Go With a Purpose. Inspirations for Meaningful Travel.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Photo of the Week: Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge

A remote island accessible only by boat, where you can bask in solitude, watch the sun rise and witness a great blue heron taking flight— this image of complete and utter tranquility is reality at Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge in Massachusetts. Located on Chappaquiddick Island, or “Chappy,” as it’s called, visitors must take a private vessel or a ferry from nearby Edgartown to reach this retreat.

The eastern edge of the island is a barrier beach formed thousands of years ago, and today it stretches out seven miles. On the northern side of the reservation is Cape Poge Elbow, where you’ll find a gull rookery and nests of endangered piping plovers, least terns and oyster catchers. Cape Poge Bay, west of the dunes, is the ideal nursery for finfish and shellfish that are drawn to the clear, calm waters. Between the bay and the ocean lay a cluster of hundred-year-old eastern red cedars, the effects of the wind and salt spray having clearly defined the trees’ appearance. Striped bass, bluefish and other saltwater anglers abound at Cape Poge Gut, where powerful currents sweep in oxygen-rich water.

Apart from the undisturbed natural habitat at Cape Poge, a man-made structure, the Cape Poge Lighthouse, adds to the island’s authentic character. The lighthouse began guiding ships from the shoal waters and shallows of Muskeget Channel into Edgartown Harbor in 1801. It was rebuilt twice during the 19th century after erosion and storms took their wear on it. An automated lantern, maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, still shines for sailors as far as nine miles out at sea.

Have you visited Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge? Write a review or share photos on Gozaic.

Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge is a Gozaic partner.

Kayaks at Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge photo courtesy of Tom Kates.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Five Things to Do in the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor

It might not be a trendy iPad or Kindle, but the cotton mill was once a piece of cutting-edge technology that left a palpable impact on American society. That’s because it was our nation’s very first factory, and it was built in what is today known as the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. This 46-mile area that stretches between Providence, Rhode Island, and Worcester, Massachusetts, was home to Native Americans, European colonists, craftsmen, farmers and industrialists.

The Industrial Revolution started on the banks of the Blackstone River in 1790. It was there, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, that craftsmen built Slater Mill, which used water power to spin cotton. There’s a lot to know about the history of this influential region, and you can start online by taking a free crash course on all things Blackstone Valley—you’ll even get a pin upon completion of the quiz. Once you’re a bona fide Blackstone Valley expert, you’ll want to make the most of your visit by checking out this list of five fun things to do there:

Cruise along the Blackstone
Every Sunday through October 11, cruises depart from Central Falls, Rhode Island, (near Providence) and float across the Blackstone, an American Heritage River. While you’re aboard the Blackstone Valley Explorer you’ll gain a better appreciation for the flora and fauna of this wilderness area and learn about the river's contribution to the industrial heritage of the Blackstone Valley. These 45-minute narrated cruises leave on the hour from 1 to 4 p.m.

Visit the Smith Appleby House Museum
The Smith Appleby House Museum was built circa 1696 by Elisha Smith. Smith was the grandson of John Smith, a cartographer of the New England coast and member of Roger William's original party of six men who left the Massachusetts Bay Colony to settle in Providence. Over the years, the house's farmlands, woodlands and orchards have been the site of a grist mill, saw mill and blacksmith shop. This delicately restored and furnished farmhouse features beautiful cabinet work and an intriguing antique collection and is currently used as the historical society headquarters.

The Smith Appleby House is open for tours during scheduled events, or tours may be arranged on request. Traditional annual events include the May Breakfast, Strawberry Social in June, Apple Social in September, Colonial Dinner in November, and Christmas at Smith Appleby House.

Enjoy Activities and Events at River Bend Farm Visitors Center
On August 8, celebrate Smokey Bear’s 66th birthday at the River Bend Farm Visitors Center at the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, centrally located in the heritage corridor. The event will feature a campfire sing along, children’s activities, fire equipment displays, fire safety demonstrations, and, of course, birthday cake with Smokey!

Year -round activities include walks on the Historic Blackstone Canal tow path from the Visitors Center to the Stanley Woolen Mill (circa 1830), paddling on the Blackstone River or in the Blackstone Canal, maple sugaring the first three weekends in March, "Concerts on the Canal" on summer Sundays, and other interpretive programs.

Pawtucket Arts Festival
This Rhode Island city-wide celebration of the arts begins August 27th and features a gala opening and Taste of Pawtucket that evening. The next day, marvel at brightly colored, intricately designed dragonboats as they compete in the Rhode Island Dragonboat Races. The Taiwan Day Festival also takes place that day, with performers from Taiwan and Boston, as well as plenty of food, crafts and kite-flying. The arts festival runs through September 26 and includes a showcase of visual and performing arts, interactive workshops, cultural celebrations and live music.

Run, Bike and Paddle
The UniBank Blackstone River Valley Greenway Challenge is a 59-mile relay course that begins in Worcester, Massachusetts, sending cyclists through stone-walled country roads, paddlers down the historic Blackstone River and runners competing on the Blackstone River Bikeway to the finish line in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Historical sites and national landmarks are featured each year as transition sites along the Blackstone River and Canal. The relay kicks off September 25, marking its tenth year.

Have you visited Blackstone River Valley? Write a review or share photos on Gozaic.

The John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor is a Gozaic partner.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Gozaic of the Week: Cleveland, Ohio

Small town USA—with its quiet main streets, one-of-a-kind boutiques and hometown hospitality— is the recipe for an idyllic heritage travel getaway. But when you’ve got an itch for city lights and a good dose of culture, Cleveland, Ohio makes for a great trip. With arts and entertainment, ethnic cuisine and plenty of historic sites, this city of more than 2.2 million residents is the perfect destination for heritage travel with a cosmopolitan flair.

History
In 1796 Gen. Moses Cleaveland surveyed the land on the south shore of Lake Eerie, 60 miles west of the Pennsylvania border, that later became known as Cleveland. The village of Cleveland, located at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, was incorporated in 1814. During the 19th century the city’s population grew by leaps and bounds, as it became a center of manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. In 1920, as the fifth-largest city in the country, Cleveland became a prime location for immigrants. The city developed at a fast rate during the 20th century, and the 1980s brought an urban revitalization trend. The nineties saw Cleveland become the first large city in America with an African-American mayor.

Scenic Neighborhoods
Movie and dinner night? Why not spice up that classic combination by dining in one of Cleveland’s authentic ethnic neighborhoods, such as Little Italy or AsiaTown, and then taking a stroll through one of the city’s arts districts and catching a show. Coventry Village, with its Bohemian ambiance, is lined with whimsical shops, unique eateries and several music and theater houses. There’s also Gordon Square, with Capitol Independent movie theater, Cleveland Public and Near West Theatres, and PlayhouseSquare District, home to the second-largest performing arts center in the country and five vaudeville-era theaters. Two other neighborhoods worth the trip: Tremont, with its creative edge, monthly ArtWalks and striking churches that reflect the Cleveland’s diverse immigrant groups, and Ohio City, full of 19th century homes and tree-lined avenues.

City Attractions
Cleveland boasts a variety of cultural and historic sites, adding up to a well-rounded, action-packed itinerary for any traveler. The Cleveland Museum of Art features two architectural landmarks, the 1916 Beaux Arts south building and the 1971 north building by Marcel Breuer. The museum is thought to contain one of the world’s finest collections of art with present-day to 5000 year-old pieces from around the world. Dunham Tavern Museum is the oldest building in Cleveland and a former stagecoach stop listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Founded in 1869, the 285 acres at Lakeview Cemetery are the burial grounds for many notable figures, including J.D. Rockefeller and Eliot Ness. For a more sensory experience, a visit to Cleveland’s West Side Market, the city’s oldest operating indoor/outdoor market, is a must.

Have you visited Cleveland, Ohio? Write a review or share photos on Gozaic.

Gozaic (go-ZAY-ik). Noun. 1) The name of a website, Gozaic.com. 2) The fusion of “go,” for travel and the mosaic of heritage and culture. 3) The mosaic of images to illustrate the dimensions of a featured heritage or cultural destination.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Photo Journal: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

As a teenager and into my early 20s, I drove past Rehoboth Beach in Southern Delaware, on my way to Ocean City, Maryland. I’m sure that I deemed this small beach town as too sleepy, too kid friendly and just not very appealing to someone of high school and college age. Now well into my 40s, sleepy, kid-friendly and small beach town are some of my favorite descriptors for an ideal beach vacation destination!

I usually stay in one of the small inns that allow me to easily walk to the beach, restaurants, and boutique shopping, without ever needing to move my car. On my latest visit I stayed at the Atlantis Inn, located right on Rehoboth Avenue, just 1 ½ blocks from the beach. If you prefer to explore beyond the one-square mile that makes up this community, there is tax-free outlet shopping and a movie complex just outside of town.

Most of my visits to Rehoboth include a slice of Grotto pizza, Thrashers French Fries, live music at the Seafood Shack and brunch at the Purple Parrot Grill. With the recent addition of the Green Turtle restaurant right on the boardwalk there is now another option for ocean-side dining with hard-to-beat views of the surf.

The historic charm of this seaside community is enhanced by an active Main Street Organization that has done a wonderful job promoting preservation. Wide sidewalks, tree lined streets, family-run grocery and produce, and an old fashioned waterfront bandstand all help to provide a laid back and appealing vacation spot.

Have you visited Rehoboth Beach? If so, share your review on Gozaic.

Lisa Turgeon-Williams is manager of product development for the National Trust Tours.

Photos courtesy of Lisa Turgeon-Williams. From top to bottom: Lighthouse at the Rehoboth entrance rotary. Great boutique shopping--much more that just saltwater taffy and t-shirts. The Seafood Shack, located at 42 Baltimore Avenue. McQuay’s Market, located on Rehoboth Avenue.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Lower East Side in New York City (Video)

Having grown up outside of New York City, and being the granddaughter of Italian immigrants, I was familiar with the Lower East Side, one of the oldest and most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the city. I learned so much more exploring the neighborhood and its sites during the full day of filming this video. I worked alongside the filmmaker, and thanks to a recommendation from the Tenement Museum, we found Rob Hollander, the narrator. You will quickly see that he is very knowledgeable about the Lower East Side and its rich history. His animated personality also adds the perfect touch to create this great overview piece.

video

A couple of months prior to filming, I toured the Tenement Museum’s landmark tenement building and really enjoyed its interactive tour. While you get a glimpse of the museum tour in this video, I highly recommend that everyone check it out first-hand. What I find especially fascinating is that as additional floors of the tenement building are restored, new artifacts – most recently a whisky bottle and a piece of sheet music – are uncovered and reported on the museum’s blog. The blog also addresses questions people have about the tenements and life in that era – it’s a good way to enjoy the museum from afar.

I had never been to the Eldridge Street Synagogue, the first synagogue built by European Jews in America. Unexpectedly located right in the middle of Chinatown, it is such a gem, with beautiful stained glass windows and original grooved floorboards, the result of congregants who worshipped there 100 year ago.

These historic sites, as well other unique spots, such as The Pickle Guys (you’ll see their store in the video), define the character of the neighborhood and are highlighted in this video, providing a great sense of the Lower East Side’s rich history and impact on the American experience.

Working on this video gave me the opportunity to learn so much more about the Lower East Side and its immigrant roots, which are also my immigrant roots.

Have you visited the Lower East Side Tenement Museum? Share your review and photos on Gozaic. The Lower East Side Tenement Museum is a Gozaic partner and a National Trust Historic Site.

Lisa Lanna is director of business and product development for Gozaic/Heritage Travel.

Photo:  Restored kitchen of the Baldizzi family apartment at the Tenement Museum courtesy of Keiko Niwa.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Photo of the Week: Edmonston-Alston House in Charleston, South Carolina

From this piazza at the Edmonston-Alston House in Charleston, South Carolina, Gen. P.T. Beauregard and his comrades watched as the Civil War got its start with blasts from Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. Charles Alston, a member of a prominent Low Country rice-planting dynasty, had purchased the house after its original owner, Charles Edmonston, was forced to sell it as the economy tanked during the panic of 1837. Alston added Greek Revival architecture to the house, leading to the creation of the third-story piazza with Corinthian columns, a cast-iron balcony across the front and a rooftop railing bearing the Alston family coat of arms.

The mansion, the only one of Charleston’s fine house museums offering a jaw-dropping panorama of the harbor, has been in the Alston family since 1838. When it was built in 1825 in the federal style by Edmonston, a shipping merchant, it became one of the first grand homes to be built alongside the sea wall and away from chaos at the wharves and warehouses higher on the peninsula.

Today travelers to Charleston can tour the house and enjoy its sweeping water vistas while admiring Greek Revival interiors and a compelling collection of 19th century Alston family heirlooms.

Have you visited the Edmonston-Alston House? Write a review or share photos on Gozaic.

Edmonston-Alston House is a Gozaic partner.

Piazza at Edmondston-Alston House photo courtesy of the Charleston Heritage Federation.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Five Fun Facts from Landmark Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota

Originally a federal courthouse and later a post office for the Upper Midwest, Landmark Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota took 10 years to construct and reached completion in 1902. Designed by Willoughby J. Edbrooke, who served as supervising architect of the U.S. Treasury Department in 1891-92, the building’s exterior is pink granite ashlar, with a hipped red tile roof, enlivened by numerous turrets, gables and dormers. Cylindrical corner towers with conical turrets occupy almost every change of projection. Two massive towers, one featuring a clock, are particularly striking. Its Richardsonian Romanesque design gives the Landmark Center an appearance similar to Washington, D.C.’s Old Post Office Pavilion. Inside, the aesthetics are equally impressive, with a five-story courtyard, skylight and rooms with 20-foot ceilings, appointed with marble and carved mahogany finishes.

Today, Landmark Center is on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a cultural center for music, dance, theater, exhibitions, public forums and countless special events. Owned by Ramsey County, the Landmark Center is managed by Minnesota Landmarks, a not-for-profit organization. Landmark Center also houses five gallery spaces and a number of St. Paul's premier arts and culture organizations.

From actors and actresses (Arnold Schwarzenegger and Meryl Streep) to the “father of prohibition” (Rep. Andrew Volstead), plenty of movers and shakers have passed through Landmark Center over the years, and the building has been left with quite a few fascinating stories in their wake. These five fun facts demonstrate what makes Landmark Center such a notable historic site:

Nearly destroyed. In 1967, the federal government moved its offices to a new building and the building that is today known as Landmark Center was scheduled for demolition. Spearheaded by several determined citizens, a public campaign was mounted to save the building. It took several years to cut through miles of red tape and fundraise, but in 1970, less than a week before it was to undergo demolition, the Federal Courts Building was saved. It was restored to its original grandeur and placed on the National Register of Historic Places and reopened to the public as Landmark Center in 1978.

The politicians’ unusual entrance. Presidential candidates Harry Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower made campaign speeches from the balcony over the Fifth Street entrance-- getting onto the balcony by crawling through the window of the office behind it.

Bathroom escape attempt. Evelyn (Billie) Frechette, girlfriend of bank robber John Dillinger, escaped a shootout in St. Paul, but she was later apprehended and returned to be tried in the Federal Courts Building (Landmark Center). She nearly broke free while using the restroom.

An unfortunate makeover. The marble walls of the main entrance lobby were painted with #102A government green. Additionally, marble wainscoting was cut down to install mailboxes. Brown linoleum covered the maple floors, crude tile replaced marble mosaic and corrugated asbestos covered the cortile skylight. The beautiful stained glass back-lit dome in the law library was painted over.


A cultural attraction accessible to all. Every year Landmark Center offers more than 140 free or low-cost events and more than 100 tours, welcoming nearly 270,000 visitors!

Have you visited Landmark Center? Write a review or share photos on Gozaic.

Landmark Center is a Gozaic partner.

Photos top to bottom: Landmark Center today, 2010, credit Bellagala. Restoration of Landmark Center, credit Minnesota Landmarks Archives. Dwight Eisenhower from Landmark Center Balcony, 1956, credit Minnesota Historical Society. United States Post Office Corridor, 1958, credit Minnesota Historical Society. Landmark Center Cortile used for Special Event, 2010, credit Bellagala.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Gozaic of the Week: Tracks Across Wyoming

As travelers picked up their lives and headed out West— whether it was on the Oregon Trail or the transcontinental railroad—passing through Wyoming’s southern corridor was a fundamental part of the journey. But for some, this piece of Wyoming became more than a gateway to a target destination. It became a destination unto itself, as those who came to work on the railroad were drawn to the tranquility and untamed beauty of the region and decided to claim it as home. The communities they founded and the trails and landscape that left such a remarkable impression on them can be seen by visitors who explore the Tracks Across Wyoming heritage area today.

History
Before the transcontinental railroad, Native Americans populated this southern patch of Wyoming, and wildlife such as buffalo and antelope grazed freely. During the 19th century, an influx of immigrants and travelers flowed through on the Oregon, California, Mormon Handcart, Pony Express, Overland and Cherokee Trails, all of which carried passengers through southern Wyoming. But it wasn’t until the creation of the transcontinental railroad, the Union Pacific in particular, that real settlements began springing up. Most of these towns developed after the Civil War, and a select few had staying power. Today the towns and the wilderness surrounding them preserve the spirit of the area’s early settlers.

Significant Downtowns and Neighborhoods
The Tracks Across Wyoming corridor contains a range of historically significant commercial and residential zones that reflect the region’s multi-faceted past. The Downtown Cheyenne Historic District offers a potpourri of architectural styles, including commercial Victorian construction, and some buildings date back to the early 1870s. For a fuller perspective of early life in Cheyenne, visit Cheyenne South Side Historic District, representative of a working-class neighborhood set beside the Union Pacific Railroad freight yards, and Rainsford Historic District, an upper-class housing cluster designed by eastern architect George Rainsford. Laramie, home to the University of Wyoming, has a 10-block historic downtown and is also know for Bath Row Historic District, comprising four stone houses that demonstrate the influence of the railroad in Wyoming.

Heritage and Culture-based Activities
Spread throughout this southern portion of Wyoming are dozens of museums and historic sites that appeal to dinosaur enthusiasts, railroad aficionados and everyone in-between. The Historic Cheyenne Union Pacific Railroad Museum, housed in the newly renovated Union Pacific depot, is both a fun and informative look at Cheyenne’s history and the interrelated history of the railroad. The Historic Governor’s Mansion in Cheyenne is distinguished not only for its elegant exterior but also for the fact that in 1925, America’s first female governor lived there. The University of Wyoming’s Geological Museum in Laramie, offering its own “Jurassic Park,” and Fossil Butte National Monument in Kemmerer provide insight into what life in Wyoming was like before humans turned up. J.C. Penney Historic House in Kemmerer, a clapboard shop opened in 1902 as the Golden Rule store, is known as the first location of the well-known national J.C. Penney chain. Tracks Across Wyoming hosts plenty of rodeos and festivals through the year, including Cheyenne Frontier Days, the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration since 1897, which will run July 23 through August 1.

Have you visited Tracks Across Wyoming? Write a review or share photos on Gozaic.

Gozaic (go-ZAY-ik). Noun. 1) The name of a website, Gozaic.com. 2) The fusion of “go,” for travel and the mosaic of heritage and culture. 3) The mosaic of images to illustrate the dimensions of a featured heritage or cultural destination.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

We All Scream for Ice Cream! (Part 2)

In case you didn’t get your fill of frozen concoctions in last week’s post (Part 1), here are a few more classic ice cream experiences you might want to dig into this summer!

Woodside Farm Creamery
Wilmington, Delaware
Summer and ice cream are almost synonymous, and when Wilmingtonians think “ice cream,” they think Woodside Farm Creamery. The farm has been owned and operated by the Mitchell family since 1796. In 1998, Woodside Farm Creamery began making and serving premium homemade ice cream. Its peach ice cream is a real crowd pleaser.

Graham’s Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream
Geneva, Illinois
This looks like my kind of place! Graham’s Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream is a family-run ice cream shop, located in a former historic home in the heart of downtown Geneva. Families line up for the great homemade flavors and leisurely enjoy their cones on the Adirondack chairs located out front. Graham’s serves up rich creamy ice cream, including favorites such as butter pecan and chocolate.

Naper Settlement
Naperville, Illinois
Some say the ice cream sundae started in the 1800s in Illinois, others say it originated in Wisconsin, but all would agree it’s delicious. At Naper Settlement, a historic museum village in Naperville, Illinois, visitors to Settlement Sundays are offered free ice cream sundaes with admission. Kids and families enjoy adding syrup, sprinkles and whipped cream to the dixie-cup-style ice cream treats that are offered through Aug. 29. Additionally, there are special activities to enjoy during these summer Sundays.

Alexander’s on the Square
Noblesville, Indiana
In the heart of downtown Noblesville, Indiana, in Hamilton County is Alexander’s on the Square, an old-fashioned ice cream soda shop and restaurant. Opened in 1994, this quaint shop offers hand-dipped ice cream in a variety of flavors. Don’t leave without tasting the specialty flavor – birthday cake, a sweet delight with sprinkles inside the ice cream.

Snopalace
Kiln, Mississippi
Located in Mississippi's West Coast, Kiln is the hometown of NFL football star Brett Favre. The Snopalace serves snowballs and ice cream, as well as lunch and dinner featuring everything from burgers to live and boiled seafood. Snowballs are served all year long.

It seems everyone loves ice cream on a hot summer day. Please share your favorite ice cream shop in the comments section below.

Amy Verdin is a Gozaic consultant.

Photos top to bottom: Woodside Farm Creamery, Wilmington, Delaware; photo courtesy of Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). Graham's Fine Chocolates & Ice Cream, photo courtesty of Geneva, Illinois. Settlement Sundays; photo courtesy of Naper Settlement. Sharing a Soda at Alexander’s on the Square, Noblesville, Indiana; photo courtesy of Hamilton County CVB.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Photo of the Week: Crane Estate in Ipswich, Massachusetts

Nestled by the shore in Ipswich, Massachusetts, Castle Hill on the Crane Estate is a tribute to the grand seaside properties of the past. Today it offers visitors the chance to wander through lush gardens and a 59-room Stuart-style mansion.

The area where Castle Hill is located was referred to by Native Americans as “Agawam” for its rich fishery. In 1637, John Winthrop, Jr., took ownership of Castle Hill, and for more than two centuries a line of owners settled down on the land and farmed it. But it wasn’t until the 1880s, when J.B. Brown arrived, that the estate began to evolve into a true gentleman’s farm. Brown enhanced roadways and plantings while transforming his modest farmhouse into a rambling Shingle Style cottage which today serves as The Inn at Castle Hill. The property developed further under the hand of Richard T. Crane, Jr., who purchased it in 1910. Complete with farm and estate buildings, designed grounds and gardens, and diverse natural areas, Castle Hill was even home to an Italian Renaissance Revival villa that was later replaced in 1928 with today’s Great House.

Guided tours of the landscaped gardens and the Great House, which is furnished with period antiques, are available from late May through October 9. The grounds also include Crane Beach and Crane Wildlife Refuge, where you might spot deer, fox, turkey, songbirds, great horned owls and red-tailed hawks. Four miles of trails provide the ideal terrain for moderate hiking.

Have you visited Castle Hill on the Crane Estate? Write a review or share your photos on Gozaic.

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate is a Gozaic partner.

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate Vegetable Garden photo courtesy Jumping Rocks Photography.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Five Fun Facts: The Museum at Bethel Woods in Bethel, New York

Woodstock. Whether you’re a child of the sixties or not, just hearing the word conjures up images of peace signs, hippies with long, tousled hair and swarms of people rocking out to The Who and Janis Joplin. The festival took place more than 40 years ago, but a visit to The Museum at Bethel Woods helps keep those Woodstock memories alive for those who were there that summer of 1969 and those who wish they were.

Ninety miles north of New York City in Bethel, New York, the museum is located at the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. It tells the story of the sixties and Woodstock in an immersive multimedia permanent exhibit that features the sights, sounds and culture of the decade. Speakers and film series complement special exhibit themes to provide additional insight and broader perspectives. From June through early September, Music and history play on at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts at during concerts at the outdoor amphitheater pavilion stage.

After visiting The Museum at Bethel Woods, you’ll be full of interesting tidbits of little-known information about the festival. Here are five pieces of trivia to get you started:

The Woodstock festival is a misnomer. The festival was moved from Wallkill, New York to Bethel, New York just 31 days before it began.

The birth of a metropolis. 400,000 people attended the concert, and by the time Woodstock began, Bethel was one of the largest cities in New York State.

Playing through a storm. The Grateful Dead played in the rain. Several members of the band received shocks during their performance and bass player Phil Lesh heard a helicopter radio transmission through his bass while playing.

Off-the-cuff songwriting. Richie Havens had to play so long that he ran out of material and improvised what became one of his biggest songs: "Freedom."

A rare glimpse. Never-before-seen Woodstock festival footage is shown in a 21-minute film in the museum theater.

Have you visited The Museum at Bethel Woods? Write a review or share photos on Gozaic.

The Museum at Bethel Woods is a Gozaic partner.

Photos top to bottom: Bethel Woods Museum and Festival Field, credit Nick Zungoli. Museum Interior, credit Richard Law. Museum Timeline, The Museum at Bethel Woods.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Gozaic of the Week: Mississippi Hills Heritage Area


That old adage, “there must be something in the water,” seems to be the only explanation for the famous personas that keep sprouting up like wildflowers in the Mississippi Hills Heritage Area. Oprah Winfrey, William Faulkner, Elvis Presley, Tennessee Williams, John Grisham—these are just a few of the creative minds who were born within this 100-mile wide area surrounding the southern and western borders of Mississippi. You might not see your name in lights or on a book cover after a visit here, but enjoying the cultural and natural delights of this destination is reward enough.

History
The Mississippi Hills Heritage Area has always been at the forefront of important political movements and cultural shifts. It sat at the crossroads of the confederacy and was the site of the largest siege ever conducted in the Western hemisphere. It is home to the nation’s first university for women and second university founded for African-Americans. It was here that William Faulkner composed his masterpieces, Casey Jones drove his fateful train and Roscoe Turner flew his barnstorming plane.

Must-see Neighborhoods
There are more than a handful of notable downtowns and neighborhoods that visitors to this region should find time to explore. The Cotton District, a former neighborhood of row houses and shanties, is now a vibrant quarter reminiscent of Charleston and Savannah. You can tour this district, along with the five others that make up Starksville, on a historic districts tour. Historic Downtown New Albany, Okolona Historic District and Pontotoc County Historical District are a just a sampling of the other picturesque neighborhoods you might want to visit. As for architectural styles, there’s a little bit of everything here: Greek Revival, Italianate, Neoclassical, Federal, Gothic Revival, Romanesque, Victorian, Empire, Prairie and Carpenter Gothic.

Activities
Take note, Civil War history enthusiasts: Brice’s Crossroads National Battlefield Site & Visitors Center in Baldwyn is located where Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest attacked Union forces in 1864. French Camp Historic Area, c. 1812, offers another glimpse into 19th century life in the Mississippi Hills Heritage Area. For a look at grand antebellum architecture, visit Walter Place Estate, Cottage and Gardens in Holly Springs or Waverley Plantation Museum in West Point. Hoping to spend some time by the water? Three lakes—Enid, Grenada and Sardis—offer swimming, boating, camping and more.

You could also spend days just exploring the places that shaped the lives of the trailblazers who once called this area home. Elvis Presley’s birthplace in Tupelo, the birthplace of journalist and women’s activist Ida B. Wells in Holly Springs, the John Grisham Room at Mississippi State University and Oprah Winfrey Road, which runs north of Highway 12 in Kosciusko, remind visitors of the humble beginnings of these influential people. From July 18th to 22nd, literature lovers can band together at Rowan Oak, former home of William Faulkner located in Oxford, to hear lectures, discussions and dramatic readings from the works of Faulkner.

Have you visited the Mississippi Hills Heritage Area? Write a review or post photos on Gozaic.

Gozaic (go-ZAY-ik). Noun. 1) The name of a website, Gozaic.com. 2) The fusion of “go,” for travel and the mosaic of heritage and culture. 3) The mosaic of images to illustrate the dimensions of a featured heritage or cultural destination.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

We All Scream for Ice Cream! (Part 1)

Nothing says summer more than that first taste of ice cream. I’m not talking about ice cream from your home freezer – I mean the kind worth packing the whole family in the car for and sitting for a spell, while it drips down the side of the cone.

I grew up down the street from the Bubbling Brook, a local institution open only during the summer season. The watch began around Memorial Day, and word spread through town like wildfire when the ice cream window served up that first cone. Nowadays, our family vacations don’t officially begin until we venture out to explore our ice cream options!

This summer, enjoy a lick or two at some of these classic ice cream establishments – be sure to pick up extra napkins!

King’s Homemade Ice Cream
Milton and Lewes, Delaware

King's Homemade Ice Cream is a Southern Delaware tradition, with locations in the historic towns of Milton and Lewes. For more than 35 years, King's has served as a community hub, and its favorite product has been referred to as the "Eastern Shore's Finest Ice Cream." The location in Milton operates out of the oldest commercial building in Sussex County, Delaware, c. 1830. The other shop is located right in the heart of downtown Lewes, "The First Town in the First State." According to King's Ice Cream owner, the three most popular flavors are vanilla, mint chip and oh! cookie.

The Soda Fountain
Apalachicola, Florida
The Soda Fountain in Apalachicola still has its original 1950s interior and serves all of the old standbys -- sodas, milkshakes and ice cream. The local specialty is the Apalachicola River Bottom Sunday, with cookies and cream ice cream, and nuts and tupelo honey on top. Apalachicola is famous for tupelo honey, a smooth and distinctive honey with a complex floral herbal flavor and a fruity aftertaste that has come to be known as the “champagne” of honeys.

Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum
Columbus, Indiana

Zaharakos has been a Columbus institution since it was opened in 1900 by three Greek brothers with the last name “Zaharako.” The store closed in 2004, but was restored and reopened in June 2006. Its mahogany bar, with two marble and chrome soda fountains, dates back to the early 1900s. There is a Tiffany-style lamp on the bar and the Welte Orchestrion, which had been removed and sold to a collector, was purchased back and returned to Zaharakos. This is a one-of-a-kind destination that is filled with the sights and sounds of a turn-of-the-century confectionary and soda “shoppe.” All the ice cream is made on the premises, and the Green River Float is a bright green soda with a lemon lime flavor.

Borroum’s Drug Store
Corinth, Mississippi
Borroum's Drug Store is the oldest drugstore in the state of Mississippi. Founded in 1865 by a Confederate surgeon, the store is still owned by the founding family and serves as an active pharmacy. The soda fountain is a local favorite, serving hamburgers, salads, sandwiches, fountain drinks, and of course, the best milkshakes to be found anywhere!

National Ice Cream Day Celebration
Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock, Vermont
Billings Farm & Museum, gateway to Vermont’s rural heritage, will observe National Ice Cream Day on Sunday July 18, 2010, by kicking off weekly Ice Cream Sundays held from July 18 through Sept. 19. Visitors can participate in making and tasting the hand-cranked ice cream at demonstrations held several times a day, while learning the history and science of the “great American dessert.”



Next week, we'll have more great local ice cream shops in Part 2 of this series. Do you have a favorite ice cream shop? Please share in the comments section below.

Amy Verdin is a Gozaic consultant and is always in pursuit of the next great ice cream parlor.

Photos top to bottom: King’s Homemade Ice Cream, Milton, Delaware; photo courtesy of Southern Delaware Tourism. The Soda Fountain, Apalachicola, Florida; photo courtesy of Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce. Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum, Columbus, Indiana. Borroum’s Drug Store, Corinth, Mississippi; photo courtesy of Suzi Aultman. National Ice Cream Day celebration at Billings Farm & Museum; photo courtesy of Billings Farm & Museum.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Share Travel Experiences and Plan More with Gozaic Reviews

When I travel, I love making discoveries. It’s always a thrill to stumble upon that mom-and-pop ice cream parlor that’s been serving up homemade brownie sundaes for 60 years, or a shop with peeling red siding and a wrap-around porch that sells locally-made wares and has ties to the Revolutionary War. When I leave, all I want to do is proclaim to anyone who will listen: here’s why you must make a stop at this place. With Gozaic.com’s “Reviews” feature, you can share your travel wisdom and benefit from the wisdom of others as you plan your next trip. And on Gozaic, you’re surrounded by an online community of like-minded travelers who seek the same authenticity that you do when you visit new places.

Once you’ve jumped onboard as a free member of Gozaic, you can search for that first-class museum, one-of-a-kind historic site, or simply the name of a city or town that you know and love. After rating it for other Gozaic visitors, you’ll have space to describe why this place is so special to you. Maybe there’s something you wish you had known before you visited. Or perhaps there’s a room in the museum, a dish on the menu or a skyscraper in the city that no one should leave without experiencing. This is the place to share those insights.

Check out this review of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens by Gozaic member “Principessa” for inspiration:
“Vizcaya is unlike any other great estate in the US -- or perhaps anywhere. The gardens are spectacular -- imagine the Boboli gardens with palm trees and a view across tropical waters--and the interiors of the main house are masterpieces of opulent pastiche, riddled with rare antiques, some modern pieces (ca. 1917) and bound together by more than a touch of over-the-top theatricality. It's got the "ooh-aah" factor of the Newport mansions or Biltmore with a completely unique touch of whimsy about it. GO!”
Next time you’re planning a cultural or heritage-based trip, turn to Gozaic for tips from travelers like you—people who enjoy taking enriching trips to places that matter. When you’ve returned from a journey—or when you’re reminiscing about one—put your knowledge to good use. Write a review and let others experience the magic of your favorite destinations.

Stephanie Ostroff is journalism major at the University of Maryland and an intern at Gozaic.

Photos top to bottom: View of Vizcaya's Stone Barge and Biscayne Bay, Bill Sumner for Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Cathay, a Vizcaya guest room, Bill Sumner for Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Photo of the Week: Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park

The Miwok Indians established villages along the rivers and streams of the Sierra Nevada centuries ago, and today visitors to Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park in Pine Grove, California are reminded of the tribe’s impact on the region’s cultural fabric by a prominent piece of modern art. The statue is artist Jim Plamondon’s interpretation of a traditional Miwok California Indian male dancer with a flicker headband over his eyes. It was a donation to the park and designed as a tribute to the local Miwok tribes and all California Indians. An inscription on the statue reads, “Dedicated to the First People of California.”

Located on the state historic park’s 135 acres is an ancient outcropping of marbleized limestone with 1,185 Miwok mortar holes, which is the largest collection of Native American mortars anywhere in North America. These acorn-grinding mortar holes were created by untold generations of women over thousands of years. In 1973 the park’s large stone slab of mortar holes was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Grinding Rock is 60 feet wide and 250 feet long and, aside from the mortar holes, features 363 petroglyphs, including circles, spoked wheels, animal and human tracks and wavy lines.

Visitors to Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park can learn more about the Miwok tribe’s influence on the area by visiting the Chaw’se Regional Indian Museum. Hikers can explore the park’s two trails for a glimpse of the natural beauty and defining historic sites found there.

Have you visited Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park? Write a review or share photos on Gozaic.

Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park is a Gozaic partner.

Photo courtesy of California State Parks.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

5 Things to Do in: Mendocino County, California

Just 100 miles north of San Francisco, Mendocino County is one of California’s best-kept secrets, a place where indulgence is something of an art. Take your pick from intimate wineries, organic farms, elegant bed and breakfasts, world-class resorts, beach-front rental cottages, sky-scraping redwoods, quaint Victorian villages, rolling meadows, undeveloped rivers and breathtaking ocean views—there’s something for everyone in this Northern California retreat. What makes Mendocino County so special is that at three times the size of Rhode Island, it’s free of crowds and complication, making it the perfect getaway. Mendocino County is divided into five major areas: the Anderson Valley and Russian River Valley on the inland southern border; South Mendocino Coast and North Mendocino Coast; and the northern inland region known as North Mendocino County. Each area offers visitors a range of activities and accommodations well-suited for anyone seeking outdoor adventure, romance and relaxation.

Savor the flavors of the county.
With nearly 50 wineries located in three clusters, Mendocino County grows more varieties of grapes than anywhere else in America. Mendocino County also has more family-owned wineries than any other county in California, as well as the oldest organic vineyards. For those who prefer beer, this region is home to award-winning breweries such as the Ukiah Brewing Co. (the nation's first certified organic brew pub) and the Mendocino Brewing Co. (the first brew pub to be established in California after prohibition). Mendocino County also yields delectable edibles year ‘round, including mushrooms, world-famous lamb, crab and salmon.

Satisfy the nature-lover in you.
Some of the world’s tallest redwood trees rise up in Mendocino County, inspiring awe. A drive north toward Leggett offers the rare opportunity to actually drive through a redwood tree, and The Skunk Train offers an unusual vantage point to view the lofty beauties as you pass through dark tunnels and over rustic bridges. The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens are another must-see: a 47-acre garden by the sea, with an easy half-mile walk taking you through a fern-filled canyon to spectacular vistas at the ocean’s edge.

Melt your cares away.
Bask in the only naturally warm and carbonated mineral baths in North America. Mendocino County boasts a variety of spas, resorts and hot springs. At Orr Hot Springs, visitors can enjoy outdoor baths and pools fed from hot springs and river water in a serene wooded setting. Whether you head to the spa or not, the sight of waves crashing down over rocks on the coast, or a view of Lake Mendocino might be all that’s necessary to slide you right into relaxation mode.

Get Active.
The options are limitless: ride horseback, dive, surf, hike, kayak, or even climb a lighthouse. Mendocino County features some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth and is a haven for outdoor recreation. Set in one of the most spectacular yet peaceful surroundings on the Northern California coast, the Point Arena Lighthouse is the only Pacific West Coast lighthouse of significant height (115 feet) that you can climb to the top.

Support the Arts. During the 1950s Mendocino transformed into a refuge for artists of every stripe, who were enticed by the bohemian lifestyle and inspiring landscapes of Northern California. Today it boasts the most artists per capita of any county in the United States. Numerous small galleries abound and local art can be purchased just about anywhere, including at the renowned Mendocino Art Center.

Have you visited Mendocino County? Write a review or post photos on Gozaic.

Mendocino County is a Gozaic partner.

All photos courtesy Visit Mendocino County. From top to bottom: Point Arena Lighthouse. Mendocino wines. The Skunk Train. Mendocino Bowling Ball Beach. Kayaking. Mendocino Village.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Gozaic of the Week: Galveston Island, Texas


Some call it “Little Ellis Island,” while others have dubbed it “The Wall Street of the Southwest.” Either way, they’re referring to Galveston Island, Texas, former stomping ground of the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte. The city holds as much draw for history buffs as it does beach lovers—for those who are both, even better.

History
Texas owes many of its notable firsts to Galveston Island: the first post office, grocery store, hospital, opera house, telephone and electric lights, to name a few. The region has been occupied since the early 1500s, originally serving as a home to the Akokisa Indians. The city of Galveston was incorporated in 1839 and started with an area of seven square miles. Galveston’s harbor soon became an active and prosperous port, with shops from around the world docking to import goods. Wholesalers dominated the area known as the Strand. But the city’s fortune turned for the worse in 1900, when a powerful storm struck Galveston Island, killing 6,000. It didn’t take long for Galveston to recover, though. From the 1920s through the 40s, beauty pageants, night clubs, and entertainment attracted stars and tourists alike. Today visitors can learn about the city’s fascinating past while appreciating its present-day amenities.

What to See
Galveston Island is replete with ornate Victorian-style 19th and 20th century buildings. Four historic districts-- Strand Mechanic National Historic Landmark District, East End Historic District, Silk Stocking District and Central Business District—are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and 1,500 buildings within the city are also on the register. Should your feet start aching after a long stroll through the heart of historic Galveston, you’re in luck. A soft, sandy beach is just footsteps away.

What to Do
Pining for a glimpse of some truly grand architecture? Your first stop should be the Bishop’s Palace, known for its colored stone, intricately carved ornaments, stained-glass windows and bronze dragons. The Moody Mansion Museum and the Grand 1894 Opera House are two of the city’s other historical and architectural gems. A visit to the Texas Seaport Museum gets you up-close to the Elissa, an 1877 “tall ship” and National Historic Landmark. The Historic Downtown Strand District contains enough iron balconies and whimsically painted signs to feast your eyes on while you’re browsing through the array of art and antique galleries. The more than 100 restaurants in Galveston Island have a flair for international fare, and you can’t go wrong finishing off your meal with a slice of the famous pecan pie or some tres leches.

Have you visited Galveston Island, Texas? Write a review or share your photos on Gozaic.

Gozaic (go-ZAY-ik). Noun. 1) The name of a website, Gozaic.com. 2) The fusion of “go,” for travel and the mosaic of heritage and culture. 3) The mosaic of images to illustrate the dimensions of a featured heritage or cultural destination.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Photo Journal: Paradise Springs Winery, Clifton, Virginia

As I searched for a required internship for my graduate degree, I wanted to learn new skills in a field related to my area of study, tourism management. Working at Paradise Springs Winery as it prepared to open its tasting rooms and vineyard to the public sounded exciting and interesting. Paradise Springs Winery is located in the historic town of Clifton, Virginia, and is Fairfax County’s first and only winery.

Clifton was considered a resort town because of the mineral springs in the area. In the early 1900s, the water was tested and deemed pure. The bottling plant was built in 1910, and Paradise water was bottled and sold.

When I arrived the first day to meet with owners, Kirk Wiles and his mother, Jane Kincheloe, I found a historic gem and my bit of paradise in the busy Washington, D.C. area!

The 19th-century cabin, which now serves as a tasting room, sits on 36 acres of land that were part of an original 100-acre land grant from Lord Fairfax to the family in 1716. The cabin was renovated in 1955 by Howard Richert, a Frank Lloyd Wright protégé.

The barn that now sits on the property was originally located in downtown Fairfax. In 1956, it was taken down piece-by-piece, numbered and then reassembled board-by-board on the property.

The vineyard was planted in 2008 with Cabernet Franc grapes, a parent clone of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. Cabernet Franc is the signature wine of Virginia, however, my personal favorite is Paradise Springs Winery’s Norton, a blend of 90 percent Norton and 10 percent Cabernet Franc. While I love the taste, I have to admit that the history of the Norton grape also draws me to this wine. The Norton grape, also known as the Thomas Jefferson grape, was first cultivated in Virginia in the 1800s, only to disappear from the state during prohibition. Today, Virginia and Missouri are the biggest producers of this wine. It is also one of the healthiest of the red grapes, high in antioxidants, and therefore very good for you!

There is more to the story of this bit of paradise. Come out for a wine tasting -- enjoy the afternoon with a glass of wine and a picnic on the property, and visit the historic town of Clifton. Though I finished my internship months ago, I still head out to the winery on sunny afternoons to get away from the city!

Have you been to Paradise Springs Winery in Fairfax County, Virginia? If so, share your review and photos on Gozaic. Fairfax County is a Gozaic partner.

Sarah Gabriele is partner relations manager for Gozaic.

Photos courtesy of Sarah Gabriele.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Photo of the Week: Mount Vernon: George Washington’s Estate & Gardens in Alexandria, Virginia

George Washington is embraced as an American hero for his legendary leadership and charisma, and visitors to Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens in Alexandria, Virginia, can get to know this Revolutionary War icon better by watching “We Fight to Be Free,” a 20-minute film presented at the estate’s Ford Orientation Center that features an action-oriented re-enactment of the defining moment of the Revolutionary War – Washington crossing the Delaware River.

George and Martha Washington called Mount Vernon home from the time of their marriage in 1759 until Washington’s death in 1799. Washington took care in expanding and developing the estate on the banks of the Potomac into a tranquil abode befitting a country gentleman, and today travelers can tour the mansion and its surroundings and imagine what life might have been like when General Washington walked the grounds.

During Washington’s time, the plantation was divided into five farms, which ultimately took up 8,000 acres. Each farm was a complete unit, with its own overseers, work force of slaves, livestock, equipment and buildings. The farm where Washington and his family lived was called the "Mansion House Farm." The mansion, which grew from six rooms to 21, lay on 500 acres of land, and Washington designed the grounds to include a deep border of woods, rolling meadows, serpentine walkways, a pleasure garden, a kitchen garden and groves of trees. Between the mansion and the shores of the Potomac River is an extensive park.

In 1858, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association purchased Mount Vernon from the Washington family, and the estate opened for the public in 1860. Visitors today can tour the Mansion House Farm, which has been restored to its 1799 appearance. Beyond the mansion, anyone is welcome to step inside more than a dozen outbuildings, stroll four different gardens, hike the Forest Trail and explore George Washington: Pioneer Farm site, a four-acre working farm that includes a re-creation of Washington's 16-sided treading barn and a slave cabin. George and Martha Washington rest in peace in the tomb where wreath laying ceremonies take place daily, and the Slave Memorial and Burial Ground is nearby.

Have you visited Mount Vernon? Write a review or share photos on Gozaic.

Mount Vernon: George Washington’s Estate & Gardens is a Gozaic partner.

"We Fight to be Free" photo courtesy of Mount Vernon Ladies Association

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Five Things to Do In: Southwest Colorado

The rugged landscape and bold spirit of Southwest Colorado create a vibrant atmosphere for travelers seeking an invigorating and enriching escape out West. Humans have lived in this part of the country for more than 10,000 years, and today the Ute Mountain and Southern Ute Indian tribes still populate it. From the mining ghosts towns perched high in the San Juan Mountains to the spectacular views from Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flattop mountain, Southwest Colorado opens up visitors to the region’s fascinating history while offering a magnificent natural backdrop. Environmental wonders and traces of a remarkable past seem to meld together here, creating the ideal heritage getaway. With Gunnison County only four hours from Denver and Mesa Verde National Park in Cortez just a stone's throw from the Four Corners area of Colorado, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico, Southwest Colorado is also easily accessible to travelers.

Explore National Parks, Monuments and Forests.
You can’t travel far in Southwest Colorado without hitting a beautiful stretch of public land: there are six national parks, two national monuments and five national forests located within the region’s borders. Check out Mesa Verde National Park, Grand Mesa National Forest, Gunnison National Forest and Black Canyon National Park, to name a few. If you want to learn more about ancient times and land preservation while enjoying public spaces, Southwest Colorado is the perfect destination.

Unwind at the Hot Springs.
Looking for a way to soothe your spirit, mind and body? A visit to one of Southwestern Colorado’s five major hot springs areas should do the trick. The pool at Ouray Hot Springs will celebrate its 83rd birthday on the 4th of July. Ouray's 150-to-250-foot public pool contains more than one million gallons of crystal clear, natural hot springs water, free from the strong smell of sulfur typical of many hot springs, and also features several soaking sections at temperatures ranging from 96 to 106 degrees.

Immerse Yourself in Agri-tourism.
Farming and ranching are not only part of Southwest Colorado’s history, but an exciting and tasty part of the present as well. The region is known for its agri-tourism, and visitors can pick grapes, peaches and cherries, visit wineries and farmer's markets, and attend festivals, ranches and rodeos. The oldest rodeo in Colorado, Cattlemen’s Days, will take place from July 15 to 17, 2010, and feature a county fair, parade and horse shows.

Reminisce about America’s Old West.
The great American West lives on in Southwest Colorado with five National Historic Districts, the infamous Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, mine tours and lots of museums. Just about every town in this historic region offers a museum chronicling their pioneering past. In 2008 Crested Butte was named one of the year’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Hit the Open Road.
One of the best ways to see Southwest Colorado is along one of the region’s seven beautiful and historic scenic byways. Venture through high mountain desert and atop alpine meadows, peer down from grand mesas, pass pine and aspen forests and wind your way through historic towns.

Have you visited Southwest Colorado? Write a review or share your photos on Gozaic.

Southwest Colorado is a Gozaic partner.

Photos top to bottom: Twilight tipi, credit Montrose Association of Commerce and Tourism. At Last Ranch, credit Delta County Tourism. Pool at Ouray Hot Springs, credit Ouray Chamber Resort Association. Cattlemen’s Days, credit Gunnison. Crested Butte National Register Historic District, credit Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism.