My Travel Journal

New York, USA

2016-07-19T22:40:00.002-04:00

9/11 Memorial, New York City, New York

2016-07-19T17:59:00.000-04:00

9/11 memorial is built in the place the former World Trade Center twin towers. This is one place in New York City that brings out mixed emotions and reminds us of the horrendous times of 9/11 nightmare.

The names of all people died on 9/11 are inscribed on the bronze parapets encompassing the memorial, giving visitors an opportunity to etch their loved one's names on a paper. The memorial also has a museum that houses artifacts of 9/11 and admission to this museum is extra. Save on the admission ticket with New York City Pass. Evenings and nights are the best time to visit the memorial when pools are illuminated.

Website: 9/11 Memorial

Museum Pricing: 24$ - Adults; 15$

Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, California

2016-07-15T20:03:00.002-04:00

Eat, Shop, Play, Relax and Cruise at the Fisherman's Wharf of San Francisco. From crab-cakes to nutella crepes, what ever your choice of food is, they got it.Cookies, ice-creams, chocolates, candies they got it all at Fisherman's Wharf. Don't forget the fresh fruit at Vlaho's fruit Orchard. They have a good collection of fruits where you can shop in the market and after purchasing, you can wash it and eat it too. That is an unexpected nice touch at the end. This place has a good selection of restaurants to dine in.

Taking a public transportation to Fisherman's Wharf is probably the best choice because of heavy traffic and high parking prices. Streetcars and busses are available till the Fisherman's Wharf. Public parking is also available but it is way too crowded. Popular attractions of this place includes the Sea Lion Center, the Aquarium, Madam Tussauds museum. If you are planning to visit these attractions, it is economical to go with City Pass

Bay tour cruises and tours to Alcatraz start from Pier 39. Alcatraz tour might need prior reservations. Check the weather before taking a tour. Clear skies can make the tour more enjoyable.

If nothing appeals, pick a bench and gaze upon the Sea Lions and seagulls on the west side of the pier. Variety of city tours start from Fisherman's Wharf. That is a good way to know what is where in the city and plan accordingly.

At last, check out the cute souvenir shops for cute sand dollars, shell and much more.

Website: Fisherman's Wharf

Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco, California

2016-07-15T09:59:00.001-04:00

Japanese Tea Garden is a part of Golden Gate Park's popular attractions along with de Young Museum, California Academy of Science, Botanical Gardens and many other attractions. It might be impossible to cover all these in one day. Public transport options and parking is available, which ever you choose to use.

This tea garden is a soothing place to visit amid the chaotic downtown traffic. The garden is well designed and maintained. The tea garden houses both local and authentic Japanese plants. The bright red pagodas, stone lanterns, zen gardens, a statue of buddha gives the garden authentic look and feel. The ponds with their bright orange fish stand out in the green back drop.

A five storied pagoda stands tall in the middle of the garden surrounded by variety of colorful flowers and green shrubs. The Tea House in the garden servers as a snack bar that servers authentic Japanese tea and some sweet treats. It is a good experience to sip a tea in the relaxing garden.

Website: Japanese Tea Garden

Pricing: Mon, Wed, Fri: Free if entered by 10 AM

Adult: 8$; Senior (65+) and Youth (12-17): 6$

Child (5-11): 2$ : Under 4: Free

US Route 1, California

2016-07-14T20:51:00.001-04:00

We took a scenic route from Golden Gate Bridge to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA. Starting at the Golden Gate bridge, the US Route 1 passes through Golden Gate Park, Dale City, Half Moon Bay, HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Santa Cruz to Monterey.

The drive is so beautiful, it is totally worth the time for a detour. The lighthouse is a hostel where you can rent rooms with ocean views. Most of the highway has stops to park the car and take a quick trip to the beach. These cliff side beaches are splendid has an appeal that normal beaches lack.

The foggy roads, sound of crashing waves, humid weather, beautiful ocean views sure will please your senses.

Kentucky, USA

2016-07-14T19:20:00.000-04:00

On the Levee, Newport, Kentucky
Newport Aquarium, Newport, Kentucky
USS Nightmare, Newport, Kentucky
Dinosaur World, Cave City, Kentucky

Yosemite National Park, California

2016-07-14T17:06:00.000-04:00

With its breath taking views, Yosemite National Park attracts thousands or tourists, campers and hikers each year. For me, driving up and down these mountains itself was an adventure. The drive has several vista points for quick stops. Driving up the mountains, you can see tall, black, half burnt trees from forest fires.

This national park is famous for its rock formations and waterfalls. To view any of the waterfalls, expect to take a walk between half to one mile. Even if you are not planning on camping, it is better to take mosquito repellents, sunscreen lotions, anti itch cream and lots of water.This national park offers a variety of out door activities like backpacking, camping, skiing, fishing, hiking, rafting etc. Some activities like hiking half dome needs a permit. Check the website for weather updates, alerts and latest information.

Website: Yosemite National Park

Pricing: 30$ per vehicle

Parking: Free

Travel Yosemite covers all the important information for visitors.

Lombard Street, San Francisco, California

2016-07-14T11:57:00.003-04:00

The Lombard street, famously known as the crooked street with its hairpin beds over a span of block is one of San Francisco's famous landmarks. Get down a tram at the starting of the intersection of Lombard street and walk down the steps. Or drive till lombard street and if you choose to stop for pictures, street parking is available too.

Lombard street is a one way street and you can only drive down the hairpin bends. If you are wondering why the car in the picture is going UP, you are definitely mistaken. They are driving down. IN REVERSE ..... I would have never thought of that !!! Straight road from Lombard street goes to Coit tower.

California, USA

2016-07-14T01:00:00.000-04:00

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
Coit Tower, San Francisco, California
Lombard Street, San Francisco, California
Yosemite National Park, California
US Route 1, California
Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco, California
Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, California

Dinosaur World, Cave City, Kentucky

2016-07-13T15:01:00.002-04:00

You cannot miss a big Dinosaur statue visible from I-65 near Mammoth Caves. Welcome to the Dinosaur World where kids and dinosaur enthusiasts can enjoy the exhibits equally. This park doesn't have a cafe. So feel free to pack lunch and have a picnic amid dinosaurs

Regular children admission ticket includes fossil digging. Kids can grab a sifter and start their fossil digging. Most of the time they will end up finding shark teeth.

The 20 acre park has paved walkways with life size dinosaurs on both sides of the path way. Most of the pathway is shaded by the huge trees making this park a good place to visit during hot summer days.

Website:Dinosaurworld, Cave City, Kentucky

Pricing: Adults- $12.75, Children(3-12)- $ 9.75, Children under 3- Free, Senior(60+)- $10.75

Parking: Free

Picnic Area: Available

Coit Tower, San Francisco, California

2016-07-12T20:55:00.000-04:00

Website:Coit Tower, San Francisco, CA

Toll: 8$ for Non Resident Adult. Discounts available for Residents

Parking: Free but limited

Coit Tower stands tall on the Telegraph hill, offers nice views of the city, Bay Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Islands. Parking is free but very limited. There is an option of taking public transport from Fisherman's Wharf

Coit Tower can be reached by a scenic trail via Filbert street. Elevator access is available to the top of the tower and the tickets can be purchased in the gift shop at the bottom of the tower.
The top of the tower has three arch shaped windows in each direction that offers 360 degree view of the city

Coit tower offers guided tours and the tour of the murals inside the tower. Don't miss THE famous Lombard street nearby!!!

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

2016-07-12T11:14:00.002-04:00

Website:Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA

Toll: Based on the vehicle

The Golden Gate Bridge is one the most photographed bridges in the world. Standing tall between the San Francisco bay and The Pacific Ocean, this is San Francisco's must see monument.With the bright orange paint, and ocean views, a sunny day gives the picturesque views of the bridge.

Numerous vista points are available on either sides of the bridge for tourists to get pictures. Visitors can use the side walk from March through November to cross the bridge.

Wonders of Flight, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

2016-07-11T15:29:00.000-04:00

Website: Wonders of Flight

Admission:17$ Adult /12$ Children (12 and under)

Wonders of Flight is a tethered hot air balloon ride. Once you board the hot air balloon, it raises up to 400 feet in the air . The whole activity takes around 10-15 minutes.

Enjoy the views of Pigeon Forge from 400 feet.

Gatlinburg Sky Lift, Gatlinburg, Tennessee

2016-07-11T14:49:00.001-04:00

Website: Gatlinburg Sky Lift

Admission:16.50$ Adult /13$ Children (3-11)

Parking: Paid parking available nearby

Gatlinburg Sky View is a top Gatlinburg attraction with beautiful views of Smokey Mountains. This chairlift is a fun way to get to the top of the mountain. The chair lift takes you to the top of mountain at 1800 feet. A small gift shop at the top has good collection of souvenirs and snacks.

Spend as much time you want on the top. Because, this place have the best views around.

Tennessee, USA

2016-07-09T09:12:00.000-04:00

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, Tennessee
Centennial Park, Nashville, Tennessee
Gatlinburg Sky Lift, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Wonders of Flight, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Centennial Park, Nashville, Tennessee

2016-07-07T14:39:00.000-04:00

Website:Centennial Park

Admission: Park admission is free. 6$/ adult for Parthenon

Parking: Free

A beautiful park in the middle of downtown. Can’t miss the real size replica of Parthenon and a replica of Greek goddess Athena. Parthenon also serves as Nashville arts museum. Spring and summer are the best seasons to visit with spring blossoms and beautiful summer gardens, the park looks alive.

Kelley's Island, Ohio

2016-07-06T19:31:00.004-04:00

Website: http://kelleysisland.com/

Kelley's Island, located in Lake Erie is the most beautiful island around.With it's clear blue water, rental homes, private beaches and less crowd, this island attracts families with kids in summer.Kelleys island ferry boat from Marblehead, Ohio is the easiest way to get to Kelleys Island. One way price is 10$ per adult. Note that there is extra 10$ for parking if you wish to park your car and ride the ferry. The ferry prices are bit steep compared to Put-in-Bay. But it is worth to rent a golf cart in the Island as it has beautiful views that can be better enjoyed in a golf cart ride.Make a quick stop at the Glacier Grooves state memorial. These 5000 year old glacier grooves carved in limestone bed by the advancing glaciers deserves a visit.

Take a quick drive through the road that runs around the island. Make a quick stop at West Bay. Rocky shores and blue water makes an awesome view.

Spend an afternoon in the small sandy beach of Kelley's Island State Park. Other than kayaking, there are no other activities in this island. The downtown is cute and neat with local shops

Georgia, USA

2016-07-06T19:17:00.002-04:00

Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, Georgia
Olympic Park & SkyView, Atlanta, Georgia
Rock City, Lookout Mountain, Georgia
Anna Ruby Falls, Helen, Georgia

Ohio, USA

2016-07-06T19:09:00.002-04:00

Kelley's Island, Ohio
Put-in-Bay, Ohio
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, Ohio
Toledo Zoo and Aquarium, Toledo, Ohio
Lake Isabella, Cincinnati, Ohio
Fountain Square, Cincinnati, Ohio
Krohn Conservatory, Cincinnati, Ohio
Airshow 2010, Dayton, Ohio
The Historic Loveland Castle, Cincinnati, Ohio
National Museum of the US Air Force, Dayton, Ohio
Carew Tower Observatory, Cincinnati, Ohio
Sharon Woods, Cincinnati, Ohio
Ohio Caverns, West Liberty, Ohio

Put-in-Bay, Ohio

2016-07-06T14:43:00.002-04:00

Website: https://www.putinbay.com/

Put-in-Bay is a good summer weekend get away located in Lake Erie. This island is smaller but busier compared to Kelly's island.

Miller's Ferry from Catawaba island is the easiest way to reach Put-in-Bay. It costs 7$ per adult one way or You can take a car for extra 16$ one way. Golf carts are available for renting on the island for around 80$ for a four seater / day. On a busy day, it is better to rent a golf cart since parking is much easier

Boardwalk has variety of restaurants and activities including parasailing.

Perry's Victory & International Peace Monument:

Adult: 5 $

A flight of steps take you to the elevator and the elevator goes till the top of the monument.

Monument is in a beautiful park surrounded by water with beautiful views.

Take the cart and go for a ride around the island . A helicopter ride on a sunny day over the island is a good choice too.

Perry's Cave family fun center has lot of activities. I would suggest skipping the cave tour all together as it felt more like a tourist trap.

Indiana,USA

2016-07-06T14:26:00.000-04:00

Indianapolis Motor Speedway - Hall of Fame Museum, Indiana
Indiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton, Indiana

Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, Georgia

2016-04-12T20:26:00.001-04:00

Website: http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/
Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Admission: 40$ Gate; Checkout online for discounts
Type: Self Guided Tours and Shows
Parking: 10$

Georgia aquarium is rated no #1 by TripAdvisor in the US. With around 10 million fresh and marine water, Georgia aquarium attracts huge crowds. This is a must visit attraction in Atlanta. Purchase tickets online for a discounted price if you want to avoid wasting time in a mile long line for hours.

Make sure to note the Dolphin and Sea Lion shows. Both shows are worth your ticket price. No videos/ pictures are allowed in the show. Dolphins show was brilliant and the Sea Lions were hilarious.

Watching these spectacular sea creatures through huge displays is arresting. Belugas, Otters and Penguins in cold water quest are awe-inspiring. Ocean voyager takes you through an acrylic tunnel which has huge whale sharks, stingrays and many other fish. Just sit in front of a big acrylic window and gaze at the magnificent creatures

Lot of touch pools through out the aquarium and the staff are friendly. At the end, do not miss the colorful fish at coral reef

Indianapolis Motor Speedway - Hall of Fame Museum

2016-04-11T22:59:00.000-04:00

Website : http://www.indyracingmuseum.org/

Admission: 8$

Parking: Free

Time: 2 Hours

Tour: Self guided

A nice place to visit for car and race enthusiasts. Kids enjoy pictures with Turbo and posing with a race car. A big hall full of vintage race cars mostly Indy 500 winners and memorabilia. Located next to the speedway, visitors can plan a quick visit to the museum.

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Cincinnati , Ohio

2016-04-11T21:35:00.002-04:00

Website : http://cincinnatizoo.org/
Admission: Adult 16$ (Check the website for deals)
Parking: 10$
Time taken: Complete Day

Located in downtown Cincinnati, Cincinnati Zoo is a feast for eyes in spring. The garden blooms in spring every year with around 100,000 Tulips and million other bulbs . This is by far the best place to spend a day in April. Plan a visit on Thursday for free concert in April.

There are wide variety of exhibits to capture the interest of kids and adults equally. Watch gorillas in the gorilla world caring for the babies and grooming or let the monkeys in the small island can entertain kids . Touch the turtle shell and feed the turtles . Capture lots of pictures amid tulips and animal sculptures.

This Zoo houses wide variety of animals from around the world. The peacocks always love to put up a show for their visitors. While the wild cats relax a the eager visitors take pictures !!!!These white Tigers are by far my favorite.

Indiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton, Indiana

2016-04-10T14:01:00.000-04:00

Website:https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/eight-beaches.htm

Parking: Free

Summer, Beach, Splashing Waves and Sand Castles.. this has it all. This 15 mile beach on the shores of Lake Michigan is an easy access summer beach for people in Midwest. No need of explaining how fun beaches are. Better to leave heavy stuff like strollers in the car as they wont be of much use

My Travel Journal

New York, USA

9/11 Memorial, New York City, New York

9/11 Memorial, New York City, New York

Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, California

Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco, California

US Route 1, California

Kentucky, USA

On the Levee, Newport, KentuckyNewport Aquarium, Newport, KentuckyUSS Nightmare, Newport, KentuckyDinosaur World, Cave City, Kentucky

Yosemite National Park, California

Lombard Street, San Francisco, California

California, USA

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CaliforniaCoit Tower, San Francisco, CaliforniaLombard Street, San Francisco, CaliforniaYosemite National Park, CaliforniaUS Route 1, CaliforniaJapanese Tea Garden, San Francisco, CaliforniaFisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, California

Dinosaur World, Cave City, Kentucky

Coit Tower, San Francisco, California

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

Wonders of Flight, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Gatlinburg Sky Lift, Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Tennessee, USA

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, TennesseeCentennial Park, Nashville, TennesseeGatlinburg Sky Lift, Gatlinburg, TennesseeWonders of Flight, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Centennial Park, Nashville, Tennessee

Kelley's Island, Ohio

Georgia, USA

Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, GeorgiaOlympic Park & SkyView, Atlanta, GeorgiaRock City, Lookout Mountain, GeorgiaAnna Ruby Falls, Helen, Georgia

Ohio, USA

Put-in-Bay, Ohio

Indiana,USA

Indianapolis Motor Speedway - Hall of Fame Museum, IndianaIndiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton, Indiana

Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, Georgia

Indianapolis Motor Speedway - Hall of Fame Museum

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Cincinnati , Ohio

Indiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton, Indiana

On the Levee, Newport, Kentucky
Newport Aquarium, Newport, Kentucky
USS Nightmare, Newport, Kentucky
Dinosaur World, Cave City, Kentucky

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
Coit Tower, San Francisco, California
Lombard Street, San Francisco, California
Yosemite National Park, California
US Route 1, California
Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco, California
Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, California

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville, Tennessee
Centennial Park, Nashville, Tennessee
Gatlinburg Sky Lift, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Wonders of Flight, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, Georgia
Olympic Park & SkyView, Atlanta, Georgia
Rock City, Lookout Mountain, Georgia
Anna Ruby Falls, Helen, Georgia

Indianapolis Motor Speedway - Hall of Fame Museum, Indiana
Indiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton, Indiana