Like a mirage rising off the desert floor, Scotty’s Castle beckons visitors traveling to Death Valley National Park. The trip out to Death Valley can be pretty desolate – nothing but scrub brush and endless desert scenery. So when visitors pull up to the Castle, it is as if they discovered a true desert oasis.
Scotty’s Castle dates back to 1922. Walter Scott, a legend around these parts, was a gold prospector. He convinced several business men to invest in his supposed gold mines around the Death Valley area. However, when the gold did not materialize, one investor decided to go out to California and look for it himself. Scotty took his investor, Albert Johnson, on a harrowing adventure trying to find the gold. Of course, the gold was never found. But Mr. Johnson fell in love with the area, developed a friendship with Scott, and began construction on the Castle. Scott claimed he actually owned the castle, and Johnson went along with his story, only adding to the legend.
The Castle became quite the attraction in the mid 1930’s and early 1940’s. Hollywood starlets, reporters, and tourists came to catch a glimpse of the famed (but dubious) gold prospector, his famous castle, and a taste of adventure. Today, Scotty’s Castle is still a big attraction.
When you visit, you have the chance to step back in time, circa 1930’s, and hear some of the tallest tales in the West. The National Park Service operates the property and offers daily guided living history tours. As you tour the Castle, you will be told of the great parties held here and some of the more famous visitors. Your guide, who still believes it is the 1930’s, will take you through the property showing you the living room, dining area, kitchen, and bedrooms. Most of the furnishings are the original ones the Johnson’s used during their time here. Guests will also be treated to the sounds from a 1,121 Welte Pipe Organ.
The only way to see inside the castle is to take a guided tour. Tours are limited to 19 people and last around 50 minutes. Tickets are required, but cannot be purchased in advance. Ticket prices range from $6 to $11 and agency pass holders are given a discount. Prepare to arrive as early as possible to decrease your wait time.
The Park Service also operates an Underground Tour. The technology used at the Castle was quite advanced for its time. The tour will take you deep below the castle and show you the elaborate tunnel system below the main house and the Pelton Water Wheel, which was used to generate electricity. A separate ticket is required. Scheduled tours are only available in the winter, which is their busy season. Summer tours may be offered based on staff availability.
For more information about tours, ticket prices, and Death Valley, visit www.nps.gov/deva.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
“Remember the Alamo”
The Alamo is one of the nation’s most historically significant landmarks. It was here, in 1836, that a group of men made a stand for freedom. Men like Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, and William Travis banded together with over 180 men to defend the Alamo. Back in those days, Texas was part of Mexico. Residents were unhappy when General Santa Ana proclaimed power and began ruling as a tyrannical dictator. Rather than live under his strict rule, they fought for freedom - some to their death.
On March 6, 1836, General Santa Ana and his forces attacked The Alamo. The defenders of freedom were far out- numbered. There were 189 of them against 5,000 Mexican army troops. All of the defenders were killed. However, the events here spurred Texans to fight even harder for their freedom and eventually become a sovereign state.
Today, you can visit The Alamo in San Antonio. The structure is small and the ground only covers 4.2 acres. But, the significance of what happened here makes The Alamo hallowed ground. As you enter the mission, try to imagine yourself as one of the defenders as thousands and thousands of soldiers stand ready to attack. How terrifying that must have been!
There is plenty to see at The Alamo, but you won’t want to miss:
• The Shrine – As you enter the mission doors, you will be stepping into history. Here, you will see artifacts from that fateful day along with tributes to the men who fought defending The Alamo.
• Long Barrack Museum – Before you walk through the museum, catch the short film in the Clara Driscoll Theater. The film provides a great overview of the events that occurred here. Then, immerse yourself in history as you view exhibits about the epic battle, restoration efforts, and a little bit of San Antonio’s history. The building is part of the original barracks used by the defenders.
• Cavalry Courtyard – The Alamo’s defenders spent weeks here fortifying the structure. So, they needed food. This courtyard served as a stock pen throughout the siege. Today, living history docents will tell tales of those fateful days right here in the courtyard.
Plan on spending one to two hours touring The Alamo and grounds. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.thealamo.org
San Antonio, Texas can be extremely hot. After you visit The Alamo, cool off at The Famous Menger Bar across the street. This cherry wood bar, an exact replica of the famous House of Lords Pub in England, has hosted many dignitaries during the past 150 years. Teddy Roosevelt sat right in this bar to recruit his famous Rough Riders. You can sit right where he did, planning out the next tourist attraction to visit! Adults can’t go wrong with their deliciously smooth margaritas. Of course, there are plenty of kiddy cocktails for the little ones to enjoy.
On March 6, 1836, General Santa Ana and his forces attacked The Alamo. The defenders of freedom were far out- numbered. There were 189 of them against 5,000 Mexican army troops. All of the defenders were killed. However, the events here spurred Texans to fight even harder for their freedom and eventually become a sovereign state.
Today, you can visit The Alamo in San Antonio. The structure is small and the ground only covers 4.2 acres. But, the significance of what happened here makes The Alamo hallowed ground. As you enter the mission, try to imagine yourself as one of the defenders as thousands and thousands of soldiers stand ready to attack. How terrifying that must have been!
There is plenty to see at The Alamo, but you won’t want to miss:
• The Shrine – As you enter the mission doors, you will be stepping into history. Here, you will see artifacts from that fateful day along with tributes to the men who fought defending The Alamo.
• Long Barrack Museum – Before you walk through the museum, catch the short film in the Clara Driscoll Theater. The film provides a great overview of the events that occurred here. Then, immerse yourself in history as you view exhibits about the epic battle, restoration efforts, and a little bit of San Antonio’s history. The building is part of the original barracks used by the defenders.
• Cavalry Courtyard – The Alamo’s defenders spent weeks here fortifying the structure. So, they needed food. This courtyard served as a stock pen throughout the siege. Today, living history docents will tell tales of those fateful days right here in the courtyard.
Plan on spending one to two hours touring The Alamo and grounds. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.thealamo.org
San Antonio, Texas can be extremely hot. After you visit The Alamo, cool off at The Famous Menger Bar across the street. This cherry wood bar, an exact replica of the famous House of Lords Pub in England, has hosted many dignitaries during the past 150 years. Teddy Roosevelt sat right in this bar to recruit his famous Rough Riders. You can sit right where he did, planning out the next tourist attraction to visit! Adults can’t go wrong with their deliciously smooth margaritas. Of course, there are plenty of kiddy cocktails for the little ones to enjoy.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Play Ball. It’s Time for Spring Training! Part II
One post is just not enough to cover all the great Spring Training activities taking place in Florida! So, we are building on last week’s blog and taking a look at a few more of the 15 MLB teams training here in Florida. You still have plenty of time to catch a game. Spring Training runs through the end of March.
• Pittsburgh Pirates – For over 40 years, the Pirates have made the annual trek to Bradenton, Florida for Spring Training. McKechnie Stadium, built in 1923, is one of the oldest spring training stadiums in the country. In 1993, a major renovation was completed, keeping the old-time charm of the original stadium. You can purchase the cheapest reserved seats in all of spring training – just $20. Plus, over a third of the seats are covered to protect you from that warm Florida sun.
• Baltimore Orioles – The Orioles made the right decision two years ago when they decided to move to Sarasota, Florida. Ed Smith Stadium just underwent a $31 million renovation to give the ballpark a more traditional feel. There is even more covered seating, better concessions, and an improved left field picnic area. Parking is expensive at $9 per car. Tickets range from $8 to $29.
• St. Louis Cardinals / Florida Marlins – The Cardinals and Marlins share Jupiter’s Roger Dean Stadium, so you have a pretty good chance of seeing a game every day of the week. Since this is the only spring training venue in South Florida, tickets can go fast. Fans love to spread their blankets out on the berm to catch some baseball and some of Florida’s famous sunshine. Autograph seekers will want to head down to the first and third base lines – these ball players are more than willing to give their biggest fans a souvenir they will never forget. Ticket range from $8 to $35. Parking is $7.
• Philadelphia Phillies - There is no doubt that you are in Florida as you enter Bright House Networks Field in Clearwater. Dozens of palm trees greet you as you walk up to the stadium. With not a bad seat in the house, fans get to take in this World Series Championship team while munching on Philly Cheesesteaks and downing a few glasses of Yuengling. For a real tropical feel, stop by their famous Tiki Bar. Parking is $9. Ticket prices range between $13 and $34.
For more information about spring training in Florida, visit the following websites: www.floridagrapefruitleague.com or www.springtrainingonline.com.
• Pittsburgh Pirates – For over 40 years, the Pirates have made the annual trek to Bradenton, Florida for Spring Training. McKechnie Stadium, built in 1923, is one of the oldest spring training stadiums in the country. In 1993, a major renovation was completed, keeping the old-time charm of the original stadium. You can purchase the cheapest reserved seats in all of spring training – just $20. Plus, over a third of the seats are covered to protect you from that warm Florida sun.
• Baltimore Orioles – The Orioles made the right decision two years ago when they decided to move to Sarasota, Florida. Ed Smith Stadium just underwent a $31 million renovation to give the ballpark a more traditional feel. There is even more covered seating, better concessions, and an improved left field picnic area. Parking is expensive at $9 per car. Tickets range from $8 to $29.
• St. Louis Cardinals / Florida Marlins – The Cardinals and Marlins share Jupiter’s Roger Dean Stadium, so you have a pretty good chance of seeing a game every day of the week. Since this is the only spring training venue in South Florida, tickets can go fast. Fans love to spread their blankets out on the berm to catch some baseball and some of Florida’s famous sunshine. Autograph seekers will want to head down to the first and third base lines – these ball players are more than willing to give their biggest fans a souvenir they will never forget. Ticket range from $8 to $35. Parking is $7.
• Philadelphia Phillies - There is no doubt that you are in Florida as you enter Bright House Networks Field in Clearwater. Dozens of palm trees greet you as you walk up to the stadium. With not a bad seat in the house, fans get to take in this World Series Championship team while munching on Philly Cheesesteaks and downing a few glasses of Yuengling. For a real tropical feel, stop by their famous Tiki Bar. Parking is $9. Ticket prices range between $13 and $34.
For more information about spring training in Florida, visit the following websites: www.floridagrapefruitleague.com or www.springtrainingonline.com.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Play Ball. It’s Time for Spring Training!
Ah, the weather has finally changed. Forget about those cold days with temperatures in the 60’s! Warm breezes and temperatures in the mid 70’s are the norm now - which means one thing. Spring Training in Florida has begun!
For decades, baseball lovers have been flocking to Florida to watch the boys of summer prepare for their upcoming season. Of course, baseball lovers do not just look forward to the baseball games. The fact that some of the world’s best beaches are located just a few miles away doesn’t hurt either.
Florida’s Grapefruit League is made up of 15 MLB teams, including the World Series Champion’s New York Yankees. Each spring training city has their own little piece of history with these teams. Some teams have spent time in a variety of Florida cities, while the Detroit Tigers have been calling Lakeland, FL home for over 70 years. Ticket prices range from $8 to $43. Food and drink prices are moderate to expensive. But, the experience is second to none.
Here is a quick look at a few of the teams who train in Florida.
• Detroit Tigers – For 75 years, the Tigers have trained at Lakeland’s Tiger Town. History runs deep here, even though the stadium was remodeled in 2003. Every baseball lover should see at least one game here - no other spring training town has such a long lasting relationship with a team. It’s not all about the game! Try the Dairy Queen Strawberry Chocolate Ice Cream Concoction sold here. It’s enough to bring you back again and again.
• Washington Nationals – Let’s be honest, the Nationals are not exactly the best team in baseball. But, they do train just 15 miles west of one of Florida’s most famous beaches – Cocoa Beach. After the game, talk a stroll down the beach or stop by the world famous Ron Jon’s Surf Shop. Ticket prices are reasonable, starting at $10, and parking is downright cheap at $5
• Atlanta Braves – Disney has gotten into the spring training business by hosting the Atlanta Braves at Champions Stadium. The stadium has all the bells and whistles you would expect from Disney. Guests do not just get to see a ballgame. They also get to see Disney entertainment and maybe a fireworks show. The best part – parking is free. However, tickets can be pricy and do sell out fast.
• New York Yankees – Tampa hosts the World Championship Yankees at Legends Field. The stadium holds over 10,000 spectators and usually sells out fast. We recommend eating before you come to the game. Specifically, eat at the La Tropicana in Ybor City. A Deviled Crab and Cuban sandwich should easily fill you up.
• Houston Astros – There is no “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” here. Instead, we sing “Deep in the Heart of Texas” at the 7th inning stretch. The Astros train in Kissimmee, Florida at Osceola Stadium, complete with a Texas sized boot at the entrance. It’s a terrific venue with plenty of covered seating and convenient access to Orlando attractions.
For more information about all 15 teams, schedules, and ticket prices, check out the following websites: www.floridagrapefruitleague.com or www.springtrainingonline.com.
For decades, baseball lovers have been flocking to Florida to watch the boys of summer prepare for their upcoming season. Of course, baseball lovers do not just look forward to the baseball games. The fact that some of the world’s best beaches are located just a few miles away doesn’t hurt either.
Florida’s Grapefruit League is made up of 15 MLB teams, including the World Series Champion’s New York Yankees. Each spring training city has their own little piece of history with these teams. Some teams have spent time in a variety of Florida cities, while the Detroit Tigers have been calling Lakeland, FL home for over 70 years. Ticket prices range from $8 to $43. Food and drink prices are moderate to expensive. But, the experience is second to none.
Here is a quick look at a few of the teams who train in Florida.
• Detroit Tigers – For 75 years, the Tigers have trained at Lakeland’s Tiger Town. History runs deep here, even though the stadium was remodeled in 2003. Every baseball lover should see at least one game here - no other spring training town has such a long lasting relationship with a team. It’s not all about the game! Try the Dairy Queen Strawberry Chocolate Ice Cream Concoction sold here. It’s enough to bring you back again and again.
• Washington Nationals – Let’s be honest, the Nationals are not exactly the best team in baseball. But, they do train just 15 miles west of one of Florida’s most famous beaches – Cocoa Beach. After the game, talk a stroll down the beach or stop by the world famous Ron Jon’s Surf Shop. Ticket prices are reasonable, starting at $10, and parking is downright cheap at $5
• Atlanta Braves – Disney has gotten into the spring training business by hosting the Atlanta Braves at Champions Stadium. The stadium has all the bells and whistles you would expect from Disney. Guests do not just get to see a ballgame. They also get to see Disney entertainment and maybe a fireworks show. The best part – parking is free. However, tickets can be pricy and do sell out fast.
• New York Yankees – Tampa hosts the World Championship Yankees at Legends Field. The stadium holds over 10,000 spectators and usually sells out fast. We recommend eating before you come to the game. Specifically, eat at the La Tropicana in Ybor City. A Deviled Crab and Cuban sandwich should easily fill you up.
• Houston Astros – There is no “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” here. Instead, we sing “Deep in the Heart of Texas” at the 7th inning stretch. The Astros train in Kissimmee, Florida at Osceola Stadium, complete with a Texas sized boot at the entrance. It’s a terrific venue with plenty of covered seating and convenient access to Orlando attractions.
For more information about all 15 teams, schedules, and ticket prices, check out the following websites: www.floridagrapefruitleague.com or www.springtrainingonline.com.
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