Established in 1809, the Walnut Street Theatre is celebrating its 200^th birthday this year. The theatre features three main stages. The Mainstage itself is the location where many of the theatre’s major productions take place. The Independence Studio on 3 is a smaller, third floor stage where very small productions take place. On the 5^th floor you’ll find Studio 5, another small stage that is rented out to independent artists.

The History of the Walnut Street Theatre

Back in the early 1800’s there was a group known as the Circus of Pepin and Breschard touring the United States. The owners spent a lot of time building their own venues as they traveled up and down the East Coast. They used the venues to feature their own circus but also to show a number of plays and dramas.

When the Walnut Street Theatre was originally founded, in 1809, it was known as The New Circus. In 1811 the owners had a new stage and orchestra pit added to the theatre for use during classical performances and at that time the name was changed to The Olympic.

For a reason that is today unknown, the name of the theatre was changed in 1820 to The Walnut. Only two years later it was changed back to The Olympic but in 1828 the owners changed the name to The Walnut again and the name has stuck ever since.

The Development of the Theatre

The theatre had relatively basic features until the late 1830’s when owners and staff started to add some serious enhancements. Gas footlights were added to the theatre in 1837 and in 1855 The Walnut Street Theatre became the first in the country to install air conditioning. In 1892 the theatre converted to electric lights. The well cared for theatre has been the recipient of continuous upgrades throughout its existence.

Early Performances at the Walnut

The first production ever shown at The Walnut was the 1812 production of The Rivals. It is believed that famous Marquis de Lafayette and then President Thomas Jefferson were in the audience during the first performances.

During the year 1941, the theatre was incorporated into the folds of The Shubert Organization. As part of the chain of theatres under the Shubert name, The Walnut Street Theatre became the site of auditions for several Broadway hits. Auditions for famous shows like A Streetcar Named Desire, Gigi, The Diary of Anne Frank, and several others shows were held on the stage at The Walnut.

The Evolution of the Walnut Street Theatre

The continuous growth and prominent presence of The Walnut Street Theatre earned it a position as a National Historic Landmark in 1966. Only a few years later, in 1969, the theatre was purchased by a non-profit organization who promptly gave ownership to the Walnut Street Theatre Corporation. The theatre went on to form its own performing company in 1983 and the next year established a school where more than 1,200 theatrical students take classes each year.

In 1986 the Walnut Street theatre added the astounding Independence Studio on 3. On this very small stage (possibly on 10 by 10 foot), visitors are treated to small, creative productions that often feature only a few actors and a very limited cast.

Today, the cast and crew at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadephia are proud to offer at least 5 Mainstage productions each season. This season’s hot productions include Oliver!; Red, White and Tuna, and A Christmas Carol, amongst others.

A trip to historic Philadelphia is one everyone should make at least once in his lifetime. Book one of the fabulous hotels in Philadephia, purchase a couple of theatre tickets, and plan an evening out on the town. You won’t regret the decision to visit this fabulous city or the amazing Walnut Street Theatre.

The city of Los Angeles has obviously grown from a group of 11 families to a city with almost 10,000,000 inhabitants today. It didn’t take long for the original settlers to realize that the Los Angeles River wouldn’t be able to supply enough water to keep up with growing demand. In the early 1900’s, plans for the construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct were formed.

Plans for the Construction of the Aquaduct

The City of Los Angeles had grown to a population of just over 100,000 by 1902. At that time, the City of Los Angeles spent $2 million dollars to buy out the Los Angeles City Water Company. They did so in order to protect the city because they had seen the city’s population quadruple over the course of only 30 years.

At the time it was purchased, the water system included 300 miles of water mains, 6 reservoirs, and a series of pumping plants and infiltration galleries. The city was growing and it was estimated that by 1925 the city would be using more than 58 million gallons of water per day, a demand that the Los Angeles River would simply be unable to keep up with.

In 1905, Fred Eaton and a group of friends went on a camping trip that led them across the Sierra at Tioga Pass and into the Owens Valley. While there, Eaton surveyed the land and began to make plans that would involve using the valley as a source of water for the city. When he returned, he approached William Mulholland, a long time city worker who had been searching for a new water supply for the city, took him to the valley, and explained his ideas.

Because the Owens Valley was considered part of a US Reclamation Service project, Mulholland knew that the only way the city would be able to purchase land and use it as a water supply was if they kept the project 100% public. Eaton, on the other hand, wanted to sell water that the city could not use. Regardless, the Owens Valley was the only hope for continuous water supply to the city of Los Angeles.

Construction of the First Aquaduct

Construction of the first Aquaduct began in 1905 and was designed to bring water from the Owens Valley to the city. With a budget of $24.5 million dollars, more than 5,000 workers built a 223 mile long, 12 foot wide steel pipe along with a 120-mile railroad track. They were also charged with the task of building two hydroelectric plants, 500 miles of roads, telephone lines, and power lines. The Aquaduct itself relied on gravity to carry water through the pipes, so the cost of operation remained relatively low.

Sadly, the construction of the Los Angeles Aquaduct destroyed the farming villages in the Owens River Valley. There were also concerns that the land purchaser (Eaton) had misrepresented himself as using the land for part of the reclamation project before turning around and reselling the land to the city of Los Angeles. It was, of course, too late to stop the project.

Construction of the Second Aquaduct

After World War II the city recognized a need to find another more reliable source of water from the city and began turning its eyes towards the Colorado River. Plans for the second Los Angeles Aquaduct, also known as the Colorado River Aquaduct, were born. Construction, which drew water from the 7 tributaries around the Mon Basin, began in 1965 at a cost of $89 million.

The city of Los Angeles today has three sources of water. The two aforementioned aquaducts as well as one from the Haiwee Reservoir in Southern Inyo County. The city of Los Angeles continued to grow and does to this day. There are constant concerns over not only the amount of water available but the quality of the water as well. In 1986, Los Angeles built its first filtration plant, a site that continues to monitor water quality today.

The city of Los Angeles has taken measures over the past two decades to preserve water. They meter water usage, an act that immediately dropped the per capita amount of daily usage, and continue to reclaim water in an effort to remain environmentally responsible.

The Los Angeles Aquaduct is an incredible feat of engineering and, had it not been built, the city of Los Angeles would not exist as it does today.

Surrounded by the stunning Sierra Madre del Sur mountains, Oaxaca (pronounced wah-hah-ka), is bound to intrigue guests from all walks of life.

When to Visit Oaxaca

The valley in which Oaxaca is located sits approximately 5,000 feet above sea level. Due to its close proximity to the equator, temperatures in Oaxaca are relatively mild throughout the year. Most days boast spring-like temperatures but you will occasionally experience some very warm days, even during the winter months.

Oaxaca experiences a rainy season between July and October. September is usually the worst month and you are guaranteed a rain shower almost every afternoon, if not more frequently or steadily. The city’s tropical coast location almost guarantees hot, humid temperatures year round.

Methods of Transportation in Oaxaca

Most of the tourist attractions in the area are within walking distance of any hotel in Oaxaca, especially if you stay in the center of the town. If you can’t or don’t want to walk you can easily find a taxi or bus to get you where you need to go. Several of Oaxaca’s streets are designed for pedestrians alone, making it even safer to get around on foot.

Another viable option is to simply team up with a tour group. Tours will take you either by foot or bus to a number of the area’s best locations. You won’t have to worry about getting lost as you travel from place to place. The only downside is that you are sometimes limited by time and the tour group will be ready to move on to the next site long before you are.

We don’t recommend renting a motorcycle or scooter during your stay in Oaxaca. While this is relatively safe in many other Mexican towns, the rules of the road are much different, and a lot more dangerous. Most traffic laws are very rarely enforced, many of the area’s traffic lights are not in working order, and there is a disturbing lack of signage (including yield and stop signs). You are more likely to have a traffic accident on a bike or scooter in Oaxaca than in any other Mexican state.

Tipping Etiquette in Oaxaca

Tipping in Oaxaca, and throughout the rest of Mexico, is relatively standard. Many people in positions to receive a tip are earning very low wages (if any at all) so you should really consider leaving a tip. General guidelines are as follows:

• Bagging clerks at grocery stores are usually unpaid children. It is customary to leave them any loose change you receive but if you really want to help out the standard tip is $1 USD.
• Taxi drivers do not usually receive tips because of their union involvement. They usually build a tip right into your already high fare. Only leave a tip if your driver helps you with your luggage, waits for you, or does something above and beyond the call of duty.
• In restaurants, look for the word “propina” on your check. This word indicates that a gratuity has already been added to the bill. Otherwise, it is appropriate to tip around 10-20% depending on the meal or service you received.
• Tip bartenders $1-2 per round or 15% of your total tab.
• Tip bellboys or baggage carriers $1-2 per bag.
• Tip tour guides $5 per person if you are part of a large tour or 15% of the cost if you are part of a small group.

Things to do in Oaxaca

While in Oaxaca you’ll find yourself surrounded by historic attractions, astounding architecture, and incredible sites. If you’re not sure where to start, check out some of the most popular destinations first.

The Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca sits just north of the Santo Domingo church and, while small and unnoticeable from the street, provides one of the best representations of the area’s history. Inside you’ll find information about the development of Oaxaca from prehistoric times through the current day.

Oaxaca’s Ethnobotanical Garden is a stunning garden where visitors can learn about the botanical history of the region. There are guided tours and if you visit on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday you will be able to get a tour in English. The only other way to see the garden is through the window of the nearby cultural museum.

Aspiring chefs and foodies may want to visit the La Casa de los Sabores Cooking School or take a Casa Crespo Cooking Class to learn more about Mexican cuisine. History buffs will certainly want to take a trip out to Monte Alban for a glimpse at the archaeological sites in the area.

No matter what you do or see in Oaxaca you’re guaranteed to have an enjoyable experience. Relax, enjoy the atmosphere, taste the cuisine, and immerse yourself in Oaxaca’s laid back culture.

Despite difficulties encountered during the Civil War, including fires and natural disasters, many of the city’s original buildings still exist today. The city of Charleston is bound to captivate you, especially if you start your tour by visiting some of the area’s most respected historic attractions.

10. Market Hall

Market Hall, found in the section of Charleston North of Broad, was originally built in 1841. The market’s building was built to resemble the Temple of Nike, found in Athens, Greece. Inside this incredible architectural site you’ll find a number of interesting Confederate artifacts, most of which are housed in the Confederate Museum.

9. Drayton Hall

Drayton Hall, built somewhere around 1738, is one of the most respected examples of remaining Georgian-Palladian architecture still in existence in the United States today. Drayton Hall is located West of the Ashley River and is the only Ashley River plantation house that was able to avoid destruction during the Civil War. Inside you’ll find original woodwork, plaster moldings, and copies of historic documents tracking the sale and purchase of slaves.

8. The Hunley

The Hunley was the first successfully built submarine, constructed for the Confederates in 1864. No one knows why, but the submarine vanished suddenly not long after it was completed and was not found again until 1995 where it was discovered near Sullivan’s Island. The submarine was raised from the waters in the year 2000 and is now preserved in a large tank. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance if you want to see this amazing site.

7. Fort Sumter National Monument

April 12, 1861 marks a turning point in history. On that day, from Fort Sumter, the first battle of the Civil War was fought. The Union was forced to give up the fort which was then held by the Confederates until it was abandoned in February of 1865. The fort, which was destroyed, is now controlled by the National Park Service.

6. Charles Pickney National Historic Site

The Charles Pickney National Historic Site, located near Mount Pleasant, represents all that survives from the Charles Pickney Estate – Charles Pickney being one of the drafters and first signers of our country’s Constitution. A tour of the estate will teach you about plantation life and the relationships between slaves and their owners during the pre-Civil War era.

5. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is also located West of the Ashley River. Construction of the garden began in 1685 and has grown into a stunning collection of historic artifacts and botanical wonder. The site is home to a 19^th century plantation house, a 125-acroe Waterfowl Refuge, a 30-acre Audubon Swamp Garden, a small petting zoo, and much more. This is a great place to learn about the development of the Charleston area, from both a natural and historic perspective.

4. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, located South of Broad, was first built in 1752. The oldest remaining church in Charleston, St. Michael’s has undergone several changes over time. The steeple clock wasn’t added until 1764 and the altar wasn’t added until 1892. This amazing historic church is open to the public every day except Sunday.

3. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

The Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is located in the Mount Pleasant section of Charleston and was the home to several notable ships, aircraft carriers, destroyers, and submarines used during World War II and Vietnam. Most notable were the USS Yorktown, the USS Clamagore, and the USS Laffey. Exhibits include information about watercraft, air craft, and specific battles or projects in which they were used.

2. South Carolina Aquarium

Charleston is the proud home of the South Carolina Aquarium where more than 10,000 aquatic creatures from over 500 different marine species live in natural habitats. One of the most astounding features is the 380,000 gallon Great Ocean exhibit with a gigantic window rivaling those found in most other North American aquariums.

1. College of Charleston

Built in 1828, Randolph Hall, serves as one of the main focal points of the College of Charleston today. The college was founded in 1770 but this particular building is a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture and its surrounding quad is the location of many major graduation ceremonies and concerts.

The city of Charleston has lots to offer visitors from all walks of life but is an especially charming city for history enthusiasts – especially those with a passion for the Civil War. Book a Charleston hotel, pack your bags, and enjoy a weekend in one of the friendliest cities in the South.

This however, is all about The Second City, Chicago. Home of Oprah, Michael Jordan and for a time, Barack and Michelle Obama, the city attracts well over 30 million domestic visitors a year but sadly, only about 1 million from abroad. Despite status as a world class city, with a rich history, vibrant arts, culture and restaurant scene, iconic skyline and vast urban park system, Chicago deserves more foreign love. Just consider these ten must-see attractions in The City of Big Shoulders.

10. Art Institute of Chicago

One of many fine attractions in improbable, immense Grant Park, the Art Institute of Chicago has one of the most impressive collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art on the planet. Notable masterpieces in the museum’s permanent collection include Bedroom in Arles by Vincent Van Gogh, The Basket of Apples by Paul Cézanne and American Gothic by Grant Wood.

9. Adler Planetarium

One of several U.S. National Historic Landmarks in Chicago, the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum was the first planetarium built in the Western Hemisphere. Part of Museum Campus Chicago, a lakefront park that also features the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum of Natural History, the Adler is a major symbol of the city.

8. Shedd Aquarium

One of best aquariums in the world, bar none, the Shedd contains over 32,500 fish, marine mammals, birds, snakes, amphibians, and insects. With over 2 million annual visitors, the aquarium is the most popular cultural attraction in Chicago.

7. Wrigley Field

Of course, with annual attendance over 3 million since 2004, perhaps Wrigley Field deserves to eclipse Shedd Aquarium in that department. The home of the Chicago Cubs is one of only two classic ballparks left in America. Only Fenway Park in Boston is older.

6. Green City Market

Consistently one of the top farmer’s markets in the United States, Chicago’s Green City Market is a model in the sustainable food movement. At the south end of Lincoln Park, the vast market proves that Chicago has a lot more than hot dogs and deep-dish pizzas on the menu.

5. Millennium Park

Within gigantic Grant Park and the historical center of downtown Chicago known as The Loop, Millennium Park is a popular congregation spot. The park and huge rooftop garden has only been open since 2004 but has fast become a favorite with locals and visitors alike. The most awesome feature of Millennium Park may be the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, with design by architect Frank Gehry.

4. Magnificent Mile

The principal thoroughfare of The Loop, the Magnificent Mile portion of Michigan Avenue provides Chicago with a street icon. Home to several indelible landmarks, such as the Old Chicago Water Tower District, Allerton Hotel, Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building, the Mile is definitely must-see.

3. Field Museum of Natural History

The Field Museum is simply one of the best in the world in the realm of natural history. On the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the facility contains a prodigious collection of well over 20 million specimens, with some of the best dinosaur bones you will ever see.

2. Willis Tower Skydeck

Want a peerless view of Chicago? Head to the incredible Willis (formerly Sears) Tower Skydeck. The observation deck is on floor 103 of what is the fifth-tallest skyscraper in the world.

1. Lincoln Park

At 1,200 acres, Lincoln Park provides Chicago with a massive recreation space. Astride Lake Michigan, the park contains baseball fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, tennis courts, a golf course, gardens, a lake, theater, zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and many important monuments.

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Vastly different from that first austere celebration in 1621 at Plymouth Plantation, Thanksgiving today is not so much about a successful harvest and scurvy survival as it is about football, food and unbeatable prices on household appliances. Still, it has a poignant ring to it, no?

If you have travel plans this Thanksgiving, we salute you. The long four-day or even five-day weekend sees a Herculean spike in air, rail and highway traffic, as tens of millions of people head home to break bread with family. It takes a strong stomach and iron will to brave the crowds. With all that in mind, here are some ways to enjoy Thanksgiving, American style.

Black Friday

The Friday after Thanksgiving starts before the crack of dawn for a lot of people in America. Millions line up in the wee hours of the night at big box mega-stores to score deals on video game consoles, smart phones, plasma screen televisions, furniture and countless other retail items. Once in a while, assaults, riots and stampedes break out, as unruly shoppers rain blows on each other over the last iPhone 3GS, for example. Ah, consumerism.

Thanksgiving Classic

A decidedly more civil brand of violence occurs every Thanksgiving in the form of the National Football League’s Thanksgiving Classic. A tradition since 1920, two usual Sunday gridiron contests take place on Thanksgiving Thursday, with the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys as hosts. Since 2006, a third game has been on the holiday schedule as well. For fans in The Motor City and Big D, the Thanksgiving Classic is a huge deal. The tailgate party at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington should be one to remember this year.

College Football

For the ultimate tailgate experience however, celebrate Thanksgiving on campus. After all, college football and turkey go together like frat boys and beer bongs. Football purists know that the best tailgate scenes take place outside stadiums in towns like College Station, Boulder and Columbia and not in big market NFL hubs. Classic Thanksgiving college match-ups include Florida vs. Florida State, Clemson vs. South Carolina, Auburn vs. Alabama, Texas vs. Texas A&M, Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State and Grambling vs. Southern.

High School Football

While college football draws crowds in excess of 100,000 people, there is no purer expression of Thanksgiving football than at the small town high school level. In states like Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama and Florida, football is a religion. If you find yourself in a small community come Thanksgiving, do yourself a favor and check out the local high school game. The atmosphere is unreal and Americana all the way.

Parades

Whether in person or on television, to truly celebrate Thanksgiving in style, you have to take in a parade. The mother of all Thanksgiving parades takes place in New York City of course, with the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Other big ones go down in Chicago, Seattle, Detroit, Houston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and St. Louis however.

Television Specials

Aside from football, no tradition screams Thanksgiving in America like the advent of television specials like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, Miracle on 34th Street, The Wizard of Oz or other holiday staples. When the tryptophan hits, these classics hit the spot.

Food, Food and more Food

For those unfamiliar with holiday food staples in America beyond the usual turkey, cranberry sauce and gravy, head to the Deep South where seasonal treats like cornbread oyster dressing, fried okra, candied yams and stewed collard greens inject Thanksgiving with a little soul.

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After the dot com glass ceiling fell through, the city readjusted itself to a more moderate standard of living and the city is once again a wonderful place for tourists and residents to enjoy. With plenty of cultural attractions, parks, and theatres to choose you are guaranteed to have a packed itinerary throughout your stay.

When to Visit San Francisco

San Francisco is a nice place to visit just about any time of year. The nicest weather, where temperatures are actually at their warmest, occurs between September and October. The coldest temperatures are around 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.6 degrees Celsius). The winter months are usually rainy and the added wind from the nearby ocean can make temperatures seem cooler than anticipated so you should plan accordingly.

Transportation in San Francisco

Despite being one of the most popular and largest tourist destinations in the United States, the city of San Francisco proper is actually pretty small. With that in mind, it’s safe to say that you can reach most tourist attractions from any San Francisco hotel you choose to stay in.

Many San Francisco tourists enjoy walking from attraction to attraction. The most popular destinations, including Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Union Square, are easy to get to from the center of the city. You should be in relatively good shape and wear comfortable walking shoes, though – the steep slopes are more than some people expect them to be.

If walking isn’t your thing you will find a very promising public transportation system. There are streetcars, cablecars, buses, and a large subway system to choose from. The largest transportation system, Muni, is in charge of almost all of these systems and is incredibly reliable.

Taxi cabs and bicycles also provide viable options but we don’t recommend you try to drive in the city unless you are already familiar with its layout. Even if you do find your end destination we’re pretty sure you’ll have a ridiculously rough time finding a place to park.

Health and Safety Considerations in San Francisco

San Francisco is like every other major city around the world. It has a few areas you might want to avoid but is relatively safe for the average tourist.

The city of San Francisco has a high homeless population and you’ll likely see people panhandling almost everywhere you go. It is believed that most of the panhandlers, especially those near the Civic Center, are not dangerous but many have mental illnesses and exhibit unpredictable behavior and should be avoided.

During the evening hours you should stay out of the “Tenderloin” and Mission districts. These are safe areas during the day but they transform into something completely different at night. Ask your hotel concierge to help you mark your map so that you understand exactly where these areas begin and end before going out.

Free and Low Cost Attractions in San Francisco

The cost of living in San Francisco is relatively high. Somehow, though, the city manages to offer quite a variety of free and low-cost attractions to the public. Keep your eyes peeled for special deals during different parts of the week and make sure you explore the city parks, beaches, and public areas for some of the area’s hottest free theater performances.

There are several museums in San Francisco that offer free admission all of the time. These include:

• Chinese Culture Center
• Creativity Explored
• Fort Point Natural Historic Site
• Museo Italo-Americano
• Octagon House
• San Francisco Cable Car Museum
• Tattoo Art Museum
• San Francisco Art Institute

There are several other museums throughout San Francisco that do not offer free admission all of the time but do participate in a free admission program during the first week of every month. Each offers free admission on a different day so you’ll want to check in advance before heading out. These include:

• Asian Art Museum
• Cartoon Art Museum
• Exploratorium
• Museum of Craft and Folk Art
• San Francisco Museum of Craft and Design

Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the city and you’ll be amazed at the incredible attractions, concerts, and even free tours you might stumble upon. San Francisco warmly welcomes visitors from all walks of life. Take your time and explore all that the city has to offer.

Here are some notable ways to discover the scenic city of 1.2 million people.

La Jolla

A beautiful, affluent seaside resort community on the city limits of San Diego proper, La Jolla is a wonderful place to stay or visit. The tight-knit coastline area of the Pacific is home to some 40,000 people, with a reputation for exclusivity that dates back close to a century. But never mind all that. As a visitor, come to La Jolla for the exquisite scenery, Village, Windansea Beach, Black’s Beach, La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Cove and Geisel Library.

Mission Beach

How can you top the San Diego ‘hood of Mission Beach for pristine location? The community lives on a sandbar between the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay. Very cool. As a place to stroll, chill out, dine, drink and make new friends in San Diego, Mission Beach rules.

Balboa Park

A U.S. National Historic Landmark District, Balboa Park is a source of pride for San Diego residents. A cultural park replete with beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and attractions like the San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego Museum of Man, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and Natural History Museum, Balboa is the champ. Did we mention the park has actual gardens and trees as well? Take a day or two to explore the park is the overall message here.

Old Town

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is the long form name of the heritage quarter of the city. A U.S. Historic District as well, Old Town preserves but mostly recreates the look and feel of what San Diego was like in the early to late 19th century. While forced authenticity is hard to stomach for some, at least there are attractions like Casa de Estudillo, Whaley House and five original adobe structures to enjoy.

San Diego Zoo

Probably the best zoo in the world, San Diego Zoo is another fine attraction in Balboa Park. The zoo deserves a spot on our list however, for doing what it does so well, for so long. The facility’s legacy of conservation and preservation is unequaled in the world. Plus they have some awesome animal exhibits too, quite naturally. If you’re going to list the best zoos in the world, San Diego’s has to be right at the top. Our personal fave? The Chacoan peccary.

Downtown

Home to the superb open-air PETCO Park – home of the San Diego Padres – Columbia waterfront district, Maritime Museum and Seaport Village, Downtown San Diego is well worth a whirl. The best way to get around? San Diego Trolley.

Gaslamp Quarter

For festivals like Mardi Gras, the massive Street Scene Music Festival and Taste of Gaslamp, Downtown San Diego’s historic quarter gets our vote as must-see. Check out the great Victorian Era architecture of this notable ‘hood on the National Register of Historic Places. All in all, a fine example of urban renewal.

Coronado

About five miles from San Diego proper, Coronado Island was a prominent vacation resort back in the early 20th century and still thrives on tourist dollars today. With a world class beach, U.S. National Historic Landmark in the Hotel del Coronado and scores of great annual festivals, “The Rock” is the place to be.

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The National Zoo receives more than 2,000,000 visitors each year and because the zoo is part of the Smithsonian collection it is free of charge to the public. The zoo itself is part of the American Public Gardens Association, is a major hub for animal and conservation research, and is home to one of the largest veterinary hospitals in the country.

The History of the Smithsonian National Zoo

The National Zoo was first founded in 1889. The creation of the zoo was formally mandated by an Act of Congress in an effort to advance the public’s understanding of science. When originally constructed, the main goal of the zoo was to capture and preserve some of the nation’s fastest disappearing species, including beavers and bison. For the first half of its existence visitors to the zoo would find only one or two examples of many of the world’s most exotic animal species.

In the early days of zoo creation, zoologists knew that they could easily replace an animal with others from the wild if one were to pass away. Scientists quickly realized that if they did not take better care of the animals they had in their possession they would soon have nothing to replace them with. As such, the focus of most zoos turned towards preservation of endangered species instead of merely displaying them.

During the mid 1950’s the National Zoo hired its first full-time veterinarian. In the late 1950’s the Friends of the National Zoo Foundation was formed and took it upon themselves to begin lobbying Congress for full funding through the Smithsonian institution whereas, in the past, it had only received 50% of its funding from the Smithsonian Institution. The changes in funding put the zoo in a financially sound position, allowing it to focus less on fundraising and more on expansion and animal care.

Future Plans for the National Zoo

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park has huge plans for the future. The goal of the zoo is to shed public light on the vast array of wildlife that exists around the globe. The staff aims to train future zoologists and scientists so that they can care for and preserve the lives of some of our planet’s endangered and nearly extinct species for years to come – in both zoos and in their natural habitats.

The National Zoo has a comprehensive plan for becoming the absolute best zoo in the world by the year 2016. The zoo and its board hopes to make huge advancements in medical care for animals, public education about wildlife, and ecological sustainability.

What You’ll See at the National Zoo

The National Zoo, as noted, features more than 2,000 different creatures contained within 400 species. While most people are familiar with the zoo’s famous panda family, there are dozens of other incredible animals on site as well.

Name a category of wildlife and you’re bound to find some incredible examples at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. There are cheetahs and naked mole rats from the African savanna, Asian elephants, sloth bears and fishing cats from Asia, and a wide variety of astounding creatures from around the globe.

You’ll find not only mammals but a huge collection of ocean wildlife and invertebrates as well. There’s even a giant Kid’s Farm where children can get an up close look at some of their favorite animals while participating in entertaining, educational, and engaging activities.

The Smithsonian National Zoological park is open 364 days per year, closed only on Christmas Day and admission is, as noted, free of charge. With so much do to and see, you could easily make a full day out of a trip to the National Zoo. Book a Washington, DC hotel, pack your bags, and prepare to explore the United State’s fastest growing, friendliest, and most reputable zoo!

Burns is not only a director and producer but a keen cinematographer as well. The National Parks features incredible vistas of the Grand Canyon, Denali, Yosemite and Yellowstone, to name but several. But one geological wonder that stood out for us throughout the run of the documentary was the badlands. The badlands of Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota and Utah to be precise. Singular in appearance, almost alien in nature, badlands offer some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. So while The National Parks, courtesy of PBS, gave us a great peek, why not discover the badlands of North America for yourself, in person?

Toadstool Geologic Park, Nebraska

The Oglala National Grassland in the north west corner of Nebraska sits near the borders of Wyoming and South Dakota and contain some of the most brilliant examples of badlands rock formations anywhere on the planet. Just head to Toadstool Geologic Park, within the Oglala and a stone’s throw from the small town of Crawford.

Hell’s Half-Acre, Wyoming

Often described as a geological oddity, Hell’s Half-Acre in Wyoming draws scores of road trippers who pass through the nearby city of Casper. The ancient fault scarp is indeed quite a sight. The strange twisted mess of ravines, caves and rock formations has served as an otherworldly film backdrop and most notably, a buffalo kill zone by Native hunters.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

The name sums it up quite nicely. Badlands National Park preserves close to one quarter of a million acres of buttes, spires and rocky landscape, in addition to some very precious mixed grass prairie. Visitors to Badlands not only have the chance to gaze at the impressive scenery but also commune with buffalo, bighorn sheep, mule deer and coyotes.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

As one of the architects of the movement to establish National Parks across America, Theodore Roosevelt left quite a legacy. A notable hunter, naturalist and explorer, Roosevelt felt most at home on his ranch in the badlands of North Dakota. You can visit the ranch today, in what is now Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Drumheller, Alberta

Some of the best badlands in North America are actually in Canada. The Red Deer River town of Drumheller, Alberta is a prime example. About an hour’s drive northeast of Calgary, the area in and around Drumheller features awesome hoodoos and world class Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, which draws close to 400,000 visitors a year.

Big Muddy Badlands, Saskatchewan

The province of Saskatchewan has another badlands gem along Big Muddy Creek, a tributary of the Missouri River which runs into northern Montana. The unique landscape of Big Muddy Valley was once a hideout for Old West bandits on the lam from the law on the Outlaw Trail. Today, Big Muddy welcomes mostly tourist and ranchers.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

A whopping 1.9 million acres of southern Utah makes the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. More land than the entire state of Delaware, the National Monument area contains three main sections: the Grand Staircase, the Kaiparowits Plateau, and the Canyons of the Escalante. A boon for paleontologists, the landscape encompasses some of the most unusual rock formations on the globe, brilliant fossil deposits and breathtaking scenery. While you’re here, take the time to visit nearby Bryce Canyon as well, a spectacular National Park gem, if ever there was one.

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