The great state of Texas has a lot to offer. From historical sites to arguably the best barbecue joints, Texas is a must visit place whenever you visit the USA or if you plan on having a road trip with friends and family. Texas has a lot more to offer especially for those who would want to visit offbeat, off the grid, wacky and unique attractions. That’s why here’s a shortlist of must visit wacky and outrageous Texas attractions.
Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame
Relive those old western films in this homage to the “Wild Wild West”. From viewings on collector pieces to interactive cowboy exhibits the Cowboy Hall of Fame has everything for anyone who wants to be like John Wayne.
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
Stonehenge II and Easter Island heads
A replica monument for those who can’t go to the real thing. This scale replica stands in an empty field which is perfect for a side stop during a road trip.
Photo credit: Flickr Andrew NoursePhoto credit: Flickr Corey Taratuta
Sparky Park
Another place for eccentric art, this abandoned electric sub-station is now the home of various eccentric pieces of art made from the very same pieces of the station. It’s a quirky place to bring family especially the kids.
Photo credit: Flickr lee leblanc
Barney Smith’s Toilet Art Museum
I know not the most appealing art museum to visit but then again art is free expression. This is precisely what retired plumber Barney Smith did to express himself through art on toilet lids. Believe us it’s worth it to drop by and enjoy the art work while chit-chatting with the artist himself.
Photo credit: Flickr juliegomoll
Starship Pegasus
What better way to cap off a roadtrip than to have a photo op with an intergalactic vessel. This former eatery and entertainment center is perfect for those random stops during a long road trip.
One of the best souvenirs that you may bring home from your trip to the Philippines are clothes that are locally woven and made. By bringing these home, you carry the Filipino Heritage with you. Here are some of the fabrics that you might want to check when you are in the Pearl of the Orient.
Ifugao Tapis
The tapis is usually a piece of cloth that is wrapped around one’s body as clothing. The “Alampay” of the North is a kind of handwoven fabric that is used to wrap one’s waist.
Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons
T’boli T’nalak
This fabric from the T’Boli tribe in the southern part of the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao, is a rare product, since the weavers aren’t as numerous as before.
Jusi and Pina
These two are both from the pineapple plant, and are traditionally used to make Barong Tagalogs, or the Philippine National Costume for Males.
Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons
Abaca
The Abaca is one kind of Filipino Fabric that has been known worldwide for the longest time. Strong and strudy, this expensive fabric is usually made into slippers and ropes.
Photo credit: Flickr Ronald Tagra
Abel Iloco
Made from “sagut” or a locally grown cotton fabric, this kind is also found in the northern part of the country. This handmade fabric may be made into garments, bags, and others.
Being the largest music industrial market, the U.S. is the most chosen place to host numerous music festivals every year. Some of the music festivals become annual events because of their extreme popularity around the world. Whether you like rock, country, R&B, hip-hop or electronic, you can always find the one you want to attend from the following list of the most famous U.S. music festivals with all themes.
Bonnaroo
Bonnaroo Music Festivalwas founded by Superfly and AC Entertainment which has been held on a farm in Tennessee every summer lasting 4 days. With jazz rock and folk rock as its base, it has gradually become a diverse music festival. Arctic Monkeys、Elton John、Nine Inch Nails、Paul McCartney、The White Stripes、Metallica、Red Hot Chili Peppers, these familiar names are driving nearly 100 thousand audience to Bonnaroo every year. After experiencing the hot wave of music, you can go to art booths, food stands, the movie tent or the ferris wheel to clear your mind.
CMA Music Festival
Jason Aldean performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 9 at the 2016 CMA Music Festival in downtown Nashville.
Organized by the Country Music Association,CMA Music Festivalis held in Nashville, Tennessee every year. Besides all the fascinating mini concerts, this four-day music festival includes autograph session, meet-and-greet sessions and gatherings of fan clubs. With over 400 musicians attending CMA each year, music lovers from all countries catch the festival to take a close encounter with their favorite musicians.
Coachella
Coachella Festival is an annual music event hosted in Indio, California lasting 2 to 3 days. As the largest local music festival, Coachella never fails to assemble an amazing lineup. AC/DC and Drake were invited last year. Several stages take turn to host visual and aural feasts, taking audience to the heaven of music. Besides live music, art is another feature of Coachella Festival. Local and international artists are eager to participate and showcase their works in one of the most popular worldwide event. What’s worth mentioning is Coachella uses a different activity to promote environmental friendly initiatives.
Ozzfest
Centering on heavy metal and hard rock, Ozzfest has a U.S. tour every year. Marilyn Manson, Disturbed and Slipknot are the frequent guests of Ozzfest. Creator of Ozzfest, Ozzy Osburne, has performed at Ozzfest with his wife and son ten times. Since heavy metal and hard rock are the visual pioneer of music industry, Ozzfest no doubt brings massive aural and visual impact. When your soul stirs with the music, you will have the profound feeling of “rock never dies”.
Sasquatch!
Sasquatch! Music Festival takes place on the Memorial Day weekend in Washington, lasting three to four days. Even though Sasquatch! has a focus on indie rock, it covers a wide range of music genres. Because of the high demand on tickets in 2014, the organizer made an exception and extended the event to two weeks. You can choose to camp near the venue to make the most of the festival.
Warped Tour
Warped Tour has toured the U.S. every summer since 1995. It’s a rock music festival with the largest scale and longest history in North America. Rock is Warped Tour’s forever theme. Other music elements have been added gradually. Here is a fun fact about Warped Tour. Each year, there is a designated “BBQ Band” who cooks for other bands and crew in order to have the chance to perform at Warped Tour. Warped Tour rapidly became a hot issue since the first tour. Its fire has spread to Australia, Japan, Europe and other places. Warped Tour will perform in 41 cities in North America with big names like Mayday Parade, New Found Glory, Sum 41 and Yellowcard in the lineup. Rock kids must not miss out!
With a distinct cultural characteristic, New Zealand has a lot to offer to travelers and adventurers who want to have a different experience when it comes to travel. New Zealand is teeming with wildlife and nature that it’s hard not to fall in love with the place. To get you started here is a short list of must try places to visit when you come to New Zealand.
Abel Tasman National Park
A nature lover’s paradise, this national park offers a memorable hike for those who enjoy a good trek. Placed against a backdrop of beautiful scenery, visitors can also enjoy opportunities to skin dive and see various wildlife. Best when visited with family.
Photo credit: Flickr- Andrea Schaffer
The Coromandel Peninsula
In line with the picturesque nature scenery of the Abel Tasman National Park, Coromandel features scenic beaches as well as forestry that is sure to excite any nature lover as well as casual tourists.
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
Queenstown
Queenstown offers various activities that will keep anyone busy for a day or two. From white water rafting to other water sports to enjoying the scenery of the lake and mountain sides, Queenstown will be your go to place whenever you visit New Zealand.
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
Milford Sound (Fiordland National Park)
A beauty to behold, Fiordland National Park offers a variety of awe-inspiring scenery from rain forests to coastal views. Tourists are more than encouraged to visit the Fiords to fully enjoy what New Zealand has to offer.
Photo credit: Flickr- Brian Powers
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park has so many things to offer in terms of experiences as well as scenery. From breathtaking volcanoes to scenic lakes and plateaus, Tongariro represents the raw beauty of what New Zealand has to offer.
It’s easy to think of a perfect European getaway. You can go backpacking and enjoy the immersive culture of the country side, if not you can visit cultural heritage sites as well as museums but for a more adventurous getaway why not spend your weekend paragliding to enjoy the scenery and vastness that Europe has to offer.
Chamonix, France
Paragliding in Chamonix offers a spectacular view of the French alps as well as Mont Blanc. An added perk to this paragliding tour is that the conditions in the area is perfectly suited for beginners who would want to enjoy the view of the alps and valley.
Photo Credit: Flickr- fo.ol
Kobala, Slovenia
The Julian Alps is an all year round attraction that offers a breathtaking view of the mountainous regions of Slovenia as well as the valleys around it. The weather and wind conditions are perfect for a smooth glide across the alps that offer a front row seat to view the majestic scenery.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons TamaMer at Slovenian Wikipedia GFDL (httpwww.gnu.orgcopyleftfdl.html)
Dune Du Pilat, France
Boasting one of the biggest sand dunes in Europe, the Dune of Pilat is a favorable paragliding site because of the forgiving weather and wind conditions as well as a very nice view of the ocean.
Photo Credit: Flickr Graeme Churchard
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany’s vast vineyards and wine regions doesn’t only offer complex wine it also serves as a spectacular view during a paragliding session. Make sure to enjoy a glass after your adventure.
Photo Credit: Pixabay monica_valladares
Oludeniz, Turkey
Take the adventure going to Oludeniz and enjoy the breathtaking view of the crisp blue seas as well the foliage surrounding the beaches of Turkey.
Photo Credit: Flickr Dan Taylor-Watt
TIP! Make sure to contact tour groups and inquire about the rates as well as the schedule for paragliding to make the most out of your trip. Although a bit costly, paragliding is an activity that you wouldn’t want to miss.
