The Explore All 50 States Project
Let's Go!
Who doesn’t love souvenirs? Everyone wants something special to remember the trip, but nobody wants the excess baggage. When you’re traveling with a posse of kids and parents, those souvenirs can add up and weigh you down. I don’t have room in my car for a bunch of souvenirs, and I certainly don’t want to lug that stuff across the country. So here’s what I got my kids into—the best souvenir that … [Read more...]
A couple weeks ago I saw a story in the Sunday Los Angeles Times that caught my eye called "A Sting In The Desert" (click here to check it out). It really grabbed my attention because it involved somewhere we'd traveled to. The story involved illegal trade in Native American Artifacts and those who search for them in the sacred grounds surrounding the Four Corners Area (where Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and … [Read more...]
If you've been reading my posts, you know one of my passions is exploring and learning through foods. If there is something unique to a state (and it lacks a gross factor) we'll give it a try to make a cultural connection wherever we're visiting. We've tried southern fried chicken, biscuits, grits, sopapillas, all kinds of cheese, and a plethora of tasty desserts to name just a few of our hyper caloric … [Read more...]
If you've been following my blog, it's no secret that Teddy Roosevelt is my favorite president. So it was especially thrilling for me to visit the site of his impromptu inauguration after the tragic assassination of President William McKinley. The site has now been turned into an extravagant multimedia learning experience. President McKinley was visiting the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo when he was shot … [Read more...]
Although no one is my family is a huge baseball fan, there was no way we were going to pass through upstate New York and not pay our respects and this veritable shrine to America's favorite pastime. Upstate New York is a charming and beautiful place dotted with picturesque small towns. The most charming and beautiful of all is Cooperstown which to me felt like a Norman Rockwell painting come to life-lovely houses … [Read more...]
Did you know that besides being one of the great wonders of the world, Niagara Falls is also a huge source of hydro-electric power? We learned all about how energy is harvested from the power of the rushing water with a visit to the Niagara Power Project Visitor Center located just 4 miles downstream in the Niagara river gorge. I highly recommend stopping here if you have any one in your party interested in science … [Read more...]
I am always thrilled by the marvels of modern engineering and so there was no way I was going to pass up a chance to learn about the canal and the lock system that helps boats traverse changes in elevation to move from one body of water to another. The Erie canal cruise is a relaxed and laid back way to enjoy time on the water while you watch in awe at the fabulous way engineers found to solve a problem moving … [Read more...]
There are a few ways to get a more up close and personal experience at the falls provided you don't mind getting a little wet, and if it's a super hot day like it was when we were there, it can actually be quite refreshing. After finding out that the Maid of The Mist, the boat that cruises up to the falls was completely sold out, we discovered the Cave Of The Winds which turned out to be quite a fun and memorable … [Read more...]
There is not much more that compares in nature than the awesome power of the rushing waters over Niagara Falls. The falls straddle the border between the US and Canada and it's no secret that the falls on the Canadian side are much more breathtaking but since we didn't have our passports and weren't taking any chances we decided to marvel at the tamer Falls on the American side and we weren't even remotely … [Read more...]
Who doesn't love a tasty treat? Food is a super way to learn about different regions and cultures and it's one of my best ways of keeping everyone interested and engaged in whatever we're exploring. When I mention tasting or sampling everyone's ears perk up, but it takes on a whole new level when it's something sweet! There's nothing like sugar to lift everyone's spirits and get everyone chatting and making nice. … [Read more...]
