Christmas trees are a beloved tradition for people all over the world, symbolizing the end of the year and the joy of the holiday season. Long thought of as a religious symbol, it may come as a surprise that the earliest origin of the Christmas tree dates back to ancient, paganistic rituals.
In the late 1800s, the bustling town of Oatman, Arizona, was overflowing with miners who hoped to stake their claim on some of the millions of dollars in gold and silver from the surrounding mountains. The town was named after a Mormon teenager named Olive Oatman who, as the locals tell it, was captured by Apache warriors, sold to a Mojave tribe, and eventually freed after five years of captivity.
The Sandhills Curiosity Shop, opened by Harley Russell and his late wife Annabelle, is one of the few stores with countless items on display, but nothing is actually for sale. Instead, the shop is a showcase of decades’ worth of Route 66 memorabilia, proudly displayed in every square inch of the property.
Some people dream of tropical climates and hot, sandy beaches when they plan a vacation – the hotter, the better. For those who prefer a cooler destination, the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in Heilongjiang Province, China may be just the place.
The Renaissance influenced much of the world’s most acclaimed art. From the feminine muses of John William Waterhouse and William-Adolphe Bouguereau to the dignified portraits of Hans Holbein the Younger, the beautiful images of these skilled master artists are some of the most recognizable in the world.
Memories are powerful healers. They help soothe the loss of a loved one and offer a glimmer of joy in the midst of heartache. One young British seamstress has found a sweet way to bring potent memories to grieving people all around the world.
For thousands of years, Yuncheng Salt Lake has served as an important source of salt for residents all over China. Located in the Shanxi Province in Northern China, the lake, nicknamed “China’s Dead Sea,” has been the focus of numerous wars, territorial disputes, and religious traditions for over 4,000 years. Ancient people even worshipped “salt gods” in nearby temples to pay homage to the lake.
Nestled just outside of the city of Da Nang, Vietnam’s Golden Bridge may be the world’s most unique footbridge. It connects the nearby cable car station to the beautiful gardens of the Bà Nà Hills Resort. Set against a backdrop of lush, fantastical scenery, the bridge rises from the ground, supported by two giant hands.
New Orleans, Louisiana, is known for its tastes and traditions. From beignets to gumbo, old family recipes are revered and handed down from generation to generation. The “Big Easy” restaurant scene is taking one famous New Orleans food tradition, the “Réveillon Dinner,” and giving it a modern twist.
From its miles of sandy beaches to its almost-perfect weather, San Diego is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the warm California sun. And while the landscape is undeniably beautiful, that’s not all this West Coast paradise has to offer. It’s brimming with art, history, and great food around every corner. Here are ten must-see San Diego landmarks that showcase the beauty and personality of “America’s Finest City.”
