Pennsylvania

July 4 Independence Day Travel Quiz

Published July 1, 2019 | By Clark Norton

Where in Asia would you find this location of Nathan’s Famous hot dogs? Photo from Nathan’s Famous.

Americans all know about fireworks, barbecues, hot dogs, parades and the other modern-day manifestations of the July 4 holiday, but how much do you really know about Independence Day, especially as it relates to travel or travel destinations?

Take this quiz and find out. (Baby boomers, how well do you remember your history?)

1. True or false: As one of the 13 original colonies, Vermont was the only one that refused to ratify the Declaration of Independence.

2. Which U.S. president was born on the Fourth of July in Plymouth Notch, Vermont?

3. Name two Asian countries where you can now buy a Nathan’s Famous New York hot dog, similar to those gobbled up in the annual hot dog eating contest at New York’s Coney Island:

a.… Continue reading →

Posted in automobile travel, Baby boomer travel, Holidays, Quizzes | Tagged Declaration of Independence, Independence Day, July 4, Maine, Nantucket island, Nathan's famous hot dogs, National Archives, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Vermont | Leave a comment

A City of U.S. “Firsts” Reclaims Top-Tier Status

Published August 26, 2015 | By Clark Norton

Elfreth’s Alley: The oldest residential street in the U.S. Photo by Charles Ridgeway.

Quick Quiz:

What city in the U.S. can claim the first American:

Public school (1698)
Residential street (1702)
Library (1731)
Independent hospital (1731)
Fire-fighting company (1736)
Meetings of the U.S. Congress (1774)
First university (1779)
Public Bank (1780)
Daily Newspaper (1784)
Stock exchange (1790)
Circus (1793)
Manned air flight (1793)
Art museum and school (1805)
Carbonated water (1807)
Theater (1809)
Natural history museum (1812)
African American university (1837)
Advertising agency (1869)
Zoo (1874)
Merry-go-round (1867)
Ice cream soda (1876)
Cafeteria-style restaurant (1902)
Funeral home (built as such) (1905)
Thanksgiving Day parade (1919)
Totally air conditioned building (1932)
Cheesesteak (1932)
Girl Scout cookie sale (1932)
Fully electronic computer invented (1946)
Slinky (1948)
Polio vaccine (1960)

Not to mention (though I’m mentioning them anyway): the first U.S. Mint, the first department store, the first botanical garden, the first opera… Continue reading →

Posted in Baby boomer travel, Cities, cultural travel, Family travel, Quizzes, Restaurants | Tagged cheesesteaks, City Tavern, historic firsts, Independence Hall, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Philadelphia tourism, W.C. Fields | Leave a comment

According to government and private surveys:

Leading-edge baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1955) and seniors account for four out of every five dollars spent on luxury travel today.
Roughly half the consumer spending money in the U.S.--more than $2 trillion--is in the hands of leading-edge baby boomers and seniors.
Baby boomers (born 1946-1964) travel more than any other age group.
When asked what they would most like to spend their money on, baby boomers answered “travel” more than any other category, including improving their health or finances.