There are many reasons why the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, is nicknamed America’s Attic. One is that in its sprawling complex of buildings there are 137 million separate items. If you’ve seen the second episode of the “Night at the Museum” movies, the fantasy plot features many locations and exhibits at the Smithsonian.    

Objects in the world’s largest museum include early aircraft, space vehicles, important documents and scientific breakthroughs. Some are a bit more whimsical than historical. Consider those.

Lincoln’s Hat: According to museum info, the topper on display there was worn by Abe himself on the fatal night of April 14, 1865, when he attended a performance at Washington’s Ford Theater. It was there that John Wilkes Booth shot him.

Originally built as a meeting center and market in 1742, Faneuil Hall's early history included rousing gatherings. It featured speeches by John Adams and other patriots calling for independence from England.

When British troops occupied the building in the 1770s, it was used as a theater for officers and their wives. The hall's second floor still serves as a popular site for entertainment, as well as meetings and TV debates when political candidates campaign for local, state and national office.

The original building is now part of a large complex called the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. They house more than 100 retail shops, including restaurants, fresh food stands and other commercial activities.

Phoenix is the beautiful modern capital city of sunny Arizona. Because of its dry Sonoran Desert weather, visitors can enjoy hiking among the soaring desert cacti, swimming, horseback, golf and other outdoor sports throughout the entire year. Typical October weather is high 80s daytime and low 70s nights.

Luxury: JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, 5350 East Marriott Drive, Phoenix AZ, 480-293-5000, marriott.com, from $400. Spread over 300 acres, including the championship Wildfire Golf Course, this five-star luxury resort offers rooms and suites, many with balconies and sweeping desert views.

Excellent dining facilities at the resort are the Italian-themed Ristorante Tuscany and the Southwestern-style Blue Sage. Additionally, the resort’s Lazy River’s large pool and water slide are perfect for sunny relaxation.

This free-wheeling city is a vibrant, international destination for savvy seniors. Entering Hong Kong is easy. No visa is necessary for American tourists. A passport with at least six months validity remaining is accepted. Visas are required for visiting other parts of China.

Many international airlines serve Hong Kong, including Cathay Pacific, which offers direct service from major U.S. cities. The Airport Express railway system connects with both Kowloon and Central Hong Kong, each way costing about $25.