COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG: GOVERNOR'S PALACE

Our Colonial Williamsburg route next took us on a tour of the Governor's Mansion.

Photos by Nancy Kozicki

Williamsburg: Busch Gardens

The temperature was in the high 90's as I traipsed through Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA. I had my Gustbuster combination sun umbrella, walking stick, seat and rain umbrella with me which made it ten degrees cooler. There were three areas that I wanted to check out and was definitely not interested in any roller coaster or such ride. The Ireland area has this really fantastic show that combines a "plot" with singing, that great Irish riverdance and more.

Another new "ride" called Europe In The Air has popped up. It's a simulator that takes you on a trip through Europe. I didn't find it too bad on the body, if you know what I mean. Good photography. Only odd thing about this is how long a walk from the time you enter and the walk when you leave and all inside the "building".

Give me an opportunity to see or pet animals and I'm there. Animal Encounters is the name of the attractions. Highland Stables feature Scottish Blackface sheep, Border collies and Clydesdales. This exhibit highlights Scottish traditions dating back hundreds of years. They bring out different animals including a horse and lamb. You can get your picture taken with the animal while you pet them.

Another area had a screech owl that can be placed on your hand for a photo and then onto bald eagles and wolves that you do not have that access to.

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA: INTERNATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS CENTER & MUSEUM

The new International Civil Rights Center & Museum, located on South Elm Street, focuses on the landmark lunch-counter sit-ins at this restored 1929 F. W. Woolworth building. Four students ignited this 1960 sit-in movement. It's certainly not a boring museum of just photos. Managing Director for Development Amelia Parker gave us much of the tour. Quite interactive and includes the original lunch counter as well as a sort of maze area that depicts the experience of "white only" and "colored only" ways of life. Price for bottle of coca cola is more for "colored" Museum is meant not only to view history of segregation but who and what groups that helped lead the way to integration. You can hear Amelia talk about the tour on my radio show.

There are other places that you will view the four sit-in guys as well.

Brotherhood Winery

Brotherhood Winery, in Washingtonville, has certainly changed over the years. Although I was first there in 1967 it goes way back to 1839. It's actually America's oldest winery way before California and then owned by a European guy by the name of John Jaques. Prohibition was not a problem because they were producing sacramental wines. Family business until 1987 when Cesar Baeza converted Brotherhood into a premier winery in the Hudson Valley. Cesar, who was from Chile, joined with some Chilean wine makers and now imports the wines to add to his own. Pinto Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay grapes.

Having a limited amount of time to spend there, I went right for the tasting. Unusual one was the dry riesling as most are sweet and yes, they do have the sweet version. Specialty wines were pretty interesting. A few honey wines such as one made in an Ethiopian tradition, a May wine with strawberry juice and woodruff, and a red wine with ginseng root.

To add to the whole winery experience is a new restaurant called Vinum Cafe, which will open some time in April. Upscale French cuisine, tapas bar, and terrace area for groups. www.brotherhoodwinery.net

Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame

It's off! To the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Goshen. Can't believe there's no admission charge. You get to see the history of harness racing first with a walk through of "stables". There are a few movies. One is on the history of harness racing and the other is one on motion pictures that feature harness racing. Remember Lucy trying to haul a horse up the stairs before Ricky sees it? There are a whole bunch of hands on things to explore. You can judge a race or even call the race via a script. After you record it, the race plays back with your voice. How about taking your picture while you sit on a the cab? Another movie! This one is a simulator. Wind will blow while you sit in your seat and experience what it's like to be in a race...and it's in 3-D no less. Watch out for those horse shoes begin flung towards you!

As for the Hall of Fame portion, not only is there a long history of participants but the hall of famers are displayed with a small statue of themselves.

Oh yeah. There are two walls of Curier & Ives prints as harness racing was important to them. You can get posters in the gift shop. The whole thing is great for both kids and adults.

But that's not all! The track is right outside. Harness racing during June on Saturdays. Otherwise you can watch some "practicing" as they work out.