If you were planning to go to Jamaica for your next family vacation, you might want to reconsider. The U.S., along with several other countries, have issued travel warnings for the famously easygoing country. This was due in large part to a recent spike in violent crimes. Most recently, and Canadian couple was murdered while vacationing in St. Thomas.

Much of the recent crime has been tied to drug trafficking and various gangs. The numbers are staggering. In 2016 alone, there were 448 aggravated assaults, 481 rapes, 1,215 shootings, and 1,350 murders. This according to the stats reported by The U.S. State Department. These frightening numbers have led local authorities to issue a state of emergency. They have also implemented a temporary curfew and increase the military presence in the more dangerous areas. The travel advisory issued by the State Department on January 10 also applies to the areas of Montego Bay, Spanish Town, and Kingston.

Other countries that have issued similar travel warnings include Canada and The U.K. They also warned their travelers to avoid similar areas with higher crime rates, and to especially be extra careful when walking around at night. The U.K. warning also included instructions to stay within their resort as much as possible, and to only use the transportation provided by their resort or by the airport.

Naturally, Jamaica is worried about the economic effect these travel warnings have, as tourism brings in a great deal of money for them. They have assured travelers that it is still a safe vacation destination, thanks to the measures they have taken to combat the spike in crime.

In an interview with The Independent, Jamaica’s minister of tourism, Edmund Bartlett said, “All members of the tourism fraternity have given their full support to the [increased security] measures and are feeling that these actions are welcome to ensure the safety of Jamaica’s guests and citizens.”

It sounds like they’re doing their best to keep everyone safe, but I’d be lying if I said I’d be nervous to visit the country right now. But I will definitely be keeping an eye on Jamaica and how they handle the crime rate moving forward. Hopefully, they’re able to bring it down in the very near future.

For hotels, motels, and inns, time is finite. Here today, gone tomorrow is never the plan, but it happens. What was once filled with life, love, and laughter begins to dissipate over time as the occupancy rates slowly dwindle. 

And that’s how it was for the Starlight Motor Inn or, as it was formerly known, the Host of America. This is its restoration story.

How it Started

In the 1950s and 1960s, family vacations meant taking a family road trip. Motor inns began popping up all over the country. Rightfully named, they were designed for motorists. With easy access between the rooms and parking and always near major roadways, they were perfect for families needing to get out of the car and rest from the long drive. 

So, when car salesman Woody Rogers wanted out of the business, he decided to convert his used car lot into a mid-century modern motel. He became the first in the area to invest in an instant motel— one built with prefabricated modular construction. Each room was created, pushed in like a drawer, and locked into place with plumbing. The rooms were fully furnished, including carpeting and TVs, along an assembly line before making their way to the Roger’s lot. 

After its opening in 1961, it didn’t take long for this motel to become a hotspot for those traveling through Charleston. A two-story addition was built a few years later that included a diner and a lounge that became a favorite watering hole for sailors and locals. 

For some, this was a momentary place of rest. For others, it became one of life’s staples. 

The End of an Era

The property changed hands in the 1980s which also included a name change— the Star of America Motel. 

It didn’t take long before the building was damaged thanks to Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Then, with a long list of needed repairs heading into the turn of the century, the structure became officially condemned.

This was the end of the era. 

A Star is Reborn: A Thriving Local Icon 

Remember, this is a restoration story. 

In 2020, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places due to its impact on the local area. And, in 2022, it reopened its doors to the public. 

With the original bones in place, all 51 rooms have been remodeled and the structure was reborn as the Starlight Motor Inn. The new owners have been careful to maintain its unique mid-century modern architecture making it feel like a timeless piece of history. The inn features a retro vibe with all the modern conveniences.

The upstairs lounge that was built in the 1960s? It has been transformed into the Burgundy Lounge. It’s a vibrant place to mingle and enjoy a cocktail with some live entertainment from local bands. 

The stories of its past, both the inn and the lounge, are rich. And its revival has paved the way for new generations to step back in time and experience a piece of history. 

Today, the Starlight Motor Inn is a local landmark just minutes from downtown Charleston. It’s a place to stay, swim, dine, and drink. 

Disneyland has brought joy to children and adults alike since it first opened in 1955. Many attractions have survived since the beginning, but others have come and gone. Here are some of the most memorable Disneyland attractions that have been lost but not forgotten. 

MIDGET AUTOPIA

This attraction only existed in Disneyland from 1957-1966. It featured miniature cars that traveled along a permanent path. The driver could control the speed using gas and brake pedals, but the steering wheel was not functional. It eventually was removed to make room for “It’s A Small World,” but it lived on for another ten years in Marceline, Missouri, the birthplace of Walt Disney himself.

COUNTRY BEAR JAMBOREE

One of the more classic attractions on this list, The Country Bear Jamboree survived from 1972-2001. It featured animatronic bears (and a few other forest creatures) that would perform pre-recorded songs. It was eventually removed and was replaced by “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.” 

ADVENTURES THRU INNER SPACE

An attraction ahead of its time, Adventures Thru Inner Space was a part of “Tomorrowland” and took guests on a magical tour through the atoms of a snowflake. It used an “omnimover” system that is still used in many rides to this day. It was eventually replaced by “Star Tours” in 1985.

FLYING SAUCERS

The Flying Saucers were a popular attraction within “Tomorrowland,” although they only existed from 1961-1966. Guests would sit on single-rider “saucers” that would move around in a fashion similar to how an air hockey puck moves. It also had a very exciting bumper cars element as riders could slam into each other. 

MONSANTO HOUSE OF THE FUTURE

Another attraction involved in the early days of “Tomorrowland,” The Monsanto House of the Future served as a glimpse into what a future house might look like. Complete with futuristic appliances. It lasted in the park from 1957-1967 and was the joint brainchild of Monsanto, M.I.T., and Walt Disney Imagineering. 

MINE TRAIN THROUGH NATURE’S WONDERLAND

The Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland was a ride enjoyed by Disneyland guests from 1960-1977. It served as a tour of the fictional town of Rainbow Ridge and featured multiple waterfalls over a thousand animatronic elements. It was eventually replaced by “Big Thunder Mountain.” 

THE PEOPLE MOVER

The aptly named “People Mover” did just that – it moved people! Another element of “Tomorrowland,” it ran from 1967-1995. It was a roughly 16-minute ride and provided riders with a scenic tour of Tomorrowland as a whole. It later served as a tour of the “World of Tron,” an attraction built in partnership with the release of the hit movie. 

CHICKEN OF THE SEA PIRATE SHIP AND RESTAURANT

This incredible attraction was a staple of Disneyland from 1955-1982. It featured an extensive, tuna-specific menu and was a joint venture with the tuna company, Chicken of the Sea. The company eventually removed their sponsorship and the beautiful pirate ship was turned into “Captain Hook’s Gallery” in 1969.