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DeanLand
Escape Georgia Cities This Week, NASA Advises -- for Best View of Meteor Showers
NASA is advising Georgia citizens to leave the state's cities this week and head to the country, mountains and swamps -- to get the best views of the Perseid meteor shower. According to recently published NASA tips for viewing the annual meteor showers, cities and suburban areas are awash with man-made light which likely will hide the natural sky phenomenon.
Georgia Mountain Magic: Waterfalls, Cabin Bliss, and Family Fun in One View-tastic Weekend
We read lots of blogs where there's always someone asking: what's the perfect Georgia weekend getaway in the mountains? Well, after eight years, we've been here long enough to know that there's not a good answer to that question.
Georgia Ranks 3rd on Best States for Retirement in 2024
Georgia ranks No. 3 on the "Best States for Retirement" list in 2024, behind only Delaware and West Virginia. That's according a 2024 analysis, "The Best and Worst States to Retire," released recently by Bankrate.com, an independent publishing and comparison service founded to support the banking industry in 1976.
Georgia State Park Ranks Top 5 for Camping in Southeast
Virtually all of Georgia's State Parks open for camping provide a great outdoors experience. But only one of Georgia's State Parks ranked among the Top 10 camping parks in the Southeastern United States, according to The Dyrt, an online camping platform.
Paddle Georgia State Parks, Earn Cool Swag
When most people think of Georgia state parks, they focus on hiking, camping and seeing the many natural wonders that abound in these protected lands. But there's another way to see many of Georgia's state parks: from the water. And joining the Georgia Parks Paddlers club can help you explore the waterway wonders and score an exclusive member t-shirt.
Georgia's Squirrel Hunting Season: Tips, Timing, and Tasty Recipes
For many Georgia hunters, squirrel hunting season holds a special place in their hearts. Countless outdoors lovers can retell fondly stories of learning the safe and proper methods for hunting small game on their first squirrel hunt with a favorite family member or friend. Georgia's long squirrel hunting season allows older family members to teach younger generations about hunting and game preservation.
Lightly Shaken: Georgia Records One Earthquake in July after Active May and June
July was a quiet month on the Richter Scale for Georgia, with the state registering only one earthquake after experiencing six quakes each month in May and June. Georgia's only measureable earthquake in July was recorded on July 25 at 1:57 am centered approximately six miles northeast of Eton, GA, in Murray County. According to data from the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake registered a magnitude of 2.4 at a depth of approximately six miles below the surface. The quake was centered within the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Bright Fall Foliage Expected in Georgia with Wet Summer
While we're just past the halfway mark of our Georgia summer, the weather we're experiencing in North Georgia may help produce bright, colorful fall foliage in the Georgia mountains. At least that's the early outlook given the amount of rain that's fallen across North Georgia in July and is predicted to continue through the summer and early fall.
Foodie Alert! Delicious New Orleans Sandwich Delight Found in Smyrna
Recently, we waded into a Facebook group discussion where a fierce debate raged over local food: Where near Marietta can you get the best muffaletta? As native South Louisianians transplanted to Marietta, we thought we'd join the fray not by posting comments, but by sampling local muffaletta offers. And what we found both surprised and delighted us.
Unlock Family History with Free Library Resources - No Sweat
For years, I've dabbled in tracing my family history, which, depending on the tree branch I follow, takes me back to roots in France, England and Germany. But I've always been thwarted in serious attempts because I didn't want to invest in subscriptions to access many of the online records required.
Cool Shaded Trails Beat Summer Heat Near Cobb County
With Cobb County's double-whammy of high daily temperatures and stifling humidity, summertime is tough on even the most dedicated exercise aficionado. Trading your usual walking, running or riding route for shaded paths may be the answer. And as a side bonus, you might even spot some native Georgia wildlife.
Georgia Hunting Seasons & Regulations: What You Need to Know for 24-25
In the dog days of summer, as temperatures and humidity reaches well into the 90s on some days, some Georgia outdoors lovers are already thinking of the fall, cooler temperatures and the upcoming hunting seasons. In preparation, the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released the new 2024-2025 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations Guide.
GA History: 18 Minutes Over Tallulah Gorge on a Highwire With the World Watching
In July 1970, Tallulah Gorge was in the world spotlight as famed tightrope aerialist and acrobat Karl Wallenda walked the half-mile wide, 1,000-foot deep chasm. He tiptoed, stumbled and even performed handstands on a specially designed 5/8-inch-thick steel cable anchored to towers that were constructed on both sides of the gorge. An estimated 30,000 people watched in person as Wallenda walked the high cable, while millions more people watched the stunt as it was broadcast live on television around the world.
Huge Ships Transit World's Busiest Locks When Sailing Lake Superior and Lower Great Lakes
Between March and December each year, more than 7,000 ships sail through the world's busiest nautical locks -- in Sault St. Marie, Michigan. The Soo Locks, engineering and navigational marvels, work entirely on gravity, lowering or raising ships approximately 26 feet so they can sail between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. We visited the Soo Locks on a Friday morning, and watched the Canadian-flagged bulk freighter Manitoulin complete the transit process in just under one hour. Watch the video to learn more about the process, and to get a phone number to call for the ship schedule at the locks.
Exploring Sand Dunes, Beaches, Boardwalks, Forests and Natural Beauty at Indiana Dunes National Park
After stretching over 300 miles, Lake Michigan reaches its South shore in Indiana. There, over millennia, large rolling sand dunes have formed along the shoreline. Today, more than 15 miles of that shoreline is included in Indiana Dunes National Park. We visited on an early Monday morning, after a busy weekend, and hiked portions of the Dunes Succession trail. From sandy beaches through quiet forest, over tall dunes and back down, we captured our two-mile trek. Join us for a walk over the sand hills and through the dark forest as we explore Indiana Dunes National Park.
We Discovered Blueberry Heaven in Western Michigan And Picked Fresh Berries Directly from the Bushes
While exploring the scenic shoreline cities on Lake Michigan, we discovered Western Michigan's blueberry heaven. With stops at several local farms, we devoured the freshest berries directly from the farms. Among our stops was Palmer's Blueberry Farms, a U-pick family farm for five generations. And we shopped at the more commercialized DeGrandchamp Farms, which featured a store offering a plethora of farm-made blueberry products like preserves, jellies, syrups and much more. While we arrived too early for the National Blueberry Festival in nearby South Haven, we enjoyed the relative quiet and peace of exploring the local farms without huge festival crowds
We Created an Asian and Southern Food Hall Fusion Lunch in Marietta
We love a good fusion meal, where flavors from different foods and cultures blend into one magnificent plate. And it's easy to make your own fusion meal when you visit Marietta Square Market Food Hall near the historic square in lovely Marietta, GA. We surveyed the options before making our choice -- a Southern barbeque plate and traditional sides plus a fancy spicy tuna and salmon roll. The smoky pulled pork and chicken are enhanced with some traditional sauce, and a Carolina mustard sauce. Add a side of baked beans and potato salad for the perfect Southern lunch. Now, we bring in Asian flavor with a Rock and Roll. Cool cucumber and avocado lay over the rice roll, filled with that spicy tuna and salmon. Add some wasabi, soy sauce and a few more surprises for a flavor explosion. If you enjoyed this video, follow DeanLand on NewsBreak. And visit OurTravelCafe.com for extended blogs and fun videos on all our family-friendly excursions.
Our Marathon Oregon Coast Road Trip: Dune City to Cape Kiwanda
Driving Highway 101 along the Pacific Coast is a bucket-list item for countless American vacationers. While the California coast likely is better known, the Oregon coast offers spectacular vistas and postcard views at every twist and turn -- without the California traffic. We mapped out a 175-mile route from Eugene, OR, heading to the coast near Dunes City, then driving north to Cape Kiwanda. Google Maps charted this as a 4-hour drive, before we turned it into a 15-hour marathon day. We paused along the way whenever the mood, beautiful sites or biology called us. Major stopping points included: Siuslaw River and River Roasters Coffee, Florence Oregon Dunes, Dune City Sand Dunes Frontier, Dune City Mo's Restaurant, Florence Heceta Head Lighthouse Thor's Well Local Ocean's Restaurant, Newport Newport Harbor, New Port Cape Kiwanda We loved every minute, continuing our drive the next day. But we'd recommend breaking this into shorter segments for a better experience.
Acworth's Friday Farmers Market Features Fresh Foods and Favorites
Summer is the perfect time to explore local farm offerings. With the Acworth Fridays Farmers Market, local farmers, food purveyors and artisans gather at Logan Farm Park and make your shopping easy and fun. From 8 am to noon on summer Fridays, a variety of local suppliers set up tents in the parking lot at Logan Farm Park near downtown Acworth. The vendor lineup changes periodically, based on availability and other factors. We enjoy the fresh fruits and vegetables, but also can't resist the multitude of prepared food offerings, like baked goods, cheese straws, pickles, pork skins, seasonings and more. You can bring the little ones along, as there's a great playground at the park. Plus with miles of walking trails, it's easy to walk off some of those treats before returning to your vehicle. For more like this, follow DeanLand on Newsbreak, and visit OurTravelCafe.com
Young Ospreys Ready for Flight Over Lake Allatoona
For nesting ospreys at Georgia's Lake Allatoona, its almost time for the young to take flight. With more than a dozen man-made nesting platforms and other natural sites, it's not unusual to see ospreys soaring high above Lake Allatoona. The impressive large birds have a wingspan of over five feet. Due to their size and white heads, they often are confused with the larger bald eagle. We've been monitoring closely one pair of nesting ospreys with a platform nest at Allatoona Battlefield Park. The young have hatched, and based on size, age and other characteristics, the juveniles should be flying soon. Check out the video for more about the nesting ospreys and their young.
Imagining Days Gone By in the Great Hall at Chicago's Union Station
Each day, thousands of commuters and travelers pass through Chicago's Union Station. But on an early weekday morning, we stopped for a few minutes to gaze at the splendor of The Great Hall. Envisioned by legendary architect Daniel Burnham and dedicated after his death, The Great Hall hearkens back to days when train travel was a grand adventure rather than a daily commute. After renovations were completed in 2018, The Great Hall again showcases soaring ceilings, decorative rosettes, brass lighting, a glass-enclosed barrel-ceiling, travertine Roman columns and marble staircases. An active station of METRA and AMTRAK, Chicago's Union Station is the fourth busiest railroad station in the US. Whether you're starting or ending a trip here, take a few minutes to visit The Great Hall and enjoy the 1920s feel of this classic train station.
Robots Roam Restaurant Show as Automation Trend Expands
Behind the scenes at your favorite chain restaurants, automated systems have been in use to make your fries, fill your drinks and wash the dishes. Now, robots may be invading the kitchen and dining areas, too. At the 2022 National Restaurant Association trade show in Chicago, robots and automation were among major trends catching the attention of attendees. But will robots rule or ruin restaurants? You be the judge.
National Restaurant Show, Day 1
Restaurants and their suppliers are gathering in Chicago for the National Restaurant Association trade show at McCormick Center. After a multi-year break due to COVID, enthusiasm is high among attendees and exhibitors. The show continues through Tuesday, May 24.
Hate to Wait at ATL? Make Time Fly With This Walk to Get Your Blood Pumping
Do you hate to wait at an airport, sitting around the gatehouse or in an airport lounge just to sit on a plane for boarding followed by a long flight? Well, if you're stuck at ATL, here's another option. You can take the longest one-way walk at the airport, avoiding most of the busy concourses for a relaxing stroll. A healthier option than food and beverage at one of the airport concession outlets, this two-mile trek can get your heart pumping or help you stretch your legs on a layover. And since most of it avoids the busiest ATL concourses, you'll reduce your exposure to others during uncertain times or cold and flu season. You can make the walk longer by going round trip, shorter by turning around earlier, and combine it with the Skytrain if you find yourself running out of time. For a more detailed look, you can also visit <a href="https://ourtravelcafe.com/walk-atl">https://ourtravelcafe.com/walk-atl</a>/
We Found a WW2 Museum in an Abandoned Outlet Mall in Kennesaw, and Its Worth A Visit
As the anniversaries of VE Day (Victory in Europe) and D-Day, the Allied invasion of Europe, approach on May 8 and June 6 respectively, we made a return visit to the Museum of History and Holocaust Education at Kennesaw State University. The small museum located in an abandoned outlet mall offers haunting reminders and lessons from the dark times in the 1930s and 1940s. The museum also tells the story of Georgia and Georgians at war. The museum is open Monday to Friday, and admission is free. You can also visit the museum's website to learn more about the traveling exhibits offered for educators, and special programing. The museum is located at 3333 Busbee Drive, Kennesaw, GA 30144.
We Tried Queen Tea at The Avenue in West Cobb -- and LOVED IT!
Our first experience with bubble tea was in Hong Kong, and it was surprising. Knowing what to expect in the teas this time, we visited the new location of Queen Tea at The Avenues in West Cobb. We ordered up a cold brown sugar tea with tapioca bubbles, and a sampling of some of the Taiwanese street food. We also met owner Joleen Dai, who was at work in the new, second location of this local shop. We liked what we found, and plan return visits soon.
Former West Cobb Plantation Now A Nature Preserve and Gardening Sanctuary
This 112-acre nature preserve in West Cobb County was once part of the Green Plantation. Today, it's home to scenic walking trails through native forests and open meadows. We enjoy the wide, well-maintained walking trails that help to avoid unwanted hitchhikers, like Georgia's summer ticks. The preserve also is home to a Cherokee Indian medicine and food plant garden, a great educational stop before or after walking the preserve. Located at the intersection of Dallas Highway and Old Hamilton Road in West Cobb County, Green Meadows Preserve is a Cobb County Park open to the the general public from sunrise to sunset.
We Went Lobstering in Marietta, GA
When photos from our 2019 trip to the Maine coast popped up in our memories, we began craving a traditional lobster roll. A long way from Maine or even the Georgia coast, we went lobster fishing at Cousins Maine Lobster at the Marietta Food Hall. The plentiful chilled lobster on a traditional toasted bun satisfied our appetite, though it made us long for a return trip to the Northeast. So we've spiced this video with a few of our best lobster memories from Maine as a side dish to our Cousins lobster roll.
Earth Day Visit with the Nesting Ospreys at Lake Allatoona
Frequently confused with bald eagles because of their white heads and large wingspans, osprey pairs often mate for life, and return to the same nesting locations each year. We made an Earth Day visit to our favorite nesting pair on Lake Allatoona, Georgia, to check in on the spring mating and hatching process. We found Oprah and Orion reinforcing their nest and sitting patiently with their eggs.
Wasabi: Sushi, Japanese, Cajun and More Comes to Acworth in One Location
The new location of Wasabi opened in late March on Cobb Parkway near Mars Hill Road in Acworth. Visiting for lunch, we sampled the roll menu and were delighted with the freshness, flavors and value. We're eager to return for Bento boxes, Hibachi dinners and the Cajun boiled seafood selections. The restaurant is a visual and flavor delight.
Easiest Coasters at Busch Gardens (VA)
Since being hospitalized with a severe case of vertigo several years ago, I've been on a self-imposed roller coaster ban. That ended with our Spring Break trip to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. Determined to test my limits and return to the world of roller coaster riding, the OurTravelCafe.com family found the most friendly coasters in the park, checked out the rider comments and statistics, and chose our final four. We chronicle our path through the main attractions, and provide on-ride highlights. Disclosure: No adult humans became ill or debilitated as a result of our harrowing hijinks.
Colorful Reasons for Visiting Amicalola Falls (GA) in All Seasons
The passing seasons offer an ever-changing palette of colors that paint Amicalola Falls and the surrounding countryside in different hues. We visit year-round to enjoy the vistas and experience all the falls have to offer. In spring, we often encounter northbound hikers starting their bucket list journey at this state park, the hike-in points for the legendary Appalachian Trail. And a surprising winter visit after several "Frozen" days gave us a special memory that few enjoy. Join DeanLand and OurTravelCafe.com for this year-round view of the tallest falls east of the Mississippi River. For more articles and videos like this, follow DeanLand on NewsBreak, and visit OurTravelCafe.com
Visiting Busch Gardens (Virginia) With Kids
We visited Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA,, during Spring Break and found it perfect for youngsters. Known as one on the most beautiful theme parks in the world, Busch Gardens features a plethora of attractions perfect for the 3-8 year old crowd while the older siblings and family members enjoy more thrilling attractions. Plus, with lots of family-friendly shows, excellent food options and plenty of places to relax, it's easy to enjoy a full day onsite without having to leave the park for a rest. This was our first visit, but young and older alike agree -- we'll be back!
DeanLand
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Trained journalist and retired global marketing executive. Extended stories and posts at OurTravelCafe.com. Living in Northwest Georgia, I write about about avocations including outdoors, travel, exploration, history, food and community passions. I've traveled to 47 states and nearly as many countries. My French Cajun upbringing in Louisiana plus my extended restaurant-related career affirm my status as an over-qualified eater. At my blog, OurTravelCafe.com, I offer a complete menu of our my own experiences, explorations and adventures, organized by geography and always sprinkled with some spicy, tasty tidbits and food notes.
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