Summer Travel---What's New in D.C., Las Vegas and Atlantaby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 18 Jun 2008 09:21 PM WASHINGTON, D.C. The National Mall is sporting a new look these days. A real temple has been constructed at the popular tourist site as part of the 42nd annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which this year includes a celebration of the culture of the little-known Kingdom of Bhutan. Event organizers say carpenters from the Himalayan kingdom traveled to Washington to help build the authentic Bhutanese lhakhang, or temple, along with other examples of Bhutanese architecture. Once it is complete the temple will be one of the largest traditional buildings ever erected on the Mall. The exhibit, "Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon," is reportedly the largest and most comprehensive exhibition of Bhutanese life and culture ever presented outside the kingdom. The festival runs from June 25 through June 29 and again July 2 through July 6 on the National Mall. Admission is free. LAS VEGAS Sin City's popular Mandalay Bay is celebrating the eighth anniversary of its legendary Shark Reef Aquarium this weekend. To celebrate the milestone the aquarium is unveiling Nevada's first Komodo dragon. From June 20-22 visitors will pay just $8 (a discount of roughly 50% off regular admission) to get into the aquarium and Starbucks will be serving complimentary Komodo Blend coffee to those in line. ATLANTA It's official: Downtown Atlanta, Georgia has been chosen as the home for a new $230 million National Health Museum. Georgia's governor made the announcement today and revealed that the new structure will be located in the tourist-rich area surrounding Centennial Olympic Park. Officials say the new museum is expected to draw more than 1 million visitors a year and to create 135 jobs in the state. The governor said the addition of the new facility will enhance Georgia's reputation as a global hub for public health. The state is already home to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the American Cancer Society and other health-related nonprofit organizations. The new 190,000-square-foot museum will be designed to teach healthy living practices and will also serve as a conference center for health-related events. No date has been set for a grand opening. Related Articles: Family-Friendly Summer Travel Bargains More Incredible Summer Airfare Bargains Sizzling Summer Airfare Bargains Saving on Summer Travel--More Southern Bargains Summer Travel: Saving Money Down South Where to Get an Affordable Summer Tan Summer Travel 2008-Gas Tank Getaways Part 2 Summer Travel 2008--Gas Tank Getaways Summer Travel: Unique Ways to Save Money on Gas Saving on Summer Travel-It is Possible Part 2 Saving on Summer Travel--It is Possible Cash Strapped? Check Out These California Travel Packages Kid-Friendly Hotels Getting Friendlier Fueling Your Summer Vacation with Gas Savers Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanttravel tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags Atlanta, las vegas, new museum, National Mall, washington d.c. Discuss this article
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