Tag: national parks
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Everglades National Park-Shark Valley
The walkers observe us hungrily, as the Shark Valley Tram, in Everglades National Park, makes its way back to the visitors’ center. I imagine at the start of the day, ambition and motivation, convinced them the loop is an easy saunter. Reaching the tower, the view incites oohhs and aahhs, until reality sets in. After…
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Jamestown Glasshouse-Virginia
Located near the Historic Jamestowne site, Jamestown Glasshouse, is worth a stop. The experience starts with an atmospheric walk from the parking lot, through the woods, to the workshop. If like us, you have a National Park Passport book, the glasshouse, has its own passport cancellation stamp. Were it not for my clumsiness, glassblowing, would…
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Historic Jamestowne Site-Virginia
When initially planning a Williamsburg, Virginia trip, many people aren’t aware that there are two Jamestown sites, the Historic Jamestowne Site, and the Jamestown Settlement. Often, visitors must choose between one or the other. Fortunately we visit both. The first order of business at Historic Jamestowne, is to stamp our National Park Passport book. The…
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Yorktown Battlefield-Virginia
It’s Yorktown Battlefield day. I play the song Yorktown, from the Hamilton soundtrack, as I get ready fortoday’s adventure. The creative arts fascinate me. How writing, music, acting, and visuals, can makeinformation, that dully washed over you in history class, come alive. I know the musical backwards andforwards, so today, instead of just names and…
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Nature to Explore at the New Jersey Shore
If you have images of the New Jersey Shore, they most likely include stretches of sandy beaches with boisterous waves. Mini-golf, carousels, and coasters come to mind, and visions of pizza slices dance in your head. You may not imagine, tucked away benches for birding, meadows filled with flowers, ord serene swans, but there is…
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Wall Drug Store and Minuteman Missile National Historic Site-South Dakota
The feeling bubbles up as Wall Drug Store comes into view. Swirling glitter in my stomach, that’s getting more sparkly as it swirls. The glitter rises up into my face, pulling the corners of my mouth into a smile. I’m ready for some “touristy” hijinks. Minuteman Missile National Historic Site Some travel days are filled…
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Badlands National Park and Prairie Homestead-South Dakota
Rays of light beam down on the sign, as we make our way to Badlands National Park. The sign reads, Prairie Homestead. “Can we go, can we go, can we go,” I beg. Prairie Homestead As a kid I was obsessed with all things prairie. Thanks to a Dad with construction skills, I had a prairie style…
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Mount Rushmore-We Didn’t Hate It
As we twist around the roads on the way to Mount Rushmore, I’m flooded with a memory. My family is on a New England road trip. I am a middle school history buff, and am most looking forward to gazing upon Plymouth Rock. I imagine Plymouth Rock to be a massive, inspiring, boulder, that shines…
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Connecting with Elsa- Ellis Island-New York
Elsa watches as her home disappears in the distance. Elsa’s parents are concerned about Germany’s political direction. They decide to send sixteen- year- old Elsa to America, to live with cousins, until things in Germany calm down. A few days into the journey, Elsa is struck with a fever and chills. Although she is on…