USA TRAVEL Galleries

GEORGIA, AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK & LODGING - 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : One of Georgia’s most popular state parks, Amicalola Falls State Park houses the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River at 729 feet. An 8.5 mile approach trail leads from the park to Springer Mountain, the southern end of the 2,135-mile Appalachian Trail. The Amicalola Riverside Nature Trail has recently become ADA compliant. The beautiful Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge sits at the top of the mountain and is popular with guests who prefer hotel-type comforts. A 5-mile hike leads to more remote accommodations at the eco-friendly Len Foote Hike Inn. The visitor center has nature displays, live exhibits and a gift shop. Visit http://www.gastateparks.org for more information.

GEORGIA, AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK & LODGING - 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

One of Georgia’s most popular state parks, Amicalola Falls State Par ...

Updated: Jun 24, 2008 7:55pm PST

GEORGIA, AUGUSTA - Westobou and More 09/08 - photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : We had the pleasure of visiting AUGUSTA, GA, during their First Annual WESTOBOU FESTIVAL, which turned out to be a great success. The festival took place over two weekends in September, and plans for next year are already in the works. As part of the festival, we took in a few plays at LE CHAT NOIR (Forbidden Broadway), and the IMPERIAL THEATER (Sweeney Todd), and enjoyed eating our way around the park at the different international booths. One special aspect of the festival was the SLOW DANCING exhibit, where dancers movements have been incredibly slowed down, and displayed on huge screens - quite fascinating. We also enjoyed the WHISKEY PAINTERS exhibit of miniature paintings at Zimmerman Gallery. We stayed at the beautiful and historic PARTRIDGE INN, and while there, visited a few of Augusta's attractions and restaurants: THE AUGUSTA MUSEUM OF HISTORY, with a special JAMES BROWN exhibit, and AUGUSTA NATIONAL GOLF exhibit; the historic ENTERPRISE MILL showing the history of Augusta's cotton industry; the AUGUSTA CANAL BOAT TOUR, which rides by historic buildings; the MORRIS MUSEUM OF ART; and the beautiful RIVERWALK which goes along the Savannah River. We sampled the delicious fare at the BEES KNEES, and BOLL WEEVIL restaurants. MARK TWAIN (aka Bob Rollins) even stopped by the Partridge Inn to have a chat with us one afternoon. Please enjoy this pictorial of our trip.

GEORGIA, AUGUSTA - Westobou and More 09/08 - photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

We had the pleasure of visiting AUGUSTA, GA, during their First Annual ...

Updated: Nov 09, 2008 5:20pm PST

GEORGIA, DAHLONEGA - 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : Dahlonega, Georgia, is the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains. The first major U.S. gold rush took place around the Dahlonega area in 1828, some twenty years before California. You can visit the Gold Museum and learn all about it. Dahlonega's charming town with a public square is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tasty foodstuffs can be found in town, with the Back Porch Oyster Bar reputedly serving the best seafood in Northern Georgia; the newly opened Rhapsody Grill with a musical and theatrical theme; and the famous SmithHouse with family style dining (and their own gold mine located right under the restaurant.) There are still two working gold mines in Dahlonega — The Crisson Mine and the Consolidated Mine — where you can pan for gold and gemstones. Some wonderful wineries have utilized the fertile hillsides of the area such as the Three Sisters Winery and the Wolf Mountain Vineyards. Lodging is quite varied in the area, from rustic to luxurious. Most have incredible views and hiking opportunities. Medicine Bow is a fascinating place in the woods to learn about how Native Americans lived and worked. Recreational activities are available year round including the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail on Springer Mountain. Appalachian Outfitters provides you with canoes and kayaks for fun time on the Chestatee and Etowah Rivers. www.dahlonega.org

GEORGIA, DAHLONEGA - 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Dahlonega, Georgia, is the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains. The f ...

Updated: Jul 01, 2008 9:46am PST

GEORGIA, DAWSONVILLE - GEORGIA RACING HALL OF FAME 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : Dawsonville, GA is where NASCAR actually began, and you can see and hear the whole history at this museum dedicated to the beginning of the biggest spectator sport in the USA. From tales of moonshiners outracing federal agents, to the first race cars, to displays featuring “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville” — Bill Elliott — you will enjoy this journey down memory lane.

GEORGIA, DAWSONVILLE - GEORGIA RACING HALL OF FAME 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Dawsonville, GA is where NASCAR actually began, and you can see and he ...

Updated: Jun 24, 2008 1:26pm PST

GEORGIA, DAWSONVILLE - KANGAROO CONSERVATION CENTER - 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : With over 300 kangaroos of 9 species, the Kangaroo Conservation Center has the most concentrated number of “roos” in the USA. Set on 87 acres, the animals have plenty of space to roam around in, and their North Georgia setting mimics the natural setting of their native home of Australia. You can take a walking tour or a tram tour to see these wonderful creatures, and catch glimpses of a “joey” (baby Kangaroo) hopping in and out of his/her mom’s pouch. Animal encounters and shows are available at certain times. Hiking trails, Australian birds and lizards, and a lovely butterfly picnic garden can also be found at the center. www.kangaroocenter.com

GEORGIA, DAWSONVILLE - KANGAROO CONSERVATION CENTER - 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

With over 300 kangaroos of 9 species, the Kangaroo Conservation Center ...

Updated: Jun 24, 2008 3:05pm PST

GEORGIA, HELEN - Alpine Village - 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Chattahoochee River, this Northeast Georgia village has a rich history linked to the Cherokee Indians and Indian burial mounds as well as early settlers who arrived to mine for gold and cut virgin timber for a thriving lumber industry in the early 1900s. Helen is a re-creation of an alpine village complete with cobblestone alleys and old-world towers, with shops, restaurants, bed and breakfast inns, mountains, both rustic and luxury mountain cabins. www.helenga.org

GEORGIA, HELEN - Alpine Village - 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Chattahoochee River, this N ...

Updated: Jun 24, 2008 8:47pm PST

MISSISSIPPI, GULFPORT / BILOXI Mardi Gras 02/09 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : A recent trip to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi afforded us a great experience with people places and events — not the least of which was the Biloxi Mardi Gras. Please enjoy our pictorial of our time spent in Gulfport and Biloxi: 1. our very comfortable and convenient accommodations at the TREASURE BAY CASINO. 2. The BILOXI SCHOONER PIER COMPLEX - we enjoyed a brisk sail on the Glenn L. Swetman Schooner with Capt. Brandon and his crew. 3. The HURRICANE KATRINA MEMORIAL brought home the city’s tragedy. 4. BEAUVOIR (built in 1852) - the home of Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy. “Mr. Huston Tegarden” (aka John Harral) was a close friend of Mr. Davis’, and he dropped by to tell us more about life at the time of his friend. Beauvoir suffered a lot of damage from Hurricane Katrina, but has been fully restored to it’s earliest glory. There is a little pavilion on the property which is perfect for little get togethers, and we enjoyed a true Southern luncheon there from NAOMI’S CATERING. 5. The temporary home of GEORGE E. OHR’s works (The “Mad Potter of Biloxi”) is in the historic 1926 SWETMAN HOUSE, while awaiting it’s new digs at a Frank Gehry designed museum, which will house other exhibits as well. 6. Dining at JIA, a Pan-Asian restaurant in the beautiful BEAU RIVAGE. 7. BURGER BURGER, famous for guess what? But also serves up a tasty breakfast. 8. GULF COAST CARNIVAL ASSOCIATION TABLEAU introducing the 2009 King and Queen, and Dukes and Maids of Mardi Gras. 9. MARY MAHONEY’S 1737 Old French House - famous for their gumbo, fresh seafood — and affable host Bob Mahoney. 10. MARDI GRAS (“Fat Tuesday”) PARADE attracted 85,000 souls seeking beads and a fun time. 11. WALTER ANDERSON Museum of Art - showcasing the works of the eclectic artist. 12. VRAZELS RESTAURANT - One of Gulfport’s most popular dining spots. Please visit AccentOnTampaBay.com for more travel articles and what's happening in the Tampa Bay area.

MISSISSIPPI, GULFPORT / BILOXI Mardi Gras 02/09 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

A recent trip to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi afforded us a great exp ...

Updated: Mar 02, 2009 9:42pm PST

NEVADA - SKYWALK GRAND CANYON WEST 03/07 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : The Hualapai Tribe of Native Americans’ territory is a 100-mile stretch of land that includes Grand Canyon West. Their economy depends on tourism, so they came up with a plan to give tourists a thrilling experience they can get no where else — walk on a U-shaped clear glass walkway suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River, for a spectacular view previously only available to birds. The deck is 10 feet wide, juts out 70 feet, and is made of laminated tempered glass. It is supported by outer and inner steel beams anchored into solid stone in the wall of the canyon. Glass side rails are 1 1/2 inches thick and 4 1/2 feet high. The path is 140 feet long from start to finish. The structure is said to support 100 pounds per square foot, can withstand an 8.0 magnitude earthquake, and 100 mph winds. The designers claim it can hold 822 two hundred pound people at one time. The Hualapai invited Dr. Buzz Aldrin for the “first walk” at their Grand Opening, along with Native American astronaut, John Herrington (the first American Indian to fly into space). Each man started at different ends and met in the middle, followed by tribal elders and VIPS. I somehow got to be in the next group, so was privileged to follow in Dr. Aldrin’s footsteps. When we approached the walkway, we were given booties to wear over our shoes to protect the pristine clear glass. On each side of the pathway is about 1 1/2 feet of opaque glass, and the middle is clear. My first instinct was to keep on the opaque glass, as it felt “safe”, which was ridiculous, of course. When I looked back, everyone else had the same psychological feeling. Eventually, about one-third of the way along the path, I got brave and walked on the clear glass and managed to let go of the railing. By the end of the walk, I was fearless! Some folks coming off said they had butterflies in their stomachs the whole time and clung to the side, and others just reveled in the experience. The breathtaking view from across the Skywalk is of Eagle Point, a formation that looks like an eagle spreading his wings. The view down to the river is amazing — watching birds circling around below and the ancient rock formations. Also, the canyon is so quiet, with just the sound of an occasional breeze and bird cry. The Grand Canyon is like no where else on earth. The Hualapai have created an authentic Indian village in a walking tour setting next to the Skywalk, and an amphitheater presenting Native American performances. At nearby Hualapai Ranch, you can step into the old west and saddle up a horse for a trail ride. Wagon rides, cattle drives, a cowboy cookout, and a gun fightin’ show are also available. Future plans for the attraction include a Visitor’s Center, a high-end restaurant on the edge of the canyon, a museum, gift shop and movie theater. There are several tour options available from town, by helicopter or bus. The Skywalk is about a 2 1/2 hour ride from Las Vegas. A variety of tour packages are available. For more information, visit www.DestinationGrandCanyon.com. For more on Accent On Tampa Bay Magazine, visit www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

NEVADA - SKYWALK GRAND CANYON WEST 03/07 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

The Hualapai Tribe of Native Americans’ territory is a 100-mile stre ...

Updated: Mar 27, 2008 8:05am PST

NEVADA, BOULDER CITY 0608 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : Welcome to the ONLY city in Nevada that doesn't have gambling. Really. So if you're sick of neon and flash, visit this delightful oasis in the desert, only 20 miles from Las Vegas. Less a city than a town with a population of 15,000, you'll find it historic, quaint and friendly. Originally built up to house workers on the Hoover Dam, today the town has all the recreational amenities you would expect - golf courses, racquet sports, hiking, etc. Boulder City is a good home base for visiting Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam, especially with the delightful Milo's Inn right in town. A Lovely B&B with updated guestrooms in a 1930's home, Milo's comes complete with wifi and a delicious breakfast. How does Grand Marnier French Toast sound? Visit http://www.bcnv.org for more information.

NEVADA, BOULDER CITY 0608 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Welcome to the ONLY city in Nevada that doesn't have gambling. Really. ...

Updated: Jun 25, 2008 12:45pm PST

NEVADA, ELKO 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : Elko may be the last of the real cowboy towns in America. Set by the beautiful Ruby Mountains, there's plenty here to remind you of how life used to be in the old west. Possible activities include ATVs, visit a Gold Mine, check out the 71 Dude Ranch, go Horseback riding, or hit one of the oldest still operating casinos in North Nevada, the 100-year old Historic Commercial Casino. Area attractions include golf courses, the Northeastern Nevada Museum, Sherman Station and the Western Folklife Center, home to the famous National Cowboy Poetry Festival. Also found in Elko is The Star Restaurant, which draws folks in from all over with their family style Basque food. One of the best saddlemakers in the west is Capriola's in Elko. Also unique to Nevada are brothels (legal ones, that is) and Elko has a few, which co-exist pretty well with the citizens, as they keep kind of low key. Visit http://www.exploreelko.com/

NEVADA, ELKO 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Elko may be the last of the real cowboy towns in America. Set by the b ...

Updated: Jun 29, 2008 4:50pm PST

NEVADA, LAMOILLE CANYON 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : Lamoille Canyon was formed by glaciers, and heads toward the base of the 11,249-foot Ruby Dome. The Ruby Mountains are Nevada’s wettest, providing a vlush landscape, in contrast to the surrounding area’s sparse desert ecosystem. The Ruby Crest Trail, a 40-mile route across the Ruby Mountain Ridge, is known worldwide, and Lamoille Canyon hosts the northern trailhead. In the ranching community of Lamoille is the historic Presbyterian Church, photographed often for it's charm and stunning backdrop of the Ruby Mountains. Lamoille's first church service was on June 20, 1872. It's now known as the Little Church of the Crossroads. Visit www.travelnevada.com/content.aspx?ID=153

NEVADA, LAMOILLE CANYON 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Lamoille Canyon was formed by glaciers, and heads toward the base of t ...

Updated: Jun 29, 2008 5:34pm PST

NEVADA, LAS VEGAS - DAVID BURKE RESTAURANT, VENETIAN 01/08 by Melissa Wolcott Martino : The David Burke restaurant is located in the Venetian Resort, Las Vegas. We enjoyed the ambiance almost as much as the food. Apparently David is a fan of Humpty Dumpty, or eggs, or both, so the restaurant has several egg images scattered around in the form of bronze sculptures. He was very hands-on with the decorating of the restaurant, and chose back-lit Himalayan rock salt to decorate some of the walls. The menu is very creative and food presentations are clever. A delicious Popover is served in a measuring cup, and butter comes on a natural shaped hunk of the Himalayan rock salt. We started off with Lobster Bisque Soup, and for our entrees we chose Braised Short Ribs, and Lobster Steak — all very succulent and tasty. For more information on travel, events, or the Tampa Bay area happenings, visit www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

NEVADA, LAS VEGAS - DAVID BURKE RESTAURANT, VENETIAN 01/08 by Melissa Wolcott Martino

The David Burke restaurant is located in the Venetian Resort, Las Vega ...

Updated: Mar 19, 2008 5:06pm PST

NEVADA, LAS VEGAS - LAKE MEAD PADDLEBOATS 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : Only minutes from Las Vegas is Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. Take the paddlewheel boat, the Desert Princess, and cruise the clean, blue waters of Lake Mead year 'round. You will hear stories of the construction of the Hoover Dam, and the formation of the Colorado River and Grand Canyon. Enjoy a different dining experience on one of their meal cruises. These cruises will also give you an up-close look at Mother Nature in all her raw beauty. We glimpsed some goats on the rocks, in addition to varied birds. Visit www.lakemeadcruises.com

NEVADA, LAS VEGAS - LAKE MEAD PADDLEBOATS 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Only minutes from Las Vegas is Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. Take the ...

Updated: Jun 29, 2008 6:27pm PST

NEVADA, LAS VEGAS - MAVERICK GRAND CANYON HELICOPTER RIDES 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : Maverick Helicopters offers VIP level service from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon. Experience a breathtaking flight over the most beautiful scenery in the Western United States; whether it is a journey to the Grand Canyon, a flight over the Las Vegas Strip or witnessing the beauty of the southwest. Maverick Helicopters is the largest in Nevada with 28 aircraft, the oldest of which is only 4 years. Their new quiet copters make for a very pleasant trip. Maverick is the preferred helicopter service for all the Las Vegas upscale resort/casinos. For more information, visit www.maverickhelicopter.com.

NEVADA, LAS VEGAS - MAVERICK GRAND CANYON HELICOPTER RIDES 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Maverick Helicopters offers VIP level service from Las Vegas to the Gr ...

Updated: Jun 29, 2008 5:56pm PST

NEVADA, LAS VEGAS - MIX at THEhotel, MANDALAY BAY by Melissa Wolcott Martino : With one-of-a-kind culinary creations and fabulous views of the Strip, Mix is at the pinnacle of style and height of indulgence. Located at the top of THEhotel, Mix is the vision of renowned chef, Alain Ducasse. The restaurant features contemporary and classic French and American dishes with global accents, as well as signature dishes from his restaurants in Paris and Monte Carlo. Designed by Patrick Jouin, Mix is adorned in white and silver. It features sweeping staircases, mid-century modern furniture and a stunning 24-foot chandelier of 15,000 hand-blown glass spheres.

NEVADA, LAS VEGAS - MIX at THEhotel, MANDALAY BAY by Melissa Wolcott Martino

With one-of-a-kind culinary creations and fabulous views of the Strip, ...

Updated: Mar 28, 2008 8:40pm PST

NEVADA, LAS VEGAS - PALAZZO GRAND OPENING 01/08 by Melissa Wolcott Martino : The spectacular new Palazzo Resort opened with great fanfare January, 2008. On hand was Mr. Sheldon Adelson, CEO of Sands Corp, and mastermind behind the Palazzo and the Venetian, and various celebrities. For more information on Accent On Tampa Bay Magazine, visit www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

NEVADA, LAS VEGAS - PALAZZO GRAND OPENING 01/08 by Melissa Wolcott Martino

The spectacular new Palazzo Resort opened with great fanfare January, ...

Updated: Mar 19, 2008 5:41pm PST

NEVADA, LAS VEGAS - STROLLIN' DOWN THE STRIP 01/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : For more information on Accent On Tampa Bay Magazine, visit www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

NEVADA, LAS VEGAS - STROLLIN' DOWN THE STRIP 01/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

For more information on Accent On Tampa Bay Magazine, visit www.Accent ...

Updated: Jun 21, 2008 7:24pm PST

NEVADA, LAS VEGAS - TIA POW WOW 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : TIA's International Pow Wow is the travel industry's international marketplace and is the largest generator of Visit USA travel. More than 1,000 U. S. travel organizations from every region of the USA, and close to 1,500 International and Domestic Buyers from more than 70 countries, conduct business that results in the generation of future USA travel. This year's event (2008) took place in Las Vegas, and along with business was pleasure, with attendees able to experience a lot of what Vegas has to offer. Here are just a few samplings of events.

NEVADA, LAS VEGAS - TIA POW WOW 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

TIA's International Pow Wow is the travel industry's international mar ...

Updated: Jun 29, 2008 6:46pm PST

NEVADA, LAS VEGAS - VENETIAN CANAL SHOPPES 01/08 by Melissa Wolcott Martino : The Venetian's winding canal is lined with restaurants and shops, and leads to St. Marks Square, where you'll find dining and entertainment, and gondola rides. For more information on Accent On Tampa Bay Magazine, visit www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

NEVADA, LAS VEGAS - VENETIAN CANAL SHOPPES 01/08 by Melissa Wolcott Martino

The Venetian's winding canal is lined with restaurants and shops, and ...

Updated: Mar 19, 2008 4:39pm PST

NEVADA, LOVELOCK 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : Named for an early homesteader and storekeeper when the Central Pacific Railroad drove its rails this way in 1868, Lovelock became a way station of some importance as mining strikes in the surrounding mountains, and agricultural development in the valley combined to encourage the growth of a small settlement. The round shaped Pershing County Court House is Lovelock's architectural jewel. Shortly after the turn of the millennium, Lovelock adopted the ancient Chinese custom of symbolically locking one's love on a never-ending chain. This custom has made Lovelock the nation's official love-locking destination. According to this ancient Chinese custom, as long as the lock remains on the chain, love will endure. For more information, visit www.loverslock.com/index.html

NEVADA, LOVELOCK 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Named for an early homesteader and storekeeper when the Central Pacifi ...

Updated: Jun 29, 2008 6:11pm PST

NEVADA, WENDOVER 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino : Wendover, NV, is in the unique position of being half in Nevada and half in Utah, which means there's gambling on the Nevada side, and none on the Utah side. Needless to say, Nevada's Wendover (with 5 casinos) is a bit more flush than Utah's. West of Wendover is the Bonneville Salt Flats, and the land is so stretched flat that it is the only place on land that you can actually see the curvature of the earth. It is an amazing landscape. Wendover's Peppermill Hotel/Casino and the Montego Bay Hotel/Casino are both first class establishments, and The Rainbow Casino houses a fine steakhouse. Take an ATV tour with the Intermountain Guide Service for a really fun adventurous afternoon. Visit www.westwendovercity.com

NEVADA, WENDOVER 06/08 photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino

Wendover, NV, is in the unique position of being half in Nevada and ha ...

Updated: Jul 01, 2008 7:10pm PST


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