The Explore All 50 States Project
Let's Go!
This quick self-guided tour of our nations first flag maker was interesting for a couple of reasons. I loved exploring the original home, it's architecture and imagining was life was like for those who lived in it. With steep staircases and low ceilings it's certainly a far cry from the homes we live in today. It was also fun to learn more about the life of Betsy, apparently she was widow who made money as an … [Read more...]
This is a must see in the old city of Philadelphia so make sure you get tickets to go on a ranger led tour of the actual building where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where The Constitution was was ratified. Wow, it all really happened right here! Our Ranger guide gave us an amazing introduction and as we entered the room I could literally imagine Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and … [Read more...]
This is an awesome place not just to learn about the namesake of one of the most famous products in the world, but also to learn about the city of Pittsburgh itself. The five floors are jam packed with interesting displays documenting everything from native Americans who first lived here to modern day sports. It's just chock full of wonderful things to check out and I urge you to take your time and read the … [Read more...]
I think most people think of New Jersey as New York’s ugly step sister but nothing could be further from the truth. While New Jersey is home to the largest port in the nation and a huge manufacturing hub most of the state is lush and green with a rural sort of feel-which I am sure is why it’s nickname is The Garden State. Did you know that Jersey is home to Thomas Edison’s laboratory? It’s also the … [Read more...]
If you want to imagine yourself in the thick of the Revolutionary War, there is no better place than the Valley Forge National Historical Park. And if you really want to get the most out of your visit, make sure you take the guided trolley tour, which is quite popular by the way, so call ahead and make sure you reserve your spots for the time and day you want. We weren't quite sure what to expect when we … [Read more...]
South Dakota is one of my mom's favorite states. Take our quiz and see how much you know about The Mount Rushmore State. 1. Mt. Rushmore exhibits the carved faces of four presidents, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. Who is the fourth? a) James Madison b) Thomas Jefferson c) Calvin Coolidge d) Warren G. Harding e) Alexander Hamilton 2. What is … [Read more...]
You don't have to be Jewish to find this place fascinating. Besides being the oldest continuously active Jewish congregation in the United States, the Touro Synagogue is notable for a few other reasons. The building is significant because it's one of the best and well preserved examples architecture of the period having been completed in 1763 and meticulously maintained ever since. Many fled persecution for … [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...]
The Washington State Capitol Building looks so much like the Capitol in D.C. from the that I almost had to do a double take. Inside check out the dome in the rotunda which sits about the state seal in the floor which has a portrait of George Washington which I thought was odd, that his likeness would be on the floor. The seal is roped off as apparently too many folks were stepping on Georges nose...Really? This … [Read more...]
The Turquoise Museum sits in a little mini mall located in a storefront but don't be fooled this is a fantastic stop to learn all about this gemstone that has played such a huge part in Southwestern design and culture. We walked through a simulated turquoise mine shaft and then into the rest of the museum where our first stop was a room with displays of some really big and unusual turquoise stones. The museum … [Read more...]
