Aerosmith to ZZ Top: Highlights from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Wordless Wednesday)

 We had an awesome day recently at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.  Here's a few "Wordless Wednesday" photos from the visit - a more detailed post is coming soon!

©2012- 2014 Adventures with Jude. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://adventureswithjude.com

Yellow Hats and Ponchos - Our Fall Break So Far

Aunt Jo and Uncle Brendan finally came to visit!!

Uncle Brendan has a yellow fedora.  He wore it on the plane here, and then on our first trip  - Longwood Gardens.

Day 2 of our trekking was at Valley Forge.

When it started to rain, Jude weaseled his way into wearing it.

 

(Jude had his arms tucked into his sleeves so they didn't get wet.)

After Valley Forge, we did some planned shopping, and in our travels found Jude his own fedora.  It's not yellow, though - it's blue, Jude's favorite color.

Jude wore it for the first time when we went to the USS New Jersey, so he could match Uncle Brendan.

Except Uncle Brendan is a Gulf War veteran, and he wore his veteran's hat.  (They still matched, because their hats were blue.)

They've been wearing their "matching" fedoras around Niagara Falls.

Except when we have been trekking around the falls.  Our first tour was to "behind" the falls, where we had yellow ponchos.  The fedoras stayed behind on the tour bus so they didn't get wet.

We'll detail our travels later on when we get home - we're having too much fun to stop and write detailed posts about our visits right now! This week, the fedoras are heading to Cleveland and Gettysburg.  Travel with us on our Facebook page - we're posting pictures and Luke is on "post some fun facts" detail. 


©2012- 2014 Adventures with Jude. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://adventureswithjude.com

Philadelphia - A Hub of World Culture

Philadelphia and the surrounding area is well known being steeped in American history.  From the State House that hosted the Continental Congresses to Father Judge High School Vietnam Memorial, Philadelphia holds some of the greatest range "American" history landmarks. However, Philadelphia's American pride isn't so egocentric that we exclude the cultures that make this nation such a melting pot. Here's a list of some places we've visited (or put on our bucket list) with an international flavor!


1.  Shofusu - Japan

Friends of the Japanese House and Garden via Wikimedia Commons

Shofuso is the Japanese cultural center located in Fairmount Park.   This house and garden hosts   traditional tea ceremonies, as well as cultural exhibitions from April until October.

 2.  The American Swedish Museum - Sweden

This museum cannot be found near the main historical and museum districts, but rather tucked by itself in South Philadelphia.  It is the oldest Swedish-American museum in the United States, and was founded in 1926.  The Museum is located on land that was once part of a 17th-century land grant from Queen Christina of Sweden to colonist Sven Skute.  

Just across the Delaware River in New Jersey is the town of Swedesboro, settled in the 1600s as part of the New Sweden colony.  The oldest surviving log cabin in the United States, the C. A. Nothnagle home, exists there.  (Tours by reservation only.)

3.  Chinatown - China

Chinatown is just north of the heart of Center City, and one of the most well-known neighborhoods in Philadelphia.  Settled by Cantonese immigrants in the 19th century, boasts a community arts center, some of the best (and most authentic) Chinese restaurants, and the iconic China Gate.

3.  Awbury Arboretum - England

Awbury was the summer home of the Cope family.  Built by Henry Cope, a Quaker shipping merchant, it was named for the family's ancestral town in England.  The estate is laid out in an English landscape garden style and is dedicated to providing visitors with an active learning center.

4. Bucks County Playhouse   - Monaco

Perhaps a bit of a stretch, but what better culture of ALL the world is there than a theater?  While the city of Philadelphia is home to over a score of theaters, this one is about an hour north of the city.  While a world-renowned playhouse in its own right, another bit of its history is that a young Grace Kelly trod the boards in 1949.  Miss Kelly later became a real-life Princess - Princess Grace of Monaco.

 5.  Rodin Museum - France

This indoor/outdoor museum on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway house largest non-Parisian collection of Auguste Rodin's sculptures. 


 













©2012- 2014 Adventures with Jude. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://adventureswithjude.com

Whither the Weather: Cold or Rainy Field Trips

There's a lot of things to do and places to go when the weather is beautiful, or even if it's overcast but dry.  But where do you go when it's pouring down buckets or the middle of winter, and outdoor field trips just aren't an option? 

In the Philadelphia Area, there's the obvious "hands-on" museums like Please Touch or the Garden State Discovery Museum for preschool and early elementary folk.   For the older kids, the Franklin Intsitute is great, or even the Philadelphia Museum of Art.   I like both of those museums, but they're so popular that they are incredibly crowded.

So, where to go?  These are places on our list for rainy days.  They're fun and exciting -- but not the "go-to popular" ones.   If the weather is really bad (heavy snow in midwinter isn't out of the ordinary), try a virtual tour - many of the places listed offer online exhibits as well.  While all are educational and interesting, please check out the suggestion's website before going - some of them may be more suitable for older children rather than little ones.

1.  Benjamin Franklin Museum - Philadelphia PA

Jude is a huge Ben Franklin fan, so this is at the top of our list.  It's open 9-5 daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day), and administered by the National Park Service.   The NPS recently completed an extensive refurbishment of the site.  All ages.

2.  Eastern State Penitentiary - Philadelphia, PA

This is an abandoned prison-turned-museum.  One of the first true "penitentiary" style prisons designed to bring a change of heart, this Gothic structure once housed Al Capone.  Definitely bring your camera to take pictures of the outside and the way light plays in the building.  Open daily from 9-5 (last entry 4 pm) except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.  All ages.

During the fall, there is a separate rain-or-shine evening presentation, entitled "Terror Behind the Walls."  By day, the prison excursion is quiet and bleak.  At night, it turns into a terrifying haunted house, where guests may choose to observe or become marked as interactive volunteers.  IT is NOT for the faint of heart - definitely for teens and up.


3.  Penn Museum - Philadelphia PA

This museum, supported by the University of Pennsylvania, is a premier destination for ancient archaeology buffs, as it holds the largest agent Egypt exhibit in the country.  It also hosts exhibits on several areas of the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas.  All ages, closed Mondays.  Note: a special discounted admission ticket can be purchased to cover both this and the Mütter Museum.

4.  Mütter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia -Philadephia, PA

Some think this museum is macabre - it's definitely not for those who are faint of stomach.  A homage to the history of American medicine, it houses a Civil-War era amputation kit, a piece of John Wilkes Booth's vertebra, and preserved sections of Albert Einstein's brain.  If there is a break in the rain, go outside and see the Benjamin Rush Medicinal Garden, first recommended by this eminent Philadelphia doctor and statesman.  No strollers/child carriers or large bags due to the building size; no photography.  Open daily, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, New Year's Day.

5.  US Mint - Philadelphia, PA

Watch coins being made! Self-guided tours with audio stations examine the history of coining from colonial times until today.  See Peter the Mint Eagle, a real Bald Eagle who made the Philadelphia Mint his home.  All ages, open daily but closed Federal Holidays except Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. 

6.  Pennyslvania Academy of Fine Arts - Philadelphia PA

This museum is home to one of the best American art collections.  The Academy was established by painter Charles Wilson Peale in 1805, and the current museum opened in 1876. The collection explores the history of American art from the 1760s to the present.  All ages, closed Monday and Federal Holidays. 





©2012- 2014 Adventures with Jude. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://adventureswithjude.com

Vineyards: A Field Trip for Adults!

I really am enjoying taking the kids on field trips.  We've seen so much of the country, and will be getting to see a bit more this fall.  But "field trips" aren't just for kids!  How about an adults-only field trip for a special date?  Although California has the most vineyards (and a trip to Napa is on our "when the kids are bigger" bucket list), all 50 states have at least one winery.  Check out All American Wineries to locate a vineyard and tasting room near you!

The Delaware Valley is home to a number of wineries.   Many have not just tasting flights but also the ability to purchase wine by the glass along with a snack, and then a bottle to take home.  One near to us also offers gluten-free crackers, putting it at the top of our list!

1.  Bellview Winery,  Landisville, NJ

This former farm was converted to winery in 2001.  In addition to their tasting room, Bellview is the host of several summer food festivals.  You're welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy with your wine, or choose from their light fair menu (complete with gluten-free crackers!).

2.  Heritage Winery,  Mullica Hill, NJ

Heritage is a six-generation farming endeavour.  This 150 acre estate was once home to peach and apple orchards, and now is the home of an award winning winery. 

3. Tomasello Winery, Hammonton, NJ

Tomasello Winery is almost synonymous with "South Jersey winery."  In addition to the main winery in Hammonton, they have several tasting rooms in Smithville (just north of Atlantic City), Lambertville in central New Jersey, and in the northern New Jersey towns of Wyckoff and Chester. 

4. Renault Winery, Egg Harbor City,  NJ

Renault's centerpoint is its winery, but the resort also features a golf course, a Tuscan-style hotel, and several restaurants that feature the homegrown wines.  Many of the restaurants' furnishings are made from recycled winery casks and tools.

5. Coda Rossa, Franklinville, NJ/The Wineroom, Cherry Hill, NJ

Coda Rossa is the vineyard arm of The Wineroom.  Part tasting room, part wine club, meet other wine enthusiasts at events sponsored by Coda Rossa.

1. New Hope Winery, New Hope, PA 

Looking for a night out? This winery hosts tastings during the day and a Saturday night concert series for a more traditional "date night."

2. Chaddsford Winery, Chadds Ford, PA
Founded in 1982, it is the largest winery in Pennsylvania and arguably one of the best known.  Nestled between famed Longwood Gardens and the Wyeth family's Brandywine River Museum, this winery open for tastings until early evening, making it a perfect cap to your day.

3. Stargazer's Winery, Coatesville, PA

Perfect for a impromput afternoon date for a couple or two (groups of six or more require advance reservations) to try a sampler flight or enjoy a bottle with a picnic.

4. Sand Castle Winery, Erwinna, PA

Visit this Bucks County winery north of the city for a unique tour and tasting.  You can also schedule a class to learn food and wine pairings.

5.Va La Vineyards, Avondale, PA

A tiny working farm vineyard, varietals are cultivated based on soil strength.  These quirky vintners take their wine seriously; themselves -- not so much.

 Nassau Valley Winery, Lewes, DE is the First State's first winery.  It's open daily (unlike many other that operate Friday-Sunday), making it perfect for couples with a "nontraditional" weekend.  It's close to the Rehoboth Beach recreation areas, and a half hour or so stroll from the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal. 




©2012- 2014 Adventures with Jude. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://adventureswithjude.com

U-Pick: The best part of fall

One of our favorite fall activities is the U-Pick farm.  Sure, there are berries in the spring, and cherries and peaches in summer, but we love picking apples and pumpkins in the fall.  Nothing smells more like "fall" than applesauce simmering or an apple pie baking (it's finally cool enough to turn the oven back on) while specially chosen pumpkins decorate the house.

When we go pumpkin picking, we only really have one rule:

You can pick any pumpkin in the patch, as long as you can carry it.

Lucky for Damien, big brother Luke came to his rescue and helped him carry this one out of the field.

Jude got smart and pulled a wagon out to the apple orchard!  Work smarter, not harder!

Living in the "Garden State", there are so many Pick-Your-Own (PYO) farms around here.  Some of our favorites are listed below.  Many have spring and summer PYO crops as well.  Always make sure to call ahead before going, because while there are fairly set seasons for crops, precisely when fruit is ready to pick is up to Mother Nature!

(Disclaimer: Most of these farms purchase packaging supplies from Neal.  While knowing what they had in season got us to go there the first time, it's how much fun we had that makes us want to return!)

1.  Russo's Orchard Lane Farm, Chesterfield, NJ

Russo's PYO starts in May/June with strawberries, and the season continues through to December with Christmas trees.

2.  Mood's Farm Market, Mullica Hill, NJ

 Make sure to bring your own hard-sided containers (no bags allowed) when you come to pick.  The season starts with sweet cherries in June and ends when there are no more pumpkins for any frost to be left on. t

3. Duffield's Farm, Sewell, NJ
In addition to PYO apples and pumpkins, Duffields features hayrides and a corn maze.  Stop in the farm market for still-warm cider donuts and the best chicken salad you'll ever eat.  Student groups welcome with reservations; closed Sundays.

4.  Haynicz Orchardview Farms, Monroeville, NJ

This farm offers the usual Jersey apples and peaches (sorry, Georgia, but Jersey wins every time!) but also PYO Jersey Tomatoes.   If you have white bread, a smear of mayo, and a thick slice of a red ripe Jersey tomato, you have summer on a plate.

 5.  Fruitwood Orchards, Monroeville, NJ

Fruitwood is well-known locally for their honey - their blueberry honey is my absolute favorite and tastes wonderful in our Honey-Apple Bundkuchen.  While they don't currently have PYO apples (just strawberries and cherries earlier in the summer), it's worth a stop in the fall to get some honey.

And a bonus:

Johnson's Corner Farm, Medford, NJ

Johnson's Farm is another farm to consider if you have a larger group - they can accommodate groups from 15 people on up to 300.  It's a favorite of many school children - a trip includes a hayride, a seasonal picking, and an animal farm. 

Happy Fall, Y'all!  Go pick something delicious!

©2012- 2014 Adventures with Jude. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://adventureswithjude.com

Happy Trails

 On our big history trip this summer, we did some hiking.  If you ask the kids, we did a LOT of hiking.  We went up and down mountains, over rocks, to a waterfall, along the Stations of the Cross, and through several battlefields.

This relatively unmarked trail once was the Confederate holding at Harper's Ferry.  It is now a nature walk.  The path takes you up and then across a ridge; bringing up the rear and doing a head count, I realized I was only a couple singers short of a Von Trapp concert.

This trail starts from the William Houck Lake-side comfort station in Cunningham Falls State Park.  It takes you up to the main parking lot and the Falls trails, two of the nine trails that are either in or pass through the park.

Looking at the steep and rocky Cliff Trail just off the main parking lot, we had opted to walk to the falls by the more gentle (and semi-paved) lower trail.   Interpretive signs, benches here and there, perfect for a relaxing walk. After about a 15 minute walk, we reached the Falls.

Cunningham Falls - known locally as McAfee Falls

Never ones to shy away from challenges, the kids still wanted to try the harder Upper Trail.  I warned them that once we started, we were committed.  They understood and agreed; Luke took the lead and I again brought up the rear.  I told Matthew and Celia to stay within sight of me and Luke wrangled Damien, who somehow managed to consistently race ahead of all of us.  It was NOT an easy trail.  I'm impressed with how they did, especially Jude.

This is at the bottom of the hill, back at the parking area.  It doesn't do the elevation justice - the hill behind is about the equivalent of five or six stories, and at a very steep angle.

One of our stops was to the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes on the campus of Mount St. Mary's University.  Our original plan was to go to the National Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton nearby, but we ran out of time wandering round the Grotto.  Two main paths - Corpus Christi Path, with the Stations of the Cross along the walk, and Rosary Path, lined with scripture and mosaic depictions of the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries and interspersed with shrines dedicated to various saints (including St. Jude).  The end of Rosary Path is marked by the St. John Paul II garden, complete with the Luminous Mysteries. 

We managed to hike several small sections of the Appalachian Trail as well.

Our first steps on it were at Harper's Ferry, WV.   If you're through-hiking and make it to this sign, you're basically halfway!

Harper's Ferry NHP also is home to two other hiking trails:

On one side of the Potomac River is Harper's Ferry, WV.  When you walk across the bridge and navigate a tight spiral staircase, you're in Maryland and a different park.

Did you know South Mountain is the only place where the AT crosses a battlefield?  South Mountain is where the Union soldiers held back the Confederates heading for Washington, DC and forced the battle at Sharpsburg (Antietam).  Atop the mountain is the very first memorial monument ever completed to honor George Washington.  The path up to it converges with the AT, and then just before the peak they split again.

Washington Monument, South Mountain MD

We had a good laugh here.  A few hundred feet along the monument trail was a small picnic shelter labeled "Mount Vernon."  It reminded us of our trip to Mt. Vernon, VA and the hike up the hill from the Potomac to the main house.  On the other side of the Museum was a comfort station - a large picnic shelter and restrooms.  It was called "Fort Necessity."

We enjoyed our hiking and plan on searching out some short, easy hikes around here.

Important things to know when you're hiking:

1.  Wear the right gear.  Some people like to hike in sandals, but personally, I prefer closed shoes.  They don't have to be heavy-duty boots - sturdy sneakers are good enough for short hikes.  Ballgown-style dresses are optional.

2. Be prepared for the weather.   Always be generous with the sunblock! Even with sunscreen and overcast skies, we found ourselves a little pink.  

And if it rains? Hikes are still fun.

3.  Stick together.

4. What in the blazes??? 

Know where you're going, and watch for signs and blazes so you don't get lost, especially if trails overlap.

5.  The view is worth the climb.

©2012- 2014 Adventures with Jude. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://adventureswithjude.com