Visiting The Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail

If you like hiking or biking on trails and at the same time learning the historical past about it, - the Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail is the most ideal place to visit while in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.

You can visit the museum exhibits for a minimal fee per person. The various exhibits can be viewed in a historical photo timelines, and through short videos on TV screens. The museum entirely shows the historical development and construction of the Roanoke navigation canals, including its engineering platforms and designs, the historical past of the Roanoke River Valley, and the canal's ultimate conversion as source of electrical power generation.

There are more exhibits downstairs consisting of some artifacts that were used during the past on displays. It's in here where you can see and touch interactive exhibits. This part of the museum used to be a power station built in 1900.

They say that Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail is the "world's longest museum". I'm not sure why, but probably because of the size of the canal that extends its history along the 7.5 mile trail.

The Roanoke Canal Trail can be enjoyed either by walking or biking where you can get the chance to view some ruins of the old structures, see the wildlife and witness the scenic view of the Roanoke River. The ruins can be seen at least a mile away from the museum as you follow the trail.

(I didn't make it to the ruins, so I couldn't share photos...sorry! ) :(

The Hagerstown Premium Outlets - MARYLAND

There are always ideal places to find impressive deals when it comes to shopping items without compromising the quality, like the Premium Outlets in Hagerstown, MD. ;)

I usually go to this outlet when I need some items from my favorite signature brands ;).

There are at least more than 100 stores in this outlet mall which is situated along interstate 70, which is 3 miles east of the highway's junction with interstate 81 in Hagerstown, MD.

It's one of the major shopping malls in Washington County, opened in 1998 and was formerly called Prime Outlets - Hagerstown.

It was then in 2010 that its name was changed to Hagerstown Premium Outlets after the mall has been acquired by Simon Property Group.

The mall is open-air which means, there will be a lot of walking outside. It has a village-style lay out, without upper floors, but has cemented path walks all throughout.

Celebrating Labor Day at Longwood Gardens

Trip Date: Aug. 30 - Sept. 01, 2014

Longwood Gardens is one of the most visited garden in the U.S. It is more than an ordinary botanical garden you will ever see; - it is a place for learning, entertainment, peaceful retreat and a place to commune with nature while enjoying thousand of species of plants and flowers in every season.

As you keep coming back to visit the garden, there are new attractions it offers to the garden and nature lovers. Visitors never get bored of coming to visit because there are always new ones to discover every visit.

I and my husband prefer coming back here from mid-spring to early or late summer to spend more outdoors! It was at this visit that we discovered the newly opened garden - The Meadow Garden.

This is an ideal place to do a walk and hikes, while at the same time admiring the beauty of nature and living things. A new experience for those who haven't seen the garden yet ;).

The Meadow Garden was designed for walking and hiking trails with a spanning area of 86 acres. Trail maps are always available for those who prefer to self-explore, although there are also expert guides that can lead visitors for shorter walks/hikes in some selected days.

The garden has more than 3 miles of walk and trail hikes as you continue to enjoy at your own leisure and at the same time discovering lush wetlands, open refreshing fields as well as seeing amazing diverse habitats for flora and fauna.

Saw a toad!

...and a turtle!

Take note however, that guided walks and hikes are weather dependent. It's always a good idea to visit and inquire at the Visitor Center at the entrance to the garden or by visiting them online. (longwoodgardens dot org.)

A Guided Driving Tour of Fairmount Park Experience

Being considered as one of the largest urban parks in the country, Fairmount Park is just one of Philadelphia's famous attractions every visitor shouldn't miss.

The park has 10,000 acre park system made up of 63 different parks and is comprised with at least 200 historical buildings, making it a park that shows more about public art than any other city.

Experience the stunning trails running along the Boathouse Row and Schuuylkill River and at the same time witness various colorful gardens that you could surely enjoy.

Experience wise, I did the bus tour, but surprisingly, there are parks that are only limited for buses which means you wouldn't be able to see all the park has to offer when doing a bus guided tour.

I would suggest to do a tour on your own by either walking or doing a smaller car driving tour.

Walking tour isn't enough to do in a day, so don't overdo it. Take your time at your own pace...it's the best choice to see all the entire park.