The Explore All 50 States Project
Let's Go!
The North Carolina Museum of History is a wonderful museum in the center of town that really engaged us with their exhibit titled "The Story of North Carolina". Walking through the museum we were able to trace the story from the ancient peoples all the way up to the present. We explored the native settlements and the early colonists discussing the plantation crops like rice, tobacco, cotton and indigo. We … [Read more...]
If you are keen on visiting every state capitol when the opportunity arises like we are, then you don't want to miss the North Carolina State Capitol Building. We just couldn't wait to visit since we'd seen some much amazing stuff in North Carolina, but as soon as we entered we were disappointed because it just didn't live up to our expectations. Raliegh is a very lush and beautiful city, and we expected that … [Read more...]
Wilmington is an adorable little beach town on the coast of North Carolina that is wonderfully picturesque with charming beach cottages right off the shore. Driving in we had planned on spending some time exploring the shore but sadly a storm had blown in so our plans fell by the wayside. After checking into our hotel to get that out of the way and kill some time, the crew was famished, so we set out to see what … [Read more...]
Old Salem Museum and Gardens is another great place to learn about another group who sought religious freedom here in the colonies while experiencing persecution in Europe. Old Salem is home to one of the original Moravian settlements called Bethabara. The community was established in a 1753 and made up of many that had been persecuted in Europe and fled to the new world for religious freedom. The Moravians were … [Read more...]
New Mexico is known as The Land of Enchantment and after visiting here we can see why. The desert colors in the natural landscape are beautiful, but it goes much deeper than that. There is a spirituality here, an unexplained peacefulness and harmony that is difficult to explain but yet you feel it all around you. It is the beauty in small things and the simple things that somehow gets magnified in the New Mexican … [Read more...]
During the second half of a flaming hot day, the kids wanted to cool off so we headed to the Hinkle Family Fun Center. It's always fun to run around and explore, but every so often everyone needs a break to just let loose for awhile. If you are traveling with kids and you need a place to just let loose for a bit, this is a great stop as it's loaded with activities, snacks, and some loungy places for parents to … [Read more...]
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center was our first stop after an early morning flight and a great place to start our introduction to the region and connect with our theme, Cowboys and Native American Indians. The Center was founded to preserve and perpetuate Pueblo culture, and to advance understanding by presenting their accomplishments and evolving history with dignity and respect. It was boiling hot so it was … [Read more...]
La Placita Dining Room is a truly authentic New Mexican dining experience. After a hectic start to our first day, Shari and I treated ourselves to a Margarita and it was just what the doctor ordered. Though it felt a lot like a typical Mexican restaurant back home in Los Angeles, the kids and I did notice some things that were different. After sitting down and ordering, we were brought some "sopapillas" … [Read more...]
When we visited the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History it was known as the National Atomic Museum. Initially Shari's daughter Maya was a little flipped out because she thought it was all about atomic bombs which are scary. Well, we did learn about the atomic bomb but we also learned a lot about the atom and how it's power can also be used for good like in x-rays. I am not sure how much of the museum … [Read more...]
Old Town Albuquerque is just a great place to walk around and explore. There are tons of nifty shops with all kinds of handicrafts made by local artisans. One item we became obsessed with on our trip were "fetishes". These are little animals carved out of stone or natural substances like horn or bone. They are carved by Native American artisans of the various local tribes like the Zuni or the Navajo. … [Read more...]
