The Strasburg Railroad

Aren't we glad we can still immerse ourselves into a rich, educational experience learning about steam railroading until today? This fun, informative experience is not only for students but for the entire public who enjoy and appreciate exploring the engines and rail cars up-close...and the best would be riding on these beautifully restored trains, don't you agree?

Well, we did had fun, indeed! Riding on a presidential coal-burning steam train as they would say is more than fun! It's like you walked through the past where famous people in the past had been through. We had a 45-minute (presidential) train ride that departed from East Strasburg station that took us through the Amish countryside to Paradise, PA then back. During the trip, you'll see more than 1,000 acres of Amish farm fields still plowed by horses and mules. You see Amish buggies on railroad crossings and cool farms!


The best part? You enjoy food and drinks and entertainment while aboard the steam train on Strasburg Railroad. A little bit of a change to that of visiting a zoo. LOL!

Visiting Strasburg Railroad is like experiencing romance and adventure in the early 20th century that comes to life.

The Amish Farm & House Tour

It's just interesting to be learning all about the lifestyles and beliefs of the Amish people. This tour was really informative. One good thing you should sign up for an Amish tour is you can surely learn about the correct information about the old Order Amish lifestyle.

We got the chance to visit the actual Amish community, saw 18th century farm house, wide variety of farm animals that they raise, an authentic Amish room school house, a typical Amish residential home, etc...

The Amish people don't want themselves being captured for photos. So, cameras are not their "cup of tea." Although you can take shots around the community as much as you want, just don't include them on your photo shoots! A belief you should respect, and they would respect you in return.

Longwood's "Eye of the Water"

This was our 4th visit to our favorite Longwood Gardens, but my first time to see this fountain called "Eye of Water." Obviously, it looks like an eye! :)).

This water feature only runs from mid-April to mid-October. Much more ideal to visit during summer!

I've learned that this "eye" sits above a 90,000 gallon reservoir which supplies the main fountain garden and the waterfall of the garden.

Celebration Station

We drove to Mesquite, TX and dropped by at Celebration Station to see what's in there and we reached the place super hungry! Good thing there is one place of pizza place inside where we ordered enough to eat.

This mini theme park has both indoor and outdoor entertainment complex. There are mini golf areas that you can play with - ideal for kids or families.

We thought of playing the mini-"putt-putt" as hubby would say, lol! It's cute and fun! By the way, I won the game with my hole-in-one twice! :).

Longhorn Cattle Sculpture Park

When you're in downtown Dallas, this park is easy to find. The park is located at Pioneer Plaza by the Dallas Convention Center and at the intersection of SOuth Griffin and Young Street.
The park is pretty obvious when you start seeing bronze statues of longhorns leaded by statues of 3 cowboys riding on their horses. It is landscaped with a flowing stream and waterfalls that leads to a small stream of water with some bronze cattle statues that are crossing through it. The sculptures are considered to be the largest bronze sculpture of their type in the world.

The park is based on honoring the Dallas cowboys' past by celebrating the trails that brought settlers to Dallas.

Just a note to keep in mind: Don't touch or ride on the sculptures during extreme hot or cold weather temperatures. I tried touching one of them during my visit one fine hot day in summer!...OUCH!, really hot! LOL!...almost burned one of my fingers!

The 40 Steps

This spectacular platform is located at the end of Narragansett Ave. The stone stairs goes down to the side of the cliff on a balcony overlooking the sea.

This historical landmark were popular during Newport's Golden Age where it used to be the gathering place for servants and workers close to the mansions.

From the landmark, you can see stunning views of the ocean, the mansions and the cliff sides.

Note: It's important to highly consider warning signs around the area. Wandering off the path can be dangerous particularly during summer when thick bushes and vegetation may run to the edge of the cliff making it hard for you to see dangerous areas to step on.

The 10-Mile Drive

There are so much things to do and see at Newport, Rhode Island. If your time is limited, the "10-Mile Drive" would be the best option to do to see most of the island's historical community, the fabulous recreational public parks and shorelines.
Did you know that the "10-mile drive" ranks as one of the most popular "drives" in the country?

The Ten Mile Drive which includes Newport's Ocean drive and Fort Adams is historical. It is also known as the scenic drive due to the impressive coastal views and historical landmarks. The directions are pretty much easy to follow since the place is small and most of the roads are one-way. You can print the driving directions online.

We had fun doing it! After all the muscle strain from the Cliff walk, this drive was much more relaxing!...and way much more convenient :).

By the way, summer is always a good weather to spend your time along the coastal views if you want to stay longer in the outdoors.
Take note: Other than summer, the rest of the season at RI will be cold!...I mean...REALLY COLD!

Tips For Driving An RV - 2

(continuation of Part 1)

• Showering. - To conserve water, shut it off while you lather in the shower, before turning it back to rinse.
• Driving. - It's a bad idea to exceed speed limits in an RV because you need extra distance to stop. Try finding long entry ramps when merging into highways to accelerate so you have enough space. Use your side mirrors, too.
• Hills. - If hills are too steepy, you won't be able to make it to the top, no matter how hard you push on the gas. It helps to buy a mountain guide available at truck stops so you can identify troublesome hills. Approach any grade over 10% with caution.
• Entry Step. - Most RV's have pull out entry steps so it's easy to get in and out. Make sure to stow the step before you drive. If it happened you left it out, and you're driving, you can't see it. When the step hits a curb or someone's car, you're in heavy trouble!
• Dumping. - Wait until the tanks are at least 3 quarters full before you empty them. Otherwise, they won't drain properly. The black tank is the sewer waste, and the gray tank is the water waste. Dump the contents of the black tank first so the soapy water from the gray tank can clean out the hose.
  

Tips For Driving An RV - 1

If you plan to rent an RV for an out of town trip or you have one of your own, you might want to check and recheck the following tips before you go on a long trip. It's always good to be prepared always!

• Parking. - Practice parking before going anywhere. If you're at a campground and you try backing up for the first time, you might hit something that might lead you into trouble.
• Directions. - Get meticulous directions. Let other people know you're driving a 36-foot motor home that needs the straightest, easiest route. Making a U-turn in an RV is a nightmare! You stop traffic!
• Pets. - Taking your pet with you is one great advantage with RVing. You don't need to leave your pet in a kennel at home or hotel room. You're bringing your home on the road, so do the same for your pet. Bring his stuff and all will be fine.
• Packing. - If you're renting, most companies offer packages with sheets, towels, dishes, pots and pans. These eliminates the hassles of having to pack those items.
• Fuel. - Most motor home generators automatically turn off before the fuel tank is completely empty. There's still some gas left to drive on, but you must fill the tank up right away.

(to be continued...)

Astor's Beechwood Mansion

It was such a great idea to add this mansion to our itinerary for a visit. It was not included on our mansion visit package tour , so we paid the fee for it alone.
The best thing on this tour is that you can take as many photos as you like inside.

The Living History Tours are done by Astor family members and friends, sharing all about the Victorian era lifestyles, all about the Astor family, and the Newport society.

In the tour, the tour guides talk to you as if you are one of the socialite guests whom they are expecting on a party and they would be telling you where to dress up and do your hairstyles :), the time of the dinner, etc...
This was funny!...the tour guide (acting as a servant) asked me; ..." Are you attending the party tonight?" Well, there was actually no party on that coming night, LOL! ALl you have to do is give her back a smart answer, hehehehe... So, I replied..."let's just see, we are not sure yet." :)).

This Beechwood Mansion was formerly the summer house of Mrs. Astor, - known to be the queen of American Society. The building is of course designed and made during the Gilded Age with white Italianate structure with yellow trim in the 18th century.

The mansion offers a lot of various tours mostly performance tours showcasing the life in the Gilded Age. Other tours are Victorian Murder Mystery (interesting), Candlelight Musical Tour, etc!
I got some few shots during the tour. Some were taken by my husband as we alternately take shots. It's always a good idea to have two cameras in hand. We got one each!

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Tips For Road Trippers (Part 2 of 2)

• Internet Access. - Grand stores such as Kmart and Sears have computers with free internet access (some stores in California and Hawaii). This is handy for anyone travelling without a PC or laptop who needs the internet.
• Firm Footing. - To avoid blisters during hikes, spray some of your antiperspirant on your ankles and heels just before you set out. It works just as it does under your arms - it prevents sweat, which when combined with friction causes painful sores.
• Charger Reminder. - Most if not all have experienced forgetting phone chargers in their rooms. Try writing "charger" in big black letters on a 5x7 index card and always keep it on a spot where in it will be the first one you can see when you open your luggage.
• Handy Deodorants. - Travel stress and fewer opportunities in a shower may result in odors especially under arms. Rub on a dab or two of alcohol-based hand sanitizer such as Purell, which are commonly available everywhere. It kills odor-causing bacteria, allows normal sweating and can last 24 hours or more! :).
• Fun Money. - If you're going to Disney with your kids, try buying Disney dollars at the Disney store and reward it to your kids when they are well-behaved ;). Once they are in the park, they can buy their own souvenirs at the Disney stores. How cool is that? :)
• Rub the Right Way. - If you need tape-roller lint brushes but are too bulky to pack, try one of those flat, circular, rubber jar openers. It takes almost no space on your luggage and works well as a roller.
  

Tips For Road Trippers (Part 1 of 2)

Going on a road trip? These are some tips that might help you lessen the hassles:

• Bring some snacks. - Snacks are crucial like munchies for kids.
• Encode Your Accounts. - If you have a list of important account numbers, insert a 3 or 4 digit dummy code into each member. If the list is lost, it'll be meaningless to anyone who isn't aware of the dummy code.
• Love Your Neighbors. - You can rely on them to gather your mail or pick up papers from your front yard. You can then return the favor back by buying souvenirs or collectible items from your trip for them.
• Cashing Out. - If you're often stuck with small coins and bills that aren't easy to convert back to dollars, you can solve this when you settle your hotel bills. You can pay first with the left over cash then use your credit card for the balance.
• Queasy does it. - Take anti-motion sickness pills or seabands with you. They mostly come in handy which can be kept in your purse.
• Detergent deterrent. - Mosquito bites are annoying. Dab a bit of liquid laundry soap on it. Not only will it stop the itching immediately, but the bite will go away in a day or two.

(to be continued)

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The Belcourt Castle

Location: Newport, Rhode Island

Did you know that this castle is considered to be unique among the mansions in Newport? It's because of its hunting lodge style composed of 60 rooms.
This castle is a 114-year old which has 50,000 square feet medieval style design.

Belcourt offers traditional tours (including ghost tours, too!) and is also famous for its antique collections.

We were suppose to sign up for a tour but we lacked time. It was more than an hour wait for the next tour schedule so we decided to just cancel it.

We did some photos just outside the castle, right close to the main entrance and at the front.

It might be good to try the ghost tours if you want spooky adventures! :).

The Cliff Walk

If there is one good exercise that you need to have in Newport, R.I., take the Cliff Walk. Take note that this might be strenous to some, but you can take control of it on your own. You can take slow walks to fast walks or jogs; - it's the way you like it.

The cliff used to be an undeveloped coastal shoreline in the 18th century. It was developed, redeveloped, and repaired at times in the older years.

This 3.5 mile picturesque walk overlooks the spectacular Atlantic coastline and named one of the "50 Places of a Lifetime."

Just some few things to bear in mind before you do the walk: - there are no restrooms along the trails, and no food/drink stands either. Be sure you have some fluids with you and use restrooms before you go.

Green Animals Topiary Garden

From Newport, we headed further to Portsmouth where the Green Animals Topiary garden is at. The garden consists 7 acres of land, a white summer residence, farm outbuildings, a pasture and a vegetable garden.

There are 80 topiaries in the whole garden with 21 animals and birds in addition to geometric and ornamental figures. These designs are sculpted from yew, California privet and English boxwood.

The garden is considered to be the oldest and most northern topiary garden in the US.

One part of the garden has an awesome scenic view when you are at the Victorian house overlooking the Narragansett Bay.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

The museum has expanded! Art lovers, time to visit this museum when you are around Philly. A good news indeed for those who love photography, sculpture, fashion and textiles.

The Ruth and Raymond G. Perelman Building was added, which was the first expansion of the museum since it was opened 80 years ago.

The building was renovated costing to $90 million in public and private funds. Its interior features a skylit galleria that links the existing structure to a 59,000 sq. foot addition. There are four main galleries; a high-ceilinged space for sculpture, a gallery for works on paper, space for modern design, and a gallery for customes and textiles.

With the new expansion, the costume display can expand to more than five times its original size.

It's worth visiting for the art lovers, don't you think?

There will be a minimal admission fee to visit the Perelman Building alone. If you prefer visiting the whole museum, you have to pay at least $14 - to cover entrance to both buildings.

Enjoy the various displays of art! :)

RoseCliff - Newport, R.I.

Another Gilded-age mansion worth visiting is the Rosecliff. Today, it is considered one of America's most romantic settings for weddings.


Rosecliff is snow-white covered mansion with classic lines, and has the largest ballroom in Newport. Once captivating design inside the mansion is the heart-shaped staircase which provides the ideal setting for wedding occasions.

This house was completed in 1902 costing to $2.5 milion. It was then became the venues for many most lavished parties, fairy tale dinners including a party that featured the famed magician Harry Houdini.

The Elms - Newport, R.I.

Me at the back portion of The Elms

This mansion was formerly a summer residence of Mr. & Mrs. Edward Berwind from Philadelphia and New York. Berwind was famous in the coal industry where he got his wealth.

The Elms was built in the 18th century and completed in 1901 with a cost of $1.4 million. Its interior furnishings and decorations are Renaissance-inspired with accents of an 18th century French and Venetian paintings and Oriental Jades.

The Berwind couple obviously love the gardens with classical revivals that were developed between 1907 and 1914.

It also has marble and bronze sculptures, a park and with a lower garden that displays marble pavillions, fountains, a sunken garden and carriage house with garage.