George Washington’s Mt. Vernon (Mt. Vernon)

  If you could meet one person from any period in history who would it be? For me that person would be none other than George Washington, our founding father and true renaissance man. There is no doubt in my mind that George Washington was a humble man of great integrity, but also and incredibly strong leader who ably carried the establishment of our great nation on his shoulders. When you look at portraits … [Read more...]

Nauticus, The National Maritime Center (Norfolk)

Sometimes the best things are discovered on a rainy day when other plans get canceled.  We were so pumped to kayak in and around the Eastern Virginia National Wildlife Refuge but sadly a huge storm blew in and our guide just didn't think it would be good idea with the wind and the high tide. Sad but still hopeful for another cool experience we set forth with plan B, to head to Norfolk and check out the educational … [Read more...]

Geppi’s Entertainment Museum (Baltimore)

Honestly, my kids and I had no idea what to expect at this "Museum of Pop Culture" located right across the street from Camden Yards, but I am so glad we didn't miss it.  I am not sure my kids got as much out of it as I did but it was still a fun adventure for all involved (not to mention a great excuse to get into an air-conditioned building on a sweltering day). The best part was that my kids got to know a side of … [Read more...]

Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture (Baltimore)

  Ideally located right next to the Star Spangled Banner Flag House, my kids and I were excited to check out this museum and learn more about the history and culture of the African American population in Maryland. As a parent, I think it is very important to educate ourselves about peoples and cultures other than our own and so we were really looking forward to learning a bunch in this museum. Sadly, as … [Read more...]

Hagley Museum and Library (Wilmington)

My friend and fellow 50 state enthusiast Lisa Orlanski told me that the Hagley Museum and Library was incredibly cool and not to be missed and I am so glad I took her advice and checked it out because it was indeed  fascinating not only from a historical perspective but also from a scientific, military and economic one as well. Hagley as it is commonly called is the former gunpowder (also known as black powder) … [Read more...]

The Star Spangled Banner Flag House (Baltimore)

When I first read a couple of TripAdvisor reviews for this place I almost didn't go until Lilia's college friend Kathleen who is from Baltimore said it was a Do Not Miss activity that really shed light on one of the city's most famous events in history. Am I glad I listened because my kids and I all agree this place was awesome! The original home on the site is that of Mary Pickersgill, the widow and experienced flag … [Read more...]

Here’s A Freebie You Might Like

  It seems like no matter where we go online these days we are constantly being bombarded with gazillions of offers and I am sure like me, you've conditioned yourself to just tune them out. I was doing some online banking recently and somehow out of the corner of my eye a few key words caught my attention..."Free Museum Admission".  After reading a little further I discovered that if you are a Bank of … [Read more...]

9/11 Memorial and Museum-(New York City-Manhattan)

It took time and careful effort to construct this incredible museum on the site of one of the greatest tragedies in our nation's history. For those of us who witnessed the attack and eventual crumbling of the towers on September 11, 2001, this museum will bring you back to that terrifying moment and fill in the details that we could not imagine as we were glued to our televisions.  For younger visitors who were too … [Read more...]

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York City-Manhattan)

New York has the most amazing museums and is home to what is probably thought to be the premiere art museum in the USA.  The Metropolitan Museum of Art is definitely the most visited and it is on the DO NOT MISS list of any trip to New York City. Since we were on a whirlwind tour of the city we really didn't have enough time to really appreciate it. In fact the kids and I all agreed we could easily have spent a … [Read more...]

MOMA-Museum of Modern Art (New York City-Manhattan)

My kids and I are huge fans of modern art. Modern art is often visually "fun" and very often thought provoking and we are always interested in trying to figure out what the artist was trying to say in his or her piece. Let's face it, any time I can get my teenagers to engage in any kind of discussion is a coup. It's for that reason we (and me especially) were particularly excited to check out MOMA, New York's … [Read more...]