Halifax Holiday

Enjoy Halifax History and Beauty

Halifax, the capital region of Nova Scotia, Canada, is a lively and colorful combination of urban and rural living at its best. Beautiful flowers bloom as you drive down cobblestone streets that lead to the harbor. It is such a wonderful city to discover with its old town feel.

Halifax history dates back to 1749 when Governor Edward Cornwallis and 2500 settlers created Canada's first permanent British town, on the scenic shores of the world's second largest natural harbor. The historic downtown waterfront areas of Halifax are great for adventure walking. This is the city where the Titanic survivors were brought and those, not so fortunate, are buried.

Halifax has had a dramatic and tragic history where in 1917 half the town was destroyed by a blast in the harbor when 11 thousand were killed or injured. Beyond the harbor, you must take the special trip to Peggy's Cove which displays a beautiful lighthouse. On the trip there you will see amazing rocks that seem to be thrown by God on the shore. I have never seen anything like it. Out from Peggy's Cove is the beautiful monument honoring the final resting place of Swissair 111.

Take a trip to Halifax for a lovely treat. Hotels are plentiful that look out on the water or take a boat ride through this amazing harbor. The people are so kind and generous. Casinos are everywhere as well as terrific restaurants. Halifax is just what you need for seeing the best the world has to offer.

Visit the peaceful fields of Shakertown, Ky

An interesting footnote in history is the society of Believers in Christs Second Coming known as the Shakers. They were a group who derived from a small branch of English Quakers who had adopted some of the tenants followed by the 'French Prophets.' Their name comes from a description of Shaking Quakers, which refered to their practice of trembling, shouting, dancing, shaking, singing, and speaking in a strange language. The first documented use of the term comes from a British newspaper reporter who wrote in 1758 that the worshippers rolled on the floor and spoke in tongues.

In America, this quiet group began a community in 1805 in Pleasant Hill, Kentucky, also known as Shakertown, near the Kentucky River. The community which believed in separation of the sexes eventually reached a population of about 500 by adopting orphans and conversions. It was disbanded in 1910 and the last Shaker resident died in 1923.

Much of the land and many of the buildings were restored as a museum known as Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. It is an interesting step back in time to see the old buildings and look at the famous Shaker furniture.

Their mottos ranged from "Do your work as though you had a thousand years to live and as if you were to die tomorrow” and "Put your hands to work, and your heart to God." Shakers were known for a style of furniture, known as Shaker furniture. It was plain in style, durable, and functional.

Shaker chairs were usually mass-produced since a great number of them were needed to seat all the Shakers in a community. Because of the quality of their craftsmanship, original Shaker furniture is expensive. One original Shaker stool sold for just under $100,000.

This is some of the most beautiful land in Kentucky that you will ever visit.

Take time to enjoy a dinner of Shaker hospitality and their famous healthy food. It is a wonderful retreat from modern life to visit Shakertown and one you’ll remember as a peaceful step into history.

America is beautiful

The Grand Tetons of Wyoming

As summer winds down, don’t miss out on seeing the magnificent West. One of the most overwhelming landscapes you will ever behold is Grand Teton National Park. The magnificent mountain range captures your heart as you enter. The tremendous peaks with their snow-capped glory inspire awe. Thankfully hotels and waffle houses do not mar the view. It remains as it was when the wagon trains passed through its canyons.

There are many different kinds of plants and animals located in Grand Teton National Park. The best time to see animals is early morning just before the sun peeks over the Teton Mountain Range and at dusk. Most animals can be seen near water, especially Moose. The Snake River flows from its headwater throughout Yellowstone National Park then south through Jackson Hole. Grand Teton National Park is not only famous for its beautiful scenery, but also for the hiking trails. Most of the trails are very accessible, vary in length, and have a variety of difficulty levels ranging from an easy walk to a technical climb.

One great way to experience Grand Teton National Park and its lakes is to take a boat ride across Jenny Lake to the mouth of Cascade Canyon. This classic U-shaped canyon, was carved by one of the most recent glaciers to flow east from the Teton Range. An active glacier can be seen from Jenny Lake on the north side of Mount Owen. A short hike will lead you to Hidden Falls and further on is Inspiration Point. String Lake and Leigh Lake, just to the north of Jenny Lake, are ideal for a day of canoeing or kayaking. The beauty in the towering mountains from the water's vantage is awe-inspiring. The splendor of Jenny Lake with its clear water and smooth stones is impossible to describe. You will just have to go!