America. Nothing says it more than a visit to a historical landmark. And what better way to ease the kids back into school than with a late-summer trip somewhere that is fun as well as educational!

In the midwest, there are several great options from which to choose. The first landmark that most people probably think of in the US’s midwest region is Mount Rushmore. From the Mt. Rushmore government site:

“This epic sculpture features the faces of four exalted American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. South Dakota’s Black Hills provide the backdrop for Mount Rushmore, the world’s greatest mountain carving. These 60-foot high faces, 500 feet up, look out over a setting of pine, spruce, birch, and aspen in the clear western air.”

Mt. Rushmore offers plenty of family fun, including sculpture workshops, guided tours, and opportunities for volunteering, youth programs, and internships. They also have great things for kids to do, so be sure to get them involved!

People probably also think of St. Louis and the Gateway Arch. My family and I were there several months ago and it is truly something to behold. From the Gateway Arch’s web site, linked above:

“The Gateway Arch reflects St. Louis’ role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the nineteenth century. The park is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson’s role in opening the West, to the pioneers who helped shape its history, and to Dred Scott who sued for his freedom in the Old Courthouse.”

Once there, one thing that everyone….except me….wants to do it take the tram to the top of the arch. While the more adventurous were doing that, I watched Monument to the Dream, the movie that uses live footage of the building of the arch to tell the story of how the idea became a reality. The monument also houses the Museum of Westward Expansion, and nearby you can take a ride down the Mississippi on a riverboat and visit the Historic Courthouse.

Whether you visit one of these landmarks or opt for another, be sure to enjoy what is left of summer here in the Midwest. It won’t be long before we’ll be picking apples and pumpkins and planning our Halloween parties, so take the family and get away for one last weekend. Be safe, have fun, and be sure to tell George Washington I said hello.

This “Local’s Perspective” on New Orleans comes from Chris Marz. Chris is a long-time resident of New Orleans that now lives in the Dallas area. I loved reading about all there is to do in this decadent and colorful city. It was heartening to hear of the hard work being done to rebuild from Katrina. I also enjoyed Chris’s list of tasty restaurants to visit. New Orleans does food well and I am drooling over the thought of dinner at Galatoire’s or a muffaletta from Central Grocery! Enjoy!

1. Give five adjectives that you would use to describe the “feel” of New Orleans and its residents?

Warm, fun-loving, laid-back, welcoming, and food-loving

2. What is your favorite neighborhood/area of New Orleans?

French Quarter, Garden District, Lakeview, Uptown – each neighborhood is unique.  Be sure to go past the French Quarter in touring New Orleans

3. Which cuisine do you think New Orleans does best? What is the runner-up?(feel free to share your favorite restaurant)

Creole (not Cajun); Runner up: seafood; Favorite restaurant:  Liuzza’s on the Track

4. What is the best free thing to do?

People watch in the French Quarter (Best “almost” free: ride the streetcar uptown and then back to downtown)

5. What is your favorite type of entertainment?

Street festivals with food and music (these occur almost every weekend)

6. List the best family friendly activity.

Audubon Park (zoo), the Aquarium, Insectarium,  or riverboat cruise to Chalmette

7. What spot would you send a couple, looking for a romantic weekend?

The Column Hotel

8. Describe the perfect day…one that captures what your area/city is all about–  In three sentences or less.

An early morning walk/run through the French Quarter followed by breakfast at Café du Monde; lunch at Liuzza’s on the Track (even better, if the Fairgrounds racetrack is open) If not, a trip to New Orleans Museum of Art (wonderful Faberge exhibit).  Late in the afternoon, a drink on the front porch of the Column Hotel.  Dinner at Arnaud’s, Brennan’s, Broussard’s or Galatoire’s.  Nightcap at Lafitte’s Hideaway (one of the oldest buildings in the French Quarter) or the Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone.

9. Tell us about a place that you love to go whether it is in the guidebooks or not.

Get a muffaletta from Central Grocery and eat on the levee, overlooking the river. Take the streetcar to the ferry landing and ride the ferry to Old Algiers.  Walk through Old Algiers and see old homes and Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World.  I would also recommend a drive through Lakeview to see how hard New Orleanians are working to recover from Katrina and how far they still have to go  There are good seafood restaurants in the area as well.

10. What question did we not ask that we should have (and answer it, of course!)?

“Should I take one of the buggy tours of the French Quarter?”

Yes, but don’t believe a word they tell you.  Look for the National Park tour offerered for free, if you are interested in learning the history of the city.

“Do you have to pay a lot of money to eat good food?”

NO NO NO.  If there is a line or the place is crowded, chances are the food is good.

If you’re planning a trip, check out flights to New Orleans.

Would you like to share your hometown with UpTake visitors? Send us an e-mail or comment on this post and then maybe you can be our next “local expert”!

1. Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta: This is a spectacular display of color….thousands of balloons are released against a blue desert sky. People come from all over the world to see this one of a kind festival of hot air balloons. You can go for an unforgettable scenic ride or just enjoy the festivities from the ground level. But, don’t miss out!

2. Maryland Renaissance Festival: Dust off your armor and get ready for turkey legs, chivalry, and sword fights. This is one of the largest Renaissance festivals in the country with more than 1300 participants and 280,000 guest every year.

3. Mardis Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana: An obvious but essential choice. The wild costumes, spectacular floats and raucous crowds make this one of the country’s best festivals. Head down in February for Fat Tuesday and have a blast!

4. Fire Ant Festival in Marshall Texas: Marshall might be a little out of your way. But, if you ever find yourself in East Texas in October. …mosey on by. This festival is an ode to the pesky fire ant, complete with “stinging” hot chili cook-offs and giant fire ant floats.

5. Gilroy Garlic Festival: If you are a fan of this versatile herb, then you don’t want to miss this festival. Snack on it whole, sauteed with pasta, or flavoring a scoop of ice cream—this a three day “ode to garlic”. Breath mints not included!

6. Monterey Jazz Festival: Another classic. This fest is in its 51st year and going strong. It is a celebration of Jazz music with over 500 musicians and 9 stages. You can sip on a glass of wine and take in a sunset over the Pacific Ocean while grooving to a smooth beat.

7. Austin City Limits Festival (ACL) in Austin, Texas: This incredibly popular music festival arose from the famed television program of the same name. It takes place over a full weekend every September and has 100′s of bands, both large and small. Added bonus: when you get overheated in the hot Texas sun, you can cross the street and go swimming in the 68degree water of Barton Springs.

8. Taste of Chicago: This summer festival in Grant Park involves music, libations, and a sampling of food from more than 60 of Chicago’s best restaurants…what more can you ask for. Oh, and the entrance is free!

9. Testicle Festival in Clinton, Montana: If you have ever wanted to try a Rocky Mountain Oyster, this is your chance! But, it is only for the brave.

10.Gulf Coast Rhythm and Rib Fest in Palmetto Florida: Who doesn’t like good music and delicious food. This festival brings together the nations top Rib Masters from the gulf coast states in a legendary cook-off. Sample the entries and decide for yourself. You can also enjoy live music and games as well as a bike and auto show.

11. World Grits Festival: Visit St. George, South Carolina where more grits are consumed per capita than anywhere else in the world! This town is proud of their claim to fame and have created quite the celebration over this yummy dish. Bring the whole family and enjoy music, recipes, games, and as much grits as you can handle!

12. Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Visit the beautiful town of Ashland,Oregon and enjoy theater at its finest. This isn’t your typical festival as it is an entire season of Shakespeare productions and events. “To go or not to go”…that is the question. I say, “Go”!

13. National Apple Harvest Festival: This is your chance to celebrate the nations “favorite fruit” in the heart of Pennsylvania’s apple country. In addition to apples galore, there are arts and crafts booths, an antique car show, and a petting zoo.

There are so many great festivals around this country every year that it can be hard to choose! Did I miss any of your favorites? Feel free to share!

Thanks to Aoife Mac for the lovely balloon pictures!