To paraphrase Groucho Marx, "we don't want to belong to any club that would accept us as members" Yesterday, we shared some of the things that Yahoo!s have never done -- and don't care who knows it. While the first round of confessions dealt with television shows we've never seen, today's round concentrates on travel and food. Pretty much everyone has a place they've always wanted to visit, or a location they return to over and over. But there are places that we've never been to -- and couldn't care less if we did. In my case, it's Walt Disney World. I know there are millions who share a fervor to visit the Magic Kingdom and who go annually -- or even more than once a year, but I can think of fewer places that hold less interest than the greater Orlando area. Other than heat, humidity, and crowds, I can't see what they offer. But where do Yahoo!s long to not travel to? Sarah: I have never been to Las Vegas, even though I grew up just off the 15 freeway in Southern California. Despite how glamorous it looks in the movies, I have no interest in gambling, buffets, or rooftop amusement parks. Richard: I’ve never been to Canada Eugenia: I’ve never gone camping! Mitzi: I’ve never done any traditional camping (tent, sleeping bag, etc.). Never been to Walt Disney World/Epcot (although I’ve been to Disneyland many times).(Editor’s note: Ditto and good for you!) Now, there are plenty of us who don't own a television or who never travel, but one thing we all have in common is eating. Some of us may have more limited menus than other, but we all need sustenance -- excepting, of course, those things we've never eaten or restaurants we don't want to visit. Myself, I've never eaten lobster and have no desire to. Those giant waterbugs just look disgusting and the whole process of cracking open the shells is repulsive. Anyone else? Mitzi: Never eaten at the Olive Garden (and don’t plan to). Ali: I really don't consider this to be noteworthy, but since you're being so inclusive ... I have never had a cup of tea or coffee. I'd never really thought about that in the "never" sense, so thank you for the opportunity to feel incomplete. Lydia: I’ve never eaten a bagel. At first, it was because bagels pale in comparison to the sweeter pastries that my palate demands for breakfast. Now, it’s more so I can say “I’ve never eaten a bagel” on random occasions -- like in a blog about random things people have never done. What say you, gentle reader? Anyplace you have no desire to visit? Is there some delectable dish that turns you off? Tell us about it, and we'll be back tomorrow with more stuff we can't wait not to do. Suggested Sites... I Hate Disney World - ...and so do her kids. I Hate Las Vegas - and he's the editor of a travel magazine! Why I Hate Camping - all of these only prove we're right not to have done this stuff. I Hate Coffee - you wonder why we don't want to try it? The Spark: Don't Forget the Jellied Eels! - a whole bunch of foods we don't want any part of, from pork brains in milk gravy to cheeseburger in a can.

Directory categories: Walt Disney World, Camping, Las Vegas, Bagels, Camping Equipment

Archived under: Amusement Parks, Camping, Canada, Coffee, Disney, Disneyland, Eating, Food and Drink, In Character, Italian Food, Las Vegas, Outdoors, Recreation and Travel, Restaurants, Tea, The Spark, Tourist Attractions, Travel, Yahoo!

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The Principality of Sealand -- all of it There's an old saying that, in America, anyone can grow up to be the President -- and it's true. You could be President tomorrow. Of course, you couldn't be the President of the United States of America, but if you lower your expectations just a little, you could rule your own country -- or, more to the point, your own micronation. Creating a micronation of your very own is an easier task than you might think. You can do it for political reasons, as an act of protest, or to create a safe haven for a like-minded community of people. Do it as an experiment in diplomacy, an educational project, or just for kicks, we don't care. You don't even need to own a private island or a prime piece of real estate. For that matter, you don't even need any real estate at all. All you need is a dream and a flag. Some micronations exist only online, or as sketches in the journals of their monarchs. In fact, we could declare this space Sparkylvania or Sparkistan right now if we wanted to ... but, frankly, going to all the trouble of setting up a constitution and establishing diplomatic relations and printing our own passports and currency and stamps sounds like too much hassle. Of course, you could save yourself the trouble and just buy an pre-existing country. Sealand, possibly the world's most famous micronation, could be yours for a mere 750 million Euros. Of course, if you buy it, it'll be you who's responsible for fighting off all those invading armies, and who needs that headache? Suggested Sites... CBC Interview With Prince of Sealand - His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Sealand discusses the micronation's past and the royal family's plans to sell it. Micronations of the World - Smithsonian Magazine explores micronations and the people who found them. Hutt River Principality - a successful secessionist state that split from Australia 37 years ago. Imperial Collection - stamps, bank notes, and other ephemera from micronations around the world.

Directory categories: Micronations, Sealand, Countries of the World, Hutt River Province, International Law

Archived under: Cultures, Government, Invention, Micronations, Regional, Society and Culture, Travel

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So if it got really hot, would the building pop? (Photo by brendagayle) Just west of Sioux Falls, in the small South Dakota community of Mitchell, there stands an elaborate palace of corn, complete with onion domes and minarets. Sounds nutritious, delicious, and downright fascinating, doesn't it? We thought so, too. Today, on the first day of the annual Corn Palace Festival, we here at the Spark would like to honor Mitchell's most renowned landmark: the world's one and only Corn Palace. For over 100 years, the Corn Palace has served as a place where city residents and their rural neighbors could gather to celebrate the end of the crop-growing season and harvest. It was originally built as an artistic expression to extol the fertility of South Dakota soil. Just to be clear, the palace isn't itself made of corn, but is instead covered in it: Large murals constructed entirely from locally-grown corn and other grains adorn the many facades of the structure. Each year (with the exception of 2006, when the redesign was nixed due to drought) invites a new theme -- subjects like "Lewis and Clark" and "Everyday Heroes" have been interpreted in painstaking, granular detail by local artists, including the distinguished Native American painter, Oscar Howe. This year's theme, "American Destinations," was developed and crafted by Cherie Ramsdell, who has been at the artistic helm since 2003. It honors the United States' most celebrated tourist destinations, including the Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge, Kennedy Space Center, and, naturally, the Corn Palace itself. If, in your travels, you happen to be near South Dakota this week, we urge you to stop by Mitchell for some great music, fantastic food, and a tour of the nation's "corniest" (argh!) roadside attraction. You can't miss it -- just follow the hungry birds. Suggested Sites... Corn Palace Convention and Visitors Bureau - everything to do and see in Mitchell, SD -- including the world's only corn palace. Corn Palace Festival - official site of the annual harvest festival. City of Mitchell - official site for the city of Mitchell, South Dakota. Corn Palace Webcam - check out live images of the famous Corn Palace. YouTube: Corn Palace - 1 of a Kind - AFN commercial promoting South Dakota's Corn Palace.

Directory categories: Entertainment and Arts in Mitchell, SD, Roadside Attractions, Buildings and Structures, Corn, Mitchell, South Dakots

Archived under: Architecture, Arts, Buildings, Corn, Corn Palace, Creativity, Decorating, Design, Events, Festivals, Food and Drink, Midsummer, Popcorn, Recreation and Travel, Regional, Roadside Attractions, Sculpture, Small Towns, Summer, Tourist Attractions, Travel, United States, Vegetables, Weird Stuff

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(Photo by Jason Meredith) Back in the good ol' days, county and state fairs celebrated a region's agricultural achievements and drew folks in from the fields for a day of fun. Even though fewer of us live on farms nowadays, a day at the fair is still one heck of an occasion. As soon as you arrive on the midway, that unmistakable smell hits you: equal parts hot asphalt, deep fryer, and livestock. The fairgrounds reek of summer -- and everything else. Whatever your penchant, the fair's got it: prize-winning veggies and crafts, animal races of all sorts, stinky livestock pens, carnival rides, good-time music in the band shell, and lots and lots (and lots) of food -- most of it deep-fried. (Deep-fried latte? Gross!) The mind boggles at how many types of food can be served on a stick. Corn dogs are so passé! Cutting-edge fairgoers save the sticks for such nouveau delights as teriyaki ostrich, roasted alligator, and fried Twinkies. But, if you prefer your animals uncooked and without sticks, you can always count on the 4-H kids to parade the fluffy bunnies, pink piglets, and cute cows. Suggested Sites... State Fair Dates - find out when your fair is happening. Exhibiting and Judging Garden Vegetables - key techniques for blue-ribbon veggies. Meet Me at the Fair - Flickr Photo Group - it's almost like being there. How to Beat Carnival Games - better your chances of winning a prize. Deep-Fried Fair Food - mac-n-cheese, peanut butter and jelly, Oreos, hard-boiled eggs? Is there nothing they won't deep-fry?

Directory categories: State Fairs, Deep-Fried Dessert Recipes, 4-H, County Fairs, Livestock

Archived under: Amusement Parks, Animals, Awards, Celebrations, Contests, Crafts, Entertainment, Events, Festivals, Food and Drink, Fried Food, Junk Food, Regional, Summer, Tourist Attractions, Travel, United States

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The view from Ravens Roost If you're itching for a different kind of road trip this summer, motor down South to the Blue Ridge Parkway. This scenic drive along the crest of the Blue Ridge mountains in Virginia and North Carolina started as a Depression-era project to put people back to work. Its 469 miles of pure motoring pleasure wind through spectacular mountain vistas, wildflowers, trails, and waterfalls. Designed by landscape architect Stanley William Abbott, this is a drive that's all about the journey -- not the destination. Discover Native American settlements and old farmsteads, as well as handicrafts inspired by over 200 years of Appalachian culture. Take some time to explore the Linville Caverns or hike across the mile-high bridge on Grandfather Mountain. Fuel up on the homemade apple pie at Famous Louise's Rock House restaurant, or pick up supplies at a country general store. Most importantly, when you're on the Blue Ridge Parkway, take your time and enjoy the drive. Suggested Sites... The Blue Ridge Parkway - Parkway map and things to see and do every mile of the way. Cherokee, North Carolina - the end of the trail on the south end. Check out Oconaluftee Indian Village. Virginia's Explore Park - living history demos, outdoor recreation, and historic Brugh Tavern. National Park Service: Blue Ridge Parkway - get the scoop on the most visited unit of America's National Park System.

Directory categories: Blue Ridge Parkway, Road Trips, Scenic Highways and Byways, Desitnation Guides, Travel

Archived under: Autos, Conservation, Driving, Environment, Hiking, History, Outdoors, Parks, Recreation and Travel, Roads, Roadside Attractions, Small Towns, Tourist Attractions, Travel, United States, Vacations

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