StevenShaw

James K. Polk State Historic Site: The Childhood Home of America’s 11th President

Categories: Charlotte, North Carolina|Tags: , , |

Visit the James K. Polk State Historic Site in Pineville, North Carolina, to explore the birthplace and early frontier life of America’s 11th president. Tour reconstructed log cabins, museum exhibits, and scenic grounds that bring Polk’s formative years to life.

Exploring the the Rockingham Meeting House

Categories: Vermont|Tags: |

In the small town of Rockingham, Vermont, the Rockingham Meeting House stands as a beautifully preserved relic of early New England history. Built between 1787 and 1801, this meeting house is the oldest unchanged public building in Vermont, offering a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century life. Visiting the Rockingham Meeting House is like stepping back in time. The building, constructed in a simple yet elegant Georgian style, served both religious and civic functions for the early settlers. Inside, the original wooden pews, a large pulpit, and an atmosphere that evokes centuries of community gatherings remain. What makes this site particularly [...]

Ottie Cline Powell Monument

Categories: Virginia|Tags: |

A hike along the Bluff Mountain Trail can be a spooky endeavor. In November 1890, four-year-old Ottie Cline Powell wandered away from his schoolhouse in nearby Amherst County, Virginia.  A chill had taken the air that November as folks living along the mountains were readying themselves for the first big snowfall. His teacher sent the class out to gather firewood during a short recess, but young Ottie did not return. For weeks, newspapers ran stories about the missing little boy on the side of the mountain.  Volunteers turned over what felt like every rock looking for him, but to [...]

Ricketts Glen State Park: Hiking Past 21 Wild Waterfalls

Categories: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Scranton|Tags: , , |

Ricketts Glen State Park's Falls Loop Trail is nothing short of breathtakingly beautiful. The stunning hike features 21 stunning waterfalls. This challenging yet rewarding trail takes you through lush forests, rocky terrain, and picturesque cascades, including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls. The Falls Loop Trail without doubt one of Pennsylvania’s very best hiking trails.

Visiting the James A. Garfield National Historic Site:  Walking Through Presidential History

Categories: Cleveland, Ohio|Tags: , |

Just outside of Cleveland, Ohio, the James A. Garfield National Historic Site offers a fascinating look into the life and legacy of the 20th President of the United States. Garfield’s home, known as Lawnfield, was where he revolutionized political campaigning by simply using his front porch to greet thousands of people who stopped by via a train stop.  Lawnfield is more than just a house; the site is a tribute to a man whose presidency was tragically cut short but whose impact on American history remains significant. When he won the presidency, he was widely considered one of the [...]

Barker Dam Nature Trail & Petroglyphs: Joshua Tree National Park

Categories: California, Los Angeles, San Diego|Tags: , |

When we arrived at Joshua Tree for the first time on a spring Friday afternoon, we first hiked the Barker Dam Trail. To my surprise, at 1:30 p.m., the parking lot was three-fourths of the way empty. I’d read that this is supposed to be one of, if not the most popular, trails in the park, so I had resigned myself to a busy experience. While my wife and I were not the only ones on the trail, it was not overly crowded.  Hiking the Barker Dam Nature Trail We started down the well-worn path, the sand crunching under [...]

A Visit to President Taft’s Grave at Arlington National Cemetery

Categories: Arlington, Virginia, Washington D.C.|Tags: |

President William Howard Taft’s is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Taft is the 27th President of the United States and the 10th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. His grave is a simple yet dignified monument, surrounded by well-maintained greenery, symbolizing his enduring legacy in both the executive and judicial branches of government.

Smokey Bear Historical Park: An Origin Story

Categories: Albuquerque, Las Cruces, New Mexico|Tags: |

Discover Smokey Bear Historical Park in Capitan, New Mexico, where you can explore the legacy of the real Smokey Bear. This family-friendly park features a museum with exhibits on wildfire prevention, a scenic garden with native plants, and Smokey Bear’s final resting place. Perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike, it’s a must-visit destination to learn about wildfire conservation and the story behind the iconic bear.

Waco Mammoth National Monument: An Intimate View of Prehistoric Fossils

Categories: Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Texas|Tags: , |

Discover Waco Mammoth National Monument, where you can explore a fascinating dig site featuring the only known nursery herd of Columbian mammoths. View fossils in their original setting, and learn about Ice Age history through guided tours. This place is perfect for families, natural history lover, and anyone looking for fascinating travel destination.

Toasting at Superior Bathhouse Brewery in Hot Springs National Park

Categories: Arkansas, Fort Smith, Little Rock|Tags: , |

Have a sip of history at Superior Bathhouse Brewery, the only brewery located inside a U.S. national park and the world’s first to use thermal spring water in its craft beer. Situated in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, this one-of-a-kind brewery offers a refreshing selection of house-made beers, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere inside a historic bathhouse.

James Buchanan Birthplace State Park: Pennsylvania’s President

Categories: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, State College|Tags: , , |

Explore James Buchanan’s Birthplace State Park in the Tuscarora Mountain gap of Franklin County, Pennsylvania. This beautiful park features a striking stone pyramid marking the birthplace of James Buchanan, the 15th U.S. President. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, fishing for native brook trout in Buck Run, and immersing themselves in the area’s rich history and natural beauty.

Wind Cave National Park: Natural Entrance Tour

Categories: Rapid City, South Dakota|Tags: , |

Discover the Natural Entrance Tour at Wind Cave National Park, a journey through one of the world’s longest and most complex caves. Learn about its unique boxwork formations, rich history, and the adventure of entering through the historic natural entrance. Plan your visit with essential tips for an unforgettable underground experience.

Clara Barton National Historic Site: Visitor’s Guide

Categories: Baltimore, Frederick, Maryland, Washington D.C.|Tags: , , |

Discover the Clara Barton National Historic Site in Maryland, the former home of the American Red Cross founder. Explore her life, humanitarian work, and legacy through guided tours of this historic landmark. Perfect for history buffs and those inspired by her pioneering spirit. Plan your visit today!

Visit the Grave of British General Edward Braddock

Categories: Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh|Tags: , , |

In the rolling hills of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, lies the final resting place of British General Edward Braddock, a key figure in the French and Indian War. A seasoned military officer, Braddock led British and colonial forces in the doomed 1755 campaign to capture Fort Duquesne, which is modern-day Pittsburgh.  The campaign ended in disaster when a combined force of French troops and Native American warriors near the Monongahela River ambushed his army. Mortally wounded in the battle, Braddock died on July 13, 1755. His death was just over a year after George Washington surrendered to the French at [...]

Flume Gorge Trail: Franconia Notch State Park

Categories: Manchester, Nashua, New Hampshire|Tags: |

Discover and explore he breathtaking beauty of the Flume Gorge Trail in Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire. This scenic 2-mile loop takes you through a stunning natural gorge, past towering granite walls, cascading waterfalls, covered bridges, and lush forest. Perfect for hikers of all levels, the trail offers an unforgettable mix of adventure and serenity in the heart of the White Mountains. Plan your visit and experience one of New Hampshire’s most iconic hikes!

Jefferson Davis’s Grave: Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond

Categories: Richmond, Virginia|Tags: |

The Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, was established in 1847. It’s one of the most famous cemeteries in the South. It is known for its rolling hills, winding paths, and stunning views of the James River. This cemetery is the burial site of two U.S. presidents—James Monroe and John Tyler—as well as thousands of Confederate soldiers, generals, and notable figures, including Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Whether you are a Civil War buff, a historical scholar, or simply an avid traveler, visiting Davis’s grave offers a thought-provoking journey into America’s past. We visited on a cool, wet morning in the [...]

Fort Necessity: A Brief History and Visitor’s Guide

Categories: Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, State College|Tags: , , , |

Dive into the history of Fort Necessity National Battlefield in Pennsylvania, where George Washington fought his first battle. Learn about the site’s significance in the French and Indian War, explore scenic trails, and visit the interactive visitor center. Plan your trip with our guide to must-see attractions and historical insights.

Pipiwai Trail Guide: Haleakalā National Park

Categories: Hawaii|Tags: , |

We woke up an hour and a half before sunrise, determined to get a very early start on the Pīpīwai Trail.  The hike is in the Kīpahulu District of Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui in Hawaii.  The Kīpahulu District of Haleakala on the southern coast of Maui gets far fewer visitors than the park's main area. That’s because you have to drive the famously windy and narrow Road to Hana to get there. That drive, with its 620 curves and 59 one-lane bridges, is an adventure in and of itself. Most people who visit make it [...]

Rebecca Nurse Homestead: A Salem Witch Trials Execution

Categories: Boston, Massachusetts, Worcester|Tags: , |

Discover the history of the Rebecca Nurse Homestead in Danvers, Massachusetts, a preserved 17th-century home tied to the Salem Witch Trials. Explore the historic house, scenic grounds, and burial site of an innocent woman executed for witchcraft. Plan your visit to experience a incredible piece of colonial history firsthand.

George Washington Birthplace: A Visitor’s Guide

Categories: Arlington, Norfolk, Richmond, Virginia, Virginia Beach, Washington D.C.|Tags: , , |

Discover the rich history and scenic beauty of George Washington Birthplace National Monument! Explore the land where America’s first president was born, stroll through colonial-era farms, and enjoy stunning views of the Potomac River. Plan your visit today and step back in time to experience the legacy of George Washington firsthand!

Natural Tunnel State Park in Virginia Visitors Guide

Categories: Virginia|Tags: , |

Natural Tunnel State Park is located in Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains near Duffield in Scott County. The park is 909 acres large and, as its name suggests, protects an 850-foot-long and 100-high natural tunnel. It’s been a tourist attraction for well over 100 years. Exploring Natural Tunnel State Park  It is rumored that Daniel Boone was the first non-native to set eyes on the tunnel in the 18th Century. The tunnel is so impressive that famous politician William Jennings Bryan called it the “8th Wonder of the World.” The park has a variety of hiking trails that offer something for [...]

President Abraham Lincoln’s Grave: A Visitor’s Guide

Categories: Illinois, Springfield|Tags: , |

President Abraham Lincoln’s grave is in the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. A beautiful granite monument is the final resting place of President Abraham Lincoln, his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their four sons: Edward, William, and Thomas. It was designed by famed architect Larkin Goldsmith Mead, whose other well-known works include the dome of the Vermont Capitol and  National Statuary Hall, a chamber in the United States Capitol devoted to sculptures of prominent Americans. The monument honors Lincoln and is home to his grave, but it also honors the soldiers who fought under Lincoln during [...]

What to do at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Categories: Delaware, Dover, Wilmington|Tags: |

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is in eastern Delaware along the bay. It was created by President Kennedy in 1963 “for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory birds.” It protects over 10,000 acres of fresh and saltwater marshes along the Delaware Bay.  Prime Hook is about 15 minutes northeast of Milton, Delaware, about an hour and a half south of Wilmington. It’s also an easy day trip from Washington, DC, and Baltimore, about two and a half hours from both. It’s also only about 2 hours to Philadelphia. With its proximity to [...]

Amazing wildlife viewing is waiting at Louisiana’s Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge

Categories: Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Louisiana, New Orleans, Shreveport|Tags: |

The Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge is located deep in southeastern Louisiana near Houma. The refuge is not visited by a ton of people, but for those that make the trip are greeted with fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. . It’s only a little over an hour from New Orleans and still an easy drive from Lafayette or Baton Rouge.

See the power of Mother Nature at Kinzua Bridge State Park

Categories: Erie, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, State College|Tags: |

Pennsylvania’s Kinzua Bridge State Park is a little-known treasure in the Keystone State. The park is located in the remote Pennsylvania Wilds, about two hours from Buffalo, New York, and 3 hours from Pittsburgh. Kinzua Bridge State Park is relatively small at 339-acres, but what it lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in remarkable scenery.

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