Set on 450 acres of parkland, Dromoland Castle dates back to 16th century Ireland when it was home of the O’Brien family, whose lineage dates back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kings of Ireland. Converted to a hotel in the 1960s and fresh off a $20 million renovation and restoration, Dromoland Castle exhibits the best of its regal Irish heritage.
As frosty days turn to
long nights, there’s no need to escape the cold. Put the winter doldrums aside
and embrace the best that the season has to offer, Downton Abbey-style, at
Ireland’s Dromoland Castle. Think: Cozy spaces. Evenings spent by the fire.
Brisk walks through the countryside. Days idle by, with opportunities to enjoy
falconry or horseback riding. Warm up with afternoon tea or a signature spa
treatment. Nights are for indulging in an artful take on traditional Irish
ingredients at The Earl of Thomond Restaurant before retiring to the cocktail
bar for a tarot-card inspired libation or a glass of Irish whiskey. Then, it’s
off to the stately guest rooms for a restful night before beginning another day
as a royal.
If Ireland’s temperate
climate isn’t enough to lure travelers from the States – though it’s chilly,
the daily low rarely dips below freezing – Dromoland Castle in County Clare has
a number of winter specials on offer. Stay two nights and receive a special
rate that includes a five-course Table d’Hote Dinner in the Earl of Thomond
Restaurant. The two-night package starts at $700 based on double occupancy. Or,
gather your gal pals for a special wine weekend from February 21–22. The
getaway includes a six-course meal that showcases the best of the Co. Clare
culinary scene, paired with six different wines. Rates start at $881 for the
two-night package.
Set on 450 acres of
parkland with 97 rooms and suites, Dromoland Castle dates back to the 16th
century when it was home of the O’Brien family, whose lineage dates back 1,000
years to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kings of Ireland. Converted to a
hotel in the 1960s and fresh off a $20 million renovation and restoration,
Dromoland Castle exhibits the best of its regal Irish heritage.
Central to Dromoland
Castle’s appeal is its location. Just 15 minutes from Shannon Airport,
Dromoland sits at the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way – the 1,553-mile route
along Ireland’s west coast. Dotted with small fishing villages, the trail
passes vivid seascapes, with plenty of opportunities to stop to enjoy a local
catch. The Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just an hour’s
drive from the Castle. And the limestone, lunar-like landscape of the Burren
National Park is only 45 minutes away.
Though surrounded by
Ireland’s famously dramatic landscapes, Dromoland Castle is just an hour away
from Galway, which will be the European Capital of Culture in 2020. The arts
abound, as the city has been designated a UNESCO City of Film, and it has a vibrant
musical, theater and literature scene. Dublin, home to the newly opened Museum
of Literature Ireland, is 2.5 hours east.
Families: Multigenerational families have the perfect venue at Dromoland,
which features something for each age group – tennis lessons, bespoke golf
clinics, horse and buggy rides, archery, garden tours, falconry, bubble baths
on demand, and even a genealogy expert to help trace any Irish familial roots.
Golf: No one does greens better than Ireland. With its 18-hole parkland course,
Dromoland offers expert lessons at its School of Golf, as well as a newly
renovated driving range that feature “power tees,” eliminating the need for
bending down to replace a tee each time.
Dromoland is perfectly
suited to enjoy Ireland’s famed links courses – Lahinch, Ballybunion
and Tralee – as well as the new Adare Manor, which will host the Ryder Cup in
2026. Stay at Dromoland and transfer between the courses via helicopter – which
the Castle can arrange – or simply take advantage of Dromoland’s ability to
book a tee time.
Weddings: All of Dromoland Castle can be rented out for royally lavish
weddings. Among the Irish touches: The bride can make her entrance via horse
and carriage; bagpipers can create fanfare as the guests arrive; tents or even
glass pavilions can be erected on-site; step dancers can perform; and fireworks
over the golf course will end the evening with a pop!
Dunluce Castle, Antrim. Vagabond Adventure Tours creates opportunities for visitors to embrace Ireland by walking, biking, horseback riding and kayaking its lands and waters, imbibing history and culture along the way.
COUNTY WICKLOW, Ireland– With the European Union’s approval, Britain has received an extension to its exit (Brexit) until 31 January 2020. Rob Rankin, founder and owner Vagabond Small Group Tours of Ireland, is taking a wait-and-see-attitude concerning the UK Parliament’s vote to uphold or not the exit date that could change how the UK does business with Europe — and also on the Emerald Isle.
Maybe Brexit will be washed down the drain over a toast with its trading bloc partners since 1993. Maybe not. In the meantime Rankin’s team offers a list of ideas to visitors to Ireland who may want to know what the fuss is all about. In Dublin, the gateway city for Vagabond Small Group Tours of Ireland, historic attractions are two-a-penny. Guests are invited to discover for themselves the bullet holes on the General Post Office that betray its role at the heart of the 1916 Easter Rising. The National Museum is housed in a former barracks. Glasnevin Cemetery holds an array of independence heroes and an excellent museum.
Highly recommended in Belfast is an on-own Black Cab tour that offers a unique perspective on the capital of Northern Ireland. Guests listen to expert personal commentary on a guided tour through unionist and nationalist communities, learning about the late 20th century ‘The Troubles’ while viewing political murals and signing names to a peace wall.
Itineraries encompassing Derry include a guided walking tour around the historic walled city of Derry/Londonderry that showcases the Guild Hall and a siege cannon while shedding light on the nationalist neighborhood where the Northern Irish Civil Rights movement was born in the late 1960s, leading to a virtual 30-year war between Catholics and Protestants.
And other itineraries including Cork, also known as the Rebel County, share stories of the action here during the early 1920s War of Independence and ensuing Civil War. Michael Collins was ambushed and assassinated at Béal na Bláth. Picturesque Cobh was a center of resistance in 1916.
“It’s a no-brainer to say that this ours is a complicated history,” adds Rankin. Vagabond Tours of Ireland assists its guests in scratching the surface of the history of why there are two separate Irelands. This history goes back well into the 16th century when the island was like a piece of fabric being stretched between Gaelic-speaking Catholics and the English who spoke English and who were eventually predominantly Protestant.
“Today Brexit has become our own three-legged milking stool,” Rankin explains. The three legs are:
European Union (EU) – since 1993 a commerce-driven alliance of European nations, the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.
United Kingdom (UK) – inclusive of Great Britain (Scotland,
Wales, England) and Northern Ireland (six counties that are culturally British
out of an overall 32 counties on the island). This bloc known as the UK has
voted to disengage from the EU because of a perception that the UK doesn’t
enjoy full sovereignty in the EU.
Republic of Ireland – represents 26 of 32 counties on the
Emerald Isle, is not part of the UK bloc and enjoys 80% to 90% support for
continuing its own EU membership. The Republic of Ireland fought and won
independence from the UK from 1916 to 1921. The six counties in the northern
part of Ireland demanded that their union with the UK and the British crown
remain intact, resulting in Northern Ireland. When the UK voted to remove
itself (Brexit) from the EU, the independent country Republic of Ireland
determined to remain within the EU.
Customs and tariff protocols between the Republic of Ireland
(EU) and Northern Ireland (UK) have been operational and peaceful for nearly
two decades. Residents and visitors to Ireland and the UK enjoy visa-free
travel to each other’s countries. All sides have agreed that this situation
will continue post-Brexit.
What is of concern, adds Rankin, is that without a so-called backstop built
into the negotiations, the now a ‘soft’ border between the Northern Ireland and
the Republic of Ireland could once again become a ‘hard’ border that in turn
could pick at century-old scars. The relationship between the Republic of
Ireland and Northern Ireland has steadily improved since the landmark peace
accord of 1998. What’s known as the Good Friday Agreement ended paramilitary
activity and customs infrastructure at north/south border crossing points. The
British army was removed from Northern Ireland.
No matter Brexit’s outcome – or not – Rankin and his team are high on 2020
bookings, already strong.
“We envisage no major disruption. The bright side is, we hope, more opportunity
to explain Irish history,” he says.
Vagabond Small Group Tours of Ireland offers two styles of culturally immersive
travel. Vagabond Adventure Tours (the
division hosting the Epic Irish Food Adventure Tour) are for active travelers
who want to mix up hiking, kayaking and biking and other outdoor adventures
with history, culture, dining and shopping. Driftwood Journeys of Discovery follow
similar itineraries but at an intimate and in-depth looking and lingering pace,
sans the physical exertion.
On all of its tours, Vagabond staff curate locally owned accommodations, pubs
and restaurants that help serve their goal of authenticity. In the end the
mission is to have guests “love Ireland as much as we do.” Transport is in a
custom Mercedes ‘Vagatron’ or special mini-buses which allow access beyond
where regular tour buses go.
For details on all of Vagabond Small Group Tours of Ireland itineraries,
availability and for 2019 reservations, visit https://vagabondtoursofireland.com/. Call toll
free (from the US) 1.833-230-0288; in Ireland 00353 (0) 1 5634358; or
email: [email protected].
Since 2002 Vagabond Adventure Tours has been creating opportunities for
visitors to embrace Ireland by walking, biking, horseback riding and kayaking
its lands and waters, imbibing history and culture along the way. In 2013 the
company was honored by National Geographic Traveler with a Top
50 Tour of a Lifetime distinction. In 2015 and 2017 Vagabond Small Group Tours
of Ireland was named the “Best Adventure Experience” at the Irish Tourism
Awards. In 2017, Vagabond became Ireland’s first tour operator to achieve
Ecotourism Gold Level Certification. In 2018, Vagabond Tours won The Green
Tourism & Entertainment category in Ireland’s most prestigious Green
(business) Awards. And in February 2019, the company won two top Irish Tourism
Industry Awards for the Best Ireland Ancient East Tourism Experience and Best
Environmental Tourism Innovation.
WASHINGTON, DC—Halloween 2019 – Just in time for Halloween 2019,
Historic Hotels of America has released its list of Most Haunted Historic
Hotels. A membership organization of more than 300 hotels with long and storied
histories, some hotels have reported ghosts and paranormal activity throughout
the halls and in guestrooms giving those who stay a fright – and they don’t
just come out at Halloween. From ghosts who have been around since the
Revolutionary War to jilted lovers, heartbroken, there are an abundance of
ghostly sightings in historic hotels.
Concord’s Colonial Inn (1716)
Concord, Massachusetts
The original part of the Inn was built in the early 1700s before the
Revolutionary War. With such a long and robust history, it’s no wonder there
are spirits that still wander the halls of this historic hotel. One of the most
famous, haunted and sought-after guestrooms is room 24. During the
Revolutionary War, the right side of the Inn was privately owned by Dr. Timothy
Minot. When patriot soldiers were injured at the Battles of Lexington and
Concord at the North Bridge, they were brought to his home to be cared for. Dr.
Minot used what is now the Liberty Room as a hospital and room 24 as an
operating room. Several soldiers who were operated on in room 24 died during
surgery. They were then carried directly downstairs into room 27, which was
used as a morgue. It’s no wonder then that guests have reported lights
flickering in room 27 or turning on and off completely. One guest woke up in
the middle of the night and every light was on in the room, including the
television! Others have heard hushed whispers coming from the closet and have
seen the door to the room slamming shut on its own.
The Red Lion Inn (1773)
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Ghostly rumors continue to swirl at the inn which has seen the likes of many
paranormal investigators and mediums. The fourth floor, in particular, has been
said to have the most activity. Both cleaning staff and guests have claimed to
see a “ghostly young girl carrying flowers” and “a man in a top
hat.” It has been said that guests have awoken to the feeling of someone
standing over them at the foot of the bed. Cold spots, unexplained knocks, and
electrical disturbances have all been reported. Guestroom 301 is also known to
be a haunted hot spot.
Omni Parker House, Boston (1855)
Boston, Massachusetts
This hotel was opened by Harvey Parker and he was involved with the operations
of the building until his death in 1884. Over the years, many guests have
reported seeing him inquiring about their stay—a true “spirited” hotelier even
after his death.
The Sagamore (1883)
Bolton Landing, New York
The Sagamore has its own American ghost story. Opened in 1883 as a
playground resort for summer residents of Millionaire’s Row, this rambling
historic hotel sits in a 6 million-acre state park and is rumored to
accommodate a ghost or two. Stories persist of the ghost of a silver-haired
woman wearing a blue polka-dot dress descending from the second floor to the
Trillium, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant.
1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa (1886)
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
The 1886 Crescent Hotel, well known today as being a mountaintop spa resort in
the Arkansas Ozarks, was once used as a Cancer Curing Hospital which was under
the control of the hospital’s owner, reported charlatan Norman Baker from
Muscatine, Iowa. Baker operated his Eureka Springs’ facility from 1937
until December 1940. There are many paranormal patrons with terrifying tales to
tell. Among those are Michael, the Irish stonemason who, while constructing the
building back in 1885, fell to his death in the footprint of what is now Room
218. He has thought to be a frequent visitor to the room since the day of
his death. There’s also Theodora – a patient and helper during the days when
the hotel was owned Norman Baker, resides in Room 419. Guests have
reported that she will put bags in front of the door from the inside making it
hard for guests to open their door upon their return. Dozens and dozens of
ghost like encounters, and creepy, unexplained occurrences happen at this hotel
on a regular basis.
Jekyll Island Club Resort (1887)
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Over the years, the Jekyll Island Club Resort has seen many families come and
go since it opened in 1887. With all that time, comes the stories and
mysteries, the staff, as well as guests have encountered firsthand. One such
encounter involves the family of J.P. Morgan. Sans Souci, one of the buildings
at the Jekyll Island Club Resort, is a handsome four-story structure erected in
1896 as one of the first condominiums to ever be built. It was built originally
for families to use, including the family of J. Pierpont Morgan. His family
rooms were located on the third floor, north end of the property facing the
Jekyll River. He was particularly fond of the large porch which graced the
front of his apartment allowing him a beautiful view of the river. Mr. Morgan
was a lover of cigars. As the story goes, one could tell where he was by following
the trail of smoke. In order to avoid criticisms for his favorite hobby, he
would rise early every morning by 5 am to have a smoke on the porch. While most
contemporary guests are not rising at such an early hour for a cigar, those who
have stayed in the Morgan’s old apartment swear they have awakened to the faint
smell of cigar smoke wafting about when there is absolutely no one else awake.
Union Station Nashville, Autograph
Collection (1900) Nashville, Tennessee
One of Nashville’s most iconic landmarks, Union Station Hotel resides
in a building that previously served as the city’s buzzing
railway station. Guests are reminded of the building’s rich
history through another kind of encounter: with the hotel’s
resident ghost, Abigail. Legend has it that during World War
II a young woman, Abigail, said goodbye to her soldier
on the Union Station train platform before he shipped off to France.
When she arrived at that same spot to greet him on his return, she
was instead met with word that he was killed in action.
Distraught, Abigail threw herself in front of a passing
locomotive. The forlorn spirit of Abigail, still looking for her
lost love, can reportedly be seen wandering the main
terminal and her presence felt in Room 711. Now
known as the Abigail Room, guests can request to stay
in the haunted suite, which is decorated unlike any other room
in the hotel with antique
furnishings, a four-poster bed and artwork inspired by her
tale.
Moana Surfrider, A Westin
Resort & Spa (1901) Honolulu, Hawaii
On February 28, 1905, the untimely death of Jane Stanford, co-founder of
Stanford University, made headlines everywhere. Stanford, who was vacationing
in Hawaii following a strychnine poisoning attempt on her life, died in her
room at the Moana. There have been reports that the ghost of Stanford still frequents
the hotel, whose beautiful ocean vistas brought her short-lived peace. Guests
and hotel staff have said that they’ve seen her walking at night trying to find
her room. Omni Mount Washington Resort,
Bretton Woods (1902) New Hampshire
Known affectionately by staff members as “the princess”, Caroline Foster, was a
long-time inhabitant of the hotel. Princess Caroline Foster’s ties to the
resort go back to its inception when her husband, railroad tycoon Joseph
Stickney, built the grand resort in 1902. Incorporating special accommodations
for his wife, construction of the resort included an indoor swimming pool and a
private dining room for Caroline known today as the “Princess Room.” A
prominent figure at the resort since its opening, many guests who have visited
continue to report sightings of the regal Caroline. Visions of an elegant woman
in Victorian dress are often spotted in the hallways of the hotel, there are
light taps on doors when no one is outside and items suddenly disappear and
then reappear in the exact place they were lost. But perhaps the most
common sighting of the beloved Caroline is in room 314, where guests report
seeing a vision of the woman sitting at the edge of their bed.
The Seelbach
Hilton Louisville (1905)
Louisville, Kentucky
Legend says two lovers were to be married at the hotel in 1907, but the groom
met an untimely death on his way to the wedding. His distraught bride threw
herself down the elevator shaft, falling ten stories to her death. The bride is
said to continue to haunt the halls of this historic hotel.
Mizpah Hotel (1907)
Tonopah, Nevada
Built in 1907 and beautifully restored to its former grandeur and glory. The
hotel is home to several ghostly figures. One of which is the former bellhops
has been seen roaming the halls of the hotel trying to give guests a hand with
their luggage. The town of Tonopah was well known for silver mining and just
beneath the Mizpah are old mining tunnels. The hotel had a run-in with a few
very greedy miners and lost out on a large sum of money. As legend is told,
three miners dug a hole into the old bank safe and robbed the hotel. One of the
men turned his back on his two accomplices and shot them. He left them for dead
and took off with the money and was never been caught. To this day, those two
miners still lurk in the basement of the Hotel.
The Omni Grove Park Inn (1913)
Asheville, North Carolina
There is a strange, but gentle spirit residing within the gray, granite walls
of Asheville’s historic Grove Park Inn. Known simply as the “Pink Lady”, she
has been seen, felt and experienced by hotel employees and guests for nearly a
century. Although the Pink Lady is believed to have met her demise on the Palm
Court floor after falling two stories from the fifth floor to the third floor,
she has been seen and experienced in a number of places throughout the resort.
The Pink Lady has been described as a dense pinkish smoke with a presence that
can be felt by guests throughout the grounds of the Inn.
La Fonda (1922)
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Shot to death in 1867 in the hotel lobby, John P. Slough, Chief Justice of the
Territorial Supreme Court, is said to have never left. Meanwhile, a distraught
salesman, who jumped into the hotel well after losing a card game, has been
seen emerging from the fountain by visitors and guests alike.
The Emily Morgan San Antonio- a
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel (1924) San Antonio,
Texas
The Emily Morgan is known to be one of the most haunted hotels in all of Texas.
According to various reports, even some given by the hotel’s own management
team, the most haunted floors are the seventh, ninth and fourteenth floors in
addition to the basement.
It was these particular floors that at one time functioned as the psychiatric
ward, surgery level, waiting area and morgue, respectively. At the Emily
Morgan, almost all of the paranormal reports involve ghosts and spirits from
days gone by when the building was the medical building.
Guests have reported strange things occurring on these particular levels. Those
staying on the fourteenth level of the Emily Morgan generally have one thing to
say: that the smell is acutely reminiscent of a hospital. Guests have reported
to opening the doors to the hallways only to find a scene from a hospital
waiting right inside.
Francis Marion Hotel (1924)
Charleston, South Carolina
In the early 1930s, New Yorker Ned Cohen was visiting his Southern lady friend
in Charleston. Whatever happened was never clear, but he was found face down,
body smashed in the middle of King Street facing toward the old Citadel’s
parade grounds. Today, visitors hear eerie and unexplained sounds at night, all
too familiar to the bell staff and room attendants walking the halls. Sounds of
rustling silk drapes, rattling windows, and an unexplained vision of a man
questioning either himself or the witness. Some see the ghost in short
sleeves, others just feel his presence throughout the hotel.
Hawthorne Hotel (1925)
Salem, Massachusetts
The city of Salem is notorious for the Salem Witch Trials in 1692 and is prone
to hauntings and spirits of its own. The hotel has ghost stories, mostly
attributed to the sea captains who were returning to their gathering place. In
particular, guests staying in rooms 612 and 325 have reported of lights turning
off and on and experiencing a general uneasy feeling throughout the
rooms.
Hotel Viking (1926)
Newport, Rhode Island
Hotel Viking has had many guests and staff members come and go, reporting
stories of spirited guests. The story that has been reported repeatedly is of a
little boy is often seen cleaning the floors of the historic wing of the hotel.
There have been about 10 different guests regaling a similar story of a young
boy cleaning. This has also been confirmed by most of the housekeeping
staff.
Hotel Saranac, Curio Collection
by Hilton (1927) Saranac, New York
This historic hotel was built on foundation of a former High School. It is the
only hotel building remaining of 13 luxury hotels that once served this
community. While fires led to the downfall of some of the area’s hotels,
survived by design: made of steel and brick, Hotel Saranac was the area’s
first fireproof hotel. The hotel had a civil defense tower on top,
where it is said that Boy Scouts would wait to watch for Russian Bombers. Room
308 – Emily Balsam, was a guest at Hotel Saranac and worked at a local college.
She had a cat. The story is told that she was not feeling well for a while and
got tired of people checking on her and just wanted to be left alone. She had
her phone disconnected and stopped all housekeeping. She did not want to
be disturbed for any reason. No one saw much of her after that. At some point
the guest and staff started to complain about the smell coming from that room
and the cat always “crying” and Emily refused to answer the door. The
manager at the time went up to talk to her and found she had been dead for
weeks and the cat was still alive. The cat was taken to a shelter but it is
said that the ghost of Emily’s cat can still be heard crying or scratching at
the wall, perhaps wandering the hotel looking for her.
Hotel Monteleone (1886) New
Orleans, Louisiana
A maid, known as “Mrs. Clean” reputedly haunts the hotel. Paranormal
researchers once asked why she stayed, and the maid, whose mother, grandmother,
and great-grandmother also worked at the hotel, said she was picking up after
housekeeping to ensure high standards.
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn
& Spa (1927) Sonoma, California
It is said that ghosts haunt where they were the happiest. Fairmont Sonoma
Mission Inn & Spa welcomes guests past and present and tells the tales of
guests who never wanted to leave. When the evenings are still and the fog rolls
in from the Bay, a hauntingly beautiful woman has been seen strolling the
hallways of the Inn in period dress. Victoria, as she is fondly referred to by
many of the Inn’s tenured employees and whose family traces back to the
founding fathers of Sonoma Valley, is said to have celebrated her wedding and
many anniversaries at the resort.
Hassayampa Inn (1927)
Prescott, Arizona
The year it opened, the Hassayampa Inn developed its most famous legend. A very
young bride named Faith Summers checked into a balcony suite with her much
older husband in 1927. According to the story, Faith’s husband went out to buy
cigarettes and never returned. Faith waited for three days and then took her
life in despair. Since then, countless hotel guests and employees have reported
encounters with a young woman throughout the hotel crying at the end of a bed,
dressed in a pink gown in the hallway, appearing and disappearing from rooms.
One housekeeper saw a woman by a bed, holding flowers and crying. When asked if
she needed help, the woman vanished. Kitchen staff have reported feeling
Faith’s presence in the kitchen, right before the burners on the stove suddenly
went out. Others have reported strange cold spots in Faith’s honeymoon suite.
The heartbroken ghost appears unable to move on from her anguish. Many think
that though Faith is heartbroken, she enjoys staying at the Hassayampa
Inn.
The Don CeSar(1928) St. Pete Beach, Florida
Over the years there have been a number of reported “sightings” and strange
occurrences at this historic hotel. Although there are various stories, the
most common presence felt through the building is that of Mr. Thomas
Rowe, the man who brought the Don CeSar to life and is the focal point of the
love story surrounding the hotel. It is rumored that people have reported
seeing Mr. Rowe throughout the hotel, on the beach, and even interacting
with guests and staff. In the evening it has been reported that from time to
time guests have looked up to the windows on the fifth floor and see the figure
of a man watching from above.
Lord Baltimore Hotel (1928)
Baltimore, Maryland
Over the course of its more then 90-year history, the Lord Baltimore Hotel has
had reports of paranormal activity. Built in 1928, the hotel was one of the
tallest building in the city (the Great Fire of 1904 destroyed Downtown
Baltimore) and around the time of the Great Depression, there were at least 20
documented reports of “jumpers” from the 19th floor rooftop
deck. The most spoken about is that of a couple who attended an event at the
hotel with their daughter – and then proceeded to jump off the building. Their
daughter, “Molly,” is typically seen in the halls wearing a white dress and
playing with a red ball. There has also been a lot of paranormal speculation
around a handprint of a child on a wall in one of the hotel’s penthouses that
won’t go away.
Omni Shoreham Hotel,
Washington, DC (1930) Washington, DC
During the Shoreham’s early years, three people died unexpectedly in suite 870.
At that time the apartment was occupied by one of the hotel’s owners, Henry
Doherty. Juliette Brown, the family’s housekeeper dropped dead mysteriously one
night at 4 am. Doherty’s daughter and wife also perished mysteriously in the
same suite. During its vacancy there were claims of mysterious noises, doors
slamming shut and furniture moving—many of which happened around 4 am, the time
of Juliette’s death.
Tubac Golf Resort and Spa (1959)
Tubac, Arizona
There have been hauntings throughout the resort that have been reported by
guests by at least four unique ghosts including a boy, a lady in gray, a very
active gentleman spirit, and a cowboy. Some of these spirits are believed to
date back to the early age of the resort when it was the Otero Ranch. The
haunts have been investigated by the Phoenix, Arizona Paranormal Society and
featured on the “Haunted Series, Arizona.”
“The spirits reported to reside within these Historic Hotels of America have
been described as sad to happy, shy to friendly, slowly meandering to in a
rush, in work clothes to elaborately dressed, and range from young to old,”
said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Director, Historic Hotels of America and
Historic Hotels Worldwide. “Some pre-date the construction of the hotel and
others figure prominently from the early years of the historic hotels.”
Historic
Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic
Preservation for recognizing and celebrating the finest Historic Hotels.
Historic Hotels of America has more than 300 historic hotel members. These
historic hotels have all faithfully maintained their authenticity, sense of
place, and architectural integrity in the United States of America, including
44 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Historic Hotels of America is comprised of mostly independently owned and
operated historic hotels. More than 30 of the world’s finest hospitality
brands, chains, and collections are represented in Historic Hotels of America.
To be nominated and selected for membership into this prestigious program, a
hotel must be at least 50 years old; have been designated by the U.S. Secretary
of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for
listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having
historic significance. For more information, visit HistoricHotels.org.
Ride & Seek adventure cycling company has introduced the first two stages of The Marco Polo Expedition, cycling 1900 km from Venice to Athens.
(Provence, France) —
Ride & Seek, an adventure cycling company offering itineraries that follow
in the footsteps of historical figures, is thrilled to announce its most
ambitious project to date: The Marco Polo Expedition. The goal of this newly
created tour is to cycle from Venice, Italy to Beijing, China in seven distinct
stages. The first two stages are scheduled to run in September 17 – October 14,
2020, leading riders 1,900 km from Venice to Athens, Greece over 26 days.
Guests will bike down the coast from Italy through Croatia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Greece, riding from harbor to harbor. Accommodations range from charming Soviet-style hotels to agriturismos and modern boutique hotels. Fine wine and gourmet food will be featured throughout the trip. This epic excursion ranges from $5,260 USD to $11,248 USD per person.
“Our Epic Adventures are all created with a sense of discovery at their core, and this tour fulfills that in abundance,” said Ride & Seek Founder Dylan Reynolds. “Marco Polo is one of the great travelers in history and in many ways, he embodies the spirit of the tours we run.”
Polo was a Venetian merchant who journeyed across Asia at the height of the Mongol Empire. He first set out at age 17 with his father and uncle, travelling overland along what later became known as the Silk Road. Upon reaching China, Marco Polo entered the court of powerful Mongol ruler Kublai Khan, who dispatched him on trips to help administer the realm. Marco Polo remained abroad for 24 years.
STAGE 1 – Venice to Dubrovnik Leaving Venice by boat, the first stage of The Marco Polo Expedition embraces the essence of island-hopping, which lies at the heart of this tour. We negotiate our way down the stunning Dalmatian coast via Marco Polo’s alleged birthplace of Korcula and take in such jewels as Hvar and Split on our way to the enchanting city of Dubrovnik. 12-days/11-nights, 738 km, September 17-29 2020
STAGE 2 – Dubrovnik to Athens Leaving Dubrovnik, riders quickly enter the beguiling country of Montenegro before jumping on to the road-less-traveled through fascinating Albania, a true tour highlight and phenomenal cycling destination. The final week take guests first to Corfu, before heading inland towards Athens. 16-days/15-nights, 1,050 km, September 29 – October 14, 2020
Ride & Seek is a worldwide adventure cycling company offering unique
historical itineraries with quality lodging, fine gastronomy, and cultural
immersion. Cyclists can not only ride some of the greatest roads in Europe but
also visit some of the most spectacular sites as well. Providing a cultural
insight into the areas visited both historically and gastronomically is central.
Historical journeys and cultural adventures are the company’s specialties. https://rideandseek.com
One of the best bike tours on the planet is in our own backyard: the annual Parks & Trails NY Cycle the Erie Canal ride, eight-days, 400-miles and 400 years of history, from Buffalo to Albany, a fully supported biking and camping trip (you can even hire Comfy Campers to set up your tent).
The
ride raises money and awareness for advocacy for new trail development and this
year’s ride will highlight new trails that take the riders off the roadway – this
year, cyclists will ride a new stretch west of Lockport in the town of
Pendleton and a gorgeous new trail between Amsterdam and Pattersonville (so you
no longer bike on the highway). Some 550
riders are expected this year, its 21st
annual Cycle the Erie ride, taking place , July 7-14; Parks & Trails NY is
still accepting registrations ($925/adult, 6-17 $545, 5-and under $280,
ptny.org)
The
organization’s key focus now is to build upon the state’s plan for 750-miles of
off-road recreational trails – the 360-mile long Erie Canalway, plus Empire
State Trail, north-south mixed-use, off-road trail system that will fully
connect New York City to Canada.
The
plans are already in place for the Empire State Trail to be completed by the
end of 2020. In 2019, PTNY launched Trails Across New York Campaign, to build
off the momentum of the Empire State Trail’s planned completion in 2020 and
support ways to turn the statewide trail system into a true network, connecting
local trails with the main spine of the Empire State Trail, including Long
Island, “and cementing New York’s position as the nation’s leader in multi-use
trails.”
Legislation
is currently pending in the NYS Assembly (A. 5035B) (S.4416B has already passed
the NYS Senate) would create a statewide multi-use trails plan. This important
bill would direct the state to come up with a blueprint for future trails
development, helping to turn our local trails across the state into a unified network
of trails with major spines and connecting routes, ensuring all parts of the
state have access to quality outdoor active recreation on trails.
The
Senate version has already passed; the Assembly version is in Ways & Means,
which directs the State Parks department to strategize and prioritize filling
in the trail gaps. Though it was considered possible for the Assembly to pass
its version by the June 19th close of session, if it languishes to
the next session, progress will not be lost. Parks & Trails was urging
people to contact their state legislator to ask them to cosponsor the
legislation and to make sure that the legislation is brought up for a vote
before the legislature adjourns for the year.
“Trails
Across New York envisions a future in which all New Yorkers will be located
only minutes from a trail and ideally will be able to access that trail easily
and safely by walking or bicycling. Throughout the state, trails, bicycle
boulevards, and Complete Streets will be acknowledged as essential and
mainstream elements of community infrastructure, much as utility lines and
sidewalks are thought of today.”
PTNY notes that New York State’s trail-rich and
trail-friendly reputation will attract visitors from across the nation and
abroad to experience the historic communities and varied and beautiful
landscapes accessible through the state’s trail network.
Trails
offer a wide range of benefits, including stimulating local economies, PTNY
notes. The Erie Canalway Trail alone has an estimated annual impact of more
than $250 million, and has created close to 3,500 jobs. New York’s outdoor
recreation economy annually generates $41.8 billion in consumer spending and
supports 313,000 jobs.
See
Cycle the Erie series on goingplacesfarandnear.com:
New York, NY – The New-York Historical
Society, the oldest museum in New York, celebrates Revolutionary Summer.
The festivities kick off on July 4, with Free Admission for kids 17 and under.
A Museum-wide exploration of Revolutionary War times, Revolutionary Summerpresents outdoor events
every weekend featuring characters from the era; 18th-century art and
artifacts; a diorama of the Continental Army; and a host of programs for all
ages, including trivia nights, a DJ evening, and a Revolutionary Drag Tea
Party. On select weekends, visitors can explore a replica of George
Washington’s Headquarters Tent at an outdoor Continental Army encampment, meet
Living Historians portraying soldiers and spies, and learn about the many
facets of camp life during the War for Independence.
“We’re so excited to welcome visitors to New-York Historical this
summer with a full line-up of fun ways to experience the Revolutionary era,”
said Dr. Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of the New-York Historical Society. “Revolutionary
Summer celebrates the outstanding, revolutionary times that ignited
the birth of our country with everything from a scavenger hunt to the chance to
meet George Washington.”
The centerpiece of Revolutionary Summer is a replica of George Washington’s Headquarters Tent, on display in New-York Historical’s outdoor courtyard on select weekends.
George Washington’s Headquarters Tent July 4–7 | July 26–28 | August 16–18 | August 23–25 | September 13–15 The centerpiece of Revolutionary Summer is a replica of George Washington’s Headquarters Tent, on display in New-York Historical’s outdoor courtyard on select weekends. The original Tent is on display at the Museum of the American Revolution (MoAR) in Philadelphia. Often called the “first Oval Office,” the Headquarters Tent was where Washington and his most trusted staff plotted the strategy that ultimately won the Revolutionary War. On loan from MoAR, this painstakingly detailed, hand-sewn replica—made of custom woven linen and wool fabrics—was created as part of a collaboration between MoAR and Colonial Williamsburg. The Tent is staffed by MoAR educators, who lead visitors on an immersive tour through history.
On View A host of special installations and artifacts are on view at New-York Historical as part of Revolutionary Summer. One of the highlights is a recently discovered watercolor painting of the 1782 Continental Army encampment at Verplanck’s Point, New York—the only known eyewitness image of Washington’s Headquarters Tent during the Revolutionary War—on loan from MoAR. Other highlights include a camp cot used by Washington at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777; John Trumbull’s iconic painting of Washington that he gave to Martha Washington in 1790; and a pipe tomahawk gifted by Washington to Seneca Chief Sagoyewatha. Also on display is a diorama depicting the Verplanck’s Point encampment and the Hudson River shoreline, providing visitors with a 360-degree view of the scope and scale of Washington’s forces.
Revolutionary Summer also showcases historic documents from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, including an original 1823 William J. Stone facsimile of the Declaration of Independence; a broadside from King George III announcing the armistice and officially ending the war; and a letter by Martha Washington detailing domestic life in the aftermath of the Revolution.
Independence Day Celebration: Celebrate the Fourth of July exploring George Washington’s
encampment! Enter his Headquarters Tent, meet the man himself, and experience
where the future first president strategized, dined, and slept while MoAR staff
describe his daily life. Also on tap: singalongs with the Hudson River
Ramblers; fife and drum corps music; a one-woman play about Deborah Sampson,
the woman who disguised her gender to enlist in the Continental Army;
family-friendly food for purchase; and Living Historians portraying soldiers
from the Continental Army, as well as John Adams, who’ll read the Declaration
of Independence. Free Admission for kids age 17 and under.
Living History Weekends: Outdoor Continental Army Encampment: Every weekend, visitors of all ages can explore a recreation of
the Continental Army’s encampment in New-York Historical’s courtyard, located
on 76th Street, around the corner from Central Park West. Free with
Museum Admission.
George Washington’s Spies, Bodyguards, and Agents | July 6 & 7 Your top-secret mission: Enter George Washington’s encampment, meet with him and his spies, and decode your own message.
Join the Continental Army | July 13 & 14 | August 31 & September 1 | September 7 & 8 The Continental Army wants you! Explore their encampment tents and displays of 18th-century weaponry, participate in drills, and interact with all of the tools and equipment of a common soldier.
Everyday Life in Camp | July 20 & 21 Join the 3rd New Jersey Regiment to experience how soldiers and their families spent time in camp when they weren’t marching to war. Meet the women who helped prepare for military campaigns, play with 18th-century toys and games, and witness how soldiers passed the time.
Field Music on the March | July 27 & 28 March along to Revolutionary War field music performed by the drum and fife musicians of Hearts of Oak and the New Jersey Field Music Group.
Deborah Sampson, Fighting Woman | August 3 & 4 Meet Deborah Sampson—the woman who disguised her gender to enlist in the Continental Army—and members of her regiment, the 7th Massachusetts. Join Deborah for military drills and explore the inner workings of her regiment, from muskets to tents and knapsacks to ground cloths.
Fighting on Horseback | August 10 & 11 Saddle up! Get an up close look at the special equipment, weapons, and techniques used by cavalry in the Continental Army and meet the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons and the 4th Legion.
George Washington’s Encampment | August 17 & 18 | August 24 & 25 Enter George Washington’s Headquarters Tent and experience what life was like during the war—from meals to down time to battle preparations.
Metalsmithing in George Washington’s Encampment | September 14 & 15 Learn all about the crucial craft of metalsmithing as you tour George Washington’s encampment. Examine the smith’s tools and take a turn at shaping a bowl or a button.
What the History?
This millennial-focused series of fun events and programs explores fascinating Revolutionary topics while drinking and mingling!
Revolutionary Trivia Night! |Friday, July 12, 8 pm | Friday, August 23, 8 pm | $20 ($18 Members) Do you know what George Washington’s favorite breakfast beverage was? If you do (or even if you don’t), bring your friends for a fun night of trivia courtesy of the fact fanatics at Trivia, AD! Ages 21 and up. Wine included with ticket.
Revolutionary Drag Tea Party | Sunday, July 14, 3 pm | $25, includes Museum Admission Dress to impress in your best period-inspired drag and play Revolutionary War-era games, enjoy snacks and cocktails, and compete in categories like Most Revolutionary Outfit. Ages 21 and up. Drinks and snacks included with ticket.
Trans Identity and the Incredible Story of Deborah Sampson, Female Revolutionary War Hero | Wednesday, July 24, 6:30 pm | $20 ($18 Members) Explore the extraordinary, true story of Revolutionary War hero Deborah Sampson with Alex Myers, as he discusses his novel Revolutionary. Ages 21 and up. Wine included with ticket.
Nerdy Thursdays: Revolution Night | Thursday, August 8, 6:30 pm | Free with RSVP Swing by the Museum for this signature event from the Black Gotham Experience that brings together a DJ, gallery talks, cocktails, and a brilliant group of nerdy people. RSVP at blackgotham.com
Watson Adventures: Revolutionary Trail Scavenger Hunt | Friday, August 16, 6 pm | Free with Pay-as-you-wish Admission Explore the Museum’s Revolutionary Trail and solve a series of puzzles involving objects on display, led by Watson Adventures. Game lasts 45 minutes. Smartphone is needed to play.
For additional information about Revolutionary Summer and its related programs, visit nyhistory.org/revsummer.
Lead support for Revolutionary Summer provided by the Achelis and Bodman Foundation. Additional support provided by Richard Brown and Mary Jo Otsea. Support for the MoAR’s participation in Revolutionary Summer is generously provided by William and Candace Raveis. Exhibitions at New-York Historical are made possible by Dr. Agnes Hsu-Tang and Oscar Tang, the Saunders Trust for American History, the Seymour Neuman Endowed Fund, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. WNET is the media sponsor.The New-York Historical Society, one of America’s preeminent culturalinstitutions, is dedicated to fostering research and presenting history and art exhibitions and public programs that reveal the dynamism of history and its influence on the world of today. Founded in 1804, New-York Historical has a mission to explore the richly layered history of New York City and State and the country, and to serve as a national forum for the discussion of issues surrounding the making and meaning of history.
The Museum of the American Revolution explores the dramatic, surprising story of the American Revolution through its unmatched collection of Revolutionary-era weapons, personal items, documents, and works of art. Immersive galleries, powerful theater experiences, and interactive digital elements bring to life the diverse array of people that created a new nation against incredible odds. Visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in the ongoing promise of the American Revolution. Located just steps away from Independence Hall, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration. The Museum is a private, non-profit, and non-partisan organization. For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or call 877.740.1776.
Each year, the National Trust for Historic
Preservation puts out an emergency call to protect the most endangered historic
places. This year’s list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places sheds
light on important examples of our nation’s heritage that are at risk of
destruction or irreparable damage. Over 300 places have been listed in its
32-year history, and in that time, fewer than 5 percent of listed sites have
been lost.
The 2019 list includes a diverse mix of
historic places across America that face a range of challenges and threats,
from climate change to inappropriate development to neglect and disuse.
Find out what you can do to support these
irreplaceable sites:
Primarily settled by formerly enslaved
people after the Civil War, Dallas’ Tenth Street Historic District includes a
collection of buildings dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. A 2010
change to a local ordinance allowed the city to obtain demolition permits for
houses less than 3,000 square feet without Landmark Commission review, which is
substantially increasing the rate of demolition. To date, at least 70 of the
district’s 260 homes have been demolished.
Nashville’s Music Row is a world-class
musical mecca that harbors more than 200 music-related businesses, making it
unlike any other place in the world. Out of its modest homes and large
commercial buildings has emerged an unmatched canon of music recordings across
a wide variety of musical styles, which has delighted music fans for
generations.
Industrial Trust Company Building, Providence, Rhode Island
An iconic part of the Providence skyline,
the 1928 Industrial Trust Company Building is under threat due to deterioration
and deferred maintenance after six years of vacancy. While this site is located
within a qualified “Opportunity Zone” (an area eligible for capital gains tax
incentive benefits), there is no redevelopment plan for the so-called Superman
Building, and its future is in question. Read More.
Ancestral Places of Southeast Utah, Southeast Utah
Listed in the Green Book, the Excelsior
Club was a leading private African American social club in the Southeast,
hosting artists like Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong during its heyday. The
Art Moderne building needs significant investment. The property is currently
listed for sale for $1.5 million, but even if a buyer is found, a reuse plan
and significant investments are necessary to ensure a strong future. Read more.
Hacienda Los Torres—built in 1846 during
the height of Puerto Rico’s coffee industry by Jose Maria Torres—is one of the
last historic coffee plantation houses on the island and one of the oldest
remaining structures in Puerto Rico. It’s also associated with the “Grito de
Lares” revolt and the Spanish-American War.
Long-term deterioration and the effects of
multiple hurricanes, including Hurricane Maria in 2017, threaten this historic
site. Support saving Hacienda Los Torres.
This complex, a unique example of early
Modernism with bas-reliefs depicting scenes of everyday life, was New York
State’s first housing project constructed specifically for African Americans.
Today, the site is vacant and many of its structures are open to the elements.
The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority has proposed demolishing the complex to
construct replacement housing.
The Bismarck-Mandan Rail Bridge connects
Bismarck and Mandan, North Dakota. Constructed in 1883, it was the first rail
bridge built across the upper Missouri River. The iconic bridge has been
recognized as an International Site of Conscience for the role it played in
opening the western United States to white settlement—and the resulting
profound impacts to Native American communities—but it has been proposed for
demolition by railway company BNSF.
The Coast Guard is in consultation with
BNSF and other parties under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation
Act. The Coast Guard has proposed a conditional permit that would require BNSF
to retain the historic bridge until after an adjacent new bridge is
constructed, in order to allow time to identify a preservation solution for the
Bismarck-Mandan Rail Bridge. Tell the Coast Guard not to allow demolition of this
iconic bridge.
For more information, follow us on Twitter and join the conversation using the
hashtag #11Most.
Praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, one of more than 100 holy sites that can be visited on a cruise.
There are more than a hundred cruise itineraries that provide access to sacred places – worldwide sites of healing, guidance, and divine inspiration. The significance of these hallowed sites cannot be expressed in words or pictures – to understand their impact, the faithful must visit them in person, to experience healing, guidance or divine inspiration.
While many of the world’s most sacred sites have historically been inaccessible to all but the hardiest of travelers – those who were able to make arduous overland journeys – the travel experts at CruiseCompete say travelers will find that today’s cruise itineraries make many of these locations surprisingly easy to visit.
Consumers come to CruiseCompete to research and book cruise vacations. More than 1.5 million users have generated close to 4 million requests from consumers, and agents have delivered almost 17 million quotes since 2003. They can compare offers from trusted travel agents, see consumer reviews of agents and agencies responding, then contact travel agents directly for more information and to book cruises. CruiseCompete is a member of the Family Travel Association, a leading authority and resource for family travel information and is home to the Sea Tales 2018 Family Cruise Travel Planner at Travel Resources.
CruiseCompete CruiseTrends™ offers monthly stats for an inside look at consumer trends and what consumers want in cruise vacations.
CruiseCompete takes top honors in Travel + Leisure’s “Top 60 Best Apps and Websites for Travelers” with an honorable mention. The Wall Street Journal praised CruiseCompete as “Best Cruise Travel Site,” The New York Times says, “… independent travel agents compete to offer you the best deal,” and follows similar praise from Travel + Leisure, Kiplinger and The Washington Post. The Street says, “Score luxury cruises at bargain prices.”
Ride & Seek ‘s nearly 1,000 mile Berlin-to-Budapest “Iron Curtain” epic cycling adventure includes five capitals and five distinct cultures connected through a historic period that changed the world.
(Provence, France) – Ride & Seek is introducing a new Berlin-to-Budapest “Iron Curtain” epic cycling adventure that includes five capitals and five distinct cultures connected through a historic period that changed the world. This nearly 1,000-mile bicycle tour begins in Berlin where the fall of the Berlin Wall signaled the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. The trip travels from north to south along some of the best cycling routes Europe has to offer, weaving its way south through Western Europe and what was once part of the Soviet Union. It is offered in two stages– Berlin to Prague over eight days and Prague to Budapest over 11 days. The “Iron Curtain” tour is slated for August 18 – September 4, 2019, and starts at $8,318 USD. To view the full tour, visit https://rideandseek.com/tour/iron-curtain-berlin-to-budapest/.
“This exciting new Berlin-to-Budapest tour crosses the divide between communism and democratic capitalism,” said Ride & Seek Founder Dylan Reynolds. “The history on the tour is still palpable and it is unlike our other historic cycling adventures in that the collapse of the Iron Curtain was witnessed real-time by the majority of our guests.”
Guests will cycle past palaces and through Sorbian villages to the Polish border. In the Czech Republic, they will ride through the romantic countryside of the Czech Middle Mountains and follow the banks of the Elbe River. Bohemia provides peaceful cycling interspersed with beautiful castles, medieval and renaissance towns surrounded by monumental walls. Biking close to the Austrian border, riders will pass well-preserved fortifications from the beginning of WWII. In Austria, they’ll cycle along wooded hillsides and through green meadows onto the Danube River and into Vienna on beautifully kept cycle paths.
From one capital to the next, guests will follow the blue waters of the Danube River past the luxurious palaces of the Viennese nobility to Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava. The group will continue through Hungary to the baroque city of Györ, and then travel through rolling hills famous for its racehorse studs before returning to the Danube River. The last day will include a ride along one of the most scenic parts of the Danube, where the river enters steep hills, creating stunning meanders into the lively heart of Budapest.
“For those who enjoy beer, this trip will not disappoint,” said Reynolds. “Each of the countries we travel through will tell you their beer is the best in the world, but you will have to make up your own mind.”
Iron Curtain Bike Tour Highlights:
Seeing the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie
Cycling along the rivers and canals that cover much of Eastern Germany
Following the Oder-Neisse River along the Polish border to Görlitz, one of Germany’s most beautiful cities
Rolling through the castle-and-fortress-filled Czech Middle Mountains along the banks of the Elbe River
Exploring Telč, a jewel of the Czech Republic and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List
Drinking the world’s best beers: German wheat beers, Czech pilsner, Austrian lager and Hungarian ales
Touring Budapest, an architectural and historical treasure trove along the Danube
Sampling Austrian schnitzel, Viennese-style coffee, chocolate Sachertorte cake, Hungarian Goulash, and German bratwurst.
Ride & Seek is a worldwide adventure cycling company offering historical itineraries with quality lodging, fine gastronomy, and cultural immersion. Cyclists not only see and ride some of the greatest roads in Europe but also visit some of the most spectacular sites as well. Providing a cultural insight into the areas both historically and gastronomically is central. Historical journeys and cultural adventures are specialties. www.rideandseek.com.
Niagara Falls, NY – The much-anticipated Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, an experiential museum that reveals authentic stories of Underground Railroad freedom seekers and abolitionists in Niagara Falls, has just opened, May 4. A project of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Commission in cooperation with the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, a program of the National Park Service, the Heritage Center inspires visitors to recognize modern injustices that stem from slavery and to take action toward an equitable society. It is located in the former 1863 U.S. Custom House attached to the new Niagara Falls Amtrak Station.
“As the first new cultural attraction in the City of Niagara Falls in over 35 years, opening the Underground Railroad Heritage Center is an incredibly significant event, both to the people of Niagara Falls, and throughout the world,” said Bill Bradberry, President and Chair, Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Commission
The Heritage Center’s permanent exhibition, One More River to Cross, features the rich stories of the Underground Railroad in Niagara Falls, the crucial role played by its location and geography, and the actions of its residents – particularly its African American residents. The Heritage Center’s immersive exhibits and cutting-edge interpretation affirmatively align with the principles of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience, whose mission is to connect the past to modern social justice issues – “to turn memory to action.”
Through painstaking research, the exhibition presents engaging digital media, graphics, scenic built environments and facilitated dialogic programming as part of the visitor experience. Scenic exhibit components include a recreation of the Cataract House – a premier international hotel that employed an entirely African American wait staff, who helped uncounted numbers of freedom seekers to freedom in Canada, just across the Niagara River. Also included is a recreation of the International Suspension Bridge, built in 1848, and rebuilt in 1855 to incorporate rail traffic, where Harriet Tubman and other freedom seekers crossed the imaginary line from slavery to freedom. Stories are brought to life with powerful images by award winning illustrator and fine artist E.B. Lewis and voice-overs by Emmy Award winning actor Keith David.
“From the very beginning, the objective for the Heritage Center was to create an immersive experience that brings to life the stories of ordinary individuals who fought for freedom,” said Ally Spongr, Director and Curator, Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center.
The new Heritage Center focuses on stories of courageous self-emancipation by freedom seekers. Throughout the exhibition visitors experience these stories and hear from individuals past and present with the hope that these stories and connections will allow for deeper engagement, consideration of new or different perspectives, and motivation to action.
“The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center will not only shine a light on the significant role Niagara played at this critical time in our nation’s history but the stories of the brave men and women whose contributions to this movement we must never forget. I want to commend the Heritage Commission for their painstaking efforts to bring this educational and interactive experience to life for generations to come,” said Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster.
This project is led by the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Commission, chaired by Bill Bradberry, directed and curated by Ally Spongr, and based on research by lead historian Dr. Judith Wellman. The Heritage Center’s design-build teams include Studio Tectonic of Boulder, Colorado, Richard Lewis Media Group of Boston, Massachusetts, and Universal Services Associates, Inc., of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Commission, 825 Depot Avenue W., Niagara Falls, NY 14305, niagarafallsundergroundrailroad.org.
