Travel Tech

For many of us who have never heard of this magnificent event, one thing you can be sure of – Alaska can lay claim to one of the world’s most exciting and breathtaking races. The roots of the race go way back in history to a time when mail and supplies needed to be carried in to all the towns and villages and the only way to reach them was by, you’ve got it, dog sled! But in bringing supplies in, those dog sleds brought out something valuable – GOLD! And the rush was on.

Years later, as diphtheria took hold in 1925, the only route to get medical supplies in was mushers and their loyal, hard working dogs. In commemoration of all that went before, the annual Iditarod Race is held as part of the Spirit of Alaska heritage. Yes, Alaska can lay claim to more than Sarah Palin, even though her husband is an avid annual entrant, and by visiting the event just once you will be a lifelong captive.

Man battles Mother Nature at her finest, and most cruel, as he races 1200 miles of rocky, snowy, mountainous terrain with his team of dogs to be the first to reach the finish. Each year the course is altered so it is advisable to call in advance to book lodgings to view the event along the way. This is not merely a sled dog race, but a chance to see a part of America that many would not brave otherwise. A land steeped in tradition, Alaska has much to offer. Get a taste of Alaska by visiting the Annual Iditarod Sled Dog (Musher) Race.

When looking for something aesthetically enticing, visit Montreal, Quebec in the fall! Not only are you likely to see lovely seasonal changes in the scenery but you can visit the Chinese Garden of the Botanical Garden of Montreal. The Dream Lake Garden is authentically fashioned after the private gardens in the southern region of the Yangzi River from the Ming Dynasty period of 1368 to 1644. There is enough beauty in and of itself right there – but to add to the mystique is the Magic of Lanterns Festival which is a true vision in light and color.

Every year the festival takes on a different theme, but each year seems to be more exotic and visually alluring. The theme from 2010, for instance, was a tribute to the Shanghai World Expo and a celebration of 25 years of friendship between Montreal and Shanghai. “Like a Painting,” the 2010 theme was inspired by what is known as the most famous of traditional Chinese paintings – the Qing Ming Shang He Tu. The picture was painted on a 5.28 meter silk scroll by an artist from the Song Dynasty in 1127, and the 2010 Magic of Lanterns Festival was thematically based on this internationally renowned work of art.

Each year the festival takes on a new theme, so there is always something new and exciting to count on. For information on the coming year’s festival, contact the Botanical Garden of Montreal. While French is the national language, you will find that English is spoken as well. Because this is a highly visited event, make sure to book lodging and other amusements in advance.

If you are looking for something to do in the spring, after long cold winter months have passed and summer isn’t quite upon us yet, there is plenty to do in upstate New York – Rochester to be exact! Home to the world’s largest Lilac Festival, there is a FREE 10 day annual event that is rivaled by none. With more than 1200 bushes that display over 500 varieties of lilacs, you don’t need to be a horticulturist to enjoy the magnificence.

But Lilacs aren’t the only excitement at the Lilac Festival. There will be events taking place daily such as the Thursday Farmer’s Market, a Senior Luncheon on Wednesday, a 10k and 5k run sponsored by Medved, and live entertainment by nationally renowned recording artists. Perhaps through all of that, the one thing that you just cannot miss is the Lilac Parade. It may not be as famous as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but it is infinitely more beautiful. Heck, even Martha Stewart enjoyed the Lilac Festival in 2007!

What started out as ‘Lilac Sunday so many years ago has turned into a 10 day event that draws people from around the world. And, while you’re in town, don’t forget to visit the George Eastman House in Rochester (home of Kodak cameras) which has been set up as an International Museum of Photography and Film. Take a break after the snow and before the heat of summer sets in. Visit the Lilac Festival in Rochester New York and have the time of your life. By the way, there are fun and games for the kids and lots and lots of food!

There is no place in the United States quite like the Florida Keys. Even native Floridians might not know that the keys are comprised of roughly 1700 little islands, some larger than others, with Key Largo being the largest but Key West being the most tourist oriented.

If you are looking for some excitement and a myriad of tourist attractions, Key West is the place to visit as they have everything from the Fantasy Fest in the fall to a magnificent lighted holiday Boat Parade in December. You can visit Earnest Hemingway’s winter getaway and go out on a boat to view the coral reef.

Throughout the keys there are charters that offer scuba diving excursions and sandy beaches where you can swim year round. And if you are a sports fisherman, there is nothing like casting one minute in the Atlantic Ocean and within minutes being able to cast into the Gulf of Mexico.

You can find accommodations from five star luxury hotels to inexpensive camp grounds. There is a little of something for everyone in the Florida Keys so you can choose between crowded beaches to remote locations where you can simply sit back and enjoy the tropical atmosphere.

One thing you won’t want to miss while visiting the keys is the world’s most unique aquarium. Key West Aquarium is home to some of the most amazing sea life in the world. Indigenous creatures of the sea can be experienced in their native habitat and even view daily shark feeding. There is a ‘touch tank’ where you can actually reach in to touch the ocean life within – but not to worry – the sharks are housed elsewhere!

For an amazing taste of the southernmost part of South Florida, consider a vacation in the Florida Keys.