Tag: tourism

Spanning eight decades of history, Hoover Dam remains a modern marvel

Spanning the border of Nevada and Arizona, Hoover Dam was completed in 1935. It regulates river flow, provides flood control and provides water storage supplying water to portions of California, Nevada, Arizona and Mexico. It can produce some of the largest quantities of electricity in the U.S., generating about four billion kilowatt-hours of energy annually….

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Preserving a piece of cultural history

What a great honor to have my photo of the 1803 Pacale-Roque House in Natchitoches, Louisiana featured in the Winter issue of 64 Parishes Magazine! The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities put together a nice feature on the restoration and relocation of this architectural and cultural treasure. Built by a man of color who purchased…

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Iconic ‘Tiny Target’ razed in remote West Texas

A pile of concrete blocks is all that remains of the so-called ‘World’s Smallest Target Store,’ a popular roadside destination in West Texas. Situated along a remote stretch of U.S. Highway 90 in Brewster County, the iconic desert structure drew curiosity seekers to the town of Marathon, not far from Big Bend National Park. KOSA-TV…

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Big Bend Ranch: Where solitude meets adventure

Spectacular scenery and unmatched adventure await visitors to Big Bend Ranch State Park. The 300,000-plus-acre park in Presidio and Brewster counties is the largest in Texas. The West Texas desert landscape’s geological features and recreational opportunities draw outdoors enthusiasts from around the country. One of the easiest ways to take-in the vastness of the state…

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A goat has been mayor of this remote Texas town since the 1980s

Every day since the mid-1980s, the mayor of Lajitas has held court on the side of dusty Farm to Market Road 170, just outside Big Bend National Park in remote West Texas. An unassuming pen next to the town’s general store is home of ‘The World Famous Clay Henry Mayor Mayor of Lajitas.” The title…

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In search of the mysterious Marfa Lights

Mysterious and unexplained lights have been reported here in the West Texas desert for more than a hundred years. According to the Texas Historical Commission, the famous Marfa Lights have been theorized as campfires, phosphorescent minerals, swamp gas, or static electricity. The first recorded sighting was by a rancher in 1883. Others say it could…

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Exploring a personal connection at the National World War II Museum

On this Pearl Harbor Day, I’m surrounded by history at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana. This world-class museum is sure to provide a moving experience, whether it’s a first-time visit or especially if you have the honor of accompanying a veteran. Located on a six-acre campus in downtown, the museum…

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Shiplappin’ and sweets in Waco, Texas

Waco, Texas may be known as the birthplace of Dr. Pepper and the home of Baylor University, but it’s quickly becoming a destination for fans of ‘Fixer Upper.’ HGTV’s Chip and Joanna Gaines’ put their hometown in the spotlight, transforming homes on their hit TV show. They’re also a driving force behind the revitalization of…

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Ducks, geese make winter home in Southwest Louisiana’s marshland

Hundreds of thousands of ducks and geese spend their winters in the pristine marshes and prairies of Southwest Louisiana. Located at the confluence of two of the four major North American flyways, the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road is a 180-mile journey through one of America’s ‘Last Great Wildernesses,’ according to the Lake Charles Convention…

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Canton Tower stands tall as China’s modern architectural, engineering feat

As one of China’s three most populous cities, Guangzhou is a significant manufacturing and transportation hub, as well as a popular tourist destination. The city’s attractions draw more than 100 million visitors each year, many flocking to the Canton Tower. At 1,969 feet tall, it’s the tallest tower in China and third tallest in the…

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Navigating traffic in China’s capital city

Navigating the process of obtaining a temporary drivers license in China may not be worth the stress of driving among the millions of cars on the roads of Beijing. It may be simpler to hire a driver or a private bus to get around the capital city. Taxis and the subway system are also reliable…

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Despite crowds, Beijing’s subway system is calm, clean, efficient

As the world’s third most-populous city, getting around in Beijing takes some planning. For example, the city’s 21 million residents are only allowed to drive their vehicles in designated sections of the city. In an effort to curb pollution, a system is also in place to regulate which days certain drivers can hit the road….

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Best-preserved section of Great Wall of China located outside Beijing

One of the oldest and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China is located about two hours outside Beijing. Construction began at Mutianyu in the sixth century BC and much of it was rebuilt in the mid-1500s. Leaders from each of China’s six kingdoms built sections of the wall, totaling more than 15 thousand…

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Tiananmen Square, crossroads of history in central Beijing, China

One of the largest city squares in the world, Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China is home to numerous monuments, mausoleums, museums, and government buildings. The Great Hall of the People, the Tiananmen and Arrow towers, and the China National Museum are some of the landmarks located along the perimeter, while the Mausoleum of Mao Zedung…

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