As a collector of classic cars, I have always been fascinated by the shape, design, quality and the solid fittings of the vehicles manufactured in the yester years. Much of such qualities have been lost as the present manufacturers armed with advance automation technology and mass production capability, compete against each other for sales and profitability. With advancement in electronics, computerization, mechanical and engineering technology, many people would assume that such outdated antiques will be left to rust in the garage or worst ended up in the junkyard. For the rest, what is left of the car is perhaps, the value of steel and metal parts that fetched some value judging by the irregular hike in scrap metal these days.

However, no one doubts that classic vehicles have been the “forefather” of modern automotive. Basically, the old and the modern cars still works and functions in many similar ways. Of course we have different types of vehicle in the market today powered by electric or hybrid based technology but the basic functionality of the car remains.

Not only have the classic and modern cars traced its history back to each other but information technology in the form of internet has complemented the growth of the cars industry and especially for classic cars which in turn spur the huge growth of interest in such antiques. Before the era of the internet, imagine the difficulties encountered by classic car enthusiasts that have only a small classified post in the newspaper to guide them or the endless trip to the local library and book stores. The internet has become a huge phenomenon not only creating an international pool of like-minded enthusiast but accessibility to information like never before witnessed, whether for sourcing of vehicles or for replacement parts.

In the United States, there is a large category of classic car enthusiasts. As price varies based on makes, models and age, you can find interest in almost every category based on ones affordability. Generally, the term classic cars in the U.S. is a term used to described motor vehicle that is at least 15 years old, not a re-production and with a substantial portion of the cars resembling the original manufacturer specification and appearance. Although there are other more stringent rules set by certain club that require conformity of the cars to a certain standard, category, price and age before the vehicle can be registered or associated with such club. Each club or car association set their own guideline and uphold their standard and classic car enthusiasts are able to register their cars with the respective clubs should the owner of the cars, able to conform to the set guidelines.

There are obviously many clubs and associations in the U.S. Any interested classic car buyer will be able to find the car of their dream by performing a Google search and a list of classic cars club will appear before their screen. Most of the clubs usually has a classified section for sale of classic cars. Others will have classified section that facilitate sale of cars that adhere to the clubs’ standard of conformity. There are also clubs that cater to specific cars brands but most of them usually have a section for owners to sell their cars. Apart from clubs and association, you can also find many websites that sells purely classic cars. Do check them out and also try to find and join internet forums dealing with classic cars to see if others have any experience with buying and selling of cars from such websites. Most car selling websites nowadays offers photos, complete description and history of the car for sale and it saves you a lot of time. Instead of calling or driving around town or going interstate, you can now summarize your choice down to say 2 to 3 cars and pursue your interest with greater precision.

As a serious buyer looking for classic cars, my first task is to compile a check list before I begin hunting for my dream classic machine. However, sometimes, you will find that your mind may wonder from the original intention when you go through the choice of classic cars that is available in the internet market place. In this case, you will have to decide based on your budget level. Here is the check-list. It may not be exhaustive but it has served me well:

1. When you found the car on the website, look at the manner in which the owner writes to describe his car. Although it is not conclusive, but if the owner writes his/her advertisement with seriousness and are passionate about the car he is selling, it gives some hint on the condition and if the car is well looked after. This rule applies to classic or antique cars because you need to have the passion and interest to keep and maintain an antique car.

2. Does the owner allow for personal inspection of the car prior to selling? Again, if you plan to visit the car, bring along a qualified mechanic. Here, you will find that some owners, who took their interest seriously, tend to be very helpful and will walk you through the entire car and show you what is behind the bonnet without you asking! Be sure to bring along the information that you have researched, make sure the cars conforms to the specification of the original car manufacturer. Also, do the documents provided matched with the Vehicle Identification Number, Year, Make, Model, Chassis and Engine Number?

3. Have the advertisers provide a complete list of paperwork and document, if the information is incomplete. Will the owner provide the contact number of his mechanic?

4. For the exterior, look for rust and color matching throughout the entire body of the car, the Trim, Bumper and Grill, the condition of the windscreen especially the visibility, crack or chips, door/bonnet handles and matching keys

5. For the interior you should inspect door, dashboards, the odometer whether there is possibility of finding replacement parts, check the seat and flooring for rust, wear and tear.

6. Have the mechanics check on the engine, possible oil leaks, undercarriage, condition of spark plugs, exhaust and steering system.

7. Start the engine and check on the electrical system such as dashboards gauges, headlights, turn signals, windshield wipers and washers

If you are searching for Classics and Vintage Cars such as AMC, Austin, Austin Healey, Buick Electra, Ford Model A, B, T & others, Plymouth, Willys, Studebaker, Alfa Romeo Spyder, Jaguar, International Harvester, Packard, Edsel, Desoto, Shelby and whole lots of others, you will find it at the links below.

2000

The author shares his passion for cars and trucks. His interest dates back to having his first job as a part-time car salesman more than 20 years ago. Since then he has been a collector of classic cars and shared his interest and knowledge among friends and family members. For those fascinated with classic cars or looking to purchase classic cars for investment or restoration, go to: http://motoringdiscount.blogspot.com/ for further information about buying used cars and trucks online and for our recommended website with the widest range of old classics of all makes and models.

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Tann

Family Calendar

BEND AIRPORT DAY: Featuring vintage and modern aircraft displays, classic cars and motorcycles, helicopter and plane rides, skydiving, a kendama competition …   Read More…

Artist Builds Amazing Vintage Racer From Cardboard And Hot Glue

Gilmour starts with factory blueprints and fashions incredibly accurate replicas of cars — including a full interior — using nothing more than cardboard …   Read More…

South Wales drivers gear up for classic car show

Classic car fans in South Wales are revving up for the second instalment of a new vintage vehicle show. Organisers of the event, which takes place in …   Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

Technorati Tags: Vintage Cars

How about these right… I think you’ll find the following nuggets of wisdom particularly insightful. Leave your comments below. Check out the second one in particular…

Burglary suspects caught by police in vintage Rover

The uniformed officers were in a convoy of privately-owned classic cars travelling to a show at RAF Northolt. When they heard reports on their radios of …   Read More…

Lloyd learning about racing biz

His first year in the real world has been one of maturation for Brad Lloyd, the 2009 Vintage High graduate whose professional auto racing career comes full …   Read More…

West County: Vintage auto show Saturday

The Band of Brothers of The Church at Severn Run, 8187 Telegraph Road, will host Bay Country Vintage Chevrolet Club of America's Car and …   Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

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You and your vehicle will have to meet certain standards in order to purchase antique and classic car insurance. A very important standard is that you have a good driving record. Probably one or two minor violation might be allowed in order for you to qualify. Once upon a time, a car had to be twenty-five years or older to be qualified for classic car insurance. Since antique car collecting has become more popular, cars that are at least 25 years old are considered vintage, but cars that 15 years or older are now considered for vintage insurance. However, cars that are even newer than 15 years are accepted as long as they are considered rare. It is best to check with the insurer to see if your car qualifies.

Your classic vehicle is not expected to be you main means of transportation by insurance companies. You will have to show that you and other drivers in your household have another vehicle to satisfy your daily driving needs. Your antique vehicle is expected to be driven on a “pleasure only” basis by your insurer. Insurers will limit the amount of miles you can drive each year. Twenty-five hundred miles seems to be the average amount of usage for classic cars, but antique classic car insurance companies offer the option of five thousand miles.

Many companies require that the owner have at least five years of driving experience. However, some companies may require the driver to have ten years of experience. Others expect for the driver to be at least twenty-five years of age. As with most insurance companies, security of you vehicle is very important. Most companies will require you store you vehicle in a garage when it is not being used. Others companies may even require a security system. Since antique and classic car insurance has such restrictions, it is less expensive than standard car insurance. Liability coverage for you vehicle can cost less than one hundred dollars per year.

The portion of your policy that covers theft, vandalism, and fire will cost you a bit more. It is estimated to be about one percent of the total value of your car. In other words, if your car is worth $120,000, you can expect to pay $1200 for comprehensive and collision coverage. Remember that other factors come into play such as where you live, how often you drive the vehicle, and the type of vehicle.”

If you enjoyed this article about antique and classic car insurance, go to CarInsuranceTown.Com [http://carinsurancetown.com] to learn more about car insurance.

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Witherspoon

Technorati Tags: Vintage Cars

Just as it is with commodities like jewelry, clothing and handbags, vintage automobiles that are in good condition are definitely expensive. Such is the case with muscle cars which first hit the market in the 1950s and some of which are still available for sale today. These cars continue to show their prowess by selling for a lot of money, so if you are interested in owning one, you better start saving now if you haven’t done so already!

Back in the day, muscle cars were referred to as the most powerful fast cars on the market. They were also made with very modest weights to allow them to have the capability of excessive acceleration although they were not considered the fastest. Most of them were American two door cars with rear wheel drive capability and V8 engines. That kind of description sounds like the language used by motor racing enthusiasts, which is why it is no wonder that many people who are interested in motor racing today also have a marked interest in muscle cars made from decades ago.

Manufacturers like Dodge, Buick, Chevy, Ford and Oldsmobile all put their spin on muscle cars over the years and many of the models are available today.

Whether they are owned by individuals or held on display in museums or automobile showrooms, you can guarantee that you will pay a lot of money for a vintage muscle car. Currently surviving models are now prized possessions for people and some of them even carry prices that easily rival prices of the high value European sports cars. In fact, if you attend an auction, some of the rarest vintage muscle cars from 1965 to 1972 can easily be sold for over $500,000. This would of course depend on the model, its condition as well as the demand on that car.

In particular, in 1969 Chevrolet Camaro with the ZL1 option on is perhaps considered to be valued in the range of high value real estate or priceless pieces of art in museums.

So, although vintage cars are available for sale, you are going to have to ensure you have a lot of money saved up if you want to acquire one of your own. And if your intention is to allow it to retain its value, you are going to need to spend a lot of money maintaining it so it remains in good condition.

William Jason is a muscle car enthusiast. You can visit his blog and read his latest article about the 1969 GTO.

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Jason

Technorati Tags: classic car racing, Vintage Cars

The dictionary defines the word antiques as a piece of art, or wood art or a decorative object that is made over 10 decades a go. There are people who have this hobby of collecting antiques. Antique collection could prove one of the most expensive hobbies eve, even more that of maintaining exuberant golf courses for gold players.

The antiques are pieces of art from earlier period and are priceless and that’s why they at times price more than any one could ever imagine. There could be a wide variety of antique items that could attract the antique collectors. Stamps; furniture; jewelry; cars; paintings; statutes & sculptures the list is endless. Guns and magnificent piece of photography is no different attraction for such antique collectors.

Antique Collection Of Old Guns

The antique gun collection is becoming popular day by day. Gun being the boy toy attract lot of men. Gun is a symbol of pride and power. Especially when it is an antique gun it adds to the status and standard of the antique gun possessor as well. Not only because of the – power, pride and status that these guns brings, the trill associated with them because of them belong to some great legend from the past makes the entire concept even more exciting.

If you practice collecting antique guns or are interested in it, the best source of information about adding more to your collection would be subscribing to the magazines that are available in the market, providing indispensable information about these antique rare pieces. If you are new in the field, to be on the safer side spend more time on researching and collecting information and start with relatively small and less expensive antique guns. The best source for information and purchase of such antiques are the Gun Shows that are organized by big antique gun organizations e.g. NRA.

Antique Collection of Photography

Photographs are no different when it comes to adding to an antique collector’s collection. The antique collections of photographs would have pictures from a very old specific era from – representing a country’s cultures or history. The collection might include beautiful pieces of photography by some well known photographers like – Strand, Paul; Modotti, Tina; Hine, Lewis; Levitt, Helen and many more the list is endless. Or would have beautiful images captured of a very early period, highlighting the culture and trends of that time.

The black and white photo adds to the beauty of such photographs. Such collectors of photographers usually are interested not only in the antique photographs but also have shown explicit inters t in Vintage Photography; Photography from the Civil War and Old Photographs. There are various websites available from where these antiques photographs could be purchased. Though these photographs are priceless – there usually start from as less as $100 with out any upper limit to its cost.

There are number of photo collections available which provides with a whole collection of the series including the negatives of the photos. The list of collections is endless however some of them are –Coloradoan Collection, Hancock Collection, Historical Collection, Map Collection, Miller Collection, Slide Collection, and Triangle Collection.

About The Author

Learn more about Old Guns and Old Photographs.

http://www.tlcollectables.com/collect-a-piece-of-history-with-antique-guns

http://www.tlcollectables.com/collecting-antique-and-vintage-photographs

Cwm couple ready to take part in Abertillery's vintage vehicle show

Last year classic vehicle fans turned out in their hundreds to see the vintage cars, buses, motorcycles and kit cars on display. …   Read More…

Robert Pattinson – The mama's, err, daddy's boy!

The car was of 1980s model and probably imported by his father who was into the business of vintage cars import. Jay Leno, a classic car lover himself, …   Read More…

Rolls Royce enthusiasts bring Wholly Ghost Tour to Pana

Twenty-four of the vintage cars made the stop in Pana. “While many of our members live in the US, it's really an international association,” Suskin said. …   Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

Technorati Tags: Vintage Cars

How about these right… I think you’ll find the following nuggets of wisdom particularly insightful. Leave your comments below. Check out the second one in particular…

Vintage cars draw raves at Watkins Glen

WATKINS GLEN — It's all about the quality of vintage cars and not the quantity, …   Read More…

Mosport's Past Celebrated with the 31st Annual International Vintage Racing …

The 2010 Vintage Festival will return to the glory years of "grassroots sportscar racing" with three days of on-track action. Hundreds of cars and drivers …   Read More…

Vintage automobiles expected

As an added attraction for car owners and the public, a couple of classic car shows are now being planned to run on the French Lick Town Green in …   Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

Technorati Tags: classic car racing, Vintage Cars

I hope you’ve been enjoying my posts lately. I thought I might do something different today and rustle up a few bits of info from around the WWW. These are some of the news items and blog posts that have been popular over the last few weeks. Leave me your thoughts.

Hemmings Find of the Day – 1977 Chrysler Town and Country at …

It was my strong (perhaps OCD-influenced) belief that a brand-new car should have zero miles on it, no more. Dad explained that the few miles were the result of driving the cars on and off car haulers and of shuffling the cars around …

30th Brittany Vintage Car Rally | Brittany and Pays de la Loire …

Map showing route of 30th tour of brittany vintage car rally Well over 2000 participiants, in authentic costumes, will spend what looks like a wonderful weekend driving around the Breton countryside. If you are one of them, …

Tweets for 2010-06-18 | The Hobby Guy

RC Truck & Car: Hello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscri… http://bit.ly/bL2RN7 #rccar #; Crater Lake Part 2 – The Flight | The LapTop Store & Review: do you still fly fpv?? are you going to make any r… http://bit.ly/ dtsQsW #RC #; Rc Jet Airplanes … LA police investigate suspicious box at school http://bit.ly/c1dWWf #; Transformers 3 or Real Steel Robot Image? http://bit.ly/a2Uq6c #; Vintage Tamiya Radio Control Cars through to Modern Tamiya R/C … …

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

Cruise night in Mayfield Village is a classic

The highlight of the night of course is the cruise itself, which allows the vintage car drivers to simply drive down Wilson Mills in a continuous loop set …   Read More…

Local auto racers excel

The Speedway took its time-travelling act further when its racers used vintage coupe and coach body-style race cars seen in the 1930s. …   Read More…

Classic, antique autos driving into Dracut for Veterans Park benefit

In addition to the classic cars, muscle cars, street rods and vintage vehicles of all kinds, the event will feature live entertainment, door prizes, …   Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

Technorati Tags: Vintage Cars

If you are a devotee of custom or classic cars, you may want to think about how to go about financing one. Not everybody who collects classic cars has the cash to pay for it in one fell swoop. Though significantly different from conventional auto financing, this specialty is still something to consider if that perfect car has caught your eye. Just try to get a handle on the process and then make your vintage car dreams come true.

As almost all of the regular sources of auto loans stay away from loans for classic vehicles, a car lender that handles specialty cars will be likely your only option. Unlike other lenders, specialty car lenders don’t use any of the traditional price guides to assess the value of the car in question. They will make their own evaluation as to the cars value.

A good practice to get into is to get a credit report prior to any vehicle shopping. The lender is sure run a credit check, so you should be aware of any problems so that you will have time to address any issues that may be fixable. Remember, all negative activity in your credit history can affect your score and ultimately your ability to secure financing. Foreclosures, bankruptcies and an excessive amount of late payments can significantly damage you scores and hurt your chances of procuring a loan. Furthermore, classic car lenders usually have more rigorous lending rules than do traditional auto lenders.

You will also find that custom car loan terms can differ from those of the common everyday auto lender. It is not unheard of to have a 10-year loan, for example, on a classic auto. New car lenders typically offer loans for a maximum of 6 years.

Classic car financing differs in the amount of down payment required as well. With a new car it is fairly easy to procure a loan that finances the full value of the vehicle – that is, no down payment. Classic car lenders, in most cases, require at least 20 percent of the value as an initial payment. Because of the more subjective manner of estimating the value of a vintage automobile, the larger down payment offers a heftier collateral, in a sense, in the event of loan default.

Classic car lenders almost invariably require some kind of physical inspection of the vehicle before approval of financing. Approval for financing of a new or used car, on the other hand, can be arranged without even viewing the car. Basic information about the car is all that is needed.

There are definitely some challenges that are unique to the buyer trying to arrange financing for a classic car. As is often is the case, title questions can arise with classic vehicles. Make sure that a title does exist before you expend time and energy trying to get a loan. Without a title you are out of luck.

Before you take the steps to financing a classic car, you need to decide if it really makes sense in the long run. Is it for fun or is it an investment or both? Many of the classic vehicles continue to increase in value. Do your research and then determine if borrowing for a classic car is for you.

Scot Josephson writes more about Classic Car Financing at http://www.LearnAboutFinancing.com

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scot_Josephson

Technorati Tags: classic car racing, Vintage Cars

I used to hate shopping and would often forget to even buy cards for birthdays because the thought of going to a store and spending hours picking something out was so unappealing.

Don’t get me wrong. I love the idea of gifts…when it is truly a gift. A true gift is when you come across something you know absolutely the other person would like and is unique to them. A true gift is NOT when you buy something from a list that the person gave you or registry. It’s more like business transaction. You’re just getting them what they asked for. The same applies to gift cards. Sure, sometimes you have to buy them, especially if you’re getting a gift for a teenager or someone impossible to buy for, but it never feels like a true gift, just a business transaction.

Thanks to the internet and some strategies I’ve learned over the past couple of years to keep myself stocked with the perfect gifts to give people throughout the year.

1. Use your Amazon wish list. If a friend or relative makes mention of a book or CD or other item that they want to have, and I’m confident they aren’t going to buy it for themselves, I put it on my Amazon wish list and make a note to buy it for that person for Christmas or for their birthday. Then when that occasion comes around I just check my wish list and buy it for them.

If you know that someone is, say, interested in both fashion and photography, and you come across a blog entry about an interesting book of fashion photos, you should also add that to your Amazon wish list with a note to buy it for them at the next holiday or birthday. I do this repeatedly throughout the year and, without fail, the recipient is thrilled with the gift, especially because it’s a surprise and they hadn’t heard of the book or item before yet is something they are interested in.

2. Go to eBay and type in the name of the person’s favorite TV shows, rock bands, cartoon characters, cars and other interests. You’ll get all kinds of interesting search results for unique items the person has probably never heard of before but would be interested in receiving. The items will often be vintage or something that would be impossible to find in a brick and mortar store. Gifts like this are always hit and inexpensive options are almost always available.

3. Go to Froogle.com, which is a Google site that lets you search for stuff to buy. It brings up only search results for the product and is very efficient way to find items and browse by category. There is a “compare prices” button for each item. You can also refine your searches to particular price ranges, brands and stores.

And for another way to find the best prices online, I highly recommend this free shopping tool at:

http://www.myshoppinggenie2.com

About The Author

Husband to a great wife, with whom we share eight children. John has owned a business for over 20 years.

Robert Pattinson's car catches fire

Robert Pattinson told Leno that while he was driving his car the dashboard caught fire. Leno, who is a classic car guy loves vintage cars and was amused to …   Read More…

Get your motor runnin' for Cruzin' Havana

First-time attendees to the festival this year will include race cars from Bandimere Speedway and Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing as well as members of the …   Read More…

Craig car show may draw larger crowd than in past

The winner of the cash prize, as well as a complete vintage air system, will be chosen randomly with each vehicle entry earning a chance in the drawing. …   Read More…
That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

Technorati Tags: Vintage Cars

Santiago de Cuba, located between the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Maestra mountain range, is the Eastern capital and home of the Cuban Son, which is the father of all Cuban rhythms of this century. It is the capital of the Santiago de Cuba Province in the eastern region of the island and the country’s second largest metropolis. This city, rich in culture, tradition, and also in natural and architectural treasures, provides travelers with amazing experiences in their Cuba vacations. From hill-walking and mountaineering to historical and cultural tours, Santiago de Cuba is a destination that will not disappoint you.

For those who love nature and who enjoy mountain-climbing and hill-walking activities, Santiago de Cuba offers several points of interest like: the Sierra Maestra mountain range and Baconao Biosphere Reserve, where La Gran Piedra (The Great Stone) stands out.

The rugged topography of the Sierra Maestra, with elevations of up to 1,300 m above sea level, is unique in the island and famous for its landscapes of breathtaking beauty and unbelievable variety. Among these elevations are the three highest peaks of Cuba: the Pico Real del Turquino with 1,974 m, the Pico Cuba with 1,872 m and the Pico Suecia with 1,734 m above sea level. This scenery gives the visitor the feeling of being at the top of the island, and you can literally touch the clouds in the sky. It is an exclusive place where one can get the best view of the rivers, forests, mountains and valleys that surround the region. It’s also considered as one of the most important well-preserved areas in Cuba, due to the great diversity of its flora and fauna. I highly recommend bringing your camera along to take some pictures of endemic flowers and animals of the zone. Bird watching is also a popular activity in this area.

Moreover the Sierra Maestra is an emblematic site where decisive moments of the Cuban Revolution took place. In an intricate zone of this territory explorers can find the Comandancia de la Plata, the First Front of the Rebel Army, a place with historical value.

If you are traveling with the whole family, Baconao Park will be an excellent choice in your itinerary. Located in the Sierra Maestra, the Baconao Park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve List in 1987, including three well defined biogeographic zones: the “Meseta de Santiago”, the “Sierra de la Gran Piedra” and the “Meseta Santa Maria de Loreto”. It incorporates beaches, mountains, lakes, forests and ruins of French coffee plantations. Visitors can appreciate a high biodiversity in flora and fauna, being a wonderful experience for nature lovers. Moreover, there is an International Diving Center and the Land Transport Museum, which exhibits over 2,000 miniature vehicles along with an exposition of vintage cars. Also, one can enjoy a visit to the Aquarium where dolphins and seals put an excellent show for both children and adults, exhibiting their abilities.

One of the main attractions of this zone is La Gran Piedra (The Great Stone), a majestic and magnificent rock formation. This enormous rock of volcanic origin is on the top of a mountain at 1,125 meters. Due to its gorgeous sceneries, this place constitutes a natural viewpoint. It is said that in the clear nights the lights of Jamaica can be seen from there. It’s also considered one of the largest rocks in the world.

Have children? Take them to the Prehistory Valley, an amazing collection of reproductions of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals made of stone in almost their natural size. These fantastic creatures are disseminated on a wide valley surrounded by mountains, in the same places where the legendary animals should have lived. This valley is a great venue for photography. Kids will love it!

On the other hand, Santiago de Cuba is an artistic and cultural centre of great prominence in the history of Cuba. Visitors have the chance to enjoy historical tours in the midst of marvelous natural landscapes. Characterized by a solid historical background and cultural traditions, this city offers a wonderful display of historic sites such as the Cathedral, the first one in Cuba (1522) and the Casagranda Hotel which can be found in the city centre: by the Céspedes Park. Santiago de Cuba is the home of Cuba’s oldest palaces and museums, including the Casa de Diego Velázquez also located in the Céspedes Park area. This zone continues to be a large part of the city’s social life and it is known as Céspedes Park in honor of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, a national hero also called the Founding Father or Father of the Homeland.

Among other significant buildings situated in the heart of the city is the Nuestra Señora de Asunción Cathedral. The Tour of the Revolution Square is also recommended. Best explored by foot, on your own or with one of the many guided tours available, Santiago de Cuba also has numerous museums and art galleries. One of the most popular museums is the Cuartel Moncada, the yellow barracks whose exterior is marked with carefully re-opened bullet holes, remindings of the July day in 1953 when Fidel Castro and a group of rebels launched an assault. It treasures the rebels’ weapons, bloodstained uniforms, photographs, letters, and other documents. There’s also the Granjita Siboney Museum, which was the place of gathering for the attack of the Moncada garrison. It now shows memorabilia of the assault.

Santiago de Cuba was the homeland of many notorious Cubans as well. That’s why travelers can find in this city numerous museums that were the birthplace of famed figures of the Cuban history. One can visit the Native House of José María Heredia, one of Cuba’s greatest poets; the Native House of Antonio Maceo, a leader of the war of independence and the Native House of Frank País, a hero who fought against the dictatorship of the 1950’s. Furthermore, there are other historical sights to see in Santiago de Cuba such as the Museum of Carnival, which aims to give an overview of the great tradition of carnival in Santiago. It’s also interesting the Emilio Bacardi Museum, one of Cuba’s first museums that keep a valuable collection covering the period between the Spanish conquest and the Wars of Independence (from Spain). Other remarkable sights are the Museum of Rum that exhibits all about the great beverage and the Museum “La Isabelica”, which shows some history of the French settlements in the area and displays farming implements and archeological objects.

One more historic attraction is the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery. This large cemetery is a small city of the dead, populated by elaborate marble tombs including several spectacular mausoleums. One of these belongs to José Marti, National Hero and one Cuba’s most lucid and visionary men of all times. This cemetery gathers tombs for such historic notables as Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, the “Father of the Homeland”, and Emilio Bacardi, including graves from those who fought for revolution, like Frank País.

Another world heritage site: The San Pedro de la Roca del Morro Castle can be found on the outskirts of this historical city. This fortress is one of the most formidable defensive works constructed by the Spaniards in the island. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as “the most complete, best-preserved example of Spanish-American military architecture based on Italian and Renaissance design principles”. From this fortification the visitor can see the whole bay of Santiago de Cuba where took place the famous naval battle in 1898 between US and Spanish troops. The fortress now houses the Museum of Piracy.

Santiago de Cuba is also a centre of great religious importance. Located about 20 km far from the city the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad (Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre Sanctuary) is the most important shrine in the island. The walls of the church are laden with gifts from people that were healed or asked for the Virgin’s blessing. Many are the visitors who come to Santiago to climb the hill of this sanctuary dedicated to the Patron Saint of Cuba. Some of them come to keep a promise, others take offerings which are added to the hundreds of pieces and objects that have been dedicated to the Virgin among which, is Hemingway’s Nobel Prize medal. Some people often collect copper stones from the mine close to the church.

Finally, a journey to Santiago de Cuba would not be complete without sampling its cultural activities. Santiago de Cuba is famous for its celebrations, including the Festival of Caribbean Culture sometimes known as the Feast of Fire, and the popular Santiago Carnival which takes place every July. With the many festivals it holds, the city is called the cultural capital of the Caribbean.

Even though July in Santiago de Cuba tends to be extremely hot, it’s probably the best time to enjoy its famous festivities. When the carnival begins in Santiago the whole city turns into one big party. What most characterize the carnival are the congas, which can be heard in areas such as Trocha or on any street. Contagious drum rhythms draw local people and visitors alike into one long flowing dance. Popular orchestras make their way to Santiago for the festivities. For the locals: music to dance to and plenty of beer is enough to make the carnival a success.

For those who appreciate other cultural pursuits and those who favor music and nightlife, Santiago de Cuba has its share of things to offer. Many music and dance venues exist such as the Casa del Caribe where tourists go for authentic Afro-Cuban shows and lessons; but Tropicana Santiago deserves a required visit. It is called the Cabaret of the Caribbean and it is considered one of the largest nightclubs in Cuba. The fame of Tropicana Santiago’s shows has gone beyond Cuban borders, thus is a popular place if you are seeking night-time entertainment. However, there are other trendy places like the Trova House, a bar club where visitors can enjoy Cuban and Santiago’s traditional music. Furthermore, the Heredia Street, very famous for its intense cultural and social life, leads visitors to better discovery of the best exponents of “son”, bolero and a unique movement of troubadours.

About The Author

Giselle Rodríguez is a Blogger at http://www.umbrellatravel.com

Car club swap meet is Sunday at Chemeketa

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That’s all the news for today guys, so until next time, thanks for stopping by.

Technorati Tags: Vintage Cars

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