The Explore All 50 States Project
Let's Go!
OMSI is probably the best science museum my kids and I have ever been to. It has tons of terrific, engaging, hands-on exhibits. Unlike most science museums that highlight concepts with a million buttons to push (which don't really engage the kids, all they're interested in is pushing the buttons) the exhibits here really encouraged learning. Lilia sat at an exhibit and learned all about money. The boys enjoyed … [Read more...]
The Oregon State Capitol building is still one we have yet to see. Sadly our travels did not take us through Salem. If you do go, please let me know what it's like. How is the rotunda? Any cool artifacts? I think my kids and I are going to have to do one last roundup to check out all the state capitols we've missed. There aren't that many but they are sure in some far flung places.... … [Read more...]
The Tillamook Creamery was one of the first factory tours we ever did and afterwards we were hooked. Inside you will learn that the Tillamook Creamery is a co-op. What that means is the local dairy farmers pool their resources together to create the finest quality dairy products and then they share the profits. We loved the awesome displays and found out the answers to our "cheesiest" questions. The factory … [Read more...]
I am not sure what we were imagining about Connecticut but it didn't jive with what we saw. I guess when I hear Connecticut I think of Connecticut Yankees, colonial, white picket fences. We were all surprised to find Connecticut very urban and a little gritty. The waterfront is very picturesque, but it's also pretty commercial. We really felt that the Yale campus looked like it had been plunked down in the … [Read more...]
The first thing you are struck by when you arrive in Washington is the lush greenery everywhere. Seattle is often referred to as "The Emerald City" as the copious rainfall results in rich green foliage. Washington is a wondrous natural place with lots to explore, from the splendorous food choices available at the Pike Place Market in Seattle, to the gorgeous artwork made of glass in Tacoma, to the breathtaking … [Read more...]
North Carolina is an awesomely beautiful place as well as a study in complete contrasts. As we drove through the state we were awestruck at the lush greenery, not woodsy or forrest like but lush and soft elegant and wispy. And while everywhere we looked was a sight to behold, the differences from east to west and north to south were astounding. In the south, we discovered the beaches near Wilmington, with beach … [Read more...]
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is A little off the beaten path, but definitely worth the drive. Take Highway 504 East off the 5 Freeway directly into the park and start at the visitors center. Mt. St. Helens blasted onto the global scene when she erupted unexpectedly May 18, 1980. There are several visitor centers so I am not sure which one we hit, but I assume it was the main one because there was … [Read more...]
While most state capitol building mimic our nations's capitol with the traditional dome, occasionally some dare to be different. The Connecticut State Capitol Building is one of those that breaks tradition with it's unique and original architecture. It's kind of hard to describe, but I'd say it seemed like a cathedral crossed with a bavarian castle. Inside there are tons of bronze sculptures, some pretty … [Read more...]
Everyone I know who has ever traveled to Asheville has always marveled at how lovely the area is. It is pretty, but maybe the kids and I missed something. We just didn’t get it. Walking around, it seemed like a sort of hippie town with strange little boutiques and artsy weirdness on every corner. We arrived to find some super hipster jam session going on in one of the town squares. Driving the next morning … [Read more...]
We were so excited to learn more about this American literary icon by seeing the home where he lived. We arrived and joined the tour led by a snappy little English fellow and headed to the home. Here we are, at Mark Twain's House and Museum, you'd expect to learn about the man, his life, his inspiration his works right? Wrong! We learned about the wallpaper in the living room, where they bought the chandelier, … [Read more...]
