Beautiful Places On Earth

The Finger Lakes are a chain of 11 lakes in the state of New York, United States of America. Each lake takes a linear shape and is oriented on a north-south axis. Together, they resemble fingers, hence the name Finger Lakes.

Being the largest wine producing region in New York, the Finger Lakes are also a popular tourist destination. Over 100 wineries and vineyards are centered around the lakes. In the summer, the Finger Lakes are home to many festivals such as the Finger Lakes Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance, Skaneateles Festival and many others. If you prefer urban culture, you can visit Rochester, the third largest city in New York.

Finger Lakes scenic railway blues & brews

Alaska is United States’ largest state by area. Besides Hawaii, Alaska is another state of the country that is separated from continental United States. It is situated in the northwest of the North American continent and borders Canada on the east. Kenai Peninsula, a peninsula jutting from the southern coast of Alaska is one of the most beautiful places in Alaska.

Kenai Peninsula has many glaciers. Kenai Fjords National Park was established in 1980 near the town of Seward, one of the most important fisheries ports in the United States. The Kenai Fjords offers majestic scenery; with numerous fjords carved by glaciers moving down the mountains from the Harding Icefield in the glacier covered Kenai Mountains. With the snow peaks in the background, many of the Kenai Peninsula’s rivers such as the Kenai River, the Russian River, the Kasilof River and the Anchor River are known for their turquoise color and salmon fish population. Not to overlook is the Homer Spit, a long narrow piece of land extending out into Kachemak Bay. In here, you will be surrounded by breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers and bay. Water taxi can be engaged for a minimal fee to take you across the Kachemak Bay.

Kenai Peninsula

There are many things to do in Kenai Peninsula. Water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, rafting and sea kayaking are popular here. Besides, one can also engage in outdoor activities such as camping, dog sledding, fishing, golfing, hiking, horse back riding, wildlife viewing and many more.

The Niagara Falls is located on the international border between Ontario, Canada and New York, United States. Niagara Falls is composed of 3 major sections, namely the 1060 feet wide of American Falls and smaller Bridal Veil Falls on the American side as well as 2600 feet wide of Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side of the border.

The falls was first brought to the attention of Europeans in 1677 when Belgian Father Louis Hennepin traveled to the area with other explorers. Visit to Niagara Falls rose sharply after the falls featuring in Niagara, a movie starring Marilyn Monroe and Joseph Cotton in 1953. The falls has since become a favorite spot for honeymooners.

Niagara Falls, Canada/USA

The oldest and best known way to view Niagara Falls is the Maid of the Mist boat cruise. Operated since 1846, the cruise boat can accommodate 600 passengers and it would carry passengers into the area immediately below the Horseshoe Falls. On the American side, visitors can walk through Cave of the Winds down to the base of the American Falls. Meanwhile on the Canadian side, visitors can take the Journeys Behind the Falls which consists of an observation platform and series of tunnels near the bottom of the Horseshoe Falls. Do not miss out on the George Bernard Shaw Festival held every summer in Niagara on the Lake, a pretty small town located in Ontario, Canada.

The White Mountains are a mountain range in New Humpshire, United States. The mountain range includes Franconia Range, Sandwich Range, Carter-Moriah Range, Kinsman Range and Pilot Range. Its highest peak and the most famous peak is the Mount Washington. Mount Washington holds the record of fastest winds ever measured on the surface of the earth. Its dangerous weather makes it an attractive spot for hikers around the world to conquer. The White Mountains are jam packed with attractions. Among the most visited attractions are the Flume Gorge, the Cannon Mountain and the Polar Caves Park. The Flume Gorge is a natural gorge extending 240 meters at the base of Mount Liberty in the Franconia Notch State Park. The Cannon Mountain, also located within the Franconia Notch State Park, is a popular winter ski resort. One of the rock formations on Cannon Mountain, named the Old Man of the Mountain, resembling an old man’s face but has since fell in 2003.

White Mountains – New Humpshire

Driving along the scenic roads of the White Mountains is a worthwhile experience. Other transports offering delightful scenery are Conway’s Scenic Railroad, Mount Washington Cog Railway, Cannon Mountain Aerial Tram and Loom Mountain Skyride. The White Mountains are easily accessible from Boston and New York by car.

In case if you do not know, there are altogether 58 national parks in United States. One of them is the Badlands National Park. According to Wikipedia, the term “badland” is used to describe a type of dry and infertile terrain where softer sedimentary rocks and clay rich soils have been extensively eroded by wind and water over the centuries. This has left cone shaped buttes, pinnacles, ridges and spires, as can be seen inside the Badlands National Park.

The Badlands National Park is located in the southwestern of South Dakota, United States. The national park comprises a total area of approximately 244,000 acres. General Alfred Sully once labeled the place as “a hell on fire”. The Lakota called the place “Maco Sica” while French explorers labeled the place “les mauvaises terres a traverser”. Both mean “badlands”.

It is very difficult to walk on the surface of Badlands National Park. Driving along the 40-mile Loop Road presents you the best way to admire the nature’s superlative craftsmanship inside the Badlands National Park. The Badlands has been around for 500,000 years, it may disappear anytime due to the persistent erosion. If you plan to see the Badlands with your own naked eyes, better be hurry!

Badlands National Park, South Dakota