NEW YORK
If you are looking to inject a bit of wacky fun into your humdrum summer vacation consider heading to New York’s Times Square. The place is crawling with “unique” characters, but that’s not the reason I’m suggesting you visit. Rather, there’s a wonderfully weird (though very family friendly) indoor attraction that’s sure to please your brood—the Ripley’s Believe It or Not emporium.
After a 35-year absence Ripley’s Odditorium has returned to the Big Apple (the former Times Square Ripley’s museum closed in 1972). The attraction is currently touting the “greatest collection of unbelievable odd and unusual items ever assembled under one roof, from this world and beyond!”
Sound tempting? Well, if spending time with a two-headed calf, a six-legged cow, and an albino giraffe sounds more inviting than camping with Uncle Bob and Aunt Mildred then your summer suddenly got a whole lot more interesting. By the way, there is also a lock of Elvis Presley’s hair and 24 shrunken heads from Ecuador on display in case you need to convince others that Ripley’s is the place to be this summer.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
It’s hard to believe that June is almost over. Our summer travel plans are set and unfortunately they don’t include a visit to our nation’s capital. For years I have wanted to tour the Washington National Cathedral, but have never made the time to do so. But now I have more of an incentive to make travel plans to Washington. The world’s sixth-largest cathedral is celebrating a milestone this year—100 years since construction on it began.
The year was 1907 and Theodore Roosevelt was president when the cornerstone of the landmark was first laid. It wouldn’t be until September 1990 when George H.W. Bush was in the White House that the Gothic structure would be declared complete. The cathedral, which was recently voted one of the three most beautiful buildings in the country in a survey by the American Institute of Architects, draws 800,000 visitors annually. It is home to daily masses and hosts a variety of concerts during the summer. In addition, it has hosted presidential funerals and national prayer services.
If you want to take part in the centennial celebrations be sure to visit in September. The events kick off during the last week of September with the debut of the multimedia exhibit “Dreamers and Believers: Cathedral Builders,” which runs through November. Other events include organ concerts, speaker forums, and a daylong festival on September 29th.
Related Articles:
New York City’s Most Famous Christmas Decoration
Another Reason NOT To Drive In New York City