Featuring North America’s Leading Travel Destinations

North America’s TopTour Destinations

New York City’s OneWorld Trade Center

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Byways Magazine©Copyright 2014 by Byways, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be dupli-

cated in any form without express written permission of the publisher.Byways Magazine is celebrating its 31st year of publication in 2014, featuring the leading travel des-

tinations along the highways and byways of North America. In 2010, Byways became an all digitalpublication. It is published in two versions, a free Turn-Key edition on the web for viewing onComputers, Android, iPhone and iPad. An Apple Newsstand/App Store edition including soundand interactive video is also available. All advertising and editorial is included in both versions of thepublication.

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By Steve Kirchner, Editor & PublisherPREVIEW

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In this issue of Byways, we announcethe outcome of our annual survey onthe Top Group Tour Destinations in

North America, and also the Top States,Provinces, Hotels, Man-Made andNatural Attractions.

Once again the Nation’s Capital,Washington, DC, heads the list of top cities, and itsMonuments and Smithsonian Institution head the list ofMan-Made Attractions. Their popularity for tour groupsundisputed, and the fact that they are unique--and free--gives them an advantageover other destinations thatare unmatched.

From the nation’s centerof power, to a small ruraltown in the OzarkMountains of Missouri isquite a leap, but that’s exact-ly what we find with theentertainment and recre-ational center of Bransoncoming in second in thisyear’s voting.

Next in line is New YorkCity, followed by two moresmaller destinations,Gettysburg, PA andWilliamsburg, VA roundingout the Top 5.

New York took top spot inthe State competition, fol-lowed by Tennessee andPennsylvania. Ontario tookhome the top spot amongCanadian Provinces, followed by Nova Scotia andQuebec.

Hampton Inns captured the Group Friendly Hotel cat-egory, followed by Holiday Inns/Holiday Inn Express.Cracker Barrel came out on top of the Group FriendlyRestaurant category, followed by Golden Corral.

Washington’s Monuments and the SmithsonianInstitutions were separated only by the Statue of Libertyin the Man-Made attractions competition.

The Pennsylvania Dutch Country took the NaturalAttractions category, followed closely by Niagara FallsNY and ON, and the Grand Canyon.

As always, we want to point out that our survey is nota random sample, but just a compilation of results from

those professional tour operators who took the time toparticipate in this year’s survey.

We have some great features in this issue, beginningwith our cover story, One World Trade Center. From theashes of 9/11 emerges the tallest and safest structure inNorth America. The pictures alone are breathtaking.

From New York City we travel to the PennsylvaniaDutch Country, which took first place in the NaturalAttractions category. But you can’t buy a ticket to enter,and its location is somewhat difficult to define.

Next we’re off to St. Louis to visit the Gateway Arch.Built as a monu-ment to the west-ward expansion ofthe United States, itis the centerpiece ofthe JeffersonNational ExpansionMemorial and hasbecome an interna-tionally famoussymbol of St.Louis.

There used to bejust one way to vis-it this island in SanFrancisco Bay.That was a sentencefrom a judge orjury. Today, how-ever, AlcatrazCruises specializesin taking visitors toprison. But beaware, it’s still a

difficult place to visit, and there’s still only one way toget there.

Our final stop in this issue is the beautiful YosemiteNational Park in California.

Yosemite was central to the development of the nation-al park idea. And it is internationally recognized for itsspectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giantsequoia groves, and biological diversity.

In What’s Happening we visit Birmingham, AL to wit-ness how George Barber’s dream of displaying first cars,then motorcycles, has grown to now over 1200 vintageand modern motorcycles as well as a substantial collec-tion of Lotus and other racecars, and is considered thelargest collection of its type in the world.

St. Louis Gateway Arch & Riverboat Cruises.

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FeaturesNorth America’s Top Group Tour Destinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10The Top 50 Cities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Top States & Provinces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Top Hotels, Restaurants, Natural and Man-Made Attractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13One World Trade Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Pennsylvania Dutch Country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20The St. Louis Gateway Arch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Alcatraz Cruises Takes Visitors to Prison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Yosemite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

DepartmentsByways Instant Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Byways Preview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Free Byways Subscription . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

What’s HappeningBirmingham’s Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Coming in future issues of Byways…. . .Great American Railroads, Ocean destinationsalong the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf, Mountains & Valleys, Rivers and Lakes, and much more!

At right: AlaskaRailroad at the SpencerGlacier. Photo courtesyFrank Kovalchek.

Volume 31, Issue No. 6, 2014

On the cover. One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower) as seen from theHudson River. Photo courtesy Joe Mabel. See story page 14. To learn moreabout the leading group tour destinations in North America, turn to page 10.

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Free Hot Breakfast @Juicy’s FamousRiver Cafe Right Next Door!

Welcome to Needles, where HistoricRoute 66 and the Colorado River

meet in California.

The Best Western Colorado River Inn has received the BestWestern Chairman’s Award, the hotel chain’s highest honor foroutstanding quality standards. The Chairman’s Award recognizesBest Western International hotels with a cleanliness and mainte-nance inspection score in the top 5 percent of more than 2,100 North

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Best Western ColoradoRiver Inn

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For more than 30 years Byways, has surved grouptour operators to gain their perspective on thehottest destinations of the new year.

The poll is now conducted on-line through an elec-tronic survey, but it’s not a random sample. And theresults merely reflect the views of those professional touroperators who respond each year.

For 2015, the nation’s capital, Washington, DC haswidened its lead over the competititon. WithWashingtons’ Monuments (free) and the SmithsonianInstitution (free) leading the Man-Made Attractions cat-egory, it’s difficult for anyone to compete with thenation’s center of government.

Placing second this year is Branson, MO. It’s amazingthat a small Missouri town of 2500 can even compete

with a city which is offen called the capital of the FreeWorld. But it does.

Which shows the power of music in the OzarkMountains of Missouri, and Branson’s place in the cen-ter of an unmatched recreational area which annuallydraws visitors from hundreds of miles around for bothentertainment and recreation.

New York City, Gettysburg, PA and Williamsburg, VAround out the top 5.

That smaller communities like Branson, Gettysburgand Williamsburg can compete with the Washington’sand New York City’s of the world is impressive.

We hope you enjoy viewing the 2015 survey results.

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The Top 50 North AmericanGroup Tour Destinations

Springtime in Washignton, DC. View of the Washington Monumentfrom the Tidal Basin. Photo courtesy Wendy Harman.

1. Washington, DC2. Branson, MO3. New York City, NY4. Gettysburg, PA5. Williamsburg, VA6. Chicago, IL7. Baltimore, MD8. Philadelphia, PA9. Nashville, TN10. Niagara Falls, NY & ON11. Virginia Beach, VA12. Pigeon Forge, TN13. Atlanta, GA14. Lancaster, PA15. Hershey, PA16. Charleston, SC17. Asheville, NC18. Boston, MA19. Las Vegas, NV20. San Francisco, CA21. Orlando, FL22. New Orleans, LA23. Cape Cod, MA24. Myrtle Beach, SC25. Richmond, VA 26. Atlantic City, NJ27. Mackinaw Island, MI28. Memphis, TN29. San Antonio, TX30. Albuquerque, NM31. Biloxi-Gulfport, MS32. St. Louis, MO33. Los Angeles, CA34. Louisville, KY35. Quebec City, QB36. San Diego, CA37. Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX38. Montreal, QB39. Savannah, GA40. Valley Forge, PA41. Wheeling, WV42. Oklahoma City, OK43. Pittsburgh, PA44. Seattle, WA45. Detroit, MI

46. Cleveland, OH47. Denver, CO48. Toronto, ON49. Annapolis, MD50. Colorado Spring, CO

Honorable MentionAlexandria, VAAnchorage, AKAustin, TXBoise, IDBuffalo, NYCincinnati, OHCharlotte, NCHarpers Ferry, WVIndianapolis, INKansas City, MOLas Cruces, NMLexington, KYLittle Rock, ARMinneapolis-St. Paul, MNMobile, ALMonterey, CAPalm Springs, CAPhoenix, AZPortland, OROcean City, MDOttawa, ONQuebec City, QBSacramento, CASanta Fe, NMTampa, FLTucson, AZ

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A restaurant at Colonial Williamsburg.Byways photo.

Top 30 States

1. New York2. Tennessee3. Pennsylvania4. Virginia5. Illinois6. Missouri7. Georgia8. Massachusetts9. South Carolina10. North Carolina11. Florida12. Michigan13. Ohio14. Maryland15. California16. Kentucky17. Texas18. West Virginia

19. Louisiana20. Indiana21. Nebraska22. Mississippi23. New Jersey24. Alabama25. Vermont26. Arizona27. South Dakota28. Colorado29. Connecticut30. Wisconsin

Top 5 Canadian Provinces

1. Ontario2. Nova Scotia3. Quebec4. Prince Edward Island5. New Brunswick

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The Branson Belle on Table Rock Lake.Byways photo.

Top 10 Group Friendly Hotels

1. Hampton Inns2. Holiday Inns/Holiday Inn Express3. Drury Inns4. Comfort Inns5. Best Western6. Fairfield Inns7. Hilton8. La Quinta9. Marriott10. Quality Inn

Top 10 Group FriendlyRestaurants

1. Cracker Barrel2. Golden Corral3. Buca de Beppo4. Bubba Gump5. Bob Evans6. Landry’s Seafood Restaurants7. Phillips Restaurants8. Ryans9. Morrison’s Cafeterias10. Hard Rock Cafe

Top 15 Man-Made Attractions

1. Washington, DC Monuments2. Statue of Liberty3. Smithsonian Institution4. Dollywood5. Grand Ole Opry6. Elvis Presley’s Graceland7. Radio City Music Hall8. Mount Rushmore9. New York’s Broadway10. Hershey Park11. Mount Vernon12. Monticello13. Henry Ford Museum14. Silver Dollar City15. Tie: Kennedy Space Center

Universal Studios

Top 10 Natural Attractions

1. Pennsylvania Dutch Country, PA2. Niagara Falls, NY & ON3. Grand Canyon, AZ4. Cape Cod, MA5. Black Hills, SD6. Yellowstone National Park, WY & MT7. Shenandoah National Park, VA8. Yosemite National Park, CA9. The Poconos, PA10. Glacier National Park, MT

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One World Trade Center on the Hudson River in New York City.Photo courtesy Julienne Schaer. © NYC & Company.

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When viewed from street level at close proximity, One World Trade Center(Freedom Tower) appears to ascend to a pyramid point as seen in this view of

the West Street side of the building. Photo courtesy John D. Morris.

One World Trade Center, called “Freedom Tower”during initial basework, refers to the main build-ing of the new World Trade Center complex in

Lower Manhattan, New York City.The building is the tallest skyscraper in the Western

Hemisphere and the fourth-tallest in the world at 104-stories.

The structure shares a numeric name with the northernTwin Tower in the original World Trade Center that wasdestroyed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

One World Trade Center has been the tallest structurein New York City since April 30, 2012, when it surpassedthe height of the Empire State Building. The tower’ssteel structure was topped out on August 30, 2012.

On May 10, 2013, the final component of the sky-scraper’s spire was installed, allowing the building toreach a symbolic height of 1,776 feet. Its imperial meas-urement is a reference to the year of the United StatesDeclaration of Independence.

The building opened on November 3, 2014. The newWorld Trade Center complex will initially comprisethree other high-rise office buildings, located alongGreenwich Street, and the National September 11Memorial & Museum, located just south of One World

Trade Center, where the Twin Towers once stood.The 911 Memorial has become one of New York’s

most visited and revered sites.The construction is part of an effort to memorialize and

rebuild following the destruction of the original WorldTrade Center complex.Security features

Along with the protection offered by the reinforcedconcrete base, a number of other safety features wereincluded in the building's design, in order to better pre-pare it for a major accident or terrorist attack.

In line with the new philosophy set by 7 World TradeCenter, the building features 3-foot thick reinforced con-crete walls for all stairwells, elevator shafts, risers, andsprinkler systems; extra-wide, pressurized stairwells; adedicated set of stairwells exclusively for the use of fire-fighters; and biological and chemical filters throughoutits ventilation system. By way of comparison, the TwinTowers used a purely steel central core to house theirutility functions, protected only by a system of light-weight drywall panels.

For more information on planning a trip to New YorkCity, visit http://www.nycgo.com

One World Trade Center (Freedom Tower) Rises from

the Ashes of 9/11

View of Manhattan and One World Trade Center. Photo courtesy Julienne Schaer. © NYC & Company.

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911 Memorial at the site of the original Twin Towers. Photo courtesy Marley White. © NYC & Company.

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A community of buggies creates an Amish funeral procession.Photo courtesy padutchcountry.com / Terry Ross

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Pennsylvania DutchCountry

One of the most popular destinations in NorthAmerica is the Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Butyou can’t buy a ticket to enter, and its location is

somewhat difficult to define.Pennsylvania Dutch live primarily in Southeastern and

South Central Pennsylvania in the area stretching in anarc from Bethlehem and Allentown through Reading,Lebanon, and Lancaster to York and Chambersburg.

But they also live throughout the Shenandoah Valley(the modern Interstate 81 corridor) in the adjacent statesof Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina.And to make things even more complicated, there arelarge Amish and Mennonite communities in MifflinCounty, Pennsylvania, in Ohio north and south ofYoungstown and in Indiana around Elkhart.

The story of the Pennsylvania Amish community datesback to the 16th century Reformation in Europe, whenthe Anabaptist movement spurred the creation of three“plain” communities: the Amish, Mennonites andBrethren. Although these spiritual groups have similari-ties, the Amish are the most conservative, emphasizinghumility, family, community and separation from the

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America’s oldest continuously-operatingfarmers’ market, open Tuesdays, Fridaysand Saturdays. Photo courtesy padutchcountry.com

An Amish community gathers togetherto construct a barn for a fellow family,an amazing feat that is typically com-pleted within a few days’ time.Photo courtesy padutchcountry.com /Terry Ross

non-Amish world, which includes areluctance to adopt modern conven-iences such as electricity.

The Pennsylvania Dutch are acultural group formed by earlyGerman-speaking immigrants toPennsylvania and their descendants.This early wave of settlers, whichwould eventually coalesce to formthe Pennsylvania Dutch, began inthe late 17th century and concludedin the late 18th century. The majori-ty of these immigrants originated inwhat is today southwesternGermany,

Historically they have spoken thedialect of German known asPennsylvania German orPennsylvania Dutch. In this context,the word “Dutch” does not refer tothe Dutch people or their descen-dants.

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A horse and buggy creates a stunning silhouetteagainst a gorgeous Amish country sky.

Photo courtesy padutchcountry.com / Terry Ross

Over time, the various dialects spoken by these immi-grants fused into a unique dialect known as PennsylvaniaGerman or Pennsylvania Dutch. At one time, over a thirdof Pennsylvania’s population spoke this language, whichalso had an impact on the local dialect of English.

After the Second World War, use of PennsylvaniaGerman died out in favor of English, except among themore insular and tradition-bound Anabaptists, such asthe Old Order Mennonite and Old Order Amish.However, a number of German cultural practices contin-ue to this day, and German-Americans remain the largestancestry group in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Amish community in LancasterCounty is the oldest and largest Amish community in theUnited States, numbering about 30,000. The populationhas more than doubled in size in the past 20 years.

As a result, Lancaster County is often considered theheart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, and it is here andits surrounding area that is often referred to PennsylvaniaDutch Country.

Arriving here allows you to step back in time to enjoya slower, more peaceful pace -- one where the horse &buggy remains a primary form of transportation, andwhere windmills dot the landscape, providing power har-nessed from nature. Always a vital part of Lancaster24 • Byways

Visitors to the quaint village of Bird-in-Handenjoy mingling with the Amish and Mennonitelocal residents while perusing the local items atfarmers’ markets and quilt shops.Photo Credit: padutchcountry.com / Coy Butler

County culture, the PA Amishare involved in agriculture aswell as an array of businessesand cottage industries.

Lancaster County has morethan 2,700 miles of windingcountry roads connectingsmall towns and villages withtheir inviting main streets andcharming boutiques and gal-leries. Lose yourself alongthese back roads amongbreathtakingly scenic farm-lands, romantic coveredbridges and PA Amish life.

You’ll never run out ofexciting and fun things to do inthe Lancaster area. The uniquetowns offer all sorts of activi-ties perfect for the young —and the young at heart!Lancaster attractions includeamusement parks, buggyrides, interactive farms, train attractions, pretzel andchocolate factories, local sports and so much more.

Explore the innocence of the Amish community with apersonal tour guide in your own car, or with others in amini-coach.

Insightful and customized guided tours can be as per-sonal and private as you wish. If you prefer to sightseeby air or by horse and buggy, there are options for you,

too! All tours are highly respectful to our Amish friends.Tours offered at the PA Dutch Visitors Center include anAmish Farmlands Tour which departs daily from Maythrough October.

For more information on visiting Pennsylvania DutchCountry:http://www.padutchcountry.com

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Lancaster County's handmade quilts are intricate works of art,requiring hours, days, weeks, even years, to complete.Photo courtesy padutchcountry.com / Coy Butler

Buggies are just one of many items available atlocal mud sales, ranging from farm equipment to

livestock to quilts and antiques. Mud sales,named for the condition of the thawing spring

ground, are held annually throughout LancasterCounty to benefit local fire companies.Photo courtesy padutchcountry.com

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The St. Louis Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis at night. Photos courtesy Gateway Arch.

The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot tall monument inSt. Louis, Missouri. Clad in stainless steel andbuilt in the form of a flattened catenary arch, it is

the tallest man-made monument in the WesternHemisphere, Missouri’s tallest accessible building, andthe world’s tallest arch.

Built as a monument to the westward expansion of theUnited States, it is the centerpiece of the JeffersonNational Expansion Memorial and has become an inter-nationally famous symbol of St. Louis.

The arch sits at the site of founding of St. Louis on thewest bank of the Mississippi River.

The vision of renowned architect Eero Saarinen, theGateway Arch commemorates Thomas Jefferson and St.

Louis’ role in the westward expansion of the UnitedStates. A visit to St. Louis isn’t complete without stand-ing at its base and playing professional photographer,and the view from the outside is only half of the experi-ence.

Construction began February 12, 1963, and the lastsection of the Arch was put into place on October 28,1965.

The Arch weighs 17,246 tons. Nine hundred tons ofstainless steel was used to build the Arch, more than anyother project in history.

The Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse are part ofJefferson National Expansion Memorial, located on theriverfront in downtown St. Louis. All programs are open

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The Gateway Arch is built on theMississippi River.

to the public and most are free.Museum of Westward Expansion

Underneath the Arch is a visitor cen-ter, entered from a descending outdoorramp starting at either base. Within thecenter is the Museum of WestwardExpansion, exhibits on the history ofthe St. Louis riverfront, and tram load-ing and unloading areas.

Experience the Old West with a vis-it to the Museum of WestwardExpansion. See how mountain menlived in the 1800s or take a peek insidea covered wagon. Listen as historyunfolds through the voices of anima-tronic figures that bring the past to life.View rare Indian Peace Medals,weapons of survival and an actual tipi.Audio enhancement is available dur-ing tours given by National ParkService rangers.The Old Courthouse

Experience a significant part of U.S.history during a visit to the Historic

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The windows of the observation deck arelocated around the apex of the arch.

Experience the Old West with a visit to theMuseum of Westward Expansion

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Gateway Arch Riverboat Cruises.

Old Courthouse, completed in 1862. The Courthouse isthe site where Dred and Harriet Scott, both slaves, plead-ed with the court for their freedom, and Virginia Minorpetitioned for women’s right to vote in the 1870s.Embrace history in a restored courtroom from the 1860sand view exhibits and murals depicting historic St. Louisevents.

Gateway Arch Riverboat CruisesTake a ride on replica 19th-century paddle-wheel

boats, Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher, located on theriverfront below the south leg of the Gateway Arch.Enjoy cruise narration, provided by the National ParkService and the vessel’s captain, that offers a historicaloverview of the area and the role this working river stillplays today. There’s a cruise for every occasion.http://www.gatewayarch.com

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Observation Center at top of Arch. Photo courtesy Daniel Schwen.

The Old Courthouse in front of the Arch.

32 • BywaysAlcatraz prison in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Photo courtesy John A. Martini.

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Alcatraz Cruises TakesVisitors to Prison

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Guard Tower overlooking San Francisco Bay.Photo courtesy John A. Martini.

For years, as America’s most notorious prison, therewas only one way to visit Alcatraz. A sentence ina courtroom!

At its peak in the 1950s, “The Rock” housed over 200inmates at the maximum-security facility.

Alcatraz remains an icon of American prisons, knownfor its harsh conditions and its record of beinginescapable.

The 12-acre island in the middle of San Francisco Bayis located 1.5 miles from the city. At the time it featuredthe most advanced security available, including the firstmetal detectors. Strict rules were enforced against theinmates, and nearly complete silence was mandated at alltimes.

Alcatraz closed as a Federal prison on May 21, 1963.Today it’s much easier to visit Alcatraz, but you still

need to plan ahead. Alcatraz Cruises is now operating itswinter tour schedule through early March.

Much of Alcatraz is steep and hilly, so be prepared forwalking long distances uphill. The distance from thedock to the prison at the top of the island is about 1/4mile and the elevation change is 130 feet.

This is equivalent to climbing a thirteen story building.Visitors unable to make the climb up Alcatra’s steep roadcan take advantage of SEAT -- Sustainable Easy AccessTransport -- an electric shuttle that runs once an hour

from the dock to the prison building, and once an hourfrom the front of the prison back to the dock. Boarding isavailable on a first come, first served basis.

In addition to the opportunity to book tickets up to 90days in advance of tour, visitors to Alcatraz will enjoy theadded benefit of complimentary access to the iconicexhibit @Large:  Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz with the pur-chase of a regularly priced ticket through next spring. 

The @Large: Ai Weiwei exhibit responds to the island

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Cell block. Photo courtesyJohn A. Martini.

View from San Francisco. Photo courtesy John A. Martini.

of Alcatraz and its layered history as a place of detain-ment and protest.

The exhibition features new sculpture, sound and mul-timedia works exploring pressing themes that have char-acterized Ai Weiwei’s art and activism -- the right to freeexpression, the irrepressible nature of creativity, and therole of art, artists and individuals worldwide in shapingsocial change. The installations address these concepts inways that are both personal to the artist’s experiences andlife in China and resonant with individuals and commu-nities internationally. Responding to the potent history ofAlcatraz Island, the exhibition examines incarceration asa tool of repressive governments, and creative expres-sion as an act of defiance and individual freedom.Artworks are installed in four sites throughout AlcatrazIsland.

One of the most prominent artists of the 21st century,Ai Weiwei is an architect, sculptor, photographer, film-maker, curator, writer and activist whose work oftenresponds to conditions in China, including the govern-ment’s repression of free speech and expression.Group Tours

Groups are welcome to visit Alcatraz Island through-out the year. However, due to safety concerns and size

limitations, groups must make special arrangements fortheir ticket reservations. Groups are defined as 15 peopleor more.

The Night Tour is limited in the number of guests whocan take the tour each evening.

For Group bookings on the Night Tours visithttp://www.alcatrazcruises.com/groups/grouptrip.aspx

Contact the Group Sales Department directly torequest an information form. Call 415-438-8361 7 daysa week or email at groups@alcatrazcruises.com.

Independently guided tours are not allowed onAlcatraz Island. Only National Park Service tours arepermitted on the island.

However, groups are invited to participate in the cell-house audio tour and the regularly scheduled park pro-grams offered on the island.Individual Tours

Individual passengers may purchase and print ticketsonline at www.alcatrazcruises.com.  Tickets can also bepurchased by calling 415-981-ROCK (7625) or from theticket booth at Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing.

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Audio Tour Photo courtesyJohn A. Martini.

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Recreation yard. Photocourtesy John A. Martini.

The first lighthouse in Californiawas built on Alcatraz. Photocourtesy Alcatraz Cruises.

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The famous Tunnel view of Yosemite Valley.Photo courtesy California Travel & Tourism Commission.

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Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is internationally recog-nized for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls,clear streams, giant sequoia groves, and biologi-

cal diversity. Almost 95% of the park is designatedwilderness.

Yosemite was central to the development of the nation-al park idea. Concerned citizens lobbied to protectYosemite Valley from development, ultimately leadingto President Abraham Lincoln’s signing the YosemiteGrant in 1864. Later, John Muir led a successful move-ment to establish a larger national park encompassingnot just the valley, but surrounding mountains and forestsas well—paving the way for the United States nationalpark system.

Yosemite is one of the largest and least fragmentedhabitat blocks in the Sierra Nevada in California, and thepark supports a diversity of plants and animals. The parkhas an elevation range from 2,127 to 13,114 feet and

contains five major vegetation zones.The park covers an area of 747,956 acres and reaches

across the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountainchain. More than 3.7 million people visit Yosemite eachyear. Most will spend their time in the seven squaremiles of Yosemite Valley. Yosemite was designated aWorld Heritage Site in 1984.

The geology of the Yosemite area is characterized bygranitic rocks and remnants of older rock. About 10 mil-lion years ago, the Sierra Nevada was uplifted and thentilted to form its relatively gentle western slopes and themore dramatic eastern slopes. The uplift increased thesteepness of stream and river beds, resulting in formationof deep, narrow canyons. About 1 million years ago,snow and ice accumulated, forming glaciers at the high-er alpine meadows that moved down the river valleys.The downslope movement of the ice masses cut andsculpted the U-shaped valley that attracts so many visi-tors to its scenic vistas today.

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Vernal Fall at Yosemite.Photo courtesy Walter Siegmund.

Early TourismIn 1855, entrepreneur James Mason Hutchings, artist

Thomas Ayres and two others were the first to tour thearea. Hutchings and Ayres were responsible for much ofthe earliest publicity about Yosemite, writing articles andspecial magazine issues about the Valley. Ayres’ style inart was highly detailed with exaggerated angularity. Hisworks and written accounts were distributed nationally,and an art exhibition of his drawings was held in NewYork City. Hutchings’ publicity efforts between 1855and 1860 led to an increase in tourism to Yosemite.

Concerned by the effects of commercial interests,prominent citizens and legislators advocated for protec-tion of the area. A park bill was prepared with the assis-tance of the General Land Office in the InteriorDepartment. The bill passed both houses of the 38thUnited States Congress, and was signed by PresidentAbraham Lincoln on June 30, 1864, creating theYosemite Grant.

This is the first instance of park land being set asidespecifically for preservation and public use by action ofthe U.S. federal government, and set a precedent for the1872 creation of Yellowstone as the first national park.

Yosemite ValleyYosemite Valley represents only one percent of the

park area, but this is where most visitors arrive and stay.The Tunnel View is the first view of the Valley for manyvisitors and is extensively photographed. El Capitan, aprominent granite cliff that looms over Yosemite Valley,is one of the most popular rock climbing destinations inthe world because of its diverse range of climbing routesin addition to its year-round accessibility. Granite domessuch as Sentinel Dome and Half Dome rise 3,000 and4,800 feet, respectively, above the valley floor.Waterfalls

Yosemite is famous for its high concentration of water-falls in a small area. Numerous sheer drops, glacial stepsand hanging valleys in the park provide many places forwaterfalls to exist, especially during April, May, andJune (the snowmelt season). Located in Yosemite Valley,the Yosemite Falls is the highest in North America at2,425-feet.

Perhaps the most prominent of the Yosemite Valleywaterfalls is Bridalveil Fall, which is the waterfall seenfrom the Tunnel View viewpoint at the east end of the

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The U shaped Yosemite Valley.Photo courtesy Guy Francis.

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Rafters in Yosemite National Park near Half Dome.Photo courtesy Carol M. Highsmith and

California Travel & Tourism Commission.

Wawona Tunnel. Wapama Falls inHetch Hetchy Valley is anothernotable waterfall. Hundreds ofephemeral waterfalls also exist in thepark.

Yosemite Valley is open year-round, but much of the remainingpark is closed in late autumn becauseof snow and re-opens in mid to latespring. Open-air tours aroundYosemite Valley and the MariposaGrove of giant sequoias are avail-able. Many people enjoy short walksand longer hikes to waterfalls inYosemite Valley, or walks amongstgiant sequoias in the Mariposa,Tuolumne, or Merced Groves.

Others like to drive or take a tourbus to Glacier Point (summer–fall)to see a spectacular view ofYosemite Valley and the high coun-try, or drive along the scenic TiogaRoad to Tuolumne Meadows (sum-mer–fall) and go for a walk or hike.

In addition to exploring the natural features of thepark, visitors can also learn about the natural and cultur-al history of Yosemite Valley at a number of facilities inthe valley: the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, the

adjoining Yosemite Museum, and the Nature Center atHappy Isles. http://www.visitcalifornia.com

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El Capitan in Yosemite NationalPark viewed from the Valley floor.

Photo courtesy Mike Murphy.

Mule deer on Yosemite Valley floor.Photo courtesy Constantine Kulikovsky.

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Motorcycles stacked at BarberVintage Motorsports Museum.Photo courtesy Chuck Schultz.

The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

Birmingham, Alabama native George Barber mod-ified, raced and maintained Porsches in the 1960s(63 first-place wins). He started collecting and

restoring classic sports cars in 1989, but his interest soonturned to motorcycles.

Barber recognized that there wasnot a museum which reflected thehistory of motorcycles from aglobal perspective. He wanted topreserve motorcycle history in theUnited States in a way that repre-sents an international aspect and tosupply an example of motorcyclesthat until then could only havebeen seen in books and magazines.This was the theme used in themission and development of theBarber collection.

The collection grew with theassistance of skilled restorers thatworked for Barber at a secludedlocation in Birmingham that oncehoused a commercial vehiclerefurbishing facility. Out of the

same shop a vintage motorcycle race team operated withthe challenge of maintaining and racing historically sig-nificant machinery.

These bikes were routinely campaigned around the

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What’s HappeningWhat’s Happening

Barber Museum Building.Photo courtesy Dan Wildhirt.

United States and Europe so that they could be enjoyedand appreciated in their original setting, rather than col-lecting dust in a garage. This racing effort brought theBarber Team 7 National Championships in the AmericanHistoric Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) andhelped secure a credible place for the collection in thecommunity of motorcycle enthusiasts.

In 1994, the Barber collection became the BarberVintage Motorsports Museum when it was granted a notfor profit status. In 1995, the museum was officiallyopened to the public in the original secluded location onBirmingham’s Southside. The museum operated hereuntil November 2002.

The Museum reopened at its new location at theBarber Motorsports Park in September 2003. Along theway vehicles from the museum’s collection have beenfeatured in exhibits around the world. Twenty one motor-cycles were selected for the famed Art of the Motorcycleexhibit at the Guggenheim’s New York and Bilbao,Spain location as well as the Field Museum in Chicago.

England’s Goodwood Festival of Speed has featured carsfrom the Barber collection. Birmingham’s own Museumof Art has conducted a special exhibit featuring motor-cycles from the Barber collection.

The collection now has over 1200 vintage and modernmotorcycles as well as a substantial collection of Lotusand other racecars.

It is considered the largest collection of its type in theworld. There are approximately 600 of the collection’s1200 motorcycles on display at any given time. Thesebikes range from 1902 to current-year production. Bikesfrom 20 countries represent 200 different manufacturers.

The common street bike is represented, as well as rare,one-off Gran Prix race machinery. Bikes have been pur-chased from as far away as Australia, New Zealand, andSweden, but also as close as down the street.

To learn more and plan a visit, click here.http://barbermuseum.org

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Byways is published bi-monthly by Byways, Inc. and distributed electronically throughout North America.Byways is emailed to more than 4000 tour operators plus selected travel agencies through the internet. Subscriptionsare complimentary. An iPad & iPhone version is available for consumers in iTunes and Newsstand in the App Store.

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©Copyright 2014 by Byways, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be duplicated in anyform without express written permission of the publisher.

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Internet:bywaysmagazine.com byways@motorcoach.com

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