Atalaya Castle (Murrells Inlet, SC)
Hallway through the center courtyards, the water tower is in the middle
During our stay at Huntington Beach South Carolina State Park our family visited the Atalaya Castle. There is a small fee to tour the house, if you want you can purchase an audio tour for an additional fee. We choose to do the tour on our own.
Atalaya has a neat history! It was built by Acher and Anna Huntington during the Great Depression. Archer was their philanthropist from New York City and Anna was an artist. They built the house in South Carolina as a place to stay during the winter after Anna was diagnosed with tuberculosis. They designed the house after Spanish and Moorish architecture. The house has 30 room with a center courtyard full of native plants and a water tower. The Huntington’s insisted that the house be built by people from local community to help boost the economy in that area during the Great Depression. The house was once on 9,000 acres of land.
If you are in the area and have some extra time we recommend stopping by for a visit.
One side of the inner courtyard
Touring the castle
Anna was a sculpture and she designed these wrought iron pieces to cover the windows. They are both decorative and serve as protection from hurricanes.
Entry doorway
Vine growing up through the window
In the kitchen….
My crew!
Outside of Atalaya Castle
Kit Carson County Carousel (Burlington, CO)
Kit Carson County Carousel Wooden Token
This is the second time we have visited the Kit Carson Carousel. It sits on the edge of the Kit Carson County fairgrounds in the small town of Burlington, Colorado. The first time we visited the carousel we were driving Interstate 70 from Colorado to Kansas to visit family. We were looking for a good place to stop for a little bit and stretch our legs. It was such a neat place to visit we told other family members about it and the next time we were driving through we stopped to share the experience with them!
The carousel was #6 of the 74 carousels made by Philadelphia Toboggan Company. It was made in 1905 for the Elitch Gardens amusement park and was used until 1927. In 1928 Kit Carson County purchased the carousel for $1,200 (the price included shipping).
The carousel animals are stationary with three animals per row. The original Wurlitzer band organ has been restored and plays music when the carousel is in motion. The carousel is inside a 12 sided framed building on the edge of the fair grounds with a museum and small gift shop beside it. It is the only antique carousel that still has the original paint on both the panels and animals. Most modern carousel go approximately 8 mph, however, the Kit Carson one goes a whopping 12 mph.
The carousel has quite an interesting history. During the Great Depression the carousel spent several years in storage. They local town stored grain inside the building that housed the carousel. At one point 3 of the animals were stolen and later found in another state. It was designated a National Historic Site in 1978 and National Historic Landmark in 1987.
If you are in the area or driving through on I70 we would encourage you to stop and explore this neat carousel. It only costs 25 cents to ride the carousel and $1 to visit the museum.
Riding the Kit Carson County Carousel
Flowers at the Kit Carson Carousel
Going for another ride on the carousel!
All smiles!
Kit Carson Carousel building
Other side of the wooden token!
Travel & Vacation: Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon (Charleston, SC)
Visiting the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
One of the days while we were in Charleston, SC it was raining so we took the time to explore the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon. We had gotten a Groupon for a discounted tour of the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon so we figured it was the perfect day to go. The girls and I had a lot of fun learning about the building and all the history that took place within it’s walls. Another time about a year later we were in Charleston again and Jake joined us for our second tour of the building. It is full of history. The kids really enjoyed it. A friend recommended we go see this historic site a couple years ago and we have enjoyed going more than once.
Old Exchange dates back to the 1670’s when it was used as a Customs and Exchange building for the busy Charleston port. Pirates were placed in the Provost Dungeon. British tea was stored inside it’s walls. You can see the old sea wall inside the Provost Dungeon. During the American Revolution the colonists hid guns and ammunition inside the building. There is a lot of neat history in this building.
Old staircase, not in use anymore
Old Seawall can be seen inside the Provost Dungeon. Half-moon battery.
They had amazing brick work done in the building. It was neat to see.
Old model of the building.
Our tour guide telling about the pirates they captured and held as prisoners in the Provost Dungeon
Pirates biding their time in the Dungeon
The had to keep records of all the exchanges and transactions that took place inside the building.
The colonists put a powder magazine inside the building and then built a wall in front of it. Even during the American Revolution when the British soldiers had control and occupied this building they never found it. After the war when they took down the wall everything was still where they had left it.
Provost Dungeon
Black Beard the pirate
A lot of neat historical pictures line the walls throughout the building
It was a rainy day in Charleston. Perfect day to take a tour of Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon.
Information about Preside George Washington’s visit to Charleston.
We the People….
Historical people and swords
Rainy day, but still beautiful
Looking out from the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon building to the street below.
History of the Exchange & Custom House, Faneuil Hall, and more
One of the meeting rooms, beautifully decorated
The Old Exchange Building & Provost Dungeon Banner
Plagues on the outside walls of the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Rainbow Row (Charleston, SC)
When we go into downtown Charleston, SC the kids always try to see who is the first one to spot Rainbow Row. Rainbow Row is a popular architectural landmark in Charleston, SC along East Bay Street. It is a row of brightly colored 18th century buildings in Charleston.
The buildings were given their name due to their beautiful Colonial Caribbean color scheme. Originally, the buildings were businesses that serviced the Charleston docks. The oldest one of the buildings was built in 1748. The buildings had stores on the bottom floors with the business owners and their families living on the second floor. Currently the buildings are private residences, however, they continue to resemble their historical style and colors. If you are on that side of Charleston go ahead and snap a photo of these colorful houses on Rainbow Row.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Daniel Island Historical Markers & Bike Path (Daniel Island, SC)
Beautiful paved Daniel Island bike and walking path
We love visiting Daniel Island! Over the past few years we have been several times and it seems like every time we find something new to explore on this island on the outskirts of Charleston, SC. On one of our trips we took our bikes with us and found a lot of neat places to ride around town. The kids favorite place to ride their bikes was around the cement and paved path in Smythe Lake Park around a little lake in near the Pirates Cove Playground. The last time we brought our bikes we would ride around the lake, play for a little bit at the playground, and ride around the lake again.
The scenery around the lake is beautiful. On our first pass around the bike and walking trail we noticed Daniel Island Historical Markers along the way. It was a lot of fun to stop at each one and read about the history of Daniel Island. We saw some wildlife on our adventures too from alligators to ducks and more! We got our exercise and learn more about Daniel Island throughout our excursions that day.
Biking around the lake
On of the historical signs along the biking and walking path – “A Proprietary Governor“
“Slave Life on Daniel Island”
We had a friend sunning himself along the biking trail. Needless to say we didn’t stop to see if he wanted to play. Always best to leave the wildlife alone!
“Making Bricks”
“Tenants & Truck Farmers”
“Harry Frank Guggenheim”
Friendly ducks swimming and finding little fish to eat.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge (Charleston, SC)
The sun is setting and birds are flying by as we go over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in Charleston
We typically go over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge as we head into downtown Charleston, SC. Usually if we are in the area for a few days we go over the bridge several times. My favorite time to go over the bridge is around sunset. It is beautiful and you get a great view of the sunset from the top of the bridge. We typically drive over the bridge, but there is a walkway where you can walk as well as a bicycle path over the bridge. We often see people walking, jogging, or biking across the bridge during the day or early in the evenings.
The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge first opened its 8 lanes back in 2005. It is a cable bridge with two diamond shaped towers. It is lit up at night and you can see it for miles (it looks pretty neat). The bridge was built so that ocean freighters and other large boats could get into the Port of Charleston. Every Spring they have the Cooper River Bridge Run that crosses over this bridge. Back in 2013 Jake, the girls, and I were in town the day before the run so we did the Cooper River Bridge Kids Run together which was a lot of fun. Not only did they have the kids run, but a lot of great family friendly activities for the kids throughout the day. We haven’t timed it right to participate again, but maybe some day we’ll get the timing right.
If you have kids another cool thing about the bridge is the shaded playground directly under it. The playground is fenced and gated which makes it nice for the younger kids. The kids enjoy going to the playground, walking through the park, or swinging on the swings positioned along the pier under the bridge. The park and playground is called Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. It is one of the few playgrounds you can go to if it is a rainy day because it is almost completely covered. Also, on hot days it is a perfect place to find a shady place to play that has a little breeze. The Mount Pleasant Visitor’s Center is located at the front of the park where you can pick up tickets to a variety of activities in and around Charleston without having to go all the way to downtown Charleston’s Visitor Center. We typically go here if we want tickets to local events or tours because it is closer to where we are staying, faster (not as crowded with people or traffic), and the parking is free.
You will often encounter a fisherman on the pier too (usually they are very happy to show the kids their “catch” for the day). The pier was made from leftover pieces of the old Silas N. Pearman Bridge which was the bridge used prior to the building of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. There is the River Watch Cafe and Gift Shop that sells souvenirs, fishing supplies, ice cream, and more. There are clean bathrooms and water fountains located near the Welcome Center and the River Watch Cafe and Gift Shop. The park has always been very clean. Sometimes we’ll grab a pizza, eat it in the park, let the kids play for a little bit, then go for a nice walk before heading back to the hotel. During the summer months (a some other times of the year) they do special events in the park, like Movies in the Park, Music events, Fishing Tournaments, and more.
Crossing over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
Big bridge
Passing directly under the first tower
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Major General William Moultrie’s Statue in White Point Garden (Charleston, SC)
Major General William Moultrie Statue in White Point Garden
Our family enjoys going to Charleston, South Carolina. One of the places the girls always love to go is to Battery Park and White Point Garden. They love looking at all the cool cannons and other items at Battery Park. One of the people that they studied in Social Studies was Major General William Moultrie so it was neat seeing this statue in White Point Gardens.
If you enjoy history White Point Gardens and Battery Park is a great place to visit if you are in downtown Charleston. Major General William Moultrie is most well known for fighting off a British attack when they tried to take over Charles Town Harbor during the American Revolution. Moultrie and his men at Fort Sullivan, which was made out of Palmetto logs, held back the British attack. It was one of the first big victories for the United States during the American Revolution. Later they renamed Fort Sullivan to Fort Moultrie.
Later in the American Revolution Moultrie was captured by British soliders. He was released later during a prisoner exchange. Moultrie also served twice as a governor of South Carolina. While Moultrie was governor South Carolina’s state capital was moved from Charleston to it’s present day location of Columbia.
The statue has a 7 foot pedestal and the statue of Moultrie is 8 feet high. It portrays Moultrie in his uniform with his sword in his sheath, holding his hat at his side, and looking out over the Charleston Harbor.
Moultrie Statue
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Federal Reserve Bank, Atlanta Monetary Museum, & Zachary Coffin’s Rock Spinner (Atlanta, GA)
On the steps of Atlanta’s Federal Reserve bank & Monetary Museum (white building on the right side of the picture)
We had a lot of fun exploring Atlanta’s Federal Reserve Bank and Monetary Museum on one of our recent trips to Atlanta, Georgia. The kids didn’t believe us at first when we told them that we were going to a bank to learn about money. Although the more we talked about it the more interested they became.
In order to go into Atlanta’s Federal Reserve Bank and Monetary Museum all adults must present a valid ID such as a driver’s license or passport. You cannot carry any electronics, phones, cameras, purses, or other devices into the museum. They do have lockers next to the restrooms to put your items into if you need them. We just put my id in Jake’s wallet and that is the only thing we brought into the museum so he could carry everything we needed. The admission and self guided tour is completely free. The only thing we had to pay for was parking since it is near downtown Atlanta and there was not any free parking available at the time (it was just a couple of dollars for parking so it wasn’t too bad).
It would have been really neat to be able to get some pictures of the museum and some of the items we saw while there, but no photography is allowed. The employees were really nice and helpful. The kids learned some cool history about money.
Probably the kids favorite part was the robots toting the containers of money back and forth between the various rooms. It was fascinating to watch them carry the bins full or partially filled with money from one place to another. In some of the bins there may have been a million dollar or more in cash! Did you know that they shred about 10 million dollars of cash every day? These are bills that have been crumpled, destroyed, or otherwise deemed as unusable. You could see people physically counting the bundles of money as they came in as well which was interesting to watch.
The kids had a little “quiz” or worksheet they filled out as we explored. It was a neat learning activity and the kids loved it. At the end we picked up a bag of shredded money to take home (which the kids thought was awesome)!
We did get some pictures on the outside of the Federal Reserve Bank though to help us remember our adventure that windy day in Atlanta. You can locate the Atlanta’s Federal Reserve Bank and Monetary Museum at 1000 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30309. If you are already at the Federal Reserve Bank you should check out the rock spinner is directly across the street from the Federal Reserve Bank.
Across the street from the Federal Reserve Bank was the Zachary Coffin’s Rock Spinner (pictures below) which fascinated the kids as well. As we were waiting for the stoplight to turn so we could walk across the street I happened to read the description on the rock spinner and mentioned for the kids to come over to see if they could move the huge boulder. They of course thought it was so cool they could spin such a massive rock!
Large Federal Reserve Building in Atlanta
Where’s Waldo…I mean Karlie, Brina, and I outside the building? If you look for the specks in front of the statue that looks like spots of “Red, White, and Blue” that’s us!
Our family visiting the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta
Zachary Coffin’s Rock Spinner! Once the girls starting spinning the rock other kids stopped to try it out too!
Zachary Coffin’s Rock Spinner – is a kinetic sculpture that helps you understand about the transformation of one’s relationship to mass. This particular boulder weighs 22,000 pounds and would normally be considered immovable, however, with a little art and engineering this huge boulder becomes something fun to move and play with (both for kids and adults). There is a plague next to it saying “Take it for a spin!” YES, you can spin it, stop it from moving, and switch directions, but no climbing is allowed on the boulder (for obvious reasons).
Making is move…
Brina and Karlie trying to see how fast they can get it to move
Who knew that a spinning boulder could provide so much entertainment!? If you are already in the area it is something neat to check out – Zachary Coffin’s Rock Spinner The kids thought it was neat!
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Kids Day at THE AG: Framers Who Were Farmers Constitution Day
The girls earned their Jr. Historian Badges for Framers Who Were Farmers – U.S. Constitution Event
On September 17th every year we celebrate Constitution Day! Back on September 17, 1787 a total of 42 of the 55 delegates held their final meeting at the Constitutional Convention. It was the day they signed the Constitution of the United States of America!
Shortly after Constitution Day we attended an event at the Bart Garrison Agricultural Museum. The event was called Kids Day at THE AG: Framers Who Were Farmers. It was for students in 4th to 7th grades. They had activities, role playing, field work, and discussions pertaining to the U. S. Constitution. They covered information such as:
- The Preamble
- Separation of Powers
- History, Framers, and Impact of the U.S. Constitution
- Declaration of Independence
- Articles of Confederation
- Bill of Rights
Staff dressed up as James Madison. Discussion on the U.S. Constitution.
The Founding Fathers used scientific inventions and various forms of farming techniques. Some of the men who signed the Constitution were farmers, a few of them were:
- George Washington
- James Madison
- Charles Pinckney
- Charles Cotesworth Pinckney
- Thomas Jefferson
- Benjamin Franklin
There were several things the farmers experienced such as depletion of soil nutrients, purchasing local produce and crops, local insects, trees, vegetation, and being self-supportive farms.
Some of the activities the kids did at the event were discussing the Constitution. Designing a poster. Experimenting with soil and the nutrients in it. Planting some seeds and recording their findings. The kids received a Jr. Historian Pin and a U.S. Constitution pocket guide. The girls had a lot of fun learning about the U.S. Constitution, activities, and experiments.
Timeline include French & Indian War, Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, American Revolution, Constitutional Conventional, Bill of Rights, and more!
Brina’s poster!
The poster Karlie made at the event!
Charleston: Historic Joseph Manigault House
Visiting Charleston’s Historic Joseph Manigault House!
Another neat Historical house we visited one time when we were in Charleston was the Joseph Manigault’s House! This was one of the few houses they allowed pictures inside the house so we have a few extra to share with you. We arrived a few minutes before the tour of the house started so we got a chance to explore the gardens and area around the house. We learned a lot about this house during the tour.
Joseph Manigault a French Huguenot descendent was the original owner of the Joseph Manigault House. He had this house built during the antebellum period in the lowcountry. Manigault was a rice plantation owner, businessman, and politician. His wealth was inherited from his grandpa, who gave him several rice plantations and more than 200 slaves. Joseph Manigault first married Maria Henrietta Middleton. Maria’s father was Arthur Middleton who was signed the Declaration of Independence. His second wife was Charlotte Drayton. Joseph and Charlotte had eight kids who spent time in this home.
Like a lot of the other houses we visited in downtown Charleston this was his city house. Although, during his time this house was considered to be located in the country because it was outside of downtown Charleston. Now it is considered downtown Charleston. The house contains a beautiful spiral staircase in the entryway with a gorgeous chandelier. The furniture is not from the original family, however, they have acquired pieces that fit that time period and the decorations as well as the paint match the original colors from that time period.
Outside they had the kitchen, slave quarters, stables, privy, and a gate temple. The outdoor buildings (with exception of the Gate Temple) have been taken down, but foundations can still be seen with signs describing what was once in the various spots around the yard. It is a beautiful yard to walk through on a nice day or to sit and relax on the porch. One side the house faces the Charleston Museum and the other side faces downtown Charleston.
The girls enjoyed visiting the various houses in Charleston.
Exploring the gardens around the Joseph Manigault house.
Hanging out in the shade at Gate Temple.
Spiral staircase and chandelier in the foyer of the house.
One of the circular side balconies faces the street. The balconies were often open allowing a nice breeze to flow throughout the house.
Charleston’s Historical Joseph Manigault House located at 350 Meeting Street.
