The Explore All 50 States Project
Let's Go!
The Detroit Historical Museum was the perfect museum to give everyone a nice introduction to Motor City. It's not too big and gives a broad history of the various things Detroit is famous for. The kids and I enjoyed the interesting displays, but they did look a little dated. Detroit is a city that has faced some really difficult times so it wasn't a surprise to find the museum in the condition that it was in. … [Read more...]
The Motown Museum, the home of Hitsville USA is a treasure trove of musical history. Hopefully you’ve added some Motown hits on your soundtrack that you’ve been listening to on the road—some Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye , Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5—the list could to one and on. There were so many fabulous artists that emerged under the guidance of Berry Gordy and his visionary Motown label. … [Read more...]
Pewabic Pottery is a neat little stop if your group enjoys arts and crafts. Part art gallery, part store, part studio and part museum, this is a great place to learn about the art of pottery making and how the city of Detroit inspired some of Pewabic's historical work. This studio has been working continuously since 1903 and is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Walking around the gallery, we really … [Read more...]
2nd in a series It’s no secret that Detroit has been hit by some hard times as of late, even so far as debating whether to sell off the city’s prized pieces of artwork at the Museum in order to avert bankruptcy. Huge layoffs and plant closures coupled with a sagging economy have left many in the Motor City barely hanging on. As we drove through the city on our annual road trip, we came face to face with … [Read more...]
Why is it that blogs make everything seem so easy and perfect? I read a few like the Pioneer Woman who cooks amazing family meals. She's so relaxed and pulls everything together so effortlessly. What about when she's missing that one ingredient and gets stuck and has to run to the market, where are her kids racing in and out of the kitchen driving her nuts.? Being a blogger myself I know I want to showcase the best … [Read more...]
Every time we take a factory tour we feel it- enormous pride watching hard working Americans doing their best to make a quality product who are proud of what they were doing and eager to share it. This is the spirit that makes America great! Inspiration, innovation, and dedication. My kids and I LOVE factory tours, they are what we most look forward to on any road trip. It all started with a show I … [Read more...]
About 10 years ago when I took my kids on our first summer road trip, I could not have imagined how much these trips would impact their lives, not just by connecting us together, but by yielding huge educational dividends. These trips have given them what I like to call a “3D” education-engaging their senses in a way that connects them through first hand experiences. History, science, and economics are just … [Read more...]
Did you know that Cleveland, Ohio is the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Or did you know that Motown is slang for the Motor City also known as Detroit? Kentucky is home to bluegrass music, and Gary, Indiana was the birthplace of the Jackson 5. There are so many musical connections and it was fun and creative putting this eclectic mix together trying to find songs to tie in to not only to the musical history, … [Read more...]
Michigan is such a dynamic state with a strong and resilient spirit. It's no secret that times have been tough here. Michigan is the home of the American Auto Industry and Detroit is at it's center. Detroit was built around the success of the American automobile and it's even reflected in it's nickname, The Motor City, also known as Motown. Driving around we saw the iconic GM building, a gleaming edifice … [Read more...]
If you’re like me and RVs are not an option, then hotels are where you’ll be staying over the course of your trip. Choosing a hotel can be a scary process if you have no knowledge of the area and are working with a limited budget, but using my helpful tips can take out some of the guesswork in finding acceptable hotels. 1. Chain hotels are usually a safe bet (and you could get breakfast for … [Read more...]
