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![Thanksgiving Travel Suggestion:
Plymouth, Massachusetts’ Plimoth Plantation offers a Thanksgiving feast. What better way to celebrate the holiday than in the place where the Pilgrims started it all? http://www.plimoth.org/dining-functions/thanksgiving-dining Be sure to reserve early because it is very popular with locals and tourists alike. And while your there you can take advantage of all the history the plantation has to offer: http://www.plimoth.org
2009 is the 150th anniversary of John Brown’s raid in historic Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia. This site http://www.historicharpersferry.com has information on all the events related to that anniversary. Why not visit beautiful HF for a weekend?
Haunting Destinations for Halloween:
Salem, Massachusetts
http://www.hauntedhappenings.org is the city’s site for up-to-date happenings for Halloween
In Salem, history haunts Halloween
Infamous witch trials make seaport town center of mystery, kookiness and kitsch
By Linda Fantin
Special to The Tribune
Article Last Updated: 10/23/2007 05:42:03 PM MDT
SALEM, Mass. - My father believed Halloween was a stay-at-home holiday. He armed his children with pillowcases for candy and Dial soap for the windows of darkened houses.
Of course, he never visited Salem.
New England in general is bewitching this time of year - the color of the leaves, the crispness of the air - but in this seaport, sorcery and the sad lessons of history are on display, always.
More than 300 years ago, 19 people were hanged and another pressed to death after being unfairly convicted of practicing witchcraft. Today, the occult is to Salem what snow is to Utah, and October is the most wonderful time of the year.
They celebrate Halloween here, not harvest festivals, and they do it all month long - through séances, psychic fairs, ghost hunts and Hitchcock festivals. Salem is spooky and kooky, mysterious and ooky, thanks in part to its painful past, but also to modern-day witches who have come out of the shadows to defy stereotypes and design marketing brochures.
Salem - on the coast, 16 miles north of Boston - was home to America's first millionaires, men whose fortunes were tied to the sea. The legacy of their wealth can be experienced on a walking tour known as the Heritage Trail, highlights of which include The House of Seven Gables, the oldest surviving wood mansion and inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne's book; a reconstructed 1797 merchant ship called Friendship, anchored at Derby Wharf; and the country's oldest continuously operated museum, The Peabody Essex Museum.
Although the museum's 1799 charter required members to collect "natural and artificial curiosities" from beyond the Cape of Good Hope, curators did not have to look that far for one of its most fascinating oddities: original court records from the 1692 Salem Witchcraft Trials.
The Phillips Library at the museum keeps a rotating display of the dense, cursive scripts, which document a tragic episode in our nation's history.
The witchcraft crisis began a few miles from here in Danvers (known then as Salem Village), where two little girls living in the home of a minister began to suffer fits that their elders attributed to witchcraft. In the following months, nearly two dozen accusers would claim to be tortured by the apparitions of witches, resulting in legal action against 144 people.
Imprisoned for long periods of time, many simply confessed and were stripped of their property and dignity. Those who held fast to their innocence - 15 women and five men - were executed.
Their memories are immortalized in stone monuments - one for each victim - adjacent to the Old Burying Point Cemetery, where the "hanging" judge, John Hathorne, is buried. The day we visited the memorial, people had left flowers, apples, notes of regret and a voodoo doll.
It took three centuries for the people of Salem to erect a permanent memorial to the accused, though entrepreneurs and city leaders have been capitalizing on their plight for years.
Salem, with a population of approximately 45,000, has plenty of tarot-card readers, spell casters and spirit summoners, and, souvenir-wise, more witch kitsch than you can shake a broomstick at.
Police cars sport "witch" labels, as do Salem High School athletic teams. There's even a bronze statue of Elizabeth Montgomery, of "Bewitched" fame, in Lappin Park.
As for attractions, I counted five witch-themed museums within walking distance of the memorial, most of which consist of tour guides telling the story of the trials while tourists stare at dioramas. Most of these places struck me as hokey, mere fronts for gift shops, though the majority of visitors seemed to think the experience was worth the $5 to $10 admission, especially the kids.
In my youth, I was scared silly by a soap opera ("Dark Shadows'') and was under the spell of one Wilhelmina Witchiepoo (of "H.R. Pufnstuf"), who terrorized a boy and his annoying magic flute. I drank pickle juice and pretended it was a magic potion that gave me powers. I begged for candy well into my teens.
As an adult, Halloween has lost its thrill. Trick-or-treaters have done a disappearing act, and those who do participate tend to dress up as Barbie, not Barnabus. Corn mazes have replaced spook alleys. Even horror movies have lost their appeal.
That is why, at the risk of conjuring up my dad's ghost, I'll be coming back to Salem and encouraging others to do the same. And first on my to-do list is the Festival of the Dead.
Christian Day is a practicing psychic, former ad executive and co-founder of the 5-year-old festival. Before 2003, says Day, "Halloween in Salem was all corn husks and dog shows and kiddie costume contests."
The goal of the festival is to help visitors explore death from a scary, sacred, spiritual, historical and playful perspective, and Day dresses the part.
Each autumn, Day, who describes himself as the Howard Stern of witchcraft, trades the T-shirts and Tevas of summer for a more menacing wardrobe, lurking around town in leather pants, knee-high boots, black hat and spell cape. He teaches a clinic on necromancy, the art of conjuring up shades of the dead to do your bidding, and promotes two masquerade balls, including a bawdy tribute to vampires.
His personal favorite is The Dumb Supper, a three-hour banquet during which people eat and reflect in total silence about lost loved ones. Diners bring pictures, drawings and poetry and place them on the Altar of the Dead. And there is music - everything from bagpipes to Catholic hymns to Luther Vandross singing "Dance With My Father."
Most people are in tears by dessert, Day says.
"More than 500,000 people come through this city in October, and we want to help them understand death better."
Learning from history has been somewhat harder.
Representatives of Repent America, a born-again group that urges intolerance of non-Christians, gays, hate-crime legislation and abortion, is planning yet another Salem pilgrimage to protest its wicked ways.
And just last year, a Salem minister was expelled by his church for being too friendly to Day and other witches. The Rev. Phil Wyman invited them to debate the difference between magic and miracles. He visited witchcraft shops and was shown how to read tarot cards. Some witches sought him out for counseling, and a few even converted.
But what witches saw as neighborliness, fellow evangelicans viewed as sacrilege; they accused Wyman of courting the devil. He accused them of conducting a witch hunt.
Wyman did not bow to the criticism and, in fact, was a guest lecturer at this year's Festival of the Dead. Last Friday, Wyman presented "The Brimstone Chronicles," in which he explored the history and mystery of death and the afterlife.
"My religion is all about a man who came back from the dead," Wyman told Day when asked to participate.
"History is scarred by our fear of death, which has twisted the minds of men and women into believing and imagining their worst nightmares and utopian dreams," Day writes in a promotional blurb for Wyman's seminar.
Salem, too, is scarred, and because of that, the quaint coastal town allows us to look at what frightens us, to experience it, laugh at it and, above all, not to be ruled by it.
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Salem, Mass.
* WHY GO? No city celebrates Halloween like Salem, site of the 1692 witch trials and home to hundreds of modern-day witches, Wiccans, mystics and merchants, great restaurants and a charming waterfront.
* HOW TO GET THERE: A round-trip ticket to Boston costs about $400, but you might save money by flying to Providence, R.I., or Manchester, N.H., on Southwest Airlines. From Boston, take I-93 North to exit 37-A (I-95 North) to Route 128 North. From there, take Route 114 East to Salem. From Logan Airport, take Route 1-A North.
* WHERE TO STAY: Hotel accommodations in Salem range from $85 to $300 a night. If you can afford it, stay at the Hawthorne Hotel. If you want to save money, try the Springhill Suites on Route 1 in Peabody, where you can get a nice room for $69 a night.
* WHERE TO EAT: For all-day breakfast at a fabulous price, eat at A Taste of Thyme Café on Washington Street. For lunch, you can't beat the chowder at Rockafellas, housed in one of the first churches in America. For dinner, try the Mexican fusion cuisine of Cilantro on Derby Street, after which you can stroll to Josh's Place for some pumpkin ice cream or, for a warmer-upper, to New Civiltea.
* MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.salem.org, www.festivalofthedead.com and www.hauntedhappenings.com.
* TO LEARN MORE about the Salem Witchcraft Crisis, read In the Devil's Snare, by Mary Beth Norton (448-page paperback, Vintage).
Sauntering around Salem
* THE PEABODY ESSEX MUSEUM, at East India Square, houses court documents from the witch trials, an incredible array of maritime art and history, as well as collections from China, Japan, Korea and India. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $13 for adults; kids 16 and younger are free.
* THE HOUSE OF SEVEN GABLES, situated on Salem Harbor, is New England's oldest mansion and the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne's book by the same name. In October, there are guided tours, and theatrical performances based on the book, as well as one devoted to Hawthorne's great-great-grandfather, the infamous "hanging judge" who presided over the witch trials. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (11 p.m. on weekends) in October. General admission is $12 for adults and $7.25 for children 12 and younger. Tickets to special events sold separately.
FESTIVAL OF THE DEAD: Organized by the real witches of Salem, this series of events includes ghost hunts, seminars on conjuring the spirits of the dead, costume balls and a daily Psychic Fair and Witchcraft Expo, featuring classes on casting love spells and crystal-ball gazing. For a schedule of events and ticket prices, visit www.festivalofthedead.com.
Williamsburg, Virginia, offers nightly guided ghostly tours of the 18th century town. See http://www.wmbggrouptourservices.com for ticket and route information. Further details about Williamsburg can be found below.
Savannah, Georgia, often considered to be “America’s most haunted city, was settled in 1733 by General James Edward Oglethorpe and over 100 settlers, making it Georgia’s first city. Hailed as America’s first planned city with its broad streets and numerous public squares, Savannah enjoyed good relations with the local American Indians and its fertile soil (for growing cotton) and water access (the Savannah River for transporting goods) proved vital to its nascent economy, which relied on slavery as well. As a port city with access to the Atlantic, Savannah also attracted pirates and sailors from around the world. During the American Revolutionary War Savannah was besieged by the British in 1777 and retaken by the colonial forces led by “Mad” Anthony Wayne in 1782. Natural disasters -- fires -- in 1796 and 1820 burned nearly half of the city, while a yellow fever epidemic in 1820 resulted in the deaths of over a tenth of the city’s inhabitants. Savannah suffered during the Civil War, especially because of the North’s sea blockade that in effect cut off nearly all supplies to the city. Yet, unlike Atlanta, it avoided destruction at the hands of General William T. Sherman, who, in 1864, offered the city to President Abraham Lincoln as a “Christmas present.” Savannah’s survival enabled the preservation and restoration of historic buildings such as the Pirates’ House (1753), the Herb House (1734)[considered to be the oldest existing building in Georgia], the First African Baptist Church (whose congregation dates back to 1788), and the third oldest synagogue in America, Temple Mikveh Israel (1733).
Savannah’s history lends itself to tales of ghostly apparitions. Walking tours of reportedly haunted sights can be found through the following websites:
www.savannah.com; www.savannah-visit.com; also check out http://southernghosts.net/cart/index.php?main_page=page&id=2&chapter=0 (Southern Ghost Tours)
Savannah is also home to some of the finest southern cuisine. Paula Deen, the Southern Belle of FoodTVnetwork’s “Paula’s Home Cooking,” owns the acclaimed “Lady and Sons Restaurant.” (www.Ladyandsons.com) Perhaps you would like to eat in a restaurant with lots of history? Try The Pirates’ House (www.thepirateshouse.com)circa 1753 or The River House Seafood & Bakery (www.riverhouseseafood.com) located in a 1850 King Cotton Warehouse. Wherever you decide to eat, you can’t pass up the opportunity to sample freshly-made pralines at Savannah’s Candy Kitchen (225 East River Street) for dessert.
Tower of London, London, England
Finally, for those of you interested in crossing the Pond in search of the paranormal, The Tower of London offers visitors the opportunity to learn about some of the more gruesome events of British history. Founded in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, the Tower was gradually expanded over the course of the next 800 years. Its primary purpose was as a safe haven to which the ruling monarchy (the Royal Family) could retreat during times of conflict. Sometime during the 13th century, the Tower served as a prison, and by the 14th century Tower the Royal Mint and important records were housed in it. More notably, it became the depository of the Crown Jewels, worn by the monarchs upon their coronation and at specific occasions of state.
Yet, the Tower’s infamy stems from the acts of cruelty performed upon its hapless prisoners, ranging from members of the monarchy itself to enemies of the state. In 1483, upon the death of Edward IV, his brother, the treacherous Richard Duke of Gloucester had his own nephews, twelve-year-old Edward V and younger brother, imprisoned in the Tower so that he (Richard) could ascend the throne instead of the rightful heir, young Edward. The boys’ mysterious disappearance following their imprisonment led many to believe that their uncle, now called Richard III, had done away with them. But, perhaps, most people remember the Tower for the machinations of the portly Henry VIII (1509-1547) with his penchant for power, cuisine and wives. Among Henry’s most notable victims were Sir Thomas More, executed for refusing to acknowledge the monarch’s claim as the head of the English Church, Thomas Cromwell, Henry’s Chief Minister, and two of his six wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard.
The Tower of London (and the city of London, itself) is a fascinating place to visit at any time but especially during the autumn when visitors are fewer and the autumnal chill in the air provides a perfect setting for the Beefeaters’ ghostly tales of executions and torture throughout the Tower’s grounds.
For more information on the Tower, see:
www.hrp.org.uk [the official site for the Tower]
www.visitlondon.com [the official site for events in London. Check out the various Halloween-related events.]
The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California
Among the destinations in the U.S. considered to be most haunted (aside from Salem) are the Queen Mary, docked in Long Beach Harbor, California, and the city of Savannah, Georgia.
The Queen Mary was launched from Southampton, England, on May 27, 1936, as a cruise liner but was soon refitted for military service in 1940 during World War II. In 1942 it became the first ship to carry more than 10,000 people (9,880 troops and 875 crew), and in 1943, eclipsed that record, registering nearly 16,000 troops on board. That same year on a voyage to New York, the ship had the distinction of carrying then British Prime Minister Winston Churchill who was to meet with President Roosevelt. Accompanying Churchill were 5,000 German prisoners of war. After the war the Queen Mary returned to its original status as a cruise liner, making its final voyage from Southampton to Long Beach in 1967. In the nearly forty years since its permanent docking in Long Beach it has the served the public both as a historical site and center of paranormal activity.
The Queen Mary with its 365 original stateroom hotel offers a number of special paranormal events for those in search of the supernatural. Shipwreck: 15 Nights of Terror is the 15th Annual Halloween Terrorfest -- http://www.queenmary.com/index.php?page=shipwreck -- provides the details
Summer Travel Options:
Washington, D.C. and Vicinity Tours:
There’s more to D.C. than the Fourth of July celebrations. In what other American city can you visit so many fantastic museums -- the American History, American Indian, and the Holocaust Museum -- to name just a few -- within walking distance of each other? And, that’s just for starters! History abounds in DC and its Maryland and Virginia suburbs. Magical History Tours offers you the opportunity to explore the entire Capital region. See http://www.fxva.com.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the Mall June 24-28, 2009 and July1-5, 2009: visit http://www.folklife.si.edu/festival/2008/Bhutan/index.html for all details
Fourth of July Celebrations:
How about celebrating the fourth in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. ? There’s plenty to do, starting from the parade (http://www.july4thparade.com) to the Capitol Fourth Independence Day Concert (8-9:30 PM) on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, followed by spectacular fireworks. Be advised that security measures are in place for everyone entering the National Mall and U.S. Capitol grounds. All coolers, backpacks, packages and individuals are subject to inspection. Because of parking restrictions and congestion, travel by Metro is highly recommended. Be sure to bring plenty of water and an umbrella (in case of afternoon thunderstorms) -- DC can get quite steamy in July.
Prefer to visit Gettysburg to commemorate the Fourth and the battle of July 1-3, 1863? There’s plenty happening in this Pennsylvania hot spot. See http://www.gettysbg.com/caljuly.shtml for a complete list of all the events. The Gettysburg Foundation will be presenting a program, “A Sacred Trust: Gettysburg Perspectives,” at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, July 3-5, 2009. See http://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/visit/sacred_trust_gettysburg_perspectives.htm for complete details
Want to celebrate the fourth with a bang? Try the festivities in historic Philadelphia, the cradle of liberty. Between June 26 and July 4 visitors to Philly can experience everything from an old-fashion carnival, strong man competition, concerts and, of course, fireworks. For details see http://www.americasbirthday.com
New York always has plenty of events for the fourth. If you’re hungry or just want to watch contestants devouring Nathan’s famous hot dogs at an alarming rate, go to Coney Island (1000 Surf Avenue at W. 10th Streets in Brooklyn). Later, check out Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks display, featuring more than 40,000 shells exploding at the rate of more than 1,500 per minute! Check out http://nymag.com/guides/summer/july4/
Boston knows how to throw a good party, too. The Boston Harborfest 2009 is a six-day long Fourth of July Festival that showcases Boston’s colonial and maritime heritage and runs from June 30-July 5. See http://www.bostonharborfest.com/about.html for complete details. And, how about a 4th of July concert and fireworks with the Boston Pops? http://www.july4th.org/concert.htm
Chicago, too, has lots of activities around and on the fourth of July. Fireworks at Navy Pier, concerts, and great food. Chicago’s famous “Taste of Chicago” runs from June 26 through July 5 in Grant Park. http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/special_events/mose/taste_of_chicago.html
Don’t want to wait until July 4th? How about the following options?
Monticello -- Visit the Charlottesville, Virginia, home of Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and the third president of the U.S. Located just outside of Charlottesville, Monticello, about 2.5 hours from Washington, D.C., the 33 room mansion is open to visitors throughout the year from roughly 9 to 5. Details available from www.monticello.org.
WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA
Planning to visit Jamestown and Williamsburg VA? There are a number of fine hotels and authentic restaurants located in Williamsburg, VA, just 9 miles southwest of Jamestown. In an instant you will be transported in time to 18th century America to witness living history. Meet George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry -- played, of course, by re-enactors, in period costumes -- who discuss the events of their day and engage you in lively discourse, should you be so inclined. The 301 acre Colonial Williamsburg consists of restored, reconstructed and historically accurate structures -- among them a court house, shops, gaol (old English word for jail), artisan workshops, and taverns. No cars are allowed in colonial Williamsburg. Parking is available at the visitors’ center with a shuttle bus available to and from the historic center. The best time to visit Williamsburg is in the spring or fall when humidity and heat are not a factor and the crowds are thinner. Further details are available from the official Colonial Williamsburg site: http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com
When you’ve seen everything there is to see in Jamestown and colonial Williamsburg, why not visit the College of William and Mary, located just off the colonial Williamsburg site? If there’s still room for excitement in your life (and the weather is warm enough), how about taking the family to Busch Gardens, located just minutes from Williamsburg? The European-themed park has plenty of thrills and spills of all levels for everyone, including the recently opened ride “The Griffon,” advertised as the “tallest dive coaster in the world.” The park opens its new season in late March. For further details, see: http://www.buschgardens.com/BGW
Hungry after a long day of touring Jamestown and Williamsburg? Not to worry. On the grounds of Colonial Williamsburg you can find a number of authentic restaurants serving fine food, which tends to be rather pricey, however. These include:
Chownings Tavern -- Duke of Gloucester St. next to Market Square and the Courthouse (colonial Williamsburg) -- freshly prepared BBQ sandwiches
Christiana Campbell’s Tavern -- Waller Street (colonial Williamsburg) -- George Washington’s favorite tavern located across from the Capitol -- seafood specialties
The King’s Arms -- 409 W. Duke of Gloucester St. (colonial Williamsburg) -- an 18th century style chop house
Old Chickahominy House -- 1211 Jamestown Road -- Colonial-style southern restaurant serving breakfast and lunch only
The Trellis (http://www.thetrellis.com) 403 W. Duke of Gloucester St. (colonial Williamsburg) -- offers variety of American fare
Williamsburg boasts many hotels of various quality, many of which are located along the main “strip”. The Marriott chain has a number of fine offerings, including a Residence Inn, Spring Hill Suites, and Fairfield Inn (http://www.marriott.com). Check out the Homewood Suites by Hilton (http://www.homewoodsuites.hilton.com)or Embassy Suites (www.embassysuites.com). The newest addition is the Holiday Inn Historic Gateway (515 Bypass Road). Be sure to specify “Gateway” because there are other Holiday Inns in Williamsburg, and this one, according to a review, is supposedly the best of them.
If you want to relax in style, consider any of the following, somewhat pricier options:
Kingsmill Resort (1010 Kingsmill Road) -- a luxurious get-away with tennis, swimming and golf (www.kingsmill.com)
Great Wolf Lodge (549 East Rochambeau Drive) -- opened about a year ago, this lodge is part of a chain renown for its large indoor waterpark with slides; rustic-themed suites of varying sizes and prices. Great for kids of all ages. http://www.greatwolflodge.com (then select Williamsburg)
If you prefer living inside the historic colonial Williamsburg site, then any of the following accomodations should meet with high standards: The Williamsburg Inn, Providence Hall, Williamsburg Lodge, and Colonial Houses (18th century residences). Further details on these and other possibilities can be found at www.colonialwilliamsburg.org) under “visit”.
London:
Are you planning to travel to London in the near future? If so, please check out the photos on the “Travel Photo” link (access via our main page). London has to be one of the most fascinating cities in the world -- a judicious choice not only for the seasoned traveler but especially so for those who have never traveled abroad before. While London is one of the most expensive cities in the world(especially given the unfavorable currency rate against the dollar), there are plenty of ways to avoid losing your shirt when traveling there. London is a great city for those inclined to walk about, but the Tube (London’s underground system) is a reliable and clean mode of transportation for the walking weary. In fact, the Tube offers some wonderful deals with its London Pass that enables travelers to prepay for public transport within certain city “zones.” You only need to show your card when entering the Tube or getting on a bus -- no exchange of money or waiting in queues. Here’s the link: http://www.londonpass.com/index_transport.asp In addition, another highly recommended pass for visitors is the London Museum Pass that allows entry to 55 different historical sites. All the details on this are available at http://www.londonpass.com/index.asp. Be sure to order these passes at least two weeks before your departure date. We saved well over £150 by ordering both of these passes. The passes also include some restaurant deals, including buy one get one free meals at Wagamama, a fabulous Japanese style restaurant with numerous branches throughout the city. Remember that London, like most of Europe, is best visited during the autumn when the weather is more comfortable, the summer tourists have left, and hotel and travel prices are a better bargain. Nevertheless, London is a fantastic destination choice throughout the year.
Newly published guidebook, 1001 Historical Sites You Must See Before You Die, edited by Richard Cavendish (Barron’s Educational Series, 2008; $35) provides readers with “must-see” sites for several lifetimes; organized by region and replete with historical descriptions of each locale, the volume offers an impressive array of information, sans directions, hours of operation, and some other handy tips, however. The guide is most useful for the experienced traveler or history afficianado
Are you a war buff interested in guided tours with historians? Check out the History America Tours http://www.historyamerica.com/tours/index.html for their 2008 schedule
War Tours:
Interested in touring the WWI Western Front? check out some great information at the following sites: http://www.worldwar1.com/sftour.htm; http://www.frommers.com/articles/2816.html (information as of May 2005); http://www.visitbelgium.com/worldwar.htm (the Belgian Tourist Office also offers WWII tours)
For WWII tours: http://www.stephenambrosetours.com;http://www.nationalww2museum.org/travel/index.html; http://www.ww2tours.com; http://www.worldwar2toursofeurope.com/group_tours.htm
EXHIBITS FROM THE TITANIC
http://www.titanicbranson.com billed as the world’s largest Titanic museum exhibition in the world in Branson, Missouri
Memorial Day Celebrations:
Here are just a small sampling of the thousands of wonderful Memorial Day celebrations going on throughout the country:
Waterloo, New York May 23-26, 2008 -- Come celebrate with the citizens of Waterloo, NY, proclaimed as the “birthplace” of Memorial Day by President Lyndon B. Johnson in May 1966.
There’ll be lots of food, an arts and crafts show, 5K run, historic tours and music for everyone. Visit http://www.waterloony.com/Mday2008.html for all the details.
Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, May 26, 2008. http://www.boalmuseum.com/memorialday.village.htm
Boalsburg is located in central Pennsylvania, just five minutes east of the Penn State University Campus in State College, PA.
Columbia, Missouri, May 26, 2008 -- home to the University of Missouri; enjoy an airshow (http://www.salute.org/parade.shtm) and parade
Washington, DC, May 25, 26 2008 -- why not spend a long weekend in the capital of the U.S.? Washington has so much to offer -- monuments, historic buildings, museums, magnificent waterfront views. A free Memorial Day Concert by the National Symphony Orchestra along with a variety of actors, musicians and military bands will be held on May 25 from 8 to 9:30 PM on the west lawn of the U.S.. On May 26, wreaths will be laid at Arlington Memorial Cemetery (http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org) and a parade (http://www.nationalmemorialdayparade.com), honoring the fallen from the Revolution to the Iraq War, on May 26, beginning at 2PM from Third Street and Madison NW, proceeding north to Pennsylvania Avenue and from there to Constitution Avenue. When you’re there, check out the wide variety of restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes @ http://www.washingtonian.com/sections/restaurants/index.html.
Chicago, IL, May 26, 2008 -- hosts one of the largest Memorial Day parades in the country: wreath-laying ceremony followed by parade at noon -- http://egov.cityofchicago.org:80/city/webportal/portalContentItemAction.do?BV_SessionID=@@@@1744999052.1209664961@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccfadedmjimfhgcefecelldffhdfgm.0&contentOID=536971795&contenTypeName=COC_EDITORIAL&topChannelName=Dept&blockName=Special+Events%2FI+Want+To&context=dept&channelId=0&programId=0&entityName=Special+Events&deptMainCategoryOID=](travel_files/shapeimage_2.png)
