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Great Pizza Joints Throughout the Country

August 9, 2012 By

Here in the U.S., we have a true passion for pizza. Though pies may have originated in Italy, Americans have truly made it their own over time. Below are a few noteworthy pizza joints throughout the country that are definitely worth checking out:

Lucali’s in Brooklyn, New York
Though crowned as second best by Alan Richman, Lucali’s is in the center of the country’s pizza haven: New York City. Lucali’s serves up a classic, crisp, crust, hearty pizza, and outstanding calzones for reasonable prices.
 
Tomato Pie in Los Angeles, California
Taken from traditional New York slices, Tomato Pie adds a dash of California trendiness and health-consciousness to their simple yet tasty pies. The small pizzeria serves standard varieties as well as gourmet delights like Prosciutto Happiness.
 
Burt’s Place in Chicago, Illinois
A pizza mecca in its own right, Chicago houses a slew of popular pizza places. But if you must try just one, Burt’s Place stands out among the rest with its fabulous deep dish pizzas with a variety of chewy, yummy crusts. Be sure to make reservations in advance if you want to visit this landmark eatery — it's always busy.
 
Tacconelli’s in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Tucked away in a hard-to-find location, Tacconelli’s creates a savory slice that draws fans throughout the city of Brotherly Love. The owner and chef is a true-blue Italian immigrant who has not altered the classic recipe that has made this place a pizza must-have since opening back in 1918.  

Pizzeria Delfina in San Francisco, California
Today, San Francisco is seeking a "best pizza city" crown with restaurants like Pizzeria Delfina. Both New York and Neopolitan influences fuse here, with creative toppings like salted cod. Stop here for an unforgettable slice. 

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Must-See Parades Around The U.S.

June 7, 2012 By

Who doesn't love a festive parade? No matter your age or the occasion for celebration, it’s always so much fun to see a the community pull together and craft floats, march in bands, and put on a show for an appreciative audience. Below are a few parades that are some of the country’s most spectacular.

The Rose Parade, Pasadena, California
This parade began all the way back in 1890, so it's one of the longest-running in the United States. It started as a small-scale production to celebrate the new year, and has grown over the years in conjunction with the Rose Bowl football game. Today it is a spectacular celebration watched by millions worldwide!

Fat Tuesday, New Orleans, Louisiana
You have not truly lived until you’ve seen the New Orleans’ outrageous Mardi Gras parade. Legions of dancers and musicians called "krewes" from all over the Big Easy take to the streets in crazy costumes to let loose and have fun — it’s an indescribable experience that you simply have to experience for yourself.

US Coast Guard Festival, Grand Haven, Michigan
This parade is a loving tribute to the individuals who make our nations’s shorelines safe. This actually is a three-day long celebration, and the grand finale is one of the country’s most impressive fireworks displays.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New York City
This parade is probably the most famous in the nation, if not in the world. This huge-scale production is famous for its gigantic balloons in the shape of famous cartoon characters, as well as for mini-Broadway productions during the parade route.

Nevada Day, Carson City, Nevada
This parade recognizes the day that Nevada was inducted into the United States. This fun Southwestern spectacle pulls in vast crowds, and they all pay tribute to what makes Nevada special, as well as celebrate its future.

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Must-See Natural Caves Around The Country

May 3, 2012 By

If you're in awe of the natural mystery and splendor of caves and caverns, then you know the many wonders that cave exploration can offer. Below, read on to learn about some of the most captivating caves in the United States, all certain to satisfy the underground adventurer in you.

Maramec Caverns, Missouri
This dazzling cave system has been rated one of the best in the United States. It's located near St. Louis, and there are 7 levels of caves available for touring, each offering a different variety of fascinating formations and underground landscapes. The added benefit of this location is that the Maramec Caverns are located in a State Park, so visitors can explore the natural splendor aboveground after they’ve taken in all the wonders of the caves. 
 
Luray Caverns, Virginia
These caves, located in the stunning Shenandoah Valley, are some of the largest and most-visited caves in the United States. The rock formations, colors, and sounds of the underground world at Luray Caverns will truly captivate you. Make sure to visit Luray’s famous and celebrated “Stalacpipe Organ,” known as the world’s largest musical instrument — the way it works is this: stalactites covering nearly four acres of the surrounding caves produce symphonic musical tones when electronically tapped by specialized mallets. It’s a music like none you’ve ever heard, and definitely a major drawing point of the Luray Cavern experience.
 
The Lost Sea Caverns, Tennessee
The Lost Sea Caverns in Tennessee contain the largest underground lake in the nation. You can explore this underground oasis with a guided tour in a glass-bottomed boat, and you’ll be fascinated by the beauty of the caverns, relishing in the sight of the exotic cave flowers, startling rock formations, and vast lake. Or, you can take a flashlight tour if you want a truly memorable and atmospheric experience that brings the caves to life in a radically new way. The above-ground offerings in the area are great, too, including an eighteenth-century village, and a variety of excellent restaurants, shopping venues, and cultural offerings.
 
Natural Bridge Caverns, Texas
The Natural Bridge Cavern system is a major attraction located near San Antonio. It is the largest cave system in all of Texas, and is a very popular destination with families, and ideal for trips with schools, camps, and scouting groups. Natural Bridge offers an array of compelling tour options, including an “Illuminations Tour,” which will let you fully experience the depth of darkness inside the caverns (while seeing rock formations dramatically lit in eye-dazzling ways); a “Lantern Tour,” which give you a chance to carry your own lantern through the caves like a mid-century cave explorer; and an “Adventure Tour,” which is designed for those who love physical challenges (rock climbing, crawling, obstacle courses, etc). There are also many resources and tours to help you learn about the area’s rich mining history.

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