Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman lives on as a larger-than-life figure in the oft-told annals of American military history. 

The most intimate and unknown details of the man behind the legend are uncovered at the Sherman House Museum in Lancaster, Ohio.

It opens for the season today, Wednesday, April 10. 

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“Sometimes we turn these heroes, like we’ve done with George Washington, almost into gods. I think that does a disservice to them,” Michael Johnson, director of the Sherman House Museum, told Fox News Digital.

“I think it needs to be presented that these were ordinary people who did extraordinary things when the moment came, and that’s what set them apart.”

Sherman was born in the home in 1820 and lived there until his father died when the future West Point cadet and U.S. Army legend, one of 11 children, was just 9 years old.

The general has long been remembered as a fearsome military commander, which included a notorious reputation in the American south. 

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But the legend of the warrior overshadows the thoughtful artist discovered at the Sherman House Museum: patron of the theater, Renaissance man and beloved old commander called “Uncle Billy” by his men long after the war.

The museum displays a copy of Sherman’s brilliant illustration, “Death of Centaur,” which he drew while a cadet at the United States Military Academy. 

The original still hangs at West Point today.

“Artistry ran through the Sherman family,” said Johnson. “He loved the theater and he loved the arts. He finished top of his class at West Point in art.”

“Artistry ran through the Sherman family. He loved the theater and he loved the arts.”

The museum displays needlepoint by the soldier’s mother, Mary Hoyt Sherman, and four chairs carved with scenes from Shakespeare’s plays. 

Sherman had the chairs made after the war when he lived in New York City, where he became a prominent supporter of its famous theater scene.

Among other little-known contributions to American history: Sherman, while living in New York, personally selected Ellis Island as the location to place the Statue of Liberty, gifted by the people of France.

The life of the man known at the Sherman House Museum contrasts sharply with the fearsome wartime leader.

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Sherman led the Union force that overran and burned the little crossroads city of Atlanta to the ground in November 1864. 

It was a cultural watershed event in American history. Among other things, the burning of Atlanta inspired the beloved Civil War fictional epic “Gone With the Wind.”

He then led his troops on a conquest of Georgia all the way to Savannah. It’s gone down in history as Gen. Sherman’s infamous “March to the Sea.” 

It’s considered a harbinger of the “total war” to follow in the 20th century. 

American GIs in World War II marched to victory across Europe and Asia supported by some 50,000 Sherman tanks, adding to the legend of his name.

Sherman lived a fascinating life before the Civil War, too, said Johnson.

He graduated from West Point in 1840 and retired from the Army for the first time in 1853.

In 1859, the man later notorious for ravaging the South took a job as the first superintendent of the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning & Military Academy. 

He returned to service for the Union when Louisiana seceded from the Union in January 1861. 

The southern institution the Ohio native helped establish is known today as Louisiana State University.

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With rolling hills that echo country and blues music and a palate-pleasing combination of hot chicken and whiskey, Tennessee is an irresistible destination for music lovers, nature enthusiasts and history buffs.

Recognized for its Southern hospitality, its people charm visitors with easy conversations and a willingness to lend a helping hand. 

Foodies traveling to Tennessee will not be disappointed. With its mouth-watering barbecue and Nashville’s acclaimed hot chicken, every food enthusiast will have plenty of choices to immerse themselves in the culture through their stomach.

What to do in Nashville

Nashville, a thriving spot for bachelorette and bachelor parties, music enthusiasts, food aficionados and nature lovers, ranks high on the list of top tourist destinations nationwide. Its lively streets and establishments pulse with music, offering an exhilarating experience for every visitor. 

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Cultural landmarks, professional sporting events, outdoor adventures and an abundance of other activities fill the city for everyone to enjoy.

Walk around one of Nashville’s parks

Centennial Park, a Nashville site that hosted the 1897 Tennessee Centennial and International Exposition, now houses a serene man-made lake, well-maintained landscaped areas and the Parthenon replica, which includes a 42-foot statue of Athena.

Radnor Lake is a 1367-acre natural reserve, according to the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation, with 7.75 miles of hiking and wildlife observation trails. Nature lovers might spot owls, herons, waterfowl or amphibians.

Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Nature Center has almost 1,300 acres of diverse terrain and offers free public nature and environmental education programs, according to the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. The park features 10 miles of paved trails and 7 miles of unpaved trails.

Love Circle Park, located between Natchez Trace and West End, offers a stunning vantage point of Nashville. Friends, lovers and individuals may enjoy the sunset views over the city, accompanied by a picnic or a relaxing drink.

See a show at a well-known music venue

Aptly labeled “Music City,” Nashville caters to music enthusiasts of all genres with its diverse musical landscape.

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Intimate singer-songwriter spots like the Listening Room Café and The Bluebird Café are among numerous venues that should be included on any Nashville itinerary.

Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry is an attraction that has been the stage for the greatest country artists for nearly 100 years. Founded in 1925 as a radio station, it has evolved into a sensational live performance hub. Guests can embark on a daytime tour or enjoy a performance by their favorite artists.

Ryman Auditorium

As a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame landmark, the Ryman Auditorium, referred to as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” is an essential landmark of music history. 

In this spot, Johnny Cash first encountered June Carter when it served as the original home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974, according to the venue’s website. 

The auditorium’s architecture lends a spiritual essence, and the building’s acoustics guarantee an extraordinary concert experience. The theater has hosted musical legends like Elvis, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. Open for tours and shows daily, the Ryman Auditorium invites guests to immerse themselves in its rich legacy.

Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame

A haven for country music lovers, Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum houses a collection of 2.5 million artifacts on two floors. The museum allows guests to trace the evolution of this esteemed American musical genre. 

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Visitors can delve into the lives and contributions of past and present icons, such as Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Alabama and Garth Brooks, through intriguing exhibits, video recordings and galleries. 

“The museum is filled with rich history spanning from the roots of country music to current artists.”

— Country Music Hall of Fame volunteer

“I love the little stories I learn about artists, their upbringings and their ability to evoke emotions through creative songwriting and music,” said Carly Nelson, a volunteer at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Recommendations for Broadway Street, Nashville’s main strip

When travelers think of Nashville, Broadway filled with the twang of honky-tonks and giddy brides-to-be dressed in white dresses and cowgirl boots likely comes to mind. 

Every weekend, the Broadway Historic District, more commonly known as Lower Broadway, teems with country music fans from all over who are drawn to Nashville’s celebrated nightlife.

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Honky-tonks, like the classic Tootsies and The Stage, line the street, interspersed with a myriad of bars and grills. Some favorite country singers, including Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert, own rooftop bars. 

An integral part of Nashville, Broadway offers an abundance of bars and music venues that have been instrumental in launching numerous legendary country music careers.

Lower Broadway’s appeal includes more than its honky-tonks. The area consists of landmarks such as the Ryman Auditorium and cultural centers like the Frist Art Museum, offering exploration of diverse art forms. 

With plenty of shops along the way, tourists can collect plenty of souvenirs. Since Broadway requires visitors to be partially outdoors, the optimal visitation period is from April to October. However, visitors should prepare for hot and humid summer conditions.

Top spots to visit in other parts of Tennessee

The Volunteer State promises an exciting time for all travelers, whether the trip is geared toward a historical education or musical experience. 

Although Nashville is the primary focus for many tourists, there is much to see throughout the state.

Elvis Presley’s Graceland

Elvis Presley’s Graceland Mansion, located in Memphis, offers visitors a journey into the life of the king of rock ‘n’ roll. Guests can explore the mansion, walk through the tranquil gardens, visit the aircraft used by Elvis for traveling to shows and experience Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex.

The Graceland mansion is the primary attraction on the 120-acre property. 

However, the estate offers abundant experiences that celebrate Elvis Presley’s life and legacy. Various tour options are available, beginning at $30 per person.

Dollywood, a theme park with Southern charm

Dollywood, the seasonal park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, celebrates the legacy of country music icon Dolly Parton. Though Dolly is the main focus, this theme park intertwines elements of the Smoky Mountains and Southern culture. 

The park offers a mix of thrilling rides, concert stages and an array of southern food delicacies, extending a unique experience to fans of the stars and general visitors.

Moonshine tasting at Ole Smoky

The Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is the state’s first federally licensed moonshine distillery. As visitors approach, they are greeted with the distinct aroma of cooking grains. 

Comprehensive tours engage all senses, from observing and understanding the whiskey-making process to optional tastings. After the tour, visitors can ask questions about the production process and explore the souvenir shop.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg is the country’s most visited park. 

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The park welcomes more annual visitors than the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Yellowstone combined, according to the park’s website.

As guests explore the park, they will encounter nature’s scenic splendors, ranging from cascading waterfalls to diverse wildlife, presented through various nature walks amid wildflowers or along the Appalachian Trail.

Although fall is the park’s most popular season, Tennessee’s changing seasons bring unique experiences, making the Smoky Mountains a year-round attraction.

Bucket list-worthy waterfalls

Tennessee is home to 908 waterfalls, according to Tennessee Landforms, with a substantial number accessible to the public, despite some being on private lands or off trail. Among these, several waterfalls stand out across the state:

• Ruby Falls is found within Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga.
• Laurel Falls is a striking 25-foot waterfall in Beersheba Springs, that transforms into a winter spectacle with snowfall.
• Burgess Falls is an enchanting cascading waterfall in Sparta.
• Fall Creek Falls claims the title of the tallest waterfall in the state and is located in Spencer.

What’s the best time of year to visit Tennessee?

Tennessee is an excellent year-round destination. 

Given the possibility of sudden weather changes, it is recommended to pack layers no matter the season.

Summer is the busiest time of year for tourism in Tennessee, according to Frommer’s. However, spring and fall are the most temperate seasons for outdoor activities. Although snow falls only once or twice a year, winter temperatures often dip below freezing.

Visitors should plan their trip based on their vacation goals and the purpose of the trip. Given Tennessee’s vibrant music scene, syncing a trip with a concert or show can significantly enhance the overall experience.

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The ghost of the Polo Grounds still haunts old-time baseball fans today. 

The sprawling New York City sports arena occupied a nook of Manhattan along the Harlem River called Coogan’s Hollow.

It still occupies a giant part of baseball lore. 

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The footprint of the Polo Grounds, now a housing project, has become a pilgrimage site for baseball fans searching for the glory days of the game.

“Baseball began in New York City and it gave the sport a populist place to start and to grow and to spread around the rest of the country,” baseball historian Eric Miklich of New York told Fox News Digital. 

“The Polo Grounds was absolutely central to the sport’s growth.”

The New York Giants called the vast arena home from 1891 until they left for San Francisco after the 1957 season.

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“The Giants won the pennant! The Giants won the pennant!” — one of the most memorable calls in sports history — with Bobby Thomson’s home run at the Polo Grounds in 1951. 

Wilie Mays made his miraculous over-the-shoulder catch near the “483 feet” marker of centerfield at the Polo Grounds in the 1954 World Series. 

When Babe Ruth put on pinstripes for the first time in 1920, the New York Yankees played their home games at the Polo Grounds, too. 

Spurred by sudden success, they moved into their own arena across the river in the Bronx in 1923. 

Yankee Stadium was dubbed “the House that Ruth Built.”

“The Polo Grounds was absolutely central to the sport’s growth.”

New York City was the center of the baseball world for the next three decades: the Giants in Manhattan, the Yankees in the Bronx and the Dodgers in Brooklyn.

“This was the golden age of New York baseball,” Luke Spencer wrote for Atlas Obscura on a tour of the site of the former Polo Grounds.

The New York Mets also played at the Polo Grounds. So, too, did the New York Cubans and New York Black Yankees of the Negro Leagues. 

The NFL’s Giants and Jets also called the Polo Grounds home at one point. 

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The Dodgers headed west with the Giants in 1957. New York City lost its status as center of the baseball world. The Polo Grounds hosted its last sports event in 1963. 

New York City knocked down the baseball temple in 1964. 

“Workmen clad in Giants jerseys tipping their hardhats as a wrecking ball — painted like a baseball — slammed into the famed stadium,” Sports Illustrated reported last year of the sad moment in sports history.

A public housing project, Polo Grounds Towers, rose over the footprint of the arena and opened in 1968. 

The site is easily accessible by taking the B or D trains of the NYC subway to 155th Street Station. 

A plaque mounted on the side of one of the housing project high-rises marks the location of home plate. 

The presence of the Polo Grounds is still felt. 

Two residents quickly pointed a Fox News Digital reporter to the site of the home plate plaque, as if asked countless times. 

“John T. Brush Stairway Presented by the New York Giants,” reads the inscription on a staircase up the bluff of Coogan’s Hollow. 

The stairwell was dedicated in 1913 to the team owner who died the previous year.

“Fans may no longer throng down the old staircase making their way to watch their beloved New York Giants play,” Spencer wrote on Atlas Obscura. 

“But it is all that remains from the sad day they tore down the old Polo Grounds.” 

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Martin Luther King Jr. was shot dead 56 years ago today in Memphis, Tennessee. 

His assassin “hoped to kill MLK’s great and widespread dream of unity,” Alveda King, the civil rights leader’s niece, posted on Thursday morning, April 4, on social media.

The killer failed in his mission, King wrote in her message. 

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“Praise God … The dream didn’t die with my uncle. His dream is alive, and so are our dreams; for our Lord Jesus is alive,” she wrote.

The night before he was murdered, the powerful orator thundered prophetically from the pulpit of Bishop Charles Mason Temple in Memphis, “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”

King Jr.’s death was only the first of several tragedies suffered by the family. Rev. A.D. King, Martin’s little brother – Alveda King’s father – died under mysterious circumstances the following year.

Her grandmother, Alberta King, also died shockingly. She was shot dead in 1974 in front of a Sunday congregation at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia from where the King family led the civil rights movement.

“His dream is alive, and so are our dreams; for our Lord Jesus is alive.”

King Jr.’s life on Earth ended in Memphis. But the civil rights movement he led marched across a vast swath of the country. 

Alveda King, when asked by Fox News Digital, suggested visiting these five landmarks in the civil rights movement to learn more about the march for justice – and the price paid by her family. 

1. The A.D. King home in Birmingham, Alabama

Rev. A.D. King, just 18 months younger than his brother Martin Jr., was ministering at the First Baptist Church of Ensley and leading the Birmingham Campaign of the civil rights movement in the tumultuous year of 1963.

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Two bombs exploded at the reverend’s home in an assassination attempt on May 11, while he was home with his wife, Naomi, and five children – including Alveda King, who was just 12 years old at the time.

2. The birth home of King children in Atlanta, Georgia

The Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. and his wife Alberta (Williams) King lived in a beautiful Queen Anne-style home at 501 Auburn Ave. when they welcomed three children: daughter Willie Christine and her younger brothers, Martin Jr. and Alfred Daniel (A.D.).

The home today is a centerpiece of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. 

The home is closed for an “extensive rehabilitation project” through Nov. 2025 following an attempted arson attack in December 2023. 

The exterior remains a coveted bucket-list destination for photographs and selfies. 

3. Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia

The congregation was founded in 1886 with just 13 members. Rev. Adam Daniel Williams, MLK’s Jr. grandfather, became minister in 1894. 

MEET THE AMERICAN WHO WROTE ‘THE BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC’

The church blossomed and became the spiritual headquarters of the civil rights movement under the Williams-King family by the 1950s. 

The church also grew famous for its choir and music, led by Alberta King, Martin Jr.’s mother. The choir performed at the Atlanta premier of the movie “Gone with the Wind” in 1939.  

Martin Luther King Jr. was both baptized at and mourned from Ebenezer Baptist on April 9, 1968. The funerals for both his brother and mother were held at the church, as well. 

4. Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama

The bridge over the Alabama River became the center of global attention on March 7, 1965, as civil rights demonstrators, marching to Birmingham in favor of voting rights, met a violent response on “Bloody Sunday.”

“The televised attacks were seen all over the nation, prompting public support for the civil rights activists in Selma and for the voting rights campaign,” writes CivilRightsTrail.com.

The Edmund Pettus Bridget today is a National Historic Landmark and the frequent site of events and commemorations in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and the battle for civil rights.

5. Monson Motor Lodge acid attack site in St. Augustine, Florida

Now the Bayfront Motel, the Monson Motor Lodge was the scene of one of the most unusual and disturbing events in the march for civil rights.

Alveda King cited it as a nearly forgotten event that speaks to the dangers faced by civil rights activists.

A bi-racial group of people plunged into the motor-lodge swimming pool on June 18, 1964, to protest segregation. 

“The searing image helped propel passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, outlawing discrimination in public places>”

James Brock, the manager of the inn, responded by pouring acid into the pool – a potentially disfiguring and even deadly attack. 

Photos of the shocking incident hit newspapers nationally. 

“The searing image helped propel passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, outlawing discrimination in public places,” First Coast News of Florida wrote last year.

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American Airlines is relaxing part of its pet policy to let owners bring their companion and a full-size carry-on bag into the cabin.

Until this week, people who carried a pet into the cabin — which involves paying a $150 fee — could only have one other small item that fit under the seat.

Anything bigger, like a carry-on bag with wheels, needed to be checked — for a $35 fee. Or they could put the pet in the cargo hold.

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Now American is letting passengers bring a pet in the cabin and also bring a regular carry-on bag or a personal item — just not both bags.

The old policy struck some pet owners as unfair, since they were already paying a pet fee.

Gary Leff, a travel blogger who first wrote about the change, recalled traveling years ago with a Yorkshire terrier.

“It was always frustrating that the dog counted as the carry-on even though I was paying the extra (pet) fee that was sometimes more than the ticket for me,” he said Friday.

Leff said he thinks American’s change will reduce the urge for travelers to falsely claim that their pet is a service animal that flies for free.

An American spokeswoman confirmed that the rules change took effect Thursday. She couldn’t explain the reason because the airline’s corporate offices were closed for Good Friday, and decision-makers were not available.

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St. Helena, a small, craggy island in the South Atlantic Ocean, hasn’t seen many tourists in the past for good reason: It’s one of the most remote inhabited places in the world.

Until 2017, it took five nights by boat to reach the British overseas territory, which is nearly halfway between southern Africa and Brazil. Today, with weekly commercial flights and the recent arrival of high-speed internet, the government is hoping to breathe new life into a fledgling tourism industry that welcomed about 2,100 leisure travelers in 2023.

The island has just a little more than 4,000 residents, or Saints as they call themselves, and is likely to attract a certain kind of visitor.

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“It’s people with a real desire to travel and learn rather than, ‘let’s go somewhere to have a bit of sunshine and some nice food,’” says Emma Phillips, whose husband, Nigel, is St. Helena’s governor.

After all, weather can be unpredictable and supplies occasionally run low when you’re 1,200 miles from the nearest continent.

“You’ve got to be prepared to embrace all of that,” Phillips says, while extolling the island’s welcoming locals, rich history and natural wonders. “Come with an open mind.”

HISTORY: NAPOLEON, GEORGIAN ARCHITECTURE

Perhaps best known as the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile from 1815 until his death in 1821, St. Helena features multiple heritage sites honoring the deposed French emperor. Visitors can tour his homes and his original burial grounds. His remains were returned to France in 1840.

The capital city, Jamestown, is an eclectic mix of new and old. British Georgian-era colonial buildings house small retail and grocery stores. There are a couple DVD rental shops — remnants of the island’s pre-high-speed internet days.

For a workout with a view, climb the 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder on the edge of town. The 600-foot-high outdoor staircase was originally a donkey-powered cart track used to transport goods between the city and fortifications on the cliffs above.

Plantation House, 2 miles south of the capital, is a grand Georgian mansion built in 1792 by the British East India Company, which administered St. Helena until 1834. Now the official governor’s residence, the house features a collection of royal portraits and original furnishings, including antique china and a chandelier from Bonaparte’s final home.

NATURE: WHALE SHARKS, A LEGENDARY TORTOISE

Plantation House’s well-manicured yard is home to one of the island’s most famous residents, a venerable tortoise named Jonathan. At the approximate age of 192, Jonathan holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest living land animal. He has met several royals, including Queen Elizabeth II, who visited St. Helena in 1947, and Prince Edward, who made the trip in January.

“Jonathan is an enigmatic tortoise,” says Teeny Lucy, one of his caretakers for over a decade. “If you come to St. Helena, people usually know two things: Jonathan the tortoise and Napoleon Bonaparte.” She’s not sure who is the bigger celebrity.

Jonathan has lost his sight and sense of smell, but remains a major draw for tourists like Gilly Hill, who traveled from the U.K. to snap selfies with him.

“I just think he’s the most amazing creature,” she said.

Other bucket-list activities include swimming with Chilean devil rays or whale sharks, which are often spotted December through March. There’s also humpback whale watching from June to December. Come in January to catch peak nesting season for the wirebird, also known as the St. Helena plover, which can only be found on St. Helena.

FOR OUTDOORS LOVERS: BIODIVERSITY, SCENERY

Roughly one-third of all endemic biodiversity in U.K. territories can be found within the 47-square-mile island. More than 500 species are not seen anywhere else on earth, including 45 flowering plants and ferns.

Microclimates that range from cool tropical forests to sunny rolling grasslands and windswept volcanic cliffs can all be experienced within an hour’s drive.

With two dozen scenic trails, St. Helena can satisfy even the most avid hiker’s wanderlust. Serious trekkers might opt for the highest point, Diana’s Peak. The 2.3-mile hike takes you 2,690 feet above sea level and into Britain’s last remaining natural cloud forest.

Casual hikers can stroll along Blue Point Trail for spectacular views of Sandy Bay, Sperry Island and Castle Rock. For a moderate challenge, try the shaded hike to St. Helena’s famed Heart Shaped Waterfall, which only flows in winter and early spring. Be sure to catch the best views of the falls from the main road out of Jamestown.

FOR FOODIES: RARE COFFEE, COLORFUL CAKES

Perched at 1,700 feet on one of the lushest and most remote parts of the island lies a historic estate with sweeping cloud-forest views and a really good cup of joe.

Wranghams is a small coffee farm with tours and home stays, run by Neil and Debbie Fantom.

Coffee connoisseurs seek out St. Helena’s beans, often touted as one of the rarest and most expensive varieties in the world due to their export costs and single-origin status. It sells online for $150 per half pound. Extreme isolation has ensured that the coffee plants, which were imported from Yemen in the 18th century, have never been cross-fertilized.

“Is it the best in the world? I couldn’t tell you. Is it coffee that we enjoy producing and drinking? One hundred percent,” Neil says. “We’ve got the perfect climate for it, and we do it ourselves.”

“With love,” adds Debbie.

Other local culinary delights include plo, a cross between curry and Spanish paella, fresh fishcakes, and sponge cakes with bright pink icing known as coconut fingers.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Money: St. Helena has no ATMs, credit cards are not widely accepted, and the local bank has limited hours. Be sure to bring British pounds (GBP) to cover your stay and the 20 pounds entry fee (about $25). Another option is St. Helena Bank’s prepaid Tourist Card app, which can be loaded with debit cards online and is accepted throughout the island.

Connectivity: Download essentials like the Tourist Card app and offline Google maps before you arrive, as Wi-Fi and mobile data is limited and expensive.

Getting There: Airlink flies once weekly from Johannesburg. A mid-week flight is often added during the busier summer season, December to March. You’ll need proof of medical insurance covering at least 175,000 pounds (about $223,000) to board the plane.

Where to Stay: Accommodations range from simple home stays to boutique hotels. The higher-end Mantis St. Helena has 30 rooms and complimentary, reliable internet.

Getting Around: St. Helena’s narrow roads and blind curves are not for the faint of heart. If you’re comfortable driving stick shift on the left side of the road, rental cars are available. Otherwise, taxis are your best option for island adventuring.

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Passengers on a music festival at sea had the blues when severe weather caused their Carnival cruise ship to hit a pier in Jamaica, damaging it so badly that cruisers were stuck on the island a lot longer than planned.

The incident impacted the Carnival Magic ship at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Ocho Rios, reports said. 

“Strong winds and swells caused the pier fender to collapse under pressure,” a Carnival spokesman told USA Today.

The ship had to leave the area where it was docked, dock at another nearby pier later on and guests who were ashore were then able to rejoin the ship, the spokesman said. 

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The trip was part of what was billed as ShipRocked 2024, is a music festival at sea consisting of “six terrifying nights of music & madness,” according to its website. As it turned out, they got more madness than they bargained for.

“We’re watching our ship sail off into the rainstorm. We’re like – nobody knew what was happening,” passenger Dyllon Price told FOX 35 Orlando. 

Passenger Adam Muddleton said the storm caused him and his group to be stuck on the Caribbean island for nearly 12 hours.

“We had a couple thousand people just out in a field in the pouring rain and no shelter, no food, no drinks. I think there was one toilet,” Middleton told FOX 35.

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The ship left Miami Sunday, according to CruiseMapper. It was scheduled to be in Ocho Rios from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time Tuesday.

Passengers told FOX 35 the mishap caused them to spend another day in Jamaica, and crews spent Wednesday inspecting the damage.

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“I don’t think we ever should have docked,” Price said. “It might have been a bummer to skip Jamaica, but not as bad as it was to be stuck on the island for 12 hours.”

No injuries were reported, and the ship remained operational.

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Video has surfaced of the moments after a 10-year-old Maryland boy was attacked by a shark while vacationing in the Bahamas earlier this month.

The video, obtained by TMZ, starts by showing the bottom of the diving experience tank before it quickly pans up to the boy, whose blood can be seen oozing into the water at a rapid pace.

Someone points to what is happening, while a shark can be seen swimming near the boy’s legs. A man, said to be the boy’s father, can be seen jumping into the tank to pull his son to safety.   

“So what happened there?” a woman can be heard asking as the 21-second clip comes to an end, and pans away from the tank.

10-YEAR-OLD MARYLAND BOY ATTACKED BY SHARK IN BAHAMAS: POLICE

The boy was participating in a “Walking with Sharks” excursion at the Atlantis Bahamas resort on Jan. 16, “which promises 30 minutes of fun for children aged 10 and up with nurse and reef sharks for $110,” the New York Post reports.

The diving experience owner said the following day that an internal investigation was underway.

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“Incidents like this involving interactions with marine life, even with the species of sharks included in this experience, are rare and never acceptable,” Stuart Cove, of Blue Adventures, said in a statement. The experience has temporarily closed and the company is cooperating with police in their investigation. 

The boy was bitten in his right leg and taken to a hospital for treatment. He was airlifted to Maryland for continued care on Jan. 17, the Daily Mail reported.  

Cove said the incident is the first of its kind since the experience began operating in 2006.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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Four fully loaded firearms were recovered by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport TSA checkpoints in a single day, according to a TSA spokesperson.

On Jan. 21, TSA reported that the guns were found at security checkpoints and did not make it onboard a plane. To date, 11 guns have been found at TSA checkpoints at the Austin airport in 2024.

The Austin Police Department was notified about the gun discovery. The owners of the guns now face a fine of $15,000.

“TSA doesn’t confiscate or seize any items, including firearms. When it’s suspected that a traveler has a gun in a carry-on bag, local law enforcement is called, and they take the case for adjudication and possible referral for prosecution,” a TSA spokesperson told Fox News Digital. 

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Law enforcement is then guided by the gun laws in each state.

“Some states allow open carry and don’t require permits, while others require permits, classes and no open carry,” TSA said. 

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According to the TSA, guns are only allowed to travel in checked bags, not inside a carry-on. The guns must also be unloaded and then packed in a hard-sided locked case.

TSA is also responsible for issuing fines and the traveler is also suspended from participating in TSAPreCheck from five years to life, TSA said.

The number of guns discovered by TSA officers at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport security checkpoints has steadily increased each year since 2018, except for a small decrease between 2022 and 2023, with 150 in 2022 and 118 in 2023. 

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If you have even the faintest interest in beer, you’ll know that brew lovers from around the world gather each year in Munich, Germany to celebrate Oktoberfest. 

The 16-18 day drink fest, depending on the year, serves only beers that conform to German purity regulations (the Reinheitsgebot) and are brewed within the city limits of Munich.

If you aren’t lucky enough to make it to the Bavarian capital, don’t worry. There are plenty of Oktoberfest events in the U.S. where you can raise a pint. 

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But Germany’s original fest is a bucket list item for many.

Read on to learn just how massive it is and as they say in Munich, Prost. 

1. The first Oktoberfest was in 1810
2. In 2022, 5.6 million liters of beer were poured at Oktoberfest
3. Oktoberfest is not really in October
4. Beer is made specifically for Oktoberfest
5. Over 4,000 items wind up in the lost and found each year
6. Only beer from six breweries are sold
7. Thousands squeeze into Oktoberfest beer tents
8. There is plenty of food at Oktoberfest
9. The mayor drinks first

1. The first Oktoberfest was in 1810

In 1810, the very first Oktoberfest took place in Munich, Germany, but it was not the beer fest it is today. 

The first Oktoberfest in 1810 was actually to honor Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. 

Residents across Munich were invited to attend the event, 

2. In 2022, 5.6 million liters of beer were poured at Oktoberfest

If you’re wondering how much beer is consumed by the six million people that attend Oktoberfest each year — it’s a lot.

To be precise, in 2022, it was 5.6 million liters of beer, according to Statista. 

In 2019, it was 7.3 million liters; and in 2018 it was 7.5 million liters. 

In 2014, Oktoberfest saw a record-breaking year with 7.7 million liters poured.

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It’s unclear exactly how many liters of beer will be poured at Oktoberfest in 2023, but it’s clear millions and millions are expected to be consumed. In 2022, there was a clear decline in poured beer at Oktoberfest, in fact, it saw the lowest number of pints served since 2001.

3. Oktoberfest is not really in October

Well, kind of. Oktoberfest primarily occurs in September. The exact dates of the event vary slightly depending on the year, but it typically starts around Sept. 15 and runs just a couple of days in October, usually ending around the third.

4. Beer is made specifically for Oktoberfest

The beer served at Oktoberfest is made exclusively for the festival. All the beers have around 6% ABV and are served in one liter mugs.

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5. Over 4,000 items wind up in the lost and found each year

At Oktoberfest, with so many in and out of the festival, it’s expected there will be items life behind.

Each year, thousands of people leave behind the usual, wallets, keys, IDs and sunglasses. 

Among the stranger items that have been left behind year after year are wheelchairs and dentures.

6. Only beer from six breweries are sold

The only beer that is sold at Oktoberfest is beer brewed within the city limits. 

There are six breweries to sell their beer at the event. 

The six beers sold at Oktoberfest come from Hacker Pschorr, Spaten, Hofbräu, Augustiner, Paulaner and Löwenbräu.

7. Thousands squeeze into Oktoberfest beer tents

At Oktoberfest, there’s a lot of standing, as there are fewer seats than there are visitors. The largest Oktoberfest beer tent of all time was the Pschorr-Brau-Rosl-tent in 1913, which held 12,000 people. Today, the Hofbrau-Festhalle hosts the largest tent, with 10,000 seats. But you better get there early.

These tents fill up fast, but reservations can be made to secure your seat.

8. There is plenty of food at Oktoberfest

There is a variety of traditional, hearty fare to be had at Oktoberfest. 

Offerings include Hendl (roast chicken), Schweinsbraten (roast pork), Haxn (pork knuckle), Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Wurstl (sausages), Brezn (pretzel), Knodeln (potato or bread dumplings), Kaasspotzn (cheese noodles), Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes), Sauerkraut or Rotkraut (pickled red cabbage), Obatzda (a fatty, spiced cheese-butter concoction) and Weisswurst (white sausage).

9. The mayor drinks first

Oktoberfest can not officially begin until the major opens the first keg. 

The festival officially begins with the mayor saying “O’ zapft” and popping open the first keg of the event during the ceremony on the first day. 

After this, the drinking begins.

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