The eyes of the world have been focussed on Washington, DC for their politics. But there are plenty of other reasons to set your sights on America’s capital – namely the National Cherry Blossom Festival and the famous JFK Theatre.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is Washington, DC's signature springtime event. It celebrates Japan’s gift of cherry blossom trees, symbolizing the friendship between both countries.

The blooming of the cherry trees around the Jefferson Memorial has brought thousands of visitors from around the world. These famous trees signal the coming of spring with an explosion of colour, surrounding the Memorial with a sea of pink and white.

Timed in conjunction with the peak blooming period of the trees, the city-wide festival attracts visitors to over 90 events in partnership with more than 30 local organizations. It features entertaining performances, arts and crafts, and one of Washington's most exciting traditions - the Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Of course, that’s just one reason to visit Washington, DC. But there are so many other things to see and do during a visit. DC hosts a playground of national treasures – from the Smithsonian Museums to legendary landmarks like the Capitol and the White House.

In fact, a visit to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is a highlight of any visit to Washington, D.C.

Opened in 1971, The Kennedy Center strives to fulfill President Kennedy's vision that was embodied in his quote: "I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we too, will be remembered not for our victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit."

The Kennedy Center welcomes three million visitors annually, both for performances and tours of the facility. These free tours are offered daily, sharing the history behind the Center and exploring the life and presidency of John F. Kennedy.

But what keeps people coming back to the Kennedy Center are the shows. And the Center is home to the one of the longest running plays in the history of American Theatre. “Shear Madness,” a classic whodunit, has been running at the Kennedy Center's Theater Lab for over 20 years, giving more than 10,000 performances!

Washington, DC is a city that makes history, and you can be part that history with a visit to this exciting American city.

Julia Bryan handles communications and public relations for DeNure Tours in Lindsay.

The many islands of the Bahamas have created unique opportunities for cruise lines. In fact, many have purchased private islands that they visit on almost all of their Caribbean cruise itineraries.

Holland America purchased the island previously known as Little San Salvador in 1997. Today, the 2,400-acre island is known as Half Moon Cay and is located 100 miles southeast of Nassau.

The cruise line invested $15 million to spruce up Half Moon Cay, but only two percent of this pristine island has been developed. The passenger facilities take up less than 50 acres of land, leaving the remaining land to serve as a preserve for migratory birds.

A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Half Moon Cay. It was our last port of call and a perfect finish to a great holiday. Essentially, it was a beach day with all of the comforts of the ship.

Half Moon Cay features a two-mile crescent of blinding white sand beach, and a Stingray Cove where you can feed and learn more about these gentle creatures. You can ride a horse into the surf of a deserted beach, or enjoy some family fun at Half Moon Lagoon, the island's aqua park and children's playground.

The Island facilities are divided into three sections: the welcome centre, Bahamian Village and the Tropics Restaurant. The welcome centre is where you’ll find an information booth, the restrooms, a Bahamian straw market, an ice cream shop, a post office, and a first aid station.

Several full-service bars are located throughout the island and on the beach. At lunchtime, head over to the Tropics Restaurant, where an included buffet-style barbecue will give you the energy you need to continue your day at the beach.

Visitors can choose to relax with a massage, or decide on a more active pursuit. A visit to any of three on-island water sports centres will help you rent snorkeling equipment, aqua bikes, windsurf boards, kayaks or beach floats.

One of the most unique features of Half Moon Cay is the 25-passenger tram service, allowing for easy transportation. You’ll also find a 5K running course and a chapel, which can accommodate up to 20 people for wedding ceremonies or vow-renewals.

Most importantly, Half Moon Cay has been voted "Best Private Island" 11 years in a row by Porthole Cruise Magazine!

Julia Bryan handles communications and public relations for DeNure Tours in Lindsay.

The Charles Dickens Museum in London, England is set to re-open next month after undergoing a £3.1 million project. Located in the heart of Bloomsbury, the Museum at 48 Doughty Street was Dickens’ family home and the place where he wrote classics such as Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby.

Number 48 Doughty Street was an important place in Charles Dickens's life, and where he lived from 1837 until 1839. Dickens described this terraced Georgian dwelling as 'my house in town.'

However, Dickens required more space for his growing family and in 1839, he moved. The Doughty Street house remained a residential property, but was threatened with demolition in 1923, until the Dickens Fellowship acquired it. The Museum opened in 1925 and has become the home of the world’s finest Dickens collection.

The Charles Dickens Museum boasts over 100,000 items including manuscripts, rare editions, personal items and paintings. Visitors can tour the house, decorated in the early Victorian style. Personal possessions of Dickens as well as letters and portraits are on display throughout.

The Charles Dickens Museum also maintains a Research Library where you will find the world's most extensive copyrighted collection of images connected with the author. There are photographs and illustrations of Dickens and his family, novel illustrations, cartoons, playbills and advertisements.

When the Museum re-opens, it will consist of both 48 and 49 Doughty Street, allowing the Dickens Fellowship to offer a traditional period Museum on one side and a state-of-the art visitor and learning centre on the other. This project was timed to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of Dickens in 2012.

At the heart of the project is the Museum’s re-display of rooms at 48 Doughty Street, returning them to their traditional Victorian appearance. The new room displays enhance the understanding of Dickens, his time and works, while also bringing to life the richness of Victorian customs.

Visitors will feel as if Dickens has just left the building and might return at any moment. Dickens himself, using his own words and his descriptions of domestic life during the Victorian era, will impart the stories and customs relating to each room.
With such a diverse collection to explore, it is not long before the characters and stories of Dickens are brought to life during your tour of this enchanting Museum.

Julia Bryan handles communications and public relations for DeNure Tours in Lindsay.

Along northern Florida’s Emerald Coast lies the city of Destin, a popular winter destination for those looking for white sand beaches, emerald waters and a warm climate. But Destin is also a great base for exploring some of the region’s best attractions, like The Air Force Armament Museum in Fort Walton.

The Air Force Armament Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to the collection, preservation and exhibition of artifacts and memorabilia associated with warfare aviation. Visitors can learn about airplanes and their weapons from the early days of World War I right through to today's high tech planes and bombs.

Driving onto the grounds, you first notice the array of aircraft on display. The fastest plane ever built, the SR-71 Blackbird is the centerpiece, and it is flanked by numerous planes from the Korean, Vietnam and Gulf War eras. In fact, there are over 25 different aircraft that have found a home at the Air Force Armament Museum that help to chronicle the history of America’s warfare aviation.

Inside the Museum, you'll find an extensive collection of weaponry and interactive displays that will amaze you. There are displays for each of America’s conflicts over the past century. The Museum is filled to the rafters with weapons and even intelligence-gathering technology such as seismic reconnaissance sensors that are able to listen and track movements from a great distance.

There are also several hundred pieces of armament that includes a gun collection, bombs and bomblets (the explosive matter ejected from cluster bombs). There are also many missiles on display including the Sparrow, Sidewinder, Bunker Buster and the MOAB – Mother of All Bombs. You can also find the AMRAAM and GBU-28 bunker buster that was specifically developed for use during Operation Desert Storm.

One of the highlights of the Museum is the Airborne Battlefield Command Control Center. This unit is used to manage tactical air operations during conflicts, special missions and exercises. Most importantly, it can be loaded into the back of military aircraft and transported wherever it is needed.

The Museum has done a great job of documenting what each piece of equipment has been used for and also provides an overview of America’s role in each conflict.

In fact, there’s so much to see that you might need more than one visit. But don’t worry, you can visit as often as you wish since admission is free!

Julia Bryan handles communications and public relations for DeNure Tours in Lindsay.
 

With so many things to see in this world, it’s hard to narrow down the true ‘musts’ in life. But in my opinion, seeing the Grand Canyon is something that everyone should do at some point. I really don’t think you can grasp the enormity of the Grand Canyon until you are standing before it.

One of the most popular ways to explore the Canyon is by rail from Williams, Arizona. In fact, long before there were helicopter tours, air tours, or white-water rafting tours, there was the Grand Canyon Railway.

The Railway was originally built in the late 1880s to transport ore from the Anita mines, which was located 45 miles north of Williams, Arizona. However, local sheriff and prospector Buckey O'Neill quickly recognized the potential impact the railway could have on tourism and began espousing the natural beauty of the area.

O’Neill was determined to find investors, and he was successful. In 1897, the Santa Fe and Grand Canyon Railroad Company was incorporated and the development of the tracks began northward from Williams.

This Railway made its first journey to the Canyon’s south rim in 1901, and it became the lifeline to Grand Canyon National Park in the early 20th century.

Offering comfortable and stylish cars, the Grand Canyon Railway scheduled one trip daily from Williams to the Grand Canyon. The train quickly gained popularity, as it gave visitors an easy way to get to the legendary canyon.

But most importantly, The Grand Canyon Railway allowed travellers from all over the world to stand on the Canyon’s rim and ponder the wonder and majesty of nature.

Today, the Railway carries well over 200,000 people to the canyon each year. Passengers can select from one of four vintage classes of service and ride in train cars that have been lovingly restored. And to add to the ambience, you ride with the knowledge that you are travelling along a route that has been used for over 100 years!

The ride itself offers a historic and fun journey to the canyon with the help of authentic western characters who bring the Old West to life. In addition, the train protects the natural environment, keeping approximately 50,000 cars outside of this protected natural treasure.

Journey to Grand Canyon National Park aboard Grand Canyon Railway and take a trip not only to America's most recognized sight, but a trip to a simpler time.

Julia Bryan handles communications and public relations for DeNure Tours in Lindsay.