Two weeks ago, we explored four of the seven Wonders we have identified right here in the US. Now we will tackle the remaining three.
The number seven was initially chosen because the Greeks believed it to be the representation of perfection and plenty. Cataloging the world's most spectacular natural wonders and man-made structures appeared to be a daunting task, but the list lasts and this one will as well.
Of course, wherever you choose to honeymoon will be remarkable, although these sites are truly larger than life.
New York City
The Big Apple can be yours for the picking. Whatever you desire can be yours on your honeymoon here.
Any trip to New York City isn’t complete without sampling its cultural offerings. Artistic perspectives are evident at galleries in Chelsea, SoHo and the Lower East Side. Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center are on the cutting edge of world famous artistic contributions. Enjoy the ballet, classical music and opera or groove at a Harlem jazz club.
And don’t forget the lights of Times Square and Broadway and its plays both on and off that renowned thoroughfare. There are so many options for accommodations, you really must decide how you want to spend your time here.
There are over 20,000 restaurants in this city. You can explore culinary experiences from around the world right there--from Asia to South America. Ranging from tea shops to dim sum bars to food trucks to fantastic bistros and incredible eateries, most of these places aren’t to be missed.
Lastly, there are myriad sights and neighborhoods to explore that will expand your vistas. Of New York’s five boroughs, Manhattan is the smallest. But each borough possesses reasons to visit. From the Bronx Zoo to Coney Island, the Statue of Liberty to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, this city will fulfill your every desire.
You can visit the Planetarium or the Empire State Building. Or you can stop by Chinatown, Little Italy or the Cloisters. Of course, there’s always the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim or the Museum of Modern Art, where you can stop and enjoy lunch in their midtown atrium.
El Yunque National Forest
Formerly known as the Caribbean National Forest, this wonder is located on the island of Puerto Rico. It is also the name of the second highest mountain peak in the Forest. El Yunque is the only tropical rain forest in the United States National Forest System.
An extensive network of hiking trails makes El Yunque an excellent choice for a true rainforest experience. This is a very temperate forest. And there are no poisonous snakes or bears there! This is a fantastic place to camp out—its beauty is breathtaking!
There are picnic facilities, paved trails and tour bus parking. The El Portal exhibit hall and lookout towers are on the North side. Take a picnic lunch and walk down the steps below a Ranger Station to little gazebos.
Two of them are next to a rushing stream, complete with roof, picnic table, benches, BBQ grill and running water. The South side is the quiet side. You could spend a few nights by the forest to really appreciate the peace and beauty.
A variety of accommodations are available just outside the park boundaries. You can either stay next to the rainforest itself or in the foothills around it. They all have a unique view of the forest and/or the sea. The tranquility experienced during a stay in any one of the small guest houses surrounding the forest refreshes the spirit and will increase your understanding of the rainforest as you start your life together.
Orlando
If fun is what you’re after, this is the place to be. You will reel with laughter in this city that was incorporated back in 1875, although it had the majority of its growth after Disney ushered in an explosive population and economic growth in the 70s. Orlando now has more theme parks and entertainment attractions than anywhere else in the world.
Theme parks from Universal Studios and Sea World to Walt Disney World and Busch Gardens offer unique experiences for every visitor to ensure an unforgettable honeymoon. You can immerse yourself in the world’s top parks here.
From the classic Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World to the magical Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal, there's a world for everyone to escape to.
Orlando offers no shortage of things to do. You can take advantage of experiences that are uniquely Orlando, such as getting up close to wildlife at SeaWorld's Discovery Cove or even flying through a swamp on an airboat. Sports lovers can take a ride on one of multiple zip-lines in the area or cheer on the local NBA basketball team.
And the fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down either: feel free to check out a show at Cirque de Soleil, Blue Man Group or one of Orlando's many dinner theaters for an entertaining nightcap. The options are endless.
If you haven’t visited these sights, you are definitely missing out. They will heighten your senses, capture your imagination, and expand your world. Why not take the opportunity of your honeymoon to start planning to see them all? You could start a ritual and visit one wonder on each of your first seven anniversaries.
Photo sources: Central Park Pond, El Yunque, Universal Studios
Emma McKnight is travel agent specializing in cruise vacations. View her website at: www.CruiseWithEmma.com or contact her for more information.