Wilmington was the only open seaport in the Confederacy from 1863 until the last months of the war - nearly two years. Visit Fort Fisher which kept the port open to blockade runners. Afterwards, tour another historic treasure, the Bellamy Mansion Museum of History and Design Arts. In 1865, it was commandeered as headquarters for the Union forces.
Qatar invites discovery through both its modern ambition and traces of its desert heritage. In Doha, the Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I. M. Pei, rises over the waterfront to display centuries of calligraphy, ceramics, textiles, and metalwork. Nearby, the National Museum of Qatar presents the nation's story through exhibits and architecture shaped like the desert rose. Each space offers both insight and reflection.
Costa Rica is a country that has built its identity around both natural preservation and cultural vibrancy. Known for its stable democracy and emphasis on sustainability, it has become a global leader in eco-tourism.
Hannover is the capital of Lower Saxony in northern Germany and one of the country’s most important centers for business, education, and trade fairs. Situated along the Leine River, the city combines modern urban development with extensive green spaces, historic landmarks, and cultural institutions.
Samarkand is one of Central Asia’s most storied cities, famed for its role as a crossroads of culture, science, and trade along the Silk Road. The heart of the city is the Registan, a grand square framed by three ornate madrasas decorated with vivid mosaics, intricate tilework, and soaring arches.
One of the "Out Islands" of the Bahamas, Long Island lies at the eastern reaches of the more than 700 islands and cays that make up thisspectacular archipelago. Located on the Tropic of Cancer, approximately 160 miles southeast of Nassau (a one hour flight), it covers nearly 230 square miles and is 70 miles long by five miles at its widest point.
Christopher Columbus saw this long island as he headed west in Oct., 1492. In his log he described 150-foot high cliffs, waves crashingon isolated beaches, and miles of uninterrupted green foliage fillingthe air with "the scent of flowers and trees, delicious and sweet...the most delightful thing in the world". Long Island remains remarkably unchanged today. The geography of its east and west coast is strikingly different; hills and coral cliffs mark the former, whileshallow bays and miles of white sand beach grace the latter.
There is plenty to see and do in this paradise. Historic churches and romantic ruins, ancient caves and virgin beaches abound. It's a place to laze, to play, to explore. Long Island maintains a unique character other Out Islands have lost to the rising tide of tourism-related development. Its peaceful easy way of life and crime-free status ensure a worry-free holiday.