GROUP TRIPS START HERE WINTER EDITION 2023/2024
TRANSPORTATION noun: the action of transporting someone or something or the process of being transported.
Featuring Terrific Modes of Transportation for Group Getaways
INDEX ENJOY GETTING THERE Sixty-six nationally significant and terrific modes of transportation.
ATLAS Access the many custom state and featured market maps.
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HANDBOOK Great places to visit and travel trivia for featured states.
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International Festivals & Events Association
EDITORIAL
Volume 30, Number 4
Online: (1996) 50,000/month e-Newsletters: (2000) 7,000/week opt-in readers Digital Magazine: (1993) 40,000/year travel professionals
TRIPmedia Group, Inc. Tel. 770 825-0220
THE TEAM Chief Executive Officer Mark Browning
Eric Cunningham
mark@TRIPinfo.com
eric@TRIPinfo.com
Chief Content Officer Sheala Browning sheala@TRIPinfo.com
AFFILIATES 4
Chief Operating Officer
www.TRIPinfo.com | Transportation
Contributing Writer Tom Adkinson
USA TRANSPORTATION WONDERS TRIPinfo Online + Weekly Newsletter + Quarterly Digital Magazine provide reference on 12 categories of interest to leisure group trips planning. Famous & fascinating airports, railways, highways, waterways and tour routes are transportation worth experiencing! Traveling with a group of friends – for event, wedding, student, military, fraternal, reunion, sports, religious or other groups – has been steadily increasing. Leisure group trips across all categories have grown from lower double-digits of all domestic travelers 30 years ago to 24%+ of all domestic travel. Groups of friends will enjoy these iconic transportation means and landmarks in the pages of this issue. These transportation infrastructures – many built 60-75-years ago – need public & private sector support to keep updated! Like the Brightline high-speed rail already connecting Miami to Orlando, the USA should be leading transportation innovation...not following! Emerging from 2020’s global pandemic, look for pentup demand by friends planning leisure group trips to continue leading the travel rebound! Average Year Founded: 1939 Average Year Founded adds years and divides by transportation projects completed. In 1939 the President was Franklin D. Roosevelt, who initiated many infrastructure projects during his tenure, including laying the cornerstone for the Lincoln Memorial. In 1939 Pan American Airways initiated trans-Atlantic mail service with its Yankee Clipper flying boat. LaGuardia Airport in New York opened. Blockbuster movies The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind premiered. In 1939, entertainers Marvin Gaye, Neil Sedaka, George Hamilton, Valerie Harper, Lily Tomlin and Tina Turner were born. Median Year Founded: 1951 Median Year Founded sorts transportation subjects by date and finds the middle. In 1951 President Harry S. Truman oversaw the Marshall Plan following WWII, distributing $13.3 billion to rebuild Europe, and the Korean War conflict...1950-1953. The Great Flood of 1951 reached its highest point in Northeast Kansas. Direct-dial, coast to coast telephone service began. Entertainers Kirstie Alley, Pam Dawber, Jean Smart, Rush Limbaugh, Kurt Russell and Robin Williams were born. Mode of Year Founded: 1938 Mode of Year Founded is the date that appears most often in our roster. In 1938, U.S. President was Franklin D. Roosevelt. In that year the Niagara Bridge at Niagara Falls, New York collapsed. The Civil Aeronautics Authority was created. Olympic National Park is established in Washington state. Howard Hughes set a new record, completing a 91-hour airplane flight around the world. The Blue Water Bridge opens, connecting Michigan and Ontario. Entertainers Wolfman Jack, Natalie Wood, Kenny Rogers, Evel Knievel, Dawn Wells and Christopher Lloyd were born. We believe you will find this a collection of transportation infrastructure worth taking your group to see and experience. This issue is designed as an ongoing, useful reference. That’s why we are here...to help make your group travel planning successful & fun!
Mark Browning, Publisher 6
www.TRIPinfo.com | Transportation
Getting There Has Never Been So Fun Proving the adage “Getting there is half the fun,” TRIPinfo.com looks at 66 means of transportation, ways of getting there and things to see along the way. Each one is as fascinating to experience as they are nationally significant. From scenic highways and historic bridges to speedy trains and busy airports, each of the following thumbnails offers more entertainment than you might expect. Some of our entries are attractions within themselves. For these, your group may plan a day or overnight trip in anticipation of the stunning views from engineering marvels, amazing landscapes or historic sites. They will amuse with thrill rides high above rivers and gorges or relaxing, accessible nature trails to waterfalls and overlooks.
While the pandemic has changed a lot about how we travel, interest in road trips continues to surge. For that reason, we have included some entertaining, historic and scenic byways.
Airports across the country are becoming more contactless to provide safe experiences and to keep Other entries last 2 hours or less. They are a cost- up with traditional demand. Trains, aka “a cruise on efficient means of getting from place to place quickly land,” have become a means of touring as well as a in must-see destinations. Travelers see many sites mode of transportation. during their passage; they often hear about the area Wait! There’s More and have jump-on, jump-off privileges. Be sure to click on the name of the entry in blue to go to their website and get information for help in planning your group’s trip. Also, check out TRIPinfo. com >> Tips >> Transportation as well as TRIPinfo. com’s weekly eNewsletter for regular travel updates. What’s Inside This Issue? Each entry includes the following information: • Transportation • City, State or Region • Year Established • Description We hope you will hear your group saying, “Wow! Getting here WAS half the fun!” Have a great TRIP! www.TRIPinfo.com | Transportation
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Mighty Mac: Solid, Strong and Still Swaying
By Tom Adkinson
ST. IGNACE, Mich. – The narrow ribbon of steel and asphalt known as the Mackinac Bridge is standing tall and strong as it advances through its seventh decade. It opened with great fanfare on Nov. 1, 1957. It soars over the Straits of Mackinac connecting Michigan’s two peninsulas and creating a yearround link for commerce and recreation in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a region more than twice the size of Massachusetts or New Jersey and 16 times bigger than Rhode Island. The bridge is known as the Mighty Mac, and skeptics said it never could be built over the swirling waters where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan blend. A bold engineer and fearless workers spent 41 months proving the skeptics wrong and adding a challenge for gephyrophobics to conquer. Gephyrophobia – the fear of bridges – existed before the Mighty Mac opened in 1957, but the structure certainly made it possible for millions of travelers to know whether the phobia lurked within them. The I-75 roadway of the Mackinac Bridge is 200 feet above the waters that blend Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. (Photo by Tom Adkinson) When cars and truck began rolling over the bridge, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. That title now belongs to a bridge in Japan, but it’s still the longest in the western hemisphere. The Mighty Mac is a dazzling sight, and its dimensions are astounding.
An Upper Peninsula Trifecta consists of smooth water, clear sky and a crimson sunset while on a Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry evening cruise. (Photo by Tom Adkinson) 8
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Its full length is 26,372 feet. That’s five miles. The suspended portion is 8,614 feet (1.63 miles). In the middle of the span, the roadway is 200 feet over the water. Its four-lane swath is 54 feet wide and is part of I-75 that goes south all the way to Florida.
“Whenever I see this great bridge, I think of David Steinman, its architect and chief engineer. He called it the ‘Greatest Bridge in the World,’” said Fred Huffman, who for many years was the group tour coordinator for the Upper Peninsula. “Steinman designed more than 400 bridges on five continents, and he scoffed at critics who said the bedrock was unstable. He guaranteed the bridge would withstand winds of 200 miles an hour and that its steel and concrete foundation would outlast Egypt’s pyramids,” Huffman said. The Mackinac Bridge Authority notes that one reason for Steinman’s confidence is that suspension bridges move to accommodate wind, temperature changes and weight. Winter storms can be fierce up here on the Great Lakes. The authority said the bridge deck at center span can move as much as 35 feet side to side.
A Star Line ferry creates a rooster tail as it departs Mackinac Island headed for St. Ignace. (Photo by Tom Adkinson) direction of the wind. After the wind subsides, the weight of the vehicles crossing would slowly move it back into center position,” according to bridge authority literature.
A popular long-distance platform to view the Mighty “This would only happen under severe wind condi- Mac is the expansive front porch of Grand Hotel on tions. The deck would not swing or ‘sway’ but rather Mackinac Island, but the best way to sense the scale move slowly in one direction based on the force and and strength of the bridge is on one of the special trips offered by the two ferry companies that zip boats through the area. Both the Mackinac Island Ferry and Shelpler’s Mackinac Island Ferry have excursions that offer dramatic views and make you wonder how the 3,500 bridge builders accomplished their task. In addition to sparking admiration from many and dread among a few, the Mighty Mac even expanded Michigan’s lexicon. Residents of the Upper Peninsula (UP) long ago became known as “Yoopers,” but with the opening of the Mighty Mac, Yoopers were free to call those living below the bridge “Trolls.” The Mackinac Bridge’s 1.63-mile-long suspended section is visible in full from the front porch of Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. (Photo by Tom Adkinson)
Information to plan a trip to the land of Yoopers and Trolls is at Michigan.org and UPtravel.com. Tom Adkinson, a Marco Polo member of the Society of American Travel Writers, calls Nashville, Tenn., home. www.TRIPinfo.com | Transportation
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Alaska Railroad Anchorage, Alaska
1923
The Alaska Railroad provides passenger service and sight-seeing excursions along 482 miles of track from Fairbanks to Seward and over to Whittier. Passengers can plan adventures like day trips from Anchorage to Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park or a 12-hour ride from Fairbanks to Anchorage with potential sightings of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America, depending on which of the 5 train routes are selected. Any of the trains may slow down or stop for the scenic views, wildlife sightings and photo ops. Although the railroad operates year-round, scheduled services varies seasonally. Photo Credit: Mike Criss
London Bridge
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
1971
This bridge wasn’t the bridge that fell down as the nursery rhyme describes, but it really is the London Bridge. The stone-arched bridge that spanned the River Thames since its completion in 1831 was carefully dismantled and brought to Lake Havasu City. It all started when the city’s founder Robert P. McCulloch bought the bridge and its ornate lampposts from London, England in 1968. After coming to America, the storied bridge was reconstructed over the Bridgewater Channel connecting Lake Havasu City to an island in the Colorado River. Walking tours of the bridge – now the 2nd-largest tourist attraction in Arizona behind the Grand Canyon – are available.
Big River Crossing
Connecting West Memphis, Arkansas To Memphis, Tennessee
1916
As the first multi-track railroad bridge across the Mississippi River, construction of the Harrahan Bridge was a major construction feat. Cars drove across the river using the attached wooden automobile lanes instead of taking a ferry for the first time when the 1-mile long bridge was completed. This was a milestone in transportation history. Reaching another milestone in 2016, the bridge received its new name when it became the longest public pedestrian/bike bridge across the Mississippi and longest active rail, bicycle, pedestrian bridge in the nation – perfect for capturing pictures of the river and cities on either side of the Mighty Mississippi. 10
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Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail
1966
Alabama
When driving through south central Alabama, your group has the opportunity to explore a 54-mile section of highway that was crucial to the civil rights movement and the struggle for equal voting rights. Also designated as a National Scenic Byway/All-American Road, the trail traces the steps of the 1965 voting rights marches from the Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.) in Selma, east on US Highway 80 to the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery. Along the way are places to stop including Interpretative Centers with videos, exhibits, photographs, outdoor walking trails, historic buildings and the Edmund Pettus Bridge (pictured).
Catalina Express San Pedro, California
1981
Transition from the busy mainland to a relaxing getaway on Catalina Island – just 22 miles off Southern California’s coast. Each year, the fleet of 8 high-speed vessels takes more than a million passengers on the hour-long ferry ride across the San Pedro Channel to California’s only island resort. Operating ~30 daily departures, the vessels leave from Long Beach, Dana Point or San Pedro and arrive in the picturesque town of Avalon (pictured) or the rustic village of Two Harbors. The largest ferry, the Catalina Jet, accommodates 450 passengers. Each of the 4 smaller ferries serve 149 passengers, and their Captain’s Lounge is available for private parties.
Napa Valley Wine Train Napa, California
1864
Feel like you are traveling back to another time as you journey through one of the top wine growing regions in the world aboard the historic Wine Train. The antique train makes the 3-hour, 36-mile round trip through the beautiful scenery, beside world-renowned wineries and vineyards from Napa to St. Helena on tracks built in 1864. A variety of tour options are available. They include a 3-hour rail tour featuring a multi-course gourmet lunch plus tours and tastings at 3 wineries; a 2-hour rail tour with a multi-course dinner and Murder Mystery; a 2hour dinner or 3-hour lunch rail tour in a luxurious elevated observation-style dining car.
California State Route 1 California
1934
AKA the Pacific Coast Highway or simply PCH, this legendary 655.8-mile highway is perennially listed among the world’s most scenic drives. It stretches from I-5 near Dana Point, CA on the southern end to U.S. Route 101 near Leggett, CA on the northern end. Designated as an All-American Road, the sections near Big Sur and San Luis Obispo are National Scenic Byways. Alternating between being an urban freeway and a 2-lane historic road, SR 1 travels mostly along the coastline, through redwood forests, over the Bixby Creek Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, leading to beaches, restaurants, parks and attractions along the way. Photo by Jake Faulstich.
Denver International Airport 1995 (DEN) Denver, Colorado
The 3rd busiest airport in the nation and 5th busiest in the world served more than 77,800,000 passengers in 2023. Covering 34,000 acres, the airport is the country’s largest in total landmass and second largest in the world behind King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia. The airport has North America’s longest public runway at 16,000 feet. As one of the busiest airline hubs, Denver International provides non-stop service to 200+ domestic and international destinations. The Westin Denver International Airport, near the main Terminal, opened its 519 hotel rooms in 2015. Photo provided by Denver International Airport.
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park Cañon City, Colorado
1929
On the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the bridge was the highest suspension bridge in the world when it was built. It remains the highest bridge in the United States, rising 956 feet above the Arkansas River and spanning 1,260 feet across the Royal Gorge. Now one of the area’s top attractions, visitors may walk across the bridge or ride the Aerial Gondola to enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty, get an adrenaline rush on America’s highest zip line, guided climbing tour or Skycoaster and play at the children’s playland and carousel. The bridge and park are open daily; visitors center and attractions open at 10am, weather permitting. 12
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Merritt Parkway Connecticut
1938
Built parallel to one of the country’s oldest and most heavily traveled roads – U.S. Route 1, the “Gateway to New England” became Connecticut’s first multilane, limited-access roadway. The 37.5-mile parkway preserved and enhanced the scenic countryside with its beautiful landscaping, planting 22,000 trees and 40,000 shrubs, and 69 artistically designed, unique overpass and underpass ornamental Art Deco and Art Moderne bridges. Dedicated to the parkway’s history, the Merritt Parkway Museum in Stratford is across from a bike/ pedestrian path near the iconic Sikorsky Bridge and Housatonic River.
Delaware Memorial Bridge New Castle, Delaware
1951
The self-supporting toll bridge spans the Delaware River connecting New Castle, Delaware with Pennsville, New Jersey on I-295. The first 440-foot-high span opened in 1951. Quickly doubling its original traffic projection, a twin span was dedicated in 1968. The combined 8-lane bridge was built as a memorial to soldiers who gave their lives in World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm. Overlooking the twin spans is Veteran’s Memorial Park, created in 1995. Each Veterans Day and Memorial Day, the veterans, military families and fallen soldiers are honored during special ceremonies held at the park.
Amtrak - The Auto Train Washington, DC
1970
The Auto Train travels between the Orlando, FL area and the Washington, DC area. While avoiding the stressful 900 miles of traffic on I-95, Auto Train passengers spend the 17-hour trip reading, watching the scenery, enjoying free wi-fi, dining and sleeping in either Coach class with wide reclining seats and plenty of legroom or upgrading to a Sleeper that serves complimentary breakfast and dinner while their cars, SUVs, vans, motorcycles, small boats or jet skis ride in the enclosed auto carrier. The popular Amtrak route provides non-stop service between the Lorton, VA station near DC and the Sanford, FL station near Orlando. www.TRIPinfo.com | Transportation
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Brightline Miami, Florida
2018
The privately owned and operated high-speed rail train serves Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Orlando. Operating at speeds up to 125 mph, the ride between Orlando and West Palm Beach is about 2 hours and between Orlando and Miami about 3 and 30 minutes. Their current schedule between Central and South Florida includes 16 daily round trips, with hourly northbound and southbound departures. Schedules may vary. Future plans include expanding the regional line from Orlando to Tampa on the Gulf Coast and helping the South Florida counties with local commuter service.
Overseas Highway
1938
Miami to Key West, Florida
Also called “the Highway that Goes to Sea,” this 113-mile highway with its ~40 overseas bridges runs across the Florida Keys, allowing travel by car or bus from Miami to Key West in 4 hours. As Florida’s only All-American Road, the highway is the southernmost portion of the 2,369mile U.S. Route 1 which extends from Fort Kent, ME at the Canadian border to Key West. In 1982, many of the original bridges were replaced with wider, heavier spans including the Seven Mile Bridge (pictured) over Moser Channel at Marathon. When this bridge was completed, it was one of the longest bridges in existence. People now walk or bike on portions of the restored old bridge.
Multi-Use Paths
1959
Peachtree City, Georgia
Based on the Garden Cities movement, Peachtree City was one of Georgia’s first planned communities. The city is located about 25 minutes south of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Of note are the 100+ miles of scenic, multi-use paths that wind throughout the city limits. Visitors to the city may rent golf carts to get to the city’s hotels, 100+ restaurants, shopping spots, attractions, lakes, golf courses, activities and parks – all at a relaxing speed of 15 miles an hour. Peachtree City also shares claim to fame for the television series The Walking Dead, other TV show and movies. 14
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ESCORTING THE CURIOUS ON HERITAGE TRAVEL SINCE 1992 www.heritagetoursllc.com
Heritage Tours specializes in travel that emphasizes history, local culture, and heritage. “Edutravel – where seeing is understanding” is our mission, to show our travelers the wonders both man-made and natural of the world around us, and to provide value that people could not obtain traveling on their own.
TOURS OPEN TO INDIVIDUALS
This is a hallmark of our tours: providing speakers, guides, sites, experiences and information that make a difference. We create and escort group tours that are customized to the destination, timing, budget and content desired by the group leaders who are our clients. We have no pre-set departures or fixed-in-stone itineraries. We work with group leaders rather than with individual travelers. Occasionally, however, we create tours where the sponsors welcome the public to register in addition to the members of their organization. www.TRIPinfo.com | Transportation
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Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
1925
Atlanta, Georgia
Since 1998, Hartsfield-Jackson has been the world’s busiest airport, except when it was replaced in 2020 by China’s Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport due to the pandemic. Recovering from the pandemic and regaining the title of world’s busiest airport, ATL served 104.7 million passengers in 2023, down from the alltime high of 110,531,300 passengers set in 2019. Aircraft operations grew by 7.1%, reaching a total of 775,818 takeoffs and landings in 2023. The 4,700-acre airport serves 150 U.S. and 70+ international destinations in 43 countries, averages 286,000 passengers a day and about 2,100 arrivals and departures each day.
Tift College Drive / Juliette Road
1823
Forsyth, Georgia
Less than an hour south of Atlanta, one of Georgia’s scenic byways intersects I-75 at Exit 186. Exiting west leads to Forsyth, passing the historic Tift College, train depots, Rose Theatre, the Forsyth Square and Monroe County’s 1896 red-brick Victorian courthouse as well as tree-lined streets and antebellum homes. Venturing east on the scenic Juliette Road leads to the worldfamous Whistle Stop Café from the movie, Fried Green Tomatoes, at McCrackin Street. The iconic café serves fried green tomatoes along with other traditional southern specialties. Just beyond the café, Juliette Road crosses over the Ocmulgee River (pictured here).
Stovall Mill Covered Bridge
1895
Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia
Located east of Alpine Helen just off of Georgia Highway 255, Stovall Mill Covered Bridge crosses Chicamauga Creek in the historic community of Sautee Nacoochee. The one-lane bridge is White County’s only remaining covered bridge. The 33-foot long wooden bridge is Georgia’s shortest clear span covered bridge. The local landmark is a nice spot to relax, read the historic marker and enjoy a picnic in the picnic area but be sure to leave before dark because some say the bridge is haunted. The historic bridge was featured in Susan Hayward’s 1951 movie, “I’d Climb the Highest Mountain.” Photo Credit: Georgia Tourism & Travel. 16
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Hana Highway
1900
Maui, Hawaii One of Maui’s top attractions, the “Road to Hana” is a scenic 52-mile highway skirting the northeast coast of Maui connecting Kahului to Hana. On maps, the road will be listed as Highway 36 and Highway 360. Navigating the winding 2-lane road through tropical rainforests, 620 hairpin curves and 59 bridges – many are one-lane – on the edge of sheer cliffs is a rewarding challenge. A non-stop, one-way trip takes ~2.5 hours, but the trek should take longer due to stops at attractions and scenic turnouts for photo ops of amazing waterfalls, hikes, sampling local cuisine at roadside stands and looking at handmade local jewelry.
Route of the Hiawatha
1998
near Wallace, Idaho
One of only 15 trails designated as a “Hall of Fame” trail by the Rail-to-Trail Conservancy, the Route of the Hiawatha is a 15-mile, mostly downhill bike or hike trail. Taking the route of the former Milwaukee Railroad, once called one of the most scenic stretches of railroad in the country, the trail begins with a trip through the 1.66-mile St. Paul Pass Tunnel and follows the crest of the Bitterroot Mountains near Lookout Pass Ski Area through 10 train tunnels and 7 sky-high trestles. Both seniors and children will enjoy this family-friendly trail and the shuttle ride back to the starting point. Group discounts available. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism
Fenelon Place Elevator Company
1882
Dubuque, Iowa Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the funicular railway claims to be the world’s shortest, steepest scenic railway. Also known as the Fourth Street Elevator, the railway is 296 feet long, elevating passengers 189 feet from the lower station at the end of Fourth Street to upper station at Fenelon Place. During the ride and from the 2 observation decks at the top, passengers see a magnificent view of the historic Dubuque business district, the Mississippi River and 3 states - Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. Adult rates are $2.00 one way and $4.00 round trip; children 5-12 are $1.00 one way and $2.00 round trip. Bikes and riders are $3 one way. 18
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Chicago Water Taxi Chicago, Illinois
1962
Visitors to Chicago have the chance to explore this city from a unique perspective – below street level on the Chicago River. Sightseers join commuters who cruise the river to reach popular destinations while avoiding traffic and red lights. The Chicago Water Taxi connects 8+ neighborhoods in a closed loop route from late-March to late-November, weather permitting. Since some of the water taxis are climate-controlled with restrooms, visitors find this way of getting around Chicago, seeing the architecture sites and visiting attractions, to be comfortable and cost-efficient. The all-day pass with its hop-on, hop-off feature works beautifully.
O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
1945
Chicago, Illinois
Along with Midway International Airport, O’Hare is one of two airports in the Chicago area. O’Hare is a hub for United and American Airlines and focus city for Frontier and Spirit Airlines. Considered to be the world’s most connected airport, O’Hare serves 214 destinations worldwide with non-stop flights. Formerly ranked as the 3rd busiest airport in the U.S. and 6th busiest in the world with a total passenger count of 84,649,115 passengers in 2019, O’Hare served 68,340,619 total passengers ranking 4th in the U.S. in 2022. For 2023, ORD operated 720,582 flights and ranked 9th in airline capacity (number of seats) with 43,708,796 seats.
Ohio River Scenic Byway
1996
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois Following the northern banks of the Ohio River, the 943mile National Scenic Byway twists and turns through rich farmlands, big cities, historic towns, dense forests, archaeological sites, state parks and locks and dams in 3 states – from the Ohio/Pennsylvania stateline to the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers at Cairo, Illinois. The Byway covers 452 miles in Ohio, 303 miles in Indiana and 188 miles in Illinois. The Indiana segment was the state’s first National Scenic Byway. Things to do along the road include caving, hiking, ziplining, canoeing, visiting museums, historic homes and casinos. Pictured: Clifty Falls State Park in Madison, Indiana 20
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Classic Elegance on a Grand Scale A part of Indiana’s historical landscape since 1916, Laurel Hall was built as the home to one of Indiana’s wealthiest families. Owned and operated by the Phi Kappa Psi Foundation and home to the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity national headquarters since 2006, Laurel Hall combines beauty and character with modern conveniences to create a perfect venue for any occasion.
Your guests will be wowed by the six-acres of grounds and 36,000 square feet this mansion boasts. Laurel Hall provides a great location for weddings up to 200 guests. Friends and family will marvel at the stained glass windows, architectural details, and ornate mantelpieces. The landscape provides a picturesque location for any ceremony.
With a value on the overall experience, Laurel Hall aims to provide our guests and their vendors with ample time to bring their event dreams to life. Our packages are designed to include time for our clients and their guest list to relax and enjoy their next great event.
Let’s make memories.
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5395 Emerson Way | Indianapolis, IN 46226 317.275.3390 | info@laurel-hall.org | @LaurelHallIndy
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Keeper of the Plains Wichita, Kansas
1974
Located at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers in downtown Wichita, the Keeper of the Plains is a 5-ton, 44-foot tall steel sculpture standing on a 30-foot rock pedestal surrounded by a plaza that describes the Plains Indian way of life. Created by Wichitan and Native American artist Blackbear Bosin, the iconic sculpture was installed to celebrate the United States Bicentennial. To get to the area, visitors can walk across the rivers on either of the 2 bow-and-arrow-inspired cable-stay bridges. In the evenings, the fire pots surrounding the Keeper – called the Ring of Fire – illuminate the sculpture for 15 minutes, circumstances permitting.
Horseback Riding at Kentucky State Parks
1924
Kentucky
While in Horse Country, riding a horse to explore the scenic mountains, rolling hills, forests and lakes of the Bluegrass State seems appropriate. Kentucky State Park Resorts offer miles of horseback riding trails, suitable for both first-time and experienced riders. Two state parks have riding stables where you can ride a horse from their horse stables. Four state parks include a horse campground that are specifically designed for horse owners who bring their own horse. When it’s time to saddle up, your group can sign up for a guided trail ride for a scenic tour or venture out to multi-purpose trails for a self-guided ride within the park and nearby trails.
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway 1956 Mandeville to Metairie, Louisiana
Spanning 24 miles over Lake Pontchartrain from Mandeville on the northern end to Metairie on the southern end, the Causeway is the longest continuous bridge over water in the world. No need to panic but some motorists declare the Causeway is a thrill ride when land disappears for about 8 miles during the middle of the trip! An engineering marvel, the two parallel bridges have dedicated southbound and northbound traffic lanes that are about 80 feet apart. They are connected by 7 crossovers which also function as pull over areas for use during weather hazards or car breakdowns. The base toll for a passenger vehicle is $6 without a toll tag. 22
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A park for every passion Whether you’re looking to rev up or wind down, we’ve got a place just for you. Nestled in some of the state’s most beautiful settings, Kentucky State Parks offer a wide range of activities – from outdoor adventures to nature escapes – and accommodations from rustic campsites and cozy cabins to resort park lodges. Plus, 13 nationally recognized state park golf courses get you out on the links to soak up incredible views.
Book your summer getaway at parks.ky.gov!
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Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory
2006
Prospect, Maine
The crown jewel of coastal Maine, the 2,120-foot long bridge carries US 1/SR 3 over the Penobscot River and Bay, connecting Verona Island to Prospect. Located 420 feet on top of the bridge’s western pylon, the observatory is the highest of the world’s 4 bridge observatories (the other 3 are in China, Thailand and Slovakia). Following a ride to the top of the observatory on Maine’s fastest elevator, visitors are treated to an impressive 360-degree panoramic view of the river and bay, nearby Fort Knox, lakes, distant western mountains and the impressive cable-stayed design of the bridge. Photo credit: Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge
Freedom Trail
Boston, Massachusetts
1951
That 2.5-mile red line through the streets of Boston leads to 16 nationally significant historical sites including museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers. These treasured 17th-, 18th- , and 19th-century sites tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond. The Freedom Trail is open year round. A variety of public and private walking tours of varying lengths led by costumed guides, NPS Park Rangers or taken independently with a map or audio guide are available. Most of the walking tours last 60 to 90 minutes and historic site visits range from 20 to 45 minutes. Photo Credit: Freedom Trail® Foundation.
2009 Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania
The 125-mile Maryland section of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway is designated as an All American Road and recognized as one of the best scenic driving routes in the country for its national significance. The road continues for 98 miles through Delaware and picks up the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway before ending in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Along the driving tour, 45 sites tell the powerful story of Harriet Tubman, her life, freedom and bravery. The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center within the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park features exhibits, nature trail, outdoor pavilion & more. 24
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Detroit RiverWalk Detroit, Michigan
2007
The 3.5-mile promenade along the east riverfront provides stunning views of the Detroit skyline, Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario, Canada across the river. The RiverWalk connects area attractions like plazas with covered seating, concessions, a carousel, a butterfly garden, fountains and splash parks for kids, Milliken State Park Lighthouse, pavilions, pathways, open green space and nature areas between Joe Louis Arena and Gabriel Richard Park. Popular activities on the RiverWalk are walking, running, biking, fishing, picnicking and relaxing with friends. Photo credit: Pure Michigan
North Shore All-American Scenic Drive
1926
Minnesota
Designated as an All-American Road in 2000, the North Shore Scenic Drive starts at Canal Park in Duluth, near I-35, and ends at the Canadian border near Grand Portage. Following MN-61 (formerly US 61) for 154 miles, the drive features breathtaking views of the beautiful and rugged shoreline of Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake. Things to see and do along the way include lake-to-plate dining at local restaurants in shoreline towns, visiting the 1910 Split Rock Lighthouse, a commercial fishing museum in Tofte, Grand Portage National Monument fur-trading post and the state’s biggest waterfalls. Photo credit: Explore Minnesota
Natchez Trace Parkway Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee
1938
Running from Natchez, Mississippi through Alabama to Nashville, Tennessee, the popular 444-mile scenic road is known for its natural beauty, history and recreation. Established as part of the National Park Service in 1938, the route follows the “Old Natchez Trace,” a significant travel route of the Old Southwest with numerous historic sites. Designated as a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road, the parkway is extremely popular for recreational activities. It has been named one of America’s 10 best biking roads and has bicycle-only campgrounds. Other popular recreational pursuits are horseback riding, fishing, camping and leaf peeping. www.TRIPinfo.com | Transportation
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National Museum of Transportation
1944
St Louis, Missouri
The mission of the National Museum of Transportation is to be the leader in protecting and interpreting North America’s transportation heritage. Now recognized as having the largest collection of transportation vehicles in the world, the museum’s rail and transit collections encompass more than 190 major exhibits. Exhibits include rail artifacts like the Boston & Providence Railroad Passenger Coach built in 1833, an automobile collection with over 200 items, different types of watercraft and airplanes like the twin-engine 1943 Douglas Aircraft that is believed to have been used in the invasion of Normandy. A special collection features Route 66.
Going-to-the-Sun Road Glacier National Park, Montana
1933
This scenic 50-mile road is the only road that travels through the middle of Glacier National Park, connecting the park’s east and west sides. The must-see, 2-lane road crosses the Continental Divide at an elevation of 6,646 feet at Logan Pass, the highest elevation reachable by car in the park. Here at the Pass, the road’s namesake, Going-to-the-Sun Mountain (pictured here, left foreground), dominates the view from the road. Designated as a National Historic Place, National Historic Landmark and a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the road is popular for driving – restrictions on size of vehicles – and biking – restrictions of timing of riding on certain segments. The road is usually open from early June to mid-October.
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
2008
Omaha, Nebraska
Take a walk or bicycle ride across the Missouri River between Council Bluffs, Iowa and Omaha on Bob. This stunning 3,000-foot long and 15-feet wide bridge floats 60 feet above the river and is suspended by cables and two 210-foot tall towers. From the bridge, pedestrians enjoy impressive views of the river and Omaha’s skyline. When Bob opened, it was the first pedestrian bridge to connect two states. Visitors enjoy taking pictures on the bridge while being in 2 states at once and with the blue troll named OMAR who lives under the bridge. The bridge is connected to more than 150 miles of nature trails. Photo courtesy of the Omaha CVB 26
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Linn Cove Viaduct
Near Boone, North Carolina
1987
Fifty-two years after construction of the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway began, the last 10.5-mile section that includes the Linn Cove Viaduct was completed at Milepost 304. An instant icon, this engineering marvel is still the most photographed section of the Blue Ridge Parkway as it preserves the beauty of Grandfather Mountain and provides unobstructed panoramic views from its elevation of 4,100 feet. At the viaduct’s south end, you can visit a bridge museum, visitors center and hiking trails that travel under and beside the viaduct and connect to the Blue Ridge Parkway trail network. Photo credit: Hugh Morton | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.
Outer Banks Scenic Byway Coastal North Carolina
1962
Designated as a National Scenic Byway in 2009, the Byway spans 138 driving miles and 25 ferry-riding miles along North Carolina’s barrier islands, predominately following NC 12. The route runs through 2 national wildlife refuges and 2 national seashores while passing through 21 villages. Exploring local museums and four iconic lighthouses along the way are popular activities. The Cape Hatteras lighthouse is the world’s tallest brick lighthouse, and the Ocracoke (1823) is one of the oldest lighthouses. The Bodie Island Lighthouse is known for its horizontal black and white stripes; the Cape Lookout Lighthouse is accessible by ferry or boat.
Mike O’Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
2010
Boulder City, Nevada
Straddling the Nevada-Arizona stateline, the O’CallaghanTillman Bridge soars 890 feet over the Colorado River and 1,500 feet downstream from the Hoover Dam. It is the second highest bridge in the U.S. and the highest concrete-arch bridge in the world. The bridge is 1,900 feet long, making it the longest single-arch bridge in North America. Located about 30 miles from Las Vegas, visitors who want a birds eye view of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the river from the bridge may park in a lot off the old U.S. 93 bypass and take a path to a dedicated pedestrian lane. AKA the Hoover Dam Bypass, the bridge honors Nevada and Arizona native sons. 28
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AirTrain EWR
Newark, New Jersey
1996
AirTrain is a convenient way to get to, from and around Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), the 13th busiest airport in the U.S. with 49.1 million passengers in 2023 – a 6% increase over the previous high set in 2019 – and one of the 3 airports serving the New York City area. Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the 3-mile monorail system is free for on-airport transportation to airport terminals, parking lots, hotel shuttle areas and rental car facilities. AirTrain is an easy way to travel to Manhattan and connects to the Newark Liberty International Airport Station which provides rail service via NJ Transit, PATH and Amtrak.
Recycled Roadrunner Sculpture
1993
Las Cruces, New Mexico A giant statue of New Mexico’s state bird, the roadrunner, has an excellent view of Las Cruces and the Organ Mountains. It also has a tale to tell because it is an art project made from junk and discarded items. Olin Calk built the first incarnation of the statue at the Las Cruces landfill, in part as a statement about waste. It later moved to a rest area on I-10 (eastbound exit only at Mile Marker 134). It was recoated with new junk in 2001 and removed altogether in 2012 after deterioration and vandalism. It came back in 2014 in its current state. Observant visitors study its construction to find items such as Aladdin’s lamp, a bowling trophy and a toy pterodactyl. By Tom Adkinson
Dakota Thunder
Jamestown, North Dakota
1959
From I-94, travelers can see one of the Midwest’s most popular roadside attractions – Dakota Thunder, a 60ton sculpture of an American Bison made of cement, stucco and steel. Created by Elmer Petersen, the 26-foot sculpture carries the title of the “World’s Largest Buffalo Monument.” Looking out over the prairie grasses of Jamestown – aka The Buffalo City – where a live herd of buffalo still roams, the monument is connected to Frontier Village. This village recreates a 19th-century prairie town with a collection of historic buildings and attractions, including the National Buffalo Museum which explains the role of buffalo in American history. 30
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John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
1948
Queens, New York
Covering 5,200 acres, JFK is the busiest international air passenger gateway in North America and the busiest airport in the New York City area. JFK is the 6th busiest airport in the U.S., serving 62.5 million total passengers in 2023, similar to the total number of passengers in 2019. The airport is a hub for Delta and American and primary operating base for JetBlue. The light-rail AirTrain provides service to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and the New York City subway system. Several terminals are currently undergoing a transformation to modernize and enlarge, opening in 2026. The former TWA terminal was converted into the TWA Hotel in 2019.
Maid of the Mist Boat Tour Niagara Falls, New York
1846
People from around the world visit Niagara Falls State Park, the nation’s oldest state park. After making their way to the park’s Observation Tower, visitors are treated to panoramic views of all three waterfalls – American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls. From the tower, they board the Maid of the Mist and begin a 30-minute spectacular boat ride. The iconic boat sails the Niagara River to the mighty waters of the Niagara Gorge, arriving at the base of the American and Horseshoe Falls on the U.S. side of the Falls. Here, visitors witness the thundering roar of 600,000 gallons of water. Note: Wear the supplied blue rain poncho.
Mount Washington Cog Railway
1869
Mount Washington, New Hampshire “The Second Greatest Show on Earth!” exclaimed P.T. Barnum when he stepped off train in 1869 and saw the view from Mount Washington’s rocky summit. AKA The Cog was the first mountain-climbing cog railway in the world, and the only one currently operating in North America. The dramatic ascent to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast, at 6,288 feet, still thrills passengers today. During the 3-hour, round-trip journey, the train climbs at a grade of 25% with some sections approaching 38% through 3 climate zones to reach the summit. Here, passengers visit the observation deck, weather exhibit, summit sign, museum and more. 32
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Amish Country Byway
2002
Ohio
Travel with the horse and buggies on this 76-mile National Scenic Byway through Amish Country. The byway forms a double loop of scenic country roads including SR-62 and 39 and the Eastern Ohio towns of Loudonville, Millersburg, Sugarcreek, Dalton, Berlin and Wilmot. Along the byway, rustic roadstands, stores and markets offer fresh food products, furniture, quilts, handcrafts, pottery and antiques produced by the Amish people who are known for their simple and self-reliant way of life. Travelers can explore Amish history and culture, sample traditional Amish dishes as well as enjoy recreational activities in the peaceful countryside.
Benson Bridge
Multnomah County, Oregon
1914
Located 30 miles east of downtown Portland along the Historic Columbia River Highway, the 620-foot Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon, the state’s most visited attraction and the second tallest year-round waterfall in the U.S. Benson Bridge is the 52-foot long reinforced concrete deck arch footbridge sitting at the base of the upper tier of the iconic waterfall. On the National Register of Historic Places, the bridge is part of the trail over the 69-foot lower falls leading to the top of the main, upper falls and connecting to other hiking trails in the Columbia River Gorge area. It is one of the most photographed locations in Oregon.
Historic Route 66 Tulsa, Oklahoma
1926
The iconic 2,448-mile road is also known as “The Mother Road,” “Will Rogers Highway” and the “Main Street of America.” One of the nation’s original highways in the U.S. Highway System, the original road ran from Chicago, IL through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona before ending in Santa Monica, CA. Although the road was removed from the highway system in 1985, portions of the road are designated as a National Scenic Byway and feature numerous cultural and historic sites. Pictured here are the “East Meets West” statues located at Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza in Tulsa, OK. Credit: Route 66 www.TRIPinfo.com | Transportation
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Frankford Avenue Bridge Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1697
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and noted as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, the Frankford Avenue Bridge is the oldest surviving roadway bridge in America and the first known stone arch built in the United States. Originally, the 3-span, 73-footlong bridge was intended as a link on the King’s Highway, one of colonial America’s earliest roads, connecting Philadelphia to Trenton, New York and Boston. It was only 18 feet wide but has been widened and refurbished several times since the original construction. Also known as the Pennypack Creek Bridge on U.S. Route 13, the bridge crosses Pennypack Creek.
Thames Street
Newport, Rhode Island
1654
As one of Newport’s two original streets, along with Marlborough Street, this historic cobblestone street is one of the oldest continuously used streets in Rhode Island. The street gets its name from the Thames River in London, England. Still considered the center of activity in the City by the Sea, Thames Street runs parallel to the waterfront and provides spectacular views of the Newport bridge over Narragansett Bay. Popular for walking, the 1.5-mile stretch of road is lined with boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, restaurants, bars, inns, historic homes and colonial buildings. Photo credit: Discover Newport
Ashley River Road National Scenic Byway (SC 61)
1691
Charleston, South Carolina
Established in 1691, the road is probably the oldest road in South Carolina still in use and has been named a National Scenic Byway and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since cutting down shade trees along the road was prohibited, some of the trees forming the road’s canopy are likely from this period or earlier. Running parallel to the Ashley River, the 11-mile road travels through the historic plantation district beside points of interest like: Middleton Place, Drayton Hall, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Magnolia Plantation, Fort Dorchester State Park and golf and equestrian facilities. Photo credit: South Carolina Dept. of Transportation 34
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Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
1976
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach International Airport is the gateway to Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand with nonstop flights from over 50 non-stop destinations. Airlines serving the airport include Allegiant, American, Avelo, Breeze, Delta, Frontier, Porter, Sun Country, Southwest, Spirit and United. The award-winning airport serves about 3+ million people each year, making it the 3rd busiest airport in South Carolina behind Charleston and Greenville. For entertainment, MYR offers plenty of things to do like shopping, dining at 9 restaurants and concessions, exploring the terminal, plane spotting and getting your workout in.
Aiken Trolley Tour Aiken, South Carolina
2005
This enclosed, climate-controlled trolley is a throwback to the Aiken-Augusta trolley that ran during the early 1900s. During the 2-hour trolley ride through Aiken, passengers see and hear stories about the historic homes and churches, equestrian sites, the Civil War’s Battle of Aiken, the live oak canopy on South Boundary and the Winter Colony residents. Guided walking tours of Hopelands Gardens and the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum are included. Since tickets sell out in advance, reservations are strongly encouraged. Customized group tours for 15 or more people are available but should be reserved in advance.
Edisto Island National Scenic Byway
1960s
Edisto Island, South Carolina
Located in the South Carolina Lowcountry, the 17-mile journey across the scenic barrier island on Highway 174 starts as the Dawhoo River Bridge at the Intracoastal Waterway, then winds through and over salt marshes, creeks and rivers and ends at the Atlantic Ocean on Edisto Beach. Travelers have the opportunity to drive under a moss-covered, live oak canopy, look for wildlife and bird habitats and see 30 points of interest including Civil War artifacts, Gullah cultural sites, historic churches, museums and serene sunsets. Photo credit: Vanessa Kauffman 36
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We’re Way More Than Horses!
Visit tbredcountry.org
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Badlands Loop Road Interior, South Dakota
1939
Badlands Loop Road (SD 240) is a spectacular way to see the North Unit of Badlands National Park. Easily accessed from I-90 from either Cactus Flat or Wall, the 39-mile scenic loop takes an hour to drive non-stop, 2 hours with stops at some of the 16 designated overlooks and longer if you include hikes on some of the trails. The twisting curves of this two-lane, paved road climb through passes in the Badlands “wall” of rugged rock pinnacles, buttes, mounds and native grasslands. Anticipate seeing numerous species of plants and animals like pronghorn antelope, mule deer, prairie dogs and birds. Photo credit: South Dakota Department of Tourism
Wilma Rudolph Boulevard
1994
Clarksville, Tennessee The 5-mile segment of TN Highway 79 celebrates the storied life of Clarksville native daughter Wilma Rudolph who became the first woman from the United States to receive three gold medals in a single Olympic Game. With strong support from her family, Wilma overcame polio and resulting infantile paralysis to play basketball and run track as a teenager. At 16, she competed in her first Olympics, as the youngest member of the 1956 US track and field team, and earned a bronze medal. In the 1960 Games, she earned 3 gold medals and was named the “fastest woman alive.” This life-size bronze statue is located at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center in Clarksville.
Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW)
1974
DFW Airport, Texas
Located between the cities of Dallas and Forth Worth, DFW is the busiest airport in Texas – serving an estimated 80 million passengers in 2023, the 2nd busiest airport in the U.S. and 5th busiest in the world. The airport covers 17,183 acres, making it the 2nd largest airport in the U.S. behind Denver. Airport amenities include 70 dining spots, plenty of shopping, four on-airport hotel properties. plus luxuries like spas and top-notch lounges, a pet hotel and a yoga studio. The airport has flights to 193 nonstop domestic destinations – the most nonstop flights to domestic destinations in the United States, and 63 international destinations. 38
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LET’S GO!
LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS. Come be productive, inspired, and entertained in the city built for today’s business. Plan your trip at visitplano.com.
SCAN AND GO! 39
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Bankhead Highway Big Spring, Texas
1916
Part of the National Auto Trail system, the Bankhead Highway was one of the nation’s first paved transcontinental highways, connecting Washington, DC and San Diego, CA. Its path crossed 850 miles in Texas, largely following the rail lines running from Texarkana through Big Spring – aka the “Crossroads of West Texas” – and on to El Paso. Along with the highway came places for travelers to stop: gas stations, restaurants and hotels, like Big Spring’s iconic Hotel Settles. In 1959, I-20 was developed and replaced the road. Bankhead Highway has been designated a Texas Historic Highway as part of the Historic Roads and Highways Program.
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway & Tunnel
1930
Springdale, Utah
True engineering feats, the 25-mile highway and 1.1mile tunnel are unique features within Zion National Park – Utah’s first and most popular national park. Built to provide direct access to Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon from Zion, the highway features 7 switchbacks as it gains an elevation of 800 feet from the canyon floor to the sandstone cliffs. To build the tunnel, men worked from both sides, blasting sandstone and carving galleries into the exterior tunnel walls to dispose of debris. Today, the galleries give light and ventilation while travelers enjoy glimpses of Zion Canyon’s spectacular beauty. Both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Lake Champlain Transportation Company
1826
Burlington, Vermont
The Lake Champlain ferries provide transportation across Lake Champlain at two distinct crossing locations throughout the year, unless temporarily closed for bad ice conditions or high northern winds in the winter. The northern-most route links Grand Isle, VT to Plattsburgh, NY and is the most convenient way to connect I-87 in New York to I-89 in Vermont. From shore-to-shore, the trip takes 15 minutes. The southern-most crossing is the Charlotte, VT to Essex, NY ferry. This beautiful 30-minute ferry ride provides the perfect vantage point for scenic summer views or leaf-peeping. Vehicles are served on a first come, first serve basis with no reservations. 40
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Chesapeake Bay BridgeTunnel
1964
Cape Charles, Virginia
The 20-mile Bridge-Tunnel connects southeastern Virginia to Virginia’s Eastern Shore and the Delmarva Peninsula, crossing over and under the Chesapeake Bay where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. A series of highrise bridges, tunnels, low-level tressels and causeways comprise the toll Bridge-Tunnel complex. Designated “One of Seven Engineering Wonders of the Modern World” in 1965, 4-lane Bridge-Tunnel is as much a tourist attraction as a travel convenience. Travelers often stop at the Eastern Shore Welcome Center to get information, visit the gift shop and the scenic overlook to see the bridge, fish, birds, waterfowl and passing ships.
Deception Pass Bridge Whidbey Island, Washington
1935
Located ~30 miles north of Seattle, Whidbey Island forms the northern boundary of Puget Sound between the Olympic Peninsula and the I-5 corridor of western Washington. One of Whidbey’s and the Pacific Northwest’s most photographed landmarks, Deception Pass Bridge is a 2-lane bridge on historic Washington SR 20. A scenic and geologic wonder, the bridge is divided into 2 sections. The section pictured here crosses Deception Pass and connects Whidbey Island to the uninhabited Pass Island. The second section crosses over Canoe Pass and connects to Fidalgo Island. Deception Pass Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Washington Island Ferry Line
1940
Washington Island, Wisconsin The ferry line operates 4 modern, Coast Guard-approved vessels that cross Lake Michigan providing transportation for passengers and vehicles to Washington Island. The scenic 30-minute ferry ride embarks from the tip of Door County peninsula in the northeast corner of Wisconsin, crosses Death’s Door passage sailing past Plum, Pilot and Detroit Islands to reach the 22-square mile Washington Island – the largest of Door County’s 30 islands. The ferry line makes 25 round trips per day during high season and 2 round trips per day in winter. Washington Island is a great spot to getaway, relax, explore history and nature, hike, bike and take a Cherry Train tour. 42
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43
New River Gorge Bridge Victor, West Virginia
1977
The New River Gorge Bridge sits just north of Fayetteville in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, carrying cars on U.S. Route 19 across the deep gorge of the New River which runs 876 feet below. An engineering feat, the 4-lane bridge is the third highest bridge in the country. The 3,030-foot bridge is the longest singlespan steel arch bridge in the United States and was the longest in the world until the construction of China’s Shanghai’s Lupu Bridge in 2003. On Bridge Day each fall, people are allowed to walk on the bridge and thousands of spectators watch hundreds of BASE jumpers and rapellers descend from the bridge to the gorge.
Washington Heritage Trail Eastern Panhandle, West Virginia
2000
The 136-mile Washington Heritage Trail winds through Jefferson, Berkeley and Morgan counties in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. This National Scenic Byway is named for George Washington. Many of its prominent sites center around the time he spent in the area from surveying and defending the area to being elected to his first office. On the driving trail, travelers explore the natural and cultural history of 18th-century towns, 19th-century industrial sites, Washington family homes, historic sites, springs, rivers, caves and mountain ranges. Beyond history, travelers can go whitewater rafting, fish, play golf, watch horse races, visit a casino and spas.
Winter Sleigh Ride Jackson Hole, Wyoming
A favorite Wyoming winter activity is a horse-drawn sleigh ride through beautiful snow-filled landscapes. During this unique experience, passengers have incredible views of the Grand Tetons, the Sleeping Indian, twinkling lights of Jackson and see thousands of elk as well as other wildlife like bison, bighorn sheep, fox and possibly bald eagles in the National Elk Refuge. For that special photo op, the tour’s experienced guide can safely get the group within 20-30 feet of the migrating elk. Most sleigh rides are scheduled daily from December through March or early April and last about 45 minutes to an hour. 44
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Atlas Index
Click on a state name or city to view the map. (This will open a new page in your browser)
Cities are in GREY
Alabama Birmingham, AL Mobile & Gulf Shores, AL Alaska Arizona Phoenix, AZ Arkansas Little Rock, AR California Los Angeles, CA San Diego, CA San Francisco Bay Area Colorado Denver, CO Connecticut Delaware Florida Big Cypress & Seminole Country
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Cocoa Beach & Space Coast Fort Myers & Naples, FL Jacksonville & Northeast Florida Key West & Florida Keys Miami & The Beaches Orlando, FL Panhandle & Northwest Florida Tampa, St. Pete & Clearwater Washington County Georgia Coast Georgia Peachtree City, GA Athens, GA Savannah, GA Atlanta, GA Statesboro, GA Brunswick & The Hawaii Golden Isles Idaho Columbus, GA Boise, ID Illinois Chicago, IL Indiana Indianapolis, IN Iowa Kansas Kansas City, KS Kentucky Louisville, KY Louisiana New Orleans, LA New Orleans French Quarter
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Louisiana Northshore Maine Maryland Baltimore, MD Havre de Grace, MD Massachusetts Boston, MA Michigan Detroit, MI Minnesota Mississippi Gulfport, Biloxi & MS Gulf Coast Mississippi Delta & Tunica Natchez, MS Missouri Branson, MO
Kansas City, MO St. Louis, MO Montana Nebraska Nevada Las Vegas, NV New Hampshire New Jersey New Jersey Coast New Mexico New York Manhattan New York City, NY North Carolina Charlotte, NC Great Smoky Mountains Nat’l Park High Country & Boone Area Mooresville, NC Outer Banks, NC Piedmont Triad
Research Triangle Wilmington & Cape Fear Coast North Dakota Ohio Cincinnati, OH Oklahoma Oklahoma City, OK Tulsa, OK Oregon Portland, OR Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA Rhode Island South Carolina Charleston, SC Columbia, SC Lowcountry & Hilton Head Island Myrtle Beach, SC Pee Dee Country Santee Cooper Country
Thoroughbred Country South Dakota Tennessee Memphis, TN Nashville, TN Ocoee, TN Smoky Mountains Texas Dallas, TX Fort Worth, TX Houston, TX San Antonio & Hill Country Utah Salt Lake City, UT
Vermont Virginia Chesapeake Bay & Eastern Shore Coastal Virginia Roanoke, VA Washington Seattle, WA Washington D.C. Downtown D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming United States of America
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47
HANDBOOK
Click each state to find great places to visit and travel trivia.
LEGEND The icons below represent activities or accessibility options available at the locations on the next pages.
BEACH
BOATING
BICYCLING
FISHING
CAMPING
GOLFING
HIKING
SKIING
TENNIS
SHOPPING
BREWERIES
DISTILLERIES
THEATRE
RESTAURANT / LOUNGE
MUSEUM
MEETINGS & EVENTS
COACHES WELCOME
ACCESS
HISTORIC SITE
HORSEBACK RIDING
AMUSEMENT PARKS
SWIMMING POOL
WINERY
MOTORSPORTS
Alabama FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Helen Keller Condoleezza Rice Hank Aaron Nat King Cole Emmylou Harris Coretta Scott King Carl Lewis
Capital: Montgomery Population: 4,903,185 Time Zone: Central Statehood: December 14, 1819 (22nd) Bird: Yellowhammer Flower: Camellia Nickname: The Cotton State Song: “Alabama”
California FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Shirley Temple Black Leonardo DiCaprio Steve Jobs Mickey Mouse Richard M. Nixon Sally Ride Tiger Woods
FACTS:
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Population: 731,545
Capital: Juneau
Holly Madison Curt Schilling Sarah Palin Archie Van Winkle James Morrison Jewel Wyatt Earp Carlos Boozer
Time Zone: Alaska / Aleutian
Arizona
FACTS:
FAMOUS PEOPLE: Joe Jonas Stevie Nicks Geronimo Barbara Eden Kerry Strug Emma Stone Shawn Michaels Jordin Sparks
Statehood: January 3, 1959 (49th) Bird: Willow ptarmigan Flower: Alpine Forget-me-not Nickname: The Last Frontier Song: “Alaska’s Flag”
Population: 7,278,717 Time Zone: Mountain Statehood: February 14, 1912 (48th) Bird: Cactus Wren Flower: Saguaro Blossom Nickname: The Constitution State Song: “Arizona” Tree: Palo Verde
Arkansas FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Paul “Bear” Bryant Dizzy Dean Sonny Liston Conway Twitty John Grisham Johnny Cash Bill Clinton
Capital: Little Rock Population: 3,017,804 Time Zone: Central Statehood: June 15, 1836 (25th) Bird: Mockingbird Flower: Apple Blossom Nickname: The Natural State Song: “Arkansas, Oh Arkansas” Tree: Pine
Time Zone: Pacific Statehood: September 9, 1850 (31st) Bird: California Valley Quail Flower: California Poppy Nickname: The Golden State Song: “I Love You, California”
Colorado FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Tim Allen Jon Heder John Kerry Jack Dempsey David Fincher Byron R. White John Hall
Tree: Sitka Spruce
Capital: Phoenix
Population: 39,512,223
Tree: Coast Redwood & Giant Redwood
Tree: Longleaf Pine
Alaska
Capital: Sacramento
Capital: Denver Population: 5,758,736 Time Zone: Mountain Statehood: August 1st, 1876 (38th) Bird: Lark Bunting Flower: Rocky Mountain Columbine Nickname: Centennial State Song: “Where the Columbines Grow” Tree: Blue Spruce
Connecticut FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Noah Webster Michael Bolton George W. Bush Vint Cerf Katharine Hepburn J. P. Morgan Benedict Arnold John Mayer
Capital: Hartford Population: 3,565,287 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: January 05, 1788 (5th) Bird: Robin Flower: Mountain Laurel Nickname: The Constitution State Song: “Yankee Doodle” Tree: White Oak
Delaware FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Valerie Bertinelli Eleuthere Irenee du Pont de Nemours Henry Heimlich Robert Mitchum George Read Judge Reinhold Caesar Rodney
Capital: Dover Population: 973,764 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: December 7, 1787 (1st) Bird: Blue Hen Chicken Flower: Peach Blossom Nickname: The First State Song: “Our Delaware” Tree: American Holly
Florida FAMOUS PEOPLE: Ariana Grande Ray Lewis Pat Boone Steve Carlton Frances Langford Osceola Sidney Poitier Janet Reno
FACTS: Capital: Tallahassee Population: 21,477,737 Time Zone: Eastern & Central Statehood: March 3, 1845 (27th) Bird: Northern Mockingbird Flower: Orange Blossom Nickname: The Sunshine State Song: “Florida, Where the Sawgrass...” Tree: Cabbage Palmetto
Georgia FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Martin Luther King, Jr. James (Jimmy) E. Carter Rosalynn Carter Ty Cobb Clarence Thomas Ryan Seacrest Gladys Knight Julia Roberts
Capital: Atlanta Population: 10,617,423 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: January 2, 1788 (4th) Bird: Brown Thrasher Flower: Cherokee Rose Nickname: Empire State of the South Song: “Georgia On My Mind” Tree: Live Oak
Hawaii
FACTS:
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Illinois
FAMOUS PEOPLE: Ronald Reagan Robin Williams Betty White Harrison Ford Hillary Clinton Ernest Hemingway Quincy Jones Raquel Welch
FACTS: Capital: Springfield Population: 12,671,821 Time Zone: Central Statehood: December 03, 1818 (21st) Bird: Cardinal Flower: Violet Nickname: The Prairie State Song: “Illinois” Tree: White Oak
Indiana FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Jimmy Hoffa Florence Henderson Evan Bayh Michael Jackson Steve McQueen Janet Jackson James Dean David Letterman
Capital: Indianapolis Population: 6,732,219 Time Zone: Eastern & Central Statehood: December 11, 1816 (19th) Bird: Cardinal Flower: Peony Nickname: The Hoosier State Song: “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away” Tree: Tulip
FACTS:
Capital: Honolulu
Iowa
Population: 1,415,872
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Population: 3,155,070
Barack Obama Bruno Mars Nicole Kidman Bethany Hamilton Marcus Mariota Kelly Preston K. Megan McArthur Don Ho
Time Zone: Hawaii-Aleutian
Jerry Mathers Kurt Warner Mamie Eisenhower Ashton Kutcher John Wayne Cloris Leachman Shawn Johnson Halston
Time Zone: Central
Idaho
FACTS:
Kansas
FACTS:
FAMOUS PEOPLE: Sarah Palin Aaron Paul Lana Turner Harmon Killebrew Ezra Pound Mike Riley
Statehood: August 21, 1959 (50th) Bird: Nene Flower: Yellow Hibiscus Nickname: The Aloha State Song: “Hawaii Ponoi, Hawaii Own” Tree: Candlenut
Capital: Boise Population: 1,787,065 Time Zone: Pacific Statehood: July 3, 1890 (43rd) Bird: Mountain Bluebird Flower: Syringa Nickname: Gem State Song: “Here We Have Idaho” Tree: Western White Pine
FAMOUS PEOPLE: Amelia Earhart Burt Bacharach Joanna Gaines Gale Sayers Ed Asner Martina McBride Annette Bening
Capital: Des Moines
Statehood: December 28, 1846 (29th) Bird: American Goldfinch Flower: Rose Nickname: The Hawkeye State Song: “The Song of Iowa” Tree: Oak
Capital: Topeka Population: 2,913,314 Time Zone: Central Statehood: January 29, 1861 (34th) Bird: Meadowlark Flower: Sunflower Nickname: The Sunflower State Song: “Home on the Range” Tree: Cottonwood
Kentucky FACTS:
FAMOUS PEOPLE: Muhammad Ali George Clooney Johnny Depp Duncan Hines Wynonna Judd Abraham Lincoln Diane Sawyer
Capital: Frankfort Population: 4,467,673 Time Zone: Eastern & Central Statehood: June 1, 1792 (15th) Bird: Cardinal Flower: Goldenrod Nickname: The Bluegrass State Song: “My Old Kentucky Home” Tree: Tulip Tree
Massachusetts FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: John F. Kennedy Dr. Seuss Benjamin Franklin John Adams George H. W. Bush Matt Damon Mark Wahlberg Matt LeBlanc
Capital: Boston Population: 6,892,503 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: February 06, 1788 6th) Bird: Black-Capped Chickadee Flower: May Flower Nickname: The Bay State Song: “Hail, Massachusetts” Tree: American Elm
Louisiana FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Harry Connick Jr. Frank Ocean Reese Witherspoon Truman Capote Jared Leto Mahalia Jackson Peyton Manning Quvenzhané Wallis
Maine FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Capital: Baton Rouge Population: 4,648,794 Time Zone: Central Statehood: April 30, 1812 (18th) Bird: Brown Pelican Flower: Magnolia Nickname: The Pelican State Song: “Give Me Louisiana“ Tree: Bald Cypress
FACTS: Capital: Augusta
Population: 1,344,212 Judd Nelson Time Zone: Eastern Linda Lavin Statehood: March 15, 1820 (23rd) Patrick Dempsey Bird: Chickadee Nelson Rockefeller Flower: White Pine Cone & Tassel Stephen King Nickname: The Pine Tree State Elijah Lovejoy Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Song: “State Song of Maine” Tree: White Pine
Maryland FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Barbara Mikulski Reginald F. Lewis Harriet Tubman Frederick Douglass Michael Phelps Julie Bowen John Wilkes Booth Nora Roberts
Capital: Annapolis Population: 6,045,680 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: April 28, 1788 (7th) Bird: Baltimore Oriole Flower: Black-eyed Susan Nickname: Old Line State Song: “Maryland My Maryland” Tree: White Oak
Michigan FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Serena Williams Tom Selleck Burt Reynolds Magic Johnson Madonna Stevie Wonder Henry Ford Kid Rock
Capital: Lansing Population: 9,986,857 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: January 26, 1837 (26th) Bird: Robin Flower: Apple Blossom Nickname: The Wolverine State Song: “Michigan, My Michigan” Tree: White Pine
Minnesota FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: F. Scott Fitzgerald Bob Dylan Chris Pratt Judy Garland Steve Martin Vince Vaughn J. Paul Getty Lindsey Vonn
Capital: St. Paul Population: 5,639,632 Time Zone: Central Statehood: May 11, 1858 (32nd) Bird: Common Loon Flower: Lady Slipper Nickname: The Land of 10,000 Lakes Song: “Hail! Minnesota” Tree: Red Pine
Mississippi FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Elvis Presley Oprah Winfrey Faith Hill James Earl Jones Brett Favre Jimmy Buffett B.B. King
Capital: Jackson Population: 2,976,149 Time Zone: Central Statehood: December 10, 1817 (20th) Bird: Mockingbird Flower: Magnolia Nickname: The Magnolia State Song: “Go Mis-sis-sip-pi”
Nevada FAMOUS PEOPLE: Pat Nixon Julia Mancuso Harry Reid Sarah Winnemucca Andre Agassi Jenna Jameson Rutina Wesley
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
George Washington Carver Calamity Jane Maya Angelou Langston Hughes Mark Twain Eminem Harry S. Truman Jon Hamm
Capital: Jefferson City Population: 6,137,428 Time Zone: Central Statehood: August 10, 1821 (24th) Bird: Bluebird Flower: Hawthorn Nickname: The Show Me State Song: “Missouri Waltz” Tree: Dogwood
Montana FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Michelle Williams Evel Knievel Gary Cooper Patrick Duffy Myrna Loy Dana Carvey Phil Jackson
Capital: Helena Population: 1,068,778 Time Zone: Mountain Statehood: November 8, 1889 (41st) Bird: Meadowlark Flower: Bitterroot Nickname: Big Sky Country Song: “Montana Melody” Tree: Pine
Nebraska FACTS:
Capital: Lincoln
Capital: Carson City Population: 3,080,156 Time Zone: Pacific & Mountain Statehood: October 31, 1864 (36th) Bird: Bluebird Flower: Sagebrush Nickname: Silver State Song: “Home Means Nevada” Tree: Pine
Tree: Magnolia
Missouri FACTS:
FACTS:
FACTS: New Hampshire
Capital: Concord
FAMOUS PEOPLE: Robert Frost John Irving Mandy Moore Franklin Pierce Alan Shepard Bode Miller E.E. Cummings
Population: 1,359,711 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: June 21, 1788 (9th) Bird: Purple Finch Flower: Purple Lilac Nickname: The Granite State Song: “Old New Hampshire” Tree: White Birch
New Jersey FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Frank Sinatra Whitney Houston Bruce Springsteen John Travolta Meryl Streep Martha Stewart Buzz Aldrin Jon Bon Jovi
New Mexico
Capital: Trenton Population: 8,882,190 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: December 18, 1789 (3rd) Bird: Eastern Goldfinch Flower: Violet Nickname: The Garden State Song: “New Jersey Loyalty” Tree: Red Oak
FACTS: Capital: Santa Fe
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Population: 1,934,408
Gerald Ford Gabrielle Union Malcolm X Larry the Cable Guy Warren Buffet Andy Roddick Marlon Brando Fred Astaire
Time Zone: Central & Mountain
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Time Zone: Mountain
Statehood: March 1, 1867 (37th)
Neil Patrick Harris Demo Lovato Jeff Bezos Demi Moore Dolores Huerta Rudolfo A. Anaya
Statehood: January 6, 1912 (47th)
Bird: Western Meadowlark Flower: Goldenrod Nickname: Cornhusker State Song: “Beautiful Nebraska” Tree: Cottonwood
Population: 2,096,829
Bird: Roadrunner Flower: Yucca Flower Nickname: Land of Enchantment Song: “O, Fair New Mexico” Tree: Piñon Pine
New York FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Adam Sandler Al Capone Michael Jordan J. Robert Oppenheimer Tom Cruise Theodore Roosevelt Jimmy Fallon Jane Fonda
Capital: Albany Population: 19,453,561 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: July 26, 1788 (11th) Bird: Eastern Bluebird Flower: Rose Nickname: The Empire State Song: “I Love New York”
Oklahoma FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Ron Howard Brad Pitt Carrie Underwood Reba McEntire Chuck Norris Blake Shelton Dr. Phil McGraw
Tree: Sugar Maple
FAMOUS PEOPLE: John Legend Maya Lin Russell Wilson Thomas Edison Edwin Stanton John Glenn Art Tatum Roy Rogers
FAMOUS PEOPLE: Billy Graham Scotty McCreery Dolley Madison Meadowlark Lemon Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Charlie Daniels
FAMOUS PEOPLE: Josh Duhamel Kellan Lutz Lawrence Welk Angie Dickinson Peggy Lee Bobby Vee
Time Zone: Central Statehood: November 16, 1907 (46th) Bird: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Flower: Mistletoe Nickname: The Sooner State Song: “Oklahoma”
FACTS: Capital: Columbus Population: 11,689,100 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: March 1, 1803 (17th) Bird: Cardinal Flower: Scarlet Carnation Nickname: The Buckeye State Song: “Beautiful Ohio” Tree: Buckeye
Capital: Raleigh
Oregon FACTS:
Population: 10,488,084
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Population: 4,217,737
Time Zone: Eastern
Chief Joseph Douglas C. Engelbart Cathy McMorris Rodgers Ashton Eaton Matt Groening Tonya Harding James Beard
Time Zone: Pacific & Mountain
Statehood: November 21, 1789 (12th) Bird: Cardinal Flower: Dogwood Nickname: The Tarheel State Song: “The Old North State”
Capital: Salem
Statehood: February 14, 1859 (33rd) Bird: Meadowlark Flower: Oregon Grape Nickname: Beaver State Song: “Oregon, My Oregon” Tree: Douglas Fir
Tree: Pine
North Dakota
Population: 3,956,971
Tree: Redbud
Ohio
North FACTS: Carolina
Capital: Oklahoma City
Capital: Bismarck
Pennsylvania
Population: 762,062
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
FACTS:
Time Zone: Mountain
Taylor Swift Will Smith Kevin Hart Pink Kobe Bryant Amanda Seyfried Tina Fey
Capital: Harrisburg
FACTS:
Statehood: November 02, 1889 (39th) Bird: Western Meadowlark Flower: Wild Prairie Rose Nickname: The Tarheel State Song: “North Dakota Hymn” Tree: American Elm
Population: 12,801,989 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: December 12, 1787 (2nd) Bird: Ruffed Grouse Flower: Mountain-laurel
Rhode Island
FACTS:
Meredith Vieira Cormac McCarthy Jack Reed Matthew C. Perry H.P. Lovecraft
Statehood: May 29, 1790 (13th)
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Capital: Providence Population: 1,059,361 Time Zone: Eastern Bird: Rhode Island Red Flower: Voilet Nickname: The Ocean State Song: “Rhode Island It’s For Me” Tree: Red Maple
South FACTS: Carolina
Capital: Columbia Population: 5,148,714
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Time Zone: Eastern
Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion Andrew Jackson Joe Frazier Dizzy Gillespie Vanna White
Statehood: May 23, 1788 (8th) Bird: Great Carolina Wren Flower: Yellow Jessamine Nickname: The Palmetto State Song: “Carolina” Tree: Palmetto
South Dakota
FACTS:
Sitting Bull John Thune Hubert H. Humphrey Tom Brokaw January Jones Sparky Anderson
Statehood: November 2, 1889 (40th)
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Capital: Pierre Population: 884,659 Time Zone: Central & Mountain Bird: Ring-necked Pheasant Flower: Pasque Flower Nickname: The Mount Rushmore State Song: “Hail, South Dakota”
Davy Crockett Justin Timberlake Dolly Parton Aretha Franklin Morgan Freeman Kenny Chesney George Hamilton Greg Allman
FAMOUS PEOPLE: Lyndon Johnson Alvin Ailey Matthew McConaughey Carol Burnett George Foreman Dwight Eisenhower NIck Jonas Sandra Day O’Connor
Utah FAMOUS PEOPLE: Marie Osmond Roseanne Barr J. Willard Marriott Butch Cassidy Laraine Day Jewel James Woods Wallace Henry Thurman
Capital: Nashville Population: 6,829,174 Time Zone: Eastern & Central Statehood: June 6, 1796 (16th) Bird: Mockingbird Flower: Iris Nickname: The Volunteer State Song: “The Tennessee Waltz” Tree: Tulip Poplar
FACTS: Capital: Austin Population: 28,995,881 Time Zone: Central & Mountain Statehood: December 29, 1845 (28th) Bird: Mockingbird Flower: Bluebonnet Nickname: The Lone Star State Song: “Texas, Our Texas” Tree: Pecan
FACTS: Capital: Salt Lake City Population: 3,205,958 Time Zone: Mountain Statehood: January 4, 1896 (45th) Bird: American Gull Flower: Sego Lily Nickname: Beehive State Song: “Utah, We Love Thee” Tree: Quaking Aspen
Vermont FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Chester A. Arthur Ted Bundy Jody Williams Grace Anna Coolidge Calvin Coolidge Hannah Teter Alexander Lucius Twilight
Tree: Black Hills Spruce
Tennessee FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Texas
Capital: Montpelier Population: 623,989 Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: March 4, 1791 (14th) Bird: Hermit Thrush Flower: Red Clover Nickname: The Green Mountain State Song: “Hail, Vermont” Tree: Sugar Maple
Virginia FACTS:
Capital: Richmond
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Population: 8,535,519
Pharrell Williams Booker T. Washington George Washington Woodrow Wilson Thomas Jefferson Mildred Loving Shirley MacLaine Patsy Cline
Time Zone: Eastern Statehood: June 25, 1788 (10th) Bird: Cardinal Flower: American Dogwood Nickname: Mother of States Song: “Carry Me Back to Old Virginia” Tree: Dogwood
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Washington FACTS:
Capital: Olympia
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Population: 7,614,893
Bill Gates Kurt Cobain Taraji Henson Jimi Hendrix Adam West Bob Barker Hope Solo
Time Zone: Pacific Statehood: November 11, 1889 (42nd) Bird: American Goldfinch Flower: Rhododendron Nickname: The Evergreen State Song: “Washington, My Home” Tree: Western Hemlock
FACTS: West Virginia
Capital: Charleston
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Quarterly Digital Magazine Subject-Specific Digital Issues Since 2011
FAMOUS PEOPLE:
Population: 1,792,147
Time Zone: Eastern Brad Paisley Statehood: June 20, 1863 (35th) Steve Harvey Bird: Cardinal Nick Saban Flower: Great Laurel Mary Lou Retton Nickname: The Mountain State Don Knotts Song: “The West Virginia Hills” Charles Yeager Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson Tree: Sugar Maple
Wisconsin FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE:
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Laura Ingalls Wilder Mark Ruffalo William Rehnquist Paul Ryan Gene Wilder Orson Welles Chris Farley
Capital: Madison Population: 5,822,434 Time Zone: Central Statehood: May 29, 1848 (30th) Bird: Robin Flower: Wood Violet Nickname: Badger State Song: “On Wisconsin” Tree: Sugar Maple
Wyoming FACTS: FAMOUS PEOPLE: Jackson Pollock Dana Perino Vernon J. Baker Jim J. Bullock John Colter Velma Linford Chief Washakie James G. Watt
Capital: Cheyenne Population: 578,759 Time Zone: Mountain Statehood: July 10, 1890 (44th) Bird: Meadowlark Flower: Indian Paintbrush Nickname: Equality State Song: “Wyoming” Tree: Plains Cottonwood
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