The Washington's Mansion in Mt. Vernon

This was not our first visit to the mansion. We had the mansion walkthrough visit few years back, but we thought of signing up for another same tour, but this time, more locations to visit included in our itinerary.

We started the mansion tour at 10:50AM and it was a fast paced tour because of a growing crowd! Most of the tour inside wasn't guided but just a quick-paced glimpse of the various rooms and kitchen.

This mansion became the beloved home of George and Martha Washington after they got married in 1759 until George Washington's death in 1799.

Did you know that in 1799, there were at least more than 300 men and women and children enslaved at Mt. Vernon? They were the ones who worked mostly within the estate including farmers, carpenters, cooks, and cleaners for the Washington family.

George Washington wasn't happy about the institution of slavery, so after the Revolutionary War, he had questioned it. Ultimately, he freed 123 slaves he owned outright! The rest still remained slaves including Martha Washington's descendants!

The tour is also a visit to more than a dozen outbuildings that includes slave quarters, kitchen, blacksmith shop and stables.

Also, the tomb of both George & Martha lies within the property near other family members in the tomb. It was completed in 1831. There is also an original burial vault located nearby (no photo, sorry).

Another place worth visiting is the distillery & gristmill close by, located 3 miles from the estate. You need transportation to visit the site if you are strictly on a scheduled trip.

The gristmill was built of a large stone built in 1771. It produced flour & cornmeal and was exported as high-quality products. In 1797, a distillery was built adjacent to the gristmill which became a successful producer of rye whiskey and other distilled products in 1799. Both buildings used technologies that were cutting edge in the late 1700's, and still fully functional and reconstructed.

The Tacky Lights Tour - An Experience

When it comes to the best tacky Christmas light displays that can be seen in homes and some business areas, try signing up for a Tacky Lights Tour located in Richmond, Virginia.

There are no specific routes to go to, as they are located in different locations in various neighborhoods.

So, if you are visiting, it is recommended to sign up for one online, or you can perhaps find a visitor center in the area for any info.

Experience wise, we did a bus tour, so there was no hassle when it comes to the places or homes we should go.

The tacky lights tradition in Richmond has been around for 30 years! There should be at least 40,000 lights minimum requirement in order to be nominated and included on the list of approved houses to join the tacky lights contest.

The year 2016's grand price was $50,000.

Take note: - it's more convenient to take the tour aboard a tour bus, or trolley (depending on the weather), limos or vans.

There are professional tour companies that offer services to do it for you, so you don't need to risk driving on your own, and get lost...lol! You'll enjoy it better!

backyard lights at 9215 Venetian Way

The Christmas house by "Mr. Christmas" Frank Hudak.

Some homes we visited were located at Marbury Terrace, Glen Allen, Virginia and some at Henrico, VA.

GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

If you want yourself surrounded by a half-a-million twinkling lights during the holidays, visit Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond, Virginia, as you stroll along pathways filled with flowers aglow or pass under archways of lights decked out in sparkling streamers, bells, baskets, etc...

One of the highlights would be seeing the 14-ft. tree fully decorated with Victorian decorations!

As you enter in the central garden, you will be amused to see some colorful orbs as you pass through the elegant courtyard. You'll then see all kinds of colorful designs in various shapes and sizes all throughout the garden.

The garden's festival of lights is a tradition that's being celebrated every year with different theme each year. It usually starts late November to early January of the next year.

A Guided Tour To Colonial Williamsburg - Christmas Tour

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia is popularly known as America's largest interactive history museum, located south of Washington D.C.

Your visit will bring you back in time during the American Revolution period. You will hear beating of drums, trilling rifles and meet and greet interpretive characters in their costumes as you stroll around. 

There are other more activities being done as well, especially for the kids too!

Our tour included a visit to a church and learned about the Historic Triangle as one of the highlights for an interesting narration and historical facts.

Also, see and enjoy some homes and lots of shops along Duke of Gloucester Street which are decorated for the Colonial Christmas.

If you enjoy shopping and dining, proceed to Merchant's Square.

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"Greatly blessed, highly favored...imperfect but forgiven child of God!"😇🙏

Agecroft Hall Visit - A Guided Tour

Age Croft Hall is a Tudor home built in Lancashire, England during the late 15th century. It was considered to be a distinguished home of the Langley & Dauntesey families in England for hundreds of years. 

By the end of 19th century, it fell into disrepair and eventually sold in auction in 1925.

Thomas Williams, a resident from Richmond, Virginia bought the structure, then dismantled the home estate, shipped it to Richmond, Virginia and then re-assembled it in the neighborhood of Richmond in Windsor Farms.

Today, it still stands on the rolling banks of the James River beautifully recreated, just like in its original site in Lancashire, England along Irwell River.

Take note: photos are not allowed inside the estate during the tour, but are allowed outside the home and in the gardens.

During our tour, a visit to the gardens was allowed, but bothing can be seen due to the season. (Winter) Ideal times to visit this estate would be late spring to early fall if you want to visit the gardens too!

Taking the tour inside (even if photos are not allowed) will be all worth it. The tour guide will bring you back to the lifestyle of the Langleys & Daunteseys during their period, as explained from room to room.

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"Greatly blessed, highly favored...imperfect but forgiven child of God!"😇🙏

Busch Garden’s Christmas Town at Night

The adventure park becomes more beautiful at night during the holiday seasons, where you will be enchanted by its holiday decors and lights which includes heart-warming shows, delicious holiday dining and festive shopping! These are only but part of your joyful experience as you come for a visit! [Ps}

As the sun sets, the adventure park will glow with over 8 million lights as you witness the twinkling and dazzling colors while you stroll through the park!

Just a heads up!....it will always be crowded especially at night. If you want to stay or visit during the night on holidays, expect long lines at shows and dining!

We watched the show "Gloria" which was really fantastic! Experience wise, we had to wait long lines for the show, but it was smooth...not much hassles particularly if you line up early for the next show times ;).

Dining would always be a tough challenge though, as most people are eating from early afternoon to dinner time.

It's still worth the enjoyment though!..let's face it, it is part of it when you are in a theme park.

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"Greatly blessed, highly favored...imperfect but forgiven child of God!"😇🙏

Visit to Charles Dickens Christmas Towne

Charles Dickens Christmas Towne is a magical, recreated village where you 'll get the experience of stepping back into a 19th century Victorian England. This is one place worth visiting during Christmas time, located at Waterside Drive in Norfolk, Virginia. Children will surely enjoy it.

Inside the village, you get to experience walking on cobblestone path past candlelit windows, or enjoy delicious, seasonal baked goods, or sip hot teas and chocos at cozy places. You can as well shop pretty ornaments from many local merchants, or just watch strolling costumed actors and carolers greeting everyone with "Happy Christmas", and singing seasonal songs.

You'll also enjoy taking your photos from ideal holiday backdrops such as London vignettes or mesmerizing model train displays that are catchy for the children. 

There are lots of activities that the whole family can enjoy including the experience of seeing snow in the town square everyday of your visit!

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"Greatly blessed, highly favored...imperfect but forgiven child of God!"😇🙏

Boardwalk Holiday Lights - Virginia Beach

One amazing place to visit during the Christmas season in Virginia Beach is the boardwalk for the sparkling lights.

It's gonna be a slow driving tour for those who are doing a quick visit.

I and my husband were able to sign up for a bus tour going there, so we were in a large group.

This has been a holiday tradition that makes the night lovely and wonderful to the Hampton roads and along 2nd Street & the Boardwalk of course!

There are certain fees for all vehicles coming depending on the type of vehicle you have. The fees may also change yearly.

You will be amused with the various animated holiday-themed light displays, and if you have kids, they would absolutely enjoy it! Attractive displays include jumping dolphins, frolicking sea creatures, blocks of festive fish, mermaids, santas and many more. I have attached some video clips as well as photos for you to enjoy ;).

Note that each light may not be exactly the same each year. They may add some new designs and remove some, or they may be the same with additional animations.

Enjoy the holidays with spectacular delight at Virginia Beach for your whole family. It will be worth it. Bring your cameras and take tons of photos and videos too!

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"Greatly blessed, highly favored...imperfect but forgiven child of God!"😇🙏

A Tribute Holiday Show For the USO

It was a patriotic night experience with a comedy in between watching the "USO Holiday Tribute Show" at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

The show features songs and music during the WW II, Korea and Vietnam. The performance called "Thanks for the Memories" was nostalgic for those who experienced hearing entertainment during the World War II, which included comedy and music that starred Bill Johnson as Bob Hope and the Victory Belles from WW II Museum in New Orleans along with seasonal music and historical repertoires.

This tribute show is dedicated to all American veterans with holiday songs which were performed by Hollywood celebrities in the jungles, battlefields and even aboard aircraft carriers...those days when soldiers got their entertainment while on the battlefield!

This show brings you back into yesteryear!

Guided Tour of the Hunter House Victorian Museum

Before you take this tour, take note that photos are not allowed inside! So, reserve your cameras for photos outside only! :(

This house museum is located in the Freemason district of downtown Norfolk, Virginia that is rich in both local and Victorian history, built in 1894.

As you walk towards the house museum, you can easily see the sign along with beautiful two-story eclectic 19th century homes lining the street as its neighborhood! 

The only photo I secretly took inside which they said this was a medical machine used to diagnose heart failures!

This gorgeous Victorian house museum was owned by Mr. James & Lizzie Hunter and their 3 children. The family was prominent since Mr. Hunter was a famous civic leader and merchant and a successful banker.

Most of its furnishings are original including the Victorian furnishings and decorative arts which also belonged to the hunter family.

Tours are offered if you want to know more about its history and the artistic style furnishings inside the home, or if you are just one person who loves art and history.

Chocolate tasting AT The Royal Chocolate

If you haven't heard about The Royal Chocolate yet, it's a local confectionary that would treat you with a hot choco fondue and homemade truffles.

Me and hubby

It's located in Virginia Beach Town Center that offers chocolates of all kinds, like choco-dipped apples, gourmet caramel and all kinds of exquisite chocolates placed in beautiful gift baskets.

It also has a special collection of handmade Royal Chocolates made with real Belgian chocolate.

You can always get a nice gesture from them by a free tasting! A very nice bonus if you also want to buy their products; - from regular chocolate products to chocolates-filled beautifully wrapped gift box and basket!