10 Amazing Things To Do In Medellin

BY Sibashree BhattacharyaSep 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 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVFXpEnKOUo 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.

BY Deepanwita DeyNov 24, 2021

Can you imagine going anywhere without google maps nowadays? I guess not. If you do, you might be some genius in remembering roads.  But, even if you are, a new place with enough sightseeing to do can overwhelm you with the directions even in GPS. Especially in a place like Vegas, it covers a small area but the varieties of things you will encounter there are endless.  I am not saying that you have to memorize the entire latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates. However, ‘Las Vegas latitude’ is a very commonly asked question on the internet mostly when people are visiting the city.  What Is The Latitude Of Las Vegas? Las Vegas is located in the southwestern part of the US.  Latitude of Las Vegas, Nevada, USA: 36.169292  Latitude to Longitude Las Vegas, Nevada, USA: 6° 6' 52.7292'' N and 115° 10' 22.1268'' W. But, the article doesn’t end here. As we have already mentioned travel, I will be mentioning places you can travel through, along this latitude.  Places To Visit In Vegas  When you search 'what is the latitude of Las Vegas for travel purposes, your eyes will automatically scout through the attractions there. Especially, if your GPS location shows you are somewhere on that geographical coordination.  Here are a few places you can visit when around the Eastern to Western Vegas.  1. The Strip Location: 36.1147° N, 115.1728° W The strip is the entertainment junction of the city. It is filled with some of the most famous central avenues on Las Vegas Boulevard. If you are staying around the latitudinal area of the city, in no time you will be exposed to the key part of Vegas filled with casinos, live entertainment shows, and lots and lots of night lights. It is known for being the most expensive and luxurious hotel in the area if you want to get that royal experience. If not then you can stay in the western outskirts as reaching the Strip won’t be a nuisance from there. “This was our first time to Vegas and we loved it. All the glitz and glamour was well worth the cost. We loved all the bright lights and stunning views at night. We found the strip very clean and any restrooms we used along the way were spotless as well. We were never annoyed by the entertainment along the strip, although some of it could be very loud which really wasn't necessary. No one bothered us. If asked "would you like a picture with me" a no thank you was enough for them to continue on their way. All stores and restaurants along the strip we visited were great. All attractions we did on the strip were well worth the money. All the freebies we saw were perfection. All the employees we encountered on the strip in different establishments were all very kind and very nice to us. They were always helpful.” - Sheera85 2. Valley Of Fire State Park  Location: 36.5073° N, 114.5352° W This nature’s preservation is a beautiful attraction stretched around 40,000 acres along the latitude of Vegas. If you want a day that will take you away from the night buzz of Vegas and expose you to the daylight then this is the place for you.  This place has ancient trees and petroglyphs dating back from 2000 years. The Valley Of Fire State Park is also an excellent sight if camping adventures increase your travelling high. “The state park derives its name from red sandstone formations, which formed from shifting sand dunes 150 million years ago. These features, which are the centerpiece of the park's attractions, often appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun's rays. It is absolutely beautiful, and from someone who is generally not a fan of travelling to historic sites just to take pictures, that says a lot. The entrance fee is $10, and you get a park map to guide you to all the different locations to see. You can drive anywhere in the park, and get off and take pictures anywhere as well, so you have a ton of freedom to just enjoy the experience and the view.” - Akaash 3. Shark Reef At Mandalay Bay  Location: 36.0903327°N, 115.1765442°W Vegas is the entertainment city of the world but it is not just known for this. If you are searching for ‘what is the latitude of Las Vegas’ then stumbling across this location might just be your lucky day.  Just like the previous one, this can also be a daylight attraction however not strictly. This reef is a magical wonder filled with 2,000 animals including sharks, giant rays, piranha and endangered green sea turtles.  This is not just a perfect destination for the blue world lovers but will also attract the most dullest of minds. “The Aquarium is more than worth the money you pay. This is the only attraction in the entire city we actually enjoyed on our 8 day trip. The huge lizard, the pihrana fishes, the jellyfish, and sharks just to name a few were amazing. Words to describe it are interesting (the girl explains to you about many aspects of the sharks etc.) it was educational, it was fun and exciting, and a great way to spend a few hours enjoying yourself. This exhibit was just marvelous, and I do recommend it to everyone young, old, and in between.” - valsetz 4. Stratosphere Tower  Location: 36.1475° N, 115.1566° W If you want to experience the magnificent view of the entire city with luxury then you should find yourself in the Stratosphere Tower. It is estimated to be 1149 feet tall and also has been the second tallest broadcast tower in North America.  This tower also hosts one of the largest hotels and will provide you with the utmost luxury.  “An elegant resort positioned between Freemiont and the main strip. We went there to see the "Michael Jackson" show and prior to the show we browsed through the shops. Be careful as the shops will try to entice you into their stores for a free sample and then up-sell you with very expensive merchandised.” - frankpN4138VZ 5. Fremont Street Experience  Location: 36.1708° N, 115.1443° W Fremont Street is not just one experience, it is a blast of 100. This downtown destination holds home to all the action. If noise and crowd are your traveling buddies then you will have the time of your life with nights of live music, special events, concerts, and light shows.  This place also doesn’t fall short of adventure as the superhero-zoom Zip-Zilla Zipline that will traverse you through the entire length of the street. This is definitely not for the faintest of hearts! “We were catching a late night bus or of Las Vegas and we decided to spend our last few hours at the Fremont Street Experience, which is not far from the Greyhound Bus Terminal. We highly recommend coming here if you come to Las Vegas as there's great atmosphere, free entertainment and it's lots of fun. We loved the overhead screen which gave the area a lot of colour and light.” - bucketlisttravellers Along The Latitudes The reason why we search 'what is the latitude of Las Vegas' is mostly that you find yourself lost in your GPS. However, if you plan your travel along the latitudinal and longitudinal borders of the city. It will make your travel much easier as transportation along the main highway will be bringing some solution to the itinerary. Read More: What Is The Best Time To Visit Morocco? A Guide To National Parks In Idaho – Latest Guide Batista Restaurant Las Vegas – Restaurant Info, Ratings & Reviews

BY Nabamita SinhaApr 4, 2023

With the beginning of summer, more and more people are gonna look for fun ways to beat the heat. And the easiest answer for that is to find the best water park or splash pad near me. These water parks are a great way to cool down on a hot summer day. And as an added bonus, if you are living in Florida, you very well know how hot it can actually get during the summer, and the need to cool down is very urgent as well. So if you are new in Florida or are traveling to Florida for summer vacation, then you won’t know the hotspots to cool down for the summer. And that is why we are here to guide you through that and help you navigate. Top 8+ Splash Pad Near Me In Florida: 1. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, Lake Buena Vista amazonaws.com Address - 1801 West Buena Vista Drive, Orlando, FL 32830-8436 Disney World here in Florida is a great place you can relax and unwind during the holidays. To cool it off in the summer, the best place to visit is the Blizzard beach and the ski resort here at Disney World. So get your swimsuits and ski suits ready as you are going to have a great time here at the splendid Mount Gushmore. 2. Aquatica Orlando, Orlando floridastateparks.org Address - 5800 Water Play Way, Orlando, FL 32821 If you are looking for a splash pad near me for a day visit to have fun, then the best place you can go to is Aquatica Orlando. The place is full of water slides, floating rivers, and unlimited fun in the water, with tides, geysers, and drop slides. The fun of the Dolphin Plunge is a great way of giving the visitor a chance to experience the speed through a clear tube like a dolphin. 3. Buccaneer Bay, Weeki Wachee Springs, Spring Hill widen.net Address - 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606 While you are in Tampa, there is if you are searching for a splash pad park near me, then you will find the Weeki Wachee Springs and also the Buccaneer Bay. Not all visitors know about this, as it is more of a hidden gem. This spring-fed water park with absolutely crystal clear blue water the whole year. There are many rides, like, as always, a lazy river, with Pirate’s Plunge water flume and a kid's area to play. Although it is not free, you will enjoy different shows and performances, like mermaid acts. 4. Adventure Island, Tampa travel-assets.com Address - 10001 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612-6401 If you are visiting Tampa, then just opposite Busch Gardens, you will see Adventure Island, which is their water park. The main attraction of the park, which is the 70 feet tall Colossal Curl is what attracts visitors. The curl is filled with 622 feet of maze twirls, with dips, turns, and the feeling of weightlessness. And if you are not an adrenaline junky, then lazy rivers and gentle slides are there as well for you. 5. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Lake Buena Vista Address - 1145 Buena Vista Drive, Orlando, FL 32830 If you thought that Disney had only one water park then you are wrong, their other popular water park is the Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, which is in Buena Vista. Here you will find a 6-foot tall wave surfing area, along with a surf pool, saltwater reef, and typhoon lagoon. At the saltwater reef, you can go snorkeling and look for exotic fish. 6. Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park, Destin miamionthecheap.com Address - 1007 Highway 98 E, FL 32541-2901 Right in Florida’s panhandle, if you search for a park with splash pad near me, then you will find the Big Kahuna’s water & adventure park in Destin. This adventure park is filled with loads of rides and attractions, at least about 40 different attractions that will surely pump you up for the summer. 7. Rapids Water Park, Riviera Beach visitcentralflorida.org Address - 6566 N Military Trl 1620 Sw, West Palm Beach, FL 33407-1228 Located quite close to West Palm Beach, here the nearest splash pad you will find is the Rapid water park. There are about 35 slides, and it also has two drop slides which are seven-story tall. Another impressive attraction there is the 45-degree drop slide into complete darkness, here, you will experience absolute weightlessness. And for the kids and the younger generation to feel zero gravity, there is Barefootin Bay, where you enjoy sprays and super splashes. 8. LEGOLAND, Water Haven travelandleisure.com Address - 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884, United States Built as an extra entertainment zone with LEGOLAND, the water park is among the favorites for families with kids. So if you are here at Water Haven, then you should definitely visit the LEGOLAND water park. Here you will find great attractions like two giant slides, along with a water play area and also a lazy river. Since it is LEGOLAND, here you can create your own raft on the Build-A-Raft River. 9. Sun Splash Family Waterpark, Cape Coral travelandleisure.com Address - 400 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33991, United States Looking for a budget-friendly splash pad near me, then you are in luck as Sun splash family waterpark is the place for you in Cape Coral. With only a $20 entry fee, you are getting a 14-acre water park for you to enjoy. There is a tot play area for the kids to enjoy with mini slides, and for the older kids. There is a 30 feet long dark water tunnel with a five-story slide and a steep drop at the end. 10. Universal’s Volcano Bay, Orlando travelandleisure.com Address - 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819-7640 This is yet again a wonderful splash pad near me in Orlando. Here you will find beautiful resorts and living areas with an amazing view of the lagoon and a volcano with a cascading waterfall. There are many different types of slides that will surely impress you and your family at the same time. Like the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, Kopiko Wai Winding River, or even Waturi Beach. For the kids, there is the Tot Tiki Reef, where they can splash in the water fountain and also in the mini volcano. Wrapping Up! Now that you are aware of the best splash pad near me, now you can easily make plans to take a trip there this summer. Although it is less likely that you will get to go to all the water parks, you can still try if you want to. If you think that this article was helpful, then give it a like and comment down below. Read Also: Indian Buffet Near Me In Florida – Best Buffets For You Best Asian Restaurants In Florida – A Must Visit For Food Lovers What To Consider When Choosing Vacation Destinations For Families