Today’s guest post is from Mary Jo Manzanares, Travel & Culture Channel Editor, and blogger at Flyaway Cafe.

No, I wasn’t at Woodstock, although I saw the 1970 Oscar winning movie (Best Documentary), and generally like the music of the Woodstock Music and Art Fair (as it was originally called).

People came from around the country, by car, bus, and on foot to attend a three day music festival, and what would be one of the largest music festivals ever.  Even today, Woodstock remains a turning point of politics and cultural for many Baby Boomers.

The new Museum at Bethel Woods (200 Hurd Road, Bethel, New York), the site of the original Woodstock, opens tomorrow, June 2nd.   The Museum promises a captivating multi-media experience, combining film, interactive displays, and artifacts to tell the political, cultural, and musical story of the tumultuous era of Woodstock, the festival, and the 1960’s.

The legacy of the era seems clear to those who lived through it, but ancient history to those born after the Baby Boomer generation.  Perhaps the museum can stimulate reflection and discussion about where we were then, where we are today, and most importantly, where we go tomorrow.  The museum embodies the principle that, as expressed in music, we can change the world, and embodies larger ideals of peace, respect, cooperation, and a connect to our planet and the people who live upon it.

What will you see?  Highlights are reported to include a timeline of the coming of age of a new generation, with the corresponding turmoil and optimism that accompanied that time.  You’ll see exhibits covering fashion and style (don’t laugh, please, I wore too many of these styles), the civil rights movements, the space race, the cold war, and the counterculture revolution.

The Museum will be open through Labor Day, 10 am – 7 pm.  Limited hours during the Fall and Spring, and closed January through mid-March.  Admission is $13, and reservations are recommended (available online).

The larger Bethel Woods Center for the Arts has multiple concerts and performance venues, and also features the historic "bowl" of 1969 Woodstock fame.

Photo credit: SXC

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark, is an impressive French gothic cathedral with intricate sculptures, bronze doors, and over 200 stained glass windows.  It’s about the size of London’s Westminster Abbey – only in Newark, New Jersey.

Following nearly 95 of planning, building, planning some more, and changing plans, the cathedral was finished in 1954.  The Cathedral was elevated to the status of a Basilica by Pope John Paul II when he visited in 1995.

Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is located at 89 Ridge Street, in Newark, New Jersey.  In addition to the Mass schedule, the cathedral is open to the public Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 7 pm, and Sunday 1-3 pm.  Concerts and other musical performances are offered throughout the year.

Sacred Heart is the fifth largest cathedral in the United States, and holds the largest pipe organ ever built.  To fully appreciate the power and magnificence of a pipe organ, you really must hear it in person.  But until you can, here’s a wonderful taste of what’s to come.

Photo credit: flickr

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

Governors Island

As a former military post, Governors Island had roles in the Revolutionary War, and virtually every other major U.S. military engagement including the War of 1812, Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the Gulf War.  Sixty-four of the island’s 225 buildings have been designated as historic. 

Since the sale back to the people of New York, visiting the 172-acre Governors Island has never been easier. Free ferries cross the harbor between Manhattan and Governors Island at least hourly.  Once on the island visitors may partake in the scheduled events, biking, or tours.  In a bid to become a summertime destination for New Yorkers, Governors Island is hosting weekend events ranging from art exhibits to music.  For a full list of scheduled activities, click here. 

Though just a few years ago the future of Governors Island seemed uncertain, this year will mark the groundbreaking of a newly redesigned 40-acre park which will feature a 2.2 mile waterfront promenade, and restoration of 33 acres of historic landscape, ultimately creating over 100-acres of public green space.

Getting There:  Ferries depart from Manhattan at the Battery Maritime Building located on the corner of South Street and Whitehall Street (map).  Click here for a ferry schedule. 

Days and Hours: Friday 10am-5pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am-7pm.  Open seasonally May 31st until October 5th.

Cost:  Ferry and park are both Free

Photo credit (top to bottom): flickr, flickr;

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

Whiteface – With just 18% beginner terrain, the challenging terrain of Whiteface is often featured in skiing-great Warren Miller’s films and was the site of the Winter Olympics– twice. Recently, Whiteface ranked with the big-boys of winter, Whistler, Aspen, and Deer Valley, as one of the “Best Places to Ski & Stay 2007.” Whiteface, a 5 hour drive from New York City, is just 3 miles from Wilmington, NY and 7 miles from Lake Placid, NY, both of which have accommodations available. Bonus: Hit the toboggan run on Mirror Lake!

Gore Mountain – Located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, Gore Mountain has 7 lifts, 84 trails, and a total of 347 skiable acres. Gore Mountain is a four-hour drive from Manhattan but make it a perfect weekend by staying in one of the area’s cozy B&Bs that ooze “Upstate New York charm.”

Hunter Mountain – Located just 2 1/2 hours from Manhattan, Hunter Mountain is the closest major ski resort to New York City. This Catskills mountain resort has 11 lifts and 55 trails on the 240 skiable acres. Hunter Mountain also has a pick-up scene that rivals any Downtown club on a Friday night.

Windham Mountan – Just 10 miles north of Hunter Mountain, Windham Mountain markets itself as a “family resort.” Aside from the skiing, there is also tubing and ice skating. Winwood Inn, the “family-friendly” lodge is just a short way from the mountain.

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Post from: The New York City Traveler