ARTICLES
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THE BACKYARD AND BEYOND
: Louisville, Lexington, Frankfort, Shaker VillageTHE WILD WEST
OVER THE CANADIAN BORDER
, Vancouver, Nova Scotia, Montreal, Quebec CityDUE SOUTH
ISLANDS IN THE SUN
ACROSS THE BIG POND
DOWN UNDER
THE OTHER LOUISVILLE
Mention Louisville, and visions of sleek Thoroughbreds thundering around Churchill Downs' famous cinnamon-colored track come to mind. But even though this city on the Ohio River bank is the setting for the first jewel in horse racing's Triple Crown, Louisville offers travelers plenty to do before and after that celebrated first Saturday in May. Within a day's drive of half the country's population, Louisville promises attractions for all ages plus more than forty annual outdoor festivals.
HISTORIC NATCHEZ EXUDES CHARM
Natchez, Miss.-- Past and present merge in this town that conjures up visions of magnificent mansions and magnolia blossoms. Situated on bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Natchez boasts dozens of the South's most splendid antebellum homes, many built before the Civil War and used as town homes by the region's wealthy cotton planters.
CLASSIC AND COUNTRY MEET IN NASHVILLE
From classic to country, Nashville offers a full medley of diversions. Although most often linked with country music, Tennessee's capital city boasts a multi-faceted culture. Always a creative force with a commitment to education and the arts, Nashville acquired its reputation as Athens of the South long before it became known around the globe as Music City USA. A city of contrasts where cherished landmarks coexist with overshadowing skyscrapers and cowboy casualness rubs shoulders with aristocratic gentility, Nashville plays everyone’s song.
Middle Tennessee’s rolling green hills, white-fenced pastures, and handsome horse barns–many could pass for hotels–stretch beyond the borders of this ever-expanding metropolis that got its start as a 1779 outpost. When Nashville sprang up as a pioneer settlement in the Cumberland River wilderness, this area was still regarded as the country’s Wild West. Nashville progressed from a pioneer settlement to a proper town, and in 1796, Tennessee became the sixteenth state in the new country for which it would later provide three presidents.
A TALE OF TWO MOUNTAINS–WHISTLER AND BLACKCOMB OFFER WINTER THRILLS
WHISTLER, British Columbia--When the ski bug bites and suddenly you start dreaming in black and white (black-diamond runs and softly falling snow), consider Whistler, the perfect destination for any kind of winter holiday. Only a scenic two-hour drive north of Vancouver, this European-style four-season resort promises all the components of a great getaway. Also, the current favorable exchange rate makes Canadian vacations–especially ski sabbaticals--more tempting than ever.
ESCAPE TO MAUI – THE WHALES DO
If you’re looking for pure escapism or simply a break from harsh winter, Maui may be the answer. Hawaiian royalty’s destination of choice for centuries, Maui’s legendary beaches don’t just make top ten lists–they dwell there.
Second largest of the Hawaiian islands, Maui attracts a loyal following of today’s Pacific humpback whales. Jayme Perrello, education manager at Maui Ocean Center, estimates the population of the North Pacific’s humpbacks to be between "10,000 and 12,000 and possibly high as 15,000." About one third of this group migrates to Hawaii. These winsome creatures cavort about in Maui’s warm waters--usually from December to April (and sometimes in November and May depending on their travel schedules).
LOOKING FOR THE IRISH LINK
County Kerry, Ireland -- It’s easy for a Southerner to fall in love with Ireland. For many people, there’s that gene-deep feeling of connecting with one’s roots. Other bonds include the landscape, and of course, music and dance. But Irish hospitality may be the biggest connecting factor of all.
ALL ABOARD AUSTRALIA’S SUNSHINE RAIL
"Aussies would bet on anything–even two flies crawling up a window," said New Zealander Rex Gough, watching Daydream’ Island’s spirited toad races.
Daydream, a good base for exploring Australia’s Whitsunday Islands, became home for two nights to our group of Sunshine Rail travelers rolling down Queensland’s coastal corridor. This six-day land cruise offers a sampling of the Sunshine State’s attractions including the magnificent Great Barrier Reef.
All Material Copyrighted by Gay N. Martin