more than just their bathrooms,water foun- tains, and snackmachines. Renovated visitor centers up and down the eastern seaboard are offeringmore enticing options, from recreation to relaxation to entertainment. NewYorkCity’s visitor information center


D


turns the typical brochure-filledmain hall on its head. At the edge of Times Square, the center features threemulti-touch tables allowing visitors to zoomin and out of city maps and activity options. After assembling their itinerary, visitors can print the infor- mation or send it to their cellphones. Visitors can also use individual “pucks” to select sights of interest and project themon the wall with for a short audio-visual tour.


WEST VIRGINIA


uring a long car trip, visitor informa- tion centersmake ideal pit-stops for


Visitor centers in state and national parks


are introducing newmuseumspaces to showcase regional history in ways that are interesting and accessible to thewhole family. At the newOconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great SmokyMountains, an interactive exhibit explores how the Cherokees used the forest as their own sustainable farm, encouraging the growth of chestnut- and acorn-producing trees through controlled forest fires like rangers use today. Innovative visitor centers are also including


amenities catered toward special travelers. InNewark, Delaware, the welcome center near theMaryland border on Interstate-95 features a pet exercise space. Shenandoah National Park in Virginia offers ranger-led hikes focusing on local wildlife and travel


VIRGINIA


activities like geocaching,while the Palisades Interstate Park inNew Jersey offers hikes catered to children and visitors with pets, and rangers at Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia teach birding, orienteering, and backpacking classes. Make the local visitor information center


the first stop of your vacation to get custom suggestions for activities, events, and dining options in the area. Staffmembers at visitor center information desks specialize in ency- clopedic knowledge of the area’s best offerings. Instead of scouring guidebooks andwebsites for hours trying to locate the bestmatches for you and your family, use the staffs’ insider knowledge tomap out your trip in a few minutes.


8 GreatVacationGetaways www.greatvacations.travel Reader Service #130


Reader Service #122


Reader Service #123 VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12