Empire State Building, New York

The Empire State Building is 102 stories high and is a true icon of New York City. It was completed in 1931, by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, and is in Art-Deco design. You can take an elevator to the top for breathtaking views from the observation deck of the surrounding city. This landmark is one to visit if the Big Apple is on your list of destinations.

Guggenheim Museum, New York

The Guggenheim Museum is a great place to explore art exhibitions. But the building itself is a piece of art! It is truly unique with its cylindrical free-flowing design. Finished in 1956, after both the deaths of both Solomon R. Guggenheim and Frank Lloyd Wright, the architect. James Johnson Sweeney finished the construction of the building which has been said to be both awkward and beautiful.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston

The 125-foot tall concrete building, the JFK Presidential Library, and Museum, opened in 1979. It was designed by architect I.M. Pei, who, at the time was a relatively unknown architect. His design uses simple geometric shapes and a meticulously landscaped grounds.

Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles

Frank Gehry’s 2003 concert hall in Los Angeles is known as the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Its design is certainly free-flowing and uses a variety of materials including stainless steel. Inside the design is polar opposite and includes rich woods like Fir and Oak that provide wonderful acoustics for the building’s concerts.  

Space Needle, Seattle

Architect Tom Kundig designed Seattle’s famous Space Needle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it is now an observation tower standing 605 feet tall. It allows for 360-degree views of the city and even has a restaurant at the top.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

This 1.7-mile suspension bridge can be said to be the most famous in America. There were several engineers who designed a bridge to span across San Francisco Bay, but it was Joseph Baermann Strauss’s design that was built in 1937. The bridge is not named for its color, rather the Golden Gate Strait which is a narrow entrance between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay. The bridge itself is painted in orange to accentuate its features.

The White House, Washington, D.C.

Our nation’s capital has numerous inspiring architecture but The White House made our list for its neoclassical design. Irish-born architect James Hoban designed the house for the first president, George Washington in 1800. The White House has undergone some changes and updates throughout the years. It has been documented to have 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, and 3 elevators. That’s a lot of house! White House tours to the public are held almost every day.

PSFS Building, Philadelphia

Now known as the Loews Hotel, this 581-room hotel is in America’s first International Style-skyscraper. Built in 1932, it was designed by architects by architects William Lescaze and George Howe. The skyscraper is topped by a red neon sign with the Philadelphia Saving Fund Society’s initials (PSFS) on it which the building was originally constructed for.

Chicago Building, Chicago

The Chicago Savings Bank Building was, built in 1905 and designed by architectural firm Holabird & Roche. It is one of many buildings in the city that follow what is known as “ Chicago school of architecture”. These structures are metal framed with very large windows and terra cotta cladding. The Chicago Building makes for a beautiful city to visit.

Luxor Hotel, Las Vegas

One of the most impressive buildings in Las Vegas, the Luxor Hotel was built in 1993 and is considered “postmodern” architecture. It was designed by renowned hotel architect, Veldon Simpson. The building features an ancient Egyptian theme complete with a pyramid. Definitely, this is a popular destination on the strip.

We hope you enjoyed reading about cool buildings in the U.S.A. Which one would you like to visit first?

Send your itinerary to your family or close friends.

It is helpful to have family or close friends in the know of your whereabouts. Include where you are staying and when, how you are getting from place to place and any other travel details. Keep the knowledge that you are traveling to a need-to-know basis until you come back. It is unwise to share your travel plans online prior or during your trip.

Be informed about your destination.

Do some research on where you will be traveling. Read books, ask people you know, and use the internet. If you google safety for the location you are travelling, you’ll be sure to find out more about potential risks and tips on staying safe.

Have a list of emergency numbers.

Should you need it in an emergency, have phone numbers written down and in a safe accessible place, such as in your wallet or purse. Include phone numbers for people back home as well as the local police and officials in the area you are traveling. It also is advised to have copies of your identification, credit card info and wallet contents somewhere other than your wallet. If something goes wrong, you’ll have this information.

Get Travel Insurance.

Travel Insurance is a good idea. Just like any insurance, it’s great when you need it. Shop around as there are numerous companies that offer different coverage. 

Have emergency cash.

In a world of ATMs, it’s easy to not have cash. But in a true emergency, cash may be the key to getting the help you need. Hide some cash in a place other than your wallet or purse.

Conceal your Valuables.

Better yet, leave valuables at home. But sometimes you can’t avoid it. If you do bring anything of substantial value, make sure you hide it well to make it difficult for thievery. Hard case suitcases are better and call ahead to your lodging to see if there are any room safes or other secure storage options. Keep them in your possession and vision at all times.

Stay sober.

Sure, a business trip or personal vacation can include some social drinking. But keep in control, be responsible and aware of what is happening around you and to you.

Whether you are traveling by plane, train, or automobile, packing light is a huge benefit. Not only will you fit more in your bag or suitcase, being organized will help you find things while you are on your trip. Here we’ve put together some useful travel tips to pack efficiently.

Don’t over pack.

While it’s sometimes difficult to make choices, consider what you pack and only bring what you will truly need. If you are traveling by airplane, or cruise ship or train, having less luggage will cost you less in baggage fees. And if you are traveling by car, less bags will free up your car for passenger space and added visibility out your windows. Last, who likes to lift heavy bags?

Start by making a list of what you need and what you need to bring. Consider the destination, weather and events. Also, choose interchangeable color-coordinating clothing. Here’s a quick list of general must haves for your trip:

1.Underwear, undershirts, bras, socks. Bring one each for each day.

2.Shirts or dresses. Pack 2 less than the number of days. Wear the same outfit to and from your trip.

3.Pants. Bring 1 pair for every 2 days you are traveling. If you need a belt, try to keep it to one.

4.Shoes. 2 pair of casual/comfortable shoes. 1 pair of formal only if needed. Pack shoes that go with many outfits.

5.Toiletries.

Make sure to follow all TSA regulations for toiletries. Regardless, bring travel-sized toiletries to save space. Choose toiletries that have multiple uses, i.e. moisturizer with sunscreen. Pack personal items like medications, glasses or contacts. Remember that many toiletries can be purchased at your destination.

Roll your clothing.

It has been well studied that rolling your clothing is the most efficient way to pack because it saves space. Rolling your clothes compresses them as well as making it easy to stack your items in your bag or suitcase.

Take any soft clothing you have, underwear, t-shirts, pjs, and tightly roll them. The stiffer fabric items, like jeans or blazers should be folded. If you are concerned about wrinkling dressier fabrics, you can carefully fold these. Regardless of rolling and folding, take care in this process to reduce wrinkling. Make sure you are strategic in fitting the most in your bag with room to spare.

It’s Packing Time.

Once your rolled or folded your clothes and gathered your toiletries, it’s time to pack your bag or suitcase. Here are some tips:

1. Put socks/underwear into your shoes to save space. Wrap your shoes in a disposable plastic bag to keep other items in your bag clean and place shoes at the bottom of your suitcase.
2. The next items should be heavier-weight clothing like jeans, sweaters, sweatshirts, wool blazers. If you have rolled your clothing, placing items tightly together will prevent unrolling. On top of these are the lighter weight clothing items, shirts, tshirts, pants etc.
3. Any other items that you need to fit into the crevices should be added. Belts, underwear, undershirts, bras, etc.
4. If you have opted to fold any items, these should be placed on top. When you arrive at your destination, it’s good to remove these right away to help with wrinkling.
5. Toiletries and extraneous items should be on top or around edges where they fit.

Final Touches.

Lay a dry-cleaning bag on top. It helps keep finer clothing wrinkle-free.

Place toiletries in a clear resealable bag. This will avoid mishaps should something spill and make finding items easier.

Store your jewelry in small containers.

Don’t forget important stuff. Pack electronic chargers, medications, passports, sunglasses and other necessary items.

Bring a compression bag. It’s a nice idea to purchase a compression bag for travel purposes. Use it to place your dirty laundry in on your trip. Simply add your dirty laundry in it and before heading home, you can compress the bag and its contents. It will easily fit into your bag and make laundry easier when you arrive home.

While staying the course to healthy eating is challenging while on vacation or on a business trip, there are ways to plan ahead and keep more of that balance. We’ll show you that eating healthy while traveling is possible and by doing this, your travel experience will be better for it.

Start with a Nutritious Breakfast

Make it a point to start off your day with a healthy meal. Breakfast is a meal that you have the best chances to control because it’s the first thing in the morning. Plan the night before, at least where and what you will eat. Make good choices such as eggs or oatmeal, or yogurt with fruit. Food that has protein will help to maintain your energy level throughout your day. This will help you to make better food choices later.

Pack your own snacks.

Taking the time to pack your own healthy snacks will provide you with energy needed during travel while avoiding the need to purchase unhealthy snacks when you get hungry. Pack your snacks in portion-size to make it easy for you and to not overindulge on munchies. Great snacks for travel include homemade granola bites or purchased granola, fresh or dried fruit, and low-salt nuts. If you want something a bit salty or indulgent, kale chips, popcorn or dark chocolate are good options.

If you are unable to bring your own snacks, make sure to make smart choices at airports and rest stops in purchasing food items. Read labels to consider sugar and salt levels. Again, fresh or dried fruit make a quick healthy snack. The less ingredients in a snack, usually the better.

Stay hydrated.

Don’t forget to bring and drink plenty of water. If traveling in the car, store a small cooler in the main part of your car stocked with water so that you can easily access. If traveling by airplane, consider bringing an empty bottle which you can then fill once past security. While many travelers love to drink coffee, keep this to a minimum. Tea and seltzer water can make good water alternatives while on the go. Watch your salt intake salty snack will further parch your body. Choose juicy fruits such as strawberries, melons, and oranges which are hydrating. Remember that hydration is so important despite additional restroom stops because of it.

Plan your Meals.

Eating airline food or drive-thru food can be unhealthy. Instead, plan ahead. Options at the terminal tend to be healthier than the meal options onboard the plane. Visit the restaurants at the terminal ahead of time and make wise choices and customizations to make your meal the healthiest option. If you are on a car trip, scout out ahead of time restaurants that are on-route so that you can stop and have a good nutritious meal.

When making your lodging arrangements, consider choosing a hotel room with a mini-fridge to help you eat healthy. Stock up on fruit and salads. Think about renting a home or apartment that is equipped with a kitchen so that you may opt to cook some meals instead of dining out. Scout out ahead of time where local food shops are so that you can stock up on nutritious food when you arrive.

Being prepared and giving it some thought ahead of time are the ways you will succeed in making healthy food choices while traveling. Make sure to try some local foods to enjoy the culture where ever you travel but keep balance eating healthfully. By keeping a balance during your travels, you’ll be healthier and return back to routine life with ease. 

Hapuna Beach State Park, Hawaii

Hawaii is home to many gorgeous beaches. Hapuna beach is no exception. This half-mile beach is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is a wonderful family beach. Its soft white sand is warmed by sun on most days. Lifeguards are staffed year round and the water has a shore break which makes it great for kids to play in. There is a shaded area by the beach as well. The north and south ends are great areas for snorkeling.

Manele Bay, Hawaii

At Manele Bay, located on the island of Lanai, you’ll find amazing kayaking, swimming and snorkeling. Its water is a warm, 70 degrees and the reef is shallow which makes it great for kids. It is a marine preserve of colorful fish and the seafloor is mostly sand and gravel. Smooth sand and grass lawns make this beach a wonderful place to relax and picnic.

Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod and the islands of Massachusetts host some wonderful beaches. The Coast Guard Beach makes our list because of its picturesque views of the bay. This beach has beautifully soft white sand and rolling sand dunes and seagrass. You also are bound to spot seals playing along its shores.

Jetties Beach, Nantucket, Massachusetts

Nantucket, an island off the shores of Massachusetts, has Jetties Beach with bright blue, calm waters. Rent a sailboat or windsurf at this destination. There is a convenient beach-side restaurant and a playground nearby. A former whaling village, Nantucket is a charming backdrop to this beach.

Cape May, New Jersey

In the southern-most point of the shore, you’ll find Cape May beach in New Jersey. This beach is backdropped with charming Victorian houses. Take a bike ride on the boardwalk here. The beach offers great swimming and relaxation and maybe even sightings of dolphins.

Coopers Beach, New York

While in Long Island, New York, this beach in the summer feels like you are on a Caribbean vacation. Coopers Beach has wide sand and pristine waters. Enjoy body surfing and swimming in the rolling waves of this beach. The area mansions and dunes make for a scenic backdrop.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

This family-friendly destination on the east coast in Virginia makes our list of beaches to visit. It has miles of soft sand and good waves to bodysurf. Enjoy the boardwalk for strolling or biking. The area has lots of eateries, shops, and museums.

Lighthouse Beach, Outer Banks, North Carolina

This pretty beach in the popular Outer Banks has amazing surfing because of large number of fish that expend energy toward the coast. The beach is staffed with lifeguards which makes for a great family beach. And its coastline is ever changing depending on the tide.

Coligny Beach, South Carolina

This beach in South Carolina is unique as it has hard-packed sand which is great for running or bike rides on the beach. It is a wide, clean and serene beach, great for sitting in a chair with a good book. This beach is great for families too as it is easy to access and has lots of local shops and restaurants.

Grayton Beach State Park, Florida

Located in northwest Florida, Grayton Beach is close to the Gulf of Mexico. This paradise of a beach has a wide expanse of fine sand and its water is a mix of salt and freshwater. Wildlife here is abundant including the endangered species, the Gopher Tortoise.

Caladesi Island State Park, Florida

Only accessible by boat, Caladesi Island State Park provided a secluded beach experience in Florida. Take the ferry from Honeymoon Island and enjoy swimming, discovering shells, kayaking, and spotting animals like dolphins and tortoise.

Rialto Beach, Washington

Massive rocks line the coast of this beautiful beach in Washington where you can explore hidden caves. Large waves crash into a beach filled with driftwood. Whales, otters, and seals are all regular visitors as well.

Coronado Beach, California

This beach is located in San Diego and is a fun family destination. Its sand is golden in color due to high mineral content. The beach is set in front of the iconic Hotel del Coronado with its Victorian architecture and red roof. It’s a very flat beach which makes or great walking and swimming. Local shops and restaurants make this a top beach to discover.

South State Beach, California

This Californian beach in Carlsbad, offers hiking, swimming, fishing and even overnight camping. Located on one of the rugged coasts of California, this remote beach is one of the most natural and beautiful.

So that’s our list of beaches in America to visit. Did your favorite beach make our list?

The Ferris Wheel

George Washington Ferris, an American engineer from Illinois, invented the Ferris wheel for the 1893 Chicago World’s Columbian Exposition. Challenged to conceive of a monument for the fair that would be more impressive than the Eiffel Tower, he designed the wheel from which visitors would be able to view the entire fair. Millions of visitors enjoyed the very first Ferris Wheel and it continues to be a popular attraction at amusement parks and fairs.

The Ouija Board

If you’ve watched your share of spooky movies, you may be familiar with the Ouija Board. It is a classic supernatural game that lets you ask questions and a small heart-shaped piece of wood or plastic guides you for answers on a flat board marked with various letters, numbers, words, and symbols. It was invented by Elijah Bond in 1890 as a parlor game. While the Ouija Board has received criticism, today it is still manufactured by Hasbro and has been included in many books, movies, and television.

The Cheeseburger

Yum! Cheeseburgers are so delicious and such an icon of American culture. While there are several competing claims as to who created the first cheeseburger, it appears to be an American invention by Lionel Sternberger. At the age of 16 in 1926, while working as a cook in his dad’s California sandwich shop, he created the cheeseburger.

Floss

We all have (or at least should) incorporating flossing as part of our daily hygiene routine. But did you know floss is an American invention? As early as 1815, floss was invented by Levi Spear Parmly, a dentist from New Orleans, Louisiana. While the early version was made from silk, today we use nylon or plastic floss for good dental care.

Super Soaker

A more recent American invention is the Super Soaker, a high powered water gun. The Super Soaker was invented in 1982 by engineer Lonnie Johnson who created one out of PVC pipe, a plastic container, and a soda bottle. It was a great design that millions of Americans, kids, and adults buy and use yearly.

Swivel Chair

While you may think a swivel chair is a more modern invention, did you know it was invented in 1776 by none other than founding father Thomas Jefferson? Amazing right? Jefferson heavily modified the Windsor-styled chair such that the top and bottom parts were connected by a central iron spindle. This enabled the top half known as the seat, to swivel on casters. The original did not have wheels as many of our swivel chairs today include.

Duct Tape

Duct tape began as a serious solution. During World War II, the U.S. military needed a strong, waterproof tape to help keep ammunition cases dry. The tape began as army-green colored but as its use expanded outside of the military, duct tape was offered in a gray color to match “ducts” – hence its name. Today, duct tape is found in most American homes as a very versatile tool.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

It’s such classic, simple and delicious cookie. Made from flour, butter, brown sugar and semi sweet chocolate morsels, it was made by accident in 1930 by Ruth Graves Wakefield who owned a restaurant in Whitman Massachusetts, called of the Toll House Inn. What a great mistake!

Zipper

In 1893, Whitcomb L. Judson, an inventor from Chicago, created the “clasp locker” which we now know as the zipper. To save time and fuss with buttons, the zipper is a quick and easy fastener for clothing, accessories and more. Americans and people worldwide use zippers every day.

Traffic Light

Can you imagine traffic without traffic lights? Thank goodness in 1912, Lester Wire, a policeman from Salt Lake City, created the first traffic light. They now efficiently manage the traffic of pedestrians and vehicles at intersections across the U.S. and worldwide. While originally only a red and green light, the yellow has been added.

Microwave Oven

Now commonplace in kitchens, the microwave oven was invented in 1945 by Percy Spencer. He was an engineer from Maine working for Raytheon on radar sets. He discovered that the microwaves he was exposed to at work, melted some chocolate in his pocket. This discovery paved the way to the microwave oven that can cook, thaw or reheat food.

Defibrillator Paddles

1.  We may be familiar with the story of Betsy Ross but the 50-star flag we know today was designed by a teenager, Robert G. Heft, as a school assignment. In 1958, before Alaska and Hawaii were officially made states, Heft’s history teacher assigned his class project where each student had to bring in something they created. Hearing rumors of adding Alaska and Hawaii, Heft created a flag that included 2 additional stars. His teacher’s impression was not very high and graded him a B- for Heft’s efforts. Heft remained proud of his work and defended it. His teacher is said to have instructed Heft to get his flag approved by U.S. Congress and only then would Heft’s grade be reconsidered. After a couple of years of Heft writing letters to the White House, President Eisenhower told him that his flag design had been chosen out of over a thousand. On July 4th, 1960, Heft witnessed his school project design to become the official American flag. And yes, his grade was changed to an A.

2.  Prior to President Trump, our first president, George Washington was the wealthiest president we’ve had. He had assets worth more than $500 million in today’s dollars. How did he have his wealth? He was not born in a family with money. Washington owned a lot of land at the time, over 50,000 acres. Some of the land he purchased in his teen years and some he acquired as part of the war. Washington’s brother married a leading family which led to him marrying one of the richest women at the time. Washington’s choice of career, a highly-in-demand surveyor, pushed him further into wealth. By reading Washington’s will, we learn he owned substantial shares and bonds and livestock. We know he had many slaves and he ran many crop distribution businesses.

3.  The first battle of the civil war in America occurred in the same place where it ended. You may have heard of Bull Run or Battle of Manassas (Virginia), which is the first major battle of the war. Union soldiers marched 30-mile west from Washington, D.C. while Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard took over McLean’s farmhouse as his headquarters. On July 18, 1861, a cannonball was sent through the kitchen fireplace at the home on Wilmer Mclean’s farm and began the fierce war. While McLean and his family moved 120 miles away, he was asked by messenger in 1865 if his home could be used to discuss the conditions of the South’s surrender. This historic meeting of Robert E. Lee, Confederate General, surrendering to Union General, Ulysses S. Grant took place right in McLean’s living room.

4.  The Liberty Bell is a well-known piece of American history. It is a symbol of freedom as it was adopted in the 1830’s by abolitionists.   The bell was erected in August 1752 and was first rung on July 8, 1776, to celebrate the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. It is fractured with a large crack and there are various stories of how that occurred. The bell has not been rung since 1847 at George Washington’s birthday. But we didn’t know that during the Revolutionary War, the bell was hidden in a church in Allentown Pennsylvania in 1877-1878. Soldiers feared that the British would steal the bell and melt it down to make cannons.

5.  When you think of the western-frontier man, Daniel Boone, you envision a coonskin cap. Contrary to popular belief and legend, Daniel Boone not only did not wear a coonskin cap, he hated them. Instead, Boone wore a wide-brimmed felt hat, like many other hunters of his day. It was much more logical as the brim of the hat provided better vision in the sun and the hat itself. It is believed this stereotype that he wore the raccoon hat because of an early drawing was done of him in the book, “Daniel Boone and the Hunters of Kentucky’ (1854) by W. H. Bogart.

6.  When you think of Abe Lincoln’s physique, it’s hard to image him wrestling, right? President Abraham Lincoln, when young, was a successful wrestler, defeated only once out of about 300 matches. Maybe the long arms and legs helped.

7.  When the American Civil War started, Confederate Robert E. Lee owned no slaves. Union general U.S. Grant did. Quite the contradiction, don’t you think? Lee insisted that his decision to support the Confederacy was not based on his defense of slavery. While Grant did own a slave, he freed them in 1859.

8.  Martin Van Buren may have started a popular phrase that is used extremely frequently today. Van Buren was raised in Kinderhook, N.Y., and because of that, his nickname became “Old Kinderhook.” A popular belief is that the familiar saying of “OK” originates from his election campaign.

9.  The first submarine attack happened in 1776. That’s a lot earlier than we would have thought. Named the “Turtle”, it was a one-person submersible vehicle invented by David Bushnell, an inventor and patriot. He discovered gunpowder could be exploded under water. The submarine allowed the occupant to attach a powder keg to a British ship in New York Harbor.

10.  Jimmy Carter believed in UFOs. That’s right. While governor of Georgia, in 1973. Carter was asked to file a report of the sighting by the International UFO Bureau in Oklahoma. He reported “There were about twenty of us standing outside of a little restaurant, I believe, a high school lunch room, and a kind of green light appeared in the western sky. This was right after sundown. It got brighter and brighter. And then it eventually disappeared. It didn’t have any solid substance to it, it was just a very peculiar-looking light. None of us could understand what it was.”

Here’s our list of zany items that have been made official to represent their state.

State Muffin

Massachusetts made the corn muffin its official muffin in 1986. While Cape Cod lawmakers wanted the official muffin to be cranberry, corn won out in the Senate. Corn muffins were advocated for because they were used in trade between the Indians and the state’s early settlers and because corn is grown in Massachusetts.

State Vegetable

In 2007, Oklahoma named the watermelon its official vegetable, explaining that the watermelon belongs to the cucumber family. Scandalous! And their state fruit is a strawberry.

State Insect

Deleware declared the Stonefly its official “macroinvertebrate” in 2005. Because the presence of stoneflies is indicative of excellent water quality, Deleware wanted to bring attention to this. Deleware has had numerous initiatives for water quality.

State Flavor

Vermont is the only state with a government-recognized flavor. Any guesses? Vermont chose to make “Maple” its official flavor.

State Drinks

Nebraska has a state drink that most kids love. In 1998, Kool-aid was recognized. It was an unusual move to designate something other than milk as its official beverage. Kool-aid was created in Hastings, Nebraska in 1927.

State Snack

Utah made this wiggly dessert its official snack in 2001. Included in the bill to pass Jello as its state snack, were the many reasons  including:

• Jello was introduced to the U.S. in 1897 (only one year after Utah was admitted to the Union)
• Utah consumed the most Jello per capita for many years
• Jello is fun and well, so is Utah

State Exercise

One way to increase physical fitness in your state is to make exercise official. Maryland did this in 2008 making “walking” its designated state exercise because of its health benefits and low-impact.

State Bird

Most states have named various birds as symbols for their states so why would a state bird be on our strange list? Well, the bird is plastic. Wisconsin, in 2009, voted to make plastic pink flamingos official after years of pink flamingos flocking the state. It originated in 1979, when students at the University of Wisconsin at Madison covered the campus with more than 1,000 plastic flamingos on the first day of school as a prank.

State Cookie

New Mexico was the first state to select an official cookie. They did so in 1989, choosing the bizcochito, a rich buttery shortbread cookie flavored with anise and cinnamon. Other states have followed suit and named various cookies to represent.

State Dinosaur

Yep, a dinosaur! D.C.’s official state dinosaur is the Capitalsaurus. This is no joke. In the late 1800s, a fossil was discovered. But because not enough fossil was unearthed, it cannot be scientifically recognized. Despite not being able to prove this new genus of dinosaur, Washington D.C. has embraced this dinosaur – naming a street, a holiday and their state dinosaur after the Capitalsaurus!

Cost

The expense of college is often the first and most important consideration. The location of your school can have an impact on the cost. When choosing a school close to home, you may take advantage of in-state tuition rates. And because you are close-by, you won’t have travel expenses. Going to school driving distance from home can keep costs down. Airfare is expensive. But keep in mind if you choose an out-of-state school, you may be awarded scholarships that offset expenses. You’ll need to consider that location of school does not necessarily dictate cost. Where would you go to school if cost was not a factor? Make sure that college/location is on the list. Then weigh in the other elements to consider.

Community Culture

When choosing a college, consider the network of people that comes with it. You’ll be spending pretty much all your time with students and teachers. Try to get a sense of how the community interacts with one another. Make observations by sitting in on a class and watch students outside the classroom. Visit a coffee shop and see how local people are. Can you envision yourself feeling comfortable with these people?

Environment

The actual environment of a college or university is important. Think about the size of the school and whether it’s urban or rural. What are the buildings like? Do you feel at ease in the classrooms? Would you feel at home in the dorm? What’s the weather like? All of these questions are good ones to look at. Being comfortable in your physical environment should be a factor in your decision on where to go to college.

Location Opportunities

While much education will occur in the classrooms of your college, you need to consider opportunities in the surrounding location. Investigate area companies or job opportunities in your field of interest. Some areas of study would benefit being near a bustling city while others near farmland. Consider this in your decision.

Location is an important factor to consider as we have outlined. Even if you desire to break free from your hometown, being able to return to it may be optimal until you get your bearing in a new place. There are always opportunities to branch out through travel, internships, exchange programs and college transfers. If you think you may need some support as you enter your first year of college, stay relatively close to home. On the other hand, consider that having your family so close may prevent you from taking full advantage school both academically and socially. Take your time in making a decision and weigh all the factors.

In America, you all are familiar with many town and city names. There are the towns we grew up in, cities you’ve traveled to and the places you see in the news, read about in books, or hear of through friends. But there are many places in the U.S., you may not be aware they even existed. Some of these places names are so strange you won’t believe they are real. But they are indeed genuine places with crazy names.

#1 Pig, Kentucky

Pig is a town located in Kentucky. It was so named after many disputes over what name to choose. It is reported that one of the town’s residents spotted a small hog on a road and then the name “Pig” was accepted. Goes to show that fighting benefits no-one.

#2 Chicken, Alaska

The town of Chicken, Alaska got it’s name from the prevalence of a medium sized gamebird there. The name of the bird, “ptarmigan”, was suggested as the official town name. However, the spelling of ptarmigan is challenging and so “chicken” was used to avoid embarrassment.

#3 Toad Suck, Arkansas

“The origin of the name Toad Suck is not clear. Some say it got its name  when rivermen would gather at the local tavern and they would “suck on the bottle ’til they swell up like toads”. Others believe the name originated from a French phrase that means “a narrow channel in the river”. Either way, today the town of Toad Suck is pretty unique.

#3 Belchertown, Massachusetts

While the name Belchertown sounds like its name originated for an obvious reason,  the real deal is that it’s named after Jonathan Belcher, a colonial governor of Massachusetts.

#5 Gas, Kansas

The name of this town allows for a lot of jokes! “You just passed Gas.” Gas got its name when, no surprise, natural gas was discovered in the area in 1898.

#6 Boring, Oregon

Whether or not it is a boring place is to be determined. But, Boring, Oregon sure does have a funny name. Boring is named after William Harrison Boring, a Union soldier and pioneer whose family first settled the area in 1856 in the Oregon Territory.

#7 Ding Dong, Texas

Ding Dong sounds like a doorbell but it is also the name of a town in central Texas. Ding Dong was named when two early settlers in the community, Zulis Bell, and Bert Bell, opened a store. The store’s sign depicted two bells on it with the initials of the Bell brothers. Underneath the bells were the words “Ding” and “Dong”. Over the years, because of this sign, this town became known as Ding Dong.

#8 What Cheer, Iowa

There are a few theories of where the name “What Cheer” came from. One is that a Scottish miner exclaimed “What cheer!” on discovering a coal seam near town. Another theory suggests that it comes from an ancient English greeting “what cheer with you”. Regardless of where the name came from, the people there must be very happy.

#9 Zzyzx, California

This town was formerly known as Soda Springs. American radio evangelist Curtis Howe Springer gave the made-up name Zzyzx to the area in 1944, claiming it to be the last word in the English language. He was known to be a con-artist. That would explain the strangeness of this town’s name.

#10 Two Egg, Florida

Two Egg, Florida, got its name during the Great Depression. According to local folklore, two young boys were so poor that they purchased sugar from a local store by giving them two eggs. Not only did this trade give way to naming the town but the term “two egg store” spread nationally.

#11 Oatmeal, Texas

One belief in this community’s name is an alteration of the name “Othneil” –  a man with this name was the area’s first gristmill owner. Alternatively, Oatmeal could be a translation of the name German name Habermill (Haber meaning “oats”. Either way, this town sounds warm and wholesome.

#12 Booger Hole, West Virginia

While the name Booger Hole can’t help but make you laugh, this town was horribly subjected to a number of murders during a short period of time in the early 1900s. It’s community formed what they referred to as a “mob” who threatened to “get bloodhounds and detectives and run [the murderer] to the ends of the earth.” Although many think the name of this town is derived from this violence as in “boogieman”, others believe the town was named this already at the time of the murders. No matter why the town was named this, it is still a weird town name.

#13 Loafers Glory, North Carolina

Loafers Glory is located in North Carolina. Definitely sounds like you’d find a lot of shoes there. Actually, this town was named for the idle, or “loafing” men who commonplace at the town’s general store.

#14 Pee Pee, Ohio

The final strange town on our list is the town of Pee Pee. (hee hee) It took its name from Pee Pee Creek which was so named when an early settler carved his initials P. P. on a tree along its banks.

#1 Prepare your automobile.

Whether you are taking your car, minivan or RV on your trip, make sure you check to make sure it is functioning well. Does it need an oil change or any maintenance service? Are your brakes working as they should? Are the tires and spare tire inflated properly? Do you have windshield washer fluid? Consider having a mechanic check your vehicle to make sure everything is functioning properly. Make sure you have an emergency kit with jumper cables available. The effort now will give you peace of mind on the road.

#2 Get your paperwork in order. 

Make sure your driver’s license, registration, and insurance are all up to date and that you have these documents with you and easily accessible. No one wants the trouble that not having these would cause. Also, pay any traffic or parking tickets. Read up on local laws, for example, cell phone usage laws can differ state to state. In addition, if you aren’t already, become a member of a roadside assistance membership, such as AAA. It will be helpful should you need some help along the way. Consider signing up for a toll pass to be able to travel toll roads with ease.

#3 Pack thoughtfully and strategically.

When you pack your bags and your vehicle, make sure you pack only what you need and will use so as not to over pack. You don’t want your vehicle so full that you become a target for theft. At the same time, overpacking makes it very difficult for you to find what you need. It makes sense to take some time to list out what you actually need and to pack them in separate bags that you’ll access while on the road and when you reach your destination. Have a bag in the passenger area that has necessities you’ll need along the way –  tissues,  wet wipes, sanitizer, paper towels, trash bags, etc. Pack a cooler for snack and drinks.

#4  Synchronize your bathroom and food breaks.

Assuming you won’t be alone on this road trip, make it a rule that when you stop, everyone in the car tries to use the bathroom. Equally helpful is to have everyone get food at the same time. This will reduce the number of stops you’ll need to make.

#5 Clean car before and as you go.

As part of preparing your vehicle, start by making sure it’s clean. It will make your experience that much better. Use trash bags and clean your car as you go. Use rest stop trash cans to empty your car.

#6 Have activities available.

While a road trip is interesting and fun, there will be lots of time where you will not find it so. Make sure the driver packs some audio options, books on tape, podcasts etc. Gum and crunchy apples also help keep the driver alert. Equally important, the passengers should pack some things to keep occupied. Movies, books, small toys for kids are all good options. Sometimes it’s fun to incorporate learning about the states you visit as you go.

#7 Make a general plan.

This one seems obvious but it’s a good idea to do some research and plan out your route and some stops and a general timeline. The key here though is a “general” plan. Don’t over plan. Remember though that a road trip should remain flexible. Some things will happen that are not in your control. Traffic, detours, a tired driver, grumpy passengers, and so many unimaginable scenarios can occur. It’s all part of the experience. Sometimes the unexpected can afford the most enjoyable or memorable piece of it. So use these tips and then let the journey happen. Enjoy your trip!

Puzzles

Puzzles are such a fun activity for many as they force you to sit and be in the moment. If you choose a puzzle for your child that is a map (world or country) or one that is of a real landscape, it is a wonderful way to learn about places without even trying. Choose a peg puzzle for your preschooler or a 500 piece puzzle with your elementary aged kid. Puzzles allow children to study a picture of the world and is a great opportunity to have a conversation about places and people.  Putting a puzzle together, makes children truly study a map, and ultimately memorize its details.

Songs

We all love music. Songs are fun and catchy and most children enjoy music. Play a variety of fun songs to your kids which teach about continents, countries, states, cities and more. Because songs tend to stick in your head, kids memorize the information more quickly.

One well-known song for kids is “Fifty, Nifty United States”.

You can search for more examples of fun songs about geography.

Maps and Globes

Maps and globes are great tools to use to play games with your kids. You can take turns spinning the globe and placing your finger on it. When the globe, stops, try to identify where your finger lands. Talk about the continent, country, ocean, or fact about that region, etc. Printable maps are also fun to color, use as placemats, or use in games as well.

Another entertaining way to incorporate mapping in a fun way is to have your child draw their own maps. Whether it’s a map of their home, neighborhood or school, or even an imaginary place, it’s fun to do. Make sure to instruct on including all sorts of things in their maps, buildings, and landscape, and also include a legend to identify the parts of the map.

Books

A child-friendly atlas can be a great way to incorporate teaching about our world. The Lift-the-flap Picture Atlas a great one for preschoolers and even older kids like it. They can lift flaps to make discoveries about places all over the world.

Books can teach a lot about the world. Choose books from different cultures to learn about different places. Also, if a book mentions a place, try to take the opportunity to point out the place on a map. When your child is ready, have them identify on a map.

Additionally, there are all kinds of fun kids books available such as flag sticker books, state son, and capital books and more. Cook books from various regions is also a fun way to incorporate culture in your daily meals.

While not a book, we’d thought we would mention mobile apps as they can be a great tactical tool to read and learn about geography. Explore apps including the Kids Map App and Google Maps.

Travel and Exploration

Try to take your kid on a trip or use ordinary life experiences to teach about the world. Whether it’s a drive around town, a visit to a museum, or a planned vacation, all of these can broaden your child’s geographical knowledge. As much as you can, talk to your child about the town you live in. Get to know and share history, landmarks, roads, and places. Make sure if you are around your own town or traveling somewhere you talk to your child about what you see and what they see and observe.