DC Eden – The National Botanical Gardens in DCWritten by Kriss Hammond
DC Eden – The National Botanical Gardens in DCRead Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link: http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/globe02/usa02/usbotany/usbotany.html First time visitors to Washington D.C. usually take in Capitol Mall, White House and other well-known historical landmarks in nation's capitol. Lesser known, perhaps, on tourist guide is United States Botanic Garden, an oasis of beauty and color as well as a storehouse of gardening information. It is located on southeastern corner of Capitol Mall, just at bottom of Capitol Hill. Confirmed, as well as aspiring "green thumbs," could pick up plenty of horticultural pointers here. The garden sponsors free classes on a wide spectrum of flower, herbs, fruit, spice, and vegetable subjects. Most classes are held in spring and summer. The Botanic Garden is a living legacy created by U.S. Congress in 1842. Since its humble beginnings in a single green house, it has grown into a national showcase with more than 38,000 square feet of displays under a single roof. The Botanic Garden is under jurisdiction of Joint Committee of The Library of Congress, but is administered through office of Architect of Capitol. The Garden is open daily, free of charge, from 9 a.m. in summer. Group tours of Garden Conservatory, a huge glassed structure located at eastern end of National Capitol Mall, are conducted throughout year. The present Conservatory was erected in 1933 and houses sub-tropical, tropical and desert plants in a steamy or dry environment. Self-guided walks through Conservatory offer a pleasant treat to any Mall visitor.
| | Big Island, Big Beaches, Big KahakaiWritten by Kriss Hammond
Big Island, Big Beaches, Big KahakaiRead Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link: http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/globe02/Hawaii02/big/beachadv/hibeach.html Long ago, Polynesians traveled ocean searching for land. Suddenly, in distant horizon, sky glowed red. Heading towards light, these seafarers discovered volcanic firework display of Hawaii's Big Island. Generations have passed, but sparkling blue waters continue to lap over primal lava rocks, bubble across white, black and green sand beaches, and splash up sheer cliffs for modern day seafaring visitors to enjoys. These visitors have come to appreciate island's diversity that contributes to its unique history, culture and landscape. Fashioned by five massive volcanoes, Hawaii's Big Island is largest of Hawaiian Islands at 4,038 square miles, youngest at 800,000 years, and most diverse, boasting 11 of 13 world climate zones. The off-the-beaten-path beach adventure begins in Hilo. Along coast of Keaukaha enormous boulders and lava rocks create protective coves for refreshing water fun. A favorite swimming hole is Richardson's Ocean Park. A picturesque brackish water pond leads to lava rocks that slope into clear, ocean. The calm waters make it a perfect place to swim, snorkel or kayak with abundant sea life. When conditions are right, building surf makes it a great place for boogie boarding. A restroom facility is available, and a lifeguard is on duty throughout day. The brilliant white sand of Hapuna Beach State Park on Kohala Coast is 61.8 acres of beachgoer's delight. During winter Hapuna's fantastic waterpower creates perfect bodysurfing ride, while families with young children can find calmer waters for great snorkeling during summer. Park facilities add to comfort of most talked about white-sand beach on Hawaii's Big Island.
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