Arlington House (Arlington)

If you are planning to visit Arlington, you are most likely going to follow the signs from Arlington National Cemetery that lead up to the house on the hill with the extraordinary view. If you visit during the summer like we did, your are likely to experience some extreme heat and humidity, so the chance to get into some shade indoors will feel like a welcome break. Arlington House is the former home of General … [Read more...]

Why You Should ALWAYS Review Your Hotel Bill When You Check Out

These days check out is super simple right?. Hotels simply slip your hotel bill under your door in the middle of the night or email it to you or both. In your haste to pack you'll probably throw the bill in your bag forgetting to check it out later if ever. If the bill goes to your email it'll likely end up in your spam folder never to see the light of day ever again. Either way there is a pretty good chance your … [Read more...]

Got A Little Time Off? Try A Quick Trip To Knock Another State Off Your List

Not every trip has to be an epic adventure that has you hauling your crew through 6 states over a couple of weeks. If you are on a quest to knock off all 50 states you might want to consider a couple of mini trips to tick a few more off your list and reach your goal sooner. Thanksgiving, Spring break, or even long weekends like President's day or 4th of July can be great times to explore somewhere that isn't too … [Read more...]

Arlington National Cemetery (Arlington)

Walking into Arlington National Cemetery there's a certain heaviness you feel in both your body and soul, that owes to the solemnity of the hallowed ground you are about to experience. Your chest at once fills with a sense of sadness and pride for you know the best of our nation, those who have risked life and limb for our safety and the ideals we hold dear, are resting here eternally.  Before you the seemingly … [Read more...]

Monticello (Charlottesville)

Isn't it funny how seeing someone's objects and possessions can make you feel like you know someone without ever having met them? Walking through Monticello made me feel like I'd met Thomas Jefferson, and I was shocked to learn he was so much more than I had ever imagined from all I'd read and seen so far. Monticello is a grand estate set atop a hill with amazing views or Charlottesville below. Thomas Jefferson … [Read more...]

Captain Zack’s Seafood (Chincoteague Island)

Chincoteague Island has tons of rustic beach charm but is a little light on really good eats. Choices are kind of limited and none of the local restaurants stay open too late with many of them closing by 8pm. Tough in the summer when the sun goes down late and you lose track of time on the beach.  That's exactly the predicament we found ourselves in when we were lucky enough to find Captain Zach's … [Read more...]

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (Chincoteague Island)

All of Chincoteague Island is a beautiful natural wonderland but to really explore the natural habitat you must visit the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is not only home to the beautiful wild Chincoteague ponies, but a host of other wildlife and some incredible beaches. You can pop in for a quick drive through, or bring a picnic and make it a whole day affair.  It's a wonderful place to relax as … [Read more...]

Daisy’s Island Cruises-(Chincoteague Island)

Virginia's Chincoteague Island is a quaint, beautiful and slightly wild place. By far one of the best ways to take it all in is on an island cruise aboard a pontoon boat.  In fact it's one of the only ways to get up close and personal with the islands most famous residents, the Chincoteague ponies. There are several operators but after doing a bit of research we decided to go with Daisy's Island Cruises and I am … [Read more...]

Island Creamery-(Chincoteague Island)

As you know by now, we've tasted ice cream all across the country.  One thing we know for sure, if there's a line out the door, it's a pretty good sign that it's going to be good. The minute we set foot on Chincoteague Island the locals told us not to miss The Island Creamery with tips on the best times to avoid the crush. We finally made our way over after dinner and even though the line was out the door, it did … [Read more...]

Quartermaster Museum (Fort Lee)

  Don't you love it when you go somewhere and unexpectedly your socks get blown off because it is more amazing than you could ever have imagined??? That's what happened to me and my crew at the Quartermaster Museum in Fort Lee. Honestly, this was truly one of the most moving experiences and one of the most amazing museums we have EVER been to.  We all think about those brave men in uniform out on the … [Read more...]