Travel Guides Archives | Page 6 of 7

Hoover Dam

June 3, 2024May 17, 2012 by Sudhir Kumar

Construction began in 1931 and Hoover Dam was completed in 1936. It still stands tall as an engineering marvel high above the Colorado River between Arizona and Nevada. Hoover Dam attracts over 7 million visitors from around the new world every year feeding vast tourism into the Las Vegas Nevada and Arizona economy. The building of Hoover Dam took the brilliance of over 200 engineers to pull off what many deemed as almost impossible. And it was the fortitude of over 7,000 dam workers that endured amazingly harsh conditions and extreme dangers to complete Hoover Dam almost two years ahead of schedule.

Kingda Ka Roller Coaster Six Flags

June 3, 2024May 17, 2012 by Sudhir Kumar

After my rainy Cedar Point trip and Top Thrill Dragster’s closure, I anticipated Six Flags Great Adventure for its unique Strata Coaster, Kingda Ka, holding world records for height and speed. Launching riders at over 120 mph, it ascends a 40-story hill at 90 degrees before spiraling back down. Despite slow loading and only two … Read more

Liberty Bell

May 31, 2024May 17, 2012 by Sudhir Kumar

The Liberty Bell, forged in the Whitechapel Foundry in London, originally graced the belfry of the Pennsylvania State House in 1753, now recognized as Independence Hall. Its inaugural use resulted in a crack, prompting recasting by Philadelphia artisans John Pass and John Stow, whose names adorn the bell alongside a verse from Leviticus: “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof.” Despite repairs, the bell cracked again during a George Washington birthday celebration, remaining silent since. The reasons for its fractures remain a mystery. Initially unnamed, it gained the moniker “Liberty Bell” as abolitionists rallied around it, utilizing it as a symbol in their fight against slavery. Post-Civil War, it toured the nation, fostering unity. Returning to Philadelphia in 1915, it became a global emblem of liberty, drawing crowds from far and wide. Today, the National Park Service ensures millions can glimpse this enduring testament to liberty’s potency.

American Museum of Natural History

May 29, 2024May 16, 2012 by Sudhir Kumar

Introduction

The American Museum of Natural History, nestled in an 18-acre park off Central Park West in Manhattan, comprises 27 interconnected buildings. These house 45 permanent exhibition halls, a library, a planetarium, and spaces for temporary exhibits and scientific research. Founded in 1869 as a museum and library to promote scientific study, it organized exploratory expeditions to remote regions including Pacific islands and Africa. These expeditions significantly expanded its collection, which now exceeds 32 million specimens and artifacts. The museum continues to conduct about 120 expeditions and field projects annually worldwide. Voted the Number One Family Attraction in New York City, the museum is the largest of its kind globally. It offers a wide array of artifacts, displays, and exhibits that unveil the secrets of the natural world, making it a top destination for visitors.

SeaWorld San Diego

May 23, 2024May 16, 2012 by Sudhir Kumar

A Theme Park but has more water activities than Disneyland. SeaWorld San Diego is a theme park that has everything from shark encounters and orca shows to an aerial tram on the bay and a gently rotating sky tower that lifts you high above the ground. It’s full of things that will fascinate and thrill kids, including feeding Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins, riding roller coasters, and seeing penguins up close. SeaWorld’s main attraction in San Diego is its Orcas, several of which reside in 7-million-gallon habitats, each known as Shamu Stadium (Shamu originally died in the 1990s). The first Orca brought to SeaWorld San Diego in the 1960s was named Shamu. At SeaWorld parks, ‘Shamu’ is now used as a stage name for adult Orcas in performances. The Orcas all have real names. SeaWorld parks also feature a variety of thrill rides, including roller coasters and lazy river rides.