Despite difficulties encountered during the Civil War, including fires and natural disasters, many of the city’s original buildings still exist today. The city of Charleston is bound to captivate you, especially if you start your tour by visiting some of the area’s most respected historic attractions.

10. Market Hall

Market Hall, found in the section of Charleston North of Broad, was originally built in 1841. The market’s building was built to resemble the Temple of Nike, found in Athens, Greece. Inside this incredible architectural site you’ll find a number of interesting Confederate artifacts, most of which are housed in the Confederate Museum.

9. Drayton Hall

Drayton Hall, built somewhere around 1738, is one of the most respected examples of remaining Georgian-Palladian architecture still in existence in the United States today. Drayton Hall is located West of the Ashley River and is the only Ashley River plantation house that was able to avoid destruction during the Civil War. Inside you’ll find original woodwork, plaster moldings, and copies of historic documents tracking the sale and purchase of slaves.

8. The Hunley

The Hunley was the first successfully built submarine, constructed for the Confederates in 1864. No one knows why, but the submarine vanished suddenly not long after it was completed and was not found again until 1995 where it was discovered near Sullivan’s Island. The submarine was raised from the waters in the year 2000 and is now preserved in a large tank. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance if you want to see this amazing site.

7. Fort Sumter National Monument

April 12, 1861 marks a turning point in history. On that day, from Fort Sumter, the first battle of the Civil War was fought. The Union was forced to give up the fort which was then held by the Confederates until it was abandoned in February of 1865. The fort, which was destroyed, is now controlled by the National Park Service.

6. Charles Pickney National Historic Site

The Charles Pickney National Historic Site, located near Mount Pleasant, represents all that survives from the Charles Pickney Estate – Charles Pickney being one of the drafters and first signers of our country’s Constitution. A tour of the estate will teach you about plantation life and the relationships between slaves and their owners during the pre-Civil War era.

5. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is also located West of the Ashley River. Construction of the garden began in 1685 and has grown into a stunning collection of historic artifacts and botanical wonder. The site is home to a 19^th century plantation house, a 125-acroe Waterfowl Refuge, a 30-acre Audubon Swamp Garden, a small petting zoo, and much more. This is a great place to learn about the development of the Charleston area, from both a natural and historic perspective.

4. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, located South of Broad, was first built in 1752. The oldest remaining church in Charleston, St. Michael’s has undergone several changes over time. The steeple clock wasn’t added until 1764 and the altar wasn’t added until 1892. This amazing historic church is open to the public every day except Sunday.

3. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

The Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is located in the Mount Pleasant section of Charleston and was the home to several notable ships, aircraft carriers, destroyers, and submarines used during World War II and Vietnam. Most notable were the USS Yorktown, the USS Clamagore, and the USS Laffey. Exhibits include information about watercraft, air craft, and specific battles or projects in which they were used.

2. South Carolina Aquarium

Charleston is the proud home of the South Carolina Aquarium where more than 10,000 aquatic creatures from over 500 different marine species live in natural habitats. One of the most astounding features is the 380,000 gallon Great Ocean exhibit with a gigantic window rivaling those found in most other North American aquariums.

1. College of Charleston

Built in 1828, Randolph Hall, serves as one of the main focal points of the College of Charleston today. The college was founded in 1770 but this particular building is a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture and its surrounding quad is the location of many major graduation ceremonies and concerts.

The city of Charleston has lots to offer visitors from all walks of life but is an especially charming city for history enthusiasts – especially those with a passion for the Civil War. Book a Charleston hotel, pack your bags, and enjoy a weekend in one of the friendliest cities in the South.

This however, is all about The Second City, Chicago. Home of Oprah, Michael Jordan and for a time, Barack and Michelle Obama, the city attracts well over 30 million domestic visitors a year but sadly, only about 1 million from abroad. Despite status as a world class city, with a rich history, vibrant arts, culture and restaurant scene, iconic skyline and vast urban park system, Chicago deserves more foreign love. Just consider these ten must-see attractions in The City of Big Shoulders.

10. Art Institute of Chicago

One of many fine attractions in improbable, immense Grant Park, the Art Institute of Chicago has one of the most impressive collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art on the planet. Notable masterpieces in the museum’s permanent collection include Bedroom in Arles by Vincent Van Gogh, The Basket of Apples by Paul Cézanne and American Gothic by Grant Wood.

9. Adler Planetarium

One of several U.S. National Historic Landmarks in Chicago, the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum was the first planetarium built in the Western Hemisphere. Part of Museum Campus Chicago, a lakefront park that also features the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum of Natural History, the Adler is a major symbol of the city.

8. Shedd Aquarium

One of best aquariums in the world, bar none, the Shedd contains over 32,500 fish, marine mammals, birds, snakes, amphibians, and insects. With over 2 million annual visitors, the aquarium is the most popular cultural attraction in Chicago.

7. Wrigley Field

Of course, with annual attendance over 3 million since 2004, perhaps Wrigley Field deserves to eclipse Shedd Aquarium in that department. The home of the Chicago Cubs is one of only two classic ballparks left in America. Only Fenway Park in Boston is older.

6. Green City Market

Consistently one of the top farmer’s markets in the United States, Chicago’s Green City Market is a model in the sustainable food movement. At the south end of Lincoln Park, the vast market proves that Chicago has a lot more than hot dogs and deep-dish pizzas on the menu.

5. Millennium Park

Within gigantic Grant Park and the historical center of downtown Chicago known as The Loop, Millennium Park is a popular congregation spot. The park and huge rooftop garden has only been open since 2004 but has fast become a favorite with locals and visitors alike. The most awesome feature of Millennium Park may be the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, with design by architect Frank Gehry.

4. Magnificent Mile

The principal thoroughfare of The Loop, the Magnificent Mile portion of Michigan Avenue provides Chicago with a street icon. Home to several indelible landmarks, such as the Old Chicago Water Tower District, Allerton Hotel, Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building, the Mile is definitely must-see.

3. Field Museum of Natural History

The Field Museum is simply one of the best in the world in the realm of natural history. On the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the facility contains a prodigious collection of well over 20 million specimens, with some of the best dinosaur bones you will ever see.

2. Willis Tower Skydeck

Want a peerless view of Chicago? Head to the incredible Willis (formerly Sears) Tower Skydeck. The observation deck is on floor 103 of what is the fifth-tallest skyscraper in the world.

1. Lincoln Park

At 1,200 acres, Lincoln Park provides Chicago with a massive recreation space. Astride Lake Michigan, the park contains baseball fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, tennis courts, a golf course, gardens, a lake, theater, zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and many important monuments.

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We guarantee you’ll see more stars in the sky than you will anywhere else in the world. They’re beautiful and amazing and you’ll be glad you made the trip to see them.

7. Monte-Megantic National Park – Quebec, Canada

Travel around 145 miles east, away from Montreal, and you’ll find the astounding Mont-Megantic National Park in Quebec, Canada.

The park is part of what is known as the Dark Sky Reserve, a dedicated plot of Canadian land earmarked for work designed to preserve the amazing views of the night sky from the area. The park is also home to the esteemed ASTROLab where astronomers regularly interpret what they see in the skies.

6. Joshua Tree National Park – California

Considered part of the California national parks system, Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places in the country for stargazing. The skies here are so clear, and the park is so popular, the Andromeda Astromonical Society has chosen the park as the home of its monthly start gazing party. Joshua Tree is an amazing place to visit if you want to catch a clear view of the Milky Way.

5. Atacama Desert – Chile

In the Atacama Desert in Chile you may be discouraged at finding yourself at high altitudes and breathing some pretty dry air. On the other hand, you’ll be breathing some of the least polluted air on the planet and, as such, gazing into some of the cleanest skies – the perfect place to check out the stars.

Make sure you visit the Observatorio Cerro Mamalluca while you’re in the desert. They offer public tours and will educate you about the stars you can see from Atacama Desert.

4. Southern Africa

It’s hard to pinpoint just one great stargazing destination in Southern Africa as there aren’t many areas that will disappoint you. Southern Africa isn’t incredibly populated so the lack of people equals minimal pollution, meaning the skies will be clearer than they would be in a rural setting.

If you head towards Cape Town or Sutherland you’ll find the South African Astronomical Observatory where you can catch a glimpse of the stars under the guidance of some of the area’s most dedicated astronomers.

3. Valentia Island – Ireland

The skies along the western coast of Ireland are particularly dark. These cloudless skies may make you feel as though you’re part of an eerie movie but when you look up above you’ll be astounded by what you see. Valentia Island is one of the most recommended (and most popular) places to see the stars in Ireland. Plan to spend an evening or two in the area, either camping or renting a vacation home on the island.

2. Hawaii – United States

Want to enjoy a tropical getaway and catch a glimpse of an astoundingly clear night sky? Head to any Hawaiian destination and you’ll be astounded at the stargazing opportunities that present themselves. If you head towards Manua Kea you can visit one of the largest observatories in the world. Just make sure you visit before 2025, the year scientists expect to find that all of the dark skies in the United States will be permanently polluted.

1. Wiruna – New South Wales, Australia

In the middle of the woods of New South Wales you’ll stumble upon a 100 square acre section of land that is completely clear and protected, reserved for dedicated stargazers. Owned by local astronomers, the area is home to some of the darkest skies in the world – perfect for stargazing either during the annual South Pacific Star Party or at any other time throughout the year.

Take advantage of any opportunity you can get to stargaze. As the world becomes more polluted, areas with clear dark skies will become few and far between. Before you know it, stargazing will be a thing of the past. Make sure you enjoy the experience while you still can.

Himeji Castle

In what will soon prove to be a pattern, Himeji-jo or Himeji Castle, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More people visit the historic castle in the city of Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, than any other in Japan. Together with Matsumoto and Kumamoto, Himeji is one of the “Three Famous Castles” and dates back to the early 14th century.

Naka Castle

The island of Okinawa and indeed, prefecture of the same name, is replete with gusuku, the native word for castle fortress. Nakagusuku, though in ruins, is important as the former haven of legendary 15th century Ryukyuan commander Gosamaru. The castle was built from native stone, like other gusuku on Okinawa, to ward off invasions from Katsuren Castle.

Matsumoto Castle

A National Treasure, Matsumoto is one of the most pristine castles left in Japan. A popular day trip from Tokyo, the castle dominates the landscape of the small city of Matsumoto, home to just over 220,000 people. Most of the original 16th century landmark is still intact for visitors to enjoy today.

Nijo Castle

Almost singular in construction and appearance, Nijo Castle in gorgeous Kyoto is a marvel. The entire castle complex contains 275,000 square meters, with many landmarks, from Ninomaru Palace to Honmaru Palace, and gardens to explore. A real Kyoto gem.

Hikone Castle

Like many castles in Japan, Hikone towers over a small city with the same name. Within scenic Shiga Prefecture, Hikone Castle dates back to the Edo period and early 17th century. Today it ranks as a vital National Treasure.

Nakijin Castle

Another precious castle in ruins on Okinawa Island, Nakijin is nonetheless visible enough to enjoy. From a hilltop perch near the coast of the South China Sea, one can imagine the level of majesty the castle and fortress complex had over the landscape. The ruins of Nakijin remain a place spiritual veneration with native Okinawans today.

Kumamoto Castle

The last of the “Three Famous Castles” to make our list, Kumamoto is the principal point of interest in a city with close to one million people. The former home of a feudal lord and his court, the castle dates back to the late 15th century. While the fortress is great, the star attraction may well be the ornate and intricate garden in the back.

Shuri Castle

A key component of a vast network of UNESCO World Heritage gusuku and Ryukyuan religious monuments in Okinawa, Shuri Castle is now part of the prefecture capital of Naha. Back in the day however, Shuri was a separate royal city, with all the inherent landmarks typical of the Ryukyu Kingdom. In power from the 15th century to the 19th century, the kingdom left behind a spectacular palace in Shuri Castle. From the Bridge of Nations Bell to the Shureimon gate, Tamaudun mausoleum and formal gardens, the complex is a gem on the island of Okinawa.

Zakimi Castle

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9. Melbourne Cup Day – Australia

Melbourne Cup Day may seem like a strange holiday but has been an annual tradition in Austrlia since 1861.The holiday marks the beginning of a major thoroughbred race in which only horses that are three years or older are allowed to race. The event is held on the first Tuesday in November each year.

8. Thanksgiving Day – United States

It’s no secret that those in the United States will be celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday this November. Always celebrated on the 4^th Thursday, Thanksgiving is sometimes considered more of a harvest festival. In the past, Thanksgiving was celebrated in order to give thanks for the survival of our ancestors upon their arrival in the New World. Today, Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks for our harvests and all that is around us.

7. Vertieres Day – Haiti

On November 18^th, residents of Haiti gather to celebrate Vertieres Day. The Battle of Vertieres is particularly notable to Hatians because it was the last important battle in the Second War of Haitian Independence. On November 18, 1804, the Hatians attacked the Vertieres fort which, at the time, was held by the French. They were victorious and on January 1, 1804 Haiti was declared an independent republic.

6. Iqbal Day – Pakistan

In Pakistan, the birth of Muhammad Iqbal is considered an important holiday, usually celebrated on November 9^th. Iqbal served as a role model and had a vision for a safe and independent state where the Muslims currently under British rule could live. His ideas and life work led to the inspiration for the creation of the country of Pakistan.

5. Independence Day – Poland

On November 11^th in Poland you’ll find people taking off from work in celebration of Independence Day. Every country has its own but Poland, instead of celebrating Veteran’s Day with so many other countries, will spend the day celebrating the restoration of its independence in 1918 after having been controlled by Russia, Austro-Hungary, and Prussia for more than 120 years.

4. Discovery Day – Puerto Rico

November 19^th marks Discovery Day in Puerto Rico. Despite what people may think about Christopher Columbus and his “discoveries” today, Puerto Ricans celebrate the day that he celebrated their island during his second trip to the “New World.”

3. St. George’s Day – Georgia

In the country of Georgia, and in any other country that considers Saint George to be a patron Saint, you’ll find celebrations of St. George’s Day. Celebrated on November 23^rd, many will celebrate by building fires and blessing their houses, families, and anything else they can find with holy water. St. George’s Day may be celebrated on different days in other countries.

2. Obama Day – Kenya

Yes, believe it or not, there is a national holiday named after the President of the United States, Barack Obama. Obama Day was declared a national holiday in Kenya that will be celebrated annually, beginning this year, in order to celebrate the election of the president. The president of Kenya declared the holiday because Barack Obama’s father was from Kenya.

1. Remembrance Day – Global

All around the world, individuals stop what they are doing to celebrate Remembrance Day on November 11^th. The day, also known as Poppy Day, Armstice Day, or Veterans day (depending on the country you live in), is recognized globally in order to honor those who lost their lives during World War I. It’s held on the 11^th of November because the war ended on the “11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month” during the year 1918. Countries observing the holiday include Australia, Bermuda, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Canada, and the United States, amongst others.

Ready to celebrate with friends and family from around the world? Gather together, plan a dinner or party, and honor your cultures and traditions. You don’t need to be in the country of origin in order to celebrate it’s holidays!

Vastly different from that first austere celebration in 1621 at Plymouth Plantation, Thanksgiving today is not so much about a successful harvest and scurvy survival as it is about football, food and unbeatable prices on household appliances. Still, it has a poignant ring to it, no?

If you have travel plans this Thanksgiving, we salute you. The long four-day or even five-day weekend sees a Herculean spike in air, rail and highway traffic, as tens of millions of people head home to break bread with family. It takes a strong stomach and iron will to brave the crowds. With all that in mind, here are some ways to enjoy Thanksgiving, American style.

Black Friday

The Friday after Thanksgiving starts before the crack of dawn for a lot of people in America. Millions line up in the wee hours of the night at big box mega-stores to score deals on video game consoles, smart phones, plasma screen televisions, furniture and countless other retail items. Once in a while, assaults, riots and stampedes break out, as unruly shoppers rain blows on each other over the last iPhone 3GS, for example. Ah, consumerism.

Thanksgiving Classic

A decidedly more civil brand of violence occurs every Thanksgiving in the form of the National Football League’s Thanksgiving Classic. A tradition since 1920, two usual Sunday gridiron contests take place on Thanksgiving Thursday, with the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys as hosts. Since 2006, a third game has been on the holiday schedule as well. For fans in The Motor City and Big D, the Thanksgiving Classic is a huge deal. The tailgate party at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington should be one to remember this year.

College Football

For the ultimate tailgate experience however, celebrate Thanksgiving on campus. After all, college football and turkey go together like frat boys and beer bongs. Football purists know that the best tailgate scenes take place outside stadiums in towns like College Station, Boulder and Columbia and not in big market NFL hubs. Classic Thanksgiving college match-ups include Florida vs. Florida State, Clemson vs. South Carolina, Auburn vs. Alabama, Texas vs. Texas A&M, Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State and Grambling vs. Southern.

High School Football

While college football draws crowds in excess of 100,000 people, there is no purer expression of Thanksgiving football than at the small town high school level. In states like Texas, Oklahoma, Alabama and Florida, football is a religion. If you find yourself in a small community come Thanksgiving, do yourself a favor and check out the local high school game. The atmosphere is unreal and Americana all the way.

Parades

Whether in person or on television, to truly celebrate Thanksgiving in style, you have to take in a parade. The mother of all Thanksgiving parades takes place in New York City of course, with the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Other big ones go down in Chicago, Seattle, Detroit, Houston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and St. Louis however.

Television Specials

Aside from football, no tradition screams Thanksgiving in America like the advent of television specials like A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, Miracle on 34th Street, The Wizard of Oz or other holiday staples. When the tryptophan hits, these classics hit the spot.

Food, Food and more Food

For those unfamiliar with holiday food staples in America beyond the usual turkey, cranberry sauce and gravy, head to the Deep South where seasonal treats like cornbread oyster dressing, fried okra, candied yams and stewed collard greens inject Thanksgiving with a little soul.

Check out the best hotel rates in destinations all over America.

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10. Belém Tower

If Lisbon is the veritable heart of Portugal, the Belém Tower is the undisputed symbol of the capital city. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the late 16th century to honor the exploratory exploits of of Vasco da Gama.

9. Museu Calouste Gulbenkian

Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian was a famous businessman and philanthropist from Armenia with a ferocious appetite for art. Upon his death in 1955, a foundation was set up to disperse a large share of his fortune and vast art collection. One of the results was the world class Museu Calouste Gulbenkian.

8. Jerónimos Monastery

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery is the most successful interpretation of the Manueline, or Portuguese Late Gothic style. Construction of the magnificent monument took over half a century and today, the brilliant complex symbolizes the Age of Discovery in Portugal.

7. Castelo de Sao Jorge

For brilliant views of Lisbon and the Tejo River, the medieval citadel that overlooks the city is a must. Castelo Sao Jorge, in the historic heart of Lisbon, is a glorious relic of the Middle Ages.

6. Estadio da Luz

The Stadium of Light, or Estadio da Luz, is the ultimate theater of football in Portugal and one of the best in Europe. The UEFA Elite Stadium holds over 65,000 fans and is the home of legendary Benfica. Built for UEFA Euro 2004, the facility features a polycarbonate roof and superb pitch.

5. Chiado

Between the Lisbon neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and Baixa Pombalina, Chiado is the name of a square and area of the city. A wonderful mix of old and new, Chiado has some notable landmarks to discover. The monument to national poet António Ribeiro for one, in addition to the A Brasileira café, Santa Justa Lift and Carmo Convent.

4. Alfama

The most historic neighborhood of Lisbon connects the Castelo of Sao Jorge with the shores of the Tejo River below. As such, Alfama has a lot to offer, with scores of nooks and narrow streets to explore. The area is popular today for restaurants, nightlife and Fado bars and teems with tourists and locals on warm summer nights. Great attractions in Alfama include the Monastery of Sao Vicente de Fora and spectacular Church of Santa Engrácia.

3. Baixa

Baixa, or Pombaline Lower Town, is a wonderful section of central Lisbon built for the most part, after the destructive earthquake of 1755. Look for the district to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the near future.

2. Sé de Lisboa

Though in Alfama, we have to single out the Lisbon Cathedral on our must-see list. Construction on the Sé began in 1147, with subsequent restorations in the wake of fires, earthquakes and general wear and tear. Despite a change in appearance since the medieval era, the cathedral is incredible to behold, with tons of interior gems to admire. The Gothic cloister is particularly cool.

1. Bairro Alto

Another fine area of central Lisbon is the Bairro Alto. Though historic, the neighborhood has undergone a period of epic transformation over the past two decades. Now completely pedestrian, the Bairro has become a pulse point for counterculture, live music and nightlife in Lisbon. Though problems with drugs, vandals, petty theft and graffiti persist, if you want to party in Lisbon, the Bairro is the place to be.

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After the dot com glass ceiling fell through, the city readjusted itself to a more moderate standard of living and the city is once again a wonderful place for tourists and residents to enjoy. With plenty of cultural attractions, parks, and theatres to choose you are guaranteed to have a packed itinerary throughout your stay.

When to Visit San Francisco

San Francisco is a nice place to visit just about any time of year. The nicest weather, where temperatures are actually at their warmest, occurs between September and October. The coldest temperatures are around 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius) to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.6 degrees Celsius). The winter months are usually rainy and the added wind from the nearby ocean can make temperatures seem cooler than anticipated so you should plan accordingly.

Transportation in San Francisco

Despite being one of the most popular and largest tourist destinations in the United States, the city of San Francisco proper is actually pretty small. With that in mind, it’s safe to say that you can reach most tourist attractions from any San Francisco hotel you choose to stay in.

Many San Francisco tourists enjoy walking from attraction to attraction. The most popular destinations, including Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Union Square, are easy to get to from the center of the city. You should be in relatively good shape and wear comfortable walking shoes, though – the steep slopes are more than some people expect them to be.

If walking isn’t your thing you will find a very promising public transportation system. There are streetcars, cablecars, buses, and a large subway system to choose from. The largest transportation system, Muni, is in charge of almost all of these systems and is incredibly reliable.

Taxi cabs and bicycles also provide viable options but we don’t recommend you try to drive in the city unless you are already familiar with its layout. Even if you do find your end destination we’re pretty sure you’ll have a ridiculously rough time finding a place to park.

Health and Safety Considerations in San Francisco

San Francisco is like every other major city around the world. It has a few areas you might want to avoid but is relatively safe for the average tourist.

The city of San Francisco has a high homeless population and you’ll likely see people panhandling almost everywhere you go. It is believed that most of the panhandlers, especially those near the Civic Center, are not dangerous but many have mental illnesses and exhibit unpredictable behavior and should be avoided.

During the evening hours you should stay out of the “Tenderloin” and Mission districts. These are safe areas during the day but they transform into something completely different at night. Ask your hotel concierge to help you mark your map so that you understand exactly where these areas begin and end before going out.

Free and Low Cost Attractions in San Francisco

The cost of living in San Francisco is relatively high. Somehow, though, the city manages to offer quite a variety of free and low-cost attractions to the public. Keep your eyes peeled for special deals during different parts of the week and make sure you explore the city parks, beaches, and public areas for some of the area’s hottest free theater performances.

There are several museums in San Francisco that offer free admission all of the time. These include:

• Chinese Culture Center
• Creativity Explored
• Fort Point Natural Historic Site
• Museo Italo-Americano
• Octagon House
• San Francisco Cable Car Museum
• Tattoo Art Museum
• San Francisco Art Institute

There are several other museums throughout San Francisco that do not offer free admission all of the time but do participate in a free admission program during the first week of every month. Each offers free admission on a different day so you’ll want to check in advance before heading out. These include:

• Asian Art Museum
• Cartoon Art Museum
• Exploratorium
• Museum of Craft and Folk Art
• San Francisco Museum of Craft and Design

Keep your eyes peeled as you explore the city and you’ll be amazed at the incredible attractions, concerts, and even free tours you might stumble upon. San Francisco warmly welcomes visitors from all walks of life. Take your time and explore all that the city has to offer.

Ghost Hunting Tips and Guidelines

Most novice ghost hunters think it’s alright to simply grab a flashlight, find a deserted building or area, and simply start exploring. While these may be great places to watch for ghosts there are a few rules and regulations you need to keep in mind before you embark on your first ghost hunting adventure.

First of all, you should never go on a ghost hunting expedition alone. You should have at least one other person with you at all times, even if he isn’t really into ghost hunting the way you are. Having a second person with you will ensure you have a witness if anything strange happens but, most important, will ensure you have a second person on hand in the event of an emergency.

The next important step is to visit any ghost hunting site in daylight before exploring it at night. The reason you need to visit during the day is because you will be able to see any warning signs or hazards. Doing so will help you to avoid being arrested for trespassing and will ensure you don’t injure yourself in ditches, holes, or in areas with unstable construction.

Speaking of unstable construction, you really shouldn’t do any ghost hunting in a building that has been condemned, on strange cliff sides, or in any other area that could cause you to risk your life. Seeing a ghost isn’t worth the chance if it means you may be joining them on the other side.

Always carry a watch, logbook, tape recorder, camera, flashlight, and any other necessary equipment you can think of. Carry extra batteries so that your records of the event aren’t cut short. Carry only what you need. The more you carry, the more your attention will be turned away from the hunt itself.

The Best Places to Ghost Hunt

There are tons of ideal places to go if you want to look for ghosts but the absolute best places to go ghost hunting are in old churches, graveyards, and old castles. Old churches, the ones with their own graveyards out front, are usually always crawling with some sort of supernatural or paranormal activity. Look for old, rural towns and do your research. If you don’t find a church with its own graveyard nearby you may find one that was built on top of an old graveyard instead.

Graveyards are a great place to look for ghosts for a couple of reasons. The history at your average graveyard usually isn’t littered with strange stories of torture and murder. They’re usually exactly what they are supposed to be – simple graveyards. The size of the graveyard you choose to visit doesn’t really matter but it’s reasonable to assume that the larger the graveyard the better your chances of spotting a spirit.

Old castles are usually rich with incredible history. There are stories of plots to take over lands, dungeons, tortures, murders, and outright community punishment. Visit an old castle (if you can get in legally) if you want to search for some of the most troubled spirits.

Trukee, California

One of the most notable recent ghost hunting adventures took place this past September in Trukee, California. Ghost hunters from Haunted and Paranormal Investigations (HPI) gathered at the The Truckee Hotel so that they could tour the hotel itself, the local town jail, a local restaurant and a few other Lake Tahoe locations believed to be haunted.  You may have missed the formal tour but if you head on out that way yourself (with a ghost hunting partner, of course) you never know what (or who) you might see.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans has long been embraced as an incredible place to research paranormal activity, with stories of spirits and haunting dating back decades. If you contact the New Orleans Paranormal and Occult Research Society you may even be able to find someone familiar with the area and join in on a local hunt.

West Virginia Penitentiary – Moundsville, West Virginia

Not ready to try your hand at ghost hunting on your own? The West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville is believed to be haunted and ghost hunters from around the country flock there between March and November each year to try to track looming spirits. Tickets go on sale for the upcoming season each January and your session lasts from 8pm until 6am the following morning on the evening you book. You’ll get a guided tour of the facility, a dinner, and will then have the chance to try your hand at ghost hunting on your own.

Ghost hunting isn’t for you? No problem. If it is your cup of tea, though, you’ll want to proceed with extreme caution. You never know what spirits may be awaiting your arrival!

While Tokyo and Osaka beat Moscow out in 2009, the city has a long way to go to compete with the likes of Buenos Aires and Montreal. Still, despite the prospect of high currency conversion rates for most, there is a way to make Moscow affordable. The city of more than 10 million people after all, is world class. So read this list of free or almost free attractions in order to enjoy Moscow on the cheap.

Ryabushinsky Mansion

The Ryabushinsky Mansion has a phenomenal legacy, first as a notable creation of Fyodor Osipovich Schechtel. The architect was the most influential master of Art Nouveau and late Russian Revival in the early 20th century. The mansion may not be on the map for most tourists however, were it not for the fact that it was home to author and activist Maxim Gorky between 1931 and 1936.

Mayakovsky Museum

A great poet of the revolution deserves a standout museum for all to enjoy. That is exactly what the Vladimir Mayakovsky Museum offers, in the confines of the poet, playwright and noted Futurist’s former home, across from KGB headquarters.

Kolomenskoye

The former royal estate of Kolomenskoye has a singular UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Church of the Ascension. The 16th century white stone church is a marvel and the crown jewel of a complex that includes several other historic landmarks.

Novodevichy Convent

Though the official UNESCO inscription reads Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent, Novodevichy will suffice. The 16th and 17th century complex is the archetype of the Moscow Baroque style and has indelible links with the social, religious and political evolution of Russia. The convent cemetery contains the grave sites of Chekhov, Gogol and Prokofiev.

Sergiyev Posad

Though a city within the Moscow Oblast, Sergiyev Posad is easily accessible from Moscow proper and is well worth the 90 km journey. The main reason? The spiritual home of the Russian Orthodox church is here, in the form of the UNESCO World Heritage Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra. The mere tip of the iceberg in the area northeast of Moscow known as The Golden Ring, Trinity Sergius Lavra is brilliant.

Vorobyovy Gory

Vorobyovy Gory, or Sparrow Hills, is a prominent hill on the right bank of the Moskva River and one of the premier landmarks in Moscow. If for no other reason, visit the summit for peerless panoramas of the city, in addition to Trinity Church and Moscow State University.

State Tretyakov Gallery

For fine art from Russia, there is no better place in Moscow than the State Tretyakov Gallery. The original museum facade is unusual and quite notable on the cityscape, with recent expansions into other landmarks, such as the 17th century church of St. Nicholas. All in all, the gallery offers more than 130,000 works of art.

Kuskovo

As a former summer country estate, Kuskovo is spectacular. Just east of downtown Moscow, the 17th century mansion and gardens of the noble Sheremetev family is a wonderful escape in the city. Check out the Grotto and State Museum of Ceramics.

Hermitage Garden

First-rate recreation and relaxation is on hand anytime at the Hermitage Garden in Moscow. The superb park in the central part of the city hosts many festivals, concerts and events.

Red Square

The most obvious attraction in Moscow is also free and best of all, without peer. Take a walk in UNESCO World Heritage Red Square and admire the Kremlin, Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Kazan Cathedral, not to mention pace of daily life. It’s here, more than anywhere else in Moscow, that you’ll know exactly where you are in the world.

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