Good Day Everyone! Greetings from Sedona, Arizona!! The plans for the day are that we are heading to Grand Canyon National Park where the views are nothing short of MAJESTIC!! Photos just cannot do this park any justice. And while I have visited this world renowned park a number of times, it was just this morning that I got to thinking and discussing when my last visit to this park actually was and even I couldn’t believe that it has been such a long time… My last visit to the South Rim was in 2007 and My last visit to the North Rim was in 2008 We are going to the South Rim today. Today will be Chaplin’s first visit to the Grand Canyon National Park and in fact her very first visit to any National Park! I think I am excited for her!! As far as yesterday went, we had a lovely day wandering and hiking about Bell Rock. Touring and seeing the views from Chapel of the Holy Cross. Eating at Chocolatetree and wandering about and shopping in the Uptown Sedona district. The trip is going great and we are all having a wonderful time. The only downfall is that the wifi at our resort is not very strong and getting on the blog is nearly impossible. Thankfully I have the support of my dear cousin Elisa (wish you were here!) and I’ll be sending her updates throughout the day, along with vlogs and pictures to share on the blog and on all of our social media outlets. It’s another day and time for another adventure! Until later, -Travelin’ Tanya Photos from South Rim /Mather Point at Grand Canyon National Park | A big, happy, hello to you! My day started out bright and early in the usual way with a school drop off for my girl Kelsey, followed by a visit to my polling station to cast my vote. It's a bit chilly and windy here today, but I cannot tell you how much I'm loving the Fall weather guys!! I've been walking everyday, doing a minimum of 3 miles. But, yesterday, I actually made it to 5 miles!! I'll be heading out in a few minutes to soak up the rays of the sun and the cool, fresh Autumn air! Travel news... From Sedona to the Grand Canyon, Tanya is making her way through Arizona this week and I am thoroughly enjoying following her trip from here in New York, as I hope you are! The southwest region of the United States is one of the most scenic places in all of the country and we look forward to bringing this Arizona trip to life on an upcoming YouTube video for you guys to enjoy! And on the theme of America - coupled with the fact that today is Election Day - we thought it would be fun to bring you our list of must-see patriotic places in the United States. See how many you have visited! Here's to a wonderful day!! -Travelin' Elisa xoxo |
8 Must-See Patriotic Places in the United States
1. The Statue of Liberty, New York City, New York
Proudly sitting in New York Harbor, The Statue of Liberty is perhaps the greatest American symbol of freedom and everything for which our great country stands. From its role as a beacon of light for 15 years guiding ships safely to a symbol of ultimate hope for weary immigrants coming to America to make a new life, a visit to Lady Liberty will pull at your patriotic heartstrings.
"The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States and is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. Designated as a National Monument in 1924, it has been part of the National Park Service since 1933.
2. Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The city of Philadelphia is probably the most important cities in the founding of our great nation and The United States was born at Independence Hall. For it is in this building that the representatives of the 13 colonies debated and signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, as well as the Constitution of the United States in 1787. There is a great sense of pride when strolling about Independence National Park where The Liberty Bell and other important historical sites and museums are also located.
3. Ellis Island, New York City, New York
From 1892 to 1954, 12 million immigrants passed through the now quiet halls of Ellis Island in search of new opportunity for themselves and their descendants. It still remains today, a symbol of The American Dream. The year 1907 marked the busiest year at Ellis Island with approximately 1.25 million immigrants processed.
Today, a visit to Ellis Island it is a wonderful way to connect with the past and get an overwhelming sense of what it felt like to be an immigrant arriving in the United States for the first time to begin a new life.
4. The Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts
Comprised of 3 mile red-painted and bricked path, The Freedom Trail in Boston connects 16 principal historic monuments and sites. Starting at Boston Common, the nations oldest public park created in 1634, it winds though the streets of the city and along the way Freedom Trail walkers will see an array of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond.
Notable sites include The Massachusetts State House, Granary Burial Ground, The Old South Meeting House (the birth of the Boston Tea Party), The Boston Massacre Site and Faneuil Hall (which hosted America's first Town Meeting and often referred to as "the home of free speech" and the "Cradle of Liberty," )
5. One World Trade Center, New York City, New York
The magnificence of the Freedom Tower or One World Trade Center, is a testament to the tenacity of the city of New York and a statement to the world that nothing or no one can destroy the United States of America. A visit to One World Trade Center and the National September 11th Memorial is quite an impactful experience. Not only is One WTC the tallest building in the United States, but it is also the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and the sixth-tallest in the world. The main observatory is on the 100th floor and features a “Sky Portal” which is a 14-foot wide circular disc that provides an unbelievable unforgettable view, using real-time, high definition footage of the streets below.
6. Our National's Capital, Washington, D.C.
As our nation's capital, Washington D.C. is an unmatched treasury of the country’s history and artifacts. Representing all three branches of government, the city is home to the buildings that house the Executive Branch (The White House), The Legislative Branch (The U.S. Capitol and the Judicial Branch (The U.S. Supreme Court) which can be visited for a first-hand look at the inner workings of our Republic.
The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War, the Union victory that ended General Robert E. Lee's second and most ambitious invasion of the North. Gettysburg was the Civil War's bloodiest battle and was also the inspiration for President Abraham Lincoln's immortal "Gettysburg Address". When visiting, you can feel the somberness in the air as you walk around the hallowed ground.
8. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
One of the most impressive patriotic destinations is Mount Rushmore where the figures of America’s most prominent U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt are carved from a granite mountainside high above the treetops of the Black Hills. It is carved from the design of Gutzon Borglum, who oversaw the project's execution from 1927 to 1941 with the help of his son, Lincoln Borglum, taking 14 years to complete at a cost of $1million.