Kid-Friendly (and Inexpensive) Things To Do in New Orleans

The first time I visited New Orleans it was to attend a conference and hang out with friends. It’s no surprise, then, that I spent a few nights on Bourbon Street and got very familiar with the Crescent City’s reputation for a good party. I had a blast, but I was a little nervous about [...]
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Celebrating Groundhog Day in North America

February 2 is the day those of us in the northern climes of North America anticipate in a tongue-in-cheek sort of way. Will the groundhog see his shadow? Will winter end early or will we endure another 6 weeks of freezing temperatures, snow and ice? What Does the Groundhog Have to Do with Spring? The [...]
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The Most Parodied House in the World- Visiting the American Gothic House

You may not realize it, but one of the most recognized houses in the world stands in tiny Eldon, Iowa. This humble house, built in the early 1880′s, caught the eye of Iowa artist Grant Wood because of its beautiful Gothic window which he called, “pretentious for such a small house.”  After asking permission to use the [...]
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Finding Your Inner Artiste At Newton’s The Paint Bar

I love going to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and marveling at the paintings of the Impressionist Masters. My brother inherited all of my mother’s artistic abilities, so I have always wondered what it felt like to be able to create or replicate something beautiful. When we were invited to a friend’s milestone [...]
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US Attractions Bucket List 2012

Every time we begin plotting vacation ideas here in the US I am always amazed by the vast size of our country. How incredible it would be if we could just move into an RV and drive, coast to coast, north to south, exploring every state at our leisure. This year we will visit a [...]
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Ireland Bucket List 2012

One of my big passions is Ireland.  Since my first visit I have felt at home there, welcomed by her people and the land itself.  Maybe it’s that mystical feeling that keeps me coming back.  Or maybe it’s the rugged beauty of the land, the friendliness of the people or the fabulous fish & chips.  Whatever it [...]
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Behind the Doors of the Scottish Rite Temple in Guthrie, Oklahoma

Guthrie, Oklahoma was once the capital of Oklahoma Territory. When the territory became a state, that title went to Oklahoma City; stolen in the dead of night, some say. Standing on the land once meant for the state capital, Guthrie now has something a bit more magnificent and exotic. Guthrie has one of the largest [...]
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Circus City Cemetery: Showman’s Rest in Hugo, Oklahoma

Since 1937 the small town of Hugo, Oklahoma has been known in certain circles as “Circus City”. As many as 22 circuses have called Hugo home during the winter in the years since and though most have moved on some of their performers remain, forever “on the stage” at Showman’s Rest. Showman’s Rest is easily [...]
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Aquariums in the Midwest

Despite our landlocked borders and fly-over status, the Midwest has quite a few great aquariums. Oklahoma Aquarium, Tulsa During a family road trip we overnighted in Tulsa an had an opportunity to visit the Tulsa Aquarium. We found an incredible array of salt and fresh water fish, opportunities to touch stingray, shark and shrimp and [...]
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ICE in Orlando at Gaylord Palms

When thinking of Orlando the last thing to come to mind is probably ice. But each year at this time the Gaylord Palms brings in two million pounds of ice and world renowned ice carvers from China to create a winter wonderland in the tourism center of the Sunshine State.  Their ICE festivities have become [...]
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Step Into the Past Aboard the USS Alabama

Along the Gulf Coast shore, over and bridge and through a tunnel from Mobile, Alabama, sits a memorial to the US Navy and the men and women who’ve served the country as members. The USS Alabama battleship, the USS Drum, and a hangar full of fighter jets and helicopters offers families a day trip that’s [...]
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See What We’ve Overcome at National Civil Rights Museum

The National Civil Rights Museum is located in Memphis, Tennessee. More specifically, it’s located at the converted Lorraine Hotel where Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot and killed on April 4, 1968. Knowing this, I expected a visit would provide a detail history lesson on the life and work of the famous civil rights leader. [...]
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You’re Going to Memphis: Should You Visit Graceland?

Although Graceland is definitely one of the most well-known attractions in Memphis, and its former owner definitely one of the most famous Memphians, many visitors might be hesitant to pay the price of admission if they aren’t big Elvis fans. With tours of the mansion starting at $ 31 for adults, it’s understandable – but is [...]
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Must See Fort Worth: Visiting the Historic Stockyards District

The first place visitors to Fort Worth should head is the Stockyards National Historic District. In the days of cowboys and cattle drives, great Longhorn cattle were gathered from southern Texas and driven north. Fort Worth was the last major stop along the Chisholm Trail before the cattle were driven to market in Missouri. The [...]
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Take a Trip to Soulsville, USA

They call it Soulsville, USA, but the post office says we’re in Memphis, Tennessee. From 1959 to 1981, it was the home of Stax Records, a recording studio and production company that launched not just important music careers, but an entire genre of music. After lawsuits, bankruptcies, and foreclosures, it became an abandoned lot. Today, [...]
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National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque, IA

When one thinks of aquariums, Iowa may not be the first place that comes to mind.  Dubuque, Iowa, however, has and aquarium and a quality museum that goes along with it, all in celebration of the Mississippi River, which is just steps away. As a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and affiliated [...]
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Art Museums in Minneapolis-St. Paul

The Twin Cities may be known more for snow than show, but the fine arts are alive and well in Minnesota.  Next time you’re in Minneapolis-St. Paul, consider a stop at one of these quality art museums. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts This classic art museum, found just south of downtown Minneapolis, features works from [...]
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Visiting the Cowgirl Museum in Fort Worth

Sure, we all know about cowboys- but what about cowgirls? How prominent were they and where do they fit into the western history of the US? If you’re in Fort Worth the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame will leave you charmed by these belles of the Wild West. What Makes a Cowgirl? When [...]
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Ten Scary High Places I’ve Been To Despite My Fear of Heights

There’s something breathtaking about the view from up high, where you can see for miles on a clear day.  Old or new, towering wonders in the United States still draw visitors by the thousands who want to rise to new heights and see the view from the top.  Mountains and other natural landmarks offer lofty [...]
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Best Hotel Room For Families: The Kids Suite at Omni Mandalay in Dallas, Texas

It’s not often that a hotel room feels like a destination, but after our stay in the spacious, family friendly Kids Sensory Suite at the Omni Mandalay near Dallas I can honestly say I couldn’t wait for my family to return to our hotel room! Designed with Kids in Mind The Kids Sensory Suite is [...]
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Learn to Love Grapes at Casa Rondeña Winery in Albuquerque

Albuquerque, New Mexico isn’t exactly known for its wine, but that hasn’t stopped the folks at Casa Rondeña Winery from making award-winning vintages for more than 15 years. Located on the northwest side of town, the winery welcomes locals and tourists to fall in love with wine again or for the first time at an [...]
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Follow Grant Wood through Iowa

American artist Grant Wood is a native of Iowa, and his home state has embraced his art and his memory.  Perhaps best known for “American Gothic,” Wood had a knack for capturing the essence of rural life.  Traveling through Iowa, there are several places where enthusiasts can learn more about this folk artist and his [...]
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The Wonder of Fallingwater

“It’s a building,” my kids said. “Yeah, I’ll pass,” my husband added. None of my family members could understand why I was so excited to spend an afternoon touring a house in western Pennsylvania that no one had been vacant for forty years. Even I, a Frank Lloyd Wright fan, wasn’t sure what to expect beyond an [...]
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Horseback Riding at The Spotted Horse Ranch in SE Ohio

Hocking Hills in Southeast Ohio is an ideal vacation destination for outdoor lovers. The scenery is beautiful, crowds non-existent, and there are plenty of things to do in the Great Outdoors. If you love horseback riding — or have always wanted to try it — stop by The Spotted Horse Ranch in Laurelville, Ohio. Experienced [...]
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Rediscovering Frisco Texas

Frisco was just a tiny spot on the Texas map when we visited family a few years ago.  Settled during the days of cattle drives and booming when the railroads arrived, the town settled into a quiet existence, content to let nearby Dallas define urban sprawl.  In the past few years Frisco has redefined itself and [...]
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Climb 10,000 feet on the Sandia Peak Tramway

To the east of Albuquerque, New Mexico lie the beautiful Sandia Mountains, named for the watermelon color the rocks turn when bathed in the light of the setting sun. Hikers and rock climbers can work their muscles and their skills in these rocky hills, while the rest of us can take an easy ride on [...]
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11 Things at Legoland Florida

These were my 11 favorite things at Legoland Florida: The historic carousel.  I love carousels and have been on many, but never a double-decker one before. The Dragon roller coaster.  Even for coaster wimps like me, it’s a fun ride, and the relaxing indoor ride through Lego creations is equal to the thrill portion when [...]
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LEGOLAND Florida Opens in Winter Haven

This weekend, I was privileged to be among the first to visit the new LEGOLAND Florida theme park in Winter Haven, Florida, about an hour’s drive from Orlando and equally close to Tampa.  This new theme park sits on familiar territory to those who visited Cypress Gardens in the past, and the botanical gardens, including [...]
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The Country’s Best Dinosaur Exhibit?

Where can you find the first dinosaur bone found in America? Where can you see the first complete T-Rex skeleton – the one for which the species was named? If you guessed the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History you’d be a very good guesser, but wrong. While the collection of dinosaur bones in DC [...]
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Atlanta’s Botanical Garden – Gorgeous in All Seasons

The first time I tried to visit Atlanta’s Botanical Garden was in early March of 2010. My then fiance and I were on a date, and I was looking for something romantic and peaceful to enjoy. As we walked up to the Botanical Garden’s entrance, I quickly realized that most of the plants were still [...]
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