St. Michael's, Maryland - A Charm of Chesapeake Bay

St. Michael's is a scenic town in Talbot County on Maryland's eastern shore ,located halfway between the Susquehanna source and the Atlantic mouth of Chesapeake Bay. It nestles on the beautiful Miles River full of historical homes and wildlife.

The town itself is proud of its colonial, federal and Victorian homes, churches and historic maritime heritage showcasing its pleasant southern culture.

St. Michael's got its name from St. Michael's Parish of the Episcopal church founded in 1696. Things to do as past times are shopping and dining along its historical streets. Fishing and guided hunting are also available for those who love doing them which are offered year round. Boat rentals are also available as hourly rentals during summer for those who love to be on the water.

Inside of one of the buildings at the Maritime Museum

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a must-visit when you are in St. Michael's. The museum was founded in 1965, located on 18-waterfront acres. It exhibits, trace the geological, social and economic history of the Chesapeake Bay through the age of sail and the steamboat era to the advent of gasoline and diesel-powered engines. Don't miss visiting the museum's collection of authentic Chesapeake Bay watercraft with 11 vessels on floating display at the museum docks.

Shopaholics can explore the quaint shops and boutiques, visit the St. Michael's Winery, the historic Christ Church and more.

St. Michael's known as "the town that fooled the British" has its own story to tell behind that title. When the British attacked St. Michael's in 1813 to destroy their shipyards, the town residents already forewarned, hoisted lanterns to the masts of ships and in tops of  the trees. This was a trick to the British by causing the canons to overshoot the town. Only one house was struck; - "the Cannonball House" due to a cannon ball that penetrated the roof, then rolled down to the staircase. The house still exists up to the present as a private residence.

Nightscape Experience at Longwood Gardens

At Longwood Gardens, there is always that summer spectacular happening! It is because they are presenting to the public a light and sound experience called "Nightscape"; - by Klip Collective, which started in June 1 to October 31, 2015. It was really a unique experience for the summer of 2015.

Nightscape transforms the gardens starting at dusk through the work of art with a combination of colorful lights, movement and sounds through the landscape of the gardens. Moving lights dances with shadow while music is in the air.

After dark, your journey begins as you experience a spectacular kind of beauty as you witness yourself  moving imagery of lights beautifully animated and projected onto a living canvas on the garden's landscape.

Nightscape has 9 installation points all throughout Longwood Gardens from the Conservatory to the Large Lake and Topiary Garden in the outdoors. You don't have to worry about rain checks, because Nightscape can be viewed rain or shine, which is also an indoor-outdoor experience.

It is only available for viewing every Wednesday-Saturday from July 1-October 31. You'll get more information about time schedules on their website as they change every month.

The Root's Country Market & Auction - A Visit!

Another good place to shop for food such as veggies, fresh fruits, bread and many more, is at Root's Market in Lancaster County.

Since its humble beginnings as a poultry auction in 1925, Root's Market has evolved over the years to become a piece of Lancaster County heritage offering fresh food and a wide variety of items for sale. Root's Market features its produce auction as well as fresh meats, deli, bakery items, flowers, handmade crafts, antiques, collectibles and household items from over 200 stand holders.

It only opens every Tuesday of the week. It celebrated its 85th Anniversary in May of 2010.

The Kutztown Folk Festival

It was a great experience to attend the 66th annual Kutztown Folk Festival this year; - considered to be the oldest folklife festival in America. The festival has more than 200 folk artists and traditional American craftsmen who demonstrate and offer an exceptional range of fine works, and over 2,000 locally handmade quilts displayed for the largest quilt sale in the nation, entertainment on 6 stages, including live music, fiddlers, folksingers, hoedown, and country dancing, with great Pennsylvania Dutch food of every variety, some historical re-enactments, children's activities, and some information about the Pennsylvania Dutch lifestyle.

The petting zoo is one big hit for the children. They can get up close and pet some animals while feeding them. Although a dollar of a food is being sold at the area, the animals can still be touched without giving them food, which means you are not obliged to buy the food to pet the animals. ;)

Kutztown Festival is a 9-day event that mostly showcases the traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch & their fascinating way of living. It is being held in Kutztown, - at Kutztown Fairgrounds with a minimal entrance fee.

The entire fairground is filled with shops for arts and crafts, decors and garden accessories, clothings and textiles, farm machineries, garden plants and lots of food and drinks. It's one ideal place to do your "shop 'til you drop" thingy!...LOL!

Functional Guitar Straps

Guitar players have their own physical strains too! Just imagine yourself holding your guitar for a long period of time without any back up support but your arms and hands for hours and you know what I mean. How about considering guitar straps for a more convenient and comfortable support?

There are tons of types of guitar straps that can fit your own mood, style or need. Whether you need a leather type, nylon, polyester, etc...be assured that they can be of good quality, ease of use and function. Better yet check them out by clicking the given link. 

"Joseph" at Sight & Sound Theater

It always feels great to feel blessings when Bible stories come to life at Sight & Sound theater (Millenium Theater).

Sight & Sound is considered to be the nation's largest professional Christian theatrical company and one of the mostly attended live theaters in the East Coast and in the Midwest as well. It has a 2,000 seat capacity and has a 300-ft.stage that surrounds 3 sides of the audience and an amazing variety of live animals participating in the show.

The story of Joseph in the Bible is already a familiar one to many Christians. It's considered as legendary. It is a story of a great dreamer (Joseph) who underwent tough challenges and trials from people whom he loved and trusted, yet chose to forgive in the end.

His story grips the heart, that can keep people coming back returning with more friends to watch the show! :)

"Joseph" is a show full of energy that will leave you laughing, crying and uplifted with the life-changing message of God's forgiveness.

The entire show is mesmerizing filled with innovative dream sequences, lavish Egyptian staging, colorful characters, live animals and memorable songs. The climax of the show is a soaring Joseph above, infront and beside the audience!

One word description....SPECTACULAR!!!

The Early Golden Day Age of Railroading at the B & O Railroad Museum

The B & O (Baltimore & Ohio) Railroad Museum is located at the historic site of B & O Railroad's old Mt. Clare Shops/Station in Baltimore, Maryland. Mt. Clare is considered to be the birthplace of American railroading. (Shops are already gone). It's here that you can relive the golden age of railroading with 40 acres of railroad history!

A self-guided tour is the most convenient way to completely explore the entire area, although a guided tour is also offered by some staff workers upon request.

As you enjoy your self-guided tour, you can get the chance to explore the rail history through 7 buildings and train platforms, including the magnificent Roundhouse, allowing you to see, touch, and hear the most important American railroad collection in the world!

You can as well choose to venture on a 20-minute round trip train ride on the Mile One Express, along the first commercial mile of railroad track laid in America, recognized as the birthplace of American railroading.

Me inside the Mile One Express train (with a big foot of my photographer!)LOL!

America's symbol of industrialization from the earliest days of railroading were steam engines. As steam technology got better, engines also changed and increased dramatically in size to become powerful locomotives in the 19th century; - from the 1900 to the late 1930's-1950's where diesel engines became on the rise.

The B & O Museum offers one-of-a-kind collection of 20th century steam engines today! The exhibits inside the museum include both originals and replicas. Part of those exhibits are also available for viewing outdoors in which a number of large collection of a variety of steam locomotives are in the parking lot close to the museum entrance.

Buffet Lunch Experience at Rusty Scrupper

I live close to Baltimore but I wasn't even aware there is such a good waterfront dining restaurant like Rusty Scrupper!

At the waterfront

I happened to eat a buffet lunch here with my husband together with a tour group we signed up on while visiting downtown Baltimore.

Rusty Scrupper Restaurant is voted as Baltimore's Best Waterfront Dining by Baltimore Magazine, which sometimes is being frequented by VIP's.

I couldn't complain about the food...in fact, I wanna go back and have that yummy crab soup with their mouth-watering Ceasar salad and lemon garlic roasted chicken! :)

The American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) can be easily spotted when you're around Baltimore area located at the Federal Hill neighborhood at 800 Key Highway, Baltimore, Maryland. 

The giant Whirlgig is highly visible as its outdoor sculptural landmark.

If you're an art lover, it is here where you will discover various amazing art collections created by intuitive, self-taught artists. It is also a national museum and an educational center where it showcases outstanding original works of various artists.

While some exhibits are being changed at times, it still has its permanent collections always on display with approximately 4,000 pieces.

The AVAM's specialty of art is called outsider art also known as "raw art", "art brut" or "intuitive art".

Photography isn't allowed inside, but are allowed outside the building. The museum's main building has 3 floors of exhibition space.

While more than 40 museums of visionary arts are already open around the world, it has been considered that AVAM is still the largest and continues to influence and inspire all over the world.

Re-Visiting Fort McHenry

It has been 5 years since my last visit to Fort McHenry. I and my husband did a visit on our own in 2011, and now we came back, this time with a tour group ;).

year 2011

May 29, 2015 visit

Of course, each visit is still a different experience and the fun is still the same. :)

Our self-guided visit is still enjoyable setting our feet on the famous star-shaped fort which is best known for its role in the war of 1812 when it successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from an attack by the British Navy in the Chesapeake Bay.

It was during the bombardment of the fort that Francis Scott Key was inspired to write "The Star Spangled Banner." As you enter the museum, don't miss watching the orientation film at the theater, right at the museum's entrance, and then visit the exhibits and the gift shop at the Visitor Center.

There are also outdoor exhibits as you walk around the fort, and get the chance to participate in the daily flag change program being held regularly every 4:30PM.

My Visit to The Wyoming Monument & The Battle of Wyoming Historical Marker

This might be a small park, located in a small historic residential neighborhood but is actually full of historical past.

The Battle of Wyoming historical marker can be seen at US 11 near the Wyoming Monument. It is located in the Poconos region in Luzerne County in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

The Battle of Wyoming was considered to be the "surpassing horror of the American Revolution" because of the massacre that followed after the battle in July of 1778. After the summer of 1778, Wyoming Valley became largely depopulated of white settlers. Because of the massacre, it became an important tool for patriotic cause which made Gen. George Washington appoint Maj. Gen. John Sullivan a leader of a huge campaign against the Iroquois in the autumn of 1779. The campaign became successful resulting with the Iruquois ceding their lands to the US under the Treaty of Fort Stanwix in 1784.

The Battle of Wyoming is a long story to tell in complete details. The post I made above is just a brief summary.

On the other hand, the Wyoming Monument is a monument of an American Revolutionary War located in the borough of Wyoming, in Luzerne County of Pennsylvania. It also marks the gravesite of the bones of those who died in the Wyoming massacres in July 3, 1778.

These remains were all gathered and buried in a common grave, but were dug up again in 1832 in a public ceremony attended by some of the then elderly survivors of the massacre, wherein the bones were re-interred in the present monument in a vault in 1833.

Every year, a commemorative ceremony is held on the grounds of the stone obelisk, which is sponsored by the Wyoming Commemorative Association.

Sustaniac Electric Guitar Package Price Drop!

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The European Union Embassy Tours

This event is the cheapest way to do a shortcut to Europe, as many would say. This tour event happens also every second Saturday of May yearly.

The European embassies' open house tour is a joint effort project of the Delegation of the European Union to the United States and the 28 participating embassies of the EU delegation as they open their doors to the public as they share their own culture, food, fun activities and more. It also gives visitors the chance to experience the cultural heritage and traditions of the participating embassies.

Some embassies require ID's for visitors coming in and security screening checks as well, but most embassies don't. Photos are allowed as well but can be prohibited in some designated locations inside the embassy.

Just like "Passport DC", visitors are given brochures with 9 empty slots for the stamps of embassies visited, but this one is free! :) So, if you happened to be visiting more than 9 embassies from 10AM-4PM, you can have as many brochures as you want. Take the chance because it's free. ;).

This event is also the same thing as Around the World Embassy Tour, except that the participating embassies are representing European countries. and other events they promote.

Around The World Embassy Tours

I and my husband finally got to experience this tour event (2015). The fact is that previously, we booked a schedule via Rill's Bus Service, but unfortunately we both got ill after we arrived from our vacation in the Philippines...so, we had to cancel it! :(.

Around the World Embassy Tour happens every first Saturday of May yearly wherein at least 40 participating embassies open their doors to the public showcasing their culture, art, food and exhibits. This is a signature event supported by Passport DC and a part of Cultural Tourism DC project. 

It's a once a year experience to take the chance and visit popular embassy open houses and witness street dance performances and exhibitions in the nation's capital.

The tour includes giving visitors a "Passport DC Souvenir Passport" to be stamped at each embassy they visit. Take note: passports are NOT free and cost $5. each. They can be bought at any available info booths in the area. They are not official passports by the way. I call them "toy passports", - only for the tour, used as remembrance. ;)

The tour starts promptly at 10AM and ends exactly at 4PM. Judging by the time length given, it is impossible to visit ALL participating embassies...perhaps one of the reasons why this event is being held every year to give ample time for visitors to complete their visits.

If you are visiting, an itinerary plan is highly recommended as to where to go first and where to go last due to time constraints. The only challenge in this tour would be waiting in long lines. Some embassies have short lines and nothing at all! Usually smaller embassies are the ones which are easy to access right away.

Brochure maps are available for free which are of good help too!

You can only get around by walking and by metro bus. Buses are readily available in some designated pick up spots which are all printed in the brochure with instructions. If you are very familiar within the DC area, you'll probably don't have any problem where to go and how to go around. Hassle-free!...except for long lines!

Brookside Gardens - A Random Visit!

Brookside Gardens located in Wheaton, Maryland at Glenallan Ave., is worth the visit every spring, because the garden is always rich in colorful blooms from January to December.

In the winter (Dec.-Feb.), there might be a limit of plants to be seen depending on the snow and really below freezing temperatures, but still they have plants that thrive like paperback maple which has interesting bark, hollies and flowers such as snowdrops, lenten roses, witchhazel and winter jasmine. 

But still you can see four regular seasonal displays and exhibits throughout the year inside the conservatories of the garden. ;) You can discover more about the additional garden features when you visit. It's a nice experience discovering them with your own eyes while admiring the floral beauty and nature at the same time.

Spring season is probably one of the busiest season in the garden as it becomes crowded due to the colorful tulips!

It's a common instinct for many that spring is the season for the most colorful blooms in the gardens, where many various florals are at their peak blooms.

Brookside Gardens spans almost 50 acres wide, and was opened as early as 1969 with gardens that surround the conservatories, offices and library. In the later years, many gardens were added along with additional features and wider landscapes complemented by changing displays of interesting and new plants and gardens every change of the season.

I've visited various botanical gardens in various places, and although I find Brookside Gardens a bit smaller in area than others, the entrance is FREE!

Bigger gardens with really super huge acres usually have entrance fees.

There are also guided tours offered to groups who are interested in gardening and horticultural aspects by making an advance reservation by phone. (301-962-1407)

A Good Start For Cozy Winters Reviews

I love to shop both online and in the stores. It's always interesting to know the reason behind why do most women love shopping, and men, not much... Lol! But seriously, when I do shop online, I usually based what I buy on someone's reviews. 

It was good to see Cozy Winters Reviews doing product reviews and I recommend this should be updated with more recent posts because I believe it would help many buying customers in the end. 

 I am sure it would go a long way to help many shopaholics before they would buy certain products such as those included in the reviews. Believe me, I don't mind spending time reading reviews about a product I want to buy because they really are helping me get the entire idea about how a product would work before I buy it. At least I can use my money's worth in the end, right? So, keep it up and keep on updating the reviews. The more recent posts, the better help it can give to the public as well! :)

Bill Gaither Homecoming Tour @ Patriot Center - The Experience!

It was my first time to attend a Bill Gaither Homecoming Tour concert as well as a first timer to visit Patriot Center in Fairfax, Virginia. I was surprised to know, Patriot Center is more huge than American Music Theater in Lancaster which I usually go to watch inspiration concerts such as the Gaither Vocal Bands :).

Well, obviously, later I got to know and figured out that Patriot Center is an arena, while American Music Theater is merely a theater ;). - just a bigger theater

Being a 10,000-seater arena is something, -so to speak. They host big basketball games, family shows, big concerts and other ceremonies.

And food wise, you'll never get hungry while watching a show too! All sorts of food is around where food stalls surround the arena, quite the opposite when you're in AMT. I only remember buying a drink in a small food stand in the lobby of AMT once, since I was there few months ago. But of course, the shows I watched at both places were spectacular as always! :).

And talking about shows, the Homecoming Concert was so inspiring! I love to meditate through music sometimes and I love hearing Bill Gaither's music because I always end up singing their songs (as long as I know the lyrics, lol!) or just humming with them. I love slow gospel music for meditations, - one way of letting me feel the spirit of God in me.

I also love how Bill Gaither hosted his Homecoming concert in a full evening of entertainment and meaningful music, and his guests with the best-loved voices in gospel music. Of course, with the GVB and other group guests as well!

I am a big fan of GVB too!...can you tell? I was glad I had the experience of watching this concert. I am greatly blessed!

The Historical Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is the most prominent landmark you'll ever see when you're around the metro DC area, because its structures towers over everything considering its height which is at 555 ft. & 5.5 inches.

Some people would always call it the "big pencil" due to its obelisk shape topped with a 3,300 lb. marble capstone, covered by a 9-inch pyramid of cast aluminum which was considered to be a rare metal in the 18th century.

The monument is also one of the most visited landmark in Washington DC, although free tickets are always available for a timed entrance going up inside the monument. Take note though that the free tickets are always limited for a day. It opens daily except Christmas Day.

Visitors who want to access the top pf the monument will have to undergo security screening (just like an airport security screening) before entering. Then you will have to wait for a few minutes for the elevator going up since visitors are controlled to prevent overcrowding on top.

You will be boarding the elevator towards the top for 70 seconds (1 minute, 10 seconds) taking you to the 500-ft. level to see the sweeping views of the nations capital at the observation deck.

One level below the observation deck is a museum full of photos and other historical facts about the monument and about all vital information regarding the life and achievements and contributions of George Washington; - the first president of the USA.

Me inside the museum level of the Washington Monument

When you go down you will again board the elevator and take a slow descent while the elevator guide shares interesting  historical facts as you go past 195 memorial stones while viewing them which are attached on the monuments interior walls.

JHS Pedal & Effects Flash Sale!

Here is a chance for guitar band players or guitarists to get their gears a boosting lift for better sounds. How about considering getting jhs pedals that can help you add more versatility on your guitar tone?

Depending on the type of pedal effects you need, the result is always a sound that gets better. It means you will always achieve tones at a greater boost converting it to a more highly saturated  musical distortion.

Best of all to consider, these items are for sale online now in excellent condition. With more than enough collection to choose from, the better you can find the best one that helps you the most!