Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
I toured Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site in Hyde Park, New York many years ago, but read that it gets over-the-top decorated for Christmas, so I made a detour to check it out. It was …
Aurora (the Norwegian Singer, Not the Lights)
Aurora Aksnes (born 1996), known professionally as simply Aurora, is a Norwegian singer, songwriter, and record producer. She began writing songs, playing the piano, and learning to dance as a young girl, and had signed …
American Swedish Historical Museum
When we walked in to the American Swedish Historical Museum in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania the greeter asked if we were there for the sauna or the museum. When we indicated the latter she replied “You’re …
Amusements / Architecture / Art / Books / Food / Museums
Zipping Around Philadelphia
We spent some time over two days knocking off some more items on our Philadelphia list. Even thought its slogan is “the City of Brotherly Love,” the quote below about Philly made me laugh, it’s …
Glencairn Museum
I went to the Glencairn Museum in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania, to fill some time while Doug was working. I had no idea something like this was lurking in the area, as I’d lived in the …
The Franklin Institute
We’re kind-of over science museums, but there were a couple items we wanted to see at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. And since it was free with our ASTC membership, off we went. The …
Philadelphia City Hall
We took an extended guided tour of Philadelphia City Hall, an architectural gem at the heart of the city. The building is in the Second Empire style, begun in 1871 but not finished until 1901. …
Independence Seaport Museum
If you ask me, one large ship looks just like another. Ditto a submarine. But Doug seems to think there’s a difference, plus these had a museum to go with them, so here we are. …
Architecture / Art / Authors / Books
Rosenbach Museum and Library
We both love reading and we both love old books (downsizing our antiquarian book collection was one of the hardest parts of transitioning to van life). So while a visit to the home of someone …
Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion
I love a good historic house, so when Doug was working I went off to the Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was decorated for the holidays so I expected a full tour but …