Book Review - Insider's Guide to Williamsburg and Virginia's Historic Triangle

Since I'm planning a trip to Busch Gardens Amusement Park this summer, I thought I'd pick up this guide to see what else I could see while I'm in Williamsburg, Virginia. This travel guide is divided into categories - Accommodations, Entertainment, Shopping, Parks and Recreation, and more.

I like the callout sections that describe some historical tidbits of an area since Williamsburg is so full of history and historical events. There's even detailed information concerning Busch Gardens. Lots of easy-to-read suggestions and even a section if you're considering retirement in the area.

Title: Insiders' Guide® to Williamsburg: And Virginia's Historic Triangle (Insiders' Guide Series)
Author: Susan Corbett
ISBN: 978-1493045310
Pages: 297

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Event - #Travel #Texas - #Fredericksburg - Iwo Jima - 80 Years Later - February 21-23, 2025

Fredericksburg, Texas - Iwo Jima - 80 Years Later
February 21-23, 2025
The National Museum of the Pacific War
The museum is hosting three days of World War II activities and information to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of the war. Friday will feature an opening ceremony and activities in the ballroom and the day ends with a screening of the movie "Sands of Iwo Jima". Saturday's guest speaker session with Richard B. Frank, Keil Gentry, Steve McCloud, and Jonathan Parshall requires pre-registration due to a limited number of seats in the theatre. The evening will close with a concert and photography viewing. Sunday features a battle reenactment at the Pacfic Combat Zone. Walk-ups are allowed first come, first serve if there's availability. Then a book signing and closing ceremony. If you are a history buff, this sounds like a great opportunity to learn more about Iwo Jima.
If you can't make it out to Fredericksburg, register for a livestream link - https://mailchi.mp/nimitzfoundation.org/80th-anniversary-of-wwii-schedule
Address: 340 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Hours:
Fees: FREE
For more information: https://www.pacificwarmuseum.org/iwo

Review - Texas - Waxahachie - Scarborough Renassaince Fair - April 2019

 

Easter Sunday I had the privilege to journey all the way to Waxahachie to attend their annual spring Scarborough Renaissance Festival. The weather was perfect (sunny by with a good breeze). It is located in a giant field (165 total acres) so keep in mind the possibility of mud if you plan to go after or during rain.

   
As you approach the fair from the road, you will pass the castle-style signs as you wind your way into the grassy parking lot. Pay attention to the numbered signs so you can find your way back. Strollers and wagons are difficult to steer through the dirt/gravel so keep that in mind if you have smaller wheels or heavy loads. Outside food and drinks (except baby food) are not allowed.

 
The gist of the fair is to become immersed in the 16th century. People come dressed in costume or you can rent some costumes at the front. The more serious adventurers talk and act like they lived back then. Food, activities, shows are geared toward the medieval way of life. They do have modern restrooms and lots of water fountains (well-decorated) throughout.


The fair is open weekends (rain or shine) beginning the first week of April through the end of May. Each weekend has a different theme - such as Legends of the Sea (Pirates/Mermaids), Fantasy, Scottish/Celtic, etc. Throughout the day are different performances including 2 knightly jousts (the one at the end of the day tends to be more bloody). You can purchase a guide which lists the times and locations for the different talents/performances. Children can be knighted by royalty.

 
There are a lot of activities including archery, a maze, camel and elephant rides, a few carnival-style games and rides (one of which is a spinning barrel), a petting zoo, face painting, hair braiding, a masseuse, etc.

     
Almost all of the food that is sold at Scarborough can be eaten with the hands (as they would have done in the 16th century). Some of my favorite items include the Steak-on-a-Stick, Sausage-on-a-Stick, Fried Mac n Cheese, and Turkey Legs (not pictured). Some vendors do offer gluten-free options. There's also a few places that sell fresh fruit (fruit kabobs and packaged fruits). Another favorite are the wandering vendors - like this pretzel man. The only full-service restaurant/bar is the Rose & Crown Restaurant which gets pretty crowded.

Tip - Bring lots of cash (almost all the food/drink vendors are cash-based) and dollar bills to tip the performers; there is an ATM available.

Overall, this a great family-oriented festival and it's fun to dress in costume for the day. It is A LOT of walking so wear appropriate shoes!

The official website: www.srfestival.com

Physical Address: 2511 Fm 66, Waxahachie, TX 75167

Review - Florida - Orlando - Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum

   

On a recent trip to Orlando, my family finally stopped by Madame Tussauds Wax Museum off International Drive in ICON Park in the heart of Orlando.

There's a free parking garage beside the park which, in my opinion, was super-busy and chaotic on a Saturday afternoon. Cars zip through around tight corners. Spaces felt smallish. Keep an eye on young children because there is no formal walkway.

Entry prices vary depending whether you want to add-on other experiences (like the Aquarium). Prices start at $25 per adult or $20.50 per child. If you have a LEGOLAND Annual Pass (like I do), you can get in free! There are probably other discounts to be found on the Internet. I'd definitely check before I buy tickets at the door.

When you enter the museum, you will be directed to a green screen for a photo which you can purchase at the end of your visit.

So what is Madame Tussauds? It's basically a large museum that you wander room to room viewing handmade lifelike wax statues of actual famous people. The rooms are divided up by category - political (they had Obama, Trump, Lincoln, etc), Inventors (Einstein, Edison, etc), Athletes (Shaquille O'Neal, Peyton Manning, etc), Musicians/Singers (Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, etc), Television (Oprah Winfrey), Movies, and so on. Each statue/scene was accompanied by a plaque describing who the person was and why they were being featured.

The museum is also interactive. Some of the scenes had dress-up costumes or accessories (like a guitar or a cape) that you can try-on. There were also hands-on activities (being on TV with Oprah was a highlight). The DC Comics section offered a type of game that you can play if you want.

Toward the end of the tour, they have an exhibit and movie showing how the statues are made and the history behind Madame Tussaud. Fascinating for adults. Boring for kids.

Overall, it was a great place to visit and take lots of selfies.

Address: 8387 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819

Hours: Sunday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

For more information, check out their website, https://www.madametussauds.com/orlando/en/