As the center of Silicon Valley geographically, it makes sense that San Jose would host a museum entirely devoted to technology and innovation. The Tech Museum of Innovation, lovingly referred to by locals as "The Tech," lives up to it's name with a frequently rotating roster of technology themed installations that always offers something new and interesting for tech savvy locals and tech curious out-of town visitors alike.
Best and worst time to go to the Tech
Locals crowd to the Tech on the first full weekend of every month, when Bank of America sponsors free admission to all card holders, and the venue gets packed. If you are looking for a quieter museum experience, go during summer, between June and August, when local schools aren't in session and you won't run into the otherwise frequent field trip groups.
Must see/do at the Tech
The Tech's IMAX theater is a must visit, as the IMAX experience translates brilliantly to the science and nature films often shown here. The "Earthquake Simulator" found on the first floor is a perennial favorite for Californians especially. And don't miss the "Social Robots" installation, where you can build a real robot for free.
Admission to the Tech
Admission for the museum runs in the $20 range, with an extra fee for IMAX entry. Small discounts are offered for youth and seniors, as well as AAA members and military affiliates. The Tech is a supporter of the "Open Access" policy, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds if entry fees are prohibitive. Check-in at the front desk for discount details.
Parking and public transportation to the Tech
Parking at the Tech usually isn't too hard, with the nearby San Jose Convention Center offering all day parking for $5 with validation. Another lot, located at the corner of Second and San Carlos, has the same rates. VTA lightrail also provides easy access, with the 900 and 902 trains stopping at the McEnery Convention Center less than two blocks away.
Food at the Tech
The Tech Cafe presented by Lunch with Tony, located on the ground floor level of the Tech, has a full menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, and breakfast themed a la carte items. Expect to pay around 10 dollars for an entree, with some discounted kids options. And don't miss the "made from scratch" soups if you are looking for a very impressive bowl of local goodness.
Insider tips for visitors to the Tech
The second Thursday of every month offers a 21+ "After Hours at the Tech Event" where the museum tweaks exhibits to cater to an older audience and serves cocktails. And you get into this event for free if it's the month of your birthday.
Author's bio: Cassidy Kakin is a local cyclist, writer, and entrepreneur. He is passionate about two things: exploring his city and sharing his findings with the world.
The Witch Dungeon Museum has a long history of educating and entertaining tourists. Stop in to view a live reenactment of the 1692 Salem witch trials. The reenactment uses text taken from the original trial transcripts. After the performance, take a guided tour through the witch dungeon and other notable witch trial locations, including Gallows Hill.
Though at its current location since 1984, the International Crane Foundation has just recently become a more popular attraction in the Wisconsin Dells/Baraboo area. The facility houses each of the 15 species of cranes on a 225-acre complex and offers up-close encounters with one of the world's most endangered birds.
Best and worst time to go to the International Crane Foundation
The International Crane Foundation is only open from April through October and is not crowded on most weekdays throughout the year. However, it does get busy on summer weekends, so the best time to visit is on weekdays in the summer.
Must see/do at the International Crane Foundation
- Whooping Crane Exhibit - The largest exhibit on the property, visitors can sit and watch North America's largest bird in a natural setting.
- Blue Crane Exhibit - In a similar setup to the whooping cranes, this exhibit is one of many that have been renovated.
- Spirit of Africa - Visitors can get really close to the grey-crowned and black-crowned cranes.
Admission to the International Crane Foundation
Admission is charged to the International Crane Foundation. Prices range from $5-10 and discount are given to students and seniors.
Parking at the International Crane Foundation
The International Crane Foundation is not far from I-90/94 and plenty of parking is available on-site.
Public Transportation to the International Crane Foundation
There is no public transportation in the area, but traffic congestion is rarely a problem due to its rural location.
Food at the International Crane Foundation
The International Crane Foundation does not have concessions and only offers a snack bar with water and candy bars. However, there is a picnic area on-site if visitors want to bring their own food.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the International Crane Foundation
Check out the International Crane Foundation in early to mid-June, when the mating pairs' chicks have hatched. Be mindful that they are protective and will charge, so keep a safe distance when viewing them.
Author's bio: Michael Benson is a life-long Illinois resident and an avid traveler throughout the Midwest.
Located in the center of downtown Lansing, the Michigan Capitol Building boasts a dome inspired by the national Capitol in Washington D.C. and offers daily tours Monday through Friday. History buffs and travelers will enjoy the stories behind the art, architecture and galleries on display throughout the building.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Michigan State Capitol
Parking is a challenge in downtown Lansing, and visitors should come prepared for meter parking. Public meter parking can be found along Washington Square, a block from the Capitol Building. Parking garages on either side of the building are also available to visitors, although a fee is charged per vehicle.
The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) provides a public bus system throughout the city and surrounding areas. Use CATA's Trip Planner to identify the appropriate route.
Best and Worst Time to Visit Michigan's Capitol Building
The building is closed on weekends and state and federal holidays.
The best time to visit is in the summer season, when the grounds are beautifully landscaped and the weather is conducive to walking. Three times a year, in July, August and September, the Capitol Building hosts a massive farmer's market on the East Lawn. Over 15,000 people come to support Michigan farmers and businesses.
Admission to Michigan's Capitol Building
Admission to the building, as well as the tours, is free. Self-guided tours are also allowed.
Other Places to Visit Near Michigan's Capitol Building
Downtown Lansing is a lively place to visit, especially in the summer. Just block from the Capitol visitors can enjoy a Lansing Lugnuts Baseball game at the Cooley Law School Stadium or hands-on science fun at Impression 5 Science Center. There are also countless bars and restaurants along Washington Square and Michigan Ave.
Insider Tip for Visiting Michigan's Capitol Building
While the regular guided tours do cover the inside of the Capitol Building's dome, a climb to the top of the Cupola is allowed by special request.
Author's bio: Allie McLary is a digital communications profesional from Lansing, MI, bitten by the travel bug.
If you can't seem to get tickets to the Kentucky Derby in May, your next best bet is to stop in at the Kentucky Derby Museum and see just what all that fuss is about. The Kentucky Derby Museum, on the grounds of Churchill Downs Racetrack, is a museum solely dedicated to that famous race, almost 150 years strong, and the most famous horses and jockeys who ever participated. Start your visit with a short movie and then trot your way through the museum, seeing exhibits and artifacts about racing and dressing, for both the horses and the spectators. The museum has several indoor, stationary exhibits about racing, but you'll also get to step outside into the stables and view some real, live Kentucky thoroughbreds as well as see the grave sites of five past Kentucky Derby winners.
Best and worst time to go to the Kentucky Derby Museum
The worst time to go is during the Kentucky Derby Festival, which is held just before the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May. Mother's Day and Easter are other really busy times. Generally, Saturdays and Sundays are pleasant days and any weekday when a field trip of local schools isn't present.
Must see or do at the Kentucky Derby Museum
The 360-degree movie about the history of the Derby is a must-do. On busy days, you might have to wait your turn, but it's well worth the wait to see past races galloping past your eyes on the huge screen. If you're not a sports fan, don't despair. The museum has amazing exhibits of the crazy Derby fashions and hats of the last century or so. The museum also has revolving exhibits that focus on African American involvement and even Hollywood stars.
Admission to the Kentucky Derby Museum
Prices range from $14 for a full tickets, with discounts and cheaper prices for seniors, military, kids, AAA, and others. Your ticket price includes the museum tour, a walking history tour of Churchill Downs, and the movie.
Parking and public transportation to Kentucky Derby Museum
There is parking on site, usually for free, but there is a charge on race days during the season. Check the calendar to see if this applies, which is nearly everyday in the spring or summer. TARC does provide public transportation on Route 4, which also services the downtown area. Taxi services are also always available.
Food at the Kentucky Derby Museum
There is a cafe at the museum, the Derby Cafe, open each day for lunch hours only, which serves typically unique Kentucky fare like Burgoo and Hot Brown for reasonable prices. The cafe is closed during holidays and special occasions, so be sure to check the website before you plan on lunch. On really busy days, there is no menu available; instead, a buffet service is offered.
Insiders tip for Kentucky Derby Museum
The Derby Cafe is part of the Kentucky Urban Bourbon Trail, a marked trail of bourbon tasting spots in Louisville. Visitors who really want to sample the best of that spirit can make reservations to try a flight of Kentucky's best bourbons including Maker's Mark, Four Roses, Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace served by actual bourbon authorities. These events are held throughout the year, but must be reserved in advance.
Author's bio: CC Thomas is freelance writer and Kentucky native who loves to travel. Follow the adventures at www.iknowfuntravel.blogspot.com.
