Moving, Moving, Moving: The US Army Transportation Museum

E and J headed to the Williamsburg, Virginia, area for a few adventures for their spring break, visiting the off-the-beaten-path US Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis.  J had visited with his family as a child, and this trip became a great opportunity to take E, who has been showing some fascination with the concept of the military, to a specialized museum--and on an active military installation.

Honoring the Army Transportation Corps, the museum pays tribute to the logistics of getting every one--and every thing--safely place to place during the challenges of war.  Attention is given to navigating geography, destruction, and similar perils, and there's a good amount of attention to innovation as well.  How does one make something "climb" a steep hill without a road to deliver supplies, for instance?  Therefore, those with general STEM interests would also be fascinated here.  Photographs aren't allowed inside, and visitors cannot climb on or otherwise pretend to drive or ride the items.  The museum is still super interesting--just don't expect it to be lots of pushing-buttons-style interactive, and please prepare your kiddos accordingly.  You can find a lot of detailed information on various exhibits at their website, often divided by many places in which various operations have occurred if you select the dropdown "exhibits" menu, which will give you a feel for overall museum content as well.  It won't be the most sophisticated website you've ever seen, but it will give you rich information.  Besides specific vehicles, other interesting topics include the overall design logic of the Eisenhower Interstate System and the influence of circus loading and unloading on military planning.  Yep, circus train logistics may be more impressive than you ever thought they were.

If you go, know you and your vehicle may be searched to enter the base and that you may need to produce government-issued photo ID and proof of vehicle insurance.  The museum is substantially more expansive and content-loaded than it initially appears, so allow time for a long visit or focus your attention on a few portions.  Again, photos aren't allowed inside, but there is an outdoor portion where photos are A-OK. The Virginia War Museum may be of additional interest and is in the area.  If traveling with young kids, consider adding the differently-themed-but-nearby Virginia Living Museum to your trip.

Speaking of Indulging Our Interests: Pennsylvania National Fire Museum

E wants to be a firefighter.  He adores stopping at fire stations and driving by fire stations--we even sometimes plan drives around our home city of Roanoke, Virginia, to incorporate multiple fire stations.  When we realized the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum in Harrisburg, PA, was just a short drive from Gettysburg, PA, we planned a visit.

A charming, well-kept specialty museum, the Pennsylvania National Fire Museum possesses an impressive collection of fire apparatuses, including steamers dating to the 1700s and 1800s.  The museum clearly shows the history of fire fighting in America, including the roles of horses and dogs. Displays include fire fighting-related toys and a functioning alarm headquarters, circa 1900.  On the day of our visit, specialists were working on the headquarters, and they allowed us to pull a fire alarm box, using one of the alarms boxes to trigger various communications at headquarters.    There's also a charming collection of firefighter "parade hats" from days long gone.

Upon arrival, our visit was immediately welcomed, and we received the attention we needed as we toured--but we were not "suffocated" by museum staff.  The host was knowledgeable and answered our questions, and there's a small gift shop that sells souvenirs.  If you go, note the easy, fee-free surface parking nearby, and you are just a very short drive from Whitaker Center.

Wartime Curiosities: The Tank Museum

 

The American Armoured Foundation (AAF) Tank Museum--another one of those places we've thought of going many times and that we're so pleased we visited.  Situated in a former factory in Danville, VA, the Tank Museum is a place that is likely to impress you, whether or not you typically like military collections.

The museum is home to over 100 tanks of various pedigrees as well as other military items such as uniforms and munitions.  Items are neatly arranged and labeled with interesting information; if you look, you will find that many of the tanks were actually built by US auto manufacturers.  The collection includes ecclectic items, including wartime Hollywood memorabilia, and there's a range for remote control tanks that's used by club members on special event dates.  Some artifacts are set up to climb on for photo ops--mind the signs.

If you go, we recommend you begin your visit by sampling the news clippings about the museum on display in the entry area.  These notes will give you a good sense of the museum's history.  It is, essentially, one man's collection on display, transported all the way from New Jersey.  The resourcefulness involved in setting up the museum is simply amazing.  Wear your close-toed walking shoes--you'll cover a lot of ground in the old factory--and dress for the weather.  The museum is indoors but is not climate-controlled; therefore, you may want to visit on a spring or fall day.  Plan your trip in advance, as it is usually open just 1-2 days per week.  Look for the owner riding an antique military bike around and flag him down with your questions. 

For lunch afterwards, we recommend the diner-like Golden Skillet down the road in Tightsqueeze.  It has an awesome fiberglass sign and is a throwback to a simpler time--such a throwback, in fact, that it serves Kool-Aid and doesn't seem to have a website.  If you are travelling with kids, consider adding on a visit to the Danville Science Center, reading about our trip there here.

The Tiniest Train Museum: The Augusta County Railroad Museum

Let us introduce you to the Augusta County Railroad Museum, a wonderful storefront museum full of intricate model railroad layouts.  Staffed by welcoming railroad club members, the large displays on view are well-loved and detailed.  There's even a scavenger hunt all ages can enjoy that will help you focus on those details, including a funeral procession, a ski lift, and a subway station.  The museum was a real treat for our 4-year-old railfan:  he very much enjoyed wandering among the trains, working the controls on the young engineers model, and picking up a free back issue of Model Railroader magazine.  We're sure Elijah will mention it all when he sees club members at Virginia Museum of Transportation events in Roanoke. 

If you go, check the museum schedule:  they are only open on particular weekends.  Plan to spend at least a half hour enjoying the displays and the company of club members.  From the museum, you are within easy driving distance of the Green Valley Book Fair, the giant Factory Antique Mall, and other Halterman adventures tagged Up I-81.

More Off-the-Beaten Path Museums: Gettysburg, PA

Justin has taught Kim, a former self-professed "museum snob," the true joy of smaller, roadside collections.  What some museums lack in curatorial credentials they make up for amply in charm.  Now, we both seek out all types of museums:  the "fancy," the classic, the strange.  Recently, we visited two truly American museums in Gettysburg, PA. 

The National Civil War Wax Museum is home to a variety of wax tableaux.  If you are a student of wax museums, Justin can explain to you how the museum has changed over the years.  When visiting, we review the fire escape plan and note changes--really.  Several of the more innovative displays endure each year, including one honoring the Underground Railroad that allows viewers to "see" a basement hiding place (pictured).  This year, the 51-year-old site changes hands for the first time--but we were thrilled to find it plans to reopen in 2014.   On this visit, it was disappointing to learn the animatronic President Lincolns before the "battle room" finale and in the finale itself are broken beyond repair, but this does allow local Lincoln impersonator James Getty some more work (he's filmed for the battle room Gettysburg Address).  Gettysburg is full of places to buy souvenirs, but the National Civil War Wax Museum hosts one of the largest shops.  Want to see more images from the museum?  Start your search at the awesome wax museum blog Houses of Wax.

We also visited the Lincoln Train Museum again, taking it is renovations since our first trip in 2010.  The collection still features model trains visitors can control by push buttons and a train "ride" profiled in great fanfare in The Washington Post a few decades ago.  They've given the train ride a more patriotic spin, and Lincoln impersonator James Getty again has more work:  he's featured in the museum opening and in the "new" train ride.   The collection is interesting, and while the renovations take a stab at focusing more on Lincoln's funeral train, it's basically a site to take in train models.  Take time to engage the friendly staff and have them tell you about the museum owner, a longtime sherrif in a nearby community who owns several Gettysburg attractions and his own interesting collection of Presidential memorabilia.

If you go, we recommend staying in town, preferably on or near Steinwehr Avenue, so that you can walk to the museums--and lots of cute casual restaurants and the town square to boot. 

Can't Keep a Wax Museum Down: Hollywood Wax Museum, Christ in the Smokies

Wax museums: great places, but becoming few and far between.  So, with the opportunity to take in two that have made a comeback in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, we were excited.

First, the Hollywood Wax Museum.  After a year or so absence from the scene, it's moved recently from Gatlinburg and has a Vegas-esque new facade near the Titanic in Pigeon Forge.  The exterior is quite impressive with a "Mt. Rushmore" of Hollywood legends.  While Tussauds it is not, we still had fun touring inside, taking advantage of many, many photo ops.  Expect some attention to classic shows like I Love Lucy but less attention to 90s phenomena (ex. Austin Powers) than the previous site offered. Before you go, read about the rates for various nearby attractions in "combination tickets," and know that it costs a pretty penny to climb to the viewing deck at the top of the facility (we skipped it). 

For a calmer tour, try Christ in the Smokies, the religious wax museum on the site of the former Christus Gardens.  When Christus Gardens closed in 2008 to make way for proposed condos, we worried--but the economy flatlined and a wax site is back.  The revised museum focuses on the Gospel accounts of Jesus; there's more information about the connections between the Old and New Testaments than on the previous Christus Gardens tour.  Expect a paced tour through dioramas beginning with the Nativity and ending with the Ascention.  If you take time to learn about the attraction, you can take advantage of opportunities to talk about it first hand with owner/artistic director, frequently working on site.  We believe the Jesus-in-film exhibit at the end of the museum is not to be missed.  Protestants and Catholics would probably be equally comfortable with the tour.  This site does not allow photographs of the main wax museum scenes, but you can take pictures in the garden and in the Tabernacle exhibit near the entry. 

If you are like us and you can't get enough of this stuff, two more notes:  Those interested on more about wax museums in general will be interested in Houses of Wax, and we believe you can still see the Christus Gardens figures at Florida's Holy Land Experience. 

A Titanic Adventure! : Titanic Museum Pigeon Forge

Justin and Kim slipped away for a quick trip to Gatlinburg, TN, in August 2012, choosing the location primarily to mark the 100th anniversary of the Titanic sailing with a trip to the Titanic Museum.  If you've driven in Pigeon Forge in the past few years, you know the building: the one that is a giant ship, of course.  It's quite the impressive display.  Our vote is that it is well worth your time:  two big thumbs up.

The experience is immersive, the atmosphere grand.  The exhibits capture the Titanic from its beginnings in drafting rooms to its contemporary rediscovery under water, contextualizing it nicely.  If you're paying attention, you'll garner a lot of information from rare artifacts on display, including menu cards and trip planning brochures for various "classes" of passengers.  Several artifacts are one-of-a-kind items that humanize the idea of the Titanic.  The overall experience is touching without being melodramatic; your understanding of life through the eyes of the great ship grows through truly understanding the cultural role of the voyage. 

You'll find a better selection of related academic books at amazon.com, but there was great selection of Christmas ornaments in the gift shop for Kim.   The Titanic Museum's an obvious stop for those who enjoy seeing history interpreted for a broad audience, and the contemporary museum design is interesting from a museum studies perspective.  Kim's been reading about the concept of memorialization in America, and if you read in related sociology/cultural studies, you should definitely go as well. 

We recommend you eat at nearby Partridge and Pear--The Christmas Place's own restaurant.  It's close to fun holiday shopping, of course, but it also represents an excellent lunch value:  yummy, homestyle food with a creative twist at a very fair price.  We were stuffed, but we hear great things about dessert. 

Lookout Mountain!

Our most gorgeous trip of late?  Lookout Mountain, TN/GA, a short drive "up" from Chattanooga.  We spent a stunning spring day atop the mountain, seeing Rock City, riding the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, and walking Point Park. 

Without a doubt, everyone should see Rock City just like the old red barns said.  You should also read Tim Hollis's book on the attraction, as an understanding of its history makes the trip powerful Americana.  Rock City itself is a combination of gardens, kitsch sculpture, and roadside tourist stop.  Justin's favorite part is Fairyland Caverns, a blacklit display of vintage storybook sculptures in a rock-themed environment.  It's a pretty incredible example of US mid-century tourism, fantastic for nostalgia as well as for small children today.  Today, it hosts special events with unique themes, including days with local artists and holiday events. 

The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is a pretty pleasure ride and a soft thrill.  Surprisingly, it is actually part of the local public transportation system.  From the incline, you can see a cozy shop called Mountain Memories that is worth your time later for souvenirs, chats with friendly shop staff, and a dash of Ruby Falls history.  We rode the incline from the top down and then back up, our recommendation for anyone afraid of heights.  We also discovered that you can park for free at the nearby National Park Service site (3 blocks away) and walk, avoiding metered parking. 

While you're enjoying yourself, it's interesting to note that the mountain was home to an important late battle of the US Civil War.  Impressively, the battle included a Union charge up the steep side of the mountain.  The "battle above the clouds" is showcased with a pay-per-view diorama and a small National Parks Service exhibit.  Point Park itself affords excellent views of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River, and it was the first NPS site for US Civil War history. 

If you go, take a well-prepared camera, as there are stunning views everywhere.  We skipped lunch and returned to Chattanooga for an early dinner, but the mountain is a great place for a picnic.  Our experience was that St Elmo, the town to which the Incline "arrives," was less full of shops and restaurants than we hoped.  Drive carefully on the mountain; it's a residential area with twisty roads, steep grades, and frequent stop signs.  Also on the mountain?  Ruby Falls.  Look for attraction combo tickets if you are visiting more than one place. 

Relevant Websites:
Rock City
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
Point Park

It's Weird-O Near The Alamo (Weird Museums, That Is)

On our trip to San Antonio, we had to take in the three most fun (and most strange) museums in town!

Believe it or not, San Antonio is home to the largest Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum, Justin's favorite "museum chain." The space itself is full of level changes and the typically-fun Ripley's fare: an Eiffel Tower from toothpicks, a "spinning tunnel" to walk through, some singing carnival figures. Nearby is Louis Tussaud's Waxworks (separately ticketed), home to some interesting statues that are not Madame's. It looks like many of the exhibits are kept contemporary, and on our visit, there was a Lady Gaga decked in meat, a Harry Potter scene, and a Michael Jackson grouping (Michael at different ages). There's also a creepy (but not too scary) hall of monsters, a hallway of integrated fairytale scenes, and Jesus storytelling scenes in a "Passion of the Christ" grouping. If you buy your tickets online, you can receive a joint ticketing discount, and we'd consider both museums worth your hour. This location has a Ripley's Cargo Hold gift shop just like the aquariums do, but don't expect much logo merchandise. They need to get some postcards.

In the category of truly awesome stops is the Buckhorn Museum and Saloon. A functioning--if touristy--"saloon," the staff invites you to grab a drink and tour(we passed on the drinks--something about any food or liquid near artifacts for us, but it was still a cool offer). Their collection consists of substantial taxidermy from around the world; there's a polar bears, numerous sets of entwined deer antlers, and an African safari section. The spacious museum also hosts a mock wild west town that's a good photo op, a display of carnival side show information, and a replica "Mystery Spot," an example of Depression-era tourism. Integrated within the site is the Texas Ranger Museum, a collection of large display cases apparently customized for individual rangers by their fans and families. Walking through this section is like walking through a good "chunky" read full of biography snippets. The overall site would be fantastic for family travel with elementary-aged kids. As a benefit for us, it was just steps from our hotel, the St. Anthony.

If you go, scope out coupons--most add up to the same discount, but it's good to save a few bucks on admission always. The Ripley's and Tussaud sites are just across from the Alamo itself; if you are at the Buckhorn, make time for a quick stop to the nearby antique mall and for a walk through the lobby of the St. Anthony, one of the four "really old" hotels in town. Its gracious peacock alley includes some photos of famous visitors near its end...and those visitors include Princess Grace. If you stay at the St. Anthony, take a swim in the small sixth floor rooftop pool.

Related Links:
Ripley's Believe It or Not! San Antonio and Louis Tussaud's Waxworks
The Buckhorn Museum and Saloon
St. Anthony Hotel

Local History

A recent trip took us to one of those "been meaning to do that" spots: the Salem Museum in nearby Salem, VA. Justin, a former volunteer for the museum (he's been a ghost walk leader), hadn't seen the place since its recent renovation, and Kim and Elijah had never been to see the exhibits. The building, now entered from the "lower" section and boasting a green roof terrace, is definitely "classed up." Several spaces are airy and would be ideal for a small wedding reception or a business event. Also striking is the expanded gift shop area--the only place to buy an official Lake Spring Park Gazebo Christmas ornament!

The exhibits are interesting, particularly if one is familiar with Salem. We saw interesting artifacts with personal connections, with Kim being particularly struck by her professor E. Wayne Harris's letterman's sweater from Carver High. The best of the best is the Lakeside exhibit, however. Justin and Kim are among the youngest to remember Lakeside, and this room is one of true nostalgia. Kim's first "real" roller coaster was Lakeside's Shooting Star, the coaster modeled in the museum. She was taken aboard by her father while still technically too short to ride and loved it! At the exhibit, Kim learned that one of the Shooting Star trains is in use at Myrtle Beach's Family Kingdom, meaning that it is possible that Kim's first and last roller coaster rides with Daddy were aboard the same train. There's some joy in learning something like that.

The docents of the museum were eager to receive us and very friendly to Elijah, even as he was fascinated by the museum's stairs and elevator more than exhibits. We look forward to visits as the museum fills its new space and would love to see work on the history of worship and education in Salem. If you go, consider a fall visit, taking in one of the museum's ghost walks in the nearby park and cemeteries. The ghost walks are more historic than ghostly and can be a real local history treat. In pleasant weather, definitely take time to walk the nearby cemeteries full of interesting monuments and connections to Roanoke College.

Related Link:
Salem Museum and Historical Society

Time for Trains!

Kim received a nifty Mother's Day gift: tickets to Gettysburg's Lincoln Train Museum! The museum became our last stop prior to heading out of town. Elijah was fascinated with the model train "in the air" on bridges across the gift shop ceiling. Kim and Justin enjoyed the expansive collection of model trains, including unusual antiques harkening to holidays, advertisements, and "real" railroads. There's also a collection of train Christmas ornaments and a Polar Express display.

For those who like to watch models move (like us!), there is a large layout with three trains and a "circle only" display that is approximately four feet tall. There's also a train you ride: yep, a model train car with a movie about Lincoln's train trip to Gettysburg! It moves gently and put Elijah to sleep. The museum's history is interesting on its own, as when the museum initially opened, the train ride was a major technological innovation.

We judge this homey museum, with its delightful, well-kept collection, to be a good stop. In the area and looking for another cool place? Try Mr. Ed's Elephant Museum--it's free and in Weird Pennsylvania!

The Things You Find at Battlefields!

Justin teaches Kim to appreciate the US Civil War more each day. More than that, he opens her eyes to the fabulous culture that springs up around battlefields. Battlefields are a good place to reflect on the way Americans remember--and to enjoy some roadside Americana! Of all Civil War locations, we like Gettysburg for its diversity and development--and its proximity to other visiting spots, including Harper's Ferry and Hershey. Here's the story of a day in Gettysburg--a day during which we didn't visit much of the "official" battlefield!

We started our day at the Hall of Presidents, a wax museum featuring a replica of each US President and an audio track about their histories. It's a low tech museum that survives--nicely, per the staffer we engaged in conversation. They've recently upgraded the seating, added Obama, and renovated the First Ladies gallery to make it accessible. Right now, Eisenhower items that were previously on display are in storage, but there are plans to expand exhibit space and bring these items back. If you go, think like Justin, and enjoy spotting the asyncronies in display backgrounds and figures that reveal its history as a museum and test your knowledge of history.

Boyd's Bear Country is a nifty sight as well, but they have (sadly) removed their mini-museum. They've also decreased their stuffed animal displays significantly over the years, opting for more Yankee Candles, Thomas Kincade artwork, and Longaberger Baskets. We're not Boyd's collectors, but we've visited the three-story barn to see the displays from time to time. Hansa toys are new there--stunning replicas of wild animals if you are not familiar. It's an interesting, family-friendly site that has space for entertainment and a casual meal. It's a cool place to say we've been on a quick trip and is beautifully situated in a wonderful green space.

Our day also included a lunch at the Visitor's Center, where some period foods like yummy peanut soup are served. Kim also enjoyed the outlets, with Gettysburg's mall being appropriately-sized for a few hours of shopping adventure. To its credit, there are few empty storefronts. Dinner brought some time at O'Rourke's, a place we'd oft-admired and finally headed to upon the guidance of friends. It's a well-attended pub with delicious food in large portions. Elijah recommends the cream of crab soup.

Kitsch City, USA

Where can you go to experience such fun as riding down a hill in a big plastic ball? Gatlinburg (and the surrounding area), of course! We retooled our spring break after Justin was scheduled to work two days of it, heading to Tennessee instead of Charleston, SC. We had fun keeping roadside America alive. The mountains were pretty, too, but we think one comes here for the tourist trappiness.

Kim went Zorbing! There are just two places in the world to go right now--Rotura and the Smokies. It makes one feel pretty loopy but is a terrific experience, complete with a friendly staff and AAA discounts. Justin and Elijah hung out on the ground.

In other thrills, Kim rode the Gatlinburg Sky Lift. This ride scared her more than Zorbing but provided detailed views of the town and excellent conditions for people watching. Riding at dusk showed tourist civilization in its best light. Justin and Elijah again hung out on the ground.

Then, there were also tourist attractions that did not require release of liability forms or a willingness to catch a moving chair. We took in Christ in the Smokies, the "new" Christus Gardens. We're very glad the museum has reopened, enjoying the finely-lit nativity scene and the informal exhibit of Jesus movie memorabilia the most. The gift shop is still sparse, but the museum is worthy of your support. Justin can tell you all about its history--we've ebayed for old pamplets and guidebooks from it, and he can explain the symbolism in the scenes and can even point out the "recycled" wax figures now included.

We also visited World of Illusions museum which Kim had last visited at the age of 10 with her dad. It looked old then--and still does today--but is pretty fascinating despite its simplicity and its pre-CGI inception. If you are willing to read the descriptions on the walls, you can learn a bit of magic whiling away 30 minutes. We worry that boardwalk museums--especially those that aren't part of a chain--will become a thing of the past and support them every chance we get. World of Illusions was open "until 10 or 11 [PM] or so" according to the ticket agent when we were there. Sounds like it's going strong.

For a truly trippy putt putt experience, we did Circus Blacklight Mini Golf. It's pretty spectacular low budget fun. We didn't pay extra for the 3-D glasses: it's a good thing--there were many abandoned pairs throughout the course. With glasses, this place would be downright disorienting, but without them, it was an unusual break from the heat of the day. Justin and Kim had one hole-in-one each.

On the Gatlinburg Craft Loop, we saw many non-crafts (manufactured items) but also picked up some great woodworking, particularly at Tim Weberding Woodworking. Justin is very impressed by the shaped candles at Village Candles, and we all enjoyed the welcoming attitude of Alewine Pottery.

If you go, we recommend Alamo steakhouse (particularly the Gatlinburg location) for yummy steaks and the Donut Friar in Gatlinburg's Village for delicious breakfast. The Brookside is a reasonable, family-oriented place to stay. We also get a kick out of the Hollywood Wax Museum--not Madame Tussaud's, but fun and interactive nonetheless. The best place to buy local books seems to be the National Park bookstores. For shopping, there is cheap, interesting jewelry at Earthbound and unique perfume in Scents of Gatlinburg's Southern Rain. Pigeon Forge's Christmas Place is worth a stop, too--but is better stocked summer and fall than spring. If coming from the north, it's an easy visit on the way in, as is Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World--a great place for taxidermy and many flavors of moonpies.

There's plenty of odd things to do here, making it an interesting mecca for us. The Titanic museum, a new construction with a lifesize grand staircase, opened the day we returned home, so we must go back. Someday, we'll go on the Jurassic Boat Ride, too, and I'll take Justin on that spectacular American "nature" trek that is Clingman's Dome...