Travels

Lexington, KY; February 2026

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

As a teacher, nothing excites me more than helping fellow teachers!

A former coworker from Texas had a project for her kids. She works with Deaf Ed kids and wants to start a Flat Stanley project. Since I’m new to the Louisville area, this is a perfect opportunity to get out and help someone else!

Transylvania University

I started with Transylvania University. This idea came to me for two different reasons: 1) I have a presentation for KCTE/LA coming up in March. I wanted to know where it was and hotels nearby. 2) I thought, “How cute! Hotel Transylvania, but this is a University!” I know — how nerdy of me! But these are young kids, so I thought it would be perfect.

I’ll be honest, I was incredibly nervous driving around there. I wasn’t sure where to park because of all the “Zone” parking, which I assumed was for students. I didn’t want to get a ticket. I knew I was only going to be there for a few minutes, but anything can happen!

I found a spot and walked to the main part of the university. I wanted to put Stanley right in front of the sign, but I wasn’t sure about the rules about walking on the grass, so we kept Stanley at a distance.

I then found a decorative corner with the name on it and decided to prop Stanley on it. We didn’t get the best pictures, but I did what I could!

I can’t wait to come back in March to present for English teachers in Kentucky! I’ll have a better idea of what’s allowed and what’s offered, and more insight into the actual buildings!

The Kentucky Castle

I’ve driven by this miraculous beauty several times, and I’ve always wondered what The Kentucky Castle looks like inside and out (up close). It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I learned you can do tours. Visiting was the perfect opportunity for Stanley.

The tour was $25. I do recommend purchasing it a few days before you plan to go. I didn’t think it was so popular, so I kept putting off the purchase. When I checked on Friday, there was one slot left. I made sure to grab it!

I was thrilled to see it, but was soon disappointed. I didn’t realize how small it was. From the outside, it looks incredibly massive. They said it was 19,000+ square feet, but it felt about the size of a small, normal home. In fact, on my way out, one guest commented that it was like a “Temu Castle.” I had to giggle.

The castle has a sad history and a lot of bad luck. The gentleman who began building it started it for his wife. After they married, they spent 6 months in Europe at castles for their honeymoon. His wife fell in love, so he began to model it after one of the Castles in Europe. As he was building it, they filed for divorce. It caused so much strife in their relationship that she requested to have nothing to do with it. She is alive today and still wants nothing to do with it. That relationship must have been atrocious for her to decline a castle!

After being purchased repeatedly by several people, Wes Henderson bought it. He has expanded the land and territory to include farm-to-fresh foods for the restaurant.

We did get to tour a room, but it was the one you could see in any of the online photos. Most of the area we toured was open to the public, except for one room. I was quite disappointed to pay $25 for a tour I could have completed myself, but you pay for the history speech.

I did expect “more” from a castle, but it just was. There was nothing incredibly moving about it. I’m glad I visited it, as it’s now marked on my “I’ve done this!” list. I heard it’s much better during the holidays! Our tour guide, Vicki, was great, though!

Tips for Washington, D.C.

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

After spending several days in Washington, D.C., I have a few tips for anyone considering the trip.

Do Not Rent A Car, Instead Buy A Metro Pass

Unless you plan to travel outside of Washington, D.C. (Jamestown, Philadelphia, etc.). I do not recommend renting a car. Aside from the cost of renting a car, parking is extremely expensive. Parking is extremely limited within the city, so finding a spot is more of a hassle than just walking.

I highly recommend buying an unlimited Metro pass. I used the 7-day unlimited pass. It made traveling around the city and the surrounding areas easy. It likely saved me a good $100. The metro is easy to use and understand. They also have an app that you can download temporarily to help navigate around town. Using Google Maps also helps you find the closest Metro stations.

Stay Outside the City

To save money, especially if staying over several days, I recommend staying outside the city center. Places like Herndon and Reston are near the airport and the Metro. You can find hotels with shuttle service to save money, or you can take the Metro from the airport to the hotel. Staying outside of Washington, D.C. will save you hundreds of dollars. Yes, the metro takes a bit of time to get from point A to point B, but if planned right, it is worth the distance.

Do Not Use Capital Bikeshare

Although the concept behind it is nice, it is more of a hassle than helpful. I bought the unlimited pass. It is misleading. You can only ride unlimited for 45 minutes at a time. It takes you almost 45 minutes to get anywhere with the mass amounts of crowds in the city. By the time you check out the bike, go to a couple of places, and come back, you’re well into your day. I was charged over $20 on top of the $8 unlimited pass. They charge you by the minute. It is a ripoff, especially if you’re just trying to explore and enjoy your time. Instead, I recommend either planning your trip with walking and Metro in mind or using an Uber in extreme cases. Uber rides aren’t that expensive. I would still only recommend those for travel across the city (e.g., from the Library of Congress to the Washington Monument).

Tickets in Advance

I recommend purchasing as many event tickets in advance as possible (e.g., the Holocaust Museum, the Washington Monument). I recommend waking up early to ensure you have an opportunity to visit some of these limited opportunities.

I would also get tickets to the Capitol and try for a White House Tour well in advance of your trip. If you reach out to your local representatives, they do a great job at preparing you for the trip. Although I wasn’t able to visit the White House on this trip because of Memorial Day weekend and the debt ceiling debate, others were lucky enough to tour it.

Plan Accordingly – Not Everything Is Close; Holidays Are Tough

I grossly underestimated the number of people on Memorial Day weekend. I know if I had attended another weekend, it may not have been so crowded. Granted, I had once-in-a-lifetime opportunities there (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Flower Laying, Parades, etc.), but it threw a wrench in my timing. Because of this, I ended up seeing fewer things than I had planned.

I also recommend planning things close together. I underestimated how big the city was. There is no way to walk around the entire city to see everything in one day, much less several days. I walked an average of 9 miles a day, and I still couldn’t see everything in three days. Pick the events, monuments, memorials, and sites that mean the most to you and plan around those first.

Prepare for Weather

I made the mistake of packing the light with only one pair of shoes. I recommend sneakers, but bring at least two pairs. Although I knew rain was a possibility, I didn’t expect a downpour. I would bring a purse-sized umbrella just in case and have a plan for where to go if it rains. I enjoyed the moment and lived in the moment. I accepted my fate of being poured on. It’s not an experience for everyone, though.

Hydrate

You will do so much walking that you may forget to hydrate. Although street vendors are everywhere, trying to sell you water, it’s expensive. I would carry some water with you to ensure you do not get dehydrated from all the walking you will do. On some days, it will be extremely humid too, with the moisture from the river. You don’t want to get ripped off by someone selling a $1 bottle of water for $6.

Journey to Washington, D.C. – Day 4 (Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, Colonial Williamsburg)

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

This would be my final day in the Washington, D.C. area. One of the reasons I wanted to visit this city so badly was to see the actual historical context of the people who lived during those times. In doing so, I knew I had to visit Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown. To do that, I had to rent a car! It was the only time I would drive a car while on this trip!

Jamestown Settlement

My first stop would be Jamestown Settlement. This was first on my list because it best represented the period when people lived, as accurately as possible, through replication.

I paid for several site passes ($119). Although I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this, it worked for me. As a teacher, I wanted to bring back as much information as I could into my classes or my peers’ classes.

Walking in, they did a fabulous job replicating the buildings, jobs, and boats of the time. Everything was sized to the period. They dressed in the 1600s and 1700s. They were extremely informative and included many hands-on activities.

Historic Jamestowne

Historic Jamestowne is the site of the original settlement. This was probably the best visit to date. Although much of the history has been torn down, broken down, etc., archaeologists were there digging and finding new artifacts. We were able to walk through original graves, churches, homes, and more. It felt very surreal walking the same grounds as those from history books, knowing the struggles they had during that period.

Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg was probably one of the sites I was most excited about seeing, but it ended up being the most disappointing part of my visit. It was so disappointing that I left after just a couple of sites. I do not recommend this site at all, which is why I do not recommend the big, expensive site pass.

When I visit places like this, I expect to see history. When I arrived, they said this was a real town built around a historic one. They supposedly had a ton of historical elements within the town. As I walked around, though, almost nothing was historical. What was historical was replicated and not original. It was a bunch of people playing dress up while regurgitating information we learned in history class. I wanted to see artifacts. I wanted to see historical markers. Instead, I saw modern cars driving through town, hotels, and other modern things that took away from the love of history.

Overall, it was a nice visit, but I wouldn’t say Washington, D.C., was my favorite. Follow up for another posting for some reviews or tips if you plan to visit!

Journey to Washington, D.C. – Day 3 (City Center – Supreme Court, Capitol Building, Smithsonian, Holocaust Museum, and Library of Congress)

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

I knew this was going to be my last day in the city. I had one more long trip I wanted to take before I left the area, so I had to make the most of my time in D.C. today. Yesterday was completely exhausting, but I was going to make use of every moment and opportunity.

Supreme Court

My first stop was to see the Supreme Court. Unfortunately, they were closed to the public the day I went (Memorial Day), but I was glad to have seen it in person. One of my dreams growing up was to be a lawyer. I made the mistake of talking myself out of it. I regret it quite often, but I also believe everything happens for a reason. The Supreme Court always held a special place in my heart – not only because of my dreams, but also because of the things fought for in that building and on those steps.

Capitol Building

With the help of Representative John Carter, I was able to schedule a tour of the Capitol Building. I didn’t realize how big the building was until I arrived there. I stood there in awe, thinking about how this was built long ago, burned down, and rebuilt with minimal tools. The building’s details respected both its past and present history.

One of the coolest facts I learned while here is that they built a Tomb for George Washington at the very bottom of the Capitol. In the center of the Capitol Building, there is a compass that points to a straight shot to his tomb. It is sectioned off on each floor to ensure no one disrupts or disrespects the idea behind it. However, because of Washington’s Mount Vernon Tomb and the family’s wishes, they kept him at his home there.

Another interesting piece of information I learned concerned the rotunda. Around the rotunda is an art piece that serves as a timeline of American history. It dates back to Christopher Columbus and modern-day Space Exploration. It was interesting to see how they tied allthe pieces of history together to show the growth of our country.

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

I missed my chance at the Holocaust Museum, so I made my way to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. I’m not big on fossils, gems, or minerals, but I figured, why not?

The part I spent the most time on was the jewels. There was such a beautiful display of jewels from all around the world, gifted to famous U.S. Diplomats.

Holocaust Museum

Though I missed my first chance, I made my second visit to the Holocaust Museum.

I was given a card of a special person who was involved in the Holocaust. My person was a survivor, but we know that was rare. As we made our way through the museum, I learned things I didn’t know previously. I knew Hitler was evil and the period was dreadful for Jews, but this museum really opened my eyes to much more. They had many artifacts to show how bad things were during the period. It walked us through how they brainwashed the country into believing the propaganda.

It took days to get tickets for this, but I highly recommend going.

Washington Monument

Another place I recommend getting tickets to is the Washington Monument. Again, it took a couple of days to score tickets, but I’m grateful I did!

We took a ride up 500+ feet to the top of the Washington Monument. Just like a plane, you felt the pressure change. I had to pop my ears at least twice on the way up. It had stunning views of the entire city of Washington, D.C. It put into perspective just how small we really are.

Library of Congress

My final pit stop was the Library of Congress. I signed up for a tour. I’m glad I did. The columns honored famous authors such as Longfellow, Scott, and Gibbon. As a teacher who teaches reading and writing, I was in awe of the building. I came at the perfect time to visit the Reading Room as well, which is a rare opportunity.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Washington, D.C. I learned a lot and lived through moments I normally wouldn’t have had the chance to experience. My appreciation for art and architecture grew tremendously after visiting most of these places. Although I didn’t get to see everything, I experienced a lot.

Journey to Washington, D.C. – Day 2 (City Center – Museums, Monuments, and Memorials)

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

After an emotional first day, I was looking forward to an exciting touristy day 2. Little did I know this would be the most interesting and enjoyable day yet!

Smithsonian

I knew I had to start at the Smithsonian Museums. As a teacher, I use their resources all the time in class. I didn’t realize they had so many museums until I came to Washington, D.C. Luckily, they are all situated near each other and easy to access. Despite that, I wasn’t able to access them all in my short time, so I had to prioritize.

I boarded the metro for another long travel into the city. Upon arriving, I walked through the streets and took pictures of other well-known monuments (i.e. Washington Monument). I saw other tourists taking photos and offered to help with family photos. They were grateful and almost shocked that I was willing to do that for them.

I started at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. I wasn’t sure what to really expect, other than history. Surprisingly, it included everything history-related – not just war history.

One of the first displays that stood out to me was the Greensboro Four display. They had part of the counter and chairs from the diner that made history. Just outside of the display, the museum included chairs for visitors to watch a short documentary on the Greensboro Four. These four gentlemen do not receive enough credit for their bravery that day.

As I walked through the displays and rooms, I saw exhibits from the old American education system. The chairs and desks were so incredibly tiny. The outfits were traditional white-and-blue dress codes, with girls wearing modest dresses, even on their arms.

They brought an actual home from the 1600s into the museum. You were able to see the architecture of the time, and it included an interactive family having tea. It told the story of six families living in one home. I’m not sure if I could handle housing another family in my small home. Next to the home, they included a bucket of water that would have been the weight of the time. I didn’t realize just how heavy these buckets were for people to carry back and forth to the home for cooking, bathing, washing clothes, etc. They included a laundry wringer as well. I thought I was strong until I started twisting the wringer.

I made my way to the entertainment portion of the museum. I saw Dorothy’s red slippers. They were on display behind a locked enclosure, but there was a second pair, copper-colored, for patrons to feel. I couldn’t believe just how heavy these shoes were and were made of metal! The entertainment portion continued with original dolls from The Muppets, Mr. Rodgers, Sesame Street, and more. It was very nostalgic, and it made me sad to be a grown adult. It made me sad to realize many of today’s kids didn’t have such great influences as we had.

I remember reading that the COVID mask was brought into the Smithsonian Museum. I remember laughing about it at the time and thinking it was crazy. Sure enough… the mask was there in the Smithsonian Museum.

The Nintendo, old video recorders, old microphones, Nokia phones, pagers, and more were also on display at the Smithsonian Museum. I immediately felt old. I felt ancient as I watched kids walk around, asking questions about things that were popular in my childhood.

The coolest part of the Smithsonian Museum I saw was the First Ladies display. I’m not one for fashion, but I was 100% intrigued by the fashion of the times. One thing I realized was how tiny women were in the 1700s. They were both extremely short and extremely skinny. You can see how fashion evolves over time in its size and design. Long modest clothing (length and arms) became off-the-shoulder, sheer, and closer to the body.

After attending the Smithsonian, I wanted to explore the city for monuments more. I knew I had future days to see other Smithsonian Museums.

Monuments Galore

I rented a Capital Bike to travel around town. I definitely don’t recommend these, but I’ll get into that later. I knew that much walking would kill my back, though, so I took the chance at the suggestion of someone else.

The White House

My first stop would be the White House. I grabbed a bike and tried to find my way to the most famous building in our country. Like the previous day, I realized many streets were blocked off. I noticed many dark-colored vehicles with dark-tinted windows. My only assumption would be that it was the Secret Service. Another interesting thing about Washington, D.C. is that there are metal barriers all over the city – even for flowerbeds and trees.

After fighting with Google Maps for several minutes to get to the White House, I finally found my way there. It included a tumble on my electric bike. It left me with a pretty nasty injury and bruise that led me to limp the rest of the day and the next day. I finally got to the gates of the White House. I always see amazing photos of the place, but I can’t figure out how people get them. There was an incredible amount of security around the White House. I was even afraid to put my arm through the metal gates to get a clear photo of the famous building. I did it though! It was absolutely stunning!

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

My next stop would be the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a place I could get up close to or inside. Because I didn’t have a lock on my bike, and I couldn’t park it anywhere in particular, I had to just take photos from a distance. Its location is absolutely stunning as it overlooks a beautiful body of water. The building was undergoing restoration, so parts of it were closed off as well.

At about this time, the weather became extremely humid. I noticed the cloud coverage was getting darker, and a few drops of drizzle were falling. I didn’t prepare for heavy rain. I had a raincoat, but that was about it.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial

My next stop was the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. This one wasn’t what I expected at all. It was a huge park of stone structures and waterfalls honoring Roosevelt, his family, and his causes. Another beautifully designed memorial. The stones were covered with famous quotes, pictures, and statues related to Roosevelt.

Midway through the memorial, it started pouring rain. At this point, I just had to embrace it. It was such a moment, though. I sat in the rain, taking pictures and enjoying the moment of being in the pouring rain and seeing history. It made me think that we, as humans, need to dance in the rain more often. It was so childlike to be poured on. The only downside is that my pants were soaked. Nothing is worse than jeans soaked in the rain!

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

I wasn’t going to let the rain stop me. I continued my trek through the city to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Walking between the two rocks, I noticed a huge statue. It was one of the biggest statues I’ve ever seen. On the side of the statue sat a famous quote from MLK Jr., “Out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.” It made sense why they chose stone to represent MLK Jr.

When you looked at the statue from another angle, the three stones (the two you walk into and his) are connected into one major stone. It made me look up some more information about the design behind it. The thought process behind this memorial was moving.

World War II Memorial

My next stop would be the World War II Memorial. By now, the rain had let up a little bit, but I was still drenched head to toe. Arriving at the WWII Memorial gave me a chance to sit and recover. The sun was peaking in and out. I watched people admire the memorial. I was in awe at the amount of respect and dedication put into this memorial. It was an absolutely stunning and moving memorial. Several people came to honor those who served.

It was perfectly placed within the National Mall. You could see beautiful views of the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Capitol, and more. About that time, it began to pour rain again. I sat in the middle of the National Mall, behind the WWII Memorial and by the Reflecting Pool, and just smiled. I looked at the sky and appreciated the moment of experiencing this blessing.

Other Memorials

I saw some of the smaller memorials on the National Mall.

The Vietnam Women’s Memorial was on the edge of the National Mall. A small but honorable statue expressed appreciation for the women who served during this war.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was probably the most moving. As I walked by, I saw a line of people laying flowers along the memorial honoring those who served. The wall includes a list of names of people who were lost during this tragic war.

Band Parade

By the end of the National Mall, I was a bit exhausted. I was heading back to return my bike when I was stopped again by blocked streets. I heard music earlier but didn’t think much of it. As I made my way to the sidewalk, I realized high school bands were performing for the Memorial Day parade. They had color guards involved. In between the bands, they included military veterans. It was actually pretty cool to see the parade honoring those who served. As the parade ran, it rained on and off. I had to give major props to the kids who stuck out in the rain! This also explained the large number of schools I saw the previous day!

Back to the Hotel

I made my way back to the hotel to wrap up for the night. I needed the best shower of my life, but more so, I needed to get my soaked clothes off my body. The metro was packed with people, and I happened to be one of the few soaked. I felt bad trying to sit next to someone, but I just needed to sit.

I decided I’d do laundry. I definitely had to dry my sneakers because they were soaking wet. I didn’t pack well, in terms of extra shoes. I was trying to pack light, but I kind of regretted it at that moment. I threw my shoes in the dryer, ordered DoorDash, and finished laundry. I slept probably the best I’ve slept in ages.

Journey to Washington, D.C. – Official Day 1 (Arlington National Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial, Mount Vernon)

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

Arlington National Cemetery & Mount Vernon

I woke up incredibly excited! I thought I would start at Arlington National Cemetery because it was “out of the way” from Washington, D.C. City Central. I 100% knew I wanted to visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I always heard stories of how emotional it would be, how they did an amazing job honoring those soldiers, and just the beauty of the cemetery.

I walked to the Metro early in the morning. I was a bit iffy because it was a longer walk than I expected. It wasn’t terrible, though. I arrived at the Metro and followed the signs for the train. It was pretty easy to navigate. When I arrived, I wasn’t quite sure how to use it, though. I purchased a 7-day unlimited Metro Pass that is directly connected to my phone. Luckily, there was a nice gentleman who helped me figure out how to get to the train and explained how it worked. After that first encounter, I felt like a natural resident.

The little kid in me was giddy with excitement when I boarded the train. The last train I took was in New York City over 15 years ago with my dad. I was too young at the time to know how it worked. Before that, it was in Germany. Again, I was too young to appreciate how it worked or the beauty of a train. As I sat down, I looked out the window and took photos of the cities and the actual train itself. I’m glad I went early because not many people were there. I would have been the dictionary definition of a tourist at that moment.

I arrived at Arlington National Metro. I wasn’t sure where to go, but luckily found a couple of people to guide me. Again, walking, walking, walking nonstop. I think I grossly underestimated how much I walked on this trip. I arrived at Arlington National Cemetery. The outside was filled with military memorabilia. My dad was a former member of the military, and they had a big statue to honor that division. I got a little emotional before even entering, knowing my dad passed away and he was a part of history, even if it was in the smallest way. As I approached the visitor check-in, I noticed an insane number of people. I knew it would be busy, but this was almost intimidating. I soon discovered that several schools were there as well (I later found out why).

I made it through the checkpoint and immediately began my hunt for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I turned on Google Maps to try to guide me. As I was doing that, I realized there was so much more at Arlington National Cemetery. I walked along the paths as I followed my Google Maps. I saw rows and rows of graves. They looked beautiful in the most sad way, though. They were all clean, perfectly lined up, with perfect writing and designs. I was already tearing up. I didn’t know these people, but the fact that they gave up so much for us made me feel unworthy of being in their presence.

I realized Ruth Bader Ginsburg was buried there. Although I don’t know much about her, I do know she did a lot for our country and for women’s rights. I found her gravesite and just stared in admiration at it. That’s when I turned around and noticed the cemetery had a stunning view of the center of Washington, D.C. I had to take a picture and just admire it for a minute.

I also realized the Eternal Flame of former President Kennedy. When I learned about why he was buried there, it made it a bit more emotional. It fascinated me that a flame existed that was meant to never burn out. Although so simple, it was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever experienced in my life. How could something so sad be so beautiful?

I found my way back on the path to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I didn’t realize how I perfectly planned this. There was a line to see the Tomb, but today was even more special. Workers from the cemetery came by and handed everyone a flower to put on the Tomb. We were within touching distance of the Tomb. Since it was the weekend before Memorial Day, they held a special ceremony to honor the Tomb.

As we approached the Tomb, one of the soldiers on duty told us we must show respect by being quiet and not recording as we laid down our flowers. They told us where to place the flowers (to ensure they were evenly spread out).

I walked by the Tomb and immediately felt a heaviness in my heart. I bent down to lay the flower down. Had it been my choice, I would have just sat there feeling the ground, but we had to keep moving. I can’t imagine the heaviness some families carried/carried of a loved one that never made it home. A loved one who was never identified. A loved one who gave everything to protect their country.

The soldier who protects the Tomb was stationed at the back of the Tomb for the special occasion. Normally, he’s guarding all aspects of the Tomb, but was limited today due to the ceremony. It was amazing to still see them following the 21-second turn, 21-step protocols, etc. It made me realize how much this Tomb meant to some people. It wasn’t about being there. It was about respect.

I sat on the steps in front of the Tomb and watched as people laid flowers. The next thing I knew, I was wiping away tears and sniffles. Some people were cracking jokes, and it seriously made my blood boil. I wanted to yell and tell them to leave. It blew my mind that people could be so disrespectful, especially given that they had been given an opportunity that comes only a few times a year. People can be shot by getting close to the Tomb on a normal day. This is a day when we have the honor of being close, and you dare to make jokes? It made me sick.

I walked away after composing myself and followed the path back out of the cemetery. On the way, I saw a couple laying flowers on the gravesites of soldiers. They had no idea who these people were, but they were honoring them. I ended up crying again. It moved me to know good people existed in this world, especially after seeing such disgusting behavior just minutes later.

I made my way out to see the Arlington Military Women’s Memorial. Whoever designed this did a fantastic job of creating something moving, feminine, yet so strong. It was oddly relaxing. I would’ve sat there all day, admiring it.

An Unexpected Delay

In between Arlington National Cemetery and Mount Vernon, I decided I’d try to see something in the city center of Washington, D.C. I decided my first stop, and closest stop, would be the Lincoln Memorial. I took the Metro to the nearest stop near the Lincoln Memorial. As I made my way there, I noticed a lot of police and roads blocked off. I didn’t think much of it, other than maybe road work, but I was wrong.

I found my way to the Lincoln Memorial. I went through all the steps and was in absolute awe. I didn’t realize how many steps I had to climb, but when I got there, it was worth it. I had wonderful and beautiful views of the National Mall (which is not a shopping mall). The statue was incredibly huge. It amazed me that someone could make this with minimal tools. They honored the states on the memorial’s outer rim. It was truly gorgeous and breathtaking. It may have been one of my favorite monuments to visit. As I sat there, I realized my time was cut short. I had to haul butt to the metro to make it to Mount Vernon in time for my scheduled tour.

I made the mistake of waiting too long! I ended up caught up in a Memorial Day motorcycle parade. It lasted over an hour. Loud revving engines that just kept coming and coming and coming. There were thousands, if not tens of thousands, of motorcycles. It was never-ending. It made me look up what was happening, which I discovered was a Memorial Day remembrance and demonstration parade. It was called Rolling Thunder. Just as the motorcyclists were finishing, semi-trucks followed. Initially, it was pretty cool. But how many motorcycles can you see without getting irritated by the loud rumbling? Even with my headphones in, I heard it as if I were part of it. It didn’t help that I was on edge about making it to my tour in time, too. It would have been different if they showed patriotism, but it was literally just motorcycles riding with honor. I would’ve loved to see some banners, flags, and other decorations. The semi trucks were much more impressive on this front. There was one moment when a soldier stood in the middle of the traffic at salute to honor those fallen. That was the most impressive part of the demonstration.

When it was over, I walked faster than I ever had in my life to get to the nearest metro (which I later realized was not the nearest). Somehow, I made it without being too irritated by traffic. My focus was on making it to Mount Vernon.

Mount Vernon

My second major visit today would be Mount Vernon, home of George Washington. As a teacher, this was the nerd in me coming out. Although I don’t teach history, I am fascinated by it. I knew that this was one of the sites I had to visit before I left.

Getting here was a bit tough. I had to take several trains and buses to get here. Some of the train stations were extremely sketchy. At one of the stops, I started to feel a bit paranoid. On any other trip, I would have had mace and other defense items. However, in Washington, D.C., you can’t go anywhere with anything – not even nail clippers. I definitely felt out of place and nervous.

I had less than 20 minutes to get to my appointment for the scheduled tour. I knew I couldn’t wait here for 20 minutes. I was already anxious and feeling on edge. I didn’t know what to do. Out of desperation, I took my first Uber. I just had to get out and get away as soon as possible.

I’m a very paranoid person (especially being a female traveling alone), but this Uber driver made me feel safe and comfortable. There was no awkward conversation. He made sure to keep his distance while driving. He never once showed his frustration with other drivers. I felt extremely safe.

I arrived at Mount Vernon and immediately hauled butt to the actual tour. I had about 8 minutes to get there. I do wish they had more signs telling you where what is. It may have been easier if I grabbed a map on the way in, but I didn’t have time. I found the line to the tour. It was a good mile-long line. Again, there were tons of schools here visiting. I was starting to think something was going on (which I later learned was). Luckily, they were pulling people in by their tour times. I was able to move up front based on the time of my tour.

His house was absolutely stunning, even before entering. The perfect symmetry made my ADD heart happy. It was my ideal house because it was symmetrical on both sides. It sat at the end of the river, with a stunning view of the river and the landscapes. It seriously made me feel at ease and calm.

When we entered, it was everything I expected. It encompassed a lot of old memorabilia from that time. The floors were made of stone or dirt. In some spots, they had wood. In fewer spots, they had carpet. Almost every room had a fireplace. The walls were covered in intricate wallpaper, which I’m sure at the time meant you had money. The number of items made from metal and gold was stunning. Canopy beds were apparently a trend of the time. The rooms were decently sized, given the period. It was eye-opening to see the old doors and keys. Some keys were bigger than both my hands put together. In some parts of the property, I was amazed at how well protected he could have been at the time.

We saw George Washington’s desk and old books from that time. Things like this make me sit in awe, realizing how far we have come as a country. Wooden windows that were deteriorating due to age. They are doing a good job at preserving and restoring, though, so I will give them credit! The ceilings featured intricate designs that reflected social status at the time. Many of the items in George Washington’s house were gifts from other countries, including his main fireplace mantel. It blew my mind how everything matched within one room. The wallpaper would match the bedding.

We were able to see George Washington’s room. The same room that he died in. Although I didn’t experience anything paranormal, I’m sure there’s something interesting that happens there. I can’t imagine dying in my house, my house turning into a national treasure, and having hundreds of thousands of people in my home just about every day.

After touring the home, I visited several other buildings on the property. I saw George Washington’s old tomb. The original tomb was meant as a temporary holding space until he would be buried at the Capitol in the city center of Washington, D.C. However, by the time they created a burial site at the Capitol, Washington’s family and estate basically told them no. Instead, they built a new tomb on the property for him and his wife. Again, it was enchanting to see how people survived and lived during that time period.

The most moving part of Mount Vernon was the Slave Memorial. Walking up to the Slave Memorial, there were unmarked graves. They outlined the graves with rope and placed small rocks to indicate who should be buried there. Right next to it, a memorial was built to honor those who were part of the property. It’s not something many people think about, but to have that honor was eye-opening.

Overall, I’m glad this was my first official day. I experienced a range of emotions. I feel like this was the perfect way to start my trip and to be grateful for the opportunities in front of me. I was extremely lucky to have been part of a memorial service honoring those who served, both recently and from the 1700s.

Journey to Boston: Day 4 – Plymouth, MA

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

My last pit stop on my historical tour was Plymouth, MA. I knew the original features of history were gone, but their ability to recreate it was astonishing!

I started off at the Plimouth Plantation. It included old Native American ways of living. It featured their living spaces, how they kept warm, their canoes (though called something else then), and more. It was amazing to see how people survived the brutal winters in Boston then. It was only 36 degrees, but the breeze made it feel like 28. I could feel the coldness all over my body. It made me think about all those poor lives lost to the extreme cold.

After visiting the Native American portion of the exhibit, I saw a 1700s colony. Walking into these homes put the average lifespan of the time into perspective. There were holes and gaps in the walls (though I’m sure they were much larger due to deterioration over time). Almost all the homes had ground as flooring. Everything was made out of wood. Whether it was from then or rebuilt, they definitely caught the vibe of what old settlers went through. Even with mini fires going on in each little house, it was incredibly cold. The only thought I could imagine was the thought of people freezing to death in their homes, hunting for food in the ice-cold temperatures, and the like. Although completely fascinating, I felt a sense of sadness thinking of the lives of those who had to endure such a factor.

After the village, I decided to visit the gift shop. Again, they had several items, including an old wooden grinding tool and a wooden bowl. I bought a couple of things (Christmas is coming) and headed to the next stop: The Mayflower II.

On the way to the Mayflower, you pass Plymouth Rock. Although there is no true history behind the rock itself, it was amazing to see how this was the landing spot for America. It made sense, but it was also very surreal to see. Looking out at the ocean, Cape Cod, and the endless history behind them was moving in an inexplicable way. I was very grateful for that moment. Despite my feelings about modern America (or even Puritanical America), I felt the settlers’ pride. I know the intentions were good, despite some choppy times and beliefs.

The recreation of the Mayflower was stunning! I boarded the ship, which was all of three levels. I never knew a fireplace was built in the middle of the ship, but I guess it makes sense with the cold weather. I wondered how they were able to supply enough wood and food for 200+ men and women. Again, I can’t imagine living during those times. Inside the Mayflower II were old tools they used, the general layout of the true Mayflower. It was fascinating to see how far ahead of our time we were then. It doesn’t feel like we’ve made too many improvements, though we have over the last 300 years.

I ended my trip there. Although there were a million other places to visit and things to do, I decided I just needed to soak in what I had just experienced over the last few days. I felt something different from what I have with other trips. I felt a connection to everything around me. It was moving in a way that cannot be described. Not in a way that brings tears to your eyes or makes you feel a certain way, but in a sense of, “I felt something change in the connection I had to the area.” It was very surreal. I’m grateful for the opportunity to visit. I know many who dream of going, but never do. I had to share.

Journey to Boston: Day 3 – Boston, MA

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

Where else do you go to find out about the original history of the country other than…Boston! I think very few places (such as Philadelphia) are as great to learn about American history as Boston! It’s a very fortunate experience.

I woke up early to make sure I wouldn’t be late for my Freedom Trail walk through the city. I was looking forward to seeing some of the most famous sites of American history. I wanted to beat the Masshole drivers as well. I was lucky to arrive early and find parking easily. I walked to Boston Common and immediately fell in love. So many trails, hills, tree colors, people walking and running, and more. It looked like it was right out of a movie!

As I sat and waited for the tour to begin, I called my mom to let her know things were okay. In the midst of the phone call, the squirrels were coming closer. They had no fear of human people. At one point, a squirrel started up my leg, but took off. I started giggling. In Central Texas, the squirrels are terrified of people!

I started making noises to call the squirrels over and snapping my fingers. Twice! Twice, a squirrel jumped onto my lap. It was such an amazing experience. I’ve never seen one so close before in my life. As cheesy as it sounds, it literally made my entire morning. I didn’t care if everything went wrong past that point. I was cheesing like a kid on Halloween who just lucked out discovering the house that serves full pieces of candy!

The tour guide called us over to start. We walked around and listened to the tour guide spout historical facts about each location and Boston’s general history. I never realized how much I listened to my history teachers until he started talking, and I could basically recite word for word his tour. It was odd, but also funny!

We toured John Hancock’s grave, Paul Revere’s grave, Samuel Adams’ grave, other graves you couldn’t see the names on due to their age, and the Boston Massacre victims’ grave. We were able to visit the school and church that Benjamin Franklin attended when he was a child. We saw where the Declaration of Independence was first read aloud, the site of the Boston Massacre, and some other lesser-known sites. I didn’t get to every historical site, but I am extremely grateful for what I did see. The cobblestone alleyways and brick pavements made me feel like I was back in the 1700s. With a few dirt roads still, I could imagine horses and carriages on the roads.

I didn’t spend much time in Boston because I was tired. I’ve walked more in the last 2.5 days than I have in the last month combined. My legs and upper body were sore, and I was just tired. I did find Boston easy to navigate, though.

I stopped by Chicken & Rice Guys for dinner. It was amazing! Similar to a gyro without the wrap, it was seasoned chicken thigh, seasoned rice, lettuce, two pita slices, and creamy garlic sauce. The seasoning of the food was, as Bostonians would say, wicked good and so fulfilling. There was so much food, I was unable to eat it all. I was thoroughly impressed! I did notice there were a ton of pizza places, delis, and seafood spots in both Boston and Salem. It makes sense, but I wanted something different.

Journey to Boston: Day 2 – Salem, MA

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

Today was the day I discovered the term “Massholes.” I’ve heard it through peers, but I always thought they were overexaggerating. They definitely were not.

I’ve never heard so many horns in my life, nor seen as many law-breaking citizens driving. I was absolutely stunned. I was used to the “weird” roads of roundabouts, sharp turns, etc. That never stunned me, having lived in upstate New York. The number of people who cut others off, showed respect by giving the middle finger, ran red lights, and more was mind-blowing.

It was fine, though. I just had to get back into the habit of driving in a busy northeast city. I mean….I drove in NYC once before…I figured this was a piece of cake. I will say driving in Austin is not the same as driving in Boston. After a few near-death experiences (okay, that may be an exaggeration), I was able to figure out driving again in the city and quickly adjusted to become my own version of a Masshole – or Texasshole. Either one is a proper fit for the drive.

I made it to Salem, once again. This time, I was on my History and Haunting tour with Witch City Walking Tours (the company that rescheduled me because of the late flight). I was in the same location as the night before, which worked out great!

We met at Old Town Hall for the walking tour. Seeing it in the daytime had a different vibe. This tour was even better! We saw the Witch House, Ropes Mansion (Hocus Pocus), Hamilton Hall, Bewitched Statue, Salem Witch Memorial (in daylight), Old Burying Point/Charter Street Cemetery, and a few lesser-known places.

I decided to take the rest of the day to explore some of the other places on my own, such as Salem Witch Museum. I wasn’t impressed with the Salem Witch Museum presentation, but the gift shop was amazing! The presentation provided by the SWM was insanely boring and bland. It was like listening to an old history teacher in a lecture-style class. Luckily, the gift shop saved it. It’s about the only thing that was good about it.

I also ended up visiting Proctor’s Ledge, where most of the “witch” hangings actually occurred. It was a beautiful memorial to those who lost their life innocently over hysteria. Little did I know, it was in someone’s backyard. I want to approach their door and ask whether any hauntings have occurred, but that would be intrusive and rude.

I saw the House of Seven Gables, which, as an English teacher, was amazing. I fell in love with its beauty, especially the courtyard. The ironic thing is: I’ve never read Nathaniel Hawthorne’s book. I just heard about it!

I was hoping to visit Pioneer Village, but they closed on the exact day I went. Fortunately, I was able to take some photos of it from outside. Maybe on my next visit, it’ll be open. I’m sure it’s moving as well. Along with that came an amazing view of the waterfront next to Pioneer Village.

Today was a moment for me. Despite the crazy world we live in, I discovered that not everyone is bad. I met some amazing people who had open conversations about their journeys to Salem. I had several experiences I could only dream of. It all finally came true. I learned of burning churches, the power of money (much like today), and how an insane belief in religion likely killed several.

I was sad knowing it was my last day in Salem, but I also knew I’d likely come back to explore more. On my travels, I learned much of the history that happened outside of actual Salem, MA. It gives me another reason to visit and see the stunning views.

Journey to Boston: Day 1 – Austin, TX to Boston, MA/Salem, MA

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

Like many kids, I despised history class. I never understood the importance of remembering dates, names, places, etc. Although one thing I give my history teachers credit for: they made me fall in love with the 1600-1700s, Roman/Greek history, and United Kingdom history. I was always drawn to the history of those areas more than to any other place or time in the world.

Part of me gets a sensation that I came from those areas in a past life. I know people have their own opinions about life after death, rebirth, and so on. I’m not exactly sure what to believe (does anyone, though?), but one thing I can say is I’m oddly connected to those time periods. I knew it was time to see what that connection was all about!

As someone with severe social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder, the thought of travel for “fun” terrified me. A single woman roaming the streets of unfamiliar places was just not ideal. Nowadays, you never know what you will experience. That’s a whole other blog topic, though!

However, I decided I will not let my anxiety hold me back anymore. “You only live once,” is the popular saying, right?. What regrets would I have if I never explored areas I felt some connection with? How would I feel sitting around for days on end, knowing I could have done something more with my life? I’m all about the experience, not materialistic things.

On the spur of the moment, I decided it was time. Salem, Boston, Plymouth…here I come!!

The first thing I did outside my comfort zone was take time off work on a Friday before the break! That is just unheard of, especially for me! But my thinking is: I needed this for me, my mental health, and if something happened, life would go on, with or without me. I even forced myself to not to check my emails in hopes of not receiving any news that would make the trip stressful or less enjoyable. I didn’t want this moment ruined.

Waking up at 3:30 am, I was so excited! I walked outside to see the temperature and such, so I knew what to prepare for, and I was blessed to see the Lunar Eclipse. Like any person, I snapped a million photos of the beauty that glared before me. This was my sign that the trip was meant for me. This rare Lunar Eclipse screamed out to me now more than ever.

I kept waking up the last few nights for the excitement of everything I had planned. Getting a whole night of sleep was rare and nearly impossible in the last week. I checked to make sure everything was packed up in the last minute before I left. Double-checking for medications, eye glass wipes, fog protectant wipes, enough clothes, all the overnight necessities, makeup, hair accessories, chargers, and everything else you could dream of taking on a trip for several days. I waited until I received the notification on my Life360 that my ride was here. I couldn’t contain my excitement.

We arrived at the airport, and my jaw dropped. I was utterly surprised to see the large number of people at the airport. If you didn’t know better, you’d think it was Christmas pre-COVID. People were shoulder to shoulder. You couldn’t tell where one line started and one line ended. It was horrendous. In all my years of traveling (since 2015), I’ve never seen anything like it. As a child, I would fly back and forth constantly to see my dad in upstate New York. That didn’t terrify me as much as the mass amount of people in there today. I thought there was absolutely no way I could make it to my gate on time.

Luckily, I was raised with a military father who believed the old saying, “If you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late.” I, even though my friends make fun of me, am always early (this could also trigger my anxiety). Because I arrived early, I made it to my gate on time. I emphasize time because it was literally within minutes of my being able to board after arriving early. All the passengers board the plane, but then we’re told there are “maintenance issues” that won’t affect the flight. OH THE LIES AMERICAN AIRLINES! THE LIES!

After several delays, we were asked to deplane with all our belongings. The airline never kept us informed about what was going on or the status of the flight. It was incredibly frustrating.

We were two hours past our departure time. I was shocked, and my anxiety went into full force. My ride went home (1.5 hours away), I didn’t want to miss my planned activities for the night, and I didn’t want to lose out on my prepaid hotel, rental car, etc. They said the flight wasn’t “canceled,” but was “unknown in status.”

Yes…that’s the perfect thing to tell someone with GAD (general anxiety disorder). No… my feelings totally didn’t go haywire in a craze over what was so serious for us to be delayed again and again and again and again, and eventually deplaned to “fix the problem.”

Finally, four hours later, we boarded again and were finally on the way to Boston! Due to the stress of the morning and the lack of sleep for the last couple of days, I was exhausted. Luckily for me, the four-hour delay caused some people to change their flights. The seat next to me was open, and I had a window seat. I was able to take a few great naps! I didn’t care if I drooled, snored, twitched, talked in my sleep, etc. I was tired! It was going to happen one way or another! I woke up with snacks and drinks. I hadn’t eaten breakfast because of my excitement and GI (gastrointestinal) issues. I didn’t want to take the risk. I was starving by the time the snacks came. I’ve never been so thankful for a biscotti before in my life. It was like finding wholesome diamonds or emeralds, but the food version!

Not long after, we began descending for landing. I could feel my body and eyes light up. All the lakes, the colors of the trees from the skies, the open land, rolling hills, etc. I was so excited. In Texas, you don’t see that. The trees are either brown or green. The grass is either brown or green. Mountains? No way…maybe a hill or two, but nothing like the northeast. Trying to find a decent number of trees now in Texas (unless you’re in certain areas) is like a treasure hunt.

As we descended further, I could see Cape Cod. It was somewhere so many people dreamt about and talked about. It looked like it was straight off a movie or TV show. I knew I would save that trip for another time (peak whale watching season). I felt so honored to see such beauty. As we got closer and closer to land, my excitement and nerves skyrocketed! I was ready to jump off the plane and explore!

I knew I was going to miss my first tour because of the delay. However, I was determined to make my second tour, which started at 8:00 pm. But could I? It was almost 6:00 pm, and I still needed my rental car, my hotel, my tour tickets, and directions to the place in Salem, which was a good 40-50 minutes away with traffic, according to my lovely Google Maps.

Hello anxiety! Thankfully, the owner of the first tour company (Salem Walking Tours) rescheduled my ticket that I missed due to the delayed flight. Beth, at Salem Walking Tours, did an amazing job accommodating. She was so polite and understanding. I highly recommend them on so many fronts.

My second tour was with someone else (Salem Night Tours). I was hoping I wouldn’t have to reschedule again. My night would have been ruined. I had been looking forward to starting immediately.

The line for the rental vehicle was ridiculous. The lovely Alamo Rental Vehicles has a whopping total of two people working, with about forty people in line. I had two hours to make my tour, and my anxiety was telling me there was absolutely no way I was going to make it. I was feeling defeated and irritated. All their Kiosks were down as well, so I couldn’t even do the check-in process myself.

I finally made it to the counter with one hour to spare. I just kept praying they would hurry. Luckily, it didn’t take long since I had pre-scheduled the rental and pre-paid. I had to decide whether to go to the hotel or skip it in hopes that they don‘t give my room away. I was determined for this tour, though.

I skipped the hotel and went straight to Salem, MA. Oh, the nostalgic feeling of being back in the Northeast! As someone who lived in upstate New York for only six beautiful months, I just missed everything the Northeast offered: scenery, activities, people, weather, etc. Yes, I, a Texan, missed the cold, windy winter. Shocking! This is also coming from someone who wore a hoodie every day in Boston/Salem/Plymouth, with temperatures between 28 and 55 degrees, and who continued to sweat regardless of the temperature. Don’t ask! I’m definitely not made for Texas anymore!

My eyes lit up at the older buildings, the cobblestone streets, and the brick streets. I felt an odd connection to the place. It felt familiar, even though I’ve never been there in my life. I’m not sure whether it was my connection to upstate New York or something else that connected me to the situation and place. Either way, as I drove closer to the city center of Salem, MA, I felt this overwhelming sense of excitement.

I found somewhere to park, and I didn’t care how much it cost. It could have cost $50, and I still would have paid it, so long as I was able to explore Salem, MA, by night and by day. I parked and had to go in the trunk of the rental car to get my thick jacket. It was so incredibly cold with the breeze. It was the one and only time I wore my jacket on the entire trip. I often wonder why I even brought such a bulky thing. Needless to say, I was glad. I went from the 50s in Texas to the low 30s in Massachusetts. With 45 minutes to spare, I decided to shop at whatever stores were still open. Much like European countries I’ve been to, several shops were already closed for the night. I ended up in a souvenir shop with witchy items and a ton of Harry Potter Memorabilia. I returned to my car to unload all the items into the trunk.

I used Google Maps to get walking directions to my first tour of the trip. I found out it was also the gift shop, which worked out perfectly for me! I already met the people and knew where I was going.

The tour was fabulous! From the company Remember Salem, Sebastian was our tour guide. He was your traditional goth: long, black trench coat, black boots, black pants, black shirt, black hair, black lipstick, etc. His personality was amazing! I couldn’t ask for a better guide.

We hit all the well-known spots, such as the Old Town Hall (hello Hocus Pocus), the Salem Witch Memorial, Old Burying Point/Charter Street Cemetery, and a few unknown places. We also visited St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, the Pickman house, and so much more! I was hoping and praying for a spiritual interaction of some kind, but sadly, nothing happened. I was manifesting an apparition, a tug on my clothes, some voices next to me, etc., but nothing occurred. I know that sounds weird, but I was hopeful! I wanted to know it was real! I did, however, learn about the game Clue and its connection to Salem, MA!

The moon was fantastic! I knew this trip was exactly what I needed. Everything I saw was straight out of a movie.

After the tour, I went to the hotel with a late check-in. I knew I’d sleep great that night! I was filled with excitement about my upcoming adventures, but part of me was totally worn down from the stressful morning. I hadn’t eaten a real meal all day, so I knew I had to try to get something from the bar before they closed. Residence Inn at Boston/Logan Airport provided me with such amazing service my first night there, including the food options. With 20 minutes to spare before close, they were kind enough to still make the delicious flatbread.

I had such great scenery that night. I was ready to explore more, but I needed sleep. I couldn’t wait for my next adventure, so I set my alarm to make sure I made it to my other tour on time. 

Tap Tap Art Studio versus Painting with a Twist

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

Guided painting classes have become popular in recent years, thanks to companies developing art classes locally and nationally. Within the Killeen and Harker Heights area, there are two popular companies that offer such classes. How are they alike and different? Which one is the better choice? Let’s take a look at what each location has to offer.

Tap Tap Art Studio History

Tap Tap Art Studio is a local small business. It was developed to help promote the arts locally, outside of regular primary and secondary classes. The company initially operated from a bus. Eventually, its popularity grew, and they now have a physical location. Tap Tap Art Studio focuses on all aspects of art: from music, painting, pottery, and more.

Painting with a Twist History

Painting with a Twist is a national brand. The first location was opened in Louisiana after the devastating Hurricane Katrina ruined area. It grew over time and became one of the most recognized names in its category. The idea behind Painting with a Twist is to have fun while learning something amazing. Painting with a Twist focuses only on the painting aspect of the art.

Activities for Children

Both locations offer activities for children; however, Tap Tap Art Studio offers a wider range of activities. Tap Tap Art Studio offers camp and after-school activities, whereas Painting with a Twist only offers children’s painting classes. These child-friendly events are limited to specific days and times, but the paintings are appropriate for the advertised age range.

Parties are available at both locations.

Adult Activities

Both locations offer adult painting services, with the option to BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) and to bring snacks. The benefit of Painting with a Twist over Tap Tap Art Studio is the variety of classes offered to adults. Painting with a Twist offers more classes for adults and a wider range of painting options. Tap Tap Art Studio’s paintings for adults are often rare, limited, and offer few design choices.

Painting with a Twist offers a specialized Paint Your Pet session. In this session, you send in a photo of your animal. They draw out the outline of the painting. Each guest has a different picture. From there, they guide them on how to mix colors and such to make the animal appear realistic. This customizable painting can be especially important to those who may have recently lost an animal and want to cherish the memory of their fur babies. In this session, they provide more one-on-one guidance to ensure the painting is as realistic as possible. These sessions cost more because of the assistance and customization they offer. It’s well worth it for the animal lover!

Parties are available at both locations. However, Painting with a Twist allows fundraising activities for groups of any kind. A percentage of the cost goes back to the group. Usually, the paintings are related to the topic/group at hand.

Available Paintings

The paintings at both locations are easy yet challenging for non-artists of any age. Both locations offer a 16″ x 20″ canvas (sometimes the size varies depending on the painting) with a pre-drawn artwork. Both locations guide the user through the painting process (completing the background first, allowing it to dry, then moving on to the next layer, allowing that to dry, etc.). Both locations have a color palette for each painting, but they also allow customization.

Both locations offer assistance with paintings. If you are a struggling artist, such as myself, they come by often and guide you. Rarely do they step in and “fix” the painting, but it is possible. As someone with a heavy hand, I sometimes overdo the paint on a project. However, they will come by and show how to spread it out without messing up the painting’s look or concept.

One difference between companies is that Tap Tap Art Studio allows mixed-media paintings. A recent painting at Tap Tap Art Studio featured acrylic paint with pearls for their “Chucks and Pearls” piece. Painting with a Twist only offers acrylic painting; no other media are available. If they conducted the same session, no pearls would be added. Instead, it would have been just paint depicting the pearls on the shoes.

COVID Adjustments

Painting with a Twist has made the effort to adapt to the times with COVID. Painting with a Twist offers take-home paintings. Included in this are instructions on how to complete the piece. They have also provided online videos on how to complete these projects for visual learners. They have constant access to customer service for questions. Tap Tap Art Studio offered some take-home projects when COVID first hit the United States, but has since discontinued them.

Classes have been reasonable in terms of a cap limit on the number of people. Both locations have large rooms to space people out. Both locations have a maximum number of participants to reduce the risk of COVID exposure for guests. Both locations are adamant about cleaning their supplies, rooms, and door handles. Both locations offer sanitizer, masks, and other COVID-19 needs when entering the building.

Overall Feedback

Both locations offer amazing activities for children and adults. The biggest takeaway from this is a matter of preference.

If you enjoy learning and completing several art pieces, Painting with a Twist may be more up your alley, given the available options and times. If you’re more focused on activities outside painting, Tap Tap Art Studio would be a better fit for your interests.

Try both places and see which one fits your needs and wants. Support a small local business or support a small local franchise. Either way, support the local arts and economy while learning something new and having some fun!

Personal Paintings from Each

Tap Tap Art Studio

Below is my mixed media “Chucks and Pearls” from Tap Tap Art Studio.

Painting with a Twist

Below are completed paintings from Painting with a Twist

Admiring Austin Part 1

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

Austin, Texas, is known for its unique appeal. From the hippie vibe to the new Silicon Valley feel, Austin, Texas, offers a variety of activities for people of all ages! Austin is, no doubt, one of the best places in Texas to experience Southern Hospitality!

Due to COVID, some locations may be temporarily closed or limited. Please check their site prior to attempting to go to their spot.

Wonderspaces

Wonderspaces is a beautiful, interesting, and interactive space for those into modern art. With only four locations in the United States, it’s a place one would be lucky to see!

Due to COVID, we were unable to interact with some features. One display was being worked on and was not open to the public. Despite the setbacks, several other displays were open! They were kind enough to let us know they would be offering tickets via email once they open back up 100%, so we could fully experience the displays.

They had several stunning exhibits that were piquing my interest. The only thing I wish they added to each exhibit was a description for each piece. The Illegal Art exhibit was stunning, but I wanted to know more about it. You can find more information online, but it would have been handy to have this in person as well. It may be that they normally hold these in person, but due to coronavirus, they chose to make them digital.

Exhibits

Squidsoup is one of the creators of the Submergence exhibit in Austin, TX. This feature allows guests to watch a beautiful light show that moves to the music, creating a variety of shows.

Submergence may have been my favorite display!

Reed van Brunschot created the large Thank You Bags exhibit. The focus of this piece is the American belief in capitalism and the harmful effects of plastic waste bags on the environment.

Vier Nev created the A Mind Sang. This visual display has a seamless movement through the video. It includes some images that appear to be optical illusions.

Yasuhiro Chida’s exhibit initially appeared to be dancing fireflies. As we got closer, we thought it looked like spider webs. After further looking, we realized it was fishing line. The ability to take fishing line and create such a masterful piece is amazing!

This stunning piece made me want to enjoy the nights of Texas again!

Everyware created the Levitate piece. Unfortunately, we were unable to interact with this one due to the coronavirus. However, I hope we will soon be able to experience it to its full potential!

Unfortunately, we were unable to view this one in its entirety! I cannot wait to see how astounding this one is!

Memo Akten created Body Paint. This exhibit is interactive with human movements. The use of shadow and body creates beautiful art pieces. This is especially ideal for those who grew up in dance, gymnastics, or even generalized sports.

NONOTAK Studio presented one of the most intriguing exhibits, Hoshi, featuring mirrors, sound, and light. At times, the image of you walking may confuse you with the flashes and the multi-way mirrors. My only suggestion on this one is to not bring those who have epileptic episodes watch this!

John Edmark created Blooms. This one was particularly interesting. At times, it would appear as if the sculpture moved, and other times it didn’t. The use of strobe lights allows guests to spend more time at this exhibit, examining whether their eyes are betraying them!

Sweepers Clock was created by Maarten Baas. In this exhibit, they use trash to create time changes within a clock. It truly shows that beautiful art can be made from literal trash.

On a Human Scale was on exhibit, but inaccessible. I could tell this exhibit would be a beautiful creation from Matthew Matthew. I cannot wait to see this exhibit back open. I know it will be utterly astounding when the time comes to see this exhibit in full.

Illegal Art had The Last Word. The concept behind this exhibit is absolutely beautiful: unspoken words to form a beautiful display. I am curious if the creators ever plan to reveal what messages are tied to those pieces of paper.

Charlotte Stoudt, Laura Wexler, Angel Soto, Skybound, Ryot & Telexist’s exhibit of Dinner Party threw me for a loop, initially. When I walked into this exhibit, I felt like I was intruding on a dinner part (it definitely fits the name). I remember telling the person I was with, “I’m not sure if we should be in here.” After realizing it was one of the art pieces, I started to look deeper into the meaning behind it. Unfortunately, this is also a piece that we were able to experience 100%, due to COVID.

Michael Murphy’s exhibit of The Immigrant was unfortunately being maintained. Because of this, we were unable to see it in all its beauty.

Taquero Mucho (Pink Tacos of Austin)

If you love the idea of Tiffany Blue, you’ll love Taquero Mucho! Everything in this location is pink: from the outside decorations to the interior design, and even the plates, glasses, and check payment holder. This place bleeds pink!

The first thing I noticed, aside from the insane amount of pink throughout the building, was the incredibly small menu. Usually, small menus tend to have delicious food because they focus so much on flavor! I can attest that this theory is true! Their carnitas were amazing! The flavors burst with each bite. I’m not a bean fan, but their beans had an amazing flavor! Of course, all the food and drinks were pink as well!

They also have a few outdoor delights to enjoy, including an old telephone booth, outdoor seating, and an outdoor shop. I was so enthralled by the pink overload that I had to purchase a t-shirt in support of this amazing company started by such an amazing person!

Top Golf Austin

As someone who had never golfed before, coming here seemed a bit intimidating at first. I was worried professional golfers would appear and put me to shame. It’s not like mini golf, which has built-in supports (short distances, smaller clubs, etc.).

Luckily, that wasn’t my experience at all! Top Golf Austin had a good mix of professional and beginner golfers. There were families, couples, groups of friends, and more. With COVID restrictions, they limit how many people may be in a bay. They do their best to spread out customers as well to ensure safety! The staff is extremely friendly, including walking new timers through the process (like me).

There are several options for playing (from Beginner to Advanced, games to tournaments). I found the technology intriguing, which led to a discussion with employees about ball tracking, video sources, etc. I was expecting to leave more broke, but surprisingly, it was affordable. As a newcomer, I will definitely make another pit stop at this location to work on my golf game!

Ravishing Round Rock

Angel BoucherLeave a comment

Round Rock, Texas, is a beautiful city located in the Hill Country of Central Texas. As a lifelong Texan, I admire a town with history, class, and a modern touch. Round Rock, Texas, provides all of that and more.

Two of the more well-known places within Round Rock, Texas, include the Round Rock Premium Outlets and Round Rock Donuts.

Round Rock Premium Outlets

The Rock Rock Premium Outlets have been around for years. Just north of Austin, Texas, these outlets offer both shopping and dining.

At the Round Rock Premium Outlets, major retailers include affordable stores such as Skechers, Bath & Body Works, and GAP, as well as pricier brands such as Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, and Calvin Klein. With a wide variety of choices, these outlets offer something for everyone.

These outlets have beautiful decorations: fountains, seating areas, covered areas for hot Texas days or rainy days, and decorations to fit the season(s) and holiday(s). All these touches on the location welcome guests to a beautiful, inviting, and comfortable atmosphere. With several benches along the way, it allows those who have difficulty walking long distances to rest, or to enjoy time with the family, chatting away.

Round Rock Premium Outlets often have great sales within their stores. At the VANS outlet (12/29/2020), they were running a buy-one-get-50%-off sale. Bath & Body Works has most of its merchandise on sale, which is not available in other retail locations or online. Victoria’s Secret ran sales similar to its Semi-Annual sale. Although we did not enter the Michael Kors store, we could tell a major sale was happening inside due to the massive line to enter!

Although shopping is the main focus of any outlet, the food options within the Round Rock Premium Outlets are even more divine!

Fast food options are one available choice for the Outlets. Church’s Chicken, Auntie Anne’s, and Starbucks are among the fast-food options at the Outlets. However, more mom-and-pop shops, small businesses, and less frequented places are within the immaculate, large food court. I personally prefer mom-and-pop and small-business options over fast-food options!

This view is from the East side of the Round Rock Premium Outlets. Due to COVID, it was a bit emptier than usual. These areas are usually packed with shoppers. Some of the stores were also not open due to COVID.

The largest tree within Round Rock Premium Outlets is located at the entrance. Not only does this tree create an inviting atmosphere, but it also adds a bit of joy to the location with its beautiful, welcoming, festive colors that celebrate the 2020 Christmas Spirit.

Round Rock Premium Outlets includes several decorations for the season(s) and holiday(s). These decorations are spread throughout the location to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.

Round Rock Donuts

You cannot go to Round Rock, Texas, without stopping for Round Rock Donuts!

Round Rock Donuts was founded in 1926, and it has been a Texas favorite ever since! With the untraditional orange-tinted donuts, people who have never had them become intrigued. After trying Round Rock Donuts, people keep coming back, near and far, for more!

The World Famous donut maker has been featured in BuzzFeed, often mentioning the Texas-sized donut that Round Rock Donuts offers! Day Tripper featured several Round Rock locations and events, with one of the most important being Round Rock Donuts. Man v. Food also tried the famous Texas-sized donut!

My personal favorite from Round Rock Donuts includes the Chocolate Glazed Sprinkle donut and the regular kolaches. Their kolaches are made on the sweeter side, with less grease, to help prevent heartburn for those with sensitive stomachs, like me! The donuts and kolaches are easy to refrigerate and reheat for upcoming mornings. You can’t come here without buying the Texas-sized donut at least once!

Round Rock Donuts was featured on the Food Network. Although always popular, this sparked greater interest in the company from surrounding areas and visitors.

11 years ago was the first time I tried Round Rock Donuts. On my first trip, I had to get the Texas-sized donut. Impressed by its size, I took a picture for comparison with my head and hand. I look different now, but the donut stayed the same size!

Other Round Rock Adventures

Round Rock, Texas, offers several other exciting and beautiful places to visit. Located on the old Chisholm Trail, there is no doubt that you’ll find a bit of history, nature, and events surrounding this beautiful location! Modern meets memories of our past: it is a place that any Texan would be lucky to visit!