The Explore All 50 States Project
Let's Go!
After a whole day of discovering the land of Lincoln in Springfield and dinner at Perkins, we headed to Knight's Action Park, another family fun center with mini golf, go-karts, batting cages, and lots of cool rides, along with some kind of water park( that when we were there happened to be closed). It was just our luck that as we arrived, most of the park closed down because of a lightening storm-yeah you don't want … [Read more...]
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is the location of the Lincoln family’s home in Springfield, and it is maintained just as if the Abe Lincoln and his wife and children still lived there. After getting our free tour ticket at the visitor center, our guide led us into the home sharing some insights into Abraham Lincoln's life as a husband and father and an attorney here in Springfield. The first thing I … [Read more...]
The kids and I have been to a few Presidential Libraries, and I have to say The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library is by far our favorite. Venturing inside there is so much to see you will be a little overwhelmed. We were totally enthralled by the life-like displays that sort of mimic movie sets. It's best to start at the beginning with a replica of Lincoln’s boyhood cabin. The kids and I were really … [Read more...]
Lincoln's Tomb State Historic Site is indeed is the burial place of Abraham Lincoln one of the most important presidents in the history of our country. The entrance to the tomb is marked by a beautiful monument with a bronze statue of Mr. Lincoln. We read in a few of our guidebooks that we were supposed to rub the nose of the statue for good luck. Walking up we noticed that the nose was quite shiny so each of us … [Read more...]
Discovering Perkins was a complete godsend. Living in Southern California, we'd never heard of Perkins till we got out on the road in North and South Dakota. Our friend Avrille spotted one on the road telling us it was a great place for some family friendly food, so we tried it and we were hooked ever since. You cannot go wrong for breakfast, lunch or dinner at Perkins. There is something for everyone, even your … [Read more...]
The Illinois State Capitol Building like all things in Springfield, the land of Lincoln, is stately but not flashy and quietly dignified. The dome is made of zinc and is sort of dark in color which is unlike any other we've seen. Inside the rotunda is home to a beautiful stained glass dome with friezes surrounding it. This is a place where business gets done, but it was short on glamour and interesting … [Read more...]
Maine is just a natural wonderland and my kids and I agree that it is truly one of the most unspoiled natural places left in the US. After seeing 42 states I must admit that Maine is one of my personal favorites. The people are kind and sweet without putting on airs. They are hospitable and warm and friendly and care deeply about protecting the natural wonder that they are fortunate enough to live in. If I … [Read more...]
A big shout out to Ben our fabulous tour guide at the Thos. Moser Furniture Factory for really taking the time to show us what goes in to making the amazingly beautiful pieces. After donning protective glasses, we first saw some of the gorgeous finished products being ready to ship-dining room tables and chairs, cabinets, and some original and one of a kind pieces. Ben then took us through the process from start … [Read more...]
So how many of you reading this thought the Maine State Capitol Building was in Bangor....Nope, it's in Augusta, right across the parking lot from the Maine State Museum. It is very pretty from the outside, but I have to admit, my kids were pretty disappointed. The interior is quite modern and there are almost no artifacts. As you enter you are greeted by the state seal with the motto "Dirigo" which we found out … [Read more...]
So if you ask folks in Maine about the Maine State Museum they'll tell you it's just ok and a bit of a joke. I totally disagree, my kids and I loved this museum! For a little museum, they sure had a lot of cool stuff. We learned all what life is like living in Maine, Maine's brave men who fought for our country and many of the industries that Maine is well known for like logging and fishing. They have a great … [Read more...]
