Sometimes when you need a break, the best vacation is one with your closest girlfriends. The destination possibilities of girlfriend getaways are endless. Here are a couple ideas of getaways you many not normally think of to help you start planning.

Gourmet Retreat at Casa Lana

Want to learn the basics of fine cooking or enhance your culinary skills? Gourmet Retreats at Casa Lana in Napa Valley is a great place to spend some quality time with your girlfriends to advance your culinary knowledge and skills. Casa Lana provides a range of options from a relaxing weekend to a five day boot camp for food enthusiasts at any level. Only 12 students are allowed in the class so the instructors are able to provide personal interaction. Casa Lana has their own gardens full of herbs, vegetables, and fruits to help you master your creations. You can choose to stay at Casa Lana or choose from the available bed and breakfasts, resorts, or hotels in the area.

Be sure to stop by the American Center for Wine, Food, and the Arts, or COPIA, in Napa. COPIA is a nonprofit center whose mission is to “explore, celebrate, and share the pleasures and benefits of wine, its relationship with food, and the significance to our culture”. Classes are held here daily. For 45 minutes and $15 you can receive cooking classes focused on the current season. Not interested in more classes? No problem. General admission to the center is free and includes daily wine tasting and a basic introductory to wine, food, and gardening.

Explore the Waters of the San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands is located in northwest Washington and surrounds Seattle, Vancouver British Columbia, and Victoria British Columbia. The San Juan Islands consist of 180 islands – the most popular being Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan. All the islands welcome visitors year round. Lopez Island is ideal for bicycling, kayaking, and relaxing. Orcas Island is ideal for calmer water sports and cycling. San Juan is the most diverse island of the three and home to Friday Harbor. Friday Harbor is the center of activity with art galleries, boutiques, bookstores, water-view restaurants, and plenty of activities for water enthusiasts.

Sea kayaking is very popular among the San Juan Islands due to easily spotted wildlife both on and off shore.  Outdoor Odysseys offer “Women on the Water” sea kayaking and camping tours that take you to islands only accessibly by boat. Guided by women, the ladies-only “Women on the Water” trips immerse you within the culture of the islands. Outdoor Odysseys also offers shorter and longer durations as well as coed tours.

Get Rejuvenated at Lake Austin Spa Resort

Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a nice stay at a spa resort to be pampered with your girlfriends? Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin, Texas sits on 19 lakefront acres in the Texas Hill Country. You won’t get bored at Lake Austin where they have many fitness classes to participate in including tai chi, yoga, trek and spin class, canoeing, kayaking, meditation, dance, and so much more. There are also “discovery classes” in healthy cooking, nutrition, relationships, gardening, and more. The LakeHouse Spa has 30 treatment areas to perform their 100 types of therapeutic massages, body scrubs and wraps, baths, facials, and healing therapies. The Iris Salon features hair, makeup, and nail treatments. Lake Austin Spa Resort can be a bit on the pricey side, but they offer great specials. The “girlfriend getaway” special features six or more of your closest girlfriends with discounts up to 40% off.

Put your healthy cooking classes from Lake Austin Spa Resort to good use by stopping by Austin Farmers Market (AFM) and Whole Foods. At AFM you can purchase fruits, vegetables, honey, and flowers produced from the Hill Country by local farmers. They’re available Saturdays 9am – 1pm and Wednesdays 8:30am – 1pm year round. While you’re at the AFM at Lamar and 6th Street, be sure to stop by Whole Foods (on the adjacent corner) which features both organic and natural food and products.

Experience the Beaches in Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai, Hawaii, which is the fourth largest island, features over 40 exotic beaches. Kauai is also known as “Garden Isle” for their tropical greenery, beaches, exotic trees and flowers nurtured with the perfect amount of rain water, eccentric roosters, and island birds. There are four main areas of Kauai: North Shore, East Side or “Coconut Coast”, South Shore/Poipu Resort, and the West Side.

The North Shore is known for their rugged mountains, sea cliffs, and beautiful beaches, most notably Hanalei Bay. The Napali Coast State Park takes up 17 miles of the northwest coastline and can only be seen by sea, air, or by hiking.

The east side of the island is known as the “Coconut Coast” for their clusters of coconut trees and golden beaches. Kealia Beach is the beach to visit to watch surfers and boogie boarders ride the waves. Also, the east side is the best place to shop for souvenirs, especially at Kapaa Town and the Coconut Marketplace.

The South Shore is the sunny and “hopping” side of the island since the airport is located here. Poipu Beach is the area that you will want to focus on if you want a sunny beach. Poipu Beach can get crowded during the busy summer season, so if you want privacy go to Maha’ulepu which is more rugged and remote. Maha’ulepu is a beach, but it is also a research site as well as a habitat for endangered plants and animals.

The west side is best known as the location where Captain James Cook first came when he found Hawaii. The two main beaches you’ll want to hit here are Kekaha Beach Park and Lucy Write Beach Park.

There’s plenty to do in Hawaii than just beaches, so get immersed in the culture and enjoy the island culture.

Become Immersed in the Culture of Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, and a great destination for a girlfriend getaway. There’s so much to see, do, and experience in Buenos Aires: shopping, wine tasting, antique hunting, tangoing, viewing the public art, and so much more!

If you want to find some good shopping deals – Buenos Aires is where you want to go since they have both American and European clothing chains at a fraction of the cost. There are also fabulous local chains and unique boutiques that you won’t want to miss.

Argentina is the fifth largest wine producer in the world. You won’t want to miss wine tasting on the famous Malbecs, Torrontes, and Tempranillos.

In historic San Telmo neighborhood you’ll find the best antique shops. On Sundays, San Telmo’s Plaza Dorrego has a fair – Feria de Antiquedades – where you’ll find antiques, handcrafts, jewelry, and scarves.

Don’t forget to take a tango lesson before you leave for Buenos Aires! Once you’re in Buenos Aires you won’t miss seeing a tango dance on the streets of San Telmo neighborhood, which occurs every day of the year. If you forget to take tango lessons before you leave the states, you can get lessons from one of the tango masters at Piazzollo Tango where group lessons are only $6!

As you’re driving through the various neighborhoods in Buenos Aires you’ll witness the public art, especially if you’re on Avenida Figueroa Alcorta. Be sure to stop by the United Nations Park so you can see the giant, shiny aluminum flower sculpture. If you pay close attention you’ll notice the flower’s petals open during the day and close during the night.

Check out these books to help you start planning your girlfriend getaway:

The Complete Idiots Guide to Girlfriend Getaways

50 Best Girlfriend Getaways in North America

Suzy Gershman’s Where to Buy the Best of Everything

Ever been on a girlfriend getaway?

If so, share where your destination was. If not, where would your top pick be?

While Northern California is known as “wine country”, the Midwest – even  Kansas – has wineries worth visiting. This blog features five noteworthy wineries in Kansas, all less than two hours from Topeka. The featured wineries would be a wonderful day trip for wine tasting, to see the production process of the winery, and enjoy one-of-a-kind gift shops.

Salina – Smoky Hill Vineyard and Winery

Smoky Hill Vineyard and Winery is the largest winery in Kansas. Located in Salina, Wichita, and Wilson, Smoky Hill Winery believes in helping people find the perfect wine for them based on foods that enhance the flavor of the wine. They have over two dozen reds, whites, and specialty wines. Online you can find a handy terminology page that will help sharpen your wine knowledge.
Enjoy wine tasting Monday through Saturday 10-6

Basehor – Holy-Field Vineyard and Winery

Located on 30 acres, Holy-Field Vineyard and Winery produce 7,000 gallons annually from their 10 variety of grapes. Holy-Field use Native American and French hybrid grapes in their wine. They hold events throughout the year including mystery dinner theater dinners and summer musical events.
Enjoy wine tasting Monday through Friday 10-6, Saturday 9:30-6, Sunday 12-6

Paxico – Wyldewood Cellars Winery

Wyldewood Cellars have created three different types of wine: fruit wines, native grape wines, and their award winning elderberry wine. In their gift shop they also sell their jellies, fudge, vinegars, and syrups they produce from the wines, as well as Kansas food products.
Enjoy wine tasting Monday through Saturday 8-6, Sunday 12-6

Eudora – Davenport Orchard Vineyard and Winery

Davenport Orchard started in 1997. They have several types of fruit wines, whites, reds, blush, and sparkling. They also have a Topeka outlet called Matrot Castle. Matrot Castle’s website offers different recipes to cook using their wines.

Eudora tasting room is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday 4-7 and Saturday and Sunday 1-5.

The Matrot Castle tasting room is open Saturdays 11-6

Wamego – Oz Winery

Located in downtown Wamego, Oz Winery is not your typical, everyday winery.  Instead of your usual wine labels and titles, Oz Winery incorporates the Wizard of Oz into each wine they produce. They have several different types of wine: reds, whites, blush, dessert, and sparkling. They opened in 2007, and attract travelers all around to have a once in a lifetime wine tasting experience!

Enjoy wine tasting Monday through Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 12-5

Search the Catalog for Great Wine Related Books

The Ultimate Wine Companion

Exploring Wine

Unquenchable: A Great Tipsy Quest for the World’s Best Bargain Wines

Wine for Dummies

Food and Wine Magazine

Been to a winery (Kansas or elsewhere) that was a fun experience? Please share, I’d love to hear from you!

If you own a Smartphone, then you should be utilizing various apps to help you travel with more ease. The apps mentioned below are available on both android and apple Smartphones. And there are many more travel apps available than what is mentioned, so search in the market/app store or travel magazines at the library to find the ones that work best for you!

Many of you may or may not have heard, but the State Library of Kansas has a mobile app called 3M Cloud Library. This app allows you to search, checkout, and read books right on your Smartphone! Before you leave for your trip, make sure you sign up for a Kansas Library Card at TSCPL so you have the ability to use this app. (Free)

Gas Buddy is a great resource that helps you locate the gas stations with the best prices in your area. (Free)

Gate Guru helps you navigate your way around airport terminals regarding restaurants, shops, and services. Reviews are available, and this app is available in 125 airports. (Free)

Google Goggles can identify landmarks, brands, works of art, and will even translate foreign text inside a picture. This is a must-have app for travelling overseas. (Free)

Google Translate will help you translate over 60 different languages. Most languages allow you to speak the phrase you want translated and you can hear the correct translation in the foreign language. (Free)

Hotel Tonight is a great app that allows you to search for hotels at the last minute. Within seconds, you can have the room reserved for a low rate. (Free)

Skype is a great resource to use if you have access to Wi-Fi. You can call any phone much cheaper than you otherwise would. The best part is if your family/friends also have Skype, your calls are absolutely free. If you don’t have time to talk, then you can use Skype’s chatting feature to send free instant messages. (Free)

Trip It allows you to send your airline, hotel, restaurant, and tour reservations to plans@tripit.com, and the Trip It app will merge everything into the app. You can see and manage all your travel plans and not lose the data. (Free)

Trip Journal is essentially a digital diary. You can record all the sights and sounds by recording the routes you take, take videos and photographs, and make notes of what you see and experience. You can connect the app to your blog, facebook, twitter, and more! Also, trips can be archive so you have them for future reference. ($2.90)

uPackingList is a great tool to help you pack for your trip without the headache. You won’t forget to pack even the smallest item due to the ability to check an item off from a convenient list of necessary items right on your Smartphone. You also have the ability to send any list via email. (Free)

Where uses the GPS locator in your phone to real-time information regarding cheap gas, weather forecasts, movie show times, restaurant reviews, traffic conditions, and news headlines. This app also lets you browse the yellow pages and the Yelp app directory. (Free)

XE Currency is a currency exchange app that is updated every minute so you have up to date currency conversions. There are over 180 currencies that the app provides the exchange rates. The app also stores the latest currency rate. You can follow up to 10 different currency exchange rates at once. (Free)

Yelp helps you find restaurant where you are visiting. There are many restaurant finders out there, but Yelp has the comprehensive reviews. (Free)

Many airlines have apps to help you check the flight status, see a standby list, book flights, and even check in. Some airlines have better apps, but it is a great convenience to have on your trip. Make sure you get the app for the airline which you fly the most since it may not be worth downloading every airline app. Some airlines that have apps include: American Airlines, Continental, Southwest, United Airlines, and US Airways. (Free)

Do you have a favorite app that you can’t live without that you’d like to add to the list? Please share!

Crown Center

In 1968, Signboard Hill was transformed into Crown Center, one of KC’s most vibrant entertainment centers. Crown Center Square has fountains and terraced lawns that feature year-round events.  The Entertainment Pavilion has a free-form tent that has many free family centered activities. During the summer one can expect concerts and outdoor movies, and from November through March an outdoor skating rink. Inside Crown Center one can find 50 unique shops, restaurants, a movie complex, and two live stages.

The Plaza

With 14 blocks of Spanish-style buildings filled with over 180 shops, restaurants, nightclubs, coffeehouses, antique shops and boutiques, the Country Club Plaza is truly amazing. “In every corner you’ll discover a sculpture in bronze or marble, a lacy wrought-iron gate, a painted tile mural, a fountain, or flower bed” (Insider’s Guide). There so much to do at the Plaza that there are three separate brochures to help you find your way: retail map, dining and entertainment map, and a walking tour of the artwork and fountain map. 

Union Station / Science City Museum

Union Station reopened October 1914 after it went through $5.8 million in rennovations. At the time it was the third largest train station, following New York’s Grand Central and Pennsylvania. The phrase “meet me under the clock” was common as friends looked for familiar faces, and more than half of all World War II soldiers boarded trains here. As the 1950’s rolled around, train travel was and less common, and 1985 the last Amtrak station pulled out. In 1996, city leaders decided to restore Union Station. $250 million and years later we have today’s Union Station and the Science City Museum. In the Grand Hall and North Waiting Room, don’t forget to look up at the ceiling 95 feet above you, as the artwork was done by artists as far as Liverpool, England. Science City Museum is a place beyond imagination. Instead of staring at artifacts behind glass, children (and adults, too!) are encouraged to play, interact, and learn with over 50 hands-on science activities. Stop by Dino Lab and see a scientist getting ready for real dinosaurs for display in the laboratory, one unique since it’s the largest in the US. For groups of 50 or more, you can plan an overnight camping trip at the Museum! The Theater District is also something you don’t want to miss where two- and three-dimensional films come to life.

American Jazz Museum

The 1920s and 1930s music was focused around jazz, and according to some, “no place played it with more passion than Kansas City” (Insider’s Guide). Some of the greatest legends started in Kansas City – Count Basie, Bennie Morten, and Charlie “Yardbird” Parker, and at the American Jazz Museum these performers are honored. This was the first museum to be created dedicated to jazz music. With many interactive displays throughout the museum, you can be part of the time period, and enjoy hundreds of the greatest jazz recordings ever made – Ella Fitzgerald’s A Tisket, A Tasket” and Big Joe Turner’s “Goin’ to Kansas City”. There’s even a place for children to learn about jazz – in the Wee-Bop Room – where they can play at a mixing station, experiment with harmony, melody, and rhythm, and learn the sounds of different instruments. 

Liberty Memorial and World War I Museum

In 2004, the World War I Museum was named the Official Museum of World War I and it’s no wonder! As you experience the museum, by entering the underground museum, you’ll first cross a glass bridge, see one last glimpse of the tower through the skylight, and pass a field of 9,000 red poppies. Each poppy represents 1,000 men and women who died fighting in the Great War. There are over 50,000 artifacts – many that have never been seen before – and interactive displays. This museum will take you through the physical, emotional, cultural, and political experiences during the Great War. Galleries bring combat to life through the eyes and ears of those who served.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Ranked among the top 15 art museums in the United States, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has over 35,000 pieces, and among those includes artists such as Rembrandt, Renior, and Caravaggio. The newest addition, the Bloch Building, featuring modern art including European, Asian, and American Indian art. Many of these pieces had never been seen before due to lack of space. The displays in the Bloch Building have a more thoughtful approach to displays: decorative arts, paintings, and sculptures from similar time periods grouped together to depict life during that time period.  

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, which is the only museum of its kind in the country, follows the history of the Negro National League, that began in 1920. There are two short videos that share stories of the games played, and there are multiple displays that brings the memorabilia to life. There are documents and photographs that show the highs: wins and the fans’ adulation; as well as the lows: segregation and racism. Eventually the Negro National League ended for the very reason they began: “sheer talent”. In 1945, Jackie Robinson was recruited to the Brooklyn Dodgers and many others followed in Robinson’s footsteps. The last game was played in 1960. One museum display called, “Field of Legends”, have 10 life-size bronzed players positioned on the ball diamond. These 10 players represent the first Negro League players inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

Kauffman Center for Performing Arts

Opened in September 2011, the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts is the new home of the Kansas City Ballet, the Kansas City Symphony, and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City. The 400,000 square feet building has a 1,600-seat concert hall, and a 1,800-seat proscenium theater. The architect of the Koffman Center has already become an icon due to the building’s has dramatic curves, fascinating textures, and generous use of windows and open space. Future theatrical shows include: Aladdin, Romeo and Juliet, and Narnia the Musical. 

Need some travel ideas for Kansas City? Check out TSCPL’s catalog! 

The Kansas City travel bag includes Hiking Kansas City, Insider’s Guide to Kansas City, Eat, Shop Kansas City, and brochures to attractions.

Connect with Kansas City

Hiking Kansas City

Insider’s Guide to Kansas City

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Where’s your favorite place in KC?

As football season ends and basketball season approaches, many fans head out to games in unfamiliar towns to cheer on their team. This blog will give insight to the Big 12 mascots and a tradition you will encounter.

Iowa State University Cyclones, Ames

Mascot: The original mascot for Iowa State was the Cardinals. in 1895 there were numerous cyclones that tore through Iowa.  The Chicago Tribune referred to Iowa State as the “Iowa Cyclones” and the name stuck. In 1954, they wanted to have a mascot and determined that a cyclone was too difficult to represent in costume. They decided to use a cardinal and name him “Cy”.
You don’t want to miss: Winterfest on December 2nd. Since 1988, the tradition begins with tree lighting. Other festivities include holiday music, campus carriage rides, visits to the Farm House, and much more.

University of Texas Longhorns, Austin

Mascot: Bevo the Longhorn was named by a post-game prank by their rivals: the A&M Aggies. The Aggies branded the Longhorn mascot with a “13-0” representing the previous year’s score. The Longhorns re-branded the Longhorn by moving the numbers around to spell “Bevo”. The name has stuck ever since.
You don’t want to miss: The 26th Annual “Hex Rally” on November 21st. Each year before the post-Thanksgiving football game against the Aggies, thousands of Longhorn fans gather around the main building on campus to “hex” the Aggies.

Texas A&M Aggies, Bryan-College Station

Mascot: The official mascot of the Aggies, Reveille is a full-bred Collie. In 1931, a small dog was hit by Cadets in a car. The Cadets hid her in the dorms for her to heal. When the morning bugler blew his horn, the dog woke barking, thus earning the name Reveille. The line of chosen dogs who have died since are buried at Kyle Field’s north entrance facing the scoreboard to watch as the Aggies outscore opponents.
You don’t want to miss: The Student Bonfire on November 22. With the first on-campus burn in 1909, the Aggies burn the bonfire for one or two nights prior to the football game against the University of Texas. In 1999, tragedy struck when 12 students were killed and 27 were injured when constructing the bonfire. In 2002, the students started the tradition again as a non-university sanctioned bonfire. Annually anywhere from 8,000 to 15,000 fans attend the event.

Missouri University Tigers, Columbia

Mascot: In the 1890s, the Tiger was chosen for MU’s official mascot based on the nickname of a group of Columbians that defended the University from possible attacks by roving guerrilla groups during the Civil War. The mascot was named “Truman” for Harry S. Truman when the Tigers won the National Mascot of the Year in 2004.
You don’t want to miss: The Every True Song/Daughter Fight Song. This song can be heard at each Missouri game.

University of Kansas Jayhawks, Lawrence

Mascot: In 1886, the Jayhawk became the official mascot of KU based on the Kansas regiment in the Civil War named the “Independent Mounted Jayhawks” that fought to keep Kansas a free state. In 1912 it first appeared in a visual form by a cartoonist. “Jay” has had several makeovers since 1912, and “Baby Jay”: was actually “hatched” out of a giant egg during a 1971 half-time show.
You don’t want to miss: The Rock Chalk Chant. E.H.S. Bailey, a chemistry professor, created the chant in the early 1900s. It started as “Rah, rah, Jayhawk, KU” and evolved into “Rock, Chalk, Jayhawk, KU”. Athletes in the 1920 Olympics and troops in WWII would chant these words. Teddy Roosevelt proclaimed that it’s the best college chant he had ever heard.

Tech Red Raiders, Lubbock

Mascot: The Masked Rider became the official mascot in 1954 at the Gator Bowl when the Masked Rider led the Raiders on the field. The Masked Rider is selected by a competition involving horsemanship and interviews with the Masked Rider Committee.
You don’t want to miss: The Carol of Lights  on December 3rd. This tradition began in 1959 to cover the quadrangle and the administration building with lights. Today, the even is kicked off with a choir singing classic Christmas songs at the Science quadrangle. Today, students and Tech fans gather to watch over 25,000 red, white, and orange lights appear covering 13 buildings.

Kansas State University Wildcats, Manhattan

Mascot: KSU has been known as the Wildcats, Aggies, and Farmers. They officially became the Wildcats in 1915, when Coach Chief Bender called his team the “wildcats” because of their fighting spirit. They have been the Wildcats ever since.
You don’t want to miss: The Wabash Cannonball Fight Song. In 1969, the department of music burned down and the only thing that was salvaged was the score for the Wabash Cannonball. A song with no meaning for KSU became their fight song. The crowd rocks back and forth whenever the Wabash Cannonball is played.
 

Oklahoma University Sooners, Norman

Mascot: The Sooner Schooner is a Conestoga wagon that’s pulled by matching ponies, Boomer and Sooner. After each touchdown, Boomer and Sooner pull the Conestoga wagon around the field. The nickname Sooner comes from the campers that were on the Oklahoma State line prior to the territory opening. In 1889, the territory opened and the campers got their first pick because they arrived there “sooner” than the rest. Boomer comes from those who waited for the territory to open before they headed towards the Oklahoma Territory.
You don’t want to miss: The Boomer-Sooner Chant. Half the stadium chants “boomer” while the other side chants “sooner”.
 

Oklahoma State University Cowboys, Stillwater

Mascot: Since 1890 the OSU teams were called the Agriculturists, Aggies, Farmers, and even the Tigers up until 1929 when a sports editor started calling them the Cowboys, which has stuck ever since. Bullet, the horse was created in 1984 and lives in the OSU Equine Center and is cared for by the Spirit Rider team. 
You don’t want to miss: The Spirit Walk. Two hours before each football game, the players, marching band, and spirit squad walk down Hester Street to Boone Pickens Stadium. Fans cheer on the players, and afterward the walk the marching band performs on the student union lawn.

Baylor Bears, Waco

Mascot: Baylor has an actual living mascot – the bear, which is “regulated” by the US Department of Agriculture and Texas Parks and Wildlife. In 1914 a vote was held to determine what the mascot should be. The 32nd Infantry Division during World War I gave a living Bear to Baylor in 1920, and they’ve had an actual bear as a mascot ever since.
You don’t want to miss: The Homecoming Parade on November 4-5. The homecoming parade began in 1909, but the tradition really took off after World War I. The homecoming parade has been an event to see since, and with over 200 floats, it is thought to be the oldest and largest collegiate homecoming parade in the nation.

Check the catalog for books to help guide you:

Game Day Guide

Basketball in the Big 12 Conference

Football in the Big 12

What’s your favorite team in the Big 12 tradition? What’s your favorite part about game days?

As Halloween approaches, many people seek out real-life hauntings to get spooked. Here is a list of towns in northeast Kansas – Atchison, Holton, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan, and Topeka – that have haunting worth noting for a spooky time! There’s also information on ghost tours that take you around to various supernatural loactions! There’s more haunted towns and places in the six towns mentioned, so be sure to check out books and movies from the libraries to get more details, more towns, and more haunted locations!

Atchison

The Sallie House: Legend says that in 1906 a young girl died an excruciating death on the operating table due to complications of appendectomy surgery involving not enough anethesia. One family – a father, mother, and infant – lived in that has for several years and dealt with strange occurrences of electrical appliances turning off and on and pictures turned upside-down on the wall by themselves. Finally, the supernatural events turned violent: scratches, burns, and cuts.  There have been apparitions of a small girl, and activities happening in the infant’s room. The little girl is not the only occupant of the house. Often you can hear voices of men, women, and children here. Atchison the most haunted town in Kansas, and this house can prove it.

Riverhouse: The Riverhouse resturant has seen its fair share of various businesses. It was built in 1870 and was the headquarters of the Atchison-Nebraska Railroad. Later, it was a brothel, a coffee factory, peanut factory, candy factory, and finally the Riverhouse Restaurant. The brothel and beer house was very popular in Atchison, and both the wealthy and working men would spend their time here. If you go to this restaurant, be prepared to have items fall off your table, hearing heavy footsteps directly behind you, and company on the first floor’s ladies restroom. If you’re lucky, you can catch a manifestation of a woman.

Holton

Holton House Bed and Breakfast: Once being a family resident and later a funeral home, the Holton Hotel Bed and Breakfast has some ghostly activity. During the renovation of the bed and breakfast, there would be shadow figures throughout the house, people would hear women’s voices, and even see an apparition of a woman. The Shea Room is the most active room in the house, so make sure you ask to book that room if you want to have a real experience! If you don’t want to stay at the Holton Hotel, be sure to drive by: sometimes you can see a child’s face looking out the attic window.

Lawrence

Stubbs Mansion: Once the home to Lawrence’s Governor William Roscoe Stubbs and now home to the University of Kansas’ Sigma Nu fraternity, this house has a dark history. Governor Stubbs and his wife brought a young girl, Virginia, into their home. As Stubbs and his wife had marriage problems, Stubbs became infatuated with Virginia. The afternoon of April 21, 1911, Stubbs came home and found Virginia hanging by a rope in a closet. Mrs. Stubbs was found sitting in her rocking chair and oblivious to her surroundings. Was this suicide or murder? To this day we do not know. For Sigma Nu, they see a ghostly woman with long hair is seen looking out the window and walking throughout the hallways. The lights flicker, doors slam, and terrifying dreams are experienced by the residnets. Doors without locks lock and trap people until they can be rescued.One student came home one night and saw a light turn on in the closet – a closet with no lights.

Eldridge Hotel: Since 1855, the Eldridge Hotel has been at 7th and Massachusetts Avenue, and was an important place for social and political events. August 21, 1863, William Quantrill and over 400 Missourians approached Lawrence with one goal in mind: to burn Lawrence down, and they succeeded in burning the Eldridge Hotel. In 1865 the Eldridge Hotel was rebuilt. The most notable entity is the “elevator ghost” which will sometimes take you to the fifth floor instead of the floor guests select. Room 506 includes misty handprints on the mirrors, lights flickering on and off, and apparitions in the hallways. Also in the hotel, candles by the fireplace will mysteriously light on their own, the smell of cigar is apparent, and sometimes staff will see a table full of women playing poker in empty rooms.

Leavenworth

Santa Fe Depot Diner: Built in 1886, the Santa Fe Depot used until 1982, then abandoned. In 1983, the property was purchased and renovated into a restaurant. The most well-known ghost is from a small child. As staff carefully washes glass, small handprints will re-appear on the glass. One explanation of the handprints is mineral deposits, but many others believe the handprints are from the small child that was murdered outside the building over fifty years ago. Other activity includes cold spots, and the sound of footprints, and voices heard throughout the dining area. Staff have noticed the apparition of a woman in a long dress in the dining area before she vanished in the hallway, lights turning off after they’ve been turned on, work carts moving away from them on level ground, water that was running when they were shut off the night before, and objects moved from where they were left the night before.

Manhattan

Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity House: Originally St. Mary’s Parkview Hospital, the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity House at Kansas State University has its fair share of hauntings. Tragedy struck when the St. Mary’s Parkview Hospital was moving locations, and a patient – George – was left behind. He was weak from illness and fell between the bed and the wall and was stuck. He stayed there for three days, until he finally died. George still remains at the location and continues to haunt the Delta Sigma Phi guys. People experience lights flickering and hearing footsteps on a regular basis. One closet always remains locked, but on a ghost tour in 2008, the door knob started rattling. A resident of the house went to get the key to the closet since the knob kept rattling. When he unlocked and opened the door, no one was there. Another resident came home and discovered the shape of someone lying under his covers. When he went to pull back the sheets, the bed was empty!

Topeka

Constitution Hall: Topeka’s oldest and most haunted building is Constitution Hall. Built in 1855, this building was essential to the Free State Movement. In the past, this building was home to a cutlery shop, an undertaker service, a bookshop, and a drug store. The owner of the cutlery shop, Cy Cohen, was murdered there in 1984. It’s said that his ghost remains on the premises. One of the main reasons this building is so active is because during the Spiritualist movement in Topeka, meetings were held in Constitution Hall to perform séances. Paranormal investigators have experienced being tapped on the shoulder, seen shadows darting across the room, and smelled the pungent odor of pipe tobacco. Several entities have been identified: Robert, a little girl named Cissy, Christopher, and the door guard.

Great Overland Station: Established in 1927, the Great Overland Station was essential in World War II when families would watch as their loved ones would go off to war and was a popular stop for the whistle-stop for politicians, including President Dwight Eisenhower. The building is still standing despite flooding and fire. There are several entities that remain on the premises. Visitors can hear a woman crying, papers and supplies move around, and drawers will open and shut on their own. On the balcony, people experience their clothes being tugged at and their ankles pulled. During ghost tours, the tourists have taken pictures of anomalies in the front of the station door, who is a small boy who escaped from a youth center and died while trying to catch a train.

Check out these great resources from TSCPL:

The Sallie House (DVD)

Sunflower Journeys featuring the Holton House (DVD)

Haunted Kansas

Ghosts of Kansas

Want to get spooked this year by paranormal locations? Check out these ghost tours!

Atchison Ghost Trolly Tours

Holton Ghost Tour

Lawrence Ghost Tour

Leavenworth Ghost Tour

Manhattan Ghost Tour

Topeka Ghost Tour

Do you have any ghost hauntings or legends that you’ve experienced on a ghost tour or a haunted location? Please share, I would love to hear about them!

2011 has hit America and nations around the world with so much devastation from drought, hurricanes, tornados, floods, poverty, and so much more. What some of you may not realize is that there is something besides donations that you can do to help those in need – go on volunteer vacations! Volunteer vacations can offer you a getaway to help others regionally, nationally, and worldwide. You have an opportunity to help people and animals in need. Whether its one week, one month, or one year, there is a volunteer vacation for everyone! 

Books

Lonely Planet’s Volunteer: A Traveller’s Guide to Making a Difference Around the World
This book features more than 190 organizations that welcome volunteers to help in the community. It is a great guide to help you choose where you want to volunteer, how to make sure everything is settled at home before you leave, information about different programs, and the culture shock you may experience after you come home.
 
Volunteer Vacations: Short-Term Adventures That Will Benefit You and Others
This is a great book if you want to see the different organizations that allow you to volunteer with them. Once you find an organization you’re interested in, you can find it in the book and it gives you lots of information on: the project type, basic overview of the information, what work you would do, location, timeline, cost, contact information, and what you need to do to get started! This book is a great resource if you are interested in participating in a volunteer vacation. There are great indexes in the back of the book that feature projects by: cost, length, location, season, and type. Even disability, family, and senior-friendly organizations that welcome help!
 
Volunteer Vacations Across America
If you are searching for volunteer vacations in the U.S. so you can help your nation and not stray too far from home, this book is for you. There is an index that breaks down the information in the book by organizations, regions, and by activity. They even have volunteer vacations for families and teens. If you do not want to stray far from home, the region index is what you would want to focus on, especially since it will give you the state next to the organization. Each organization provides you with contact information, what you would do, and some even have personal stories.

Organizations

Habitat for Humanity is a great organization where you can donate your time. Habitat for Humanity builds sustainable, energy efficient, healthy homes for low income families all over the world. They also have disaster response program where they provide shelter and housing solutions to help families recover from devastation. There are programs for teens and women, and both local and worldwide locations where you can help build houses. Habitat for Humanity welcomes both skilled and unskilled builders. If you are unskilled, as long as you’re willing to learn, you can volunteer. There are other volunteer opportunities within Habitat for Humanity if you do not want to help build houses. If you are looking to help rebuild or donate, look at Joplin, Missouri Habitat for Humanity to help your neighbors recover from tornado devastation. Habitat for Humanity also accepts monetary donations. 

The Red Cross is an organization that helps people all over the country. There are many local chapters that you go to and they will help you get started. Their website does a great job of finding you a place to volunteer based on your area of interest and the distance you are willing to travel. The Red Cross, like many organizations, trains you before you are put into the field to help.  The Red Cross always accepts monetary donations, and you can decide where your donation goes: where the need is greatest, disaster relief for countless crises (tornados, floods, wildfires, etc), help for military members and their families, your local Red Cross chapter, Horn of Africa drought, Japan earthquake and Pacific tsunami. Want to provide more than money? In-kind products, reward programs, giving blood, and fundraising are great ways to help, too!

The American Hiking Society is the only organization that promotes and protects our hiking trails and experiences. The American Hiking Society’s volunteer vacations are only one week long. Volunteers must backpack or hike to the designated worksite. Housing accomodations include cabins, bunkhouses, or a tent. There are over 70 different projects in 30 different staes. Projects range from easy to extremely strenuous fitness levels, and you are able to choose projects based on your fitness level. The American Hiking Society has adventures for the whole family, and there are no skills required. It is a great adventure to get in touch with nature and all you need is your camping gear and a willingness to get dirty. The American Hiking Society is the only organization that supports our hiking trails, and if hiking is not for you, you can always donate towards the cause!

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the only living thing on Earth that is visible from the moon. The Reef stretches across 135,993 square miles. There are over 1,500 species of fish, 4,000 species of mollusks, and many endangered species such as marine turtles, sharks, and breeding whales. The Great Barrier Reef is a great place for both novice and experienced divers. The beautiful Reef shows off its rich colors when there is a lot of light, so you want to be near the surface to receive the Reef’s full beauty. If you find a Reef cruise that offers a guided snorkel tour – take it. These tours are for both novice and experienced snorkelers, and led by marine biologists who can tell you what creatures you are seeing.

• Heron Island is a great place to stay and experience the Reef. The island is 41 acres and it is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. This island is not for day trips, and only accommodates 250 people maximum. The water is clearest in June and July and usually cloudier during the rainy season of January and February. There are also combination packages available for both Heron Island and Wilson Island, where you can experience turtles during their breeding period in January and February. 
• Heron Island Marie Centre and Dive Shop provides snorkeling lessons and refresher courses for divers for free. There are also snorkeling boat tips, and a resort diving course with a guided dive. Marine Centre and Dive Shop will help travelers wanting to experience the Reef at its best.
• Fodor‘s recommends great itineraries for one day, three day, and 7 days or longer itineraries to get the most out of your Great Barrier Reef experience that features Lady Elliot Island, Green Island, Heron Island, and Lizard Island.
• The Great Barrier Reef is starting to decline due to the human factors and climate change. The best way to reduce your impact on the Great Barrier Reef is to “look – don’t touch”.

Festival of Pearls

In early August, they city of Broome holds the Shinju Matsuri, or Festival of Pearls, which is a 10 day event in which celebrates the history of pearling. Many of the pearlers were from Japan, Malay, and the Philippians, so the festival embraces their cultures along with the history of pearling. If you cannot make it to the Festival of Pearls, there are museums and pearl farms that you can visit to experience the history of pearling. Since this festival is very popular, it is  highly recommended that you book your accommodations in advance.

• Willie Creek Pearl Farm is great to understand the process of an oyster getting “seeded” to form a pearl. There is a tour that you can drive along and you will even receive your morning or afternoon tea.
• There is also a Pearl Luggers exhibition in Broome that is a one hour long tour through a museum, which will allow tourists to understand the difficulty and skill that is required for pearl harvesting as well as the equipment required for harvesting. The tour ends with a tasting of pearl shell meat. If you want to learn more about pearling, you should visit this exhibit.

Purnululu National Park

In Purnululu National Park there are striped sandstone domes that range from 656 to 984 feet tall. These domes are called the Bungle Bungles. The landscape that features the Bungle Bungles in the national park have gorges and pools that are surrounded by grasslands. The sandstones have a tiger-like appearance: orange silica interspersed with thin layers of black lichens. The Bungle Bungles have been around for 350 million years, and were discovered by a non-Aboriginal Australian in 1983.

• The most spectacular part about these Bungle Bungles is that visitors are only able to visit these sandstones by foot or helicopter. The walking trails are dangerous because they follow along rocky creek beds, and climbing is prohibited. Roads are closed leading to the Bungles October through March, so during those months you would be unable to view the Bungle Bungles on foot. Slingair Heliwork and Alligator Airways are great to help you get access to the air. APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures and East Kimberley Tours are great for viewing them on the ground.
• Camping is available in some areas of the park as well, but they only have fresh drinking water. Be aware that access to Purnululu National Park is by air or 4 wheel drive vehicle and help you with your supplies.
• Purnululu National Park is a remote 750,000 acre area, so be sure you contact the park before visiting to make sure they are available for you to visit.

Visit TSCPL’s catalog to find some great material to guide you as you explore Australia!

National Geographic Traveler: Australia

Fodor’s Australia 2009

Frommers Australia 2011

Flying Tips to Keep You Green

1. Fly less by cutting down on short trips and by staying for longer periods of time.
2. Try to fly directly to your point of interest if at all possible since take-offs and landings use a large amount of the plane’s fuel.
3. Fly economy class, keeping emissions per person as low as possible.
4. Pack light since a lighter plane uses less fuel.
5. Make changes to your lifestyle at home to reduce your overall personal carbon footprint.

Remember: tourism is a key source of income for 1/3 of developing nations. Many of the world’s poorest countries rely on tourism and have few other economic alternatives. If you carefully consider how best to use your flight, and go on trips that benefit to the destination, you can make a positive contribution that outweighs the environmental impact of your flight.

Tips on Being Green in Another Country

1. Learn about the country you’re visiting.
2. Think about where your money goes. Always try to think of the local people when you’re spending money and try to eat and drink local items rather than imported items. Also, consider staying in a locally owned accommodation.
3. Be prepared to open your mind to new cultures and traditions. Take a second glance at your suitcase, and make sure your clothing is appropriate for your destination, and be prepared to change the way you do things and what you believe.
4. Minimize environmental impact by thinking about where your trash goes. Understand that some resources we take for granted everyday is a valuable commodity to the locals.
5. Talk to the people that live there. Do not use guidebooks as your only source of information. The locals always know the best kept secrets.
6. Photography. Some cultures and beliefs see having a picture taken very negatively, so always ask before you snap a picture of them!

Overall, try to minimize your environmental impact by carefully choosing how to travel, your destination, and, where you stay. But remember:  enjoy the journey, and the destination itself!

Two Noteworthy Locations

Meet the river people of Amazon, Brazil

In Brazil, there are not many lodges for visitors, but there is the Pousada Uakari, which is a floating lodge on the rivers Japura and Solimoes in the heart of the Mamiraua Reserve in northern Brazil. The lodge has ten thatched wooden cabins, built on floating timber. Each cabin has basic essentials: two king-sized beds, a bathroom with hot water and a shower, and a terrace facing the forest. Dinner is served each night at the main lodge full of fresh fish and fruit.

Activities:

1. Guests at the Pousada Uakari are allowed to join in with the locals, who survive on fishing and agriculture, and to visit their villages.
2. May through July is flood season and visitors are allowed to rent a small canoe to paddle along one of the eleven trails to see red howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and scarlet-faced white uakari monkeys. August through April, visitors are allowed to walk these trails to see the various species of monkeys.
3. Visitors can also canoe on the Mamiraua Lake, where pink river dolphins, manatees, and caimans swim among the submerged trees.

Uakari’s various environmentally friendly technologies:

1. Rainwater collection
2. Solar power for lighting and water heating
3. Sewage filtration system to limit its impact on the river habitat.

The Pousada Uakari is the first location in Brazil where Amazonian communities are working with conservationists to involve them in conservation and tourism, instead of using their natural resources. View Clean Breaks for other information and visit Click here to see package tours to the lodge, price, and ititneraries.

Bateleur Camp at Kichwa, Kenya

Bateleur Camp at Kichwa, Kenya, located on the Masai Mara National Reserve, has small numbers of accommodation units, or tents, built mostly from local material and carefully sited among existing trees. Bateleur is a safari adventure, but the tourism it receives is more exclusive than mass market. Bateleur Camp is great for people seeking conservation with adventure, and is situated perfectly on the African Safari.

Activies:

1. Visitors may see six different species and over 450 birds.
2. Experience the climax of the Great Migration in the heart of Kenya.
3. Experience and learn about the local community, and even view the Maasai warrior men in traditional dress chanting melodies.
4. View the landscape from a hot air balloon.
5. Attend a night Safari drive.

Bateleur Camp Kichwa’s various environmentally friendly technologies:

1. Usage of hand construction
2. Not disturbing existing trees
3. Understanding the sensitivity to the location
4. Energy-saving light bulbs all around the camp
5. Solar-powered technologies in various lodges to reduce fossil fuel consumption in generators

Bateleur Camp is does a wonderful job of conservation and recycling to minimize their carbon footprint. For more information check out the book Eco-Travel Guide, and click here to see more information on lodging, pricing, activities, and personal experiences.

Note of Caution

Some companies are truly green and believe in what they’re doing, other say they are green so they can be on the “eco-friendly” bandwagon. It is best to use resources that have researched in the location and business that surround them. Not sure where to find resources? Check the TSCPL catalog, and here are a few books to keep you traveling while remaining green:

1. Clean Breaks
2. Fodor’s Green Travel
3. The Eco-Travel Guide

My one tip for everyone while planning a trip to Branson: The main road, 76 Country Blvd or “red route”, is always packed, and cars move along slowly. Take a map so you can take the different colored routes, blue and yellow, so that traveling through Branson is more enjoyable. Do keep in mind that most things are on 76 Country Blvd, but you can take yellow and blue route shortcuts so you won’t be stuck in traffic for most of your trip!

Here are some great things to do in Branson, the typical and the not-so-typical:

Tanger Mall

Outlet mall central! There are over 65 brand name outlets all in one outdoor area. It’s just off 76 Country Blvd. Parking is not too bad and if it’s a nice day out, you can walk to all the different shops.

Branson Landing

There are over 100 different restaurants, shops, specialty stores, and various things to do at the Landing. People park at either end of the Landing and walk up and down the walk looking at the stores or to just take a stroll. There is a short walkway that you can take where you can walk right beside Lake Taneycomo. Some restaurants have outdoor seating so you can eat while enjoying Lake Taneycomo. Click here for hours, directory, and directions.

Lake Taneycomo

Big into fishing? Lake Taneycomo is known for their trout fishing, and fly fishing. Each year, the Department of Conservation releases over 750,000 rainbow trout and a smaller number of brown trout. Besides fishing, this is a great lake for boating and swimming.

Ride the Ducks

If you “Ride the Ducks” you will be entertained on a 70 minute tour which takes you around Branson in a land/water boat from World War II. This is great for people of all ages to see what Branson has to offer without having to drive. The captain of the boat mixes fun with music and history to provide you and your family to have an interactive Branson experience.

Wineries

There are three different wineries in Branson. The most widely known is Stone Hill. Stone Hill Winery gives you a tour of the process of winemaking followed by wine tasting, and grape juice for the little ones. Mount Pleasant Winery is a shop that offers 5 complimentary wine tastings of your choice followed with wine shopping. Branson Ridge Winery is located on Branson Landing. There is wine tasting, and you can stay and enjoy lunch with your wine if you choose to stay after the tasting.

Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City is fun for people of all ages. They have over 30 rides and attractions, over 60 craft shops, over 40 shows held daily, with family friendly restaurants so you can enjoy your whole day at Silver Dollar City. Marvel Cave is located in Silver Dollar City which was found in 1894. For more than 50 years people have been coming to experience Marvel Cave and the tour taken with only lanterns, experiencing that cave as the first explorers explored them.  There are many more caves in the Missouri/Arkansas Area, so click here for more information about different caves all across the US. If you plan on visiting Silver Dollar City, if you arrive after 3 pm March through October, the next day you may attend for free.

Shows

The shows at Branson are limitless and one of a kind. Some are offered only part of the year, so be sure to check on shows before you plan your trip if you are looking for one in particular. There are shows for people of all ages, and most are family friendly. There are places in Branson and on your way into Branson to buy the tickets at a special discount. There are also Branson tour guides that have coupons in the back of the book that can be used on certain shows.

Dick’s Oldtime 5 & 10

Dick’s Oldtime 5 & 10 has it all from embroidery to collectables, to crafts, to toys, to linens, to anything you would expect to find in a general store. They have it all! They’ve been in business for over 50 years and in 2008 they were voted Best Branson Store. The aisles are jammed pack full of different items, and you could easily spend hours in here getting lost and listening to old tunes on the jukebox.

College of the Ozarks

This is a great place to walk around and enjoy the view. Over 15,000 visitors come to the campus each year to walk around and eat at the college resturant. The Edwards Mill on campus was created in 1972. Students work at the mill, which provides them hands-on learning. The students grind the whole grains, and even blend them into various mixes and package them to sell. There are a variety of mixes that are available for purchase. Be sure to stop by Keeter Center for a map for your self-guided campus tour!

Zipline

Want a way to really see the Ozarks? Branson Zipline allows people to zipline to different sky bridges while taking in the beautiful sights of the Ozark Mountains. Can’t stomach it? There is also the option to walk through the Wolfe Creek Preserve. You can still take pictures of the Ozarks while learning the legend of the Wolfe Mountain. There are different options and packages for all levels of adventures.

Table Rock Lake

Table Rock Lake is on the west side of Branson. There is so much to do on and surrounding the lake. People can go bass fishing, swim, boat, rent boats, and even scuba diving since the lake water is clear. There are some nature trails that people can enjoy alongside the lake, and Table Rock Dam offers tours for those who want to learn the history and how the dam works.

Want some books and dvds to guide your way? Check out some of these here at TSCPL:

The Unofficial Guide to Branson, Missouri

The Cheapskate’s Guide to Branson, Missouri

Branson’s Best Day Trips

Insider’s Guide to Branson and the Ozark Mountains

The Ozarks : includes Branson, Springfield & northwest Arkansas

Branson: Country Themes and Neon Dreams

Branson! (DVD)