George Washington exhibit to tackle slavery

It is the unavoidable Achilles' heel in the reputation of George Washington and so many other Founding Fathers: that men who risked their lives to protect their nation's liberty were slaveholders. That dichotomy will be explored in a new exhibit at Washington's Mount Vernon estate in Virginia. The $750,000 exhibition, "Lives Bound Together," will explore hard truths about Washington's life as a slaveholder, including an acknowledgment that Washington's adopted son probably fathered a child with one of the family's slaves. A centerpiece of the new exhibit, which will launch in October, is a display of Washington's handwritten list of slaves on the estate from 1799, probably written in preparation for his will. Washington freed his slaves in his will, upon the death of his wife, Martha. She ended up freeing the slaves before she died.

Associated Press

Fancy credit cards promise shorter security lines

Some major airlines offer high-fee credit cards whose perks include shorter lines to get through airport security screening. American Airlines' AAdvantage Executive Citi card has an annual fee of $450. Its benefits include club access and "priority airport screening (where available)." Delta Air Lines' Reserve SkyMiles American Express card also carries a $450 annual fee and entitles holders to enter an "expedited" security line, called Sky Priority, with their printed boarding pass at participating airports. But travel analyst Henry Harteveldt says the priority security lanes that airline credit cards generally provide access to are neither faster nor more convenient than TSA PreCheck. That is the government program in which travelers who pass a background check and pay an $85 fee can move through security quicker by not having to remove shoes, belts and light jackets.

Chicago Tribune

Fly to Key West in a seaplane

Why fly all the way to an airport when you can just get dropped off in your hotel's backyard? Luxury travelers looking to stay at Casa Marina resort (casamarinaresort.com) in Key West, Fla., now have that option. The hotel is the first in Key West to offer the exclusive experience, which includes airfare for two guests on a seaplane from most Florida airports directly to the Waldorf Astoria resort's pier. The $6,250 summer package also includes a two-night stay at the 311-room historic property, a beach butler, personalized landing photo and two pairs of Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses — what else? — waiting for guests in their rooms. Still, the offer pales in comparison with Casa Marina's previous luxury offerings. Last year, the property touted an opulent three-night, $25,000 air, land and water trifecta.

Miami Herald

Magic Kingdom still No. 1

Disney World's Magic Kingdom continues to be the top amusement park draw in the world with 20.5 million visitors in 2015, according to a new report. Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., was No. 2 with an estimated 18.3 million visitors, followed by Tokyo Disneyland, which had an estimated 16 million, according to AECOM and the Themed Entertainment Association. Epcot was sixth in attendance with 11.8 million, a 5 percent increase from 2014. Disney's Animal Kingdom drew 10.8 million, also a 5 percent increase, and Universal Orlando saw the biggest increase, with a 16 percent jump to 9.9 million visitors.

Associated Press