Your Guide to Visit Grandfather Mountain in the Fall: A Breathtaking Experience

When autumn arrives in the Appalachian Mountains, nature puts on a captivating display of colors, and one of the most enchanting places to witness this transformation is Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. This iconic landmark not only offers stunning vistas but also provides a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and family. In this blog post, we'll explore the beauty of visiting Grandfather Mountain in the fall, share tips on how to get there, and provide links to tickets for this unforgettable experience.

Courtesy of Mitchell Wade Yadven Images

Why Grandfather Mountain in the Fall?

1. Spectacular Fall Foliage: As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, the lush green leaves of summer transition into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows. The deciduous trees covering Grandfather Mountain create a breathtaking tapestry of color that's simply awe-inspiring.

2. Cooler Weather and Fewer Crowds: Fall brings milder weather to the region, making it an ideal time to explore the mountain's trails and viewpoints without the summer heat. Additionally, the crowds thin out, allowing you to enjoy the serene beauty of nature.

3. Wildlife Sightings: Grandfather Mountain is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, deer, and a variety of bird species. In the fall, these creatures are more active as they prepare for winter, giving you a chance to observe them in their natural habitat.

4. Numerous Hiking Trails: Whether you're a seasoned hiker or prefer leisurely strolls, Grandfather Mountain has trails for all skill levels. The Linville Peak Trail and Daniel Boone Scout Trail offer stunning vistas and are particularly beautiful in the fall.

   
   

   Enjoy our brief video of the views you may see and residents of the wildlife habitat:

   
   

   
   

   
   

Wildlife at Grandfather Mountain:

One of the most remarkable aspects of Grandfather Mountain in the fall is its rich and diverse wildlife habitat. The mountain's unique ecosystem provides a haven for various species of animals and birds. But if you don't see anything in the wild, Grandfather Mountain has an animal habitat where you can learn about these majestic animals and see them up close. Here's a closer look at the wildlife you might encounter during your visit:

1. Black Bears: Grandfather Mountain is known for its black bear population. In the fall, these majestic creatures become more active as they forage for food to prepare for winter hibernation. While it's important to respect their space and observe from a safe distance, the opportunity to see these iconic bears in their natural habitat is truly memorable. There are great programs to teach you about the habitat bear residents too as you can see in our video above.

2. White-Tailed Deer: Another common resident of Grandfather Mountain is the white-tailed deer. These graceful creatures can often be spotted among the forests and meadows, especially during the fall months when they are busy fattening up for the winter ahead. You will probably encounter deer along the driving path, but make sure you see the two elk in the wildlife habitat which we show one of them in our video.

3. Bird Watching: Bird enthusiasts will find plenty to admire on Grandfather Mountain. The fall migration season brings various species of migratory birds through the area, making it an excellent time for birdwatching. Keep your binoculars handy, and you might spot hawks, owls, and songbirds as they pass through. But nothing comes close to the two eagles that have been rescued and are part of the wildlife habitat!

4. Small Mammals: In addition to bears and deer, Grandfather Mountain is home to a variety of smaller mammals, including raccoons, squirrels, and chipmunks. Keep an eye out for these charming critters as you explore the mountain's trails and picnic areas. In the wildlife habitat are playful otters and you should take a look at the underwater footage of them that we show in our video.

5. Native Flora and Fauna: The mountain's diverse plant life also supports a thriving ecosystem. Look for native wildflowers and shrubs that add to the colorful spectacle of fall. The coexistence of these plants and wildlife creates a delicate balance that contributes to the mountain's unique charm.

Remember to observe wildlife from a safe distance and follow any posted guidelines or regulations to ensure the well-being of both the animals and yourself. Wildlife encounters at Grandfather Mountain can provide a deeper connection to nature and a greater appreciation for the importance of preserving these beautiful habitats.

As you explore Grandfather Mountain in the fall, take the time to appreciate the vibrant foliage and the incredible diversity of wildlife that calls this majestic place home. It's a chance to witness the wonders of the natural world in a truly breathtaking setting

How to Get There:

Address: Grandfather Mountain, 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646

Directions:

• From Charlotte, NC: Take I-85 N to US-321 N, then follow US-321 N to Grandfather Mountain.
• From Asheville, NC: Take I-40 E to US-221 N, and then follow US-221 N to Grandfather Mountain.

Tickets and Admission:

• Tickets can be purchased online in advance on the Grandfather Mountain website. It's recommended to buy tickets ahead of time, especially during the fall season when the mountain is popular among visitors.
• Admission prices vary, so be sure to check the website for the most up-to-date information.

Courtesy of Mitchell Wade Yadven Images

Tips for Your Visit:

• Wear layers: The weather can change quickly, so dress in layers to stay comfortable.
• Plan for a full day: There's so much to see and do, so allocate ample time for your visit and we usually pack a lunch! There are plenty of places with great views to enjoy some relaxing moments and food!
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• Bring a camera: You'll want to capture the stunning fall colors and scenic views.

In conclusion, visiting Grandfather Mountain in the fall is a remarkable experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and witness the magic of autumn. Plan your trip, get your tickets in advance, and prepare to be enchanted by the vibrant foliage, cooler weather, and the tranquility of this majestic mountain.

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Meaningful Perspective: It's More Than Just The 9/11 Memorial and Museum; It's a Story of Individuals and Collective Memories

“Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the hard may be; for without victory there is no survival.” 

-- Winston Churchill

We were honored and grateful to take a tour of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum with the Detective Lieutenant Commander of the Port Authority Police/FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force of New York and New Jersey, John Ryan.  He was the Commander for Recovery Operation Task Force in the New York, NY at the World Trade Center following 9/11.  This was one of the most moving tours we have ever received due to the touching stories and personal accounts provided by the commander.  This was our second visit to the site and nothing compares to experiencing it with his insight.

  

Let us take you through some of the exhibits we saw and give you some personal stories.  As we have said many times, we are fortunate in our quest to make meaningful travel happen, to have met some incredible individuals and John Ryan is one of them.  In this article we will discuss the following and these themes will recur throughout:

•  Why do we need a memorial dedicated to 9/11?
•  The story behind the design and building of the 9/11 Memorial which is what you will see outside
•  Then we will take you inside the 9/11 Museum and describe 11 artifacts that will reflect the physical destruction, human turmoil and ultimate victory. 

What comes to mind when YOU think of 9/11?

Is it the doomed image of an airplane crashing into a skyscraper? The remnants of two of the tallest buildings on earth mushrooming through lower Manhattan? Or the suggestions of conspiracy theories? Do you remember how the nation came together following that day? That the thousands of victims were from 91 countries? Whatever you may think, it is undeniable that 9/11 touched every one of our lives in its own way and it is hard to imagine, at times, how personal it was and continues to be for so many. Spending time at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum will give you the history and memories of that fateful day. Generally it is recommended that you spend 2 hours touring the museum but we recommend devoting half a day.

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Denali National Park and Preserve Tundra Wilderness Tour Is a Special Experience in Alaska Like No Other!

Denali Park Road is 92 miles long, parallels the Alaska Range and travels through low valleys and high mountain passes. It is the ONLY road in the park. Along its route, beautiful landscapes can be seen at every turn, and there are many opportunities to view Denali - if the normally cloudy skies permit. Wildlife can often be seen too, although sightings are not guaranteed - they are, after all, wild animals roaming an unfenced land.

There are two main types of buses in Denali - narrated trips (tour buses) and non-narrated trips (transit buses). In addition, a few free buses travel routes around the park entrance, connecting visitor centers and points of interest in the same area where visitors may drive their own vehicles. We opted for the Tundra Wilderness Tour, a 7-8 hour excursion into the park with a certified driver-naturalist. This tour provides in-depth information about the history of the park, while maintaining a keen eye in search of wildlife and photography opportunities. Chances to see wildlife are greater on this trip than on other tours.

Here's what we'll cover in this post!

• Pickup
• Inside the Park
• Course of Tour and Stops Along the Way
• Tips
• Bottom Line

Pickup

The bus came to our hotel to pick us up.  We were already briefed that this would be a rugged experience with the bus being a "nostalgic" school bus which is the only type available  Supposedly the rugged transportation is due to the nature of the roads and narrow passages that we would experience later in the day.  The pickup was prompt and it becomes clear that there are certain scheduled times to tour throughout the day. Remember, the days are long during the summer in Alaska, so even an afternoon departure means you will have daylight the whole tour.   We left the hotel about 1PM.

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NorthStar Trekking Helicopter Ride, Glacier Trek and Ice Climbing Shore Excursion from NCL Cruise in Juneau, Alaska

Glacier hiking is a surreal experience. You’ll never forget the satisfying crunch of ever-shifting ice underneath your crampons or the giddy feeling of drinking 100-year-old water from a glacial waterfall. Hands down, hiking a glacier is a must-do excursion in Alaska.

Before we departed on our Alaska Cruise and Land tour, we said to our friends "the one tour that you MUST do is the Helicopter and Glacier Walk!  There is nothing like it in the world! It is a bucket list item!"  We did a similar experience a few years before and felt strongly that this would be the most important experience for them.

What we will go over during this post:

•  Outfitting Equipment
•  Helicopter Ride
•  Glacier Trek
•  Ice Climbing 

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Review of the Alaska Animal Wildlife Conservation Center in Anchorage for Cruise Excursion or Independent Tour

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation, research, education, and animal care in Girdwood.  It is perfectly located along Seward Highway between the large Alaskan City of Anchorage and Whittier, a major cruise port for Alaska itineraries. Think about visiting on your own or as part of a guided tour.  We were part of a tour that dropped us off and we explored on our own.  

We had a couple of hours here and it was well worth the trip we saw black and brown bear, bison, caribou, moose, porcupine, wolves, deer, a bald eagle and owls just to name a few. The photographs we obtained were superb and overall this was an excellent introduction to the birds and animals of the region.

Getting There:

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is located between Anchorage & Whittier, from Anchorage about a 2 hour drive- it's some of Alaska's most beautiful scenery you could imagine, with Glacier- topped mountains and waterways, you can see some wildlife- keep your eyes open.  If you are taking a cruise this is a great stop off on the way to or from the port at Whittier.   We opted for transportation to our cruise and the Center was a stopping point along the way.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ALASKAN WILDLIFE CENTER INCLUDING TOURS, REVIEWS AND TICKET INFORMATION AT TRIPADVISOR BY CLICKING HERE. 

We found out that the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Alaska Wildlife through education and quality animal care, The Center takes in orphaned and injured animals and provides them with refuge and spacious enclosures.  They are a smaller operation and we were hoping to get closer to the animals than we could during our time in Denali all while enjoying great views of the surrounding mountains.  Our time here didn't disappoint! Don't just drive through, take the time to walk (it will be around 1-2 miles of walking on uneven surfaces) and visit the various enclosures.

Here are some of the animals we saw:

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13 Things To Do to Beat Cabin Fever during Social Distancing, Keep Your Life Meaningful and Mind and Body Healthy

From the familiar creaks in the floorboards to your favorite easy chair, there's no place like a  cozy home when you are engaging in social distancing.  But let's face it: Too much time inside doing nothing can make you stir-crazy.

WHAT IS CABIN FEVER?

Cabin fever can dampen your mood, energy level and motivation traditionally during the brutally cold winter months or when required to spend time at home more than you are used to. Not sure if it's happening to you? Here are some signs:

• You feel cooped up and restless.
• You have difficulty concentrating on what’s in front of you.
• You feel lethargic or simply unmotivated to do anything.
• You feel irritated and on edge for no apparent reason.

If you can relate to any of those signs... you’re probably dealing with cabin fever. But before you take up permanent residence on your couch or start to sleep out of sheer boredom, we have good news. Check out this list of fresh ideas to help you (and the whole family) beat cabin fever, once and for all.

1. Read a Book  

There are many free options using your public library or Amazon prime, but many don't want to wait for a title of need a larger number of options.  For those persons we recommend Kindle Unlimited Plan that you can read on any tablet or phone.  The free trial may get you through this period of social distancing.

2. Exercise

We talk all the time about figuring out exercise routines for healthy travel!  Use our guides to exercise at home!  You do not need equipment or you may want to get some small things to use at home that store easily like they would in your suitcase!  And remember, exercise is for your mind and body our guides below also include meditation.

Our guide to some general and different workouts on the road or at home!

Our guide to one of our favorite YouTube Channels BodyFit by Amy with links to specific workouts and gear you can use at home!

3. Declutter

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The Travel Bar Paella Experience in Barcelona Spain is an Evening of Tapas, Sangria, Food and New Friends

Learn how to make the ultimate seafood paella while savoring traditional Spanish tapas and sangria in a delightful hands-on workshop with the Travel Bar Paella Experience.  Cook with local hosts,  make a traditional recipe, and eat in an intimate setting with new friends. You'll have tapas, sangria, and cooking an awesome paella BUT the best part of the experience is that you will feel like you’re with friends that you’ve known for years.

Cooking may be one of your biggest hobbies, or could it be eating?  Either way, if food is your passion there are many reasons to take a cooking class on your next adventure:

• Learn about the culture

• Great food and beverages

• Experience local markets

• Learn practical cooking tips

• Meet other travelers

• Interact with locals

• Contribute to a person or family

• Preserve and support a culture

• Your souvenir will be how to make a tasty meal!

Of course everyone told us: "Why are you spending money on a paella class? Only tourists do that...". But did we have a fun night and meet new friends? You betcha!

1. Booking

We recommend going directly to Viator to Book. You can go directly to the Travel Bar website, but we didn't find the price offered to be any better. As we learned from booking shore excursions, sometimes booking directly is not always the best option and you may have better cancellation policies and recourse for failed tours by using a trusted company to book and to see what experiences are offered. Find a direct link to TripAdvisor again at the end of this post! There are several options for a Paella cooking experience in Barcelona, most of which include many things such as alcohol. We chose the experience that cost $43 per person with a 24 hour cancellation available at TripAdvisor. At the travel bar website, the same experience is the same price but you will have the option to pay only a deposit ahead at their website. There are other companies, such as the Paella Club, that have more expensive experiences with Cava (Spanish sparkling wine) and wine tasting rather than Sangria. Their tours cost about $108 per person and we felt this wasn't necessary for us since we are not heavy drinkers!

2. Communication

In our opinion, it would have been nice to have some personal communication with Travel Bar about the meeting place and to confirm. None of that was provided. We have received communication from other tour companies immediately after booking with TripAdvisor. We are busy when we travel and it is easy to forget things or get confused in foreign countries. Read on to understand why this would be a nice touch, but hopefully our review will help you if you book this experience! As is typical with TripAdvisor, we were emailed reminders which is another reason to use them rather than booking directly.

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Fourteen Treasures to See at the British Museum If You Have Two Hours Before You Go Anywhere Else

You could literally spend hours at the British Museum. It contains a breathtaking collection of millions of objects that paint the portrait of British exploration. While some objects may be controversial, it is hard to argue that the history and significance of many items are unmatched. If you have two hours and you don't know what to see, use our guide to significant objects on display on the first and second floors.

When the British Museum opened in 1753 it was the world's first national public museum, free (as it remains still today) to all "studious and curious persons." Be prepared however, it will be crowded by many curious tourists and students of all ages, so plan your time well.  

Before you start your tour take a minute to absorb the magnitude of the Great Court.  The graceful glass and steel roof manages to embody the classical nature of the objects in the museum but capture modern culture.  This beautiful space was originally intended to be a garden and eventually a reading room was added to the center in the 19th century.  At a cost of around $150 million, the space was redesigned for public use and became known as the Queen Elizabeth II Great Court when it was opened by Her Majesty the Queen on December 6, 2020.  What you see walking under the criss-crossed patterned glass roof, appearing like a cloud filled sky is a two-acre open space where you could fit nearly two football fields.

Now on to our favorites!

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Visit a Hidden Gem in London's West End, and It's Free! Look at our Top 10 Things to see at The Wallace Collection.

Tucked in the streets behind Selfridges and overlooking the delightful, though private, Manchester Square gardens, The Wallace Collection is one of our favorite museums in London.  Less than a kilometer from our recent stay at the Langham London Hotel, we felt like we were in a daydream of artifacts and decided to stay longer at the cafe for afternoon tea.

Though largely famous for several well known paintings by Rembrandt, Velazquez and Titian, the museum is also home to an outstanding collection of european arms and armour, objects from the Renaissance period and important French furniture pieces including a desk belonging to Marie Antoinette. The collection was bequeathed to the nation in 1897.

What are our top four reasons that we love this museum?

• We can only spend so long at a single museum before our heads start spinning from "cultural fatigue" and we are struggling to stay focused or find what we want. Smaller museums are often more manageable.
• You will not encounter the large crowds like at the more popular Victoria and Albert Museum or the National Gallery
• It is a unique perspective often highlighting the powerful women of the ages, like Madame de Pompadour and Marie-Antoinette
• It is a peaceful and quiet area of London

RxTIP:

Docent tours are offered almost daily but are limited to 25 persons.  Check the schedule here and make sure you get a sticker at the entrance to participate! 

Before you go, get a book on the highlights of the collection.  You can see our favorites and we will tell you why they are our favorites, but you may see other things the will interest you as well at this museum famous for its decorative arts!  This book published in Spring of 2020 is sure to please!  Please click on the photo below to learn more at Amazon and support our blog!  Thank you so much!!

One highlight of the museum is amazing until you hear the next one!  That is how we felt at the Wallace Collection.  There was always something else around the corner.  Here is our list of the most interesting items to ponder at The Wallace Collection in London:

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Seven Wonders of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London England You Must See to Believe

With a permanent collection of over 4.5 million objects, London’s Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design. You would need many years – maybe a lifetime – to look through this unequalled treasure trove so what better solution than plan a docent tour to select and explain some of the exceptional artifacts on display.

When it was established in 1857 the Museum was called the South Kensington Museum. It was renamed the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1899 when Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone of new buildings for the Museum.  It's no surprise that Queen Victoria really wanted to call the V&A the 'Albert Museum'.  

RxTIP:  Admission is free, except for special exhibits and check for free docent tours that occur throughout the day.  Even consider taking more than one docent tour if you can because different guides will show you different things! Walk to the V&A to stay fit.  We walked 2.5 miles each way from the Langham where we stayed! 

1.  The Virgin with the Laughing Child (Room 64a)

Located in an obscure corner of the Renaissance section (room 64a) is our number one thing to see at the V&A:  “The Virgin with the Laughing Child”. 

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Bank of America in Charlotte North Carolina Announced Return of (FREE) Museums on Us for 2019!

UPDATE

What a great Holiday Gift!  Bank of America is giving a big present to its cardholders with a special holiday edition of its popular “Museums on Us” program.  From December 26 - 31, Bank of America is offering cardholders free general admission to more than 220 museums around the country.  Check our full post below to see the details and find if any museums are near your holiday destination...

Museums on Us by Bank of America is back for 2019 and includes MANY museums nationwide!

The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA

Museums matter as LTD discussed in our 5-part series on traveling with Children!  Education is key!

The first full weekend starts January 5-6 2019 and includes many locations across the USA!  Here are some examples which we would choose:

• The Art Institute of Chicago
• The Museum of Fine Arts Boston
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art

BUT there are so many locations to choose from, so search your home location or where you are traveling to!

Click here to see the list of museums included!

Phones are Important for Travel and Everyone carries them in museums, but How Can They be Clean??!  PhoneSoap is the answer!

This is a customer favorite! AS SEEN ON SHARK TANK AND DISCOVERY CHANNEL. PhoneSoap's revolutionary bacteria-zapping technology was featured on ABC's Shark Tank and tested and proven on the Discovery Channel.  Think of the germs we are exposed to during travel at the kiosks! So many museums have interactive kiosks. Stay healthy and charge a phone all at the same time.  Click on the photo below to learn more at Amazon and support our blog! 

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Visit a Hidden North Carolina Mountain Destination: The Apple Hill Alpaca Farm in Banner Elk

The name may be misleading, because the Apple Hill Farm has not been an apple farm in many years.  This hidden gem in Banner Elk, North Carolina is a great day to spend with your family learning about many animals and taking in some great views!

Every animal has a specific job, and many have a story as well! In addition to farm animals, Apple Hill Farm is also home to the largest selection of alpaca products in the High Country of North Carolina.

Apple Hill Farm, originally an apple orchard, was created by Lee Rankin after she was inspired by a personal connection with an alpaca at a Kentucky fair.  According to Lee, "That connection awakened my inner questioning of my life as I had known it. All I could express at the time was that whatever was next would involve alpacas."  Now she shares her vision and hopes to inspire others by making the farm open to the public since 2006.

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The Emancipation Proclamation Comes Alive at Booker T. Washington National Monument in Hardy, Virginia

From slave cabin to the "Wizard of Tuskegee," learn about the incredible life of Booker T. Washington at the place of his birth in Hardy, Virginia.

Booker T. Washington famously said: "If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else."

LTD recently posted information about our visit to Poplar Forest, the private retreat of Thomas Jefferson.  Poplar Forest was a large tobacco farm near Lynchburg, Virginia.  However, less than 40 miles away and 37 years after Jefferson died, a small slave boy will be freed from another tobacco farm.  That small boy, Booker T. Washington, would go on to become perhaps the most influential black man in America during the late 1800s. He is often remembered today as being subservient, a sellout even, but most agree that he pursued racial equality with discretion.  However, there is more to his legacy, such as his role as a Presidential advisor, or as the first leader of one of the country's best historically black colleges.  To understand the significance of his achievements, it is important that you see the challenges he overcame and that begins at the place of his birth on a small tobacco plantation in modern-day Hardy, Virginia.  

Enjoy our live visit to the Booker T. Washington National Monument and to support our blog PLEASE subscribe to our YouTube Channel by clicking HERE!  Thank you so much!!

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Explore the Most Private Retreat of Thomas Jefferson: Poplar Forest in Bedford, Virginia

Poplar Forest is a unique place to visit in Virginia for fans of Thomas Jefferson, American Architecture or Historic Preservation. The site is a retreat that Thomas Jefferson designed for himself near present-day Lynchburg, Virginia, in the early 1800s as a get-away from his busy life at Monticello. Get an intimate view of the home, its construction, the enslaved community and the man himself which is unlike any visit to Monticello.

Ever since George Washington began using Mount Vernon as his escape from official duties, American presidents have enjoyed private retreats.  For Thomas Jefferson, that place was Poplar Forest.

Enjoy our Live Visit to Poplar Forest and PLEASE support our YouTube Channel by Subscribing HERE! 

Poplar Forest is one of only two homes Jefferson designed for his personal use. Jefferson inherited the Bedford County plantation in 1773 and work began on the home about 1806. When his presidency ended in 1809, he visited the retreat three or four times a year, often staying for several months at a time during planting seasons.

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Got Wanderlust? Millennial Travel is the New Trend for Luxury Travel. Look Here for the Top 10 Trending Destinations!

Millennial International and Overseas Travel Trends for Vacation and Holidays influence where all of us will be going whether we realize it or not!

The Millennial - The largest generation is the new target for international travel. But what do Millennials want when they travel?

Millennial Jill Stevens says she "wants to see it all!"
(photo courtesy of Jill Stevens)

Adventure Travel is the overwhelming trend in Millennial Travel

Some of us may long for quiet time at a secluded resort with every whim taken care of, but the trends and desires of travelers is changing over time.  Adventure travel, as the name suggests, is not for luxury travelers who would plan only on the beach.  Adventure Tourism is one of the fastest-growing trends in the travel domain.  Defining exactly what it means is a little tricky. While for one group of travelers, adventure could mean leisurely biking and hiking tours, for the other group, it might entail base jumping into an underground cave in Mexico. So the main facets of adventure tourism usually include traveling to a distant location, interacting with different cultures and undertaking a physical activity of some kind.  According to Start The Adventure, adventure travel overwhelmingly appeals to millennials.  Mountain trekking was the number-one trip style sought by millennials, followed by sailing trips, island-hopping, music-related travel and foodie trips.

Completing the list of the top 10 travel choices are sustainable travel, spring-break, hop-on/hop-off tours, wildlife safaris, and active adventures.

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Visit an Absolute Jewel in the Crown of Boston Massachusetts: The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Opened in 1903, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, Massachusetts has been preserved “for the education and enjoyment of the public forever.” A Venetian palace in the middle of Boston, Gardner's home is now a museum displaying her impressive, eclectic collection of European, American and Asian art, including sculpture, paintings, furniture, ceramics and textiles. 

Visitors can stroll or rest in a spectacular sky lit courtyard filled with plants and flowers or learn about the famous 1990 Gardner Museum heist.

Enjoy our live visit to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in this Video where you can see many of the galleries you will enjoy!

Who was Isabella Stewart Gardner?

Born and educated in New York City, the spirited and stylish Isabella Stewart moved to Massachusetts in 1860 when she married Bostonian John Lowell Gardner Jr. The couple frequently traveled to Europe and the Middle East, which sparked and then nurtured Isabella’s interest in art. Interest led to amateur collecting, which turned into serious collecting after Isabella inherited her father’s fortune in 1891.

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All You Need to Know When You Visit a Hidden Gem in Portland Maine: The Victoria Mansion

Portland, Maine is famous for many things:  restaurants, breweries, hiking, cycling, weather, natural beauty and history!  Step back to a bygone era when you visit the historic Victoria Mansion in Portland Maine.  

Victoria Mansion, also know as the Morse-Libby House, is a rare intact survivor of mid-nineteen century America. It was built and furnished be 1858 and 1860 on the eve of the Civil War, comparatively early for an American Victorian house. 

See our live visit to the Victoria Mansion by enjoying our video!

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All You Need to Know to Visit The Queen of Coastal Lighthouses in Cape Elizabeth, Maine: The Portland Head Light

Just imagine: this Lighthouse was built while George Washington was President!  It is still an active lighthouse and you can visit it!

Portland, Maine is famous for many things:  restaurants, breweries, hiking, cycling, weather, beauty and lighthouses!  When you visit Portland, enjoy a day taking in all that the coast of Maine has to offer, just a short distance away!  Fort Williams Park and the Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth Maine are the beacon of beauty and use our guide to make the most out of your day!

1.  Getting there from Portland

Located just minutes from the Old Port in Portland Maine this is an easy place to visit either by car or bicycle. Enjoy the view once you arrive in Cape Elizabeth because the homes and scenery when you near the park are almost as spectacular as what you will soon see!

Note there are multiple lighthouses in Cape Elizabeth and to get there using GPS enter "Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth" if not you may end up at Two Lights State Park nearby (where the Two Lights Lighthouses aren't even located!).

There are companies that offer guided cycling trips to lighthouses, such as Summer Feet Cycling who have a "5 Lighthouse Bike Tour" for a reasonable price from the Portland waterfront and takes in about 30 miles of riding.  We saw the group at Fort Williams Park when we were there and they were very pleased with the quality of their tour.

Schedule a lighthouse cruise with Portland Discovery Land and Sea Tours from Portland to see a different perspective of the area and hear the narrated history while you view them!

Experience what it is like to visit Fort Williams Park and the Portland Head Light lighthouse by viewing our live visit in the video below!

2. History

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All You Need to Know When You Visit The World Class John and Mable Ringling Museum in Sarasota, Florida

The Ringling Museum in Sarasota, Florida is one of the most Beautiful Museums You Will Ever Visit! A legacy left by John and Mable Ringling, who made their fortune as part of the famous Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus.  Your admission gives you far more than just one museum.

Within the 66-acre grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay you can see the Circus Museum recapturing the heady days of the traveling circus, tour the magnificent Ca’ d’Zan Mansion and the extensive gardens, and visit the Florida State Art Museum, the original Asolo Theatre or the more recent Glass Pavilion, making this a great value-for-money attraction.  LTD gives you restaurant recommendations in the Sarasota area to make your visit a great "Day at the Museum!"

Enjoy our Video about John and Mable Ringling on the Museum grounds where we show you Ca' d'Zan live!

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