Ever since I visited the Bureau of Engraving in Washington, DC when I was 9 years old, I’ve wanted to visit the US Mint in Philadelphia. But it’s never quite worked. No one really wanted to take a trip to…
An Evening at the Strong National Museum of Play
Not too far from home is an internationally renowned museum. The kind that gets into the Guinness Book of World Records (seriously!) Yet we rarely visit the Strong National Museum of Play. Why? It’s not for lack of interesting exhibits…
Blog Sneak Peak: The Wyoming You Never Knew
I just got back from a couple glorious weeks in the state of Wyoming, hiking, seeing new sights, and generally discovering a side of the US I’d never experienced before. When most of us think of Wyoming, we think of…
Fort Stanwix: The Hands-on Fort
For some reason, few people know about Fort Stanwix. I live within a few hours, yet I’d never heard of it until one day when I was looking for national public lands areas near my home. Then it went on…
How to Visit the Deception Pass Bridge for Free
Ever since I saw my first picture of the Deception Pass Bridge in northwestern Washington, I wanted to see it in person. There was something so uniquely interesting about the graceful spans, and knowing some of my group members pretty…
Hidden Lake Lookout: A Most Fabulous View!
Hidden Lake Lookout! What a trail that promised much and delivered more! The name evokes pictures in my mind of a half-frozen lake, rocky crags still studded with snow, and wildflowers galore along the trail. Its 9.3 mile length also…
10 Suggestions for Getting The Most out of the Mayflower II
I’ve been on the Mayflower II twice – once when I was about 8 and a second time in 2014. Both times were an interesting experience, although as much as I enjoyed it as a child, I’m sure I appreciated…
12 Places Worth Visiting at Least 10 miles Down a Dirt Road
I can’t say I travel to get to the dirt roads. But when that’s all that is between me and a lovely I hike I want to take, let’s just say I’m very willing to tackle the road. Some are…
Genesee Riverway and Erie Canal Path: History via Bikes
For some reason, I’ve never biked (or even hiked) the Erie Canal Path. It really isn’t that far from where I live and I’ve driven across it more times than I can count. But for some reason, it’s never been…
Holzwarth Historic Site – Worth a Summer Stop!
I’ve been to the Holzwarth Historic Site twice in my travels across America. The first time, it was called Never Summer Ranch, after the lodge and “hotel” that once stood on the site. The second time, I nearly missed the…