IOWA

 Centrally located in the heart of North America, at the crossroads of the U.S. Interstate system, Iowa is the hub of hospitality. Temperatures vary enough by time of year to provide a wide range of outdoor activities - from crisp autumn color tours to cross-country ski treks through frosty winter wonderlands, from sunny springtime camping to statewide summer bike rides. Although Iowa is thought of as an agricultural state, manufacturing is the largest source of personal income. Iowa is the food capital of the world. It harvests more grain than any other state.

 

NICKNAME: THE HAWKEYE STATE

CAPITAL CITY: DES MOINES

STATE BANNER
The Iowa banner was officially adopted in 1921. The state flag consists of three vertical stripes - blue, white and red. The eagle carries the state motto: "Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain".

STATE FLOWER: WILD ROSE
The flower was chosen as an Iowa symbol in 1897 because it decorated the silver service Iowans presented that year to battleship USS Iowa. Wild roses are found throughout the state and bloom from June through late summer.

STATE BIRD: EASTERN GOLDFINCH
The lithe, little "yellow canary" is plentiful in Iowa, often staying through the winter. Seeds from dandelions, sunflowers, ragweed and evening primrose are the main source of food for the eastern goldfinch.

 

Travel Iowa

VERMONT

A Place All Its Own

Vermont is a place that's determined by geography and physical boundaries, but also by an idea: That life is better when we slow down, look around, and simply take notice. Here, it's not about what you achieve or acquire, it's about how unique experiences in nature and around local downtowns make you feel. All season suit Vermont well, from spring's maple syrup sweetness to the lush green of summer along the mountain ridgelines to famous foliage of fall and winter's thick blanket of snow.

The best way to experience Vermont is touring the roads that meander through the mountains and meet in the valleys. These routes take travelers through forests and farmland to historic villages and towns that are vibrant hubs of culture, commerce and recreation. Vermont is known for its unbeatable quality of life, strong communities, pristine environment, and stunning landscapes. Vermonters are independent-thinking, friendly and resourceful, building successful, fulfilling lives in the Green Mountain State.

Welcome to Vermont

DOOR COUNTY

Named one of the "Top 10 Vacation Destinations in North America", Door County enchants more than two million visitors each year with its blend and of charm and elegance. With more state parks (5), lighthouses (10) and miles of shoreline (300) than any other county on the Great Lakes, the 70-mile-long peninsula combines pristine scenery and outdoor recreation with an acclaimed arts community and top-notch accommodations. Strong along the scenic shores, tour a historic lighthouse, take in one of the colorful weekend festivals, and by all means enjoy a fish boil. Take a scenic ferry to Washington Island to see the lavender fields that inspire Island Lavender Company and Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm.

 

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Stop thinking about all the things you have to do, and start thinking about things you want to do. Delicious cuisines, a unique art scene, welcoming accommodation, and breathtaking views await you in Door County.

 

For more information about Wisconsin's Door County Peninsula, visit Destination Door County

SASKATCHEWAN

Saskatchewan: Where You Belong

Saskatchewan, one of Canada's four western provinces, is located in the heart of North America. Plains Indians are credited with originating the name Saskatchewan - 'kisiskatchewan' meaning the river that flows swiftly. Half the province is covered by forest, one-third is farmland and one-eighth is fresh water. Although the province is dependent on the farm economy, two-thirds of its people live in cities and towns. Saskatchewan is the only province with entirely man-made boundaries. It is home to Canada's only training academy for Royal Canadian Mounted Police recruits, in Regina. The city of Estevan is Canada's sunshine capital, averaging 2540 sunshine-filled hours each year. Saskatchewan's most outstanding scenery is preserved  in its national, provincial and regional parks.

Canada's greatest wilderness playgrounds

 

Tourism Saskatchewan

MAINE

The largest state in New England, Maine is truly the Great Outdoors. Its most popular attractions are found along the spectacular coastline, beginning in the southeast with its largest and liveliest city, Portland, and the resort towns of the Kennebunks. Farther north, yachts and windjammers ply the waters of Penobscot Bay, while Acadia National Park stands as Maine’s coastal jewel. World-class skiing, hiking, and mountain-biking opportunities are found inland, at Bethel and Sugarloaf.

Maine Facts

Maine - "Pine Tree State"

CAPITAL - Augusta

AREA - 33,125 sq.miles

POPULATION -  "2015" 1,329,358

MOTTO - "Dirigo" I Direct"

FLOWER - Pine Cone

ANIMAL - Moose

CAT - Maine Coon

BIRD - Chickadee

TREE - Eastern White Pine

INSECT - Honeybee

23 rd. State admitted to the Union

Received from postcrosser Dick

KNOTT'S BERRY FARM

 Located in the heart of Southern California, the lively city of Buena Park is close to all major attractions, dining, shopping, beaches, sporting venues and entertainment.  The city is perfectly situated just 5 miles from Disneyland Parks®, 15 miles from white sandy beaches and 20 miles from Los Angeles. The city is not only known for its premier location, but for its world famous entertainment - including Knott's Berry Farm.

Some of the greatest rides, shows and attractions are found at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California 

Knott's Berry Farm located in Buena Park, California offers dozens of rides, shows and attractions. Experience world-class thrills on Silver Bullet, the park's first-ever suspended coaster, or Sierra Sidewinder the spinning coaster that offers a panoramic view. Hop on board the Pony Express - The Ride, delivering a horseback relay at speeds never imagined in the Old West. For something different, detour to the Park's Old West Ghost Town and have a cool sarsaparilla or visit Camp Snoopy, home of the PEANUTS gang and filled with dozens of kid-sized adventures.  

An aerial view of exciting Knott's Berry Farm, one of Southern California's famous tourist attractions.

TIMBER MOUNTAIN LOG RIDE

Since its opening in 1969, the Log Ride has always been one of the most elaborate log flume rides in the US, taking guests through an 85-foot-high by 330-foot-long mountain range themed to a nineteenth-century lumber camp. The ride is one of the oldest log flumes in the United States and one of the few log flumes that is themed in the world.

A thrilling jorney in hollowed-out logs nears the end as you race down the log flume for a wave-splashing finale

Postcards received from Diane, California resident

CAMBRIDGE

Cambridge is an extremely compact place. Cambridge University swamps the town. As one of the world's most famous and oldest universities, founded when students were driven out of Oxford by rioting in the early 13th century, its medieval colleges are simply superlative. 
The Backs (i.e. the backs of the colleges), where lawns reach down to the Cam River, is very picturesque and best experienced on a punt. At the front, the handsome facades of these same colleges dominate the layout of the town centre,  lining up along the main streets.

Many of the buildings are extraordinary beautiful, but the most famous is King's College, whose King's College Chapel is one of the great statements of late Gothic architecture. There are 31 university colleges in total, each an independent, self-governing body, proud of its achievements.
Nosing around the colleges' hidden courts and gardens, and searching out ancient libraries, refectories and chapels is the most pleasurable part of a visit.  

Read more:  
Cambridge City Council
University of Cambridge

Postcrossing Postcard: GB-376024

FLORIDA

For the majority of Florida’s 105 million annual visitors, the typical travel poster images of Florida – sun, sea, sand, and Mickey Mouse – are reason enough to jump on the next plane. The Sunshine State deserves its reputation as the perfect family vacation spot, but Florida is much richer in its culture, landscape, and character than its stereotypical image suggests.

Spring Training in south and central Florida. Let's play ball!

• State Capital - Tallahassee 
• Largest City - Jacksonville
• State Nickname - The Sunshine State
• Florida is the fourth most populous state in the USA, after California, New York and Texas.
• Origin of the Name Florida - Florida was first seen by the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon on Palm Sunday on April 2, 1513 - he then named the "Pascua de Florida," meaning "Feast of Flowers" and claimed it for Spain.
  
• Major Industries - tourism, agriculture (oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes), electronics 

 

Peaceful picturesque beaches line Florida's coast 

Postcard of one of many Florida beaches. The best beaches are along the Atlantic, where the water, as blue and pure as on the front, travels as far as the eye can see, kissing the sky where the horizon lies. The white, hot crispy sand squishes beneath your feet and between your toes as the sun warry your cheeks and salty ocean breeze tickles your face.

CANADA

A World of Possibilities

The red and white Canadian flag shows a leaf of the maple tree, which grows widely in North America. Canada provinces number 10, with three territories to the north (Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut). Each province and territory has its own unique draw for visitors. 

 

The 10 provinces in Canada, from west to east, followed by the territories are best known for:
1. British Columbia - Okanagan wine region, skiing, fishing, whale watching, golf and other outdoor adventures.
2. Alberta - Calgary Stampede, Edmonton Folk Festival, Edmonton Mall, Rocky Mountains, Head Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.
3. Saskatchewan - Fishing, hunting and other outdoor adventure.
4. Manitoba - Polar Bear Capital of the World, Le Festival du Voyageur, Folklorama.
5. Ontario - Algonquin Park, CN Tower, Niagara wine region, Bruce Trail, woods and lakes.
6. Quebec - French Culture / Language, Old Montreal, Plains of Abraham, skiing.
7. New Brunswick - Bay of Fundy, Appalachian Range, coastline, lighthouses.
8. Nova Scotia - Cabot Trail and other scenic drives, Celtic culture, Fortress of Louisbourg, fresh lobster dinners, coastline, Annapolis Valley.
9. Prince Edward Island - Anne of Green Gables.
10. Newfoundland & Labrador - Gros Morne National Park, the friendliness of the people, icebergs, whale watching.
11. Yukon - Northern lights, dog sledding, historic Klondike Gold Rush locations, Kluane National Park, midnight sun.
12. Northwest Territories - Northern lights, midnight sun, Nahanni River, outdoor adventure.
13. Nunavut - Canada's youngest territory or province.

GREAT BRITAIN

This is the name of the island which is made up of England, Scotland and Wales. The origin of the word 'Great' is a reference to size, because in many European languages the word for Britain and Brittany in France are the same. In fact, it was the French who first talked about Grande Bretagne! In everyday speech 'Britain' is used to mean United Kingdom.
The flag of the United Kingdom, known as the Union Jack, is made up of three crosses. The upright red cross is the cross of St George, the patron saint of England. The white diagonal cross is the cross of St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland. The red diagonal cross is the cross of St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

England is a land of scenic mountains, as well as great urban sprawls and congested roads. Scotland has two of the country's most absorbing cities. It is a land of tartan kilts, bagpipes, drams of whisky and misty glens. Wales offers superb introductions to a lost industrial heritage as well as abounds with lush valleys and medieval castles.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

British Columbia is Canada's most westerly province. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal and Rocky Mountain ranges. It is a neighbour to Alberta on the east and to the USA on the south.

Beautiful British Columbia

British Columbia, with its varied landscape, is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Mighty rivers and ocean shoreline, fishing lakes and sandy beaches, wild flowers and old-growth forests, comprise the 952,263 square kilometers of "Beautiful" British Columbia. The entire province is four times the size of the United Kingdom and yet has a population of just over 3 million people. With over 400 parks, and numerous mountain ranges, there is no shortage of wilderness area offering opportunities for everyone from the casual walker to the adventure enthusiast.

Farm near Fort Steele

Historians are fascinated by the wealth B.C. has. Throughout British Columbia traditional cultures continue to thrive and one can see huge totem poles in their original surroundings or retrace the 1870's Gold rush and early settlers. The climate varies throughout as much as the landscape. Variety is the key to British Columbia's popularity.

THE ISLE OF WIGHT

Though a separate county since 1974, the lozenge-shaped ISLE OF WIGHT still has difficulty shaking off its image as a mere adjunct of rural southern England - comfortably off, scrupulously tidy and desperately unadventurous. Yet the island, which measures less than 23 miles at its widest point, packs a surprising variety of landscapes and coastal scenery within its bounds. 

North of the chalk ridge that runs across its centre, the terrain is low-lying woodland and pasture, deeply cut by meandering rivers, while southwards lies open chalky downland fringed by high cliffs. Two Heritage Coast paths follow the best of the shoreline, and a splendid array of well-preserved Victoriana provides added interest. It is a popular opinion that among the best things on the Isle of Wight are the Downs. They command wonderful views, and the air, which comes straight from the sea, is most invigorating.

Postcrossing Postcard: NL-805107

CALIFORNIA

Greetings from California! 

Nickname: The Golden State. 
Area in Square Miles: 158,297. 
Population: 25,000,000. 
Entered the Union:  September 9th, 1850
Endless sunshine, amazing cities, best-in-class theme parks, incredible natural treasures. From beaches and deserts to 14,000-foot mountains, from ultimate cities to its broad heartland, the Golden State invites you to play all year long.

The land of movie stars and make believe, California occupies the imagination of the entire world. Dreams of swaying palm trees lining manicured Beverly Hills boulevards with enormous mansions, sunny beach boardwalks with fun fairs and rollerbladers, scenic highways skirting dramatic coastal drop-offs, and secluded paths meandering through groves of giant redwood trees are all part of the magic of this wildly popular state.

But far from the bustling streets of the big cities, the stunning landscape of California offers scenic photo opportunities ranging from the giant redwoods of Sequoia National Park, to the twisted branches of Joshua Tree. Travellers can ski or swim at Lake Tahoe, and cavort with dolphins on Catalina Island… leading many to wonder if there's anything you can't find in California!

Read more: visitcalifornia.com

SOUTH DEVON

With its rolling meadows, narrow lanes and remote thatched cottages, Devon has long been idealized as a vision of preindustrial, "authentic" England. But while many of its cosy, gentrified villages are inhabited largely by retired folk and urban refuges, having little common with its county's strong agricultural, mercantile and maritime traditions, at least the stereotyped image has helped to preserve the countryside and coast in the undeveloped condition for which they are famous, and the county offers an abundance of genuine tranquility, from moorland villages to quiet coves on the spectacular coastline. The south coast's traditional resorts are at their liveliest along the English Riviera around Torbay. The coastline is at its prettiest around the Darmouth and Kingsbridge estuaries - both yachting meccas - while the best of the beaches are at Bigbury Bay.

Postcrossing postcard: GB-174366

NEWFOUNDLAND

A World of Difference

Off in the northwest Atlantic Ocean, Newfoundland is both geographically and culturally a place between the Old and New Worlds. Here you'll find a fantastic natural environment. More than a dozen species of whales, millions of nesting seabirds and the wild ocean itself beckon. On land are scores of parks, the world's largest caribou herd and friendly, open people who speak a dialect that not's quite Devon, not quite Cork, but definitely familiar. 

Original art by Jim Lemieux

The province is fast becoming known for its winter activities, especially skiing. For campers there are scores of provincial parks and two national parks. This is also the land of fjords. There are trails galore and even sand beaches!

There's one constant in Newfoundland: friendly people who love to see a new face and have a good time. Come on over and discover North America's natural adventures destination - A World of Difference. 

For further information:  Welcome to Newfoundland and Labrador 

Postcrossing Postcard: CA-434611 

WASHINGTON D.C.

With its impressive monuments and museums, its stately government buildings and mansions, Washington D.C. is easily recognizable as the United State's capital city. The city is mainly based on government and everything from museums to mansions bring millions of tourists each year. Washington D.C. is the second most visited city in the United States (after New York) and is among the top travel destinations in the world. Most Walkable City in the U.S.

Points of interest in Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C. has dozens of world-class museums and galleries to visit, and many of them are free. The permanent collections of the Smithsonian Museums are second to none, and the temporary exhibits there and elsewhere around Washington bring in spectacular art and artifacts.Many of the architectural landmarks in Washington, D.C. commemorate important chapters in American history. Monuments and memorials like the breathtaking Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, the unprecedented Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the inspiring Marine Corps War Memorial.  

Official Visitors Guide: Washington DC

Postcrossing Postcard: US-1326343

QUEBEC

Canada's largest province has fjords, mountains, sea-lashed cliffs, wildlife, and adventure - all within easy reach of cosmopolitan Montreal and charming Old Quebec City, the provincial capital. The vibrant cities blend the best of Europe with the best of North America - easy going hospitality, fabulous cuisine, elegant hotels, cosy inns, nightlife with flair, unique museums and lively festivals of international theatre, comedy, film, fireworks and music.

Quebec and its regions - its motto "I remember"

From the silken sands and blood-red cliffs of the Magdalen Islands, to the wind-blown Arctic tundra of the Far North, to the flaming maple countryside and French-style manor houses of the Charlevoix region and the festive streets of Montreal, Quebec is a land of dazzling variety.

From whale watching to maple-sugar tasting, sand castle building to museum hopping, Canada's "Belle Province" has something for every fancy. 

Postcrossing Postcard: DE-720537

TEXAS

Texas is the second largest state in the U.S. at 268,001 square miles. Six flags flown over Texas: Spain, France, United Mexican States, Confederate States of America, the Republic of Texas and the United States of America, with eight changes of government.

It's not so exaggerated to think of Texas as a whole other country, 800 miles wide and nearly that far from north to south. Sunny seacoast to mile-high mountains; dense forests to cactus-studded desert; great cities and towns! Texas is derived from an Indian word, Tejas, which means friendship. Texas is sun land from the Gulf Coast to mile-high mountains, and in every season of the year.

 

 

 

San Antonio

In 1718 Spain established Mission San Antonio de Valero (later called the Alamo). Today's city name derives from those 18th-Century Spanish beginnings. San Antonio is colourfully accented by its multicultural heritage (Spanish Canary Islanders, Mexican, German and others). Riverwalk This tree-shaded path along the San Antonio River was built as a flood-control project during the Depression-era New Deal. Now a horseshoe-shaped, open-air promenade lined with shops, Riverwalk is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city.

 

 

Second to the Alamo, the Riverwalk is the most visited site in all of Texas. With its open air cafes, art galleries, and specialty shops, there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy.

Visit San Antonio

 Travel Texas