UponArriving

The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is worth a visit for anybody fascinated with this famous ship. (Online tix are ~$36 for adults (w/taxes). Upon arriving, you’ll grab a boarding pass with a name from a real passenger who may or may not have survived, but you’ll find out in the end. You’ll then explore the corridors of the museum, some of which are modeled after the interior of the ship, including the grand staircase. Along the way, you will encounter real artifacts like life jackets and lots of items recovered from the ship’s wreckage. Interactive exhibits will give you a new perspective on the ship’s final moments, whether it’s dunking your arm in 28-degree water or struggling to keep your balance on a steep ship deck. Don’t miss the world’s largest Lego Titanic, which was made by a 10-year-old, and then be sure to spend some time in the gift shop where you can find items to reenact some of the scenes from the movie. . . . . . #titanic #titanic2 #titanic🚢 #titanicedit #titanicmovie #titanicedits #titanic1912 #titanicmuseum #titanictennesseemuseum #tennessee #pigeonforge #pigeonforgetn #pigeonforgetennessee #dollywood #dollywoodthemepark #history #jackdawson #titanicmemes #titanicwreck

These cliffs might look like a beach in California, but actually, they’re products of glacial activity and are found on the east coast at Martha’s Vineyard. To get there, take a short ferry from the mainland of Massachusetts, and then you’ll quickly arrive at this scenic island. Check out the gingerbread houses of Oak Bluffs that were built in the late 19th century as part of a Methodist campground. Then hop over to Edgartown to retrace filming locations from the blockbuster movie Jaws, including the famous Jaws bridge. Spend time relaxing on some of the many beaches, like those found on Chappaquiddick Island, and don’t miss some of the lighthouses, like Gay Head Light. While known largely for its tourism and scenic beauty, the island has also been home to controversy due to its status as a sanctuary city for migrants. For more travel content, head to uponarriving.com. . . . . . #marthasvineyard #marthasvineyardlife #marthasvineyardstyle #marthasvineyardart #marthasvineyardphotographer #massachusetts #gingerbreadhouses #oakbluffs #edgartown #edgartownharbor #gayhead #gayheadlighthouse #lighthouse #lighthousehunting #jaws #jawsmovie #chappaquiddick #sanctuarycity #eastcoast #nantucket

Lake Placid, New York, is one of the most beautiful places in the country. It has hosted two Olympic games and is known for its Olympic training facilities, which are full of fun and exciting things to see. Watch bobsledders power through training reps and ski jumpers fly through the air, dazzling with aerial moves. Visit the home of the “Miracle on Ice” and stop by the museum to see pieces of Olympic history and maybe hold a piece yourself. Nearby mountains like Whiteface offer many skiing and hiking opportunities with striking color changes in the fall. Among the many scenic lakes and ponds, there are plenty of places to kayak or canoe and a downtown area where you can shop for all your Olympic gear. Google “UponArriving Lake Placid” for more details. . . . . . #lakeplacid #lakeplacidny #lakeplacidblue #lakeplacidlodge #lakeplacidadk #adk #adirondacks #adirondackmountains #upstateny #upstate #lakeplacidironman #Super Bowl #skijumper #olympics #olympicgames #winterolympics #athletes #professionalathlete #whitefacemountain #whiteface

Ted Kennedy plunged his vehicle off this bridge the night that Mary Jo died in 1969. After the crash, Kennedy didn’t go to the police for help, and he gave inconsistent accounts of what happened that night. He said he was en route to the ferry stop to see Mary Jo safely home. However, Mary Jo had left behind her purse and hotel key card at the party they left. Ted also said he had taken a wrong turn, but that didn’t align with the fact he was familiar with the island and the bridge. Finally, a sheriff believed Kennedy hastily sped away from him after approaching his stopped vehicle. With all the suspicion, various theories surfaced, spanning from allegations of Ted Kennedy being inebriated to suggestions of an inappropriate relationship. But nobody really knows what happened. Kennedy pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident and received a two-month jail sentence, but it was suspended. However, while he was not subject to serious criminal punishment, the incident played a role in keeping him from the presidency. Today, you can take a ferry across the same channel that Ted Kennedy spanned across the night of the accident and then make your way to the bridge. As you approach, you can get a sense of how sharp the turn was and how easily it would’ve been to drive off the bridge before the guardrails were installed. . . . . #tedkennedy #kennedy #jfk #chappaquiddick #chappaquiddickisland #dykebridge #history #marthasvineyard #marthasvineyardlife #massachusetts #massachusetts_lovers #massachusetts_igers #massachusettshistory #newengland #politics #politicalmemes #crime #criminaljustice #criminaldefense #travelblogger #travelgram

This mountain town in Colorado has a long history. It’s called Tiny Town, and it’s a miniature village containing over 100 scaled-down buildings, ranging from homes and schoolhouses to a gas station and a bank. Its history stretches back to 1915, and in the ‘20s, it became a tourist hotspot. Over the decades, it survived fires and floods, and you can find some buildings that have been around for approximately 100 years. Recreations of local Colorado landmarks are displayed along with homes and structures that you may recognize from movies or even famous works of art. There is also a 15-inch gauge miniature railway that winds visitors around the village and offers exclusive views of some of the buildings. It’s an ideal family outing and one that will make even the most petite among us feel like giants. Google “UponArriving Tiny Town” for more details. . . . . . #tinytown #tinytowncolorado #colorado #morrisoncolorado #denver #denverhistory #coloradohistory #miniatures #miniature #dollhouse #miniatureworld #tinytownies #denvertravel #denversbest #denverblogger #travelblogger #travelphotography #mountaintown #rockymountains

This isn’t the ocean, but you’ll find no shortage of adventurous surfers at this beach. It’s Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake by surface area and a body of water known for its chilly temps even in summer. When a storm brews, the lake comes alive, conjuring waves that could easily be mistaken for a coastal spectacle. In fact, the highest wave ever recorded at Lake Superior, which was found just north of Marquette, Michigan, in 2017, was a whopping 29 feet tall! It’s a sight to behold along the beautiful cliffs that make up the shoreline, although you have to be careful to not get too close. Visit UponArriving dot com for more interesting travel sites. . . . . . #lakesuperior #lakesuperioragate #lakesuperiorsurfing #surfing #greatlakes #greatlakessurfing #michigan #michiganders #upperpeninsula #upperpeninsulamichigan #puremichigan #lakemichiganbeach #marquettemichigan #michiganawesome #surfingusa #surfingphotography

This is Boston’s iconic Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile brick path that weaves through the heart of the city and takes you through the footsteps of America’s forefathers. Start in America’s oldest public park and then explore famous grave sites like those belonging to Paul Revere and John Hancock. Then stop by the oldest public school in America as you make your way to where the Boston Tea Party began. Stand on the grounds of the Boston Massacre Site and take a tour of the Paul Revere House before seeing Old North Church, known for the midnight ride of Paul Revere. Don’t miss out on some sweets and good bites along the way, and be sure to pay a visit to Old Ironsides, the oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat in the world. With every step, the Freedom Trail breathes life into the past, offering an enriching exploration of Boston’s role in shaping the destiny of a nation. . . . . . #boston #massachusetts #bostonfoodies #bostonblogger #bostoneats #massachusetts_igers #massachusetts_lovers #freedomtrail #freedomtrailboston #americanhistory #usa #revolutionarywar #bostonhistorywalks #paulrevere #oldironsides #bostontravel #travelblogger #travelgram #historicalsite

New Bedford, Massachusetts, was the “City that Lit the World.” In the 1800s, it replaced Nantucket as the whaling capital of the world, making it the richest city in North America per capita. It acted as the setting for Moby Dick, and you can visit the same chapel Herman Melville once attended. The whaling museum here is a must-visit, with lots of fascinating exhibits like the world’s largest ship model. The city also played a role in the Underground Railroad network, and Frederick Douglass first found refuge here in 1838. New Bedford still generates the highest annual value of any fishing port in the country, and restaurants like the Black Whale serve up some of the best scallops you’ll ever try. There is a lot of rich history to explore in this coastal town and plenty of culinary spots to hit up, making New Bedford a New England hidden gem. Google “uponarriving New Bedford” for more details. . . . . #newbedfordguide #newbedfordwhalingmuseum #newbedford #newbedfordma #massachusetts #massachusetts_igers #boston #wareham #fallriver #nantucket #theblackwhale #seafood #fisherman #fishing #fredrickdouglas #undergroundrailroad #abolitionist #mobydick #newengland #newenglandhistory #massachusettshistory #history #travelblogger

This is the U.S.S. Cairo, a Civil War-era gunboat and the “only remaining ironclad of its type in existence.” In 1862, while clearing mines from the Yazoo River, the ship fell victim to a manually detonated mine activated by Confederate volunteers hidden behind the river bank. It sank with no casualties but would be buried in the mud at the bottom of the river for 100 years. The mud acted like a natural cocoon, preserving the ship until it was salvaged in the 1960s, complete with its cannons and many other artifacts. Currently, the Cairo is preserved and showcased at the Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi, where you can wander onto the boat and explore its reassembled interior, including the holes caused by the mine explosion. There’s also a museum to check out as well. For more historical sites to see when traveling, head to uponarriving.com. . . . . . #usscairo #usscairomuseum #civilwarhistory #civilwarreenactment #civilwarphotography #civilwar #history #historybuff #vicksburg #vicksburgmississippi #vicksburgnationalmilitarypark #mississipi #mississippiriver #travelblogger #deepsouth #visitvicksburg

Meet the kolache – a Texan mainstay and culinary icon. Kolaches are sweet, doughy pastries often filled with fruit and cream cheese. In the mid-1850s, waves of Czech immigrants flocked to Texas, forming communities that became bastions of their cultural heritage. Among the things preserved was the cherished kolache. The pastries started as a treat baked in home kitchens, but eventually, the first kolache bakery opened up in West, Texas, aptly crowned the kolache capital of the Lone Star State. Here, numerous kolache shops beckon, serving up popular flavors like strawberry, blueberry, and cherry, though you can also go with the original flavors like poppyseed or prune. Kolaches also come in savory options like sausage and cheese. Czech Texans would call these a klobásník, but many Texans use the term “kolache” to describe both the sweet and savory options. They’re great for breakfast, road trips, or whenever you have a craving for something Texan. While you can find these in other states, Texas is home to the highest number of Czech Americans, giving their kolaches an unmistakable authenticity. Google “UponArriving kolaches” for a full list of places to try. . . . #texas #texashistory #texasfoodie #texasfood #kolache #kolaches #klobasnik #czech🇨🇿 #czechrepublic #prague #westtexas #westtexasphotographer #foodblogger #travelblogger #houston #dallas #lagrange #galveston #austintexas #texaslife #texasforever

America’s most deadly publicity stunt took place in 1896 when the Missouri Kansas Texas Railroad Company crashed two trains head-on. Forty thousand people came to the temporary town of Crush, Texas, to see the crash, and a carnival atmosphere ensued. The organizers miscalculated the crash’s impact, and it ended up exploding and sending shrapnel into the crowd. It killed at least two people and injured several others, with one Civil War veteran describing it as a battle scene. The photographer who took this image lost his eye from a stray bolt but continued to photograph the scene after the crash. William Crush, who organized the event, was immediately fired but was rehired the next day, and some say even given a bonus for all the publicity the railroad gained. As for these stunts, railroads continued to do them in the following years. For more historical sites to visit, head to uponarriving.com. . . . . . #texas #texashighways #texashistory #westtexas #westcommatexas #waco #texasphotographer #texasforever #texasblogger #texaspride #kolache #trainstagram #trainspotting #train_nerds #railroadphotography #railroads_of_the_usa #texastravel #houstontx #tx #railroads

This is what the bottom of the Grand Canyon looks like, and you can make it down to the bottom and back up in a single day. Heading down the South Kaibab Trail and up the Bright Angel is a good way to do it. Get started early and consider hiking under a full moon for a surreal experience.Once you’re at the bottom, you’ll cross the mighty Colorado River twice and maybe stop at Phantom Ranch for lemonade. Then, it’s time to start heading back up. You’ll cross some creeks and waterfalls, which you can use to cool down. The elevation gain is not bad here, and the scenery is stunning. Seeing the views from this perspective will bring your appreciation of the canyon to a different level.After you reach Havasuapi Gardens, the real work begins. Watch out for the mules as you make your way up these steep canyon walls. It’s one foot in front of the other, but eventually, you’ll start making progress. Doing the 17-mile hike with almost 5,000 feet in elevation change is not an easy task and should not be taken lightly.You’ll want to do some long hikes or workouts like lunges before attempting this, and do not underestimate the summer in Arizona. Verify water sources are available and pack extra electrolytes, but remember trail temperatures can reach over 120 degrees. With enough planning and preparation, you’ll have one of the most memorable hiking experiences...#grandcanyon #grandcanyonnationalpark #grandcanyonnps #grandcanyonsouthrim #hikeaz #azinstagram #arizona #arizona_landscapes #arizona_landscapes #arizonalife #hiking #outdoors #travelblog #traveltips #nationalparks #nationalpark #nationalparkservice #nationalparkgeek #hikingadventures #hikingtrails #hikinglife

Trump Burger is a burger joint found in a small Texas town, and it’s gained recognition as a pilgrimage site for Trump supporters. Inside, it’s brimming with a diverse collection of Trump memorabilia. From hats to coffee mugs, you’ll encounter a broad spectrum of messages, ranging from pro-Trump sentiments to outright shade throwing.The menu offers an 8-ounce Trump Burger and a 16-ounce Trump Tower for those with a bigger appetite. The 1-ounce Biden Burger goes for over fifty dollars, but according to the menu, it’s unavailable due to “cheating” and “inflation.”People come from all over to visit what might be the most politicized and polarizing restaurant in the country. Some leave full, others, flummoxed. For more interesting travel sites, visit uponarriving.com......#trump #trump2024 #trumpmemes #trumpsupporters #donaldtrump #donaldtrumpmemes #presidental #presidenttrump #joebiden #letsgobrandon #presidentbiden🇺🇸 #unitedstates #electionday #bellvilletx #bellville #trumpburger #republicanparty #democrats #trumprally #trumpforpresident #travelblogger #foodie

Pepperoni rolls are the official food of West Virginia, and they have a long and savory legacy. They date back to Italian immigrants who worked in the coal mines in West Virginia during the 1920s.The miners often munched on pepperoni sticks and bread, but one day a miner had the bright idea to combine the two to create a portable, shelf-stable snack perfectly suited for miners. They were a hit, and soon several bakeries popped up serving them.Today, you can find them in pizzerias and bakeries across West Virginia, including Morgantown, where Mid Atlantic Market does it right with plenty of cheesy options and just the perfect amount of greasy goodness.For more local delicacies to try out on your travels, go to uponarriving.com......#westvirginiaphotography #westvirginia #westvirginia_lovers #westvirginiahistory #westvirginiatourism #morgantown #morgantownwv #morgantowneats #pepperonirolls #pepperonirollswv #travelblogger #ohio #parkersburgwv #mariettaohio #charlestonwv #huntingtonwv #wheelingwv #martinsburgwv #foodies #midatlanticmarket

This is the “Skinniest House in the U.S.,” and it’s found in Alexandria, Virginia. The house is 7 feet 6 inches wide and 25 feet deep, making it cramped living quarters. It’s said that in the 1830s, the owner of the neighboring house got tired of horse-drawn wagons leaving unsightly gouges on the side of his home, so he purchased the lot and built the “Spite House.” Spite houses are homes intentionally designed to vex or inconvenience neighbors. Sometimes, they are meant to obstruct views or natural light, like the Skinny House in Boston, but other times they are used to send a message, like the Equality House in Topeka. These structures have led to some contentious battles, and in some countries, they are even prohibited by law. For more travel sites, head to UponArriving.com.Images via Creative Commons. .....#alexandria #alexandriavirginia #alexandriava #virginia #spitehouse #architecture #historicalsites #tinyhome #washingtondc #travelbkogger #history #weirdarchitecture #homesofinstagram #skinnyhouse #boston #newengland #massachusetts #massachusetts_igers

This is the elementary school in Topeka, Kansas, that was front and center in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education. Leading up to the case, not all black educators supported desegregation. They weren’t sure that black students would be better off in desegregated schools. And they also feared they could lose their jobs, and for good reason. After the ruling, thousands of black teachers lost their jobs in some regions.The school building is now a National Historical Park, where you can learn more about the struggle for civil rights and see fascinating exhibits like one of the Clark dolls used to show the psychological impact of segregation in young kids. The park is also located on historic grounds that date back to the underground railroad and emancipation era, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to reflect on the monumental progress made in the United States over the past 200 years......#civilrights #civilrightsmovement #civilrightsactivist #topeka #topekaks #topekaproud #kansas #desegregation #civilrightsdefenders #blackhistory #brownvboard #africanamericanhistory #historical #ushistory #legal #lawschool #legalhistory #mlk #mlkday

O.J. Simpson was riding in the back of this white Bronco during his notorious police chase, and you can find it at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, home to a fascinating collection of famous crime artifacts. From a bullet that found its mark on Pretty Boy Floyd to an electric chair that saw over 120 executions, you’ll be transported into the harrowing realms of criminal history.Movie buffs will revel in seeing Tony Montana’s submachine gun as well as pistols wielded in “The Godfather.” But beyond the fiction, the museum also delves into the dark and chilling world of serial killers, taking you into the twisted minds of infamous figures such as Jeffrey Dahmer and John Wayne Gacy.It’s a head-turning museum experience and one that you won’t forget. Visit UponArriving for more interesting sites to visit......#pigeonforge #pigeonforgetennessee #pigeonforgetn #tennessee #museum #museumlovers #alcatrazeastcrimemuseum #alcatrazeast #ojsimpson #truecrime #criminalminds #crime #lawandorder #history #gatlinburgtennessee #criminaljustice #travelblogger #tennesseetravel

This is the largest Confederate monument in the world. It’s Stone Mountain, located just outside Atlanta, and it has become a controversial landmark in the South.Many have called for the removal of the sculpture, which features Confederate leaders like Robert E. Lee. Opponents of the monument point to its connection to Ku Klux Klan ceremonies and the timing of its completion in the early ‘70s as justification for why it should be blasted off the rock.But others feel like it’s a work of art that preserves an important period of history and appropriately memorializes Confederate soldiers. Controversy aside, Stone Mountain offers a tranquil escape into nature and is a rare geological wonder worth exploring. You’ll find sweeping views of Atlanta and might even run into wildlife when up there. Google “UponArriving Stone Mountain” for more details......#stonemountain #stonemountainpark #stonemountainga #mlk #civilrights #civilrightsmovement #atlanta #georgia #atlantaga #monuments #civilwar #civilwarhistory #atlantaviews #atl #confederatestatues #confederacy #historical #historicalsite

Was the United States’ National Anthem really based on a drinking song? The lyrics to ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ were written by Francis Scott Key after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. But the tune used for the anthem was taken from a song called ‘To Anacreon in Heaven,’ which was the ‘constitutional song’ of a gentlemen’s club in London that met in the late 1700s. After their meals, the song would be sung to open the light-hearted festivities. While some call it a pub ballad, others claim it was more of a stately song. What do you think? Check out UponArriving for more history and travel insights.Music via American History Museum. .....#anacreonticsong #starspangledbanner #nationalanthem #usa #unitedstates #unitedstatesofamerica #america #patriots #fortmchenry #fortmchenrynps #baltimore #washingtondc #maryland #baltimorehistory #marylandhistory #warof1812 #history #historicalsites #nationalpark

This is Captain’s Row in Alexandria, Virginia, and it’s one of the most scenic streets in the country. The name of this picturesque block is derived from the sea captains who constructed Federal period row homes during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.Cobblestone streets like these are very rare to find stateside, and many were replaced due to issues like the dust they would create from dried mud.While most were substituted for bricks in the late 1800s, Alexandria still retains a few of these charming streets along with cobbled alleyways, which helped to reroute rainwater.Interestingly, this entire historic area was once a part of Washington, DC, until it was retroceded to Virginia in 1847. For more interesting travel sites, head to uponarriving.com......#washingtondc #alexandria #alexandriava #virginia #captainsrow #history #historicstreets #princestreet #virginiaweddingphotographer #cobblestones #cobblestonestreets #washingtonphotographer #virginiaisbeautiful #travelblogger #elfrethsalley #acornstreet #nantucket #sceniclocations #architecture #colonialarchitecture