The Explore All 50 States Project
Let's Go!
The Henry Doorly Zoo is really nice zoo with various indoor and outdoor environments to explore which really worked out for us as a torrential rainstorm unleashed just as we headed in. The zoo is divided unto different climates such as rainforest, desert, temperate etc. As you wander through each one you can take in the various creatures and critters who make it their home. As an interesting side note, the rain … [Read more...]
As you may already know, I am not a huge fan of zoos. Parts of the Bramble Park Zoo were really great, such as the petting zoo. The kids really enjoyed getting up close and personal with the animals. My youngest son Joel who can at times have a hair trigger temper is also the most loving and emotional of my 3 kids. He is really drawn to animals and when I watch him it's like he has some kind of special … [Read more...]
We had time for one more short activity before heading home the next day so we decided to take the kids to the Tautphaus Zoo. Although I am not a fan of zoos at all (I liken them to animal prisons), most of the animals here were on the smaller side and didn’t look too unhappy. (Ever see swaying elephants and pacing tigers—you just know they are going out of their minds. Wouldn’t you if you were confined to a … [Read more...]
Sadly in our haste to start our day on our way to Appomattox Courthouse and Monticello we bolted out of Richmond without stopping to explore the beautiful and historic state capitol building (yes, I am still kicking myself over that one). PBS's WTTW ranks Virginia's capitol building as it's #1 building that changed America. Since I can't give you a personal account (kicking myself again), I will turn this post over … [Read more...]
It's such a great feeling when you meet someone new who shares your same thoughts and sentiments. It was almost like listening to myself when I heard parent and schoolteacher Carrie McWhorter tell me about the impact their road trip travels have had on their family. Carrie and her husband and fellow teacher Owen and their kids Avery, 13 and Stella 11 are on a quest to see all 50 so far having visited 33. It all … [Read more...]
If you've been following us on Facebook and Twitter then you know we are planning an awesome trip to New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania next summer to tick another three states off our list. At the end of next summer we'll have visited 46. Our trips are not only an annual tradition, but over the last 10 years have become legend. So while it wasn't surprising, it was still a thrill to hear that Lilia, my college … [Read more...]
There is no greater compliment to the hustle and bustle of New York City than the lush green swath known as Central Park. It's the perfect foil to the concrete and skyscrapers that define the city bringing balance, tranquility and and boundless opportunities to connect with nature and fellow New Yorkers. Bravo to the city fathers who saw the importance of the large expanse of green space and who preserved from … [Read more...]
With so much technology out there it can be a little confusing finding the right system to guide you. The days of folding and unfolding those paper maps have now given way to all kinds of electronic gadgetry to get you from point A to point B without getting lost. They can also give you really helpful information about the nearest gas station, restaurants even local attractions. But with so many options to choose … [Read more...]
Making our way to Seward from Anchorage we stopped at the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center. As you've probably figured out if you've been reading my posts, I am not a huge fan of zoo's or any place that confines animals in small places for people to look at. While it does feel like a zoo as there are fenced in areas to view various species of native wildlife, the center has a higher purpose than just … [Read more...]
The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is another drive through wildlife experience, but this one is really great because you can actually feed exotic animals like zebras and ostriches. Of course we sprung for a couple bags of treats and off we drove 5 miles an hour onto the Tatonka range. We spotted some a few different kinds of antelope and something that resembled water buffalo before things got really … [Read more...]
