Louisiana

The Bayou state boasts a number of jaw-dropping stadiums and arenas where fans gather in their thousands to cheer on their team.

The most iconic is the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, home of the New Orleans Saints. The venue hosts a range of major sporting events, including the Super Bowl and the College Football Championship Game. It’s also home to the famous Bayou Classic Game held each November and the Annual Allstate Sugar Bowl held in January.

There are a number of other stadiums throughout Louisiana such as Cajun Field and Malone Stadium, each equally historic and impressive in their own right. However, if you’re looking for sheer magnitude and atmosphere, a visit to Tiger Stadium is a must. This stadium is the seventh largest in the world holding crowds of up to 102,321 spectators per game. Fans who come to watch Louisiana State Tigers play college football have hit a record 130 decibels on game day, that’s the equivalent of a military aircraft taking off!

Of course, with so many places to catch all the action in the state, it is important to slow down and take it all in every once in a while. A visit to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches is a must do for sports enthusiasts who wants to relive iconic sporting moments, see incredible memorabilia and experience a range of interactive exhibits.

Some inductees are household names, such as Archie Manning and Shaquille O’Neal but others hold equally important spots in the state’s sporting pantheon. New Orleans-born Audrey “Mickey” Patterson was the first African-American woman to win an Olympic medal. The Hall of Fame includes the USA jersey she wore when she won the bronze medal in the 200-meter dash at the 1948 games in London.

@LouisianaTravel #OnlyLouisiana

Maverick Helicopters

The Electric Daisy Carnival will be returning to Las Vegas Motor Speedway this October (22^nd-24^th) for its 25^th anniversary. Maverick Helicopters allows guests to enter the 80,000 capacity stadium in style.

Guests can revel in the breath-taking aerial views of Las Vegas and EDC as they fly in a luxury helicopter to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Maverick Helicopters, EDC’s exclusive provider of helicopter transfers, delivers top-notch, VIP service for Headliners who like to arrive in style. Originating from Maverick’s private terminal, the 15-minute flight drops guests closer to the festival grounds than any other travel service.

The classic Las Vegas Night Flight over the Vegas strip provides spectacular views over iconic landmarks such as Bellagio, Caesars Palace, the Eiffel Tower and the brand new Allegiant Stadium, home to the Las Vegas Raiders.

@MaverickHelicopters #FlyMaverick

New England

Possibly the most well-known and supported NFL team in the UK, the New England Patriots play their home games at the Gillette Stadium. Opened in 2002, the same year that the Patriots won their first Super Bowl, the stadium holds over 65,000 fans, of which the Patriots have never failed to fill a home game. Located at 1 Patriot Place, in Foxborough, the entrance to the Stadium features a New England staple – a lighthouse, and a bridge modelled on the Boston Longfellow Bridge. Visitors to the stadium can also tour the Patriots Hall of Fame, which is home to the team’s six Lombardi Trophies and other memorabilia.

The oldest active ballpark in the MLB is also located in Boston. Fenway Park is home to the Boston Red Sox, one of the oldest baseball teams in the MLB. Because of its age (the venue originally opened in 1912 before being rebuilt in 1934), the ballpark has lots of quirks that wouldn’t be replicated in modern venues. One example is the famous “Green Monster”, a 37-foot wall that is located to the left of the field. Because of its short proximity to the home plate, it provides a unique challenge for right-handed batsmen looking to score a home run. Initially, the wall was used for the scoreboard, then advertising, before finally being painted green in 1947. Tours go ahead daily, all-year round, even on game day, allowing guests to immerse themselves of all the action on game day.

Basketball and Ice Hockey fans get to share the experience of the TD Garden as the venue for their respective teams. As home of the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins, the Garden is the most visited sports and entertainment arena in New England, with a total of 3.5 million visitors every year. For basketball fans, the fun in Massachusetts doesn’t end there, as the state is also home to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Based in Springfield, the “Birthplace of Basketball”, nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo “Court of Dreams.”

For any tennis fan, a stop off in Newport, Rhode Island will take you by the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Located at the Newport Casino, it was the location of the first competition ever sanctioned by the United States Lawn Tennis Association. Now, the complex is home to a museum commemorating the legends of Tennis, and indoor coaching facility, and the famous grass courts that people associated with Newport.

@NewEnglandVisit #VisitNE

North Carolina

Car racing is firmly rooted in North Carolina ever since the days of bootleggers and moonshine brewers souping up their cars to outrun the law – before then racing one another. Those days are gone, but the legacy remains at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, NASCAR Hall of Fame, racing schools and motorsports museums.

The Charlotte Motor Speedway is widely considered the home of NASCAR and it hosts the infamous Coca-Cola 600 race on Memorial Day weekend. 50,000 fans gather for an exhilarating day of burning rubber and tyre screeching as they witness 38 cars go head to head in 200 mile an hour duels. Plus, when it’s not race day, guests can visit the track as part of the Richard Petty Driving Experience and feel the adrenaline of being inside one of these supercars as they navigate the 1.5 mile course.

Nearby to the Speedway is where enthusiasts can find the NASCAR Hall of Fame,  a state-of-the-art facility honouring drivers who have shown exceptional skill at NASCAR driving, all-time great crew chiefs and owners, broadcasters and other major contributors to the competition. With over 50 interactive experiences, visitors can get behind the wheel of an iRacing simulator to race their favourite track or see if they have what it takes to make the team in the Pit Crew Challenge.

American football rivals NASCAR in this part of America and there are only a few teams bigger than the Carolina Panthers. The team play their home games at the Bank of America Stadium in front of 76,000 adoring fans. Incredibly, the Carolina Panthers offer stadium tours for just $5 which include viewing the luxury suites, press box and media space, visiting the team locker room and the field tunnel!

@VisitNC #VisitNC

Tennessee

Walking down Nashville Broadway, it’s impossible to miss the majestic Nissan Stadium. Sitting on the banks of the Cumberland River, a stone’s throw from the honky tonks and live music hub of Nashville, the Nissan Stadium comes alive on Tennessee Titans gamedays. Opened in 1999 after the then Oilers relocated from Houston to Tennessee, the stadium is known for being one of the loudest venues in the NFL. It was also the location for one of the most famous plays in NFL history, the Music City Miracle. On the way to their only Super Bowl appearance, the Titans overcame the Buffalo Bills in a playoff game in front of a then-record crowd at the Stadium, by scoring a touchdown on a trick-play return from a kick-off with just seconds remaining in the game.

Bristol Motor Speedway is one of the most historic, iconic and challenging circuits on the NASCAR calendar. Billed as “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile”, the track features extraordinarily steep banking, resulting in speeds not usually seen at such short tracks, and also a lot of collisions. It’s the third-largest sports venue in America, with capacity of over 162,000 spectators. Therefore, it is also one of the loudest NASCAR tracks too. Visitors can also camp at the facility, so are able to immerse themselves fully into a race-weekend if they so choose.

So rich is the sporting heritage of Tennessee, that it has its own Hall of Fame, dedicated to Tennessee sports. Established in 1966, the hall was established to preserve the legacies of those that have contributed significantly to Tennessee sports lore, and the values of which they embraced. Currently, there are over 500 inductees into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, from a range of disciplines including football, basketball, baseball, golf, soccer, rafting and track and field. The Hall is located within the downtown Nashville confines of the Bridgestone Arena, home of the NHL team, the Nashville Predators.

@tnvacation #MadeInTN

Ends

For media enquiries, more information, hi-res images or video, please contact:

Alex Keelan – Communications Executive for Louisiana Office of Tourism, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, Maverick Helicopters, Visit North Carolina: alex@ttmworld.co.uk

David Venables – Communications Executive for Discover New England, Tennessee Tourism: david@ttmworld.co.uk

Kirsty Dillury, PR and Communications Director: kirsty@ttmworld.co.uk

Anna Watt, Senior PR Manager: anna@ttmworld.co.uk

For any other enquiries, please visit www.ttmworld.co.uk, email ttmoffice@ttmworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)208 313 1717

The post Sports Stadiums across the States appeared first on TTM World.

Louisiana

Louisiana and festivals go hand in hand. Louisiana celebrates just about every crop harvested, every indigenous dish, and every type of music that’s played. Throughout the year, music, food, history and holidays inspire over 400 festivals and events of all sizes throughout Louisiana, from north to south, east to west.

In New Orleans, excitement is already building for the return of the Satchmo Summerfest in July.  This weekend-long festival (July 30 – Aug 1) celebrates Louis Armstrong’s life, legacy, and music. The festivities include a seminar series, jazz exhibits, a jazz mass and second-line parade, fantastic food and a host of star-studded performers.

Also returning in 2021 is French Quarter Festival! The largest showcase of Louisiana music in the world will be back in the streets of New Orleans between 30^th September and 3^rd October before returning to its traditional April date next year. Thousands of attendees from near and far make their way to New Orleans’ historic French Quarter for the annual festival. From the Riverfront all the way to Jackson Square guests can indulge in countless local bites, live music performances, and special events and activities.

Those who love classic Cajun food will be delighted to know that the French Food Festival in Larose, will be back this October (29-31). This festival celebrates the Cajun way of life, from dancing to boat building, and pays particular attention to foods from Cajun kitchens. Sample traditional Bayou Lafourche dishes, like shrimp boulettes, crawfish fettuccine and tarte a la bouilli; a custard pie.

For a full list of events and festivals taking place in Louisiana, visit https://www.louisianatravel.com/festivals-events

@LouisianaTravel #OnlyLouisiana

Maverick Helicopters

Returning to Las Vegas in October 2021 is the unforgettable Electric Daisy Carnival. The music festival will be back for its 25^th anniversary between 22^nd and 24^th October and is one of the premier events in the neon capital of the world.

With such a star-studded and luxury event, even the journey to the festival can be an unforgettable one! Guests can revel in the breath-taking aerial views of Las Vegas and EDC as they fly in a luxury helicopter to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Maverick Helicopters, EDC’s exclusive provider of helicopter transfers, delivers top-notch, VIP service for Headliners who like to arrive in style. Originating from Maverick’s private terminal—where the festivities will begin prior to departure—the 15-minute flight drops guests closer to the festival grounds than any other travel service.

@MaverickHelicopters #FlyMaverick

New England

Williamstown Theatre Festival’s season is going completely outdoors in 2021. Summer theatre in the Berkshires never disappoints and this year, perhaps more than ever before is ripe for savouring, after the difficult circumstances faced by live events in 2021. Opening with “Nine Solo Plays by Black Playwrights” on 6^th July, the season will then continue with “Row” from 13^th July to 8^th August at The Clark and “Alien/Nation” 20^th July to the 8^th August at various locations in Williamstown.

Food Truck Night in South Kingstown is returning in 2021. Starting in May and running through to September, the first Thursday of the month sees over 10 food trucks serve up delicious, local produce to hungry and thirsty patrons. There will be live music, and activities to accompany the tasty delights, with “Loyal 9 Cocktails” served up from the local bar, Trinity Brewhouse. Admission is free; therefore, visitors only have to pay for what they choose to eat and drink!

Oktoberfest at the Weekapaug Inn Biergarten is returning from 2^nd July to 3^rd September. Come and cheers in the Beer Garden at with ice cold brews on tap and great food on a beautiful summer night on the Pond. Originating in Munich, Germany in the 19th century, the Weekapaug Inn’s Biergarten experience is an evening en plain air with authentic German cuisine, lawn games, and live music by the Schwarze Schafe German Band.

@NewEnglandVisit #VisitNE

North Carolina

The historic port city of Wilmington typically seizes the moment in April when azaleas burst into bloom and packs the schedule with art, music, home and garden tours, and the crowning of Queen Azalea. With COVID-19, the NC Azalea Festival organisers have modified the schedule to hold some of the bigger 2021 events this summer while anticipating a full-bloom festival for April 2022. The events will be spread across 30^th-31^st July and 19^th-22^nd August. and there will still be dancing, local delights and fireworks for travellers to get enjoy before the celebrations return in full force next year.

MerleFest, one of the finest traditional music festivals in the world, squeezes a 2021 edition into the fall calendar from 19^th-22^nd September before returning to its regular slot in April 2022. The late flattop guitar master Doc Watson created the four-day event in memory of his music partner and son, Merle, who died in 1985. Headliners include the crème de la crème, but this family-friendly festival’s true magic comes as much from its spirit as star names. The fall line-up will be announced in June.

For one of the most colourful festivals in the US, check out the Carolina BalloonFest on the 15^th-17^th October.  Colour will return to the skies with mass ascensions and sanctioned competitions over the rolling Piedmont foothills. Tethered rides, pilot meet-and-greets, entertainment, children’s activities, food and craft beverage tastings fill the hours between the glories of sunrise and sunset.

Even without the music, craft vendors and other activities, people would flock to the Barbecue Festival. Fortunately, all these things will be back on 23^rd October 2021. Held in the town of Lexington, whose name is synonymous with pit-cooked pork, North Carolina’s most famous heritage food is celebrated – Barbeque. However, unsurprisingly you won’t find any Eastern Style here!

@VisitNC #VisitNC

Tennessee

The 21st annual AMERICANAFEST will take place 22^nd – 25^th September 2021, gathering thousands of artists, fans, and industry professionals from all over the world in Nashville. 2021 promises to once again be the must-attend event for anyone who loves the melting pot of Americana’s influences including roots, folk, country, blues and soul-based music. Each year, AMERICANAFEST brings together legendary artists, the next generation of rising stars, fans, and industry professionals for multiple days of music and education.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival 2021 is returning for their 20^th anniversary. Scheduled to take place from 2^nd – 5^th September 2021, the festival features a diverse line-up of 150+ musicians, with 10+ performance stages, 4 campground party barns, and entertainment that goes all night long. Among the artists confirmed to perform include headliners the Foo Fighters, Lizzo and Tyler, The Creator. Guests can stay and camp on the farm, and at Bonnaroo, it is hardly “camping” by most definitions of the word – it’s a non-stop adventure of discovery and human connection with fellow Bonnaroovians, and a key to the one-of-a-kind Bonnaroo experience. Outside of the music, leave room for activities! From chilling out at yoga, painting water-colours with a local artist, to bringing the heat in the Eighth “First Annual” 5k, and plenty of the unexpected too.

The annual Dollywood Harvest Festival will take place from 24^th September – 30^th October 2021. The Harvest Festival is an all-encompassing autumn event featuring the best in live entertainment, scrumptious food and, of course, pumpkins. During the day, the park is awash with vivid colour, in keeping with surrounding vibrance of the Great Smoky Mountains, and the sounds of our award-winning rides fill the fall air with a sense of adventure. As the sun sets, Great Pumpkin LumiNights transforms Dollywood into an eye-catching display of illuminated jack-o-lanterns and harvest-themed spectacles. Catch a glimpse of the colossal pumpkins, which can grow up to 1500 lbs each, and are grown specifically for the event by pumpkin growers across the East Coast.

@tnvacation #MadeInTN

Ends

For media enquiries, more information, hi-res images or video, please contact:

Alex Keelan – Communications Executive for Louisiana Office of Tourism, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, Maverick Helicopters, Visit North Carolina: alex@ttmworld.co.uk

David Venables – Communications Executive for Discover New England, Tennessee Tourism: david@ttmworld.co.uk

Kirsty Dillury, PR and Communications Director: kirsty@ttmworld.co.uk

Anna Watt, Senior PR Manager: anna@ttmworld.co.uk

For any other enquiries, please visit www.ttmworld.co.uk, email ttmoffice@ttmworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)208 313 1717

The post TTM Festival Lowdown for 2021 and Beyond appeared first on TTM World.

Louisiana 

New Orleans is a city built on big celebrations, live music and great food, however it’s also got a knack for the weird and wonderful. It is still possible to uncover some secret spots. For example, the pyramid tomb for actor Nicholas Cage that lies in St Louis Cemetery. Nine-feet tall and inscribed with Latin text, this striking grave will be the actors final resting place when he passes away.

For those looking for a unique place to grab a drink in the city, head over to the lesser-known Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. Built between 1722 and 1732 (and may or may not have actually been a blacksmith shop) it claims to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States. Plus it’s outside of the part of Bourbon Street where most tourists spend their time, so it’s usually much less crowded.

There are countless hidden gems for the curious traveller to discover all across the state of Louisiana. Explore nature walks, culinary landmarks, and cultural treasures that will feed your soul and inspire.  The the folk-art masterpiece Chauvin Sculpture Garden is a whimsical sight that includes colourful Cajun-style artworks that chronicle moments from the artist’s life, and the 45-foot tall lighthouse, made out of 7,000 bricks, is lined with intricate sculptures. There’s a small museum on-site where you can take in Kenny Hill’s (creator) life story while discovering some of the region’s most fascinating folk art examples.

The town of LeCompte is known as the ‘Pie Capital of Louisiana’ and that’s in large part down to Lea’s Lunchroom.  It’s one of the state’s oldest restaurants, dating from 1928 – and legend has it that it’s the last place the historic bandits Bonnie and Clyde ever ate. This small-town treasure serves plenty of savoury fares like baked ham sandwiches and delicious fried chicken, but it’s the homemade pies that draws travellers from near and far. Go hungry and get ready to Instagram your home-style Southern meal.

@LouisianaTravel #OnlyLouisiana

Maverick Helicopters

Maverick Helicopters are known for their iconic aerial tours over the likes of Las Vegas, Hawaii and the Grand Canyon. These global destinations are of course no secret, however when you fly with Maverick you’re sure to get something extra special.

With experiences such as the Wind Dancer guests don’t just take to the skies for unbeatable views, they also get to land in a hidden and secluded area within the Canyon. These private landing spots can’t be reached any other way and are perfectly positioned with no other flight paths operating around them, meaning guests can fully immerse themselves in one of the seven wonders of the world.

Similarly for Maverick’s Hawaii island tours of Maui and Kauai, travellers will be able to soar over the lush terrain of the Garden Isles, taking in unexplored regions of the Hawaii islands. Those who take the Hana Rainforest experience will also land in the heart of the rainforest or a champagne lunch and a chance to roam Maui’s lush valleys. The pilot will provide extensive information about this remote Hawaiian landscape, a land which very few people have ever stepped foot on.

@MaverickHelicopters #FlyMaverick

Discover New England

Plymouth Rock might be one of the oldest relics in the U.S, but Massachusetts is home to something even older: dinosaur tracks. Trapped in red sandstone around Holyoke, these footsteps of the first Jurassic Period are some of the oldest ever recorded by scientists. Paleontologists discovered the treads back in 1802, and it is now understood that about 200 million years ago, the Connecticut River Valley was home to subtropical wetlands and lakes. Visit the Trustees’ Dinosaur Footprints Reservation to glimpse hundreds of prehistoric steps of some of the earliest-known dinosaurs, including smaller herbivores and much larger 20-foot-long meat eaters.

For a quirky stop off the beaten track, eagle eyed tourists may spot something peculiar off the picturesque Old Sudbury Road in Lincoln, Massachusetts. About 15 miles west of Boston, from a distance those passing by may be forgiven for thinking they are driving by Stonehenge. However, those objects in the rearview are not stones. They are ponies. Plastic ponies and rocking horses to be exact. Dubbed “Ponyhenge”, the attraction started anonymously sometime in 2010, with a lone horse taking its place by the side of the road. Since then, the collection has grown exponentially, with no horses leaving, and new inanimate equine beings arriving mysteriously. Sometimes, they are arranged in a circle. Sometimes, as if they are competing in some sort of fairground race. All anybody really knows is that they exist, and there is seemingly no stopping them in growing in number…

For the intrepid traveller looking for somewhere remote to wander, then The Bold Coast Trail ticks that box. Located in Cutler, Maine, this trail is about a five-hour drive north of Boston and just across the Bay of Fundy from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The wooded trail runs along the edge of the picturesque cliffs that plunge into the Atlantic, and seals and bald eagles can easily be spotted along the way. There are several areas along the route where the trail descends the cliffs to small coves, making it an excellent destination for a day or overnight hike, and for those who wish to do the latter, the cliffs are a fantastic place to set up camp. There are a few official tent sites in the woods off the trail, but there is not much like watching the sunrise over Maine from the edge of a cliff.

@NewEnglandVisit #VisitNE

North Carolina

North Carolina can boast majestic mountains, intriguing hiking trails, charming piedmonts, and picturesque coastline. However it is what lurks between these landscapes that may surprise some visitors. With a fascinating history and rich heritage, North Carolina is home to some of the best-kept secrets in the United States.

Of all the places a traveller might find the presence of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, a 7-hectare vineyard in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills would surely rank among the most surprising. St. Anna Chapel, completed in 2014, was built to honour winery owner Andrey Medvedev’s fellow soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan in 1985. Visitors can enjoy a quiet moment at the chapel and also sip the winery’s Kagor, a sweet Russian Orthodox Communion wine. The winery is southeast of Asheville in a fast-growing wine region.

For a spooky look back at early 20th century living, guests should visit the Henry River Mill. Once a major mill town in 1905, this village in now virtually abandoned as industrial technology evolved and people started to move away. The village was used in the popular film ‘The Hunger Games’ as the setting of poverty-stricken District 12. Today, the ghost town of Henry River Mill is single-handed owned by Wade Shepherd, an 83-year-old man who lives nearby. With a recently completed restoration project, travellers can spend the night in a renovated mill house if they are brave enough!

There is also the enchanting island of Ocracoke, where the inhabitants speak in an Elizabethan English tongue. Native Americans, English sailors and pirates all came together on Ocracoke Island in North Carolina to create the only American dialect that is not identified as American. Hoi Toider, also called High Tider, is completely unique to the island where approximately 1,000 people and mainly spoken by the island’s old timers. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the history of language, just don’t be offended if you’re called a dingbat!

@VisitNC #VisitNC

Tennessee

Have an interesting and captivating day at The Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Farm, the only freshwater pearl culturing farm in the U.S. Started in 1925, the farm began harvesting Tennessee’s state gem. Visitors can go into the showroom to buy a pearl from the farm’s collection, but also marvel at freshwater pearl jewellery from around the world. Within the museum, guests can learn about the harvesting process and then witness it first-hand by taking a tour of the farm. A full tour package includes a presentation from a local diver, the farm manager and a true-Tennessee barbecue lunch.

Travellers can take a trip to Paris, Tennessee for a French twist on a small American town. There is even an Eiffel Tower replica, perfect for a photo op and to confound those expecting more U.S themed vacation shots. The Eiffel Tower in Memorial Park is close to two walking tracks and recreation centres, while downtown Paris is full of antique shops and dining areas. A true French experience would not be complete without a glass of red, so visitors can sip 26 different varieties of wines and stroll the grounds of the Paris Winery. To end the day, kick back and watch the sunset at Paris Landing State Park.

“Tennessee’s Oldest Town,” Jonesborough is an eclectic blend of shopping and outdoor excursions while staying true to its historic roots. Appalachian culture is taken seriously, preserved in museums like the Chester Inn Museum, Washington County/Jonesborough History Museum and walking tours conducted by locals who have a passion for yesteryear. This history is also preserved through storytelling, as Southern folklore lives on in “The Storytelling Capital of the World”. Jonesborough’s past is cloaked in tales of American icons such as David Crockett and Daniel Boone. Visit the three-acre International Storytelling Center on Main Street to learn about the art behind homespun tales, while playing host to the acclaimed National Storytelling Festival each year.

@tnvacation #MadeInTN

Ends

For media enquiries, more information, hi-res images or video, please contact:

Alex Keelan – Communications Executive for Louisiana Office of Tourism, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, Maverick Helicopters, Visit North Carolina: alex@ttmworld.co.uk

David Venables – Communications Executive for Discover New England, Tennessee Tourism: david@ttmworld.co.uk

Kirsty Dillury, PR and Communications Director: kirsty@ttmworld.co.uk

Anna Watt, Senior PR Manager: anna@ttmworld.co.uk

For any other enquiries, please visit www.ttmworld.co.uk, email ttmoffice@ttmworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)208 313 1717

The post Hidden Gems and Secret Places appeared first on TTM World.

Discover New England

With its new designation as a National Scenic Byway by the U.S Department of Transportation, the 34-mile Old King’s Highway is now one of four in Massachusetts to achieve this status. A nostalgic, meandering, and distinctive roadway along Cape Cod’s northern side close to Cape Cod Bay, Old King’s Highway, also called Route 6A, was among three new Massachusetts designations approved in 2021, The Old King’s Highway extends through seven communities along the Cape’s north side from Bourne to the Eastham/Orleans border. It is the backbone of the Old King’s Highway Regional Historic District, enacted in 1974. The district continues to be instrumental in preserving the historic character of the roadway. The Mohawk Trail and Battle Road (Concord, Lincoln, Lexington, and Arlington) scenic byways were also designated this year. The Connecticut River Byway was approved in 2009.

The Katahdin Woods & Waters Scenic Byway takes visitors through some of the most spectacular natural landscape that inland Maine has to offer. Dominating that landscape is Katahdin, Maine’s tallest mountain at 5,268 feet and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The Byway begins at the southern entrance of Baxter State Park and winds its way through Millinocket along Route 11 and the Penobscot River to Patten, ending at Baxter’s northern entrance at Grand Lake Matagamon. The Katahdin region is unique and features Maine’s tallest mountain, its mightiest river, and its greatest park.

Bristol’s “Revolutionary Heritage Byway” was selected in 2021 as Rhode Island’s first National Scenic Byway. The Revolutionary Heritage Byway consists of a six-mile route in Bristol, consisting of two roadways, State Route 114, also known as Hope Street and Ferry Road, and High Street. The route received a local scenic byway designation through the Rhode Island Scenic Roadways Board in August 2000. While on the Byway, travelers are taken past historic homes, waterfront sites, and the site of America’s oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration.

@NewEnglandVisit #VisitNE

North Carolina

These amazing drives will not only dip visitors through daring mountains or uncharted coastal plains, they also offer convenient stops to hop out and explore hiking trails, state parks, and natural wonders.

One of the most iconic drives in the USA is the Blue Ridge Parkway. Often voted ‘America’s Favourite Drive’ this road spans 469 miles and the North Carolina stretch is stunning. Running north and south from Asheville there are plenty of long-range mountain views, spots for roadside picnics, breath-taking vistas and easy to difficult hiking trails.

For the more adventurous, the Tail of the Dragon is guaranteed to raise a few hairs. With its winding route and tight corners, this road has gained notoriety over the years. It is bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest with no intersecting roads or driveways to hamper your travel. It is considered “the destination” for thousands of motorcycle and sports car fans throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

On the coast, a drive along the Outer Banks Scenic Byway is a must. Explore everything from wildlife, beaches, shipwrecks and lighthouses to the very location where the Wright brothers changed history with their first flight. With the Pamlico Sound on one side, and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, the views and experience are unbeatable on this 142-mile stretch of coastal road.

@VisitNC #VisitNC

Louisiana Travel

Break away from the highway and take a road trip down one of Louisiana’s 19 scenic byways. From historic treasures and music festivals, to country kitchens and coastal wetlands teeming with wildlife, each drive offers an authentic taste of Louisiana food, music, culture and natural beauty.

Stretching for 180 miles, the Creole Nature Trail offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the state as it meanders through the marshes and prairies of southwestern Louisiana. Sometimes called “Louisiana’s Outback,” the untamed wilderness you encounter along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road will create lifelong memories. The recently renovated Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, complete with animated figures with information and stories, will spark the imaginations of the young and the young at heart.

Give your tastebuds a treat along the Cajun Corridor. Travel along the scenic byway that crosses Vermilion Parish on Hwy. 14 and experience the “Most Cajun place on earth!” The communities of Gueydan, Kaplan, Abbeville, Erath and Delcambre make up this rural byway. From historic sites and museums to authentic Cajun food and festivals, visitors can find plenty of Cajun culture along this byway. Time your journey right and you can sample fresh shrimp, crawfish, oysters or the spicy local sausage at the Louisiana Cajun Food Fest or Delcambre Shrimp Festival.

@LouisianaTravel #OnlyLouisiana

Tennessee

Tennessee has 10 nationally designated scenic routes, the fourth most in the country. Recently, five more were added to the state’s designation.
Great River Road: This West Tennessee route is rich in history and culture and follows the Mississippi River from Tiptonville to Memphis. The byway is part of the 10-state Great River Road that travels from the headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
Sequatchie Valley National Scenic Byway: Known as Tennessee’s “Great Valley,” this scenic route features the Sequatchie River and is framed by the Cumberland Plateau and Walden’s Ridge.
Cumberland National Scenic Byway: This route demonstrates the history and significance of the region and connects landmarks between the Cumberland Gap and Cumberland River.
Norris Freeway: This Knoxville area route frames the town of Norris and Norris Dam State Park. The area is famed for its hiking, trout fishing and boating.
Newfound Gap Road: This East Tennessee historic route connects Gatlinburg with Cherokee, NC. At 5,046’, the route is the lowest drivable pass through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Cherohala Skyway Byway, which offers sprawling views of the Great Smoky Mountains to the northeast and the Tennessee River Valley to the west. The Cherohala Skyway runs for approximately 43 miles, and crosses through the Cherokee National Forest and offers a glimpse into the unspoiled forest environment where Cherokee tribes and early pioneers travelled and settled in the Appalachian Mountains.
@tnvacation #MadeInTN

Maverick Helicopters

As well as scenic byways and iconic drives, it’s also worth considering incredible journeys that can be taken from the sky. Maverick Helicopters offers an incredible range of both scenic and iconic helicopter tours over Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and Hawaii.

Take a flight over the Las Vegas Strip’s bright lights and capture a new perspective of the Vegas Valley – without getting caught in traffic! Soar high above the world-famous landmarks such as Bellagio, Caesars Palace and the Eiffel Tower. Trips are available both day and night.

Maverick’s most popular trip, the Wind Dancer, takes guests over the iconic Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and into the Grand Canyon, where you will land inside at a remote spot to enjoy the tranquillity and surroundings.

For sheer jaw-dropping scenery, one of Maverick’s Maui or Kauai tours is perfect. Miles of pristine coastline can be viewed on an exquisite flight, with the the Haleakala Crater, the Hana Rainforest, or the lush and rugged terrain of the “Garden Isle” to choose from.

@MaverickHelicopters #FlyMaverick

Ends

For media enquiries, more information, hi-res images or video, please contact:

Alex Keelan – Communications Executive for Louisiana Office of Tourism, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, Maverick Helicopters, Visit North Carolina: alex@ttmworld.co.uk

David Venables – Communications Executive for Discover New England, Tennessee Tourism: david@ttmworld.co.uk

Kirsty Dillury, PR and Communications Director: kirsty@ttmworld.co.uk

Anna Watt- Senior PR Manager: anna@ttmworld.co.uk

For any other enquiries, please visit www.ttmworld.co.uk, email ttmoffice@ttmworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)208 313 1717

The post Scenic Byways and Epic Adventures appeared first on TTM World.

New England

During the last weekend of April, the annual Daffodil Festival takes place on Nantucket Island – a weekend of events to celebrate springtime awakening. The first occasion, a very simple affair in the 1970s, included an antique car parade in which islanders showed off their classic cars, followed by a community tailgate picnic in ‘Sconset. Now, decades later, the Daffodil Festival on Nantucket includes art shows, tours, parades (including the antique car parade and tailgate picnic), exhibitions, contests, lectures, and, of course, the annual Nantucket Daffodil Flower Show. There are activities for all ages, and faithful festivalgoers dress up for the occasion and participate enthusiastically! Take part in the Daffy Hat Contest, a Children’s Parade featuring decorated bikes, strollers, wagons, and other self-propelled vehicles, and the famous Sconset Tailgate Picnic. The Pine Woods Morris Dancers often perform throughout the day at various locations.

Kennebunkport in Maine is renowned for being one of the prettiest coastal towns in New England. As the weather starts to turn in the spring, and the sun starts to linger longer, it makes for a great place to spend Spring. Explore the nature paths at Laudholm Farm and Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge, tour the Fransiscan Monastery grounds, and while away along the beautiful peaceful paths to the riverfront, over 60 serene acres. Mid-April is also when the humpback whales start to make an appearance around the coastal waters of Maine, so avid whale watchers will be able to catch their first glimpses of the season too!

For a cooler New England tradition, sample “Sugar on Snow”. Maple sugaring season is in full swing during the spring in New England. From Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts, to New Hampshire’s Maple Sugaring Weekend in late March, there are plenty of Maple Sugar themed activities to take part in across the regions. One of the many traditions is “Sugar on Snow”. To prepare, clean fresh snow is packed down and then hot maple syrup is drizzled over the top in rows. This turns the snow into a maple taffy, which can then be eaten. It is a New England specialty, and one not to be missed in the early days of Spring!

@NewEnglandVisit #VisitNE

Louisiana

In just a few short weeks, gardens and fields all across Louisiana will be blooming with brightly coloured wildflowers. There really is no shortage of gardens and trails across the state where you can enjoy the Spring spectacle. The Wild Azalea Trail in Alexandria holds the honour of being the longest continuous trail in the state. Designated a National Recreation Trail due to its incredible scenic value, it offers hikers a chance to be surrounded by beautiful wild azaleas in bloom. The Jungle Gardens on Avery Island is also a sight to see. The 170-acre semi-tropical garden is nestled along Bayou Petite Anse, offering visitors a chance to see wildlife along their garden stroll. The rolling landscape gives way to abundant flowers, including azaleas, camellias, Louisiana irises, and many others.

In New Orleans, saying goodbye to King Cake season while simultaneously welcoming back crawfish season is a sure sign of springtime in the city and across Louisiana. While the state-wide delicacy is technically available year-round, any New Orleanian knows that crawfish is best enjoyed in the spring. Grab a pound (or two) while the getting is good this season. From boiling and peeling, to where to purchase and picnic – check out the Guide to Crawfish for inspiration and guidance at home.

While 2021 will continue to see the postponement and cancellation of festivals, New Orleans will be back in all its glory in 2022 – and Spring truly is an exciting time to be in the city. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival that is taking place in October 2021 will be back next year in its usual April timeframe, featuring huge names from across the world as well as the iconic Louisiana second line performances it is known for.  The historic French Quarter Festival will also be returning in April 2022

Showcasing the very best food, music, art and culture from inside of New Orleans.

@LouisianaTravel #OnlyLouisiana

Maverick

While Hawaii is a fantastic destination all year round, April and May are considered some of the best months in terms of climate. There are pleasant average highs of 30 degrees and little rainfall leading up to the summer months, making it an ideal time to explore the many glorious islands in the vicinity.

Maui and Kauai in particular, lure travellers with an invigorating mix of natural beauty and outdoor fun, all shared with warm alohas. Maverick Helicopters offer the opportunity to fly over both the pristine coastline of Maui and the lush and rugged terrain of Kauai for an incredible aerial adventure. These helicopter tours feature some of the islands stunning natural landmarks including the Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon, the Bali Hai Cliffs along the North Shore and Mount Makana.

Maverick Helicopters have been offering high-class tours for 25 years to guests and have picked up a record nine consecutive FAA Diamond Safety Awards in the process for their tireless work to aircraft safety and mechanical training.

@MaverickHelicopters #FlyMaverick

North Carolina   

North Carolina bursts with growth and greenery in spring! Flowers start to bloom, the days get warmer, and the whole state begins to buzz with festivals and events.

North Carolina’s mountain wildflowers are as spectacular as the fall foliage. Colour unfolds from March to June with a sequence of trout lilies and violets, trillium and lady slippers, and azaleas, mountain laurel and rhododendron. Pick up well-known trails at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain and Chimney Rock. East of the mountains, discover a surprising wealth of wildflowers at Raven Rock State Park in Lillington and the amazing Flower Hill Nature Preserve near Clayton.

Throughout April, celebrate North Carolina Beer Month, which connects the dots on the brewery map and destinations where beer culture thrives. Travellers can cross from the mountains to the coast to find signature festivals, including the Untappd Beer Festival in Bank of America Stadium in Uptown Charlotte. Or simply grab a seat on a spaced-out patio. With more than 300 breweries and brewpubs, North Carolina is the state of Southern beer.

By the end of April, coastal waters feel welcoming even to people without wetsuits, and stand-up paddleboards dot the surf and sounds along the 320-mile shoreline. Paddle boarding attracts more first-time participants than any other outdoor sporting activity, and North Carolina makes an ideal destination for both novices and champions. And with plentiful lakes and rivers, the state has developed inland strongholds including Lake Norman, the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte and Asheville.

@VisitNC #VisitNC

Tennessee

Enjoy a spring train ride to see Tennessee’s gorgeous scenery and learn about the history around the area with the Tennessee Valley Railroad. Board at the Grand Junction Station in Chattanooga for a 55-minute excursion that crosses four bridges and passes through a pre-Civil War tunnel. The local history is presented by a tour guide and there is a brief tour of a train restoration shop plus a historic turntable demonstration.

Window Cliffs State Natural Park in Baxter is a 275-acre natural wonder with a challenging hike that rewards those with spectacular views of the Upper Cumberland below. The name is derived from the natural stone structures at the summit, producing a window-like shape. Cross over streams, hills and more to get some of the most epic photos.

For those looking to expend extra energy, visit the SOAR Adventure Tower  in Franklin, about 30 minutes south of Nashville. With four levels and more than 110 climbing elements, kids and adults alike are challenged to overcome their limitations both physically and mentally. Each platform offers three different features so you can change course whenever to create your own experience. Music-themed elements can be found throughout the courses, giving a nod to the rich music found throughout Tennessee. Ground level is perfect for little ones to explore their own abilities, ideal for ages 4-7 with 19 elements. Level 1 is 15 feet above ground, Level 2 is approximately 30 feet above ground and Level 3 is more than 45 feet, all filled with challenges to complete. When back on the ground, the family can also take part in a round of mini golf!

@tnvacation #MadeInTN

Ends

For media enquiries, more information, hi-res images or video, please contact:

Kirsty Dillury, PR and Communications Director: kirsty@ttmworld.co.uk

Anna Watt- Senior PR Manager: anna@ttmworld.co.uk

Alex Keelan – Communications Executive for Louisiana Office of Tourism, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, Maverick Helicopters, Visit North Carolina: alex@ttmworld.co.uk

David Venables – Communications Executive for Discover New England, Tennessee Tourism: david@ttmworld.co.uk

For any other enquiries, please visit www.ttmworld.co.uk, email ttmoffice@ttmworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)208 313 1717

The post Spring Suggestions from TTM for 2022 and Beyond appeared first on TTM World.

Discover New England

With all the old fashioned charm of a classic New England bed and breakfast, Stone Throw Cottage is an enchanting place to unwind after a day of exploring Acadia National Park.

The real draw of Mount Desert Island is the magnificent shoreline of the national park, whose pink granite cliffs give way to tide pools, booming waves, and rocky headlands. In between hikes and beach trips, however, there is plenty to do in the quaint town of Bar Harbor itself, with souvenir shops, waterfront paths, and restaurants serving lobster dinner with all the fixings.

To discover an uninhabited islet just offshore, walk to pretty Bar Island. To do so, follow a slender sand bar that is only exposed at low tide. Just make sure to return before the ocean does!

No New England experience would be complete without feasting on some Lobster. So, for a perfect New England themed date night from home, why not try a classic New England lobster recipe. From Lobster Rolls, to a seafood chowder, the options are plentiful. To finish, bake a fresh Apple or Blueberry Pie for a real slice of New England at home.

@NewEnglandVisit #VisitNE

Tennessee Vacation

Christopher Place Resort, in Newport, is the only luxury bed and breakfast resort around the Smoky Mountains that was created exclusively for romantic retreats. From the crystal chandeliers to the impeccably decorated rooms to the incredible mountain views, everything here adds to the luxuriously romantic atmosphere. It is no wonder this beautiful colonial-style mansion resort is one of the area’s most popular wedding destinations.

It has plenty of on-site activities, including tennis, swimming and hiking, and it’s a short drive to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The resort also has a fine dining restaurant and bar, and guests enjoy a multi-course gourmet breakfast with their stay.

To get your fix of the Smokies from your home, check out these great webcams operated by the national park. Watch the park’s many species of wildlife living in their natural habitat in real-time, check in on the weather or catch a beautiful Smoky Mountain sunset at the end of the day. For the perfect backdrop, throw on the Country Love Songs playlist on Spotify, featuring artists from Tennessee such as Dan + Shay, Chris Young and more, while indulging in some delicious Jack Daniel’s Lynchburg Lemonade and some home-made Memphis barbecue treats.

@tnvacation #MadeInTN

Louisiana Travel

The heart and soul of New Orleans is the music and the has given us a number of songs with melodies that capture the joyful essence of what it feels like to love and be loved. Many can be found on the official New Orleans Spotify playlist which features an entire live performance from the famous Preservation Hall Jazz Band. You can dance away with your partner all night

As for the evenings culinary offerings, the choice really is yours. Louisiana Travel have provided a number of recipes for classic Louisiana dishes including Gumbo Nachos, Chicken Jambalaya and Charbroiled Oysters.

While a romantic Louisiana themed evening in is nice, it doesn’t hold a candle to actually being in the Bayou state. However, it will whet the appetite for travelling for when the time is right. For those who want to look a bit further ahead, plan a trip to Lake Charles and New Orleans.  In New Orleans sample some treats from one of the many French bakeries such as La Boulangerie, Bywater Bakery or Haydel’s.  Cuddle up in a music club in the French Quarter or along nearby Frenchmen Street listening to some romantic sounds and sipping champagne cocktails.

Head on to Lake Charles which has a number of award winning spas for you and your partner to unwind and be pampered in such as the L’auberge. Afterwards, grab a boat or canoe and head out onto the water for some quality time under the Louisiana sky.

@LouisianaTravel #OnlyLouisiana

Visit North Carolina

For something different on Valentine’s night, try a virtual couples cooking class.  Learning a new skill together such as cooking is a great way to bond and celebrate with your significant other and North Carolina has been at the forefront of this for much of the past year.

Award-winning native chefs such as Cheetie Kumar and Ashleigh Christensen have been offering patrons an insight into their talents since the pandemic began. There is plenty of variety to choose from depending on your palette too. Maybe it’s a seafood surprise with Chef Alyssa from Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen or it could be Gnocchi and cocktails with Chef Dean from the Lucy Daniels Centre.

After sharpening up your culinary skills in the kitchen, why not snuggle up on the sofa for a move night in? 1987 classic Dirty Dancing is the perfect romantic film to see the night away with and also a showcases the state of North Carolina in all its glory. You can recreate the iconic lake lift, shot in Lake Lure, in your living room – hopefully it won’t be too long before you can do it for real in the Tar Heel state!

Of course, these stay at home evenings won’t ever be able to match the magic of being in the destination itself, so here is some inspiration for next year’s romantic escape to North Carolina. Retreat to the Great Smoky Mountains for serene peace and natural beauty. Consistently ranked as one of the most romantic destinations in the USA, the picturesque mountains boast a number of remote accommodations such as The Swag and the Lambuth Inn at the foot of Lake Junaluska.

Another Blue Ridge favourite of long standing is the Gideon Ridge Inn. The retreat has always been about reconnecting – with a significant other, with yourself, with things overlooked. Built as a private summer home, Gideon Ridge still has that homey feel, right down to the stone fireplace in the library and the possibility of a romantic room with a gas log fireplace or whirlpool tub.

For more ideas on romantic escapes in the state, click here.

@VisitNC #VisitNC

Maverick Helicopters

For those starting to plan their big day or those looking for inspiring ways to pop the question in the future, Maverick’s helicopter wedding and proposal packages offer something unusual and create a perfect memory. With destination choices including Las Vegas, Valley of Fire, Grand Canyon or Hawaii you and your loved one will certainly have a story to share.

@MaverickHelicopters #FlyMaverick

Ends

For media enquiries, more information, hi-res images or video, please contact:

Kirsty Dillury, PR and Communications Director: kirsty@ttmworld.co.uk

Anna Watt- Senior PR Manager: anna@ttmworld.co.uk

Alex Keelan – Communications Executive for Louisiana Office of Tourism, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, Maverick Helicopters, Visit North Carolina: alex@ttmworld.co.uk

David Venables – Communications Executive for Discover New England, Tennessee Tourism: david@ttmworld.co.uk

For any other enquiries, please visit www.ttmworld.co.uk, email ttmoffice@ttmworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)208 313 1717

The post Romantic Retreats and Dreamy Date Nights appeared first on TTM World.

January

Beginning on Twelfth Night (January 6^th) Mardi Gras season kicks off in New Orleans! Although the big day isn’t until the following month, the city becomes obsessed with eating, costuming and bead-tossing that increases in intensity as Shrove Tuesday nears. Stunning Mardi Gras decorations line the streets and houses in every historic neighbourhood. Locals feast on oysters and king cakes alike, and in a usual year would watch the parades throughout the season roll down St. Charles Avenue and tag along with marching krewes.

This is the perfect time for snow lovers to head to Maine and New Hampshire for adventure. There is winter fun for skiers and non-skiers alike, with winter activities on offer including ziplining, snow tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, mountain coasters, ice climbing, sleigh rides and more.  Many of the ski resorts are under a 4-hour drive from Boston and offer a mix from black runs to beginner slopes, so the whole family can get involved! For more winter activities in New England, head to Connecticut, where visitors can even take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snow-covered fields and country paths for a memorable, quintessentially Connecticut experience.

February

Mardi Gras day will fall on February 16^th 2021 and while things will certainly be quieter this year, preparations for 2022 will be well underway, so it’s worth planning now! Mardi Gras takes place all over Louisiana, where every community has their own spin on the celebrations. Why not grab an RV and experience celebrations in Lake Charles, Shreveport or Cajun Country? You might end up dancing for a chicken or joining a krewe!

In 2019, a state statute passed designating the last full week of February each year as Tennessee Songwriters Week, to celebrate the foundation of the craft, recognise legendary songwriters and pave the way for future artists. Across the state, visitors can catch showcases in Franklin, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Gatlinburg and Johnson City. In 2020, more than 1,000 songwriters performed in 39 qualifying rounds, six showcase events and special events on stages from Memphis to Mountain City. 2021 events may be in-person or virtual, and music fans can already look ahead to 2022.

Hawaii is an enviably warm location year-round, so there is no wonder why so many viist these islands during the colder months for some winter sun. The stunning islands of Kauai and Maui in particular boast pristine coastlines, tropical rainforests and evergreen isles.  However, with much of the landscape inaccessible by road, there really is only one way to take in the scenery – an aerial adventure with Maverick Helicopters. Maverick offer tours around both Kauai and Maui on their award-winning ECO-star helicopters. Guests will feel the magnitude of the Na Pali Coast from the air, Kauai’s 17-mile coastline known for its emerald-hued cliffs with razor-sharp ridges above the Pacific Ocean. Those taking the Maui experience will enjoy breath-taking views of sea cliffs and cascading waterfalls before heading down to an exclusive landing destination deep in the Hawaiian rainforest!

March

In Louisiana, March signals the height of the iconic crawfish season. Here, crawfish is more than a local delicacy—it’s a dedicated food group and residents mark its season on their calendars.  It is the centrepiece of springtime birthday parties, graduation celebrations and family gatherings and it is the culinary highlight for many visitors.  To experience a crawfish boil is to experience everything that makes Louisiana a traveller’s delight: the authenticity of the culture, the joie de vivre of the locals and the most delicious and varied food. There are even crawfish festivals such as the official Louisiana Crawfish Festival and the World Championship Crawfish Etouffee Cook-Off 

As winter ends and spring begins, New England enjoys its sweetest — and shortest — season: the maple sugaring season, when maple syrup is made. From late February through early April, New England farmers are out in the woods with their buckets, miles of plastic tubing and special drills to “tap” maple trees for their sap. This “sugaring” is often visible from the road. What looks like smoke rising from the woods is sweet-scented steam rising from decades-old wooden shacks, or sugarhouses, where sap is boiled down for hours. It takes up to 40 gallons of sap from a tree to make just one gallon of the highly prized syrup. See the sugaring process and taste “sugar on snow,” hot, thick syrup dribbled onto the snow to make instant maple taffy.

March sees the beginning of MLS Soccer season. Affectionately known as “the Other Football”, soccer is one of the most rapidly growing sports in the US, and as such, teams have been able to attract star players such as David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Thierry Henry in the past few seasons. You will be able to catch games across nearly all of destinations, from the New England Revolution who play in Massachusetts, to the newly formed Nashville SC, who started play in 2020 and will open their new stadium at The Nashville Fairgrounds in 2022. To see a full list of teams across our clients, visit the MLS Website.

April

A trip to East Tennessee wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Dollywood. The amusement park in Pigeon Forge is owned by famed Country Singer Dolly Parton, who attends the opening of the park in late March every year. The theme park is the anchor of the destination, but also on site are 35-acre water park (Dollywood’s Splash Country) and the 20-acre Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa. Dollywood consistently ranks in the top amusement parks in the US and is worth a visit for thrill-seekers and country music fans alike!

If you’re a connoisseur of craft beers, consider the facts: North Carolina is home to more than 300 local breweries, celebrates its own Beer Month, and has a city voted “Beer City USA” for four straight years. North Carolina just might be your “brewtopia,” which makes it ideal for a tasting tour to cities where the beer scene is a significant part of local culture.  Asheville has been the recipient of many interesting recognitions and top rankings, including being voted one of the happiest places in America and “Beer City USA” for four consecutive years – a combination the local brewing community might try to convince you makes perfect sense.

Listen to Jazz in New Orleans and if we are lucky – attend the coveted Jazz & Heritage Festival.  The weather in New Orleans is beautiful in the spring, warm and sunny.  It’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, and to listen to live music, in a restaurant courtyard, at a festival or an impromptu street entertainer on Royal Street or Frenchmen Street.

April also means the start of the Major League Baseball season, so why not take a trip to the home of one of the most famous baseball teams in the world – the Boston Red Sox. Fenway Park on game day is an absolute must do in Massachusetts and the opening game of the season is always a fan favourite. Enjoy the stadium grub, free foam fingers and zany crowd antics in one of baseball’s most iconic venues. You can even tour the stadium before the match for an even more immersive experience!

May

The Grand Canyon is one of the wonders of the world and a bucket list classic. One of the best times to visit the phenomenon is March through to May, when daytime temperatures are cooler and the crowds are thinner.  For a truly unique experience of the Grand Canyon why not go on one of Maverick Helicopters jaw-dropping tours? Not only will you get to see a bird’s eye view of one of natural world’s biggest attractions but guests also descend 3,500 ft into the rim on the canyon for lunch and champagne in a private landing space. As you fly back through the Grand Canyon, you’ll view the red rock formations of the Bowl of Fire and conclude your adventure with an exciting flight over Downtown Las Vegas.

Taking place at the end of May is one of NASCAR’s most premier races, the Coca-Cola 600 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina. Making Memorial Day weekend a fantastic time to visit the state! North Carolina is the spiritual home of America’s favourite past time, stock racing. Evolving from moonshine bootleggers in the mountains into the adrenaline sport we all know today. Plus you can even go one further and take to the track in a car yourself with the Richard Petty Driving Experience – how’s that for a day out?

Celebrated every May, The Cape Cod Maritime Days pays homage to the Cape’s rich maritime history. One of the best ways to be truly immersed in Cape Cod Maritime Days is to check out the Maritime Meandering Tours of Cape Cod: four self-guided maritime itineraries that you can download for each region of the Cape.

June

There are many unique species of animals that call the Great Smoky Mountains home, but the synchronous fireflies might be the most unique of all. Synchronous fireflies are the only species in America whose individuals can synchronize their flashing light patterns. The Elkmont area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is world renowned for being home to the magnificent display of this unique species of firefly. Anywhere from late May to early June these fireflies can be seen nightly lighting up the dark hollows of the mountains. Make the most of any experience by following various trails around the Smokies, which are easily accessible by hiking or biking.

June sees the blooming of the beautiful lupine fields in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Tour the fields by foot or horse-drawn wagon and visit the many museums and attractions. Sugar Hill Historic Museum, New England Ski Museum, Franconia Heritage Museum, The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, and the Frost Place are some of the attractions that can be enjoyed, while festival events include art exhibits, concerts, walking tours, an open-air market and special dinners at local inns.

The mansions of Newport, Rhode Island — originally called “cottages” — were built as summer homes in the 1850s to 1900 by wealthy tycoons of New York and Philadelphia. Now, these massive houses, including the spectacular Rosecliff, Marble House, the Breakers, the Elms, Rough Point, and more, are open to the public, offering fascinating and informative tours. Special events, parties, balls, and performances are presented during summer, fall, and the Christmas season. In June, the magnificent Newport Flower Show takes place at Roseclilff.

June 5^th is America’s national Moonshine Day and one of the best places to celebrate this tipple is in North Carolina.  Industry opportunities for bootleggers soared when North Carolina became the first Southern state to enact prohibition. Bootlegging – selling spirits without taxation or government permits – immediately became a means for financial stability. While national prohibition ended in 1933, North Carolina remained a dry state until 1935, the heyday of hooch, eventually giving birth to the firewater-fuelled sport of NASCAR.  While moonshine once lost its lustre with cheaper and more accessible liquor, it truly never died. As the farm-to-fork movement continues to grow in North Carolina, the grain-to-glass movement is not far behind. New small batch micro-distilleries are opening every year, crafting gin, rum, whiskey, vodka – and, of course, moonshine.

July

In Boston, where American Revolution history is bursting at every corner, the Fourth of July celebration is the largest event of the year, after the Boston Marathon and the “First Night” New Year’s celebration. While a variety of patriotic events are held across town, most of the city heads to the shores of the Charles River, near the Esplanade’s Hatch Shell, for the famous “Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.” It’s also where you’ll find the Boston Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile-long that passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States including the State House and the site of the Boston Massacre.

The summer is the best time to view the wild horses in North Carolina.  Descended from the Spanish Mustangs brought to the Outer Banks by early explorers, the Corolla Wild Horses have roamed across the Currituck Outer Banks for approximately 400 years. These wild horses roam freely in Corolla and can be appreciated from a distance on a wild horse tour. There are several tour companies that can get you within picture-taking distance while also giving you a great history lesson about the horses and the area itself.

More than 50,000 miles of winding, enchanting rivers and streams – along with more than a half-million acres of pristine lakes and eco-diverse marshes – make Tennessee a paradise for those drawn to the wonders of water. The Tennessee Waterways make for a great way to relax and cool off in the heat of the US Summer. Some picks of the abundant waterways include the scenic Reelfoot Lake, which is nestled in the northwest corner of the state and is famous for its year-round fishing, wildlife watching (including eagle-viewing excursions) and lakeside dining. The Ocoee and Pigeon rivers are two of the region’s premier waterways for white-water rafting, with stretches of rapids suited to every skill level.  Meanwhile, Tennessee is home to some towering, tumbling, mist-spraying, magnificent waterfalls. From the churning Bald River Falls to the relatively placid Crockett Falls in David Crockett State Park, the state has numerous beauties to be discovered.

August

Each day from May through August, volunteers walk and survey the 26 miles of coastline on North Carolina’s Topsail Island looking for the tell-tale tracks of sea turtles coming onto the beach. According to the Karen Beasley Center: “In North Carolina the nesting season is mid-May through August. The Loggerhead Sea Turtle comes ashore to nest 3 to 5 times during a nesting year. She deposits an average of 120 eggs per nest.”  Visitors to North Carolina can volunteer through the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center to watch nests.

The ocean waters off New England offer one of the best places in the world for a whale watch tour. From May through to October, many species of whales including Humpback, Finback, Right, and Minke whales migrate to rich feeding grounds off the New England coast to dine on mackerel, herring, krill and other schooling fish. There is nothing quite like heading out to sea on a whale watch tour to observe the world’s largest creatures feeding or playing up close. Some days, lucky observers will see the theatrical Humpback whales breeching (jumping) right in front of the boat or feeding in large groups. While in New England, there is also the annual Hampton Beach Children’s Festival which takes place in Mid-August, and the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Fair, which showcases artistic and handyman’s creations throughout the state.

September

Autumn sees the optimal time for leaf peeping across the USA. New England’s dramatic explosion of colour each autumn starts in the northern New England states of Maine and New Hampshire typically in late September and moves down to the southern New England states, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, around late October. New England is famous for its glorious foliage as billions of leaves change from green to a kaleidoscope of colours. The air is crisp and cool — perfect for hiking, biking or a classic fly-drive break along back roads, where farm stands are piled high with crunchy apples and orange pumpkins.

September also coincides with the start of NFL Season in the US. America’s number 1 sport, 32 teams compete with the aim of reaching the Super Bowl, the most watching sporting event across the globe. Going to an NFL game is more than just watching the team’s take to the field, with Tailgating a large part of the spectacle. Mountains of food and drink often in the car parks of the stadiums provide the warm-up to the game and is a must-do for anyone wanting the full NFL experience. Our clients are home to some of the most competitive teams in the NFL, including the team with the most Super Bowl appearances, the New England Patriots. Nashville is home to the Tennessee Titans, while the New Orleans Saints and the Carolina Panthers do battle and are great rivals in the sport.

If bluegrass is your scene then North Carolina is the place to be in September, with not one but two of its biggest music festivals taking place. MerleFest in Wilkesboro, which usually takes place in April has been rescheduled to take place September in 2021 and will be back stronger than ever after having to cancel in 2020. Then there is IBMA Bluegrass Live! – the largest bluegrass festival in the world taking place, with the 2021 event being on September 28^th with The Travelin’ McCourys and Jerry Douglas already announced!

October

With October being prime road-trip weather, Tennessee have specially created music pathways that enable visitors to go musical journeys throughout the state. Tennessee Music Pathways connects visitors to the people, places and genres that make Tennessee the Soundtrack of America. The Pathways represent hundreds of landmarks across the state and spans seven genres of music: blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, soul, rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll. From the largest cities to the smallest communities, Tennessee Music Pathways identifies and preserves the unique musical history throughout all 95 counties of the state. More than 500 possible locations for markers have been identified including birthplaces, resting places, hometowns, high schools, churches and locations of first-known recordings or performances of the musical pioneers and legends influenced and shaped by Tennessee.

From mid-October to early November, Eastern Tennessee is also home to some of the most spectacular autumn colours across the USA.  Across Tennessee there are scenic viewfinders outfitted with colour vision deficiency technology in 12 of the most beautiful lookouts across the state, enabling people who have never seen the full spectrum of Tennessee colour to experience the beauty.

Halloween is widely celebrated with almost as much vigour as Christmas in the US, and there is no better place to indulge in spooky activities than in New England. The witch trials of 1692 cast a shadow over Salem, Massachusetts, that has spanned centuries, seeping into the city’s collective consciousness, and shaping its character. Since 1982, Salem Haunted Happenings has evolved into a month-long celebration encompassing everything from family-friendly magic shows, to costume balls, psychic readings, haunted harbour cruises, ghost tours, and more.

November

Thanksgiving in America is one of the biggest holidays of the year. It is traditionally a celebration of the harvest and other blessings of the past year. While celebrated all over the country, Americans generally believe that their Thanksgiving is modelled on the 1621 harvest feast shared by the English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the native Wampanoag people. So, there is no surprise that the home of the first ever Thanksgiving is a fantastic place to be in November. You can explore Plimoth Plantation, a living history museum where costumed actors depict how the early colonists lived in the year 1627. At the waterfront, you can go onboard the Mayflower II, a full-scale replica of the original Mayflower, and visit the Wampanoag Homesite, an outdoor living history exhibit of a 17th-century Native American settlement. Plus the weekend before Thanksgiving is Plymouth’s annual Thanksgiving celebration – three days of activities include a parade, concerts, waterfront activities, and a food festival focused on the best dishes of New England.

Las Vegas isn’t just famous for its casinos and nightlife, millions of tourists travel to the city to shop too! With flagship designer stores as well as bargain-filled outlets, Las Vegas is a world-class shopping destination sure to fulfil every shopaholic’s desire. In November especially, deals that can be found through the infamous Black Friday sales are astonishing. With all the shopping experiences that are on offer, it can be hard to find the time to see the city during the day! Fortunately Maverick Helicopters offer an award-winning night time flight of the entertainment capital of the world! Soar high above the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and witness iconic landmarks such as Bellagio, Caesars Palace and the Eiffel Tower.

December

For those that need to get into the festive spirit, we recommend a visit to the town of Natchitoches to take part in one of Louisiana’s longest-running Christmas traditions – the Natchitoches Christmas Festival, where the town transforms into a holiday wonderland with millions of coloured lights and set pieces. There are also some more unusual holiday traditions in the state, thanks to its Cajun heritage. The lighting of the bonfires along the Mississippi River on Christmas Eve dates back to the earliest settlers and are intended to light the way for “Papa Noël,” the Cajun Santa Claus.

If in New Orleans for the festive period, make sure you check out the Celebration in the Oaks where City Park is transformed into 25 acres of dazzling Christmas fun. The Park and gardens are loaded with hundreds of thousands of lights to create a drive-through winter wonderland in the Big Easy.

December is the perfect time of year to unbuckle your belt and overindulge in the food and drinks you love, many of which have come from the Tar Heel State. So many iconic brands such as Pepsi, Krispy Kreme doughnuts and Mt Olive pickles were concocted in North Carolina. In fact, if you hang around long enough, you can ring in the new year with the New Year’s Eve Pickle Drop in Mount Olive! However, it’s the food you can’t get in the UK that really makes a trip to North Carolina worthwhile. Across its diverse landscape you will find incredible food driven cities like Charlotte, Asheville and Raleigh all boasting their own range of award-winning restaurants, trendy food markets and famous chefs – you will be hard pushed to find a better culinary scene in the United States. During the holiday season, increasing numbers of street vendors appear offering everything from classic state BBQ to home-made sweet potato casserole, perfect for those chilly evenings!

For further inspiration, please visit our client’s websites or social media channels:

Discover New England: @NewEnglandVisit #VisitNE

Louisiana Office of Tourism: @LouisianaTravel #OnlyLouisiana

Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism: @VisitMA #VisitMA

Maverick Helicopters: @MaverickHelicopters #FlyMaverick

Tennessee Tourism: @TNVacation #MadeInTN

Visit North Carolina: @VisitNC #VisitNC

Ends

For media enquiries, more information, hi-res images or video, please contact:

Kirsty Dillury, PR and Communications Director: kirsty@ttmworld.co.uk

Anna Watt- Senior PR Manager: anna@ttmworld.co.uk

Alex Keelan – Communications Executive for Louisiana Office of Tourism, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, Maverick Helicopters, Visit North Carolina: alex@ttmworld.co.uk

David Venables – Communications Executive for Discover New England, Tennessee Tourism: david@ttmworld.co.uk

For any other enquiries, please visit www.ttmworld.co.uk, email ttmoffice@ttmworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)208 313 1717

The post A Year of Events Across TTM Clients appeared first on TTM World.

North Carolina

While travellers can’t be in the North Carolina this Halloween, it doesn’t mean they can’t get the thrills from the Tar Heel State! The North Carolina Museum of Life and Science will be hosting a ‘Ghouls Night In’ virtual fright night on October 30th to get us in the mood for Saturday night. This adult only event will feature a scavenger hunt, spooky trivia session as well as other games to see the night through. Admission is free and costumes are encouraged!

There is no doubt that when travel does resume, horror fanatics and thrill seekers will be returning to North Carolina. The state is scattered with reportedly haunted spots and some spooky tales to go with them.

In Kenansville, Duplin County, guests can dine with a ghost at the County Squire Restaurant, Inn & Winery. The spirit of original owner Joe West is rumoured to still hang around making sure everything runs the way he likes. After enjoying your meal in a cosy, vintage setting, watch where you walk near the dartboard – darts have been known to fly through the air on their own.

For those with a real nerves of steel, guests can stay in one of several haunted hotels located in the state such as The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill. Guests have reported sightings of a heavy-set man walking along the hallway and vanishing. The ghost is identified with Dr. William Jacocks, who lived in suite 252. There are reports of as many as 20 ghosts in residence at this historic inn.

Downtown indie boutique stay The Biltmore Hotel in Greensboro is also said to be haunted by two ghosts: that of a Cone Mills accountant whose body was found in the alley (he’s noisy), and that of a prostitute who was pushed down the stairs (the pink room is hers).

Fans of ghouls and ghosts will want to linger in Greensboro as the town is also home to The Carolina Theatre, where legend says the spirit of a woman who died in a blaze at the auditorium still roams the halls.

@VisitNC #VisitNC

Massachusetts 

Get the whole family involved for a Haunted Online Halloween Scavenger Hunt on Halloween night! Kids and adults team up to explore real places that are said to be haunted and learn the tales of the ghosts who linger there. Participants will meet their host on Zoom before following a trail of clues across eerie websites, in search of answers to tricky questions. Discover the home of Mark Twain and who might still linger there… and get ready to learn the chilling fate of the victims of the Salem Witch Trials!

While travelling to Massachusetts might not be possible this Halloween – do not fear! There are a number of spooky and frightening attractions that are open outside of Halloween, so you can reach them in 2021!

For example, Ghost Ship Harbor! Step aboard the USS Salem for a unique haunted experience on water rather than land. This museum turned fright fest immerses visitors in several chilling storylines—including “Contagion,” where those fleeing the mainland undergo extensive examinations before they enter the ship, and “Plague,” where chaos breaks loose once the disease spreads on the ship.

There are also the Edith Wharton Ghost Tours! It starts with the sounds—creaking floors and slamming doors, fading footsteps down empty halls—a feeling of being watched, tingling taps on the shoulders, spectral shapes crouched in corners or gathered in front of fireplaces long gone cold. Tricks of the imagination in an old house once inhabited by a skilled writer of ghost stories … or something else? Edith Wharton’s Ghost Tours are currently running virtually each week so why not get a taste?

For those who want to go that one step further and spend the night in a haunted house, Massachusetts has got you covered.

The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge has been a favourite of paranormal investigators and mediums, and the fourth floor, in particular, has seen the most activity. A “ghostly young girl carrying flowers” and “a man in a top hat” are two frequently seen images and guests have awoken to the feeling of someone standing over their bed, along with cold spots, unexplained knocks, and electrical disturbances. Guestroom 301 is a favourite haunted hot spot.

There is also the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem. The entire city of Salem is creepy, infamous for its 1692 Witch Trials, but this hotel has ghost stories of its own, mostly attributed to lost sea captains returning to their gathering place. Rooms 621 and 325 have had the most reports.

@VisitMA #VisitMA

Louisiana 

Louisiana has plenty of places where you can get your spook on – here are some ideas for haunted trips in 2021

In the capital city, Baton Rouge, pay a visit to Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, where Avoyelles Parish Legislator Pierre Couvillon suffered a heart attack after a spirited speech about corrupt politicians. Couvillon’s large footprints have been found on the Senate floor, and a rumpled bed in the exhibit hall could have been his resting spot for the night. While making rounds, a security guard felt a tap on his shoulder and heard sounds of something moving around in the dark. Others have seen the motion detectors going off (meaning someone was in the museum) when no one was there, and nothing was caught on security tapes.

Built in 1915, the Gothic Hanging Jail in DeRidder is believed to be haunted by the two men hanged for the slaying of their taxi cab driver – hence the nickname “The Hanging Jail.” The story goes – Joe Genna and Molton Brasseaux hired taxi driver Joe Brevelle, killed him, and dumped his body in the old Pickering Mill pond. The body was found, and the men were convicted and hanged from the third-floor gallows. The jail features a spiral staircase circling around a noose that hangs ominously, and underground tunnel that allowed prisoners to get to the courthouse next door.

The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville is said to be one of the most haunted houses in the country. It all began when Chloe, a slave punished for eavesdropping on the family, found vengeance by baking a poisoned birthday cake. Within hours, three of the main family members were dead. Chloe’s ghost is still reported to haunt the premises. Subsequent owners suffered tragic deaths and murders in the years that followed. The ghosts of these former residents, as well as others passing through, have been documented in photos, featured in TV shows and witnessed by residents and tourists alike. Those brave enough can stay overnight.

New Orleans is widely regarded as America’s most haunted city with numerous reported paranormal sightings and encounters. Perhaps some of these will have you itching to make a ghoulish trip of your own in 2021.

While there has been many a story or sighting of the spiritual world, few have captured peoples’ imagination like Marie Laveau. Famous for being a Voodoo Priestess, Marie Laveau’s story is shrouded in mystery. Madame Laveau wielded tremendous power in her community and rumours of her magical abilities were so persistent that visitors still visit her grave to leave tokens in exchange for small requests. Visitors can find the tomb of Marie Laveau at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Laveau is one of the many famous residents buried in—and said to haunt—New Orleans’ oldest cemetery. Built in 1789 and situated close behind the French Quarter, the cemetery spans only a block but supposedly houses 100,000 of the city’s dead, many of whom are thought to still walk the cemetery’s grounds.

New Orleans is probably home to more haunted Hotels than any other city in America. The Dauphine Orleans Hotel, for example, has many tales of twisted fates. One of these is the Lost Bride ghost, believed to be the spirit of a young woman, Millie, who was working in May’s Place as a courtesan. She met a young Confederate soldier and they fell in love and were set to be married. She became obsessed with the wedding and perfecting her wedding gown. The morning of the wedding ceremony, her groom was shot in a gambling dispute. Millie was told of the news on the way to alter and never recovered from the grief. According to accounts, Millie took to wearing the wedding gown around May’s Place and even after her death many years later, Millie still roams the Dauphine hopelessly waiting for her fiancé.

The Hotel Monteleone holds four generations worth of history and there is one tale this family knows well; stories of ghosts wandering the Hotel Monteleone’s halls.  Over the years, Monteleone guests have reported the ghostly visions of former employees still tending to their duties to children playing in the halls. Guests report the 14th floor of the Hotel offers a chance to spot the ghost of the mischievous young boy, rumoured to be Maurice. His parents, Josephine and Jacques Begere, were at the famous French Opera House on Bourbon Street, when a carriage accident left the father dead. Maurice’s mother died of a broken heart shortly after. It’s said Maurice’s ghost still roams the halls searching for his deceased parents.

@LouisianaTravel #FeedYourSoul

Tennessee

Nashville is hosting a raft of virtual Halloween activities this autumn, to enable people to enjoy the festivities from the comfort and safety from their own home. From a virtual El Dia Del Los Muertos party, to a Virtual Haunted Museum experience from the Tennessee State Museum, there is lots to keep people entertained this October.

https://www.tnvacation.com/events/nashville-virtual-el-dia-de-los-muertos

https://tnmuseum.org/VirtualHauntedMuseum

https://nashvilleghosts.com/ghostflix/

Across Tennessee there are plenty of haunted experiences and ghostly hotels to include in future Halloween holiday plans.

Located in Adams, Tennessee, the Bell Witch Cave will satisfy fans of the paranormal and macabre. The witch, who once identified herself as Kate Batts, an old neighbour who claimed to have been swindled by John Bell and vowed on her deathbed to haunt him and his descendants, was known to be violent toward the Bell family: beating the members, throwing things and leaving rooms in ruin. Once John Bell died and daughter, Betsy broke off her engagement under the instruction of the witch, the ghost left them in peace for seven years. She returned for a while and then vowed to return in 107 years. It is said she returned in 1935, and now inhabits the cave. Throughout October, the Bell Witch Fall Festival has storytellers and performers come to regale the legend along with other historic stories and plays.

Book a night or two at the Thomas House Hotel for Ghost Hunt Weekends in Red Boiling Springs. The hotel, built in 1890, has been named No. 2 on CNN’s Most Haunted Spots in America and was witness to deaths, numerous murders, accidents, a home for a cult, and three fires. It also sits on an underground spring and limestone and on an ancient Native American trail. Because of this, the Thomas House Hotel is rumoured to be home to disembodied voices, moving beds and dark figures.

Explore the haunted side of history during the Hermitage Ghost Tours. After dark, embark on a distinctly spooky voyage at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage while exploring the mansion, grounds, and cemetery by lantern light. Along the way, guides present stories of strange encounters such as the ghosts of the Battle of New Orleans and Jackson’s infamous meeting with Tennessee’s Bell Witch.

Be part of a paranormal investigative team, Whispers from the Past, conducting research to decide if this historic home is haunted. Nathaniel Cheairs, a major in the Confederate army, built the aptly named Rippavilla in 1853. Many say the history that followed still haunts the grounds. The property served as a field hospital during the Civil War. Staff and guests report feeling cold spots, hearing children laughing, and boots pound the wooden floors, and smell the spirits of the past, from rosewater perfume to pipe tobacco.

@tnvacation #MadeInTN

New England

The five New England States offer plenty of spooky tales and haunted experiences, starting off with some new virtual experiences for the fearless to join this year….

Salem Haunted Happenings  Synonymous with the Witch Trials of the 1690’s, Salem has always faithfully observed the Halloween holiday with fun and frights for all the family. 2020 is no different, despite the current global climate, with events scheduled throughout October that are both in person for locals and virtual, for us in the UK. Highlights include the Halloween in Salem Virtual House tours, the Virtual Haunted Happenings Market, and of course the Halloween at Home Costume Contest!

Witching Wednesdays by Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours (Oct. 21, Nov. 25, Dec. 30): Monthly virtual segment on Facebook live on all things MAGIC; healing, tonics/potions, cooking, herbs, divination, spells and more.

The Connecticut Witch Trials, hosted by Seymour Public Library (Oct. 6): Attend this virtual Zoom event to learn the history about Connecticut’s infamous Witch Trials, which predates Salem, Mass. by nearly 45 years.

Haunting at Mill Hill 2020 (Oct. 22 – Nov. 8): Norwalk Historical Society’s popular graveyard tour is going virtual this year with spine-tingling, true ghost stories. More details coming soon…

Penobscot Theatre’s Ghost Hunting, Bangor, Maine: Tour the specter-laden Bangor Opera House bringing to light the spirits and history of this historic building in Bangor, Maine. Destructive fires, tens of thousands of visitors, and years of sitting deserted made the home of Penobscot Theatre Company the perfect “haunt” for wary spirits eager to find their home. Learn the history of this fascinating building, go places that most of the public never gets to, and watch for the presence of an apparition or two in the shadows. Purchase a “ticket” for a unique link that grants you admission to a one-time only performance using Zoom and other technology.

Annual Halloween silent film event from Merrill Auditorium, Portland, Maine.  Municipal Organist James Kennerley brings life, intrigue and brilliant musical accompaniment to this American classic starring Lon Chaney. One of only two municipal organs in the U.S., the Kotzschmar is a marvel of sound and architecture. The organ has five keyboards, one pedal board, 305 keys, and more than 7,101 pipes. Its windchest is large enough for approximately 50 people to fit inside even when the organ is being played. The Kotzschmar’s main organ chamber is big enough to hold about six tractor-trailers.

Ready to plan your Halloween trip to New England in 2021, here’s some of the most haunted places to stay or visit for a spookiest road trip.

Captain Grant’s 1754, Poquetanuck: An authentic colonial home built by Captain William Grant who died at sea. The home is located in the heart of New London County and was converted into a historic inn in 1994. The owner claims there has been many signs of spirits over the years. The inn has been featured on several paranormal TV. Presently, many visitors stay at the historic inn in hopes of having their own spooky experiences. Each room has bedside journals where ghost stories are written and passed along between guests. The “Adelaide” room is considered the most haunted room in the house and sits a few feet away from a 400-year-old cemetery.

Captain Daniel Packer Inne, Mystic: Sea-faring captain Daniel Packer purchased the inn in 1754. The property served as a place to stay for travellers between Boston and New York. Over the years, guests and staff members have reported paranormal activity that has been attributed to a 7-year-old girl named Ada Clift, who lived and died in the inn in the 19th century. The inn is also a stop on Mystic’s popular guided Downtown Ghost Stroll hosted by Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours.

The Mark Twain House, Hartford: Featured on the Syfy Channel’s Ghost Hunters and the Biography Channel’s My Ghost Story, the Mark Twain House — home of the famous American writer — is thought to be haunted by a “lady in white.” Throughout fall, visitors can see for themselves during Graveyard Shift Ghost Tours. Filled with haunted history, dark tales and Victorian traditions surrounding séances and spiritualism, these evening tours are as educational as they are goosebump-inducing.

The Omni Mount Washington Hotel in New Hampshire is set in a stunning and remote location, perfect to enjoy the end of the Fall season. The lobby, Madison Room and room 206 are all said to be haunted. The lobby is said to be haunted by a little girl, babies are heard crying in the Madison room and a malevolent lady is believed to haunt room 206.

It can be Halloween all year round with a stay in the ‘Haunted Castle’ at Adventure Suites in North Conway.  Adventure Suites is a one-of-a-kind property where themed suites are combined with many add-on experiences to make each stay an adventure.  The haunted castle suite can sleep up to 18 people and features includes a gangway bar overlooking the living area, 5 person, second story outdoor (covered) hot tub, a draw bridge leading to the 3 bedrooms (including the 3 tier Dormatorium), castle architecture and a guaranteed haunting sensation.

Rhode Island offers many haunted tales; Newport is famous for miles of enchanting coastline, awe-inspiring Gilded Age architecture, and a few skeletons in its closet.   The oldest, and supposedly most haunted tavern in America, White Horse Tavern opened in 1673 at which point it served as a courthouse; a meeting place for Colonists, British soldiers, pirates, sailors and founding fathers; and lastly, a private residence. According to legend, and some eye-witness tavern employees, several ghosts still occupy the tavern, with accounts of being tapped on the shoulder and footsteps overheard from nearby empty rooms reported often. Spirits are said to include an elderly man in Colonial garb, a seamen who previously died on the premises, and a female reported floating above one of the dining tables.

@NewEnglandVisit #VisitNE

Ends

For media enquiries, more information, hi-res images or video, please contact:

Kirsty Dillury, PR and Communications Director: kirsty@ttmworld.co.uk

Anna Watt- Senior PR Manager: anna@ttmworld.co.uk

Alex Keelan – Communications Executive for Louisiana Office of Tourism, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, Maverick Helicopters, Visit North Carolina: alex@ttmworld.co.uk

David Venables – Communications Executive for Discover New England, Tennessee Tourism: david@ttmworld.co.uk

For any other enquiries, please visit www.ttmworld.co.uk, email ttmoffice@ttmworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)208 313 1717

The post Spooky Encounters for Halloween appeared first on TTM World.

New Hampshire

Saddleback Mountain Ski Resort comes out of a 5-year hibernation

Boston-based Arctaris Impact Fund, which recently purchased Saddleback Mountain, announced earlier this month they have purchased a high-speed detachable quad chairlift for the coming season. The new lift will replace the aging Rangeley double chair that had been the main lift of the mountain for 57 years.

The new Rangeley high speed quad will reduce the ride time from about 11 minutes to about 4 and move 2,400 people up the mountain per hour; up from the current rate of 750. The impact will be that our Saddleback guests will spend a lot less time on a lift and a lot more time skiing or riding. The new lift will also set a new standard of excellence at the resort and transform the uphill experience for Saddleback guests.

Located in the beautiful High Peaks and Lakes district of western Maine, Saddleback Mountain was founded in 1960 and has grown its reputation for exceptional snow, some of the best skiing terrain in the East and a friendly, laid- back culture. At 4,120 feet of elevation and 2,000 feet of vertical, Saddleback is Maine’s third biggest mountain, and its base elevation of 2,100 feet is Maine’s highest. Just below the mountain is the iconic village of Rangeley, which is the gateway to Rangeley Lake, Mooselookmeguntic and Richardson Lakes.

March is Maple Month in Massachusetts

Try Maple-sugaring in March, when the days bring more sun, the nights are crisp, and sap is collected for a favourite sweet treat. All across Massachusetts, maple sugar trees are being tapped and sap is turned into maple syrup.

Take a tour of a local sugarhouse and watch the transformation from sap to syrup. Many local attractions and maple sugarhouses host maple days and maple breakfasts all season.

Hardwick Sugar Shack has open houses every Sunday in March from 11am-4pm. Visitors can follow the process of making maple syrup from tree to tasting. Enjoy free samples of the finished products while you sip on their hot apple cider and visit the farm animals.

Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum focused on the 1830’s and early New England living, is hosting maple days every weekend in March. Visitors can see how sugaring has evolved with time. History and foodie buffs alike can enjoy looking at the different sugaring equipment and tapping techniques of 19th century New England.

New Hampshire offers snowy experiences for those who don’t ski with the Mt Washington Snowcoach and Muddy Paw Dog Sledding.

The 9 passenger Mt. Washington SnowCoach, powered by a 4-track, all-wheel-powered drive-train, transports guests approximately 4,200 feet up to tree line on Mt. Washington. Anyone can enjoy this unique adventure daily from 8:30am to 3:30pm depending on weather and snow conditions.

Experience the landscape of the White Mountains off the beaten path this winter with a dog sledding tour. Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel has over 100 sled dogs, many rescue and second chance sled dogs, to take visitors age 2 and up on two to three hour tours in Jefferson, NH.

@NewEnglandVisit #VisitNE

North Carolina

The iconic Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina provide winter outdoor fun for the whole family with an abundance of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing, to name just a few. At Beech Mountain, visitors can hit the slopes at the highest ski area in Eastern America. Then enjoy the warmth and cold brews at Beech Mountain Brewing Company — one of the only craft breweries operated by a ski resort – it is America’s biggest craft beer state after all!

Along with great ski slopes, waterfalls in the North Carolina mountains give the state picturesque winter scenes. Visit on a chilly winter day to experience a magical, sometimes frozen, cascading scene. Head to Transylvania County for dozens of these stunning waterfalls such as Rainbow Falls. Its name comes from the constant mist that rises from the cascading water and sends rainbows vaulting toward the summer sun. During winter, the spray congeals on everything it touches, turning the trail icy and perilous.

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, America’s largest home, is stunning all year round. However, add a blanket of snow and a million twinkling lights and it’s picture perfect. After touring the incredible Biltmore House, warm up in Antler Village with a tasting at the estate winery – very nice in the colder months!

@VisitNC #VisitNC

West Virginia

A multi-day stay at one of West Virginia’s great high-country ski resorts is probably the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the Mountain State and great wintertime breaks offering some of the finest snow and slopes in the USA

Snowshoe Mountain is the biggest resort with the most diverse lodging options, from hotels to luxury slopeside chalets. Canaan Valley Resort State Park is adjacent to some of West Virginia’s wildest backcountry and is a bit smaller and more laid-back than Snowshoe. There’s also Winterplace, southern West Virginia’s foremost ski resort. Slopes stay open at night, including the 20-lane snow tubing park!

Berkeley Springs is also a great destination for a winter getaway. Billed as “America’s First Spa,” this hot springs resort was visited by luminaries like George Washington. Soak away the winter cold in the 102-degree Roman Baths or jacuzzi; both are fed by natural mineral water. The park also has a steamy sauna. Berkeley Springs also boasts quality restaurants and your choice of B&Bs, cabins, and hotels. The dignified historical feeling of the town is especially profound in the winter.

@wvtourism #AlmostHeaven

Tennessee

Gatlinburg, in the heart of the Smoky Mountains hosts many festivities over the holiday season. Winterfest, Festival of Trees, Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales, the Great Smoky Christmas Arts & Crafts Show, the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, and the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks are just some of the various activities that are on offer in the picturesque town. Visit  https://www.gatlinburg.com/to-do/events/winter/ for more information.

New to Pigeon Forge in 2020 is Santa’s Haus at The Incredible Christmas Place, the south’s largest Christmas store, where it’s Christmas 365 days a year. The 2,000-square-foot attraction features cookie decorating, story time with Santa, milk and cookies, ornament making, the Elf Academy, a place to write letters to Santa and a photo opportunity with the jolly old elf. Foe more on winter in Pigeon Forge visit: https://www.mypigeonforge.com/planning/winter/

Stroll around downtown Knoxville along the Peppermint Trail, to enjoy trees, windows, doors, and patios dripping in lights and dipped in peppermint. More than 100,000 lights and garlands throughout downtown create a Winter Wonderland and restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, bars and boutiques feature peppermint specials. 

Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas gets visitors in the mood for the holiday season. Marvel at more than 3 million holiday lights and almost 10,000 acres of magnificent decorations, plus spectacular holiday activities and events that are sure to get visitors in the spirit of the season and create lasting family memories. Experience ICE! a self-guided walk through experience, which has over 2 million pounds of ice, comprising of ice sculptures and four two-story tall ice slides. The entire attraction is kept at around -13°c to ensure everything stays crisp and solid.

@tnvacation #MadeInTN

Louisiana and New Orleans

The milder winter climate in Louisiana means the is still plenty going on outdoors no need for too many layers. Camping or an RV Roadtrip is a classic winter activity in Bayou state. It is just cold enough to enjoy a nice campfire, but not too cold to be out hiking and exploring.

From the holiday trail of lights and fireworks over the water, the Louisiana winter season is filled with a unique charm complete with Cajun Christmas and traditions like bonfires on the levee. Louisiana’s premiere holiday event in the City of Lights, Natchitoches, celebrates its 94th year! Enjoy live musical entertainment, arts and crafts, and fireworks each Saturday. Over 300,000 Christmas lights and 100+ illuminated set pieces along the scenic Cane River Lake and Historic Downtown Landmark District.

There are many traditions dating back to the earliest Cajun settlers of the regions of southern Louisiana to the west and north of New Orleans. One of them is the lighting of the bonfires along the Mississippi River on Christmas Eve.

These bonfires, erected on the river levees by the keepers of this old tradition, are intended to light the way for “Papa Noël,” the Cajun Santa Claus, on his airborne journey to the area.

The earliest bonfires on the levees were relatively simple in design and assembly, with long logs arranged into a pyramid-shaped cone, some as high as twenty feet. Shorter horizontal logs holding the structure in place gave it a ladder-like appearance. Most of today’s bonfires still incorporate that design, but more imaginative creations have since evolved.

@LouisianaTravel    #FeedYourSoul                                        @VisitNewOrleans   #OneTimeInNOLA

Visit Massachusetts 

Mix adventure with stunning scenery and for a winning, adrenaline filled trip to Massachusetts.  Moonlight is the guide on the Trustees’ Full Moon Brew Tour:  Moonlight Ski & Snowshoe through Notchview’s trails, followed by a beer, wine and cheese tasting.

Try your hand at Nordic skiing and snowshoeing at Hilltop Orchards, finished off with warm apple cider.  Take it down a notch with an easy hike through Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in scenic Easthampton.

@VisitMA #VisitMA

Alula

In October 2020, AlUa, an open-air museum in the North West of Saudi Arabia, which includes Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, will officially re-open and welcome visitors.

For the first time, AlUla’s landmarks of unprecedented historical and cultural significance and its 250,000 years of human legacy are going to be accessible to visitors year round.

With a focus firmly on conservation and responsible tourism, since 2017 RCU has been transforming AlUla into a culture and heritage destination.

The four key heritage sites that visitors will now be able to access are, Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008; Dadan, probably one of the most developed 1st millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula; Jabal Ikmah, often referred to as the ‘open-air Library’, offering insights to ancient beliefs, rituals and practices of every-day life; and Old Town, the ancient walled city of AlUla which has been at the crossroad of civilisations from the twelfth century CE.

AlUla’s immersive experiences will however extend beyond the heritage sites.  Walks, treks and trails will be available both guided by the local Rawi (Arabic storyteller) or self-guided for visitors who want to delve deeper into the stories and customs of the region.

There will be immersive, light-touch experiences that harness the power and silence of the landscapes, experiences like guided stargazing in a desert night sky that has inspired science, religion, philosophy, art and literature for millennia.

@experiencealula

Ends

For media enquiries, more information, images or video, please contact:

Kirsty Dillury, PR and Communications Director for Discover New England and Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism: kirsty@ttmworld.co.uk

Anna Watt, PR Manager for AlUla: anna@ttmworld.co.uk

Alex Keelan – Communications Executive for Louisiana Office of Tourism, Maverick Helicopters, New Orleans and Company, Visit North Carolina – alex@ttmworld.co.uk

David Venables – Communications Executive for Tennessee Tourism, West Virginia Tourism Office – david@ttmworld.co.uk

For any other enquiries, please visit www.ttmworld.co.uk, email ttmoffice@ttmworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)208 313 1717

The post Winter Holiday Ideas From TTM appeared first on TTM World.

Above all though, it is the intimate experience of watching the world unfold, sneaking a peak at a constantly changing panorama and viewing a destination from a new perspective that ensures the long lasting popularity of train travel and a love of train experiences and museums.

Below are some of the best ways to experience the destinations that we represent by train, and some of the great historical sites connected with train travel of the past.

Day Trips for Train Lovers Across New England

In New Hampshire, the more than 150-year-old Mount Washington Cog Railway is the world’s oldest mountain-climbing railroad. Expect fantastic views as the engine huffs and puffs up a 3-mile-long trestle on North America’s steepest railroad tracks to Mount Washington’s 6,288-foot summit — the tallest mountain in the northeastern U.S.

In Connecticut, the 2½-hour journey aboard the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat combines a train ride with a boat trip on the Connecticut River, starting and finishing at the historic 1892 Essex Station.

Dining on an antique train is like something out of an Agatha Christie novel. In Rhode Island, the Grand Bellevue Dinner Train recreates the Golden Age of Rail on a journey along scenic Narragansett Bay. In Massachusetts, the Cape Cod Central Railroad offers lunches, brunches and elegant dress-up dinners on a run from Hyannis to the village of Buzzards Bay, through Sandwich, the oldest town on the Cape, and crossing the Cape Cod Canal railroad bridge

For Real Train Enthusiasts, In Maine, check out the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Company & Museum in Portland; the Boothbay Railway Village; and the Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad, a two-foot gauge railroad that dates back to 1879. In Kennebunk, visit the Seashore Trolley Museum, the largest and oldest museum of mass transit.

@NewEnglandVisit #VisitNE

Explore by Rail in Massachusetts

Amtrak is an easy way to include Massachusetts in an East Coast USA holiday.  Convenient Amtrak service, featuring high-speed Acela Express and the Northeast Regional train from Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia; New York; and New Haven, Connecticut, provide a fast ride with wide, comfortable seats and all the charm of scenic New England just outside your window.

The Downeaster departs from North Station in Boston and makes several stops in southern New Hampshire and southern Maine on its way to Portland and Freeport.

The Vermonter services major metropolitan areas, including Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City, to Connecticut, Massachusetts, and into northern Vermont.

In Boston, The T runs daily service on buses, boats, trains and trolleys throughout Boston and surrounding towns. Stations can be identified by a black T on a white circular sign:

Purchase fares on a CharlieTicket with cash, debit or credit card at fare-vending machines in any station or aboveground trolley stop.  It costs $2.25 to ride the subway, trolley, or Silver Line 1-3 and $1.70 to ride the bus with a CharlieCard. More information on public transport in Massachusetts: https://www.massvacation.com/navigate/transportation/

@VisitMA #VisitMA

Stay in the Chattanooga Choo Choo

The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel is a destination experience and beacon of history located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The Terminal Station was saved from the wrecking ball by a group of local businessmen who were inspired by the theme of the “Chattanooga Choo Choo.” With its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, the Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic Hotel is considered one of the city’s first historic preservation projects. The Choo Choo is still going strong, providing travellers with beautiful and comfortable accommodations in unique Pullman Train Cars and traditional hotel rooms.

Visitors to Chattanooga can ride the world’s steepest passenger railway up historic Lookout Mountain.  The Incline Railway is a funicular railway system over a hundred years old.  It’s powered by two 100 horsepower winches developed by the Otis Elevator Company. The Incline Railway approximately one-mile long single-track system, except for the passing loop in the middle, allowing both counter-balanced trains to operate at one time.  The Incline’s trolley-style cars climb through the natural beauty surrounding historic Lookout Mountain at a breathtaking 72.7% grade.

@tnvacation #MadeInTN

Streetcars and Riverboats in Louisiana

Streetcars are a charming and convenient way to experience the many areas of New Orleans. Four distinct lines, each originating Downtown, fan out through the French Quarter and beyond to places you might not otherwise get to see. A one way fare is $1.25 and one, three day unlimited ride “Jazzy Passes” are also available for $3 and $9 respectively.

The Saint Charles Streetcar Line has rumbled down the ”neutral ground” or middle of St. Charles and Carrollton avenues for more than 150 years making it the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world.   Vintage streetcars built by Perley A. Thomas Company still run along a 6-mile crescent from Carondelet at Canal Street in the Central Business District through the oldest and most majestic section of Uptown New Orleans, around the Riverbend to Carrollton at Claiborne Avenue. https://www.neworleans.com/plan/transportation/streetcars/

As iconic as the streetcars, the riverboats and paddle wheelers roll down the river in Louisiana, watching city skylines and natural areas slowly pass by from the comfort of your seat. Paddle wheelers and riverboats offer a nostalgic way to explore the area – and one that’s gaining popularity among a new wave of travellers looking to experience a slice of America’s past, when riverboats regularly plied the water carrying both passengers and freight. Today’s Louisiana riverboats are all about fun and exploration, but exactly how you choose to cruise is up to you. At ports of call in New Orleans and other Louisiana river towns, you can hop aboard to see the sights, dine and dance, learn and love, get a taste of river life, roll the dice or just … relax. Most Louisiana riverboats host a variety of tours featuring different themes and destinations. For a full round up visit: https://www.louisianatravel.com/articles/guide-louisiana-paddle-wheeler-riverboat-cruises

@LouisianaTravel #FeedYourSoul                                           @VisitNewOrleans #OneTimeInNOLA

A train ride through the mountains in North Carolina

With 53 miles of track, two tunnels and 25 bridges, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will take you on a memorable journey through a remote and beautiful corner of North Carolina. Ride into river gorges, across valleys and through tunnels carved out of mountains.  The Railroad offers a variety of scenic, round-trip excursions departing from Bryson City. Trips range from 3 ½ hours to a full day of adventure.

The Nantahala Gorge Excursion carries you 44 miles to the Nantahala Gorge and back again. Travel the Little Tennessee and Nantahala Rivers across Fontana Lake and into the magic of the Nantahala Gorge.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad take a journey through the Carolina Mountains which border the entire western edge of North Carolina, comprising some 52 percent of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The region also includes the southern crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pisgah, Cherokee, and Nantahala National Forests.

@VisitNC #VisitNC

Explore breathtaking scenery by rail

Explore West Virginia in a whole new way during a scenic train ride! Sit back and relax while taking in some of the most beautiful views from across the state all from the comfort of your seat.

The Potomac Eagle Scenic Excursion Train is best known as the bald eagle train, and with good reason: The train travels through a nesting area for the American bald eagle, and passengers on nearly every trip report numerous eagle sightings.

The steam engines of Cass Scenic Railroad State Park once hauled lumber off the mountain to the mill in Cass. Those days are long gone, but the antique Shay locomotives remain, this time hauling passengers up Cheat Mountain to the 4,842-foot high overlook at Bald Knob, where on a clear day you can see into two states. The 4.5-hour round trip also includes a stop at the old Whittaker Station logging camp.

The Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad offers several rides, including dinner trains and holiday-themed trips. For some jaw-dropping scenery, board the vintage New Tygart Flyer, which departs from Elkins and climbs through unspoilt mountain wilderness along the cascading waters of Shavers Fork. The 46 miles ride features mountain grades, an S-curve tunnel and a high bridge crossing. https://wvtourism.com/turn-your-scenic-train-trip-into-a-weekend-excursion/

@wvtourism #AlmostHeaven

The Hijaz Railway in AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Located within the Wadi AlQura, a famed and important valley since ancient times, AlUla has long been a place of journey, travel and exploration.

Routes of pilgrimage crossed the landscape of AlUla, as in its ancient past. As well as the Syrian and Egyptian routes, AlUla hosted part of the Aylah passage that connected Madinah to Aqaba in Jordan. Great importance was placed on these journey ways, and they were well maintained for pilgrims with forts, watchtowers and water sources.

Later, the Hijaz Railway followed the same routes and greatly improved the speed and safety of travel. Today, both the Syrian Hajj Road and Hijaz Railway are on the UNESCO Tentative List for World Heritage.

Railway construction began in 1900, reaching Madinah in 1908 and opening in Damascus in 1913. As a result of World War I, the railway’s full 1,300 planned kilometres were never completed.

The Hijaz Railway Station is near Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors will be able to visit the station’s museum to marvel at one of the railway’s impressive locomotives, when the destination opens for tourism in late 2020.

@experiencealula

Ends

For media enquiries, more information, images or video, please contact:

Kirsty Dillury, PR and Communications Director for Discover New England and Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism: kirsty@ttmworld.co.uk

Anna Watt, PR Manager for AlUla: anna@ttmworld.co.uk

Alex Keelan – Communications Executive for Louisiana Office of Tourism, Maverick Helicopters, New Orleans and Company, Visit North Carolina – alex@ttmworld.co.uk

David Venables – Communications Executive for Tennessee Tourism, West Virginia Tourism Office – david@ttmworld.co.uk

For any other enquiries, please visit www.ttmworld.co.uk, email ttmsupport@ttmworld.co.uk or call +44 (0)208 313 1717

The post Great Train Experiences to plan for 2021 appeared first on TTM World.