Linda A. Tancs's Blog: The Long and Short of It, page 2

A North Shore Art Colony

By Linda Tancs

Located on Lake Superior’s North Shore, Grand Marais, Minnesota, is an artists’ paradise. In fact, this charming harbor village boasts the oldest art colony in the state. The Grand Marais Art Colony provides artists with independent work space in professional studios amidst the backdrop of a stunning landscape nestled between the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior. Autumn is a great time to participate in Art Along the Lake, a 10-day, self-led art tour during peak fall colors that offers the unique opportunity to meet local artists in their home studios and gain insights into their creative processes. 

Baths of Caracalla

By Linda Tancs

Situated near the Appian Way, the Baths of Caracalla (Thermae Antoninianae) represent the ruins of one of the largest and most impressive thermae built in antiquity in Rome. The complex was initiated by the emperor Septimius Severus in A.D. 206 and completed by his son, the emperor Caracalla in A.D. 216. Its rectangular shape is typical of imperial baths, which also included spaces for walking, studying and sports. They were once covered with marble and decorated with valued works of art unparalleled in ancient times. Take Line B, Circo Massimo stop, to get there.

Loretta Lynn’s Ranch

By Linda Tancs

Loretta Lynn was a legendary American country music singer and songwriter. Her homestead in rural Tennessee is one of the state’s top tourist attractions. Located in Hurricane Mills, Loretta Lynn Ranch is a family-friendly destination featuring a full service RV Park, log cabin rentals and a swimming pool. You can tour her historic family home dating to the 1800s as well as an exact replica of her childhood home in Butcher Holler, Kentucky. The property also features numerous museums like the Coal Miner’s Daughter Museum, Native American Artifacts Museum and Grist Mill Museum. Full tour admission includes a guided tour of both homes as well as museum access.

An Emblem of San Francisco

By Linda Tancs

An emblem of the skyline in San Francisco, California, Coit Tower is a fluted concrete column rising from the top of Telegraph Hill. Historically, Telegraph Hill was a visual landmark for sailors entering San Francisco Bay since its discovery in 1775. It takes its name from a semaphore telegraph erected on its summit in 1850 to alert residents to the arrival of ships. The tower is named for Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy eccentric who bequeathed funds for its construction, which was completed in 1933. The observation deck (accessible via elevator or 13 flights of steps) provides 360-degree views of the city and bay, including the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge. Tickets can be purchased at the tower up to one hour before closing time.

The Heart of Aggieland

By Linda Tancs

An Aggie is a student at Texas A&M University in College Station. The term Aggie is used by many to reflect agricultural roots. In the early 1900s, students at the university were referred to as farmers. College Station was founded as a railroad town in the late 19th century before becoming the academic and entrepreneurial center that it is today. In addition to the renowned university, the town is home to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum, where a new pavilion features a retired Marine One helicopter, the Union Pacific 4141 locomotive and the Bush family gravesite.

Chalk Pyramids in Kansas

By Linda Tancs

The first landmark in Kansas chosen by the U.S. Department of the Interior as a National Natural Landmark, Monument Rocks are a series of large chalk formations in Gove County, Kansas. Voted one of the eight wonders of Kansas, these natural formations were created during the Late Cretaceous Period of geologic history and are rich in fossils. About 20 miles south of Oakley, they rise up to 50 feet above ground and descend 300 feet below. Note that this natural wonder is located on private property made accessible to the public.

Equestrian Splendor in Lincolnshire

By Linda Tancs

A hallmark of England’s social season, Burghley Horse Trials in Stamford ranks within the U.K.’s top 10 national sporting occasions by attendance. An average of 80 of the world’s top competitors gather at the annual event held at Burghley House, a grand Elizabethan mansion. It’s one of only seven CCI 5* events worldwide, the star rating denoting the highest standard of event (technically and administratively) and the most challenging test of horse and rider. This year’s event runs from September 4 to 7.

Rural Tenerife

By Linda Tancs

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is home to Anaga Rural Park, a protected park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve featuring wildlife and over 20 rural settlements. It covers a significant part of the island and occupies a large part of the mountain range located in the northeast corner, boasting sharp, jagged peaks and deep ravines. Hiking through the cloud forests is a popular activity as is sunbathing on one of the black-sand beaches surrounding the towns of Taganana, Almáciga and Benijo. Located just above the town of Taganana, Mirador Risco Amogoje offers a sweeping view of the coastline including all of its stunning beaches. You can reach the area by car or bus or take a guided tour to learn more about the area.

Rio’s Famous Steps

By Linda Tancs

One of the most iconic landmarks in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is the Escadaria Selarón, a 250-step staircase decorated with more than 2,000 colorful, hand-painted tiles from around the world. Created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón, the formerly run-down outdoor staircase in Rio’s downtown is now one of the city’s most photographed masterpieces. The nearest metro station is Cinelândia, from which you can walk or take a taxi to the steps.

A Volcanic Neck in the Desert

By Linda Tancs

Agathla Peak is a peak south of Monument Valley, Arizona, which rises over 1,500 feet above the surrounding mesa. Visible from U.S. Route 163 in Navajo Nation, it’s a remnant of an ancient volcanic structure emplaced during the Oligocene about 25 million years ago. Also known as El Capitan, it’s considered sacred by the Navajo, who named it Agathlan (meaning “piles of wool”) after an ancient legend. Climbing hasn’t been allowed for decades, but you can take some spectacular photos.