The Explore All 50 States Project
Let's Go!
So much of this trip was a sobering reality check that left us understanding the bitter divide between North and South and the everyday souls who endured so much for their cause. Often times words could not describe our feelings looking at the battlefields and learning the personal stories of brave Americans, from decorated generals to those barely old enough to enlist. But not everything on this trip revolved around … [Read more...]
Here we are in the midst of spring break and I am busy planning our final road trip in which we will set foot in our 50th state. Wow...I can hardly believe it. It's only taken us 12 years and 17 trips but our journey is nearly complete. When we embarked on this epic adventure my kids were 4, 6 and 7, today they are 16, 18 and 20. People often say "Where has the time gone" when they find their children have grown, … [Read more...]
It's not every day that you get to have dinner at a place that has been in business since 1770. The chance to go back in time and dine just like former prominent customers John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette to name just a few was simply irresistible to me and my crew. We were a little skeptical going to a place that trades on it's historic significance so our … [Read more...]
It never ceases to amaze me how awestruck my kids are when we visit places where historical events that shaped our nation have taken place. Its surreal for them and I must confess it is equally so for me as well. Appomattox Courthouse National Historical Park was one of those places where our minds were truly blown. It's a bit off the beaten track, but if you are headed to Monticello it's well worth the trek to … [Read more...]
Right before my last road trip back in June, I relented and shelled out $24.95 on Amazon.com for a selfie stick . What an awesome way to take pictures of me and my kids in front of the sites on our trip to New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania I thought. As soon as it arrived my kids laughed and then groaned letting it be made abundantly clear that none of them would be seen within 50 ft. of that thing. I … [Read more...]
If you are planning to visit Arlington, you are most likely going to follow the signs from Arlington National Cemetery that lead up to the house on the hill with the extraordinary view. If you visit during the summer like we did, your are likely to experience some extreme heat and humidity, so the chance to get into some shade indoors will feel like a welcome break. Arlington House is the former home of General … [Read more...]
These days check out is super simple right?. Hotels simply slip your hotel bill under your door in the middle of the night or email it to you or both. In your haste to pack you'll probably throw the bill in your bag forgetting to check it out later if ever. If the bill goes to your email it'll likely end up in your spam folder never to see the light of day ever again. Either way there is a pretty good chance your … [Read more...]
Not every trip has to be an epic adventure that has you hauling your crew through 6 states over a couple of weeks. If you are on a quest to knock off all 50 states you might want to consider a couple of mini trips to tick a few more off your list and reach your goal sooner. Thanksgiving, Spring break, or even long weekends like President's day or 4th of July can be great times to explore somewhere that isn't too … [Read more...]
Walking into Arlington National Cemetery there's a certain heaviness you feel in both your body and soul, that owes to the solemnity of the hallowed ground you are about to experience. Your chest at once fills with a sense of sadness and pride for you know the best of our nation, those who have risked life and limb for our safety and the ideals we hold dear, are resting here eternally. Before you the seemingly … [Read more...]
Isn't it funny how seeing someone's objects and possessions can make you feel like you know someone without ever having met them? Walking through Monticello made me feel like I'd met Thomas Jefferson, and I was shocked to learn he was so much more than I had ever imagined from all I'd read and seen so far. Monticello is a grand estate set atop a hill with amazing views or Charlottesville below. Thomas Jefferson … [Read more...]
