How About Exploring The Hiking Trails in Channel Islands National Park?

BY  Sibashree Dec 24, 2024

Washington, DC, the capital of the USA, is experiencing a massive boost in tourism these days. 2023 has been a remarkable year, with the number of footfall reaching 25.95 million. The number is not just up from 2022 by 17%, rather, it is an improvement from the visitors in 2019.  No wonder the things to do in washington DC have an important role to play in the increased tourism.  The spike in tourism has further yielded a positive impact on the local economy. The number of 1.95 million international visitors in 2023 has been especially beneficial, considering they stay here longer and spend more than domestic visitors.  “This is a major milestone for Washington, DC. Put simply, we are seeing the results of our increased marketing and sales efforts thanks to the tourism recovery district legislation, and the city is benefitting from increased tourism. There is still work to do, however, since international travel hasn’t fully recovered. The additional funding allows us to continue to entice international visitors who stay longer and spend more.”Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO, DDC So, do you also want to be a part of the bustling tourism scenario in the US capital? Let’s check out the things to do in Washington DC. I have also included some free activities to make your travel itinerary more pocket-friendly.  Fun Things To Do In Washington DC | Including The Fun Things You Can Enjoy Here The best time to visit Washington, DC, is during the spring season. This is the season when you will find cherry blossoms in full bloom. Further, the spring months record an average temperature of 5-24 degrees Celsius.  You can even plan a visit and explore the best things to do in Washington DC during the fall season. The fall months of September to November also record moderate temperatures ranging between 5-30 degrees Celsius.  Irrespective of the season, if you want to visit Washington, DC, you can try the following activities.  1. Visiting The White House And The Washington Monument White House And The Washington Monument are two most important landmarks of Washington DC and the entire USA. You can take an elevator to the top of the Washington Tower and explore a 360-degree view of the surroundings. On the other hand, the White House, the official residence of the US President, has been standing proud in Washington DC for two hundred years as the symbol of American life and people.  2. Visiting The Lincoln Memorial Address: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington Contact No: +1 202-426-6841 Are you traveling to Washington, DC, on a budget? You must visit the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. It is free and an ideal location for history buffs or people who want to know about Lincoln. Read here the famous speeches of Lincoln, including the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address. Moreover,  the 38 Doric columns and other architectural features of the Memorial will grab your attention instantly. When Lincoln Passed away, the 36 Doric columns of the Memorial used to stand for 36 states of the USA.  3. Sightseeing At The National Mall  Contact Number: +1 202-426-6841 A visit to the grassy expanse of The National Mall is one of the most exciting and fun things to do at The National Mall. If you want to take an end-to-end walk on this grassy expanse, you have to walk for 2.5 miles. As you take a walk through the National Mall, you will find many important monuments of the USA. You must especially stop by the World War II Memorial and Washington Monument. Moreover, the National Mall is one of the most popular places to visit in Washington, DC to visit with your family.  4. Plan A Visit To Vietnam Veterans And Korean War Veterans Memorials Address:  900 Ohio Dr. SW, Washington Contact Number: +1 202-426-6841 Though not a fun visit, the Vietnam Veterans And Korean War Veterans Memorials are one of the best places to see in Washington, DC. “The Memorial” or “The Wall” is a popular place for dark tourism in the USA. Today, when you visit the memorial, you will find the names of over 58000 Americans emblazoned on it. All of them lost their lives in the Vietnam War. You will also find metal sculptures of soldiers in action.  Further, the Korean War Veterans Memorials pay tribute to 1.5 million Americans who were impacted by the “Forgotten War.”  Tour And Travel Note:The Korean War Memorial does not have adequate signage. So, if you already don’t know about the Korean War or for a young traveler, it may be difficult to grasp the significance fully. 5. Appreciate The Brilliance Of The National Gallery Of Art Address: Sixth Street And Constitution Avenue Northwest  If you are looking for free things to do in Washington DC, you must consider a visit to the National Gallery of Art. And all the Da Vinci Code fans, this is the museum where you will find the only oil painting of Leonardo Da Vinci on a permanent display in the USA. Further, the West Building houses some of the older works of the museum. You will find here works of the likes of Claude Monet and Sandro Botticelli. So, the happening museum in the heart of America assembles the best of Europe art scenario.  6. Catch A Performance At The John Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts  Address: 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC Contact No: +1 800-444-1324 The John Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts is home to the National Symphony Orchestra. Throughout the year, you will find many performances, musicals and other shows taking place at the John Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts.  Even if you don’t want to spend on the tickets (which usually come at a higher price), you can watch the free performances on the Millennium Stage.  Furthermore, don’t forget to explore the “Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy” here. It has been there at the John Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts since 2022, and it ensures an immersive experience.  7. Spend Some Moments Of Introspection At Washington National Cathedral Address: 3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington Contact Number: +1 202-537-6200 The Washington National Cathedral is the sixth-largest cathedral in the world. The construction of this massive church started in 1907 and was completed in 1990. The cathedral is so huge that you will need at least 2 hours to explore it. Furthermore, the gothic architecture will grab your attention instantly. Also, as you step inside the church, you will find intricate works of stained glass.  Moreover, the surrounding garden is a nice place to take a stroll and spend your leisure.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit [Updated 2024] Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

BY  Sibashree Aug 20, 2024

Lassen Volcanic National Park gets its name from the Lassen Peak, an active volcano in the southernmost Cascade Range. Even today, the Lassen Peak has hot springs and you will find fumaroles coming out of the peak’s mouth. These are also signs of volcanic activities in the volcanic mountains. Further, this national park houses all four types of volcanoes: plug domes, cinder cones, composites, and shields. These volcanoes make this national park a chosen destination for geologists and volcano enthusiasts. The presence of these volcanoes has also added unique hydrothermal features to this park. You will find vibrant hot springs, steam vents making hissing sounds, and mud pots with bubbling water here.  Here, I present a brief overview of the geothermal wonders of the park. I will also talk about the park’s camping provisions.  Geothermal Areas In Lassen Volcanic National Park The Lassen Volcanic National Park had 418,978 visitors in 2023, and we can say that its hydrothermal features are a major factor in crowd-pulling here. Snow falling on the park highlands and rainwater keep feeding the geothermal systems. Under the Lassen Peak, there is a molten or hot rock body. This hot rock body makes the water warm once it reaches underground. When the water becomes hot, you see the water boiling in the geothermal pools and mud pots. As the temperature of the water rises, it gets transformed into fumaroles. Fumaroles exude from various cracks in the earth. In Lassen Volcanic National Park, you will observe fumaroles at Sulphur Works, Devils Kitchen, and Bumpass Hell.  Little Hot Springs Valley You can have a look at the Little Hot Springs Valley from Lassen Peak (the largest plug demo volcano in the world) and other mountains lining it.   Further, various seasonal creeks drain into this valley, feeding the geothermal water. If you overlook the valley from the mountain peaks in the summer, you will see many wildflowers smiling. In particular, grass and the wildflower vegetation across the East Sulphur Creek edge is quite dense, thanks to various hypothermal activities. You can also look at the Little Hot Springs Valley from a pullout, just one mile away on the south. The view from this pullout is scenic, with lush green slopes before your eyes. If you look at the slopes with binoculars, you will find black bears roaming around.  Bumpass Hell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OE_c2SzWNw As you walk 7 miles from the southwest entrance of the park, you will find a parking area on the park highway. Here, you will find the trail to Bumpass Hell. With a 3-mile hiking trail(round trip), Bumpass Hell is the largest geothermal area in the park. You can only hike the Bumpass Hell trail in autumn and summer. It remains closed during spring and winter. The temperature of the geothermal water in the Bumpass Hell area can reach up to 322 degrees.  The elevation of this trail is 8,000 feet. However, because of its moderate difficulty level, you will find many visitors here on weekends. The water in this hydrothermal area is emerald green or blue in color. Further, the minerals in the water stain the rocks and soil in yellow and orange shades.  Sulphur Works It can’t get easier than hiking to Sulphur Works if you want to explore the geothermal wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Here, you can see how volcanic activities have created the most interesting geology with shifting new and ancient grounds.  The landscape here experiences regular updates because of geothermal activities and natural activities like erosion. Also, thanks to the volcanic activities, you will encounter colorful rocks, steam vents, and the most pungent sulphuric smell here. Sulphur Works is important in the Lassen Volcanic National Park history, and it was earlier known as Supan's Sulphur Works. Mathias B. Supan, a pioneer of the American West, used to extract minerals from the ground here in the mid-19th century.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTvAs6VPfIE The hydrothermal area of Sulphur Works is interesting as it is located at the center of a wide basin. Brokeoff Mountain, Mount Conard, Pilot Pinnacle, and Mount Diller surround this basin. According to geologists, these mountains are eroded formations or remains of Mount Tehama or Brokeoff Volcano. Boiling Springs Lake A trail starting from the Warner Valley trailhead will take you to the Boiling Springs Lake, filled with hot and bubbling water. The temperature of the water in this lake is 125 degrees.  You will also find steam vents and mud pots on the shore. The mud pots on the southeastern shore of the lake demand a special mention.  As you continue on the Boiling Springs Lake trail, you will see colorful wildflowers. The vegetation of Douglas-fir, sugar pine, incense-cedar, white pine, and ponderosa pine will soothe your eyes here. This trail is also a birder’s paradise and one of the best places in the park to observe birds.  Devils Kitchen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pah0QzBkN0 This hike, starting from the Warner Valley Trailhead, is moderate, and it will take you to an area filled with boiling pools, mud pots, and steam vents. You can call Devils Kitchen a  Cauldron. The piled-up cracked red and yellow stones here give this place a colorful appearance. These colorful stones show deposits of various minerals found in volcanic eruptions. The Cauldron will keep making hissing, belching, and plopping sounds, and the unique odor filling the air creates the perfect ambiance of a natural kitchen. Something is definitely cooking in this kitchen!  Terminal Geyser Start hiking from the Warner Valley Trailhead to reach Terminal Geyser. It is a steam vent showcasing the active volcanic activities in the park.  Unlike a geyser, it does not erupt hot water periodically, and it’s actually a fumarole. Even if you can’t see the steam, you will smell a sulfuric odor, and there will be a billowing cloud.  Cold Boiling Lake You can start trekking from Kings Creek Picnic Area to reach the Cold Boiling Lake. The road to the Cold Boiling Lake is almost flat, and the landscape has further descent to the Crumbaugh Lake.  You can see some small gas bubbles near the shore of the Cold Boiling Lake. So, it is known as a dying geothermal wonder of the park.  The Cold Boiling Lake and its shores look the best if you pay a visit in the morning after a night of snowfall.  Pilot Pinnacle Pilot Pinnacle is a remains of volcanic composites. You will find it along the ridges of Mt. Diller and Brokeoff Mountain. You can look at this area filled with mud pots, pools, and steam vents from Park Road.  Lassen Volcanic National Park Camping Lassen Volcanic National Park has seven campgrounds. However, only four campgrounds are available this year. The Dixie Fire 2021 recovery process will keep the three other campgrounds closed in 2024.  The campgrounds open this year are Butte Lake, Summit Lake, Southwest Campground (Southwest Parking), and Manzanita Lake.  Closed campgrounds are Juniper Lake, Warner Valley, and Southwest Campground (Walk-in campground).  Most campsites in the park are available at this national park on a reservation basis. You can make the reservation between June and September. You can make your reservation at recreation or call the park authority at 1-877-444-6777.  Final Words  The Lassen Volcanic National Park is a hub of scenic beauty, active volcanoes, and various geothermal features. Active volcanism and weather forces, like rain and erosion, have given this park a rich geological landscape that goes back thousands of years. With the magnificent Lassen Peak towering over the park, the hydrothermal areas are surrounded by forests and green meadows. So, various species of animals, birds, and insects reside around these geothermal areas.  So, if you are a volcano enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or a hiker, pack your bags, plan a trip to this national park, and share your experience once you come back.  Lassen Volcanic National Park FAQs  What Lives In Lassen Volcanic National Park? Home to around “300 species of vertebrates,” Lassen Volcanic National Park has many mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish. The park has three ecological zones where you can encounter rich wildlife.  Mammals: Black bear, Sierra Nevada red fox, mountain lion, America pika, snowshoe hare, Douglas’s squirrel, mule deer Birds: Steller's Jay, Clark's nutcracker, Anna’s hummingbird, woodpeckers, round-legged hawks, etc.  Amphibians: Pacific tree frog, long-toed salamander, western toad Reptiles: Sagebrush lizards, northern lizards, alligator lizards, western terrestrial garter snake, rubber boa, Northern Pacific rattlesnake, etc.  Fish: Rainbow trout, Lahontan Redside, speckled dace, etc. Along with these animals, you will also find the most beautiful  California Tortoiseshell butterflies, spiders, and other insects in the park. The total number of invertebrate species living here is 350.  What Is The Closest Town To The Lassen Volcanic National Park? Chester is the closest town to the Lassen Volcanic National Park. You can take a 40-minute drive from the southwest entrance of the park. You can relax at the eateries at Chester, and you will find some decent lodging options here.  Who Died In Lassen Volcanic National Park?  Tommy Botell, a 9-year-old boy, died in an accident in the Lassen Volcanic National Park on 18th March 2010. His elder sister, Katrina, a 13-year-old girl, was severely injured in the same accident.  The mishap took place at the Lassen Peak Trail.  Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. Be Soothed And Meet History At Hot Springs National Park.

BY  Sibashree Sep 30, 2024

With curiosity being the primary driving force of dark tourism, it has often taken us to the places of macabre. Further, its association with the eagerness to know about human tragedies and pay respect to war heroes leads our path to war memorials and historic places. The USA has no dearth of such sites thanks to the massive impact of the Cold War and nuclear testing or deployment. Also, the country had ED Gein and many other barbaric serial killers of recent times. So, it is no wonder that with a 1.5% expected CAGR between 2024 and 2034, it is one of the topmost countries in dark tourism. The sites for dark tourism in USA are countless, covering almost all aspects, such as thanatourism, ghost tourism, warfare tourism, disaster tourism, etc. Here, I have picked places like Alcatraz Island, Alcatraz Prison, and Ed Gein’s Farm Houses that will offer you the most unusual experience. So, it’s time to be a dark tourist in the USA! THESE Are The Best Dark Tourism In USA Destinations  The USA has probably experienced the most significant human tragedy in the 21st century. It was 11th September 2001, and the hijacked Flight 11 and Flight 175 struck the Twin Towers, taking the lives of 2977 people.  The 9/11 Memorial & Museum was built after 11 years of this devastating incident. It was a tribute to the survivors of the 9/11 attack and the terrorist attacks of 26h February 1993. It also marked the anniversary of the end of the recovery and rescue work of the 9/11 devastation.  Today, it is one of the biggest draws for dark tourism in the USA. But what about the other sites that are drenched in tragedy, paranormal acts, history, and more? Let’s explore them! 1. Alcatraz Island And Alcatraz Prison Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, or Alcatraz Prison, was one of the most infamous prisons in the history of America. It was located on Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay of California.  Alcatraz Prison, or Alcatraz Island, goes into the history of American criminal justice thanks to its association with famous criminals and their attempts to escape the most secure walls. Today, the prison, preserved for tourists, gives you an overview of the lives of the guards and inmates. This Is Why Alcatraz Prison Is A Famous Tourist Destination  Operating as a Federal Prison from 1934 to 63, Alcatraz Prison had inmates like Machine Gun Kelly and Al Capone. Further, the prison was famous as “The Rock” because of its impeccable construction and security measures. Even after the stringent security measures, there were many escape attempts to go beyond the walls. The Anglin Brothers and Frank Morris managed to escape the prison. However, what happened to them afterward is still a mystery.  Moreover, Alcatraz Island tells tales from the 19th century when it functioned as a military fort. In the late 1960s, the Native American activists used Alcatraz Island as their base to be vocal about the rights and cultural preservations of the Native Americans.  2. Salem On the North Shore of Massachusetts, Salem is a place of witch trials, historical architecture, and mystical intrigue for the modern followers of Paganism and the Wiccan Community. The air here is heavy with the cry of the women being executed in the infamous Witch Trial of 1692. Further, the cobblestone street and historical structures scream about injustice, paranoia, supernatural practices, and more. The museums and preserved sites here offer an immersive experience, especially if you are a woman with an independent mind. Witch Hunting has always been a way of patriarchal control since time immemorial.  Why Salem Is A Popular Site For Dark Tourism In USA Salem is a popular site for dark tourism in USA for multiple reasons.  The Witch Trial of 1692 As I just mentioned, it is the site of the Witch Trials 1692. Many people, especially women, were suspected of practising Witchcraft. They were executed, registering one of the most brutal incidents of American Colonial History.  Recently, the city has owned its history of the 1692 Witch Trial and emerged as a hub of paranormal tourism. The Historical Sites of Salem  The city has preserved its colonial buildings and structures well. Even the cobblestone streets of the city's historic district have a unique charm.  A walk through these streets is an experience for any dark academia enthusiast or a dark tourist interested in American Colonial History.  Modern Wiccan Community And The Acceptance Of Various Belief Systems As the place of the Witch Hunt of 1692, Salem has attracted many Pagan and Wiccan Communities across the globe.  Today, the city practices and promotes tolerance of various religious beliefs and practices. Even practicing modern Witchcraft is allowed here.  Halloween Celebrations Salem has become the most happening destination for dark tourism in USA during Halloween. In the month of October, the city has many Halloween-themed events and a tour of the spooky or haunted houses in the locality.  3. Gettysburg National Military Park Gettysburg National Military Park is one of the rarest dark tourism destinations in the USA, and it is a place of history, haunted stories, and ghost tours.  The Gettysburg National Military Park is associated with the Battle of Gettysburg, one of the most important battles of the American Civil War. The three-day-long 1863 battle from July 1st to 3rd led to the loss of around 6000 human lives.  What Happened At The Battle Of Gettysburg? The Battle of Gettysburg was a major conflict between the  Confederate Army of Northern Virginia and the Union Army of the Potomac.  General Robert E. Lee led the Confederate Army, and General George G. Meade led the Union Army. The Union Army grabbed victory in the battle, which was the biggest blow to the Confederate Clan.  5. Ed Gein’s Farmhouse Ed Gein’s farmhouse in Wisconsin was witness to the heinous acts of serial killers in the 1950s. Gein was obsessed with his mother, and his ultimate aim was to make a skinsuit to quasi-resurrect her.  His heinous acts include killing women and making household items using their body parts. When police searched Ed Gein’s farmhouse, they found a sofa made of human skin, a lampshade made of human face, and many other disturbing stuff.  The deeds of Ed Gein have inspired many films and documentaries, and his farmhouse today is a popular place for dark tourism in USA. The place is attached to gore, inhuman crimes, and also a complex understanding of human psychology. Further, it is an account of rural American life in the 1950s.  6. Bonaventure Cemetery The Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia, is a popular dark tourism destination because of its ethereal charm. Apparently, it looks like a somber cemetery with beautifully carved statues, camellias, azaleas, and draped oaks.  However, the moment you enter the cemetery, you will feel like being in an unknown era. Its statues and relics start whispering the stories of people buried here.  The most famous person to be buried here is Johnny Mercer, the American songwriter. This cemetery also houses the life-size marble sculpture of Little Gracie Watson. It is one of the few funerary monuments in Georgia to depict the exact likeness of the deceased.  7. The Cecil Hotel “I am beyond good and evil. I will be avenged. Lucifer dwells in us all. That's it.” - That was the words of Richard Ramirez, one of the most notorious serial killers of the USA. The next destination I am going to discuss is related to him. Richard Ramirez was a guest of The Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles, and it was also the location of many mysterious deaths. As a popular dark tourism spot, the Cecil Hotel and its storied halls give visitors goosebumps. It’s captivating, indeed!  8. Ground Zero Ground Zero, or the World Trade Center Site, is one of the topmost sites for dark tourism in USA. The World Trade Center was a commercial complex spanning 16 acres in lower Manhattan. The 9/11 attack in 2001 crashed it into dust as two hijacked planes struck the Twin Towers.  Al-Qaeda, an Islamic Extremist Group founded by Osama bin Laden, was behind this attack and the greatest human tragedy of modern times. As I have mentioned, 2977 people lost their lives in this incident.  Today, the place is important for dark tourism in USA for its educational and historical value. It is also a place to reflect upon the lives lost and how America has risen from this tragedy. It shows the grit and excellence of America as a nation.  What To Do At Ground Zero As A Dark Tourist? Visit the 9/11 Memorial dedicated to the victims. Spend some time near the 9/11 Survivor Tree. Walk through the 9/11 Memorial Glade. Visit the 9/11 Museum. Pay a visit to Saint Paul's Chapel. Do you know that the 9/11 Museum here has more than 10000 objects collected from the debris of victims and other people who offered rescue services after the attack? It opened in May 2014 and offers the most moving experience documenting the details and history of the 9/11 attack.   9. Badlands National Park The Badlands National Park in South Dakota is “surreal,” for lack of a better word. The erosion of nature for millions of years has resulted in the eeriest formations here. Further, these formations cast the longest shadow during the Sunset, giving you a chill down the spine.  Further, the ridges and canyons here tell tales of ancient tribes who lived here. The wind rustling through the ridges sounds like the ancestors' whispers from a bygone era. Moreover, you will lose count of the time in this most beautiful, desolate land.  10. Area 51, Nevada Are you a fan of conspiracy theories? Area 51 in Nevada will be the best dark tourism in USA destination for you. The mystery of this place revolves around the tales of extraterrestrials found here.  For the dark tourists, it is a place of intrigue related to military secrets and alien attacks (?).  11. The Texas School Book Depository https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz8zbSjqb6P/?img_index=1 The Texas School Book Depository in Dallas, Texas, is where the assassination of President John F. Kennedy took place. The assassination of the president on 22nd November 1963, had deep national and international implications.  Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly shot the president, leading to one of the most tragic incidents in American history.  12. Museum Of Tolerance https://www.instagram.com/p/CqqbS30PyIa/ The Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles was built in 1993. Simon Wiesenthal was a holocaust survivor, and his human rights organization, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, built this museum.  This museum has many exhibits recording the most notorious stories of intolerance worldwide. The mission of the museum is to “remind us of the past, so that we may forge a better, more harmonious future.” That is what dark tourism should aim to achieve by triggering positive moral emotions.  Here is a list of the permanent exhibits in the museum.  The Holocaust (a 70-minute dramatic presentation taking you to Nazi-dominated Europe between the 1920s and 1945) The Tolerancenter (shows major issues of intolerance faced in our everyday lives) Finding Our Families, Finding Ourselves (exhibits of Americans with interesting personal histories) Para Todos Los Niños or For All The Children (a depiction of the struggles of Latino families in Southern California) The Exhibit of Anne Frank (a representation of the iconic diary of Anne Frank, depicting her plight in multimedia formats) Overall, it’s a museum that depicts the exploitation of women and children, terrorism, social media violence, and much more! Moreover, anyone interested in the American civil rights movement will find it a significant destination for dark tourism in USA. Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit! [Updated 2024] Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.