Robben Island

Robben Island

When traveling to Cape Town South, Africa, take a tour to Robben Island.  This island is where Nelson Mandela was in prisoner for 27 years.  You will have the opportunity to see his jail cell, the cafeteria and the limestone quarry where Mandela did manual labor for years in blinding sun with no sunglass to protect is eyes from the light reflecting on the limestone.  If you are lucky, you will be able to experience a tour guide that was a former prisoner during the time Mandela served.  This is a Must-See tour.  Make sure you have an entire day for this tour.  The boat ride to Robben Island is beautiful.  It is a 30 minute trip by catamaran from Cape Town.  Additional information about the island can be found at http://robben-island.org.za/.

The Hearst Castle

The Hearst Castle

The Hearst Castle is one of American’s greatest historic homes.  It is located in San Simeon, California about 240 miles or 4 hours and 42 from Los Angeles.  Purchase tour tickets in advance and plan to spend the day visiting the home.  If you travel to San Simeon in January, you will see the massive elephant seals resting on the sea shore.  It is a wonder treat to see.  The Hearst Castle history and  tour information can be found at http://www.hearstcastle.org/.

The Crystal Cathedral

The Crystal Cathedral

The Crystal Cathedral is located in Garden Grove, CA.  It is one of the most unique cathedrals you will ever see.  It is a glass structure that is just as striking on the inside as outside.   It is located 89 miles or 1.5 hours from San Diego.  Visitor's center and cathedral tours can be located at http://www.crystalcathedral.org/.

The Back Porch

The Back Porch

The Back Porch at http://www.theback-porch.com/ is my favorite restaurant in Destin, FL.  It has great seafood, a rustic atmosphere and is located directly on Destin Beach.   The food is reasonably priced, and there is always great service.  It doesn’t get any better than this.

The Biltmore

The Biltmore

The Biltmore at http://www.biltmore.com/ is the largest home in the US.  It is located in Asheville, NC.  Plan ahead and  purchase admission tickets in advance.  This will save you frustration and time.  The original owner, George Vanderbilt was truly a visionary.  When first built , the residence had its own zip code.

Grove Park Inn

Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC at http://www.groveparkinn.com/ is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Plan a visit to have lunch at the Grove Park Inn. Give yourself time to enjoy the cozy lobby with plenty of seating and the largest fireplaces you will ever see.

Carinwood

Carinwood

Carinwood is fascinating.  It has two of the most spectacular castles you will see in Pennsylvania.  It also houses a fabulous church on the property as well.  Tours are offered for both castles. 

The Carinwood was owned by John Pitcairn, a Scottish immigrant and cofounder of Pittsburgh Plate Glass.  Eventually, his son decided to build his grey castle next door called the Glencairn Museum.  The castles are 31 minutes and 22 miles from downtown Philadelphia.  Additional information is listed below.

Cairnwood

Address: 1005 Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009

Admission: $8.00, Adults

Hours: Monday – Friday 9 am to 5 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 11 am to 3 pm.

Phone: 215-947-2004

http://www.cairnwood.org/tours.html

Oatlands Historic House and Gardens

Oatlands Historic House and Gardens

The Oatlands Historic House and Gardens at http://www.oatlands.org/ was established in the early 19th century by George Carteras as a wheat plantation and base for numerous business enterprises until the time of the Civil War.  It is a nice day trip from Washington, DC on a beautiful day.  It is approximately 50 miles and just one hour drive from the city.

The Everglades Safari Park

The Everglades Safari Park

The Everglades Safari Park offers a unique experience for viewing the Everglades.  The airboats are fast and fun.  It brings you as close to nature as you want to be considering the surrounding alligators and snakes.  Check the website for admission coupon discounts.  All the information for the park is listed below.

Everglades Safari Park – Airboat Rides

Location: 26700 SW 8 St, Miami, FL 33194

Phone: 305-226-6923 or 305-226-6923

Admission: $23.00 Adults

Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Mon – Sun.

Website: http://www.evergladessafaripark.com

*Tour #1 – The Eco-Adventure Tour

30-40 minute Airboat Ride

Alligator Wildlife Nature Show

Jungle Trail, Observation Platform and Exhibits

The Flagler Museum

The Flagler Museum

Henry Flagler was one of the wealthiest men in the US making the majority of his money from railroads.  When the great depression hit, he committed suicide because he felt he could not live off of 10 million dollars.  Palm Beach houses is Florida home which is magnificent.  If you are in the area if is definitely worth a visit.  It is called the Flagler Museum at http://flaglermuseum.us/.