The Explore All 50 States Project
Let's Go!
Assembling the playlist was so much fun because our theme for this trip was Civil Rights and American Music. I felt this trip was a golden opportunity to introduce my kids to Elvis Presley and learn about the roots of Rock and Roll which by the way is rooted in Gospel and Country music. I had no idea until we hit Stax Records in Memphis where we also learned about Rhythm and Blues and it's evolution into Soul music. … [Read more...]
When we arrived in Selma, it felt as if we'd come upon a ghost town. There were a few buildings and not very many people. The town seemed desolate and deserted right near the Edmund Pettus Bridge, the historic site of the start of three marches to protest segregation and the discrimination against African Americans. The banks of the river that flowed under the bridge were so peaceful and beautiful that it was … [Read more...]
The Alabama State Capitol Building is not as flashy or architecturally significant like others we've seen. What was unique about it was the enormous white columns on the front steps and the clock in the small tower. The Alabama State Capitol Building served as the first capitol of the confederacy in 1861 and has since been declared a national historic landmark. In fact, this is the site where Jefferson Davis was … [Read more...]
Right down the street from the Alabama State Capitol Building is the bus stop where Rosa Parks stepped on in 1955 and sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott when she was arrested for not moving to the rear of the bus because she was African American. We stood here for a moment taking in the energy of this place and trying to imagine the scene that played out here on that fateful day. There is something very special … [Read more...]
The Rosa Parks Library and Museum is worth a visit but be forewarned it was very pricey and lacked the rich and wonderful content of others places we'd been like the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis or the Little Rock High School Visitor Center. We weren't allowed to take any photos so sadly I have nothing to remember and nothing to share with you here. Probably the most interesting exhibit is a model of … [Read more...]
Sadly, we missed the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute but even so I thought it was important to cover here because it was on our itinerary. On our trip #10 Civil Rights and American Music we'd been to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, the Little Rock High School National Historic Site and Visitor Center, the Edmund Pettus bridge in Selma, the Rosa Parks bus stop and the Rosa Parks Library and Museum in … [Read more...]
Louisiana definitely has it's own distinct charm. Most folks only get to see New Orleans but we were fortunate to explore from Shreveport all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. The Pelican State in my opinion is the most unique is so many ways-from it's ecosystems and the folks who live within them along the bayou and along the coast to it's distinctive cajun and creole cuisine. Couple that with it's lively music and … [Read more...]
The kids and I were amazed to see that Little Rock High School still functions as a regular High School especially since its place in history was cemented when the National Guard had to escort 9 African American students onto the campus so they could attend classes when segregation was ruled unconstitutional. This was one of the battlefields where the war for civil rights was waged—and won. Right around the … [Read more...]
The Gibson Guitar Factory Tour is a wonderful place to watch American ingenuity and craftsmanship at its very best. We were fascinated watching and learning how guitars are constructed from start to finish. You cannot believe what goes into making these beautiful instruments and the incredibly talented folks who bring them to life. From molding and drying the wood into the unique shape, to the finishing process, … [Read more...]
Just like you can’t miss the Opry in Nashville, so, too, you cannot miss Graceland in Memphis, the legendary home of the undisputed king of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. It would be absolutely sacrilegious! On our way in the car we played a selection of Elvis songs that I burned to a CD so the kids good get familiar with Elvis' music. My first impression after stepping off the shuttle bus in front of the house, … [Read more...]
