All posts by Jackson

Boston MA

U.S.S. Constitution

Leave a comment

Sitting in Boston Harbor, just south of the Bunker Hill Monument in Charleston Navy Yard, is “Old Ironsides”. The U.S.S. Constitution is the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat. The Navy offers free tours of the ship and occasionally takes her out for a spin around the harbor, which is quite a sight to see. First launched in 1797, this ship has seen a great deal of the world. Including several battles, starting with the First Barbary War, protecting U.S. interests, and playing a larger role in the War of 1812 in which she defeated several of the HSM fleet. In 1855, she captured the slaver H.N. Gambril, and in 1934 she returned to Boston where she remains today.

Into History? Then this is a must see. SAS Score: 5

Long Beach CA

RMS Queen Mary

Leave a comment

Located only about 30 minutes south of Los Angeles, I’ve been privileged enough to visit the Queen Mary a few different times. The Queen Mary became a fixture in Long Beach after her final transatlantic trip in 1967 and opened to the public in 1971. In 1980, Howard Hugh’s ‘Spruce Goose’ joined the Queen Mary in a large dome building on the dock. The Goose was moved to Oregon to in 1993 and its former home is now part of the Carnival Cruise terminal. Today, the Queen Mary provides an all encompassing entertainment venue. It still includes physical and historical tours, along with a few ‘ghost tours’, but also contains a hotel, several restaurants, entertainment venues, and also hosts travelling exhibits, provides on board demonstrations, and also has a Soviet Submarine nearby to tour. However, this has come at a price – felt in your admission ticket. If you’ve not been on a very large ship and/or have an interest in the amazing history of this specific vessel, the Queen Mary is a worthwhile stop*, but may not merit the drive if you are limited in time and are working in LA or farther north. SAS Score: 3

 

*note: As my thoughts are not provided around vacation destinations, simply whether you should make a bit of time to see something when traveling on business, the Queen Mary might score a bit different if you were weighing whether or not to stay onboard for a few days.

Las Vegas NV

Auto Collection at the LINQ Casino and Hotel

Leave a comment

There is much going on and so many things to see in Vegas, that the Auto Collection at the LINQ Casino is often missed. Located in a portion of the parking garage behind the casino, this collection is touted as the world’s largest, and is always changing because most of the cars in the collection are for sale. They have everything from celebrity vehicles, Presidential Limos, beautifully maintained and restored classics, race cars, and a few million dollar exotics. Over the years, I’ve seen cars owned by Elvis, Sammy Davis Jr., Evil Knievel, Liberace, Johnny Carson, The King of Siam, Marylin Monroe, and others. They’ve had the first production cars from several makes, and classic delivery vehicles from Coca Cola to Shell Oil. On the, “if you have to ask, you can’t afford it” side, they’ve had lots of Rolls Royce, a Peirce Arrow, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Jaguar, Porsche, and so many more… SAS Score: 4

Atlanta GA

Birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Leave a comment

A tour of the home and birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. begins at the NPS visitor’s center; although it is free, it requires on-site registration and there is a limit on the number of tours provided each day. The tour I took was very personalized in the fact that it was just the guide and me, which I understand is not very common. I’m assuming it was due to the less than stellar weather at the time. The gentleman that provided the tour had worked and marched with MLK. On the way from the memorial to the King home, he relayed some stories about his time with Dr. King and the days leading up to his death. The King home was originally built in 1895 and several of the other 19th century homes on the street where MLK grew up have been restored and provide a feel for what the area would have been like when King was a child. Inside, there are a few items from King’s time in the home, but the museum down the street holds much more in terms of artifacts. For the most part it’s an opportunity to see a well maintained historical home. For me, the best part of the tour were the stories and insights provided by the guide. SAS Score: 4

Los Angeles CA, Simi Valley CA

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

Leave a comment

Another hilltop with a fantastic view – the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is an hour drive outside Los Angeles. Inside the library is an amazing museum around the President’s life before, during, and after the White House. One of the key attractions is ‘Air Force One’ – the Presidential plane used by every President from Nixon to George W. Bush. It also houses ‘Marine One’ and several Presidential Motorcade cars. There is also a replica of the Oval Office, items from his California Ranch and a section with artifacts related to the assassination attempt. The outside grounds hold a piece of the Berlin Wall and the gravesite of the President. SAS Score: 4

Boston MA

Bunker Hill Monument (Breed’s Hill)

Leave a comment

“Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!”

It’s not certain whether Colonel William Prescott, Major General Israel Putnam, or someone else uttered these famous words during battle of Bunker Hill.  Regardless, the legacy of that battle has been memorialized with a statue of Prescott standing under a 221 foot granite obelisk. The current monument, built between 1825 and 1842 replaced a wooden memorial erected in 1794. This monument was one of the first erected in the United States.

Just across the Charles River it’s only about a 30-45 minute walk each way, or a very short drive, from the business district of Boston. Especially if you’ve walked, be aware, the 294 step (they are labeled) climb to the top is not an easy one, but offers a fantastic views of the city and surrounding area. The attached lodge contains portraits and another statue of some of those involved in the historic event. On the perimeter of the park, a free museum houses artifacts from the battle and colonial times.

One of the historically interesting things about the Battle of Bunker Hill and it’s respective monument, is that it actually occurred and stands on Breeds Hill. The colonists intended on fortifying Bunker Hill, but marched past it in the night and ended up closer to the British troups on Breeds Hill. Both Bunker and Breeds Hills were seen as very important to the British as they both overlooked Boston harbor. SAS: 3

Providence RI

Prospect Terrace Park – Roger Williams Overlook

Leave a comment

Not far from Brown College, and just above the Rhode Island State House, stands a statue of Roger Williams, founder of Providence. This small park offers a great view of downtown and the State House. If you are not from the New England or a history major, you may not even be aware of the significance of Roger Williams. He was an early proponent of separation of church from state and an abolitionist (some say the first in the United States). He also co-founded the first Baptist Church in the U.S.

An interesting story to bring this back to the overlook: Upon his death in 1683, Roger Williams was buried on his land under an apple tree. About 175 years later, it was decided that Roger should have a more fitting burial location and his remains were to be located and moved. However, upon digging up the location, it was discovered that the apple tree had consumed his remains – with the root of the apple tree taking the form of his body. Both the root and the surrounding dirt were removed. The dirt remained in an urn until a fitting memorial could be erected, which did not occur until 1939, with the completion of the monument in Prospect Park. Upon the monument is now inscribed, “Here reposes the dust from the Grave of Roger Williams”. The apple tree root can still be seen today in the John Brown Home and Museum, also in Providence.

I’ve been to the park many times and found that you occasionally find some questionable characters. It also sometimes seems to attract those trying to find freedom through a herbal experience; I have never felt threatened by either. However, like in all major cities, use your best judgment when exploring. SAS Score:3

Flagstaff AZ

Grand Canyon – South Rim

Leave a comment

T_Arizona_Grand_Canyon11

It’s not really convenient from anywhere, but if you find yourself with an extra day or two in the Flagstaff (90 minutes) or Phoenix (3 hour) area, this is one you don’t want to pass up. Like Niagara Falls, this unique wonder has to be experienced, and can’t be fully appreciated through video or pictures. The park system provides shuttle busses to allow you to experience different places along the rim of the Canyon. I’ve only been to the South Rim, but look forward to a visit to the North Rim at some point in my travels. Not much more to say here but – “Awesome”. SAS score: 5

Cleveland OH

Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil War Memorial – Public Square

Leave a comment

Opening on July 4th, 1894, this monument stands 125’ foot tall with the ‘Goddess of Freedom’ perched on the top overlooking the square. The base of the monument is surrounded by four bronze groupings depicting the Infantry, Cavalry, Navy, and Artillery in battle. Housed within the monument itself are numerous busts, historical artifacts, and four large relief sculptures depicting the beginning to the final days of the war.  The exterior of the monument can be seen anytime; the interior is only open during select days / hours. However, given it’s just a few blocks from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Science Center, First Energy Stadium, and the waterfront, you should check this out (along with several other close sites) out when you find yourself in downtown Cleveland. SAS Score: 3

Seattle WA

Gas Works Park

Leave a comment

Situated on the North shore of Lake Union, Gas Works Park sits on the former site of the Seattle Gas Light Company. It gets its name from all the ‘pipes’ from the old plant which still populate the grounds. Some of the larger towers are fenced off, but many pieces are used to create the decor of the park, including a children’s play area. During my visit, there were several kickball games being played, lots of kites, some folks strumming guitars, and one man providing music on a flute along the waterfront. The park also provides one of the best views of the Seattle skyline.

As the Kenmore Air Harbor Seaplane Base is located on Lake Union, it is not uncommon to see a steady stream of seaplanes taking flight up and over the park. The base averaged 97 take-off and landings per day in 2012.

This park was seen in the film ’10 Things I Hate About You’ and has served as both the start and finish lines in two separate seasons of ‘The Amazing Race’.  Keeping with the entertainment theme, the houseboat on which Tom Hanks lived in ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ can be seen just across the water from the park. SAS Score: 3