Category Archives: Destinations

Abraham Lincoln, Steven Spielberg and Gettysburg

To the delight of Civil War buffs, lovers of history and good movies, Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln will open in wide release on November 16, 2012. The movie chronicles Abraham Lincoln’s push to end the Civil War, to preserve the Union and to abolish the institution of slavery. Lincoln boasts an all-star cast with Daniel Day Lewis as Lincoln, Sally Fields as Mary Todd Lincoln and Tommy Lee Jones as Radical Republican Thaddeus Stevens.

On November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Soldier’s National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Lincoln delivered what became known as the Gettysburg Address. On November 19, 1946, the anniversary of Lincoln’s speech was designated “Dedication Day” by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. November 19, 2012 marks the 149th anniversary of that iconic speech. This year, three days after Lincoln’s release in theaters across the country, director Steven Spielberg will deliver the Dedication Day keynote address. The event begins with a wreath-laying ceremony at 9:30 a.m.

.Spielberg’s speech is one of many events scheduled to commemorate Lincoln’s address and the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery.

Remembrance Day

A parade of Civil War groups and re-enactors will march through Gettysburg to the Grand Army of the Republic Monument in honor of Union Army soldiers.

November 17, 2012, 1:00 pm

The Luminaria

Candles will be placed on the graves in the Civil War section of the Soldiers` National Cemetery at Gettysburg.

November 17, 2012 – 5:30-9:30 pm

 US Colored Troops Graveside Salute

In honor of their service

November 19, 2012 – 10:30 am

For more information on the commemorative ceremonies, click Schedule of Events

Halloween, Hurricane Sandy and the “Frankenstorm”

Savannah, Georgia is the perfect city for seekers of the spirits. Board the Trolley of the Doomed for a “Frightseeing Tour” on River Street and through the city's graveyards and haunted houses.

Jazz and Chicago – First Class Sounds in the Second City

It's called The Second City, but Chicago boasts a first-class jazz scene. If you love the sound and you're in Chicago, check these recommendations. They're straight from a jazz-loving citizen of Chicagoland.

A Day At The Renaissance Faire – Knights, Pirates, Lords and Ladies

At the Renaissance Festival, lords and ladies of the realm stroll in splendid velvet and brocade finery alongside flamboyant characters,faeries, ladies-in-waiting, pirates, knights, tavern wenches and rogues.

American History, The Civil War and The Emancipation Proclamation

For American history buffs, 2012 is a significant year in our nation’s history. It marks the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and for African Americans, the "Glorious March to Liberty.." If an American history road trip is a part of your fall travel plans, consider a visit to these locations.

Labor Day: The Beach, Festivals and Wine Tasting Under the Stars

Labor Day Weekend-say farewell to summer at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Ocean City, Maryland, at the Chicago Jazz Festival or the Sonoma Wine Country Weekend.

An Expat Living and Working in Australia – Part II

Thus you gotta dig deep and find the sweet spot to this expat life, roll with the punches and just enjoy living betwixt and between two cultures by living in the moment.

Weekend Getaway in Iceland – Lava Rocks, Icelandic Yogurt and a Rainbow

Let me guess what you’re thinking: "Why did you want to go to Iceland? Isn't it cold there? Where is Iceland? Does anyone live in Iceland? Isn't that a long way to travel for a weekend getaway? What's in Iceland?” It was the latter question that convinced me to take the trip.

Jazz 2012: The Montreal Jazz Festival

I love jazz. Pick an adjective: student, fanatic, aficionado; each one accurately describes my life-long relationship with America’s original music. I remember standing in the crowd at the Newport Jazz Festival in the late 60’s, watching and listening to the greats – Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Herbie Hancock, Nina Simone and many more. It was a magical time for jazz lovers.

An Expat Living and Working in Australia Part I

Ever since I was a little girl, I'd always been fascinated by foreign peoples and places, and Australia seemed particularly interesting because it was so far away and at the bottom of the world with a host of exotic flora and fauna. After having lived and travelled throughout much of North America and Europe, I finally had the opportunity to work and travel in Australia. I only intended to stay for 6 months to a year, and then head on to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim before returning to Canada and continuing my graduate studies, but I met and fell in love with a very nice Australian guy and the rest is history.