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!

Now is the chance for guitar metal player enthusiasts to consider this package that won't last for long. The Schecter Guitar Research Hellraiser C-1 with Floyd Rose sustainiac Electric Guitar has been packaged as one for a special price drop deal. Better yet check them out and see the difference! ;)

Packed with multi extensive features, you will never regret owning two excellent electric guitars that will surely give you the satisfaction guaranteed tones the way you love it!

Check the gorgeous shape and color. Once you own it you are now "ready to shake the underworld", so better yet, rush for your order today!

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! 

Cruising With "Odyssey" in D.C.

I and my husband had a great experience for a luncheon cruise with sit-down meal on the Odyssey in Washington DC in the early spring of 2015. We enjoyed the signature elegance and the total entertainment experience of a true luxury cruising vessel can provide.

The Odyssey provides a short-cruise designed specifically to travel beneath the historic bridges spanning the Potomac river. Cruisers will be live witnesses as it offers amazing river views of the nation's greatest monuments while enjoying their meal direct from their tables.

The Odyssey cruise recommends dressy-casual attire such as nice pants or shorts and a collared shirt. It is also requested that no casual jeans, Tshirts, athletic shoes or flip flops are worn on the cruise.

Odyssey 111, - the name of the ship has its distinctive fully-enclosed glass equipped with an open-air perimeter deck where cruisers can go out to view the sceneries up close.

Saving Money on Your Ultimate Getaway

When you want to get away and relax, you may look at resorts like Singer Island Marriott and other exotic locations. Before you pack your bags and head to the airport, however, you may wonder how much a getaway will cost you and if you can save any money on your vacation. By checking out the online deals, you can choose a package price that suits your budget. You can also find amenities that will help you relax, have fun, and enjoy your time away from home.

Checking Out the Available Packages

How much you spend will depend greatly on how big of a room or suite you want to book. If, for example, you are traveling alone, you may do well with a room with a single bed and limited amenities. However, if you are traveling with a spouse or friends, you may want two queen or even king size beds in the room, as well as perks like an in-room refrigerator, cable TV, and other amenities. 

You can check out the packages to find out what rooms are available during the time you plan on visiting. You can also select a room that is best suited to what amenities you want and how much you can afford to pay. By doing your research now, you avoid any surprises about availability and in-room perks. You also can relax and look forward to other aspects of your vacation.

Pet Policy, Cancellations, and More

The best laid plans can sometimes go awry, which is why it may serve you to check out cancellation details, pet policies, and more. If, for example, you have booked a dog sitter, but the sitter cancels on you at the last moment, you may want to know if you can bring your pet with you.

You also may want to know how much money you will get back if you have to cancel your own reservations. If you get sick or another unexpected circumstance arises, you may need to cancel and recoup some of the money you have spent. You can get these details by visiting the resort's website.

If it is has been some time since you last took a vacation, you can anticipate your stay by visiting the resort's website. The site has rates, reviews, photos, and more that can stoke your excitement and help you enjoy your getaway.

Tasting Local Sweet Flavor From Edward's Nut & Candy Co.

While doing a tour trip in Lancaster, PA, I was surprised to find a candy company somewhat hidden away from the town.

The Edward's Nut & Candy Co. has the largest selection of candies, chocolates, jams, jellies and all related to sweets in Central Pennsylvania. specifically Lancaster.

It is good to know there is at least an ideal place worth visiting if you're a "sweet tooth". They also offer some candy products that are no longer carried in many modern candy stores nowadays.

Most of their products are repacked into smaller, sealed bags and you can also choose to mix and match a bag candy however you like.

The Astonishing Old San Juan

Most attractions in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico (PR) are within walking distances to each other...the reason why a walking tour is highly recommended. Wearing your most comfortable shoes is also highly suggested mostly because the streets are partly hilly and are paved with cobblestones.

Streets are narrow and can be steep at times particularly when the streets get wet. Cobblestones that are on the streets are actually cobbles of adoquine, - a blue stone cast from furnace slag. These stones were brought by Spanish ships and they got their colorful characterisitc due to time and moisture.

Old San Juan is considered to be a 465-year old community, used to be a military stronghold and ultimately transformed into a commercial and charming, residential district. These are more than 400 16th-17th century Spanish colonial buildings carefully restored in the city of San Juan. Old San Juan brings many tourists each year enjoying fine beaches, casinos and its tropical climate.

If you are visiting Old San Juan by foot, it can also be challenging experiencing the heat, mostly in mid-late afternoons. During spring, summer and fall, walking can sometimes become a bit oppressive due to heat, with crowded, tall buildings blocking the breeze. Good options to do in order to avoid the heat of the tropical sun and humidity would be to start the walk early, as most stores open at 10AM during weekdays, or you can consider catching up trolleys for free that goes back and forth throughout the area, and get the chance to get off at marked stops wherever you desire.

Have a fun-filled visit! ;)