By Glenn H. Kipps

Always wanted to see the place where Jesus grew up - Nazareth, Israel? It has been called the most beautiful destination in the world. Getting there is a problem? ...a cash flow problem? Why not visit Nazareth, Pennsylvania, while you await the day that you can travel to the "Old City". The warmth and friendliness of its Pennsylvania counterpart will please you.

Nazareth - situated at the foot of the Blue Mountain in the Lehigh Valley - is included in the "National Register of Historic Places" and is a unique historical district. Visitors can enjoy its community parks and the nearby State park, as well as regional hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, and international auto races at the Nazareth Speedway. The area contains some of the most picturesque countryside in Pennsylvania.

Volunteers play major roles in keeping Nazareth a most attractive and interesting place in which to live, work, visit or shop. Civic, service and business organizations join them in providing their time and resources to make visitors as well as residents feel "at home". Social, recreational and cultural events are held throughout the year, such as Nazareth Day, craft fairs, parades and block parties. With its "open arms" to visitors, Nazareth is known for its "colonial hospitality".

Perhaps you have been dreaming of seeing the Newcastle, England (officially Newcastle on Tyne) Gateshead Millenium Bridge for pedestrians and cycles... a bridge with seven majestic arches... that crosses the Tyne River between the two parts of the city. Or the fortified castle built by a son of William the Conqueror, parts of which are still standing. Your ledger says the trip will have to wait? Why not visit Newcastle, Washington in the meantime. You'll be glad you did.

Family-oriented people who want to escape from urban sprawl find comfort and "community" in this small town.

Newcastle was most likely named for "Newcastle on Tyne" since both have a heritage of rail, coal, and timber. The Washington counterpart has been dubbed "the poster child for development in the Pacific Northwest", and there is much on display to recreate this fascinating bit of history that was important to the entire country.

Visitors need not look for "stunning views" in Newcastle. The entire area is picturesque. The city celebrates "Newcastle Days" at a community festival each September.

Newcastle has 45 acres of parks and trails, including Lake Boren Park which includes tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic shelters, etc. It is a favorite of visitors and hosts various community events. Other trails include Cougar Mountain Regional Wasteland Park in the county, which boasts 3,100 acres of trails, a 4.3 mile hike, and a habitat for Northwest wildlife such as deer, porcupines, bobcats and cougars. A park for horse lovers is Bridle Trails State Park with a 4.8 mile trail.

An active, passionate, well-informed group of citizens is committed to sharing Newcastle's history with visitors.

Glenn H. Kipps is the owner of http://www.validtravel.com/, a travel resource. There are over 100 articles to browse through and over 700 products by Coleman to look through in our new adventure travel catalog. ValidTravel.com is also affiliated with Samsonite. There is a free newsletter.