Amtrak: Atlanta station poses ‘impediment’ to improving Crescent

The Crescent departs Atlanta on Oct. 25, 2011. Photo by Todd DeFeo

ATLANTA – Amtrak’s current station in Atlanta is hindering the railroad’s ability to improve the performance of the one passenger train that serves the city, the railroad said in a recent report.

“The most significant impediment to improving financial performance, ridership and customer satisfaction on the Crescent route is the limitations of Amtrak’s current Brookwood Station in Atlanta,” the railroad said in the report.

The station is “woefully inadequate to meet the needs of Amtrak’s passengers and operations in our nation’s ninth largest metropolitan area,” the report noted. More than 112,000 passengers passed through the station during fiscal year 2010, an average of more than 305 per day.

According to Amtrak, “Atlanta represents the highest ridership of all station stops on the Crescent,” and more than 40 percent of the train’s ticket revenue comes from passengers who begin or end their trip in Atlanta. But, the railroad admits, “the passenger rail facilities in Atlanta do not reflect the stop’s significance.”

The former Southern Railway built the current Amtrak station, which opened in 1918. However, the station was not built to serve as the city’s primary passenger railroad station, a role it has fulfilled since the city’s terminal station closed in 1970.

State and federal officials are exploring options for a new passenger station. However, the source of the needed funding is unclear. Officials have thrown out a number of possible locations for a station, including Five Points and Atlantic Station.

Since a new passenger station in Atlanta appears to be out of the question for now, Amtrak is considering running shorter versions of the Crescent passenger train between Atlanta and New Orleans to save money because of lower ridership numbers on that section of the route, the railroad indicated.

Amtrak is also looking into adding bus routes to cities located near, but not along, the Crescent route, which the railroad believes will increase “ridership and revenue while expanding the reach of the intercity passenger rail network,” the railroad said in the report.

The Crescent runs daily between New York and New Orleans via Atlanta. Amtrak has operated the train since 1979, when Southern gave up the route.

Amtrak exploring feeder bus routes on Crescent route

ATLANTA -- Amtrak could add bus routes to cities located near, but not along, its Crescent route, which the railroad believes will increase "ridership and revenue while expanding the reach of the intercity passenger rail network," the railroad said in a recent report.

Such bus routes would connect the Atlanta Amtrak station with Macon, Ga.; Columbus, Ga.; Dalton, Ga.; and Chattanooga, Tenn.; the railroad indicated. Amtrak estimates annual ridership on the routes would exceed 17,000 passengers and result in a net revenue of $600,000 per year.

The bus service is just one of several upgrades the railroad is considering making to the Crescent. Amtrak also is considering running shorter versions of the Crescent passenger train between Atlanta and New Orleans to save money because of lower ridership numbers.

"New passengers attracted by these feeder (bus) routes would utilize a portion of the newly created coach capacity north of Atlanta," the railroad said. However, if Amtrak cannot implement its plan to run longer trains north of Atlanta because of operational limitations, the additional bus routes serving the Atlanta station would likely be dropped, the railroad indicated in its report.

Amtrak would first need permission from the city of Atlanta to create a bus stop on Deering Street where the station is located. However, Amtrak might be unable to implement the bus service in Atlanta because of the space constraints of the current station.

"The current station presents major difficulties for implementing connecting bus service due to the very limited availability of curbside space useable for bus loading and unloading," the railroad admitted in its report.

As an alternative, the railroad could also consider changing the bus transfer stop from Atlanta to Gainesville, Ga., the train's first stop north of Atlanta.

Amtrak considering changes to Crescent

ATLANTA -- Amtrak is considering running shorter versions of the Crescent passenger train between Atlanta and New Orleans to save money because of lower ridership numbers, according to a recent report from the passenger railroad.

According to the report, Amtrak could "shorten the train south of Atlanta by switching off of the train two or three coaches, the lounge car, and one locomotive. These cars would be serviced at Atlanta during the day and added to the evening northbound train back to New York."

The Crescent runs daily between New York and New Orleans via Atlanta.

Amtrak believes the "proposal (could) reduce operating costs while increasing capacity, ridership, and revenue north of Atlanta, where Amtrak is currently turning away customers due to lack of capacity, it said in the report, noting that "switching cars in Atlanta will require agreement with the host railroad, Norfolk Southern," the railroad that owns the track for much of the route.

In 2010, the Crescent carried 298,688, according to numbers from Amtrak.

According to railroad numbers, about 21 percent of the train's passengers ride on the "southern segment" of the route -- between Atlanta and New Orleans. That results in about nine percent of the train's revenue.

In September, the Crescent operated on time 75 percent of the time, according to Amtrak. Over the past year, the train has been on time just more than 70 percent of the time.

WDW: Newest resort open to guests starting May 31

The first rooms at the newest Walt Disney World resort, a 2,000-room value resort, will be open to guests starting May 31, according to Walt Disney World.

When complete, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will feature 1,120 family suites – to be located in The Lion King, Cars and Finding Nemo wings of the resort – and 864 standard “themed” rooms – to be located in The Little Mermaid wing. The suites will have both a bedroom and a living room.

“Here at Disney, we are in the Guest experience business,” Kevin Myers, vice president of resort operations for Walt Disney World Resort, said in a news release. “When we develop a new resort hotel, we draw on Guest feedback about our parks, entertainment, special events and every aspect of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to provide a resort hotel experience that only Disney can deliver.”

The resort, located next to the Pop Century Resort, is Walt Disney World’s 25th resort and is expected to result in 750 resort jobs, Disney said. The project also resulted in 800 construction jobs.

Legoland: ‘A real game-changer for Central Florida’

Legoland, Central Florida’s newest theme, park officially opened last week, giving a second life to a former Central Florida landmark.

Merlin Entertainment built the theme park on a 150-acre tract of land formerly occupied by Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven. The park features more than 50 attractions and is the second Legoland in North America – a California location opened in 1999. There are also Legoland parks in Denmark, Germany and the United Kingdom.

“In essence, we’re establishing an entirely new visitation category in this market because every ride, show and attraction within Legoland Florida has been designed exclusively with kids ages 2 to 12 in mind,” Nick Varney, CEO for Merlin Entertainments Group, said in a news release.

“It’s a real game-changer for Central Florida because young families can finally plan that first theme park vacation assured that even their youngest child will enjoy a memorable experience, and that they’ll be able to optimize their vacation budget,” Varney added.

The park’s Miniland USA will feature scaled down version of various cities, including Las Vegas, Washington and New York.

Adult tickets for the new Legoland start at $65 while children’s and senior’s tickets will cost $55; children under 3 years old can enter the park free of charge.

Cypress Gardens opened in 1936 and closed in 2009.

“Legoland Florida is the brilliant blend of two of the world’s most powerful family brands – Lego and the Florida vacation,” Chris Thompson, CEO of Visit Florida, said in a news release. “Together they create the next generation of family entertainment and cement this region’s status as the Vacation Capital of the World.”

Delta adding 'Economy Comfort' section to mainline fleet

ATLANTA – Delta Air Lines is adding its so-called "Economy Comfort" section, which it previously added to long-haul international flights, to its entire mainline fleet and more than 250 two-class regional jets.

The new section, which features seats with more legroom, seats that recline further and priority boarding, was available on long-haul international flights starting this past summer. The seats will be available on more than 550 mainline aircraft -- including Boeing 737, 757, 767 and Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft -- starting next summer.

"Our goal is to make sure premium customers are sitting in premium seats," Richard Anderson, Delta's chief executive officer, said in a news release. "Delta already offers more First Class seats than any other U.S. airline and by expanding Economy Comfort we'll offer customers even more opportunities to select a premium seat."

The addition of the "Economy Comfort" section to the mainline fleet is part of a $2 billion investment in services and products, Delta said.

Alcatraz by the numbers

All photos by Todd DeFeo / (c) 2011

By Todd DeFeo / (c) 2011

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Rock is perhaps more myth than reality, but the landmark federal penitentiary (now relegated to museum duty) attracts more than 1 million visitors annually.

Here's a unique look at the famed prison -- by the numbers, according to various official sources:

• 336: The number of "remodeled" cells available at the federal penitentiary
• 302: The prison's peak population (which came in 1937)
• 260: The average prison population between 1935 and 1960
• 222: The prison's lowest population (which came in 1947)
• 38: Deaths reported at the prison
• 36: Prisoners who tried to escape
• 29: The number of years Alcatraz was open as a  federal penitentiary
• 27: The number of the final group of prisoners to leave on March 21, 1963
• 17: The years that Robert Stroud (better known as "The Birdman of Alcatraz") spent here
• 14: The number of escape attempts
• 10: The number of dollars per day it cost to house an inmate by the time the facility was closed in 1963
• 8: The number of murders on the island
• 5: The number of suicides at the federal penitentiary 
• 4.5: How many years Al Capone spent incarcerated here
• 0: The number of people who successfully escaped

 One last tip: Be sure to pick up an audio tour and hear the prison's history come to life.

Officials: Beware of deer this fall

ATLANTA – Georgia authorities are urging motorists to be cautious of deer this fall.

"Some Georgia motorists may only expect deer to cross rural roadways, while in fact, urban and suburban roads are also prime areas for deer-car collisions," Don McGowan, a biologist for the state's Wildlife Resources Division, said in a news release. "Hunting is oftentimes mistakenly blamed for increased deer-car collisions in autumn when, in reality, deer are on the move due to a series of both natural and human causes." 

Officials also note that deer are most active at dawn and dusk and estimate there are 50,000 deer-vehicle collisions in Georgia every year.

Authorities are urging motorists to remember that deer, as is the case with all animals, are unpredictable and where there is one deer, there are likely to be others. If a deer-vehicle collision is imminent, officials also say motorists should try to minimize damage by slowing down as much as possible.
 
The Wildlife Resources Division offered the following tips:
 
– Unpredictable: Always remember deer are wildlife and therefore, can be unpredictable. A deer calmly standing on the side of a road may bolt into or across the road rather than away from it when startled by a vehicle.
 
– One Deer Usually Means More: Take caution and slow down when a deer crosses. Deer generally travel in groups, so if one crosses, be prepared that others may follow.
 
– Time of Day: As deer are most active at dawn and dusk, they typically are seen roadside during the early morning and late evening – the same times most people are commuting to and from work.
 
– Time of Year: While deer-car collisions can occur any time of year, the fall breeding season is a peak time for such accidents. Road shoulders generally provide green food both during extremely dry times of the year and following a long, hard winter.
 
– Minimize Damage: If it is too late to avoid a collision, drivers are advised to slow down as much as possible to minimize damage – resist the urge to swerve to avoid the deer, this may cause further damage, sending drivers off the road or causing a collision with another vehicle. If an accident occurs, alert the police as soon as possible. 

Auraria, Georgia

Taken Oct. 16, 2011, in Auraria, Ga.

King Memorial dedicated in Washington

Photo courtesy NPS

ATLANTA -- The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial was formally dedicated Sunday on the National Mall, just more than 48 years after the famed civil rights leader led a march on Washington and delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech.

"Dr. King's legacy is a vital part not only of Atlanta's rich cultural heritage, but also of the nation, and indeed the world," Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed said in a statement. "His speeches mobilized a people, his leadership moved a nation and his commitment to nonviolence inspired millions around the globe.  On October 16th, we will celebrate the life of a visionary whose foresight remains relevant today. Dr. King is one of our nation's greatest heroes, and the King Memorial on the National Mall is a fitting tribute."In addition to the carving, the monument features 17 quotes from King.

Chinese sculptor Lee Yixin created the monument of King, who was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tenn. The memorial, located along the Tidal Basin near the Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, opened to the public on Aug. 22, but was formally dedicated on Sunday, a ceremony that was originally scheduled for Aug. 28, but delayed by Hurricane Irene.

"During the past 126 years, 12 monuments and memorials have been constructed on the reserve area of the National Mall, each reflecting an important moment in our shared history. The addition of the MLK Memorial adds another layer to this irreplaceable piece of our American fabric," Caroline Cunningham, president of the Trust for the National Mall, said in a statement. "The memorial to Dr. King will sit directly between the Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial, creating a 'line of leadership' between three men whose ideals helped to shape our nation and are now celebrated on the National Mall.

"This important addition to the National Mall further underscores the importance of restoring our nation's most popular park," Cunningham added. "The MLK Memorial will draw an estimated 5 million visitors each year, exposing even more people to the National Mall experience and the history of our country."

Said President Obama, according to a transcript of his remarks: "So it is right for us to celebrate today Dr. King's dream and his vision of unity. And yet it is also important on this day to remind ourselves that such progress did not come easily; that Dr. King's faith was hard-won; that it sprung out of a harsh reality and some bitter disappointments."

However, Alveda C. King, King's niece and founder of King for America, said the monument missed an opportunity to include references to God in the quotes.

"This missed opportunity to carve God's Name on the wall still presents another opportunity," Alveda King said in a statement. "Many people don't know that Uncle M. L. was a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It stands to reason that they have never heard of his devotion to Jesus Christ and his message of God's agape love. I wasn't consulted on the design of the site, still I see this as a teaching moment to encourage people to read King's sermons." 

National parks to waive fees on 17 days in 2012

ATLANTA -- The National Park Service is planning to waive entrance fees at national parks on 17 days in 2012, officials announced today.
 
"From Independence Hall to our newest national park, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, our national parks tell the story of America, from the beauty of our land to our struggle for freedom and justice," Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said in a news release. "Whether or not it's during one of the 17 fee free days next year, I encourage everyone to visit a park near them and enjoy the remarkable landscapes and historical and cultural sites that are unique to our great country."
 
The fee free dates for 2012 are Jan. 14-16 for Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend; April 21-29 for National Park Week; June 9 for Get Outdoors Day; Sept. 29 for National Public Lands Day; and Nov. 10-12 for Veterans Day weekend.
 
Park entrance fees at the parks that charge fees generally range from $3 to $25. National Parks in Georgia that normally have fees include the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area in Augusta, the Cumberland Island National Seashore in St. Marys, Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island and Fort Pulaski National Monument in Savannah.
 
"The majority of national parks don't have an entrance fee and those that do charge a maximum of $25 a week for an entire family" National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis said in a news release. "We realize there are additional expenses when visiting a park so many associated businesses will have discounts and enhancements on the fee free days."

"One of the great things about a national park vacation is it can be as economical or luxurious as desired," Jarvis said. "A visit can be a few hours or several days. One could pack their lunch or eat at a snack bar, cafeteria, or gourmet dining room. One could sleep under the stars in the backcountry or stay in a campground, motel, or majestic lodge. There is something for everyone at each of the country's 395 national parks. So mark the dates, grab a friend or family member – especially one that has never been to a park before – and come visit one of your national parks."
 
For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm.

Views from Gold Rush Days

Taken Oct. 16 in Dahlonega, Ga.

Reports: Atlanta officials looking at possible relocation of Cyclorama

ATLANTA -- City officials are looking at weighing options for moving The Cyclorama, a number of reports indicate. However, a move doesn't appear to be imminent, nor is such a move guaranteed to take place.

Located in Grant Park next to Zoo Atlanta, The Cyclorama is best known for its painted depiction of the Battle of Atlanta on July 22, 1864. The Cyclorama dates to the 1880s, but the current building dates to 1921; both the painting and the building were restored in the 1980s.

The theater rotates in a 360-degree circle, allowing the audience to see the entire 42-foot-tall painting. An introductory film narrated by James Earl Jones sets the scene for visitors before they enter the room that houses the painting; narration on each part of the scene as the room rotates highlights the various events depicted in the painting.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has formed a task force, which met last month, charged with looking at options. Discussion about moving the Cyclorama has come up previously, though such discussion in the past hasn't resulted in any action.

"I think they've lost their minds, and we'll fight," The New York Times quoted one Grant Park resident as saying. "This is ours."

The American Panorama Company in Milwaukee created the painting. While visitors are waiting to view the painting, they have the chance to see the locomotive Texas, the engine that ultimately caught up with the General to help end the Great Locomotive Chase.

For more information: http://saportareport.com/blog/2011/08/city-of-atlanta-could-move-cyclorama-from-grant-park/
For more information: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/09/us/moving-of-atlanta-cyclorama-is-raised.html?_r=2&scp=1&sq=Atlanta&st=cse

Dahlonega's 'Gold Rush Days' celebrates area's past

Dahlonega's fortunes changed forever in 1828 when gold was discovered in the area.

The U.S. Mint opened a branch mint in the city, which remained in operation until the start of the Civil War; the Confederate Treasury Department took over the facility following secession. The dome of the state capitol in Atlanta has 60 ounces of gold panned in Dahlonega.

Today, the 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse located on the town's square – the oldest in the state – is home to the Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site. The state park tells the story of the nation's first major gold rush, which happened two decades before California's major rush.

Each year, the city hosts "Gold Rush Days," a celebration of the city's past. More than 200,000 people are expected to attend this year's festival, scheduled for Oct. 15-16.

The festival features everything one would expect from a festival – from arts and crafts to food to a gold panning contest.

Dahlonega, a city of about 5,000, is located about 70 minutes north of Atlanta. For more information on Gold Rush Days, visit www.dahlonegajaycees.com.

Georgia's 'Apple Capital' celebrates all things apple

Gilmer County, located about 80 miles north of Atlanta, is known as the “Apple Capital of Georgia.”

The county produces 600,000 bushels of apples every year. In celebration of its heritage, the area holds the Georgia Apple Festival every October.

The festival, held annually since 1971, is complete with everything one would expect from a festival – from inflatable festival toys to arts and crafts to all sorts of food. Of course, there are funnel cakes and any number of apple delicacies, ranging from apple dumplings to fried apple pies.

This year's Georgia Apple Festival was kicked off this weekend and will continue next Saturday and Sunday.

Like other places in Georgia, Gilmer County's economy once centered on cotton. But, once the boll weevil destroyed cotton, apples took over as an an important crop in many parts of the state.

Tickets for the festival are $5. For more information, visit www.georgiaapplefestival.org.

Festival focuses on Dawsonville’s colorful history

During the first of the 19th century, the city of Dawsonville grew as settlers and gold miners moved into the area in the wake of a gold rush in North Georgia. But Dawsonville earned its more storied, infamous reputation during Prohibition when the area became a focal point for moonshine production.

The cat-and-mouse game between the so-called “trippers” who transported moonshine and the “revenuers” chasing them served as the precursor to modern-day NASCAR. Many in the area claim Dawsonville as the (unofficial) “Birthplace of NASCAR” (the city is also home to Bill Elliott, better known as “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville”).

To celebrate its one-of-a-kind history, the city hosts the annual Mountain Moonshine Festival every year on the fourth weekend in October. This year’s festival – the 44th annual – will be held Oct. 22-23 and centers on the downtown square and Dawsonville Municipal Complex. Highlights of the free festival include a car show, historical displays and a parade.

In addition, the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame is located in Dawsonville’s city hall. Racing aficionados may also want to stop by the Dawsonville Pool Hall to check out its extensive collection of racing memorabilia.

For more information, call (877) 302-9271 or visit www.dawson.org.

Report: Southwest to ‘unwind’ Atlanta AirTran hub

ATLANTA – When Southwest Airlines begins its service in Atlanta early next year, it won’t be the same service in a new paint scheme.

News reports this week indicate Southwest is planning to revamp AirTran Airways’ Atlanta operation, which is an important hub for AirTran. Southwest is planning to focus on more nonstop travel and less connecting trips.

“We’ll unwind the hub and operate a typical Southwest point-to-point schedule,” Bloomberg News quoted Southwest CEO Gary Kelly as saying. “You’d rather have two nonstop passengers than one connecting passenger. AirTran yields a certain revenue per mile flown, and Southwest gets a premium to that.”

The low-cost carrier has said it will start service to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in February to at least 17 cities from Atlanta, including Chicago Midway; Austin, Texas; Denver; Phoenix; and Las Vegas.

Southwest has already started advertising in Atlanta, using low introductory fares to attract potential travelers.

Southwest, which does not currently serve Atlanta, bought AirTran Airways for $1.4 billion. Among the differences between the two airlines: Southwest does not charge baggage fees and the airline only offers coach seating.

Five tips for a successful trip to Curacao

Photo by Todd DeFeo / (c) 2011

By Todd DeFeo / (c) 2011

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao -- Curacao is such a beautiful island with so much to enjoy.

At first glance, it might seem a little daunting to try and figure out exactly what to see and do. Here's an quick overview of some experiences visitors must take:

-- Eat Local Cuisine: Consider dining at the Old Market in downtown Willemstad or Jaanchies Restaurant Westpunt.

-- Experience the Island's Beauty: One trip to Christoffelpark or Knip Beach and it's immediately clear just how beautiful Curacao is.

-- Cross Willemstad's Bridges: The famous Queen Emma Bridge first opened in 1888, connects the two sides of Willemstad -- Punda and Otrobanda. The Queen Juliana Bridge, a four-lane bridge that crosses Saint Anna Bay, offers a spectacular view of the city below.

-- Learn About Curacao's History: Unlike many Caribbean destinations, Curacao has a unique history. The island's past is told through a number of top-notch museums.

-- Walk: Willemstad is a great walking town. Be sure to stop in one of the many shops and enjoy the historic architecture. The floating market is also worth a visit.

Leaf Watch 2011: Check online to keep up with changing leaves

Tallulah Gorge State Park
(Photo by Todd DeFeo)

SMYRNA, Ga. – Leaf peepers, get ready.

Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites launched “Leaf Watch 2011” on Oct. 1. The initiative tracks the fall’s colors in Georgia.

“Fall is a great time to get outdoors and enjoy Mother Nature’s handiwork,” Georgia State Park Director Becky Kelley said in a news release. “We have short nature trails that are great for kids, and longer trails that are perfect for backpackers. We even have roadside overlooks, so come on out and enjoy our great state parks this autumn.”

Trees in the North Georgia Mountains typically peak in late October, but experts say leaves have already started turning in some parts of the state.

In addition, Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites officials set up a web cam at Black Rock Mountain State Park near Clayton, Ga., allowing leaf peepers to remotely watch the progress of fall colors.

For more information and fall color updates, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

A quick tour of the former Navy Supply Corps School

All photos taken June 26, 2011.

Living large in Ohio

Photo by Todd DeFeo / (c) 2011

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio may be the "Heart of it All." But, Central Ohio might as well be called the home of all things large.

Here's a quick rundown of some of the "world's largest" one can see in Central Ohio:

• World's Largest Gavel: Located along Front Street in downtown Columbus, this large gavel was built in honor of the Ohio Supreme Court.
• World's Largest Field of Concrete Corn: On a small plot of land tucked in between office complexes in Dublin, "Field of Corn (with Osage Orange)," better known as Cornhenge, features 109 six-foot-tall concrete ears of corn. The symmetric rows of corn were erected as a public art exhibit and tribute to the corn that once grew here. Sam Frantz, a pioneer of hybrid corn and his wife, Eulalia, previously owned the land and grew corn here.
• World's Largest Basket: Basket maker Longaberger built a basket-shaped building along Ohio Highway 16 in Newark for its headquarters, which it occupied starting in 1997.
• World's Largest Mortarboard: Franklin University commissioned this piece for its 100th anniversary. Dedicated in December 2002, the mortarboard, designed by artist Todd Savage, hangs above Rich Street in Columbus.
• World's Largest Apple Basket: In Frazeysburg, Longaberger built this large fruit basket at its so-called homestead. In addition to the over-sized apple basket, visitors can also tour the factory and see where the world-famous baskets are made.
• World's Largest (or perhaps Most Accurate) Replica of the Santa Maria: The Santa Maria replica in Columbus is a full-size replica of Christopher Columbus' ship. Built for the 500th anniversary of Columbus' journey, the ship is 98 feet long and 89 feet tall and is the most-authentic replica of the Santa Maria.

A five-minute guide to Japan

TOKYO -- Japan is a wonderful country to visit, but limiting what attractions to see over the course of a week can be a bit challenging.

Here are a few suggestions for starters, but this is by no means a comprehensive guide.

In Tokyo, visit the Tsukiji Fish Market, a place like no other in Japan or the world. Located in central Tokyo’s Tsukiji district, the market is the world’s largest wholesale fish and seafood market.

Visit Hiroshima, where at 8:15 a.m. on Aug. 6, 1945, during the closing weeks of World War II, that the first atomic bomb was dropped on a city

In addition to seeing the many attractions related to the bombing, be sure to ride a streetcar.

Hiroshima streetcar

While a number of other Japanese cities with streetcar systems eventually replaced them with a subway system, Hiroshima did not. Although, the Hiroshima Electric Railway has over the years modernized its streetcar fleet, there are still a number of older trolleys, prompting railfans to dub the streetcar system a “Moving Museum.”

Interestingly, in the 1960s, the city started buying streetcars from other cities. So, the older streetcars that operate over the Hiroshima Electric Railway today once carried passengers in any number of cities throughout Japan.

While in the area, be sure to take a boat ride to Miyajima.

Back in Tokyo, be sure to visit Yasukuni Shrine.

The shrine was created to honor the spirits – or “kami” in Japanese – of the soldiers who died in the Boshin War of 1868-9. Soldiers who fought and died in subsequent wars until World War II have been enshrined here. However, no one who died in combat since the Second World War has been enshrined. To date, 1,068 people who were convicted of some classification of a war crime have been enshrined here; 14 are so-called “Class A” war criminals.

As a side trip, also consider taking a train ride to Atami to enjoy an onsen.

IF YOU GO: Delta Air Lines offers a direct flight to Tokyo Narita International Airport. The airline also has direct flights to Narita from Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul and JFK in New York.

Good Eats: The Old Market

Photo by Todd DeFeo / (c) 2011

By Todd DeFeo / (c) 2011

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao -- There is certainly no shortage of good cuisine on this tropical paradise. But, the best way to get in touch with the local culture is a trip to The Old Market.

Located on the Punda side of Willemstad, The Old Market is the place to find some of the best authentic Antellian food the island has to offer.

The goat stew and okra stew were the recommended entrees on this particular day. Then, of course, there was the funchi, best described as a type of polenta.

To wash down the meal, most food stands in The Old Market offer the standard array of fruit-flavored soft drinks. Banana was the flavor of choice for this visit.

Antellian food is best described as a creole food -- or Kriyoyo in the native language -- a mix of cultures and cooking styles, like everything on the island.

Good Eats: The Silver Skillet

ATLANTA -- Since opening in 1956, the Silver Skillet has become an Atlanta institution.

It's hard to say just what made it such an institution -- perhaps it's the red-eye gravy or the country ham or the biscuits and gravy. Without a doubt it's the good food and the atmosphere -- really, one couldn't go wrong ordering anything off this menu.

George and Louise Decker purchased the Skillet in 1956, and George ran the diner until he died 21 years later. Today, Decker's daughter, Teresa Breckinridge, and her husband, Jeff, are continuing the legacy of serving up some of the best Southern fare the city has to offer.

From the moment one steps in the door, it's apparent this place is special. There is no host or hostess to take names and offer up a wait time. No, diners simply wait their turn for an open booth and take their seat at the appropriate time.

Over the years, the Silver Skillet has won it's fair share of accolades and been named to a number of lists and guides, including being a must-visit place during the 1996 Olympics and the Super Bowl in 2000. But, it's the restaurant's mantra that best sums up the restaurant's spirit: "Use a little sugar and stir like hell, we don't mind the noise."

If that doesn't work, just take a gander a one of the many pictures posted of the celebrities who have stopped in the Skillet over the years. You'll certainly be in good company.

WDW celebrates 40 years during ceremony

West Center Street.com

Walt Disney World on Saturday celebrated its 40th anniversary during a celebration at the Magic Kingdom that included a parade up Main Street U.S.A. and a celebration of cast members who have worked at the resort since it opened.

The Magic Kingdom, the first of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks opened on Oct. 1, 1971, along with a trio of Disney-owned lodging options – Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

Since then hundreds of millions of people have visited the Central Florida resort, which now boasts four theme parks, two water parks, 33 resorts – including two dozen resorts owned by Disney – and other amenities.

“We’ve grown by leaps and bounds since then,” Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton told guests assembled in front of the Castle Saturday, according to a news release. “But the fact remains that this place, as it appeared on October 1, 1971 was the last great vision of one of the world’s greatest dreamers.”

Walt Disney World is in the midst of a number of construction projects, including a massive expansion of the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland, which is set to open starting next year. The resort is also planning to open a family suites hotel next year, and officials recently announced that a new attraction based on the popular movie Avatar is coming to the Animal Kingdom.