Novel Locations
Manarola, Italy
Manarola is one of the oldest towns in Cinque Terre, a coastal area filled with sea-side villages in the northern part of Italy.
The local dialect is Manarolese, a dialect that is vastly different from the surrounding regions.
Primary industries include fishing and wine-making. The local wine, Sciacchetra, is highly renowned and is referenced in late Roman writings, mentioning it's high quality,
Popular Sites
Villa dell'Amore: A famous walkway that stretched from Riomaggiore to Manarola. This pathway overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is a known meeting spot for lovers living in either of these towns.
Cinque Terre National Park: Italy's first-ever national park as well as it's smallest in acreage. The purpose of this park is to preserve and maintain the natural beauty of Northern Italy
Chiesa di San Lorenzo: A gothic-styled Catholic church built in the year 1338. This is a popular tourist attraction for history buffs exploring the square of Manarola.
Atlanta, Georga
Atlanta, the capital of this southern state, is known as the "City in a Forest". Over 100,000 trees planted by the local non-profit 'Trees Atlanta', heavily populate the city, covering a whopping 47.9%! This makes Atlanta the most densely forest populated urban area in the country.
Atlanta is also home to many different musicians such as Outkast, the Black Lips, Childish Gambino, CeeLoo Green and many more. It is also a popular filming location, some referring to it as "The Next Hollywood". Since 2008, there have been over 140 films and television shows shot here!
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is one of the most well-known cities in the United States, with a population of nearly 900,000 people. Recognized for its colorful houses, steep roads, Alcatraz Prison, and the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is not all that meets the eye.
Fun Facts
Did you know that SF has more dogs than children? According to the Census and Animal Control and Care data, there are approximately 10,000 more dogs than children in this western city. Denim jeans were invented in San Francisco during the Gold Rush by Levi Strauss. Miners needed more durable pants and pockets to "harvest" and collect gold! There are over 300 coffee houses located within the city boundaries of San Francisco. Talk about an energy boost!
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, also known as the "Windy City", is located in the northern part of Illinois, bordering states such as Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Kentucky as well as Lake Michigan. Here are some fun activities while visiting this urban jungle.
Things to Do
Skydeck Chicago: Tourists can visit the glass box located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tour. 1,353 feet from the ground, this a guaranteed photo op!
Navy Pier: Navy Pier is a great place for the family to visit! From concerts to Ferris wheel rides to shopping, visitors can spend a whole day here.
Museums: There are so many museums, we couldn't choose just one! The Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Museum of Contemporary Art, International Museum of Surgical Science and so many more are available year-round.
Music: Chicago is a midwestern hub for major musicians to perform. It is home to many music festivals and multiple venues for large crowds. Lollapalooza, Pitchfork, North Coast, and Taste of Chicago are just a few of the music festivals located here.
Miami, Florida
Miami, also known as "Magic City", is located in the south of Florida on the Atlantic side. It's known for its amazing beaches, energetic nightlife and a vast array of cuisine. Here are some great suggestions!
Places To Eat
KYU ($$$, 4.6/5): Modern Asian-style eatery offering grilled meats & sashimi, plus cocktails. By reservation only!
Seasins Miami ($$, 4.9/5): Portuguese comfort food cuisine, various vegetarian options.
CRUST ($$, 4.7/5): Casual Italian spot specializing in pizzas with gourmet toppings, plus imaginative main dishes.
Mandolin Aegean Bistro ($$, 4.6/5): A 1930s-era house with patio seating sets the stage for refined versions of Greek & Turkish cuisine.
NIU Kitchen ($$, 4.7/5): Rustic cafe & wine bar with a chalkboard menu of authentic & unusual Spanish small plates.
China, Mount Emei
Mount Emei, one of the four Sacred Buddhist mountains, is located in Emeishan City, Leshan, China. It's peak, known as the "Golden Summit", is home to the first Buddhist temple build in China in the 1st century CE. The site now is home to 76 Buddhist monasteries of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Emei Mountain is known as foggy all year round, forming a great scene named Clouds Sea. Because the mountain has an elevation of 10,167 feet, the clouds can flood the top! When the sky is clearly blue, white clouds stretch out to look like you're standing at the edge of a sea of white. Sometimes there are clouds either above the horizon or in the sky, so people stand between two clouds layers.
Malibu, California
Malibu, home to the rich and famous, is located just 30 miles west of Los Angeles, California. It is well known for its continuous appearance in cinema, the Pacific Coast Highway, and beautiful beaches. Here are some things to do while visiting!
Things to Do
Malibu Wine Hike: Take a 2-mile hike of the Saddlerock Ranch and Vineyard while interacting with exotic animals and enjoying local wine! It is recommended that participants wear comfy clothing and sturdy footwear. The entire tour has a duration of 2-3 hours and tickets are about $35 per person.
Good2Go Adventure Tours: Of course there are plenty of spots to visit on your own but with this tour, they lead you right to the best places! Here, you can discover interesting landmarks and hidden treasures. Local guides will fill you in on everything you need to know while providing transportation, booking tours, and creating your itinerary.
Malibu Divers: This company accommodates anyone from beginners to experts in guided dive trips to Southern California's most popular islands and reefs. Many of the trips are package deals that include food, lodging (if applicable), and transportation.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California is a popular place for not only the rich and famous but tourists as well. Because it is one of the most well-known cities in the country, around 48.3 MILLION tourists visit every year! Here are some other things you may not know about the "City of Angels"
Fun Facts
LA locals are called "Angelenos"!
The average age of an LA citizen is 35 years old.
People from over 140 countries speaking over 220 different languages call LA their home!
It is prohibited to lick frogs. The Law came in power after the city teenagers found out that some frogs’ skin contains hallucinogens. Drug addicts caught frogs and licked them on every corner and police could do nothing about it!
Wyoming
Wyoming is a landlocked western state bordered by 6 different states! These include Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho. It also happens to be the second most sparsely populated state in the country. With a population of almost 600,000 people, Wyoming is nothing compared to California's total population of 39.5 MILLION citizens. Talk about a gap!
An interesting thing about the state of Wyoming is that it is called the "Equality State"! In the year 1869, it was the first state in the United States to give women the right to vote. Buffalo Bill once said," If a woman can do the same work that a man can do and do it just as well, she should have the same pay." That same year, Wyoming granted women the right to vote and hold office, long before the 19th Amendment in 1920.
San Diego, California
San Diego, one of California's southernmost cities, is home to the renowned San Diego Zoo, numerous art galleries, artist studios, museums, and gardens. Tourists can visit a large active naval fleet, with the USS Midway, an aircraft-carrier-turned museum. Inside the carrier is an extensive amount of aircraft that was built in San Diego!
Other than being known for its museums, San Diego is known for its miles and miles of white-sand beaches and amazing weather. Additionally, San Diego County is made up of 18 incorporate cities and towns along with other charismatic neighborhoods and communities, such as Carlsbad, Coronado, Del Mar, Downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, Point Loma, Chula Vista, Old Town, La Jolla, and North Park.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada is said to be one of America's most entertaining destinations. The Las Vegas strip is lined with upscale casino hotels, gambling floors, the vast hotel complexes house a variety of shops, restaurants, and performance venues for music, comedy, and circus-style acts. You'll never get bored! Especially if you're over 21. Here are some restaurant recommendations.
Where to Eat
Carson Kitchen ($$, 4.6/5): Gourmet burgers, flatbreads & other small plates in sleek digs with a rooftop patio for live music. Great American-style food at a great price!
Andiamo Steakhouse ($$$, 4.6/5): Classic steak cuts share the menu with hearty Italian plates at The D Hotel's posh chophouse.
Bazaar Meat by José Andrés ($$$$, 4.5/5): SLS Hotel's sleek Philippe Starck–designed steakhouse for inventive meat cuts from chef José Andrés. Definitely a pricier night out!
Eat ($$, 4.6/5): Chef-inspired comfort food plates are served for breakfast & brunch in a relaxed setting.
