Category Archives: Featured Articles

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.

The United States Sailboat Show – Dreams in the Seaport City of Annapolis

This was the United States Sailboat Show - the big daddy of all sailboat shows. Call it Fashion Week for serious boat-buyers, window shoppers and dreamers.

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.

Autumn Leaves From Coast to Coast

When the seasons, the weather and the leaves change, the leaf-peepers come out to play. They head for the hills, valleys and forests to view autumn foliage in all its colorful splendor.

Tourist Destinations and the Jazz Festival: The Best of Both Worlds

I’ve enjoyed world-class jazz in tourist destinations and exotic, romantic settings such as the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy and the Pori in Finland. My first andlong-time favorite was the Newport (Rhode Island) festival. Then it became the North Sea Jazz Festival. Now my favorite festival takes place in the magnificent city of Montreal.

From the App World – Six Free Travel Apps

These apps will make your travels easier. As you’ve no doubt discovered, there’s an app for every occasion. That’s why we’ve added a few Olympics 2012 apps. If you can’t be there in person, they’ll help you enjoy the games from afar.

London Olympics 2012: The Art of Swapping Olympic Pins

London Olympics 2012 brings together world class athletes for what is billed as 17 days of glory. Spectators have traveled to London from every corner of the globe to cheer as their nation’s Olympic soccer teams, sprinters, archers, rowers, equestrians, basketball and swimming teams compete for gold. They've also come to shop and swap.