Monday, February 28, 2005

World's Largest Collection of Tiffany Works



The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum features the world's more comprehensive collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany works, including his 1893 chapel.

Address: The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, 445 N. Park Avenue, Winter Park, Florida 32789-3212; 407-645-5311.

Sunday, February 27, 2005

World's Largest 19th Century Emporium



Texas Jack's advertises itself as the world's largest and finest 19th century emporium. They may be exaggerating. They also call themselves the world's greatest store. Again, perhaps an exaggeration. It's Texas, y'know.

Address: Texas Jack's Wild West Outfitters, 117 N. Adams Street, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624; 800-TEX-JACK; Fax: 830-997-6074.

Saturday, February 26, 2005

Land Bridge Trail



The Land Bridge Trail includes a bridge over Interstate 75 for horseback riders. It's the first bridge of its kind built in the United States. The 300-foot bridge includes natural landscaping, a gravel road bed, and stone brickwork along the sides so the horses aren't even aware they are crossing a bustling interstate highway.

Address: Land Bridge Trail, 11100 S.W. 16th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34482.

Friday, February 25, 2005

Berkeley Plantation



America's first official Thanksgiving took place here in 1619. It is also the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison and President William Henry Harrison.

Address: Berkeley Plantation, 12602 Harrison Landing Road, Charles City, Virginia 23030; 804-829-6018; 888-466-6018.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg



This theme park has been voted the world's Most Beautiful Theme Park for 14 consecutive years and the world's Favorite Theme Park for four years. Features more than 50 thrill rides, 10 main stage shows, great food, and wonderful shopping.

Address: Busch Gardens Williamsburg, 1 Busch Gardens Boulevard, Williamsburg, Virginia 23187; 800-343-7946.

Colonial Williamsburg



Once the capital of Virginia and a key center of American colonial politics. Now a wonderful re-enactment of those times.

Address: Colonial Williamsburg, 1 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185; 757-229-1000; 800-HISTORY.

Thursday, February 24, 2005

World's Oldest Pogo Stick Maker



SBI is the world's oldest pogo stick maker and the largest maker in the United States. Let's have fun jumping about!

Address: SBI Enterprises, Pogo Plaza, Ellenville, New York 12428; 845-647-8400; 800-POGO-STICK. Email: jmmjp@catskill.net.

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center



This is the headquarters, aka Mission Control, for the United States's manned space program. The visitor center features live shows, interactive exhibits, an IMAX theater, behind-the-scenes tours, live satellite links, and more.

Address: Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, National Aeronautics & Space Administration, 2101 Nasa Road 1, Houston, Texas 77058-3607; 281-244-2105.

Prozac Thanksgiving Day

February 24 is Prozac Thanksgiving Day.

In 2000, the Mister Boffo comic strip written by Joe Martin featured the line: “Our family celebrates Thanksgiving twice a year: the traditional one, then again in Spring to commemorate the invention of Prozac.”

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

National Museum of Funeral History



This museum features the nation's largest collection of funeral service memorabilia, including two dozen vehicles (horse-drawn hearses, a funeral sleigh, a hearse/ambulance, and a 1915 Packard mourning bus).

Address: National Museum of Funeral History, 415 Barren Springs Drive, Houston, Texas 77090-5918; 281-876-3063.

Houston Tunnel System



The tunnel system is the world's largest indoor air-conditioned pedestrian tunnel system. It includes 7 miles of underground pedestrian tunnels and skywalks connecting 65 buildings in downtown Houston, Texas.

Address: Houston Tunnel System, Visitors Information Center, 901 Bagby Street, Houston, Texas 77002-2526; 713-222-9255.

Tuesday, February 22, 2005

Dismal Swamp Canal



This is the oldest continually operating canal in the United States.

Address: Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, 2356 Highway 17 N, South Mills, North Carolina 27976-9801; 252-771-8333.