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 (?).
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.
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.
Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!
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When planning to go on a trip next, I would say Fiji should be on the top of your list. With unexplored islands, the unique features of these places highlight the natural beauty of the place. Offering one of the most beautiful and secluded locations in the world for vacation.
Did you know that it is in the Fiji Islands, that the movie Cast Away was shot on the mountainsides of Mamanucas? Imagine the place and visit to make memories. Let me share with you the best time to visit Fiji and enjoy the most.
You should carry the best travel credit card so that you can use it if needed. At the end of the day, you must have backup for money if the cash you are carrying finishes.
What is the Best Time to Visit Fiji for your Next Vacation?
If you are wondering when is the best time to visit Fiji, plan your vacation between October to February. Apart from experiencing some of the coolest festivals, you also get to experience adventurous water sports.
Some of the most revered tourist' places in Fiji Island will pull you towards its beautiful natural and spiritual elements. For example, if you want to own natural pearls, you should visit Savusavu with crystal clear water.
Further, you can visit Levu, Mamanucas, Viti Levu and other places to experience natural botanical gardens, untouched island areas, secluded thriving with greenery and lush water. Let me share with you in more details when you should visit Fiji and what you need to do!
Best Time to Visit
If you are wondering about when to visit Fiji, let me share with you the best time to visit. From May to October, you can visit Fiji as it is considered the peak time with warm and dry weather. Just like death valley, visiting Fiji is important when it comes to the right time!
Additionally, the temperature is also moderate ranging from 20 to 30-degree Celsius. Yes, the tourist crowd will be quite heavy with a vibrant atmosphere all around! If you want to avoid the crowd, the time for you to visit Fiji is between the month of November to March.
It is off-season, and you will find it ideal to explore the islands with much fewer people around. However, you might not get to attend cultural events or festivals that are the life of the party during the peak season. You might experience severe temperatures during this time which might make the whole process difficult.
The moderate season to visit Fiji is from the month of April to May. It is ideal for beach activities along with some leisure time that you can spend.
Things to Do
There are several things to do when you visit Fiji especially during the peak time. From exploring untouched islands like Mamanuca to doing several water-based sports activities like diving, snorkeling and exploring other attractions like the Garden of the Sleeping Giant.
Island Hopping
One of the most important things to do in Fiji is island hopping. You can explore different types of experiences such as walking along the pristine beaches and seeing the vibrant coral reefs. Yasava Island is known for its beautiful resorts on its stunning beaches.
You can also experience Fijian culture while hopping Island because everyone is very communal, helping each other in village and family. Eat their food like Lovo while dance and music are an integral part of their tradition.
You can experience “meke”, Fijian dance, and music which ranges from performance, athletic dance, and war dance. Let's not forget to visit Mamamuca Island where you can kayak around thus, exploring lagoons and hidden coves.
Water Activities
You can take boat tours exploring different islands and thus, doing different water sports. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities to do as water sports when you visit Fiji on vacation. Use a mask when snorkeling and then enjoy underwater scenery and life!
You also wear a wetsuit, fins, and a tube, snorkel allows your face to be covered while you can breathe. Another water sport, surfing, is an activity where you ride a board on the waves breaking it. The sport has its roots in pre-modern Polynesia and Hawaii.
Paddleboarding is another similar water sport like surfing where you stand on a board and use a paddle to propel yourself through the water. It looks very much like an offshoot of surfing enjoying riding the waves. Another water-related activity is recreational diving where you go underwater and then come up for water!
If you are planning to experience a relaxing activity where you have the time to check out the beautiful scenery around you, you should Kayak. On the kayak, you can explore different caves, lush forests on the edge of the waterbody and others.
Hiking with Adventure
If you are an adventurous person but are more into natural beauty compared to sports, you hike! The adventure waits for you as you explore the waterfalls, mountains and forests of Fiji, appreciating the beauty of the exotic places.
Waterfalls
If you love waterfalls, go to Vanibauloa waterfall for a hike and experience the adventurous landscape. You must discover the beauty of the place along with making memories on your Fiji vacation. I feel Fiji is one of the best places to visit in February!
Another significant waterfall that you must visit if you are planning to go on a trek is Tavoro falls, also known as Bouma falls, which is stunning. During peak time, you will find a lot of crowds here as it is a tourist favorite.
Mountains
The highest peak in Fiji, the mount Tomanivi can be hiked as it is moderate level difficult however, you will need a guide. The trek will require about 4 to 5 hours and will need you at the top of your physical and mental fitness. Enjoy the spectacular view when you are on top!
A challenging trek across mount Batilamu offers you a rewarding view however difficult it is. There are diverse landscapes across the trails that you hike upwards so, keep medication with you, drink water, stay hydrated and stay cautious.
Rainforests
Love lush forests? Visit Colo-i-Suva Forest Park which offers opportunities to see giant trees and various kinds of birds. The lush forests offer you breathtaking views across the trails. You also should not miss the Bouma National Heritage Park located in Taveuni, which features beautiful rain forests.
The opportunities are endless, and you can easily camp here. However, you need to be a bit aware during the rain. There will be insects and poisonous animals, so please be cautious before you visit and carry ointments for allergies.
Leisure in Nature
You can soak up the sun at the beautiful beaches in the Fiji Islands with a drink and a book in your hand. Don't forget to apply sunscreen properly every two hours and have your sunglasses and hat to protect you from the sun. one of the most exotic places to travel when you are in love with nature!
Soak up the sun but carefully thus, unwinding properly on your vacation. You can also go for a swim in the ocean or at the resort pool, thus relaxing properly. You will be facilitated with several other activities like having dinner alongside the beach, going for a stroll, spending quality time with your friends or partners with whom you are on vacation!
Wrapping Up!
Now that you know the best time to visit Fiji after you have read the article, what do you think is the necessary things to do. I have shared several fun activities which you can explore and make your trip more memorable.
Comment on what you think is the best time to visit in consecutive with the peak time. Read the blog and understand the things you need to consider before you plan your trip to Fiji.
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Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try.
Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.
Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.
Bubble tea stores both in the UK and the US are trendy nowadays. Be it a creative drink or crystal boba tea; fans are ready to try out different flavors and tastes every day. They are always trying to find different recipes to try out.
Every new recipe is like a new experience. However, they are not the same as tapioca pearls. On top of that, this delicious boba topping is very easy and simple to make at home.
You can go and try them out at some Boba tea shop. Or you can make them at home and enjoy yourself. This article will help you explore these extraordinary pearls and help you make them at home. So, if you are looking for something like that, then this article might help.
What Is Crystal Boba?
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If you have ever had bubble tea, you should be able to understand what the boba crystals stand for. Different types of bubble tea pearls are used to add texture and volume to the tea. However, the boba crystal is known for its translucent look and chewy texture that feels like gelatine. These crystals are ready to be eaten. They are usually presweetened.
These crystals are used in their original flavors and in sugar flavors. They also taste great in milk and in flavored or iced teas. But what is crystal boba made from? They are made from an edible plant called the konjac plant. Although this unique type of food has very little taste, they are great in terms of nutritional benefits. They are also an important element in Asian medicine. In terms of their look, it is completely opposite to regular black boba.
What Does Crystal Boba Taste Like?
Coming to another important query about this tempting food– what does boba taste like?
Well, they are from the Konjac plant, so they have a mild sweet taste and a citrus flavor.
Another funny thing about translucent boba is that it may keep its taste and flavor when put in tea or storage. Regular boba does not have the taste as crystal ones. They are slightly sweet because they are made from brown sugar and caramel syrup. But, when added to the tea or anything else, the pearls lose their taste and lose their taste.
Crystal Boba Vs. Regular Boba: What Is different?
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Both crystal and regular boba have one thing in common. They are both derived from a specific root starch. Regular boba is made from the tapioca root starch which explains the chewy texture you feel when eating them with the tea. On the other hand, crystal boba is made from the konjac plant. You can also pair them with milk tea. So another similarity between them is that they are paired with milk tea.
Tapioca starch is the common topping for bubble tea in the United States and the United Kingdom. Instead, the konjac plant is used to make pearls of white color, which are the crystal boba.
Custard pearls have a nonpartisan taste and are chewy and supple on the surface. In comparison to traditional tapioca pearls, the ones used in boba drinks are typically smaller and slightly softer. Crystal boba, on the other hand, is extremely jelly-like and soft. The plant used to make them also gives them a subtle citrus flavor.
When white pearls are stored or added to a drink, they keep their flavor. Tapioca pearls, on the other hand, firm up and begin to flavor the other ingredients. This can be something positive or negative, contingent upon what you as the cook planned to occur!
Here are some of the major differences that you need to keep in mind:
You must soak the tapioca boba in a sweet mixture or boil them to use them. But you don't need to cook the crystal boba.
Regular boba has a softer and chewier texture compared to crystal boba.
The tapioca boba has uniformly shaped spheres. On the other hand, the crystal boba looks more like jelly beans.
Popping Boba Vs Crystal Boba: The Difference
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It looks like different types of boba are different in their taste, shape, and appearance. Popping or bursting boba is quite similar to crystal boba. They also don't need to be cooked before consumption. Those are pearls filled with juice and a thin outer layer is present.
The popping boba comes in different flavors, for example, kiwi, mango, and more. All you need to do is to soak them in syrup. But what are the differences?
Popping boba is filled with juice and can burst open with a little force. On the other hand, the crystal boba is chewy.
Popping Boba comes in different colors and flavors and is more vibrant in color. Crystal boba doesn't have any color and is transparent.
Crystal boba is enjoyed with milk teas or ice teas. On the other hand, the popping boba can be enjoyed with slushies or ice teas.
Read More: Have You Tasted Starbucks Boba? Does Starbucks Have Boba?
How To Make Homemade Crystal Boba?
Image Source: plantbasedonabudget.com
So, if you want to make crystal boba at home, then here are the steps to help you –
Add some coconut water to the pot and use low heat.
Mix the jelly powder and agar thoroughly and put them in the pot.
Simmer it on low heat while constantly stirring for five minutes.
Mix water, ice, and oil in a large bowl.
Take a squeeze bottle and add the mixture to it.
Once the pearls are set, they will sink at the bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Here are some popular questions people ask about the Bobas–
1. Is Crystal Boba Vegan Friendly? Ans: The tapioca pearls are vegan since no gelatine is used in them. But, some manufacturers might use gelatin for profit. So, you should beware of those manufacturers if you are looking for vegan-friendly pearls. But, the white pearl boba is usually vegan. 2. Are Crystal Boba Healthy Ans: If you want the honest truth, then I'd say that all the boba is unhealthy. The reason is that they are textured pearls full of syrups. On the other hand, white pearls are healthier. In a hundred grams of boba, you have 70 calories of carbohydrates. The tapioca pearls have 358 calories within the amount of 100 gms. 3. Do You Chew Or Swallow Boba? Ans: Bobas are made from Tapioca. The ingredients don't dissolve quickly, even when they are well-soaked. However, if you eat them without chewing, they can be hazardous to health. They don't dissolve, which makes them hazardous.
Final Words
Crystal boba is a fine addition to your bubble tea. They make a wholesome taste inside your mouth. You can go and grab yourself crystal boba at a bubble tea stall. But making them at home can be a fun experience as well. You can use the tips shared in this article to make this.
I think you have found the answer to your queries. However, if you have further questions, you can ask them in the comment section.
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