USA Travel Magazine

Five Reason To Visit Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas, home to savory food and spirits, festive events, and plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy. Need a reason to visit Austin? We’ve got ten great reason to plan your visit to the Live Music Capital of the World.

Get Creative At Austin’s Upstairs Circus – Unlock your creative spirit and maybe try a few spirited drink creations while you’re at it at the Upstairs Circus. Here, the ringmaster has gathered a eclectic mix of DIY projects for you to do that include leather working, woodworking, jewelry making, art & design mediums. Heard of dinner and a show? Why not mix up your evening out with friends and family and try a new hobby while savory some tasty food selection and drinks at the Upstairs Circus!

Join The Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic – Music is at the heart is Austin, and around here they love a good party like the Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic. Yes, this country legend invite’s you to join him and his friends for a fantastic celebration on the 4th. Check out performances from artists on two stages, including Willie Nelson & Family, Luke Combs, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Alison Krauss, Jamey Johnson, Steve Earle & The Dukes, Hayes Carll, Colter Wall, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Gene Watson, Billy Joe Shaver, Johnny Bush, Folk Uke, Raelyn Nelson Band and The Casey Kristofferson Band. This is just one of the many fun events and festivals to experience in Austin!

Austin’s Entertainment Districts – Check out Austin’s diverse entertainment districts that offer more than imagined to enjoy – from music venues to museums, and shopping, you’ll find plenty to do.

The Zilker Botanical Garden – This is “the jewel in the heart of Austin” – a must-see to celebrate nature’s beauty! Tour the Rose, Herb and Japanese gardens that are interconnected with streams, waterfalls and Koi-filled ponds. Then, explore the the Hartman Prehistoric Garden that recreates a Cretaceous dinosaur habitat – which kids will enjoy at the Zilker Botanical Garden.

There’s So Much To See and Do In Austin – The fifth reason to plan a visit to Austin? The city is always celebrating creativity and music to keep you in the groove. With so much to see and do, you’ll want to return often to experience more of this entertaining destination!

Join The International Culture Fest At Fishermen’s Village

Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda, Florida is hosting the International Culture Fest in Mid July. The festival will be a celebration of cultural food, performances, displays, vendors, and more! Featured at the event will be over 15 live performances, and wide variety of cultural vendors. This means there will be plenty of exciting performances and activities to experience while visiting the beautiful Fishermen’s Village.

What makes Fishermen’s Village unique is it not only has a harbor with daily tours and fishing outings available – they host many fun events throughout the year like the International Culture Fest. They also have many boutique shops to explore, in addition to some savor restaurant selections featuring fresh catch!

To experience more cultural events and programs visit the Cultural Heritage Center. The center’s goal is to be a place to learn and teach; and celebrate and embrace all cultures. Programs include, but are not limited to: Inclusionary multi-faceted, rotating culture, art, and educational exhibits; an annual International Cultural Festival at Fishermen’s Village; “mini-culture fairs” for youth; trips and excursions; cooking classes; language classes; cultural/language immersion classes; language/culture camps for children and teens; intergenerational cultural activities between elders and youth; cultural lending library; and Ethnic Food Festivals.

Check Out The Most Fun States in America

Whenever we travel we check ahead on prices for attractions, entertainment, and hotels pricing. Even if we’ve already booked our hotel we check rates again in case something has changed. Offering us handy tips throughout the year are the experts at the personal-finance website, WalletHub, who are sharing the Most Fun States in America.

To determine the states offering the greatest variety and most cost-effective options for enjoyment, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 26 key metrics. The data set ranges from movie costs to accessibility of national parks to casinos per capita.

WalletHub also highlights the best access to National Parks, and other great tips on the best destinations for your trip.

Check Out The Most Fun States

Visit our friends WalletHub on their website to view the their list of the most fun states, and other handy travel tips.

Join A Seance Winchester Mystery House

Illusions of the Passed: A Theatrical Seance With Aiden Sinclair

Beginning in Mid June the Winchester Mystery House will have a special event coming up especially for those interested in the paranormal. For those seeking a sampling of the paranormal step back in time at the Winchester Mystery House and join the Illusions of the Passed: A Theatrical Seance With Aiden Sinclair. Master Magician, Aiden Sinclair will present an exclusive evening of entertainment with a Victorian Seance. It will be a memorable moment for all – Read More..

Happy World Oceans Day!

From coast to coast, we’re celebrating nature’s beauty and wildlife on World Oceans Day. One highlight of this day is the work organizations, communities, and individuals do to preserve our Oceans, Rivers, and Waterways. Our friends at the National Park Foundation are especially proud of their ability to restore the marine environment at Point Reyes National Seashore in California.

This effort is especially critical to marine life like fish, crabs, river otters, and harbor seals, that depend on the marine estuary as a safe place to rear their young before they venture out into the vast ocean. There are many amazing views opportunities to see wildlife which call this park home, and it will be that way for long time thanks to your support.

With support, the National Park Foundation was able to help remove 1,300 tons of marine debris. This includes plastics, lumber, and invasive species, and restore this unique area to a pristine and wild estuary.

On behalf of the National Park Foundation – this World Oceans Day – we thank everyone who made it possible to help protect and preserve wonderful marine treasures. It’s amazing what we can do when we work together for the good of all humanity and nature!

Learn more about Point Reyes National Seashore in California.

Don’t Miss The Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival

It’s time for one of our favorite Bluegrass events in beautiful Brown County, Indiana… Yes, Bill Monroe’s Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival is set for June 8-15 at the Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground. Get ready for eight straight days of some of the best in bluegrass with over 70 bands scheduled to perform from sun up to sun down.

Did You Know? Bill Monroe’s Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival is the oldest, continuous running bluegrass festival in the world!

This is a chance to catch top name bluegrass musicians, who pay tribute to trailblazer and music legend, Bill Monroe. The fest feature’s daily performances and music workshops, along with vendors, food, drinks, and more to experience.

A stellar line up of performers are slated to take the music park’s three outdoor stages this year, including Shenandoah, The Lonesome River Band, Rhonda Vincent, Doyle Lawson, J.D. Crowe, The Cleverlys, Bobby Osborne & Rocky Top X-Press, Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice, Joe Mullins and The Radio Ramblers, Special Consensus, Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time, Kenny and Amanda Smith, just to name a few!

If you’re looking to camp during the festival – you’re in luck because on site cabins and camping are available at Bill Monroe Campground. Be treated to some world-class entertainment, while enjoying Brown County’s natural beauty during an overnight stay at the one-of-a-kind Bill Monroe Campground. Then, when you’re looking for a bite to eat head on down to Nashville, Indiana, which is just a few miles away. To book you’re trip call 812-988-6422 for campsite reservations.

Join The Bill Monroe’s Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival

For news on the musician’s playing at the Bill Monroe’s Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival, along with camping, tickets and reservations call 812-988-6422 or visit www.billmonroemusicpark.com.

Photo Credits: Bill Monroe Campground

St. Thomas More’s Free Clinic Helps Community and Veterans

Welcome to St. Thomas More Free Clinic, where they compassionate medical care to Morgan County residents who have no insurance, and meet the income guidelines. Located in Mooresville, Indiana, the Clinic has served the community for over a decade, and is staffed by a dedicated volunteer medical personal that include doctors, nurses and other medical specialists. Additional aid is provided by professionals in other fields and kind individuals who donate their time to the clinic that is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The Medical Clinic is open the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. Dental Care is scheduled by appointment only.

Working with each patient, the medical care they provide goes beyond a simple examination. They can also perform lab tests, X-rays, and diagnosis and treat minor acute illnesses. The medical staff also provides diabetes education, chronic disease management, and medications when needed. To assist patients with additional care they have a social worker, who can help connect them to other community resources.

Providing Dental Care For Our Veterans

Uniting the community to help one another is at the heart of what the staff at St. Thomas More Free Clinic do. Listen to them talk to the patients and you can hear the caring and compassion in their voices. Another service they provide is Dental care. Patients who see the Medical staff first can be referred to the Dentists at the Clinic. A new Pilot Program for Morgan County Veterans will allow patients to see a Dentist at the Clinic even though they have VA Medical Benefits. The Veterans must meet the Clinic’s income guidelines. The clinic has chosen to focus on providing this much needed service to our Veterans, who cannot afford dental insurance.

Did You Know? According to the American Dental Association scientific studies have shown a connections between oral health and a variety of general health conditions — including diabetes and heart disease. The World Health Organization has integrated oral health into its chronic disease prevention efforts “as the risks to health are linked.”

In general when it comes to your dental care routine, a soft bristle brush is recommended. For those with gingivitis – a softer bristle brush similar to a Nimbus Brush is helpful because it has gentle bristles that are very fine and soft, and is perfect for removing plaque along the gum line. Another helpful tool is a Water Pik that is a excellent way to remove the plaque that can lead to gum disease and bone loss.

Due to the cost for the dental care the clinic is limited in the services they can perform for our Veterans. Presently, they are seeking funding so they can provide more services for our Veterans beyond basic Dental Care. Together, with ongoing assistance, St. Thomas More Free Clinic can continue to service Veterans and the residents of Morgan County for decades to come!

Learn More About St. Thomas More Free Clinic

The St. Thomas More Free Clinic is located at 1125 North Indiana St. Mooresville, Indiana 46158. Morgan County residents in need of medical care who have no insurance should call the St. Thomas More Free Clinic on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday at (317) 831-1697. Veterans in need of Dental Care may also call the number above for questions about services available. When calling (317) 831-1697 please leave a message and one of the staff members will get back to you.

Those interested in volunteering their services or who would like more information may also call the number above.

Visit the American Dental Association website at to learn more on why your dental health matters.

Look for a Nimbus Brush on retailers like Amazon.

St. Thomas More Free Clinic, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization.

A Seance At Winchester Mystery House

Have a interest in the bizarre or seeking a voice from beyond? Perhaps, a visit to the Winchester Mystery House is just what you need. Beginning in Mid June the Winchester Mystery House will have a special event coming up especially for those interested in the paranormal.

Wait, but you are not the only one interested in this topic. Many who study the paranormal or have experienced what many would considered unusual experiences have visited this Victorian gem in San Jose, California. A visit to the Winchester Twitter site reveals many visitors with a interest in the paranormal. Some of these visitors even suggest that there may be a connection to the Freemason-Rosacrucian.

Illusions of the Passed: A Theatrical Seance With Aiden Sinclair

For those seeking a sampling of the paranormal step back in time at the Winchester Mystery House and join the Illusions of the Passed: A Theatrical Seance With Aiden Sinclair. Master Magician, Aiden Sinclair will present an exclusive evening of entertainment with a Victorian Seance. It will be a memorable moment for all – although not suggested for those under the age of 10.

Plan Your Visit To The Winchester Mystery House

Of course, this is just one of many exciting events to join at the lovely Winchester Mystery House. Whether drawn by the mysteries of the unknown or paranormal, or to admire the beauty of this architectural wonder, over 13 million people from around the world have toured the estate. To view upcoming events, and to plan your visit to the Winchester Mystery House visit their website.

Explore San Jose, California

To discover area attractions, festive events, and more to experience in the region visit the San Jose Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

Photo Credits: Winchester Mystery House

Camel and Ostrich Racing In Historic Virginia City, Nevada

The tradition of Camel and Ostrich Races has ingrained itself as a piece of the town’s identity. For those who wish to join the fun and see the Camel and Ostrich Races – your chance is coming up in Early September. Join the festivities and celebrate the event that brings camels, ostriches, zebras and a whole host of other critters to this historic mountain mining town, along with the daring jockeys to race them and crowds to cheer them on.

The first camel race in 1959 was the result of a sort of rivalry between the Territorial Enterprise, Virginia City’s newspaper – that was known for being Mark Twain’s first writing gig. The competition was the San Francisco Chronicle. The editor of the Territorial Enterprise printed a fictitious story about camel races in Virginia City as a hoax, and the editor of the Chronicle reprinted it. The following year, not happy about being made a fool, the Chronicle sent a team to race in Virginia City with a camel borrowed from the San Francisco Zoo – thus beginning a tradition.

The International Camel and Ostrich Races take place at the Virginia City Arena and Fairgrounds, located on F Street. Tickets are available now, and they even have VIP Seating for the event that includes tent and dinner that evening of the races. Plus, for the first time this year – Hot Camel Nights offers a Friday evening race, giving the opportunity to beat the September heat and enjoy Virginia City’s nightlife afterward!

Plan Your Visit To Historic Virginia City, Nevada

For tickets and to explore more to experience in Historic Virginia City, Nevada visit their website or call the Virginia City Tourism Commission (VCTC) at 775-847-7500.

Kentucky Air Guard Joins 75th D-Day Event

Headed out to Europe are the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing that deployed over 30 Airmen and two C-130 Hercules aircrafts. Their journey takes overseas to participate in the 75th-anniversary reenactment of D-Day on June 9.

It will be a spectacular site when the Kentucky Guardsmen airdrop U.S. Army paratroopers over Normandy, France, in commemoration of one of the most significant days of the 20th Century. More than 150,000 Allied troops crossed the English Channel by air and sea during the opening days of Operation Overlord in 1944, successfully invading German-occupied Western Europe and turning the tide of World War II in the European theater.

“The gargantuan scale of the D-Day invasion and the sacrifice that these guys made back then is hard to fathom,” said Lt. Col. Randall Hood, a C-130 pilot and commander of Kentucky’s 123rd Operations Support Squadron. “The fact that we will have an opportunity to honor the people who actually did this 75 years ago is very humbling.”

Dozens of organizations from across the U.S. military are participating in the observance, but Kentucky’s 123rd Airlift Wing will be the only Air Guard unit to take part. In addition to providing airdrop capability, the wing will play a supporting role on the ground with Airmen from its 123rd Contingency Response Group.

A Kentucky aircraft participating in the reenactment has even been decorated with authentic makings so that it will appear in the same livery as Allied aircraft from 75 years ago.

“I’m very proud to be part of this momentous event,” said Master Sgt. Adam Keller, a Mission Planning Cell loadmaster with the group. “We’re very excited to be the only Air National Guard contingency response unit on the ground in France, and to honor those who fought and paid the ultimate price 75 years ago.”

We thank our men and women in the Armed Services for their serve at home and beyond!

Photo and Story Credits: Dale Greer