Vacations Blog

Museum of Flight in Seattle

If you are vacationing in the Seattle area and are looking for a cool daytrip for the whole family, consider a trip to The Museum of Flight. Located at the south end of Seattle’s Boeing Airport, The Museum of Flight is home to more than 150 historically significant air and spacecraft as well as several permanent exhibits which are sure to pique the interest of all in attendance. (Admission: Adults $14.00, Kids 5-17 $7.50)

I took my family on a recent outing with friends and we all had a terrific time. My 20-month-old is currently enamored with aircraft and the museum held his interest like few things do at that age. With several historic military, commercial, and experimental aircraft in the Main showroom (many hanging from the ceiling as if in mid flight), plus plenty of hands-on exhibits to see, this ended up being the perfect place to take a toddler on a rainy Seattle afternoon. There are numerous reasons to love visiting the Museum of Flight, but here are my top 10.

Top 10 Reason to love the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington

'Flying' Aircraft Adorn the Museum

2. International Space Station - There is a whole exhibit dedicated to the exploration of space. Included is my 20-Month-old’s personal favorite, a full sized replica of the International Space Stations Destiny Research Laboratory. This replica had stairs on both ends and gave visitors the ability to walk through the capsule, which featured a ‘window’ on the passing earth below. This had my little one coming back over and over again.

3. Views of Runway - As I mentioned earlier, the museum is actually on the south end of Boeing Field in Seattle. The design of the museum uses this to its advantage as there are several banks of window throughout giving patrons a unobstructed view of take-offs and landings of a variety of private and commercial aircraft. My son let out several shrieks of delight while watching.

4. Cockpits and Flight Simulators - These features offer hands on experience of what it is like to sit in a real cockpit and “experience flight without leaving the ground”. The flight simulator has several options which include being in a WWII dogfight. You can also sit in the cockpit of a real SR-71A Blackbird. I have to say this was an impressive experience.

Future 'Maverick' still needs his 'Goose'

5. The Kid’s Play Area - There was a dedicated toddler play area for the little ones. It was full of interesting flight related climbing toys, gears, and plenty of buttons, lights, and switches to keep the little ones occupied and happy while you gaze out at the impressive hanging aircraft collection.

6. William M. Allen Theater - A great place to go to kick back in a comfortable seat and let the history and education of flight come to you. Check with museum for shows and times.

7. Carl Sagan’s Sweater - Yes, Carl Sagan’s actual blue sweater was on display in the Space: Exploring the New Frontier exhibit. It is only one of numerous fascinating items relating to space exploration or the study of it, on display in this exhibit. You can simulate bringing the Space Shuttle in for a safe landing at the Kennedy Space Center or land the lunar module on the Moon and join Apollo astronauts in an exploration of the Moon’s surface.

Carl Sagan's Sweater

8. The Red Barn - The Red Barn, which was built in 1909, is the Boeing Company’s original manufacturing plant. It was transported to its current site in 1983 and houses two floors of rare artifacts and a re-created factory workshop. We personally enjoyed this exhibit because of its wide open spaces where our son could get down and wander without fear of breaking anything.

9. Museum Gift Shop - As far as museum gift shops go, this one easily ranks at the top of all those that I have ever visited. It is chock full of memorabilia related to flight. Toy planes, books, posters, clothing, patches, you name it. If it is aviation related, you are likely to find it at this great gift shop. There was even freeze dried ice cream, like the astronauts eat in space.

10. Control Tower - Being situated just off on an actual airport runway lends itself nicely to The Tower at Boeing Field exhibit. Everything you wanted to know about the complex system of communications between pilots and air traffic controllers can be learned in this interesting exhibit.

If you thinking of visiting the museum and are looking for Lodging options in the Seattle area, try starting here. Have fun visiting the Museum of Flight!

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Chabot Space & Science Center--Inside the Planetarium

OK just to come clean right up front, I’m sort of cheating on this one because I did not personally visit Chabot’s Space & Science Center, however my wife Lisa, a 3^rd grade teacher, recently took her class to this amazing East Bay attraction. I figure I can’t get much closer to being there than my wife, so this post has been written kind of sort of by osmosis.

Let me also say that The Chabot Space & Science Center is more than can be written about in a simple blog post. If you check out their website you’ll understand what I mean.  The better part of a day is definitely required to check out all that Chabot has to offer.

“We saw “Secret of the Cardboard Rocket,” in the (Ask Jeeves) planetarium,” said Lisa. “It was a fantastic way to teach children about space and the planets; much better than a textbook.”

Projected across the entire planetarium; both the walls and the ceiling, Secret of the Cardboard Rocket is the story of two young boys, a refrigerator box and imagination. With their “guide,” Book, a backyard camp-out becomes a magical journey through our solar system as the two boys take a fantastic voyage to the sun and all nine planets, correction, eight planets, plus Pluto. Sorry Pluto, I didn’t make the call. Along the way, “Book” fills the boys (and us) in on tons of interesting facts about each planet and the wonders of space.

From my research, Sonic Vision appears to be another of the attractions that’s definitely worth your time.  “…a trip out of this world and into the minds of the universe’s most creative musical artists and digital animators, set to a soundtrack featuring today’s coolest music.” Featuring music by Radiohead, U2, Coldplay, and many others, Sonic Vision is “a mind-warping roller-coaster ride” which uses digital technology to create a cavalcade of colors and images on the Planetarium’s big dome.

Is it just me or does that sounds like a whole lot of awesome?

Between the planetarium and the Tein Megadome Theater, there are nearly twenty shows available for your viewing pleasure, including Dinosaurs Alive, Forces of Nature, Mysteries of Egypt, Living Sea and The Human Body, just to name a few.

What else do you want to do? Take a simulated Moon-walk? Crawl through a Black Hole? Check out the stars through a giant telescope?  You can do all that and more at Chabot’s Space & Science Center

The Observatory offers star gazing (weather permitting) with all general admission tickets (and free star gazing on Friday & Saturday during fall/winter from 7:30 - 10:30 pm; again weather permitting).  Chabot boasts two telescopes, “Nellie,” (named for the grandmother of a generous benefactor) a 36-inch Cassegrain reflector telescope, and “Rachel,” a slightly smaller 20-inch scope. Housed in Chabot’s rolling roof observatory, Nellie offers 360 degree views of the celestial sky.

Located at 10000 Skyline Blvd in Oakland, Chabot’s Space & Science Center is open the following days and hours:

• Wednesday & Thursday: 10 am - 5 pm
• Friday & Saturday: 10 am - 10 pm
• Sunday 11 am - 5 pm
• Closed Monday & Tuesday

The Celestial Café offers sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, various breakfast items and plenty of beverage offerings, so plan some time for lunch when you visit.

Cost of admission to Chabot is $14.95 for adults and $10.95 for children ages 3-12. Children under two are free.

Photo Coutesy of tomeppy.

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Capitol Blvd. in downtown Boise, Idaho

Boise, Idaho, used to have a reputation as a sleepy, boring kind of town. That’s all changed over the past twenty years as the population of the city and surrounding metropolitan area has boomed to over 600,000 people. It may be a big city now, but there’s still a part of the downtown that evokes that relaxed, smalltown feeling.

Julia Davis Park, which stretches out along the banks of the Boise River, is just a half-mile from the steps of the Idaho State Capitol Building and most of downtown Boise.  With a wide variety of sights and activities, It’s the perfect place for a family to spend a day.

Inside the 87-acre park, you can start off at the Idaho State Historical Museum or next door at the Boise Art Museum. My kids always wanted to head straight for the history, and I don’t blame them. The museum is small, but packed full of relics and displays that tell the story of Idaho’s past from prehistoric times through the pioneers coming west on the Oregon Trail and straight into the 21st century. On the grounds of the museum is a pioneer village, showing how settlers lived in the 1800’s.

Watching meerkats at Zoo Boise

From there, it’s a short walk through the park to our favorite little zoo, Zoo Boise. I used to go there regularly with my kids when they were toddlers. It’s big enough to keep an exotic assortment of animals, but small enough to see everything without wearing down the youngest members of the family.

The best part, at least according to my kids, is the extensive children’s area of the zoo. It’s where my son first came face to face with a Komodo Dragon, and my daughter first felt the tickle of a butterfly landing on her nose. There are plenty of slides, tunnels, and hands-on activities to keep kids busy for a few hours. Myself, I could just sit and watch the meerkats for most of an afternoon.

Zoo Boise has a brand new exhibit called African Plains, featuring giraffes and lions (not in the same enclosure, I hope). Other animals you’ll see at the zoo include tigers, bears, bald eagles, lemurs, and snow leopards.

There are other activities in and around Julia Davis Park, including a children’s science museum, the Idaho Black History Museum, Boise Trolley Tours, playgrounds, rose garden, paddle boats, and the Boise River Greenbelt.

MK Nature Center in Boise, Idaho

If you have any time left in your day, head on down the Greenbelt to the Morrison Knudsen Nature Center, a 4.6-acre fish and wildlife experience that features a mountain stream, waterfalls, and wetlands. There are multiple viewing windows for the kids to see how fish develop from tiny eggs into full-grown trout, whitefish, or kokanee.  You’ll even see nesting geese, turtles, beavers, and wild ducks.  The Center also has a large education building where kids can learn about all the different animals that make their home in Idaho.

There’s no better way to show the circle of life, at least in the fish world, than in a place like the MK Nature Center.  In fact, this was the first “field trip” we took our son on after he was born, and we always go back there when we make return trips to visit our old hometown of Boise, Idaho.

There’s even more to Boise’s downtown than Julia Davis Park, the Boise Greenbelt, and the MK Nature Center, but those three sites alone should keep any family fairly busy for a day or two.

All photos by Phil Corless

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At first glance, the area between The White House and The Washington Memorial known as the National Mall appears immense. In reality it’s a short hike of approximately one mile and it is packed full of things to do and see along the way. The trick is to find them before you’re too tired to care.

Once you’ve walked by all the monuments and peered through the barricades to see the White House, you might find yourself tempted to take a picture with a life-size cut-out of the president and purchase lunch and souvenirs. Once this is done you’ll be broke and the young kids may not be impressed. Don’t be discouraged, I can help add a few free stops along the way that will help keep the little ones interested.

National Postal Museum

While not directly on the mall this museum is just a short Metro ride away. It’s worth the trip. Who doesn’t love the mail? The Moving the Mail exhibit at the National Postal Museum covers the pony express, stagecoaches, railroads, and planes. This is a great place to explore with children. They can climb inside a stagecoach or hop aboard a re-created railway mail train. There is also a collection of postcards and letters on display in the Art of Cards and Letters gallery. They are often touching and sometimes very funny. Try to corral the kids long enough to read a few of these. It’s worth the time.

Freer Gallery

If you’re looking for one stop visual amazement, The Peacock Room at the Freer Gallery is the place to go. Created by artist James McNeill Whistler (famous for his mother painting) for a wealthy London shipowner, it is a testament to artistic vision taken to extreme. And it is stunning in an extreme kind of way. Send the kids on a mission to find all the peacocks while you sit and rest contemplate the mind of an artist.

Sculpture Garden at The National Gallery of Art

The Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art is a requested stop every time we visit Washington D.C. There is something about the size and unusual shapes of the sculptures that fascinate the little ones in ways Mona Lisa never could. This combined with beautiful plantings and a comfortable bench or two makes it a great place to unwind after one too many security check points.

The National Museum of Natural History

The Natural History Museum is packed full of exhibits. Everything from animals to insects can be found here. There are also some impressive rocks and fossils. Even if you don’t have the time or energy to see everything at the Natural History Museum, a quick stop to see Henry is a must. Another must see is the above head whale and the fish fossils in The Sant Ocean Hall. It opened in September 2008 and is a very well done interpretive exhibit. It covers ocean life from tiny plankton to giant whales and will give even the smallest visitors an appreciation of the ocean’s ecosystem and the role the oceans plays in our lives.

This is my short list of top stops in Washington, D.C. There are many more kid-friendly attractions that are either free or low cost. I’m always looking for a new place to take the girls. If you have any suggestions let me know.

Photo Credits: A whole sack of thank you notes to Cliff1066 for the mailbag photo. A full stream of gratitude to NCinDC for the Sculpture Garden Fountain Photo.

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This is the first in a series on vacation’s in our president & vice presidential candidates’ hometowns.  Maybe by walking in their proverbial footsteps, you can finally decide who you will get your vote. We, of course are completely non-partisan.  The series will run each day this week.  Tomorrow will feature Senator McCain’s town of Phoenix, Thursday will feature Senator Biden’s stomping grounds in Delaware and we will complete the series by showcasing Governor Palin’s home turf in lovely Wasilla.

Yours in non-partisanship….

In spite of all the celebrity and rock star status, surprisingly few people outside Chicago know the real Barack Obama. My hope is to give you an inside look at his life in Chicago’s South Side. And of course, you can use this to plan a Obama-themed Chicago vacation.

Barack Obama’s Home

Let’s start with his house, which, because  McCain forgot how many homes he actually owned, became an issue. Obama’s house is located in the Kenwood neighborhood,  but it’s not exactly a mansion when compared to some other homes in the ‘hood. It is just big with four fireplaces. But the elitist label on Obama sticks when you consider the historic nature of the landmark district, where a lot of the houses are from the late 19^th century.  I love this neighborhood. Don’t you?  Here are some photos of his neighborhood:

Heck, you don’t have to take my word for it. Just take a CAF tour, whose meeting point used to be at the KAM Isaiah Israel synagogue near Obama’s residence. As of Sept 1, they changed the meeting point (probably security concerns), but you’ll still be able to see the house (and the synagogue - its magnificent from the inside) on the tour.

If you’re visiting his house, then you might also be interested in the Obama campaign headquarters at 233 N. Michigan Ave in the Loop. Or his former Church - the Trinity United Church of Christ.

Promontory Point, Burnham Park

Before he became Chicago’s favorite son, Obama and his family could often be found enjoying the breeze at Promontory Point in Burnham Park, referred to locally as ‘The Point’. It’s a beautiful place, good for picnics and romantic strolls and has a great view with summer fireworks and all. Also, as you can see in this video, the Obamas do enjoy a family bicycle ride along the shores of Lake Michigan.

If you’re fond of books and reading, head for 57^th Street Books in Hyde Park, where Obama used to buy his books. If you’re in need of a haircut, head straight for the Hyde Park Salon & Barber Shop at 5234 S. Blackstone Ave and ask for Zariff, who cuts Obama’s hair. For $21, in case you’re wondering… Looking for a workout? Go to the East Bank Club, which is Obama’s gym.

As for food, in his 2006 book ‘The Audacity of Hope’, Obama says one of his favorites was the turkey legs and dressing at MacArthur’s. Now it seems their favorite is the Sopa Azteca at Rick Bayless’ Mexican restaurant Topolobampo. Their other favorites (stated and/or spotted) include the Caribbean fare at Calypso Café, barbeque chicken pizza at Pizza Capri, Italian at Spiaggia, and RJ Grunts with the burgers and ribs.

Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama seems to have taken a liking to the cuisine at the upscale Sepia. That would probably be because her fashion designer Maria Pinto has a boutique nearby at 133 N. Jefferson St. Which would also be a good place to get an outfit which makes you look exactly like the prospective First Lady.

Design by Maria Pinto

(Personally, I don’t think this is a look for a first lady, but I sure would like to see a first lady in something other than an ugly suit, wouldn’t you?)

And if you want a special kiss at the exact same spot where Barack first kissed Michelle on their first date after an ice-cream, head for 1400 E. 53rd St., which was previously a Baskin Robbins.

And if you’re tired of politics as usual and want a change from an Obama overdose, then the main attractions on the South Shore other than the University of Chicago include the Hyde Park Art Center, Osaka Garden, golfing, beaches and other attractions at Jackson Park and South Shore Cultural Center. As far as shopping is concerned, you’re better off going down to the Magnificent Mile, since the presence of the University and the landmark district has largely prevented any commercial development.

And last, the only hotel I’d recommend for this Obamacation would be the Ramada Lake Shore where Obama first announced his entry into Chicago politics. Besides, there are no other major hotels in the vicinity. If you’re a young Obama supporter full of enthusiasm, and running on hope instead of cash, then the Hyde Park Arms (5316 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615), which is a transient hotel, might be a good choice. If you prefer Bed and Breakfasts, then the University Quarters B&B and Wooded Isle Suites are pretty well located close to the University of Chicago campus.

Bear in mind that this is not a Chicago vacation per se, but a snapshot of Obama’s world, and his life. There’s more to Chicago than just Obama, and you’ll find a pretty good list of all the things to do in Chicago here.

Barack Obama’s home courtesy of Obama Zone

Kenwood homes courtesy of  Chicago Architecture Foundation

Promontory Point photo by Kim Scarborough

Michelle Obama photo by Telegraph.Uk.co

Mario Pinto photo by Maria Pinto

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America. Nothing says it more than a visit to a historical landmark. And what better way to ease the kids back into school than with a late-summer trip somewhere that is fun as well as educational!

In the midwest, there are several great options from which to choose. The first landmark that most people probably think of in the US’s midwest region is Mount Rushmore. From the Mt. Rushmore government site:

“This epic sculpture features the faces of four exalted American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. South Dakota’s Black Hills provide the backdrop for Mount Rushmore, the world’s greatest mountain carving. These 60-foot high faces, 500 feet up, look out over a setting of pine, spruce, birch, and aspen in the clear western air.”

Mt. Rushmore offers plenty of family fun, including sculpture workshops, guided tours, and opportunities for volunteering, youth programs, and internships. They also have great things for kids to do, so be sure to get them involved!

People probably also think of St. Louis and the Gateway Arch. My family and I were there several months ago and it is truly something to behold. From the Gateway Arch’s web site, linked above:

“The Gateway Arch reflects St. Louis’ role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the nineteenth century. The park is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson’s role in opening the West, to the pioneers who helped shape its history, and to Dred Scott who sued for his freedom in the Old Courthouse.”

Once there, one thing that everyone….except me….wants to do it take the tram to the top of the arch. While the more adventurous were doing that, I watched Monument to the Dream, the movie that uses live footage of the building of the arch to tell the story of how the idea became a reality. The monument also houses the Museum of Westward Expansion, and nearby you can take a ride down the Mississippi on a riverboat and visit the Historic Courthouse.

Whether you visit one of these landmarks or opt for another, be sure to enjoy what is left of summer here in the Midwest. It won’t be long before we’ll be picking apples and pumpkins and planning our Halloween parties, so take the family and get away for one last weekend. Be safe, have fun, and be sure to tell George Washington I said hello.

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From guest blogger Marsha Takeda-Morrison of Sweatpantsmom

I’m a big fan of Rachael Ray’s “$40 Dollars A Day,” where the ubiquitous Food Network star goes to different places around the world and shows you how you can enjoy three meals a day for forty bucks or less. Although, sometimes I feel bad for Rachael because there’ll she be in a beautiful place like Rome and she’s having a crust of bread and an olive for dinner because she’s already spent $39.50 on breakfast and lunch.

But I have to admit in these increasingly troubling economic times, I’ve been thinking of ways to cut costs when it comes to dining and entertainment. So I’ve come up with some things in L.A. that my family of four can enjoy for $20 or less. Unfortunately, the budgets are tight on some of these and I may have to bring along my own bread crust.

Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel. Honestly, ferris wheels scare me to death, but I may have to buck up and try this one out. It’s the new solar-powered Pacific Wheel that’s part of Pacific Park, the amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier. Admission to the park is free, but tickets for the ferris wheel are $5 apiece. That would eat up our entire $20, but we’d be rewarded with some spectacular views of the California coastline. Unfortunately I wouldn’t have enough money left over to buy a barf bag.

The Getty Center. I know, I’ve mentioned this place like a gazillion times, but it still stands out as one of the best deals in town. For only $8 for parking, we have access to all the exhibits and the awesome Getty Gardens. Best of all, the $12 we have left over will buy each of us a snack. Or, if I’m feeling cranky, a couple of cappuccinos for me and a few sugar packets that my husband and two kids can split between them.

Friday Night Jazz at the L.A. County Museum of Art (LACMA). Our kids aren’t big jazz fans, but they still love this. It takes place on Fridays from 6-8pm during April through November in the main courtyard of the museum. It’s absolutely free, which means if we pack some juice and snacks for the kids my husband and I can spend our $20 on a couple of nice cool martinis while we listen to first-rate jazz. All the galleries are free after 5pm, so as soon as the kids started requesting the sax player to play some White Stripes we’d be able to whisk them out of there for a stroll through the galleries.

The Beach. This needs no explanation, really. We’ll pack sunscreen, some snacks, our iPods and a couple of books. The kids will play all day long, and my husband and I will fantasize about buying a beach house when we win the lottery. If you can find parking for free you can spend the entire $20 on incredibly tasty junk food at the snack bar. Sunshine, ocean breezes and deep-fried food - what more could you ask for?

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). Like many museums around town, MOCA has a night where admission is free and theirs is Thursday, from 5-8pm. For $20 the four of us could easily share two of their generous sandwiches and have some sparkling sodas at Joachim Splichal’s Patinette Café. Then we could browse the gallery until closing. Unfortunately the visit would still be a complete letdown to my 12-year-old, since we wouldn’t have any money leftover to spend in the gift shop.

With gas prices as high as they are now, I realize that a measly $20 wouldn’t even cover the gas to get to some of these venues, but even Rachael Ray cheats a bit. You think she’s getting to that restaurant in Greece on a public bus? Personally, I think she goes back to her hotel after being a ‘$40 A Day’ tightwad and orders up three hundred dollars worth of room service.

Photo: Pacific Park Santa Monica

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Are you in the mood for a little peek into some of China’s major historic scenes but not in a position to actually visit China? Well you don’t have to look any further than the Forbidden Gardens in Katy, Texas (right outside of Houston).

This is an outdoor museum you don’t want to miss with guided tours where you can view intricately detailed miniatures of the famous Forbidden City in Beijing which boasts nearly 500 years of Imperial rule. Another must-see is the first Emperor’s 6,000 piece terra-cotta army replicated in 1/3 scale. The mystery of China in the third century BC unfolds before you in this magical museum.

When you are ready to relax and marvel at all you have seen then it’s time to visit the Calming of the Heart Lodge (or the Summer Palace) area of the museum. This black-roofed palace was a vacation getaway for those who lived and worked in the Forbidden City and was the ideal location for scholars and guests to rest, reflect, and get back to nature. Take a walk around the Lodge and I guarantee you will feel the relaxing sensation that it brought the Emperors and Empresses throughout the years. You might even begin to feel like an Emperor (or Empress, as the case may be) yourself!

This is an especially great trip for families with children 4-10 (old enough to understand the “you break it, you buy it” rule and still young enough to imagine walking and living in the miniature replica palace).

Until next time . . .

Paige aka PJsTravelinTexas

For some other reviews of the Forbidden Garden and Katy see these blogs:

1. Forbidden Gardens: A Chinatown Tiny Town by Wesley Treat
2. Things to do in Houston Chinatown by Chinatown Connection.Com
3. Only Katy: The Voice Of Katy Texas by OnlyKaty

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