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BY  Sibashree Oct 28, 2024

With mountains, faults, monoliths, deserts, and unique geological formations, Joshua Tree National Park has emerged as an important ecological hub of California. Further, as the name goes, the park has the most amazing Joshua Tree, a Yucca palm species that became famous with the Joshua Tree album by U2.  Spanning 800,000 acres and situated at 5000 feet above sea level, this national park is like a natural tapestry. Further, 85% of this national park is still pristine wilderness. So, there is no wonder that a place like this harbors the best secrets and fun facts that are yet to be explored.  Here, I will share some amazing info about the park’s history, fossils, cryptobiotic crusts, and more. Joshua Tree National Park is about to complete 30 years of its designation as a national park on 31st October 2024. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt designated it as a national monument in 1936. Things No One Talks About Joshua Tree National Park  The basics are boring! There is no fun in visiting a place that does not have stories to tell. However, this national park, designated in 1994, has mountains and ecological units that echo the tales of history, changes, and humanity.  Let’s get into the stories, but before that, let me give you a brief account about when and how to visit the park. September to November is the best time to explore the park due to pleasant weather conditions.  Further, the Annual Night Sky Festival occurs in the park in October. It’s a delightful experience for people of all age groups. Thomas Crochetiere writes many fascinating stories about Joshua Tree National Park in his “The History of Joshua Tree National Park: A historical, informational, and educational timeline of Joshua Tree National Park.” If you are interested in the park’s history, you can grab a Kindle edition of the book.  1. Fascinating Historical Tales About Joshua Tree National Park  Human history in Joshua Tree National Park is as old as 15000 years. Two archaeologists, William Campbell and Elizabeth Campbell, further discovered the existence of Pinto culture in this park. Pinto Culture In The Park  People belonging to this Pinto Culture used to stay in cool grassland environments here, and they were primarily hunters. Pinto culture in the national park was discovered by archaeologists thanks to the triangular-shaped spears, scraping and cutting tools, and seed-processing tools.  All the implements that established a Pinto connection to the place indicate that the Pinto people led a bohemian lifestyle. Along with hunting, they also practiced seasonal harvesting.  Native Americans Occupying Joshua Tree National Park  Europeans came to Joshua Tree National Park in the late 18th century. However, the park had three groups of Native Americans. They followed the Pinto culture, thriving locally in the park. These three tribes were: Cahuilla Serrano Chemehuevi The Chemehuevi tribe was the latest to occupy the national park, and they came to this park from the Great Basin of Nevada in 1500.  All these tribes adopted the tools of the Pinto people, and they improved and diversified them.  Cattlemen First Occupied The Joshua Tree National Park  Joshua Tree National Park has every element of a Western movie. The western side of the park had higher elevations during the 1870s. These areas also received a higher rainfall and had different species of native grasses.  As a result, many cattle owners used to flock to these parts of the park for cattle grazing.  William “Bill” McHaney was the earliest cattleman in this park. He was a legendary figure, and he took his Texas Longhorns to these higher valleys. He will be known for living in the national park and exploring the area for around 60 years. Further, his brother, Jim, built a gang to steal cattle from Mexico and Arizona.  Discovery Of Gold In Joshua Tree National Park  The 19th century was the biggest highlight in the Joshua Tree National Park. Miners flocked to this park in great numbers for the discovery of gold. Twentynine Palms was the first area to have mining expeditions in the park in the late 1860s.  The presence of water in the Oasis of Mara was the main reason behind extensive mining expeditions at Twentynine Palms. Gold was collected from dirt using dry washing. The process was fun, and it involved throwing dirt mixed with dust into the air. The dirt was caught as it came down in the air, and this process continued until the mix only had gold dust.  Desert Queen Mine was a more successful gold mining venture in the park. It was Frank L. James, an employee of the Lost Horse Mine, who discovered the vein of gold in the Northern Queen Valley. Unfortunately, he had to lose his life at the hands of  Charles Martin. Martin was a part of the notorious cattle-rustler gang of Jim McHaney. Jim McHaney was the brother of William “Bill” McHaney, a legendary figure in the park.  Joshua Tree National Park Had An Important Role To Play During World War I  The dry, desert climate of Joshua Tree National Park was beneficial for the war veterans suffering from the effects of the mustard gas. This gas was so lethal that it had to be banned after World War I. Did You Know?The Geneva Gas Protocol Treaty, signed in 1925 by most countries, banned the use of biological and chemical weapons in war.  Germans introduced mustard gas in 1917, and any contact with the gas used to cause skin burns, blisters, and respiratory problems. Patients hit by this gas needed to get hospitalized for the treatment of chemical burns and respiratory issues.  Moreover, the survivors of the mustard gas attacks had greater risks of developing cancer.  2. Fossils Of Joshua Tree National Park  https://www.instagram.com/p/ClHXsRDS2Xq/?img_index=1 The fossils in the Joshua Tree National Park tell us about the geological evolutions, extreme natural events, and biodiversity. So, what were the animals that roamed here when the earth was a cooler and greener space? Let’s have a look at the list below.  Columbian mammoths Dire wolves Camels Horses Llamas Giant ground sloths Saber-toothed cats  Bison American Pronghorn Did Dinosaurs Live At Joshua Tree National Park? Scientists believe that Joshua Tree National Park had dinosaurs. Some of the oldest rocks in the park are from the dinosaur era. However, being metamorphic and igneous, these rocks could not preserve the skeleton of the dinosaurs. So, there is no “black and white” evidence regarding the existence of dinosaurs in the park yet.  The oldest fossil found in the park is the tooth of a pocket gopher. It was found in a 7.8 million years old sediment. The park has many other microfossils that are even older.  Moreover, the midden of the pack rats has been a gold mine for finding plant and insect species. At least 12 species of plants were found in the midden, and the oldest was around 30,000 years old. In addition, the darkling beetle fossils in the midden come from various ages. The oldest dates back to  34,000 years ago, and the latest is as old as 1000 years old.  Above all, the human artifacts and bones collected in this midden speak of human history and the evolution of their lifestyle.  3. Cryptobiotic Crusts Of Joshua Tree National Park  What are cryptobiotic crusts? They are hidden biotic organisms present on the surface of the park soil. Blue-green algae or cyanobacteria are the leading cryptobiotic crusts at Joshua Tree National Park. The other forms of cryptobiotic crusts present in the park soil are: Mosses Lichens Microfungi Bacteria Green algae Now, these cryptobiotic crusts are important to bind the sand and soil particles of the park together. In other words, they prevent soil erosion caused by wind and water.    4. Spiritual Stories And Symbolism Around Joshua Tree National Park “The Joshua Tree” album by Irish band U2 brought the spiritual connection or symbolism around the Joshua trees in the park under the spotlight. The album explores the gap between the promised land and the real land of America. The desert also stood for the desolation of the soul, while the Joshua trees, surviving in extreme weather conditions, became the symbol of hope and prayer. However, you must go back around 180 years to trace how Joshua trees have always been associated with symbolism and Biblical stories. In the 1850s, the Mormon pioneers crossed the Mojave Desert and saw these trees.  The upraised branches of the trees reminded them of Joshua, who stretched his arms to the sky for prayer and led the “Israelites into the Promised Land.” So, this is how these Yucca Palm trees got their new name.  5. Joshua Tree National Park Is The Best For Stargazing  As International Dark Night Sky, Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places in California for stargazing. The following parking lot areas are best for Joshua Tree National Park stargazing. Hidden Valley Ryan Mountain Quail Springs Cap Rock Along with these places, you can also choose Pinto Basin for an amazing stargazing experience.  How To Reach Joshua Tree National Park? Joshua Tree National Park has three entrances. The table below details these entrances and will help you pick the right one based on the location you are traveling from. Park Entrance GateLocation Ideal For Tourists FromWest EntranceAt Park Blvd Off Highway 62Los AngelesPalm SpringsSan DiegoNorth Entrance29 Palms, Off Highway 62Las VegasSouth EntranceCottonwood Spring, Off Highway 10Salton Sea area The West Entrance is the main entrance to Joshua Tree National Park. You must drive through California Highway 62 or Interstate 10 road to reach here.  Further, if you are traveling by air, you must reach Palm Springs Airport, and from there, you can rent a car. The Los Angeles International Airport is also 150 miles away from this park.   Also read Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary. Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures. From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.

BY  Barsha Apr 14, 2023

Welcome to the Tour And Travel Blog’s take on the most popular restaurant chains in the United States. Yesterday we discussed the Blue Sushi Sake Grill and all the information you needed before visiting the popular sushi chain. But today, we are back with a new chain brand - yep, we have Prince Tea House under the spotlight today. The restaurant started with its first stop in 2014 at Flushing, and since then, there has been no turning back for this brand! You will not just find an exclusive selection of teas here - you will also find delicious desserts and a wide selection of snacks, appetizers, and salads. If you haven’t been here yet, then this is the sign you need. Stay tuned to find out more about Prince Tea House. Exploring Prince Tea House: What A Rewarding Experience! Prince Tea House NYC is a popular tea spot serving Asian-European fusion food, dessert, afternoon teas, and brunch. The brand promises to deliver friendly service, exquisite desserts, comfort, and teas. Are you wondering where their teas are sourced from? It’s sourced from France, and its confections are all made in-house with the help of refined techniques and unique recipes. Most of their locations are usually occupied by large groups and families since they host events like baby showers, corporate events, birthday pirates, and bridal showers. But the best part? You can enjoy takeout, indoor dining, as well as outdoor dining! So without wasting more time, let’s find out more about Prince Tea House! Menu: The Prince Tea House menu is ideal for an afternoon tea accompanied by a few sweet appetizers with your friends is honestly all you need on Saturday. Or maybe some intimate time with the bae after work on Monday? Prince Tea House was perfect, and the specialty items on the menu? Even better! Here’s a glimpse of all the specialty items on the menu - you will find these items at all locations. 1. Tea: “Because we believe that tea is a source of inspiration, we at Prince Tea House aspired to design our exquisite tea in a French-Asian fashion that awakens your senses.” - Prince Tea House. Green Tea: Viva Le The! Green Tea, The Des Sources Green Tea, and Grand Jasmine Chung Feng Green Tea. Black Tea: The Des Amants Black Tea, Darjeeling Margaret’s Hope Black Tea, and Mango Black Tea. White Tea: The Des Songes White Tea. Pu Erh Tea Oolong Tea: Lavender Oolong Tea, Tropical Oolong Tea, and Earl Grey Oolong Tea. Infusion Herbal Tea: Jardin Tropical, Water Garden, and Scandinavian Organic Detox Tea. Hot Milk Tea: Earl Grey Milk Tea, Rose Lover Milk Tea, and Matcha Green Milk Tea. Hot Fruity Tea: Prince Citrus Blend Jasmine, Prince Fruit Paradise (Caffeine-free), and Prince Passion Fruit Tea. Iced Milk Tea: Iced Assam Milk Tea, Iced Rose Green Milk Tea, and Iced Earl Grey Milk Tea. Iced Fresh Tea: Iced Jasmine Green Tea, Iced Peach Black Tea, and Iced Mango Black Tea. Iced Potted Plant Foam: Potted Plant Milk Tea, Potted Plant Passion Fruit Green Tea, and Potted Plant Jasmine Green Milk Tea. Iced Signature Milk Foam: Signature Rose Green Tea, Signature Milk Tea, and Signature Caramel Milk Tea. Slush: PassionFruit, Mango, and Peach. 2. Appetizers: The appetizer selection at Prince Tea House includes, Octopus Takoyaki, Twister Fries, Santa Fe Chicken Roll, Fried Shrimp Lollipops, Cods And Chips, Fried Squid Tails, Buffalo Wings, Cod-Shrimps And Chips, Salted Crispy Chicken, and Twister Fries. 3. Sandwiches: The sandwich selection at Prince Tea House includes, Beef Sukiyaki Sandwich, Katsu Chicken Brioche, Fried Cod Burger, Smoked Salmon Sandwich, California Sandwich, and Turkey Club. 4. Desserts: “All our desserts are handmade daily. We are committed to bringing the freshest and the finest to our dear customers.” - Prince Tea House. Green Tea Mille Crêpes Cake, Brow Sugar Boba Mille Crêpes Cake, Strawberry Shortcake Parfait, Molten Lava Cake, Tiramisu, Tofu Cheesecake, Pate A Choux, Custard Pudding, Purple Yam Soufflé, and Coconut Panna Cotta. 5. Waffle: “Our freshly made-to-order waffle comes out crispy and fluffy. It comes with one dressing and one fruit of your choice. Additional options available.” - Prince Tea House. Please Note: Waffles are served with a choice of one fruit and one dressing. You can further customize your waffles with other toppings - these will get billed as add-ons. 6. Afternoon Tea (Served Daily: 12 pm - 6 pm): The afternoon tea at Prince Tea House includes, Finger Sandwiches, Scones, Assorted Desserts, and Tea with unlimited refill (for two hours) 7. Salads: The salad selection at Prince Tea House includes, Avocado Salad, Crabmeat Salad, and Smoked Salmon Salad. Locations: While checking out the various locations, we were a little confused - a majority of the stores are located in New York, like Prince Tea House East Village, Flushing, or Chinatown. But then, on closer inspection, we realized there’s also Prince Tea House Philadelphia and even Prince Tea House New Jersey. Without wasting time, scroll down to check out the top Prince Tea House locations, 1. Flushing (New York): Address: 36-39 Prince St., Flushing, NY 11354 Contact: 917-285-2523 2. 7th Avenue (New York): Address: 6122 7th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11220 Contact: 929-337-7150 3. 21st Avenue (New York): Address: 8510 21st Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11214 Contact: 718-975-5077 4. Astoria (New York): Address: 31-47 Steinway St., Astoria, NY 11103 Contact: 929-208-0072 5. Forest Hills (New York): Address: 15-17 Station Square, Forest Hill, NY 11375 Contact: 718-971-1088 6. China Town (New York): Address: 134 Bowery St., New York, NY 10013 Contact: 646-892-3160 7. East Village (New York): Address: 204 East 10th St., New York, NY 10003 Contact: 917-388-2778 8. Staten Island (New York): Address: 324B New Dorp Lane, Staten Island, NY 10306 Contact: 929-365-4625 9. Philadelphia (Pennsylvania): Address: 203 North 9th St., Philadelphia, PA 19107 Contact: 215-560-8912 10. Princeton (New Jersey): Address: 4437 Route 27 Princeton, NJ 08540 Contact: 609-921-2868 11. Edison (New Jersey): Address: 518 Old Post Rd Suite 6, Edison, NJ 08817 Contact: 732-243-9366 12. Marlton (New Jersey): Address: 746A West Route 70, Marlton, NJ 08053 Contact: 856-239-0800 13. Virginia Beach (Virginia): Address: 3244 Holland Road Suite 110, Virginia Beach, VA 23453 Contact: 757-301-8829 Things You Did Not Know About Tea Houses The history of tea houses first started in China with the Tang dynasty's Kaiyuan era. it encouraged the people to introduce the concept of tea house along with poets, singers, storytellers, opera singers, actors and jugglers. The form of entertainment that was provided in the tea house was later taken to an established level of high noon tea and entertainment section. The concept has started in Asia and it has currently turned into a hotel fashion. This fashion does not entertain at least 20 to 30 types of tea. You can also find small bite-size food items such as sandwiches, beef sukiyaki, house buffalo wings, and other appetizers along with tea further encouraging the customers to spend more! Bon Appétit! And that’s a wrap n the Prince Tea House - what do you guys think? Have you ever visited this popular tea spot while roaming around the streets of New York City or any of its other locations? If you have, feel free to share your experiences with the Prince Tea House brand in the comments below! Read Also: Top 12 dominican restaurants in los angeles | The Ultimate guide 7 Places To Go For Best Tacos In San Diego - Recommended List! Trying ‘All You Can Eat Sushi’ In The United States? 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BY  Sibashree Sep 20, 2025

Modern families seek more from ski holidays than just pistes, and they want entertainment for non-skiers, activities for young children, convenient downtime options, and excellent safety standards.  You’ll want to discover more than just the slopes, if you are planning on visiting Val Thoren’s for a ski holiday.  There are plenty of non-ski activities in Val Thorens for families to enjoy that make all the difference.  Val Thoren’s has improved its facilities in recent months to tailor towards families who need childcare services, indoor leisure centre facilities, and a diverse range of entertainment options. What Is Val Thorens? If you're new to the ski scene or haven't heard of Val Thorens before, let me give you a quick rundown. Val Thorens is renowned for being the highest ski resort in the Alps, and it's no surprise that it boasts an impressive snow record.  The village sits at an elevation of 2300 meters, and many of the main ski areas soar above 3000 meters, with plenty of north-facing slopes and a couple of small glaciers to boot. However, it's worth noting that the runs coming down from Méribel and those in the Orelle sector can face some challenges.  Since they face south or west, they can get a bit slushy later in the season. There are also many Non-ski activities in Val Thorens that you will enjoy.  That said, the resort does a great job of snow-making, so overall, Val Thorens remains one of the most reliable spots for snow in the Alps. What Are Some Non-Ski Activities In Val Thorens That You Must Check Out? These are some really popular non-ski activities you can enjoy when you visit Val Thorens:  1. Childcare, Nurseries & Snow Gardens Val Thoren’s offers great childcare from early infancy through school age. If you need a daycare for babies from three months old, the ESF daycare provides both full and half-day care options, including meals and multilingual staff that can guarantee safety and comfort.  There are also snow gardens that are catered for toddlers ages 18 months to three years that combine indoor play with an easy snow introduction.  Mini clubs accommodate children aged three to six, offering structured activities whilst parents enjoy the slopes.  For more personalised care, you can hire private nanny services like Little Peaks Childcare. These provide bespoke support with a flexible booking service for parents who wish to book with them on certain days.  For British families, there are English-speaking carers who can understand family preferences and requirements. 2. Indoor Amenities & Leisure Centres If you fancy visiting a leisure centre for the day and enjoying the indoor amenities that the resort has to offer, there is a main sports centre for that. It features heated swimming pools with fun water features and slides for families to enjoy.  It also has a separate children’s soft play area for the kids to enjoy and be entertained during the afternoon breaks.  For older children, there are trampolines and climbing walls to keep them entertained if they enjoy taking on a physical hobby.  Parents can enjoy the wellness facilities that the resort has to offer, such as a sauna and hammam, whilst the children are happily occupied with their activities nearby. When the weather deteriorates, the cinema screens English-language films and subtitled releases.  Bowling facilities and games rooms provide evening entertainment. You get most amenities within walking distance of accommodation, and operate extended hours during peak seasons. 3. Outdoor & Adventure Alternatives There are lots of thrilling non-skiing activities that Europe’s highest ski resort has to offer. Val Thoren’s maintains almost all its terrain above 2,000 metres, according to recent statistics. This provides the perfect snow conditions for alternative activities. There are plenty of activities that range from toboggan runs, night sledding, and husky sledding. Moreover, you will get snowshoeing expeditions that explore mountain landscapes, and zip-lining. 4. Family-Friendly Amenities Val Thorens is a fantastic destination for families, boasting the Famille Plus certification. This means you can expect a variety of family-friendly amenities and services throughout the resort.  You’ll find restaurants that offer kids' menus and highchairs, creating a welcoming atmosphere for families to enjoy meals together. For parents looking to relax, many of the major hotels feature wellness centers with spa treatments and serene areas to unwind.  While you take a moment for yourself, your kids can join in on organized activities designed just for them. If you need any practical items during your stay, worry not! There are plenty of medical services available on-site for those minor scrapes and sniffles. Additionally, you will also find shops that stock all the essentials, like baby supplies and children’s equipment. So you’ll never feel overwhelmed. Plus, the resort’s central booking service is a real lifesaver for busy families. It can help you easily: Arrange accommodations Plan activities So, this makes your vacation much more enjoyable and organized. With the range of facilities available that extend beyond skiing, you’re truly spoilt for choice at Val Thoren’s as it ensures that every family member has a memorable experience. Enjoy All The Non-ski activities in Val Thorens Today!  In today’s fast-paced world, modern families are looking for more than just traditional ski holidays.  They want experiences that cater to everyone's interests and needs. Skiing is fantastic. But it's equally important to find a destination that offers entertainment and activities for those who prefer not to hit the slopes. Additionally, it is also important to consider engaging options for young children.  Additionally, families appreciate convenient downtime options and a focus on safety to ensure a worry-free trip. Val Thorens stands out as a fantastic family-friendly destination. It offers a variety of non-ski activities that can make your holiday truly memorable.  In recent months, the resort has made significant improvements to its facilities, catering specifically to families.  Parents can take advantage of childcare services that allow them to enjoy a few hours on the slopes or relax, knowing their little ones are in good hands. The indoor leisure center is a gem! It features a range of activities that can keep both kids and adults entertained.  There's something for everyone to enjoy, regardless of age, such as: Swimming pools Play areas Family-friendly games In essence, Val Thorens has evolved into a destination that truly understands the needs of modern families. They ensure that both skiers and non-skiers have an unforgettable holiday experience amidst the stunning alpine backdrop.