

95 86 I've been inside the original Olympic stadium in Olympia Greece. That was cool. --- I *built* it.

Posted by: VICtor, porch sitter at February 09, 2014 03:10 PM (zDsvJ)

96 People who had been told me before I went that even film footage of the Grand Canyon doesn't prepare you for the immensity of it. They were right. I'm very glad I went, and even gladder that I spent enough hours to see the light change it. I hadn't understood about the colors until I saw them.

Posted by: Retread at February 09, 2014 03:10 PM (cHwk5)

97 The Corn Palace in Mitchell SD

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at February 09, 2014 03:11 PM (jucos)

98 >>That sounds like something I would like to do before I'm fed to the worms. Does one have to be in good shape to do the good stuff? Depends on what you mean by good stuff. You can see the canyon itself perfectly fine by just walking over and looking down. But if you want to hike down (and then back up) yea, you better get a little exercise before giving that a whirl. And you damn well better not be afraid of heights because on some trails there is nothing between you and down there but air. And if you happen to run into a mule caravan full of tourists you have to walk around them, they get the right of way, at least they did when I hiked it. You can sign up for one of those and let the mule do the work but you have to sign up way in advance. But you can also take a small plane or helicopter tour and see the whole place in pretty dramatic fashion. Definitely put it on your list and don't be too concerned about getting in shape unless you really want to push yourself.

Posted by: JackStraw at February 09, 2014 03:12 PM (g1DWB)

99 #65 There is a beautiful seaside Greek / Roman temple at Antalya on the south-central Turkish coast, where we saw the eclipse of the Sun in 2005. They had to ruin it by laying on a symphony orchestra though!

Turkey is full of amazing antiquities, but the one that got to me was the Lycean Way, which isn't even a road anymore, just a roadbed. The "modern" road that runs along side is a mess, winding, bumping and undulating up and down through hilly wooded country, like the asphalt was just dumped on the ground and rolled out. But off to the side through the trees you can see the old Lycean Way roadbed, laid out and graded as precisely as a modern railway though the Alps, just several thousand years older.

Posted by: Ray Van Dune at February 09, 2014 03:14 PM (qIFL7)

100 In MA, I'd also suggest Salem (especially the Peabody Essex museum) and also Lexington and Concord to see where the Revolutionary war began. -- Oh, Lizzy, I'm glad you mentioned that. When my husband and I were living in Waltham and later Belmont we used to go out to Concord quite often on the weekend to have lunch and poke around the little town. (Invariably we'd wind up with a parking ticket. To this day I think we built the addition on their courthouse with all the tickets we paid!) Anyway, one day we decided to take a basket out to the area and have a picnic. So we pulled up to an inviting field and started unloading all of our stuff. I happened to glance over to Mr Y-not and realized he had a tick crawling on him. Then I realized he had a LOT of ticks on him. Then... I realized that I was also covered in ticks! Egads! After hopping around for a bit and trying to brush the damned things off, we realized we needed to get home to strip. You never saw two people pack up a car so quickly. To this day we refer to Lexington-Concord as "Tick Village."

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 03:14 PM (zDsvJ)

101 L, elle I will first go to Bologna for a couple of days. (I know someone there). I have been to Ravenna once before but did my usual wandering around without a real plan. I will check out the frescos. As far as food, the most humble little restaurant in Italy is better than any Italian food around Texas. Because they get up at 0500 hrs to go to the market and make fresh pasta all day.

Posted by: Mr. Dave at February 09, 2014 03:15 PM (W5p55)

102

JackStraw at February 09, 2014 07:12 PM (g1DWB)

Thanks for the info.

Posted by: Ronster at February 09, 2014 03:16 PM (puNd6)

103

While motoring thru Slovenia several years ago with my beautiful first gen. Slovein wife we found some unreal sites in the NW section of the country. The Soca River area was a front in WW1 and there are abandon gunnery outpost scattered throughout the mountain area.

We climbed around a brand new ski-flying facility tucked in the mts. around Grande Vista. There was an old Communist built facility overgrown and in wreckage in the woods nearby. Very cool time climbing around that. You seemed to be able to go anywhere and do anything you wanted. The Govt. stink eye was not in the air. Also no slip and fall lawyers.

There is a WW1 memorial around the Soco in the shape of a giant cross. Can be googled unreal grave yard.

Posted by: redenzo at February 09, 2014 03:16 PM (WCnJW)

104 Least commercial Civil War site in my experience is Antietam Battlefield in Sharpsburg. Nothing commercial about it. You can come across Burnside Bridge in the Swale and just imagine the insanity of the close combat that occurred during the battle. It really is a great site to visit.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at February 09, 2014 03:18 PM (jucos)

105 Ticks - iiiiick!
My sister lives near Lexington so she's and the family have gone to the Patriot's Day re-enactments a few times.

Posted by: Lizzy at February 09, 2014 03:18 PM (POpqt)

106 Take a cruise thru the Panama Canal. Marvel at what man can do.
The rain forest portion is also spectacular, complete with monkeys.

Posted by: navybrat at February 09, 2014 03:20 PM (AW7Gr)

107 Historic? Don't forget SD's contribution. http://tinyurl.com/2vmhedg

Posted by: Rev Al at February 09, 2014 03:21 PM (0FSuD)

108 off al sock

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 09, 2014 03:22 PM (0FSuD)

109 Speaking of monkeys, if you get a chance to go to Gibraltar, do it.
Technically, those are apes, but they can be nasty.

Posted by: navybrat at February 09, 2014 03:22 PM (AW7Gr)

110 Students of Western Civ history will obviously have a lot to occupy themselves in London, but if you can make it to Dublin, by all means go. Not only is the city vibrant and cosmopolitan, with friendly people everywhere, but the historical attractions are first-rate. Morons will want to make an early stop the Guinness storehouse tour (I did), but don't miss the bus tours of historical sites, and absolutely don't miss the tour of Old Kilmainham Gaol (Jail), where the leaders of the Irish revolution of 1916 were executed. The jail dates from 1796 and during the great potato famine, children would commit petty crimes in order to get caught and not have to worry about starving to death for a month or two while they served their sentence. It's a real eye opener.

Posted by: Eric in Boise at February 09, 2014 03:23 PM (kgBIQ)

111 Do a drive along the Amalfi coast. But let someone else drive.

Posted by: navybrat at February 09, 2014 03:23 PM (AW7Gr)

112 I will also second the mentions of Brugge and Dubrovnik. I like old medieval towns. I haven't been back to Dubrovnik since Yugoslavia broke up and I heard there was a lot of damage to the old walled portion. Anyone know if renovations were completed.

Posted by: Mr. Dave at February 09, 2014 03:23 PM (W5p55)

113 Some historic sites I have visited in the USA: Little Big Horn battlefield, Mt.Rushmore, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Houston Space Center, Avery Island, Lousiana, Meteor Crater in AZ, and Casa Grande National Monument in AZ, too. Also the nuclear reactor site at Arco, Idaho, the first town in the world to have been lit by nuclear-generated electricity. You can walk right up and touch the long-since decommissioned reactor vessel; the one room you can't enter is full of steam pipes wrapped with asbestos insulation. Go figure, eh.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 09, 2014 03:25 PM (pFqpP)

114 I can second the Dubrovnik suggestion.
Yes, the war damaged it. Have not been there since the unpleasantness occurred. When I was there Tito still was in power.
Yes, I am old as dirt.

Posted by: navybrat at February 09, 2014 03:26 PM (AW7Gr)

115 I was in Taipei, Taiwan on business and visited the National Palace Museum several times. It's not so much a historical site, but it has a ton of antiquities that were smuggled out of China when Mao and his crew were destroying this stuff. Apparently it's collection is larger than any found on main land China.
Really puts things in perspective when looking a old pots used by people thousands of years BC and other items that span from then through present century.

Posted by: Lizzy at February 09, 2014 03:26 PM (POpqt)

116 oh, HISTORIC places.........okay

Waterloo: the battlefield is south of the town ( which is a little ways south of Bruxelles, in the frog-speaking area of Belgium )

it's not far from Limauges, a village / former town in Belgium

the farmhouse, which some guys in kilts held for nearly 12 hours under constant attack and artillery barrage--and then re-captured --is still there

Posted by: Jules ( turning Chinese ) at February 09, 2014 03:26 PM (omBWL)

117 Gettysburg....R E Lee ate some over ripe fruit that morning (pears?) got the runs and the orders were delayed or lost in translation...I walked the battlefield but did not see one monument to the lowly pear. Too bad he did not choose an apple or prune or a shot of whiskey for God's sake. Hurrah Dixie!

Posted by: IrishEd at February 09, 2014 03:30 PM (bfm04)

118 The very first time I went to China (1979) it was so weird I could not even believe it was on the same planet. Now it is worse.

Posted by: navybrat at February 09, 2014 03:30 PM (AW7Gr)

119 It's a real eye opener.

Posted by: Eric in Boise at February 09, 2014 07:23 PM (kgBIQ)

It's only open for a few hours on Sunday afternoons ( unless they done changed things ). You can see the spot where James Connolly was murdered

Posted by: Jules ( turning Chinese ) at February 09, 2014 03:33 PM (omBWL)

120 I once went to the island of Patmos.
I was on a cruise to a bunch of Biblical destinations. Among them, Ephesus (Book of Ephesians was written there), Acre, Tel Aviv, and Cathedral of Sophia.
While in Istanbul we also went to the Blue Mosque.
It was a memorable trip.

Posted by: navybrat at February 09, 2014 03:34 PM (AW7Gr)

121 Culloden battlefield in Scotland is the only place I ever felt like there might be spirits lingering.

Posted by: Mr. Dave at February 09, 2014 03:34 PM (W5p55)

122 I am amiss in visiting a lot of destinations in the USA, including some entire states that I have never visited. Thanks for the suggestions.

Posted by: navybrat at February 09, 2014 03:35 PM (AW7Gr)

123

78 Philadelphia is the most historic city in the US, particularly for the founding of the Republic

I second that. Some of the most amazing historic sights in the City of Brotherly Love aren't even on the touristy maps. Old City (the eastern edge of the city, near the Delaware River and the Ben Franklin Bridge) has cobblestone streets and Christ Church ("the nation's church", built in 1695). Logan Circle has the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, built in 1846 at the founding of the Philadelphia archdiocese. Philly also has a kick-ass science museum (the Franklin Institute; Franklin is Philly's folk hero to this day) and a little-known but fascinating (if you're into this) medical history museum, the Mutter Museum, in the same part of town.

I've been to most of the major historical attractions in east-coast cities. I'm partial because I'm from Philly, but the roots of American history don't run deeper anywhere.

Posted by: crisis du jour at February 09, 2014 03:37 PM (QHUpb)

124 My favorite historic place is the San Jacinto Battleground state park where my extended family picnicked when I was a kid. I still go there when I am in the area and walk and drive around usually alone. Out of the US I like Scotland. I love Edinburgh and St Andrews and anywhere in the highlands. My wife likes Italy especially Florence which is funny because her family came from France which neither of us cares for much.

Posted by: Lester at February 09, 2014 03:38 PM (2UPXV)

125 I once took a boat cruise from New Orleans to Prairie du Chien on my brother in law's boat.
You roll up the Mississippi and think to yourself, this was once France. All of it.
Napoleon was an idiot.

Posted by: navybrat at February 09, 2014 03:38 PM (AW7Gr)

126 Someone upthread mentioned Lewis and Clark sites. I spent 110 days in Great Falls, Montana in the spring and early summer of 1987. I was there ostensibly to teach the Air National Guard about the F-16 but had lots of free time on my hands. Myself and a friend I met there did a lot of exploring and saw many places along the Lewis and Clark trail. The ANG really didn't need to be taught how to work on the aircraft as they were mostly consummate professionals and only needed to know a few things peculiar to the F-16. It turned out to be a great TRY.

Posted by: Bill R. at February 09, 2014 03:45 PM (RMwX+)

127 There's a real treat in store in the visitor's center at the Chickamauga battlefield, and it doesn't seem to be publicized at all. (I was there visiting the battlefield, and couldn't believe what they had!) In the back of the visitor's center, you will find a series of rooms which hold the US Army's historical firearms collection. They have an original copy of one of EVERY hand held firearm ever used in north america, including those experimental repeating rifles pitched to tbe Army in the mid- 1800's. Those are some real one of a kind items - and when I say every model, the earliest one in their collection is an Arquebus from the 1500's - I think it was spanish. It was a brilliant surprise to run into, and for anyone who cares for the history of firearms, it is well worth a visit. And I have no idea how such a brilliant collection got stuck in an obscure visitor's center in north Georgia!

Posted by: tom servo at February 09, 2014 03:45 PM (osdNx)

128 Damn auto correct! That's TDY.

Posted by: Bill R. at February 09, 2014 03:46 PM (RMwX+)

129 Do a drive along the Amalfi coast. But let someone else drive. Posted by: navybrat at February 09, 2014 07:23 PM (AW7Gr) Get a rental car and go for it. For a more relaxing and scenic jaunt, take the ferry. How about those Saracen lookout structures?

Posted by: Meremortal at February 09, 2014 03:47 PM (1Y+hH)

130 Watch Ted Turners Gettysburg before you go. It will give you a very good overview of what happened and the sequence of events. I had a little help because we spent a couple of weeks on Gettysburg in military history class at West Point. Anyway, go in the summer to get a feel for it, and stand at the top of Little Round Top, and over in the line of trees where Picketts brigade was, and stand in the Angle. It is a powerful feeling. And also the Devils Den. If you read any account of that portion of the battle, and then go see that place....

Posted by: blaster at February 09, 2014 03:48 PM (4+AaH)

131

Has anyone done any of the canal tours in the US -- Ohio and such? I think that sounds like a great spring or summer time adventure.

I would also highly recommend any of the US trails --- Oregon, Continental Divide, Blue Ridge Parkway are just a few. All good family oriented fun.

Posted by: CMOORE at February 09, 2014 03:49 PM (BsZGS)

132 "Get a rental car and go for it. For a more relaxing and scenic jaunt, take the ferry. How about those Saracen lookout structures?"

It's all good, but if you go for the rental car, buy the additional insurance. Whatever they are selling, buy it. I never allow myself to drive when in foreign countries. It is my experience that you can buy a local driver much cheaper than paying for an accident, or worse, a run in with the local gendarmes.

When driving in foreign lands, some accidents aren't.

Posted by: navybrat at February 09, 2014 03:51 PM (AW7Gr)

133 Was in Dubrovnik five or six years ago, and it was very much repaired from the Yugoslav civil war by then. A few holes in the walls preserved at the Franciscan monastery in the old town, but otherwise it's an awesome 16th century movie set with people living in it. Expensive though, like being in Italy for the day, compared to Bosnia where we had been staying.

Posted by: Leftcoast at February 09, 2014 03:52 PM (VdNG6)

134 I spent three weeks in Scotland two years ago. While I would dearly love to live in Glasgow, I don't think it has much to recommend it as a tourist destination. However, Edinburg was gloriously touristy, and I didn't even get to the castle! I did, however, get a bottle of 26 year old Scotch to take back with me... and, at last, my kilt.

Posted by: Spike at February 09, 2014 03:53 PM (6ECP9)

135 I have been blessed in that most of my traveling years, the USD was king. You could get a room at the Lisbon Sheraton for about $35 a night. This was before the EU. I was in Italy once when they decided to just lop six zeroes off of the currency, just to make the math simpler.

Good times.

Speaking of Italy, Pompeii is a site to visit. It was a heart wrenching experience, truly. Go visit that one. That volcano is still erupting, even now.

Posted by: navybrat at February 09, 2014 03:55 PM (AW7Gr)

136 Nice to see Wall Drug and the Corn Palace make the page...HA! Sadly Ive never been to Washington DC. Have seen Rome, Venice, Florence, Dublin, London, Edinburgh. Germany, France and the Scandinavian countries as well. I really need to see more of my own country I think.

Posted by: Molly k. at February 09, 2014 03:57 PM (DfHo3)

137 Strasbourg is nice but Colmar is a better town for the pure "Alsatian" experience, IMHO. As for historical sites, nothing beats Jerusalem.

Posted by: RS at February 09, 2014 03:58 PM (YAGV/)

138 Jules, it's open during the week now, so they've increased the hours. Not sure if it was Connollly, but one of the leaders had been shot in the leg during the fighting, and had an advanced case of gangrene. He was unable to stand, so the English brought him into the yard at Kilmainham on a stretcher, tied him to a chair, and he faced the firing squad that way. Didn't do much for Irish-English relations.

Posted by: Eric in Boise at February 09, 2014 04:00 PM (kgBIQ)

139 Ketchikan AK at times have so many salmon going upstream that it looks like you could just about walk on their backs and arrive on the other side of the river with dry feet. I am not kidding. That was an awesome sight.

Posted by: navybrat at February 09, 2014 04:00 PM (AW7Gr)

140 For sheer white knuckle pleasure rent a car and drive in Rome.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at February 09, 2014 04:00 PM (jucos)

141 Antietam is great. Even my wife enjoyed it and she is not into historic anything. Amazing how long the cornfield is and how short the span of Burnside bridge (could toss a football over it with ease) Outside the US, Normandy is sobering. Best advice in Paris: Ask once in English. If they don't understand, say it again... Louder. (I used to work for a French company and almost all Parisians know basic English)

Posted by: Roberto Luongo at February 09, 2014 04:01 PM (ySb3e)

142 Let's go a little deeper in Rome... San Pietro In Vincoli is a church with two incredible treasures. The chains said to have held St. Peter prior to his being martyred, and Michelangelo's Moses (completed in 1515). If you get there right at opening time you will beat the first tour by about 20 minutes and have a good experience almost to yourself. Take a walk and after the tour leaves you may get more good time before the next tour. One part of the chain held St. Peter when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem, and later freed. This chain was given to Pope Leo. According to legend, when he compared it to the chain that held Peter in Mamertine Prison before his execution, the two chains fused.

Posted by: Meremortal at February 09, 2014 04:01 PM (1Y+hH)

143 that was Connolly

Posted by: Jules ( turning Chinese ) at February 09, 2014 04:03 PM (omBWL)

144 "It's all good, but if you go for the rental car, buy the additional insurance." Complete coverage in Europe is a given, you bet.

Posted by: Meremortal at February 09, 2014 04:04 PM (1Y+hH)

145 For sheer white knuckle pleasure rent a car and drive in Rome. I once drove a rental as part of a Secret Service caravan through Rome. We had carabinieri escort. Knowing I had unlimited insurance was awesome. I was trying so hard to not lose the car in front ( had been cut off by pedestrians once) that I was staying right on the bumper and watching so close, then looked up and said, oh, the Colloseum, then kept driving. The only way to drive in Rome.

Posted by: blaster at February 09, 2014 04:08 PM (4+AaH)

146 Waterloo: the battlefield is south of the town ( which is a little ways south of Bruxelles, in the frog-speaking area of Belgium )

If you don't already know about it, you might like this site:

www.waterloo200.org

The re-enactment next year should be on a grand scale, a bit like Gettysburg was last summer.

Posted by: Retread at February 09, 2014 04:10 PM (cHwk5)

147 That gorilla is a chimpanzee.

Posted by: DaveA[/i][/b][/s] at February 09, 2014 04:10 PM (DL2i+)

148 almost all Parisians know basic English)

Posted by: Roberto Luongo at February 09, 2014 08:01 PM (ySb3e)

sorry, man, gotta call bullsh*t on that one. Most Paris-People don't speak English, and don't like Americans talking Loud to them.

Posted by: Jules ( turning Chinese ) at February 09, 2014 04:11 PM (omBWL)

149 117 --- Re Philly: When I lived there a loooong while ago, one place on the eastern side of town that was worth seeing is Pennsylvania Hospital. Founded by Benjamin Rush, it's the oldest US hospital. They used to have a nice little medical museum and pretty grounds. (Since it's a real hospital, I fear it might have grown into a monstrosity.)

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at February 09, 2014 04:13 PM (dfYL9)

150 If you do go back to London I recommend the Tower Hill Station Jack the Ripper tour given by Beefeaters from the Tower of London. They do a great job of making it not just about Jack the Ripper and more about the history of London. Also, the Imperial War Museum and The Cabinet War Rooms are great.

Posted by: Dang at February 09, 2014 04:14 PM (MNq6o)

151 Something neat, not historic, that I saw recently. Blue Springs in Florida. Kinda near Daytona. The manatees go there in winter to mate. The springs maintain a constant 72 degrees, so when the river is colder they move in there.

Posted by: blaster at February 09, 2014 04:15 PM (4+AaH)

152 I've been to Strasbourg twice and I absolutely loved it. I want to take my kids when they're a little older. The food is wonderful: tarte flambe s'il vous plait!

Posted by: Eric Lindholm at February 09, 2014 04:16 PM (q+d+j)

153 Colonial triangle in VA, Yorktown, Jamestown and Williamsburg. All three small good for walking, shuttle bus runs between them. They have rebuilt the battlements from the revolution but you can still civil war trenches in the woods along the colonial parkway. Along with Boston, Philly and surroundings you will cover most of the revolution sites

Posted by: Fredlike at February 09, 2014 04:17 PM (rF/yy)

154

On a WestPac cruise in 86, a guy in our shop took a flight in a CH46 over Iwo Jima in order to take the oath of re-enlistment. I have never forgotten the sight of that island. It was moving.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at February 09, 2014 04:17 PM (j2X6g)

155 oh noooooooooo!!!!! NBC is cutting away from taped sports for another fucking biopic. FUCK YOU NBC and your fucking biopics!!!

Posted by: Avi at February 09, 2014 04:19 PM (p/izY)

156 141 That gorilla is a chimpanzee. Posted by: DaveA at February 09, 2014 08:10 PM (DL2i+) Yeah, but he doesn't know that.

Posted by: model_1066 at February 09, 2014 04:19 PM (LIQGY)

157 I have been to Phillippi where Peter did his first baptisms. That is a neat place, very historic. Just the Greek city is something on its own, adding in the Biblical history makes it that much more special.

Posted by: blaster at February 09, 2014 04:20 PM (4+AaH)

158 And also the Devils Den. If you read any account of that portion of the battle, and then go see that place....

Someone up there mentioned Culloden having spirits...Devil's Den has the "being watched feel," too.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at February 09, 2014 04:24 PM (1qpwX)

159 I guess Cairo is the oldest place I have spent any decent amount of time. Some things were pleasantly surprising, some things were unbelievably lame and/or frustrating. The locals have about as much reverence and respect for their historical heritage as the moron horde does for Preznit Urkel McPutt-Putt.

Posted by: model_1066 at February 09, 2014 04:24 PM (LIQGY)

160 Yeah,it's pretty clear Petraeus is and was a Democrat. http://preview.tinyurl.com/mysau3e

Posted by: steevy at February 09, 2014 04:25 PM (zqvg6)

161 For those that go to Charlottesville to see UVA and Monticello, you might also take in Ash Lawn (James Monroe's house) and Montpelier (James Madison's place,) both of which are an easy (

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at February 09, 2014 04:25 PM (dfYL9)

162

Every christian should visit Jerusalem. I went to Israel for 10 days on business and only got to see it on one day. I could have spent a month walking around exploring that place.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at February 09, 2014 04:26 PM (fdnD9)

163 Sorry,screwed up the link.

Posted by: steevy at February 09, 2014 04:27 PM (zqvg6)

164 Love London, lived there for two years. Can't get enough of France, Normandy; Colleville-su-Mer, Omaha Beach and Pont du Hoc are special places, love Paris and Dinan as well. Can't wait to go back.

As far as the US, just need to see the Wall in DC and would like to drive through the Shenandoah Valley one more time in the spring.

Posted by: Javems at February 09, 2014 04:27 PM (c8xU9)

165 156 --- That is number one on my wish list. Israel --- especially Jerusalem.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at February 09, 2014 04:28 PM (dfYL9)

166 This works. http://nydn.us/1eLhhVK

Posted by: steevy at February 09, 2014 04:28 PM (zqvg6)

167 For any young and single person, an avocation with a cruise line is highly recommended. This is how I saw so much.

Posted by: navybrat at February 09, 2014 04:28 PM (AW7Gr)

168 Best places in Europe: London seemed too generic-big-city for me, but I loved Bath and Wells out in the west of England. Barcelona's a fascinating city where nobody ever goes to sleep. In France I found Paris too expensive and crowded but I loved Avignon and Arles down in Provence. Brussels was dirty and boring. Amsterdam was full of stoners. Switzerland feels like a theme park. In Italy I liked Venice, Ravenna, and of course Rome. Florence felt more like a museum and Naples was the noisiest place I've ever been. Best places in the USA: New Orleans is pretty great -- best time to go is early spring. Otherwise, I'm amazed nobody has yet suggested Williamsburg VA. Newport RI is also worth a look, for the absurdly huge Gilded-Age mansions and the country's first synagogue. And though I hate to say it, Washington DC has the best museums anywhere.

Posted by: Trimegistus at February 09, 2014 04:29 PM (xEQH9)

169 It's official! I've come out of the closet!

Posted by: Zombie Y.A. Tittle at February 09, 2014 04:30 PM (Dwehj)

170 Chaco Canyon National Park is kind of a long drive over bad roads, but so worth it if you have interest in archeological sites. I would also recommend Mesa Verde NP. The cliff dwellings are sited in one of the prettiest places in SW Colorado.

Posted by: huerfano at February 09, 2014 04:30 PM (bAGA/)

171 I would like to go see Devil's Tower again. I have seen it many times, and each time it surprises you as much as it did the first. Oh, that was geologic history, so sort of off-topic.

Posted by: model_1066 at February 09, 2014 04:31 PM (LIQGY)

172 Og good lord ESPN and the left ( birm) are thrilled,they got themselves a football player coming out as gay.

Posted by: steevy at February 09, 2014 04:31 PM (zqvg6)

173 ESPN can't wait to air their first gay marriage between athletes.

Posted by: steevy at February 09, 2014 04:31 PM (zqvg6)

174 I want to go to some big national parks like Yellowstone and Arches and Bryce Canyon, etc.
I have done Grand Canyon and the hike down to Phantom Ranch. That was a bit of an ordeal, but worth it.

Posted by: navybrat at February 09, 2014 04:32 PM (AW7Gr)

175

Two of my favorite sites are in Virginia:

Fredericksburg is a pleasant town with an interesting historic area downtown and three civil war battlefields within ten miles: Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Wilderness / Spotsylvania . I never really understood the Civil war history of the area until I visited. Bonus: The Marine Corps Museum at Quantico twenty miles north of town,

Williamsburg is hokey and touristy but even if it is way too clean to be an authentic colonial town it's worth a trip. The restoration is based on meticulous research- those folks are anal retentive about historical accuracy- and the re-enactors are entertaining. There are several good museums in town, Jamestown and Yorktown are a quick drive away, the James River plantations are close. A hard core history buff could easily spend a week there.

Posted by: Jim in Virginia at February 09, 2014 04:34 PM (BRkk7)

176 167 ESPN can't wait to air their first gay marriage between athletes. Posted by: steevy at February 09, 2014 08:31 PM (zqvg6) Bob Costas will cry when they say their vows and exchange jockstraps.

Posted by: model_1066 at February 09, 2014 04:35 PM (LIQGY)

177 Og good lord ESPN and the left ( birm) are thrilled,they got themselves a football player coming out as gay.

I. Don't. Care.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at February 09, 2014 04:36 PM (uluoH)

178 It's funny... the "guy" who is doing "color" for the figure skating events with Tara Lipinski couldn't be gayer if he tried. I believe that along with the rhinestone choker, he was wearing an "I'm gay" costume jewelry ring and lipstick and mascara.

Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at February 09, 2014 04:37 PM (jucos)

179 171 Me either.I always assumed there were gay guys in all sports,why do we need to know?

Posted by: steevy at February 09, 2014 04:39 PM (zqvg6)

180 Posted by: Truck Monkey, Gruntled New Business Owner at February 09, 2014 08:37 PM (jucos) Does he have that annoying affectated lisp?

Posted by: model_1066 at February 09, 2014 04:39 PM (LIQGY)

181 Yeah that's Johnny Weir. He was in an episode of Say Yes to the Dress trying on wedding gowns. What a clown.

Posted by: Y-not on the phone in the car at February 09, 2014 04:39 PM (C+oFs)

182 Just like with race,it's the left that is obsessed with it.

Posted by: steevy at February 09, 2014 04:40 PM (zqvg6)

183 There have been homosexuals forever.
Alexander the Great was as queer as a three dollar bill.
There is nothing new under the sun.

Posted by: navybrat at February 09, 2014 04:40 PM (AW7Gr)

184 Alexander swung both ways.

Posted by: steevy at February 09, 2014 04:41 PM (zqvg6)

185 I'd like to go to the south pacific to dive and see the soft coral reefs. Our ship went through the Sulu Sea and I remember seeing hundreds of little islands with a handful of palm trees.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at February 09, 2014 04:41 PM (vzfrq)

186 Why the fuck no one mentioned Williamsburg is beyond me. Absolutely fantastic, go to Jamestown while there. Famous for among other things the FIRST Thanksgiving. If you plan to go to Yellowstone do so at LEAST a year in advance and get rooms at the old hotel on site, Old Faithful Inn is the most famous.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 09, 2014 04:42 PM (0FSuD)

187 177 There have been homosexuals forever. Alexander the Great was as queer as a three dollar bill. There is nothing new under the sun. Posted by: navybrat at February 09, 2014 08:40 PM (AW7Gr) Historically, he was known as AlecThander the Fabulous.

Posted by: model_1066 at February 09, 2014 04:42 PM (LIQGY)

188 Edinburgh, Scotland was a pretty city to walk around in. Hilly is some part, but pretty.

Posted by: puddleglum at February 09, 2014 04:42 PM (8SsiG)

189 And if any player,on his team or an opposing team says anything,the NFL will be giving huge fines and suspensions.

Posted by: steevy at February 09, 2014 04:43 PM (zqvg6)

190 That Lindsey Stirling video is great. She's pretty cute, too.

Posted by: rickl at February 09, 2014 04:43 PM (sdi6R)

191 If you do the Air and Space Museum in DC, you should take an extra day and drive out to Dulles to the Air and Space annex. The Blackbird alone is worth the trip.

Posted by: Jim in Virginia at February 09, 2014 04:43 PM (BRkk7)

192 As a historical city, London is nice (especially the museums, where you could literally spend weeks enjoying everything), but the historic sites and museums are really the only nice things about it. The food (outside of Pub Grub) tends to be pretentious and expensive for what you get. If you really want to enjoy England, look to outside of London. The smaller cities and non-urban centers tend to be way cheaper (relatively speaking of course), and will give you a good sense of a modern England that is at least to some degree still England. I'd recommend the "university" towns of Oxford or Cambridge. Plenty historical stuff there and plenty of contemporary charm. Best lamb I've ever had was in Cambridge, so that English-don't-do-food thing isn't really true (outside of London anyway)

Posted by: The Political Hat at February 09, 2014 04:44 PM (AymDN)

193 "Alexander swung both ways."

That is because in his day, there was no "straight sex" and no "homo sex".
It was all just "sex".

Posted by: navybrat at February 09, 2014 04:44 PM (AW7Gr)

194 @186 Good advice Oxford is cool. Bath is neat also. I spent a week in Henley during the boat races, which was really cool. Be warned, the British drink like fish.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 09, 2014 04:46 PM (0FSuD)

195 Is that Barack or Michelle Obama jumping on the racist luggage?

Posted by: Russian Superbeing at February 09, 2014 04:46 PM (RTs7Y)

196 Oban , Scotland is fantastic. Beautiful and its the gateway to the western Isles (Mull, Iona, others I can't remember).

Posted by: puddleglum at February 09, 2014 04:47 PM (8SsiG)

197 On, now a Missouri footballplayer says he's ghey. It must be in the kool aid the publicity guys make you drink.

Posted by: Nip Sip at February 09, 2014 04:48 PM (0FSuD)

198 Yes on Oxford. I was stationed about 20 min north of there (RAF Croughton). Spent plenty of time in Oxford.

Posted by: puddleglum at February 09, 2014 04:49 PM (8SsiG)

199 If Washington picks him up they can change their names to the Washington Rumps. *ducks*

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at February 09, 2014 04:50 PM (oFCZn)

200

I like to officially announce that I love red headed chicks with big racks! Does that make me a special snowflake now??

Posted by: puddleglum at February 09, 2014 04:52 PM (8SsiG)

201 Historic cities I'd like to revisit: Edinburgh; Bruges; Leuven, Belgium; Ravenna, Italy; Rothenburg, Germany. Rothenburg has a really cool torture museum. In Edinburgh, you should visit Mary King's Close, a warren of tenement houses that were abandoned when the Royal Exchange was constructed above them, blocking out fresh air and sunlight.

Posted by: biancaneve at February 09, 2014 04:53 PM (2sR50)

202 The only recent trip I have taken is up to Bend, OR, where they had a self propelled trolley where the participants went from pub to pub filling their mugs with micro brew beer. Ten at a time, with one driver who was (ostensibly) not drinking.

I was amazed.

Posted by: navybrat at February 09, 2014 04:54 PM (AW7Gr)

203 194 I like to officially announce that I love red headed chicks withbig racks! Does that make me a special snowflake now?? Posted by: puddleglum at February 09, 2014 08:52 PM (8SsiG) Not unless they're trannies.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at February 09, 2014 04:54 PM (oFCZn)

204 Nood thread

Posted by: Y-not on the phone at February 09, 2014 04:54 PM (cmekS)

205 Ive lived in central Mexico for 10 years now. I recommend three cities for knowing colonial Mexico, Puebla, Guanajuato and Oaxaca. All three have beautiful historic centers and elements of Baroque architecture that are amazing! The last has hands down the best cuisine although all have dishes worth trying.

Posted by: Leigh at February 09, 2014 04:55 PM (AiDO9)

206 I've been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe and the USA in my life. I won't list every place I've been, but my favorite place in Europe is Rome -- you just walk and run into beautiful architecture, historical sculptures, ancient buildings, etc every place you go. Last time I was there I spent one week doing just that -- wandering around. I would move there in a second if I could.

In the USA, if you could only go to *one* place, I would recommend D.C. to see the Smithsonian museums -- all of them, Natural History, Air and Space, etc. are just so well done. Plus, seeing all the monuments in D.C. is very worthwhile too. Despite all the corruption that goes on there, it really is a good capital city based on the architecture, museums and monuments alone; i.e., a place citizens can be proud of looks-wise as our representative city to non-Americans. I wish every citizen could get a chance to see it all.

Posted by: Dancing Queen at February 09, 2014 04:56 PM (FDGeg)

207
Just about everything is worth a peek. Funny the Grand Canyon isn't mentioned -- it's both historic and prehistoric. I've never visited but I'm sure it's worth a look-see.

As much as I love history I love prehistoric stuff and I know of no better state to see it than Ohio. They have tons of little earth-builder museums across the state that are fascinating.

I spent over 10 years an archaeological Field Director and for every field project I tried to find a local historical place/society to visit (for billable hours on a rain day). There was almost always somewhere to go.

My point is that large or small, historic or prehistoric, you can probably find somewhere neat to check out while traveling. I never thought I'd get to see the Corvette Museum, but I did and it was great.

You only live once, so see it while you can.

Posted by: Ed Anger at February 09, 2014 04:56 PM (tOkJB)

208 Great philosophy, Ed.

Posted by: Y-not on the phone at February 09, 2014 04:59 PM (cmekS)

209 Great, great thread, Y-Not! Lived in Gettysburg for several years. Definitely avoid around July 4th. Way too crowded. Best advice I ever got re the battlefield. Hire a Park Service guide. They ride in your vehicle and tailor the tour to your interests: ancestor fought there, state monuments, etc. Spent last year living 6 miles outside of DC. Yes, the museums spoil you for many other museums. And free (well, you paid for them). Been to just about every civil war battlefield and historic site up and down the east coast. I like Fredericksburg and Harpers Ferry. Antietam is one of the best for the unspoiled feel. Lived 30 minutes from there for 17 years. Just bought my tickets for Venice on Friday night!!! Planning my agenda now. Staying in San Marco to be able to walk most places. Plan on getting a vaporetto pass also...just because, Venice.

Posted by: NoLongerintheBellyoftheBeast at February 09, 2014 05:01 PM (D/mKE)

210 If we put our heads together we should be able to figure out a way to get Uncle Sugar to pay for all this travel the morons want to do. If the FSA can get phones and condoms and sex change operations on the government dime, can't we get paid to go sight seeing? How about if we promise to go to Europe, to learn from our betters? The libs ought to fall for that pretty easily.

Posted by: Retread at February 09, 2014 05:02 PM (cHwk5)

211 A book for the fans of re enactment:

"Conferates in the Attic"

by Tony Horowitz.

Very funny and informative.

Posted by: navybrat at February 09, 2014 05:04 PM (AW7Gr)

212 Hey, T-shirt, Thanks for your help yesterday. Sincerely. Looks like what we talked about ain't going to happen.

Posted by: shredded chi - cereal killer at February 09, 2014 05:04 PM (dX0Lo)

213 If you go to DC for the Smithsonian, eat lunch at the art museum.
All the others only have the sawdust pseudo-burgers and frozen fries.
The art museum has real food.
So much wonderful history contained in a city of total corruption.
I would advocate nuking DC from orbit(just to be sure), except for the loss of the Smithsonian...

Posted by: ChrisP at February 09, 2014 05:08 PM (jdJpY)

214 While visiting the USS Constitution in 02 in Boston, a young govt worker gal told me to step away from the anchor chain surrounding the ship. As a vet of 2 Nam era Wespacs I asked this 20 year old if she knew the history of this ship. She looked at me with a blank gov union stare.

Posted by: redenzo at February 09, 2014 05:08 PM (WCnJW)

215 The US Open golf tournament in Philly last year.

Posted by: redenzo at February 09, 2014 05:10 PM (WCnJW)

216 "Confederates in the Attic"
Apologies for previous lack of proofreading

Posted by: navybrat at February 09, 2014 05:11 PM (AW7Gr)

217 Damn, chi. Sorry to hear that.

Posted by: Y-not on the phone at February 09, 2014 05:11 PM (IMejC)

218 Maybe you could get one of the morons with a blog to host it, chi?

Posted by: Y-not on the phone at February 09, 2014 05:13 PM (IMejC)

219 The Tentacled One & I will be on the ONT, I guess.

Posted by: shredded chi - cereal killer at February 09, 2014 05:18 PM (dX0Lo)

220 I'll try to catch you there, chi.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 05:38 PM (zDsvJ)

221 @85 Lizzie knows what she is talking about...

Posted by: RobM1981 at February 09, 2014 05:52 PM (zurJC)

222 >>Just bought my tickets for Venice on Friday night!!! I'm envious, NoLonger! I never managed to get to Italy and really wish I had. Maybe some day.

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 06:04 PM (zDsvJ)

223 Mama AJ @ 9: Grew up in Natchez (hi 144!) and have visited Vicksburg a few times but not in the last, say, 20 years. Sister and her brood went there a couple of years ago and seemed to enjoy it.

Posted by: RovingCopyEditor at February 09, 2014 06:12 PM (/S5ss)

224 Let me second the recommendation for Chaco Canyon, in northern new mexico; you will be amazed that pre-columbian natives in the desert southwest were building 6 story tall apartment buildings, each housing hundreds of people, with beautiful stonework and walls several feet thick at the base. And then the entire civilization went "poof!" about 300 years before any europeans came sniffing around, looking for cities of gold and what not. Also, I haven't seen Vicksburg mentioned - a battlefield well worth visiting if you get the chance. LOTS of big guns and fortifications that you can walk through, and the display of the remains of the US River Gunboat Cairo (pulled up from the bottom of a local backwater in the 1960's) is one of the best displays of Civil War-era military technology that I know of. You can walk a reconstruction of the deck, and get an appreciation of what truly powerful weapons those ships were in the Mississippi River war.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 09, 2014 06:30 PM (hTDbY)

225 Another item about the Gunboat Cairo, in Vicksburg Military Park; you can easily see the ingenuity of the men who manned it, and this gives you some insight into the minds of the sailors and soldiers it carried. They were worried that their forward facing armor was too weak, so they tore up some railroad tracks and added pieces of railroad track, stacked horizontally, across the length and height of their forward armor. Very ingenious way of adding 6 inches of high-strength steel armor to a vulnerable spot while in the field, and you can still see it today. Both sides were using some ingenious tech by that time - the Cairo was one of the first warships sunk by an underwater torpedo, a place where the hull had no armor. (although it was really what we would call a mine today) I was there one time when one of the Park rangers gave a demonstration, firing one of the big guns. He said he was only using about 1/3 of the powder charge they would have used, and of course no projectile. We all had to stand about 50 feet behind it - I remember when it went off, it's the only time I remember feeling like I had been simultneously slapped in the face and punched in the stomach by sound alone. (it was a very physical sensation; I don't really remember what it sounded like, because I was concentrating on what it FELT like) And then EVERY car alarm in the parking lot, about 100 yards behind us, went off. That was awesome.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 09, 2014 06:53 PM (hTDbY)

226 Great stories, Tom Servo. Thanks!

Posted by: Y-not (@MoxieMom) at February 09, 2014 08:28 PM (zDsvJ)

227

I've been to Manassas and Richmond. Battlefields are basically fields. Maybe they have a statue. I wouldn't travel very far to go to one, personally.

Posted by: Lea at February 10, 2014 06:05 AM (lIU4e)

228 I don't know if I can count Vicksburg. I've drive through many times but never stopped at the battlefield.

Posted by: Lea at February 10, 2014 06:05 AM (lIU4e)

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