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!

During the months of late September through early November there are some extremely beautiful spots in the Northern United States that much of the rest of the country never gets to see. If you are looking for an inexpensive getaway for a few days R&R after the heat of the summer and before the chaotic time surrounding the holidays, much of New England and Northern California are the places to stay.

Not only will you experience the most vivid fall foliage in warm autumnal colors, but you can stay close to the ocean and spend time listening to the waves splash against the shore. New England is famous for its lighthouses, maple sugar farms and of course the most amazing fall foliage in the world. Northern California has its own claim to fame in the area of seasonal colors and restful ocean shores, yet a little inland you can visit some of the wineries that boast some fine California wines.

The entire northern part of the country does, in fact, experience seasonal changes that result in the leaves turning color before dropping to the ground, but there really is nothing as amazing as New England and Northern California in terms of the vividness of color. However, it’s more than just the foliage that is so wonderful; it’s a combination of ocean air wafting in on the breeze and mountainous terrain that add to the allure. Since it is ‘off season’ in terms of the tourist trade, accommodations can be found that are quite reasonable and there isn’t likely to be crowds of people to contend with. What a perfect way to recover from the heat of the summer and prepare yourself for a busy time ahead.

For anyone who is a beer connoisseur, Washington State is a hot bed of beer breweries! Take a vacation to Washington State, visit Mt. Rainier, see the historic Mt. St. Helens site of the 1980 devastating volcano but by all means, don’t forget to visit the many breweries that a good number of people around the world don’t even know exist!

Just to give you an example of what there is to see, a few of the amazing breweries include Golden Hills Brewing, Anacortes Brewhouse, Skookum Brewery, Battle Ground Brewery, Boundary Bay Brewery and Bistro, Der Blokken Brewery, Iron Horse Brewery, Twin Rivers Brewing, Alpine Brewery and the ever popular Rainier Brewery that gives amazing tours. Of course you’ll get to sample the beer as well!

So many people think of the Midwest as beer country, but there are an amazing number of breweries in the Pacific Northwest and you don’t really need to be a beer drinker to appreciate the history of the brew. It is an educational experience to learn about the ingredients such as hops and the great care that is given in both the brewing and distribution of one of America’s all time favorite beverages.

While traveling from brewery to brewery you will see why this area of the nation is called “God’s Country.” There isn’t a more beautiful area of the country with two mountain ranges, the Cascades and the Olympics and everything is the most beautiful shade of green. This is one trip that will be both educational and a lot of good fun.