President James K. Polk Birthplace
James Knox Polk was the 11th president of the United States, serving from 1845 to 1849. Before he became president, Polk was the governor of Tennessee, and then served as the speaker of the U.S. …
Author: Doug
Salem Art Works
Salem Art Works (S.A.W.) in upstate Salem, N.Y., was founded by artist Anthony Cafritz in 2005 not only as an outdoor sculpture park, but also as an “art farm” — a space where creativity of …
The 1777 Battles of Saratoga
We spent a couple of hours exploring the Saratoga National Historical Park, which preserves the history of the Battles of Saratoga in 1777. Saratoga was the site of the first significant American military victory of …
On the Trail of Benedict Arnold
Unintentionally, our travels this year have taken us to several locations where America’s most famous traitor (I’m referring to Benedict Arnold) showed the duality of his personality as a hero and as a villain. Born …
The American Visionary Art Museum
The American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, Md., was founded in 1995 and contains 67,000 square feet of exhibition space. The museum specializes in “outsider” art and its permanent collection is 4,000 pieces strong. CNN …
Dogfish Inn and the Dogfish Head Brewery
The Dogfish Head Brewery was founded in 1995 by Sam Calagione, and quickly became known for its unique beers. The company has grown to include brewpubs and restaurants as well as a small hotel in …
Francis Scott Key Memorial and Grave Site
As a kid, I remember on numerous family trips from our home in southern Pennsylvania passing by a historical marker in Carroll County, Md., that announced the location of the birthplace of Francis Scott Key. …
Shakespeare in Pittsburgh
I majored in drama at college and spent the first dozen of my post-college years working in professional theater in New York City, so I have spent a considerable amount of time with William Shakespeare. …
Big Mac Museum
No matter what you think of McDonald’s or its hamburgers, their place in burger history is inarguable. And the iconic Big Mac is a burger that has been imitated, replicated, deconstructed (and, of course, improved) …
Meduseld Meadery
I won’t call it a “hobby,” but perhaps my affection for craft beer could be labeled an “interest”. In our travels across the U.S. and around the world, we’ve visited hundreds of craft breweries where …