The Explore All 50 States Project
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Taking a harbor cruise is just a super way to get a quick introduction to the Seattle and how it's location on the Pacific Ocean affects it's economy. The cruises are about 1 hour long and depart from Pier 55 and I highly recommend doing it first as the tour is a great sort of orientation. It’s an open-air boat with lots of space to walk around and there are bathrooms and snacks.. Some highlights include the … [Read more...]
Baltimore is an awesome city that has strategic and historical significance because of it's location on the Chesapeake Bay with a well protected harbor. Baltimore's inner harbor is a fun and bustling place to not only eat and drink and enjoy the views, but also a place to have fun. One of the best ways to explore the harbor is one of the variety of options for boat rides anything from a tame harbor … [Read more...]
One of the best ways to take in the Manhattan skyline is via a harbor cruise and what better time than sunset to watch the colors light up the statue of liberty and the iconic skyscrapers. Circle Line cruises offers a sunset cruise around lower Manhattan and my kids and I give the experience a rousing thumbs up. Located off of the 42st. Street pier near Hell's Kitchen, we found this a great way to cap off a day of … [Read more...]
There is no better way to see the Statue of Liberty than just the way those incoming immigrants saw her on a boat in the harbor. Thankfully you can do that from two locations, one from New York City at Battery Park, and also at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. There are several tours to choose from but be forewarned, the crown tour sells out months in advance because there are a limited number of … [Read more...]
There are many ways to see the Napali Coast, which is inaccessible by land. You can sail on a catamaran with about 30-50 folks, or you can go on a motorized inflatable zodiac raft with about 12 folks on a super bumpy ride. Any way you slice it, it's going to be expensive (about $150 per adult and $100 per kid) and an activity that is going to take some time (4 hours at the minimum). I don’t know what possessed … [Read more...]
The memorial at Pearl Harbor is something I believe in my heart that every American should see. It is a somber memorial and we all felt it was a most moving tribute to the greatest generation, the brave men and women who fought an heroic battle against a surprise attack on December 7th, 1941, the pivotal moment in which the United States was thrust into World War II. Make sure you call ahead and get your … [Read more...]
When I told my kids our first stop was Baltimore they were a little put off with images of gritty city life with run down streets. I will admit Baltimore does have some sort or tough urban reputation to those not in the know but once we set foot in the city any illusions we had were quickly shattered. We found ourselves in a beautiful city rich with cultural heritage and diversity set against the backdrop of deeply … [Read more...]
Spring is here and with that summer road trip plans are quickly taking shape. I am feverishly planning, and like any good road trip traveler I am looking for a deal. But as with all things in life, when shopping around there are two rules that apply-A) if something is too good to be true it usually is and B) always read the fine print...two rules that this veteran road warrior forgot in her eagerness to score … [Read more...]
The storied vacation spot on the eastern seaboard. Wow, what are they giving away here for free? I cannot even begin to tell you how much traffic there was to get here. While the area is very charming and picturesque, maybe I missed something. Unless you have a house here, and come here for a significant amount of time, I am not sure I get it. Lots of cute shops and beaches, but definitely not worth the traffic, … [Read more...]
This was our inaugural road trip, and because the kids were small (7, 6, and 4), we kept it really simple with a focus on nature that appeals to all ages. Starting and stopping in the Emerald City of Seattle (emerald for the lush greenery), we looped down the coast with its crashing waves and incredible sand dunes, and then moved inland to explore amazing volcanoes, steep mountains, and a mighty river. There is so … [Read more...]
