Denver Colorado Denver Denver, CO Located in Denver County, the city of Denver is the state capital and the largest city in the state. Denver was founded in 1860. The city is located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Major revenue is derived from agriculture, tourism, major league teams, and shipping. Denver has more than doubled its population since 1960 and the metro area has a population of more than two million. Events include: Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Festival of Mountain & Plain, International BuskerFest, Great American Beer Festival, and Buffalo Bill Days. Tampa Florida Downtown Tampa Tampa, FL Tampa is located on Florida's west coast. Its central location makes it easy to get to the beaches and all the attractions throughout central Florida. Tampa enjoys a temperate, semi-tropical climate. Once a small Indian fishing village, which later became known as the "Cigar City," Tampa is now one of Florida's most invigorating travel destinations. Tampa events include: Florida Strawberry Festival, Florida State Fair, Gasparilla Parade & Pirate Fest, Taste of Florida, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Professional Football. New Orleans Louisiana New Orleans New Orleans, LA With an unofficial motto of "let the good times roll," the state of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans, are well on their way to being one of the entertainment capitals of the U.S. New Orleans is the seat of Orleans parish. The city was founded by the French in 1718. The city has a well-earned reputation for excess and debauchery but it ironically features such finery as the French Quarter architecture, St. Louis Cathedral, Jazz Museum, and the famous Mardi Gras and Jazz and Heritage Festival. San Diego California San Diego San Diego, CA San Diego is the birthplace of California. Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo landed in what is now San Diego Bay and claimed the area for Spain in 1542. In 1769, Father Junipero Serra established the Mission San Diego de Alcala. Originally populated by Indians, the area has been governed by the Spanish, Mexicans, and since 1846, the U.S. Today, beautiful beaches and near- perfect weather, make San Diego a popular vacation spot. San Diego events include: Sandcastle Festival, Cabrillo Festival, Avocado Festival, Threshing Bee & Antique Engine Show, and Poway Rodeo & BBQ. Olympia Washington Olympia Olympia, WA Puget Sound southern most tip is home to the state capital, Olympia. Olympia was named for its spectacular view of the Olympic Mountains. The town was founded in 1846 by settlers Levi Smith and Edmund Sylvester. It has been Washington's capital since 1853, when the Washington Territory separated from Oregon Territory. Despite challenges from Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver, Steilacoom and Port Townsend, Olympia clung to its capital status. Because Olympia is the home of Washington's state government, a large number of residents work in government positions. Government isn't the only employer, Olympia is also a port city that imports and exports products with considerable ease. Residents of Olympia enjoy a big city with a small town atmosphere. Elegant old homes, tree-lined streets and popular farmers' market add to its charm. Students attend schools in the Olympia School District, which is known for its community support and variety of educational program. For higher education, residents can choose from three local colleges: Saint Martin's College, a private, four year liberal arts college located near Lacey: The Evergreen State College, a nationally known, innovative four year liberal college, a two year public institution offering both day and evening programs. Olympia's stately Legislative Building was completed in 1928. The finished building stands 28 stories high, it was the last great domed capitol built in the United States. Its entrance is approached by 42 broad granite steps, representing Washington's place as the 42nd state in the Union. There are many things to do in Olympia, due to the city's location on the Puget Sound, and its easy access to both the Cascade mountain range and the Olympic Peninsula, outdoor recreation is big. Hiking, kayaking, skiing and sailing are all popular activities. An abundance of parks and forest in the immediate vicinity make getting away an easy feat. Tolmie State Park and Millersylvania State Park are among the popular destinations. Olympia's Washington Center for the performing arts presents a full season of performances by resident and touring groups, offering music, dance, theater and family entertainment. Groups in residence at the center include Ballet Northwest, Youth Symphonies, the Olympia Symphony Orchestra and the Washington Shakespeare Festival. At the waterfront, Percival Landing has a 1.5-mile boardwalk with artwork and interpretive displays outlined the history of the harbor. Two new fountains provide interactive fun for everyone. Olympia's waterfront comes alive in the summer with maritime activities, community festivals, music and art. Nearby is the Olympia farmer's market, the state's second biggest market only to Seattle's Pike Place market. If you have a taste for beer go take a tour at Olympia Brewing Company, home of the Rainier Beer. Santa Ana California Santa Ana Santa Ana, CA Santa Ana is a city of nearly 300,000 residents. It's large Hispanic population is in strong evidence throughout the community and many shops, restaurants, and businesses cater to the Spanish community. Some of the aging downtown area is on the National Register of Historic Places. Special events include a huge Orange County Holiday Parade and the Orange County Arts & Jazz Festival held at the Santa Ana Zoo.