Childhood Dreams: Visiting Biosphere 2

I remember getting PBS-inspired 3-2-1 Contact magazine in the mail.  Actually "young" for the show's recommended age, I watched with both fascination and pride.  I read an article about the initial Biosphere 2 project -- 8 scientists about to be locked in to an enclosed, self-sustaining habitat in the Southwest.  Those scientists inspired me -- I wanted to be a Biospherian the same way I wanted to be an astronaut.  The attraction is magnetic.

Fast forward a few decades, and I find myself in Arizona, awaiting a tour of Biosphere 2 from an animated educational psychology graduate student.  He's working to understand how we learn scientific content from informal education.  It strikes me I should recommend Colleen Dilenschneider's blog to him.

There's an opening film that's updated to include current projects, including a massive collection of data about rainforests in drought conditions and the famed Landscape Evolution Observatory (LEO).  There's an original Biospherian "apartment" on display.  But more importantly, there's a truly immersive tour that walks the space, including content on how the project was engineered, what species can be observed on site, and a dash of history of the original Biospherians.  This. Is. A. Massive. And. Stunning. Lab. I wanted my school's biotechnology students to be there with me.

The resilience so common in the desert -- and certainly part of the way the desert becomes restorative -- is apparent in Biosphere 2.  Now fascinated with technical education, the "technosphere" of the project, or the mechanics of its "breathing," power, and other systems, tells just as amazing of a story.

On the tour in a small group, you can even see Biosphere "lungs" (more like a diaphragm) work, essentially keeping all that glass from collapsing when the air pressure changes.  There's really nothing like it.  You'll look and wonder and ask questions.

I've been introduced as a person who asks why -- a LOT.  While that reflects a Millennial desire for purpose, it also reflects the glories of 3-2-1 Contact.  I'm not alone.

Things to Know

• This trip is poppy approved!  If you self-identify as a science nerd (in the positive way) and/or like to make connections between disparate areas of study, this place is for you, the intellectually curious!  You do not need to know a lot about anything specific to engage in the tour, but you should think things like seeing one of two lunar greenhouses in existence (the other is in Antarctica) is cool.

• The drive to Biosphere 2 is an easy 45 minutes from Tucson, about an hour more from Phoenix, and through "populated desert" (you'll pass a Walmart and similar).  You will venture off the main road on a dedicated road to reach the site itself.  The road is paved and all, but it beckons a little adventure.
• You enter through the gift shop.  I was glad I bought my souvenir patch upon arrival -- the shop was closed when I returned.
• Be prepared to walk and to spend time in varied temperatures/levels of humidity.  You will walk "down" to the Biosphere 2 site and get great views of it -- and the desert -- along the way.
• I visited in September late in their operational day.  Crowds were scant, and we had extra time with our tour guide accordingly.  If you can visit when it is not likely to be crowded, do.  You'll have more time to linger.  Our guide advised winter holidays could be quite crowded.
• TripAdvisor may tell you this is a "science museum," but it is really an active science site.  There are some exhibits, but not the kind that involve children punching buttons.  There are some specialized tours and some additional educational programming options, including overnights.  Similarly, you can contact the staff and plan a retreat or similar here.
• There's a cafe, and this would be a nice picnic spot if you are up for adventure picnic -- or asking the staff if you can sit at one of the picnic tables outside.  They are a little out-of-the-way, and I'm not sure they are intended for tourists.
• Look for possible deals on Groupon.  There are some discounts for students and the like -- but nothing like AAA.  Allot about $20 a person in admission.  I spent about 3 hours hanging around looking at exhibits and taking the typical tour.
• Yes, mobile service is a bit spotty -- plan for it.

For Further Exploration

• Wondering why the history of Biosphere 2 is important and what it says about our humanity?  Start at Lessons from Biosphere 2.  Think about the ambition of the early 90s in particular.
• Planning an Arizona road trip?  That's a great idea!  You can land a Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport from many destinations and drive around pretty easily.  For suggestions, see also Dave and Deb's Ultimate 10-Day Arizona Road Trip.  And of course, check out The Halterman Weekend's adventures in Arizona, including Phoenix, Sedona, and Montezuma Well and Castle.

Returning to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: Napoleon and More

As our blog regulars are aware, Kim and kids E and G made a trip to see a special exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts this spring, taking in Terracotta Warriors.  While this exhibit has moved on, the VFMA is still a great day trip for anyone visiting Richmond or within driving distance to it. 

As part of our anniversary celebration, Kim and Justin took on the museum as adults with a highlight being the summer special exhibit Napoleon: Power and Splendor.  It closes September 3--so if you are still looking for something to do this weekend, here's a great idea!  It's headed to Kansas City, MO, next.  In Richmond, the exhibit is in an immersive space and will occupy serious museum goers as long as you'd like in multiple galleries.  There is plenty to ponder by way of the ways both wealth and visuals affect the way we perceive power, and you'll enjoy portraiture, sculpture, and decorative arts.  We were delighted to find teachers were admitted free to this special exhibit, a tradition continuing from Terracotta.

As always, the VFMA main galleries have free admission. Host to a large collection, the museum is definitely a place you can spend a day.  On this visit, we particularly appreciated opportunity to spend time in the area devoted to Russian art, including the Faberge Eggs.  The collection of older pieces, including items truly from the ancient world, is simply pretty amazing.  Their website features an interactive map that will help you focus on art from particular areas of the world if you wish.  You can also eat on site with two quality options.  We chose Best Cafe--a little stop with clear references to the former Best department stores.

If you go, allow time to be outside on the grounds if at all possible. There are interesting sculptures, and we found a Civil War commemorative chapel to explore unexpectedly.  Lots of Richmonders seem to walk, work, and generally relax here, which is lovely. Also consider taking in the Virginia Museum of History and Culture.  We were disappointed that their admission structure had changed, but we still had a great time and particularly enjoyed the work of folk artist Queena Stovall of Lynchburg, on display now til October 14.

A Stop to Appreciate: National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Slightly off the beaten path in Emmitsburg, MD, lies the National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, situated near one of the places where she founded an educational mission.  We always enjoy religious sites, but this one proved both exceptional and highly accessible.  Free to visit, visitors to the shrine are treated to a mini-museum, a basilica, and well-tended grounds.

When you arrive, request the opportunity to see the short video (about 12 minutes in length), which will provide you with an overview of Saint Seton's life -- and a compelling sense of how close in time we are to her canonization in the grand sweep of history.  Clips of a biographical movie of her life are also included and provide nice context.  Plan to spend thirty to ninety minutes ambling around in the small museum; it's professionally presented and worth your time to learn more about both the life of Seton and part of the history and tradition of the Catholic Church.  There's even a pictorial scavenger hunt for kids. Next, you will be treated to the grand basilica, a wonderful spot for reflection, Mass, or confession.  There are beautiful places to walk, including a lovely cemetery.

On the day of our visit, the local community was celebrating Mother Seton's birthday with a small festival "party" on the lawn.  There were numerous old-fashioned children's games, entertainments like face painting, and free treats like cupcakes and Italian ices for all.  G was so excited to have her face made up as a princess; E enjoyed the "passport" concept of having a booklet stamped at various stations and receiving a vintage postcard as a prize.  One of the highlights: having silhouettes cut by hand in a fascinating artistic tradition by Silhouettes by Hand.  Overall, the shrine maintains a calendar of activities that all appear enriching.

If you go, consider piggybacking on a trip to Harper's Ferry, WV; Gettysburg, PA; or Frederick, MD.  Take a little extra time and visit the nearby Grotto -- we spent a lot of time at the shrine and will need to return.  The Mount St. Mary's University campus is literally "right there" and certainly could make for a nice walk and visit.  There's also a gift shop at the shrine with very friendly staff--don't forget to visit! While certainly those of the Christian tradition are welcomed, the site has something to offer for those interested in history, art, culture, and nature as well.

New Experiences: More of the Williamsburg Area

Most of our friends and followers have probably realized our interest in Williamsburg, Virginia.  We visited this spring break, taking in a few new or new-to-the-kids places.

Finally, we took the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, a free ride across the river on the unique transportation of a ferry boat.  In any kind of reasonable weather, it's fun to get out of your car on the ride and enjoy the fresh air, views of Jamestown Island, and the classic nature of the "upper deck" of the ferry, a small enclosed viewing platform that's also home to many of the life jackets.  It was actually J's first ferry trip, too.  He remembers his mom telling stories of buying nabs (crackers) on the ferry--you can't do that any longer, but it is still a delightful little trip!

You don't have to have a purpose in riding the ferry, but we did: to arrive at Surry and see Bacon's Castle.  We'll have to return to Bacon's Castle, as it was closed on the day of our visit and we hadn't picked up on the hours.  We did wind through the countryside to the site (GPS recommended), saw the brick house known as the castle, and still hope to return in the fall.

We returned to Jamestown Island and detoured to the Jamestown Glasshouse, part of the Jamestown National Park Service site and home to its own passport stamp.  We'd not spent substantial time there in a while, so it was good to take the short path through the woods to the glasshouse and watch glass blown for a short while.  The gift shop here is a good stop for true artisan glass pieces made on site.

E and G are finally of an age where they can at least somewhat understand the value of a good meal with new flavors and a little ambiance.  We were so proud of them at Kephi Greek Kitchen, a new restaurant in the former Milano's location on Richmond Road.  Kephi serves authentic Greek food including G's new favorite, lemon chicken and rice soup, and a great selection of reasonably-priced desserts including ekmek, a new-to-us treat with shredded wheat and cream.  

We also took them to the Old Chickahominy House, a classic restaurant at which we'd never stopped but that J had seen in old tourist books.  Casual, reasonable, and somehow still elegant, it was also a great stop for traditional southern food.  It's a breakfast/lunch place with delicious, albeit interestingly flat, biscuits.

We also did two walking tours with Williamsburg Walking Tours.  We started with their ghost tour, which was a nice outing with more thoughtful treatment of history than some ghost tours in the area provide.  We returned the next day for the African-American History Tour and were absolutely delighted with our guide Trish's sincerity.  She was very knowledgeable and had clearly studied primary as well as secondary sources. She was also able to help all of us on the tour connect to each other and truly enjoy our time together--what a gift!   There's a $1 off coupon in the Go Williamsburg guide, too.  

If you go, check out our other blogs on Williamsburg, including one on Christmastide in the area.  We always recommend a ghost tour or similar tour for a taste of local history--whether you think you enjoy spooky stories or not.  We do steer clear of the "gadget-y" ones and recommend you do the same unless you have a particular interest.  Our picks of value-laden (nothing fancy) places to stay are Colonial Williamsburg's Governor's Inn and the Best Western Historic District--both allow you to walk right in to the colonial section of town. Virginia residents interested in visiting the Colonial Williamsburg buildings (going inside), there's a special on passes right now!  You can purchase the passes online and use them later in the season.  If you are in coastal Virginia right now, we also recommend you not miss Lantern Asia at Norfolk Botanical Garden.

Happy Colors: Norfolk Botanical Garden for LanternAsia

It's back!  There's an updated LanternAsia exhibit at Norfolk Botanical Gardens!  A few years ago, Kim, G, and Nana were able to visit the previous LanternAsia display on a whim after reading a brief "blurb" about it in AAA World.  It was so much more spectacular than expected!  This year, Justin, Kim, E and G returned to experience this exhibit while on a mini-vacation in Williamsburg.  This display is mainly new, so do consider going again even if you have been before.

It's hard to describe Asian lantern exhibits.  They are immersive art experiences; they are cultural learning opportunities; they are delightful places to take walks.  Most people seem to find them "bigger" than expected.  LanternAsia is a great place to spend a few hours walking around, especially if you arrive just before dusk and stay til after dark. This way, you can experience the lanterns both in the light of day as well as after dark.   Some of the lanterns have moving parts, and this particular display has lots of information about Asian culture and related exhibits, including information about Buddhist symbols, the Chinese zodiac, and similar concepts.  Many displays also have lighting that changes colors, so pay attention.

If you go, arrive early for the best parking and the best visual experience, seeing the lantern before and after nightfall.  Bring your camera and dress for the weather (rain or shine event).  Take your time as you stroll around--we made two laps with the kids across about 2.5 hours.  Check out our previous visit to LanternAsia at Norfolk Botanical Gardens here; we also visited Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden for their Chinese Lantern Festival.  In our humble opinion, lantern installations are a great way to attract new audiences to botanical gardens.  Even if you don't think you are interested in visiting a garden, try it--you will probably like it!  This particular installation runs through May 13.

Local Science: Randolph College SciFest

J and I (K) are both educators, and we hear a lot about STEM education and its cousins, STEAM and STEM-H.  It's true that scientific thinking is important now and will be important in the future, regardless of one's chosen adult roles.  We work hard to try to help E, age 8, and G, age 4, learn various disciplines for thinking, and right now, a lot of that is about exposure to ideas and people who are passionate about them.  The Randolph College SciFest, an annual event including Science Day for kids, has become a favorite way to encourage E.  By next year, it might be a good fit for G, too.

When E realized we were headed to Science Day, he remembered his first trip last year and building cool boats to carry pennies fondly.  He was eager to get in place and explore this year's topics, which, from observation of the gym, included connections to archaeology, math, and earth and space science quite clearly.  Science Day features a rotation of such activities lasting about 4 hours and allowing kids to mingle with new friends (or the friends they brought with them).  It's like a combination of the best of the interactivity of science classrooms/labs and science museums.  It's not as intense or themed as a science camp, but the quality of activities is similar.

Honestly, I (K) had not been to the Randolph College campus before, so SciFest has become a great excuse to go.  One of my very bright faculty members is a Randolph grad, and the campus consistently presents as encouraging academics and true community.  (While I certainly recognize the importance of college athletics and social life, I prefer campuses that don't overemphasize these elements of the college experience.)  The students at Science Day are diverse, energetic, and thoughtful--way to represent, Randolph!  They also keep a good handle on the kids while preserving a fun atmosphere.

If you go to Science Day, know that a parent/guardian must stay present on campus.  You can visit the well-regarded Maier Museum's art collection and engage in similar activities, like a campus tour, or you can be like me and sit in the stands and do some homework, although I know I must take in the Maier Museum soon.  The generosity of area businesses provides the kids materials, T-shirts, and snacks.  If you are interested in going next year, start following I Love Randolph Science on Facebook and watch for registration dates--this amazing FREE event often fills up.  On event day, dress comfortably for inside and outside activities and arrive about an hour before start for the best parking choices.  More interested in the Roanoke area?  Try the Virginia Tech Science Festival and/or Senses and Scienceability at Jefferson College. We also like to think of college campuses as wonderful places to go for a walk/access interesting events, and we've visited Washington and Lee, VMI, Roanoke College, and Hollins College particularly.

Terracotta Warriors: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

We'd been trying to get to Richmond to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to check out the Terracotta Army: The Legacy of the First Emperor of China.  We'd tried to get there previously, but a poor weather report foiled us.  We're fortunate to have made it on closing weekend, and walking through the exhibit, one of my friends and blog readers spotted us, exclaiming she knew we'd be there. You betcha.

The kids were thrilled to get little exhibit books, and like the good museum attendees they are becoming, they rebuffed somewhat at less-than-courteous visitors (there were a few, although nothing overwhelming).  The toughest crowds were in the entry area near small cases.  The warrior statues themselves were near the end of the exhibit, and because some of the less-seasoned museum goers had a bit of apparent museum fatigue, there were not crowds around the statues.  We're always pleased to see such special exhibits get good attention, especially from audience members that don't consider themselves regular museum-goers; it just makes for a lot of traffic.  This type of collection draws in crowds and helps so many people experience a new slice of the human experience, so it's worth it.  If you don't consider yourself a regular at places like art museums, this type of attraction may be just the ticket to understanding what all the fuss is about.

Our favorites?  Extremely well-preserved pottery, dating back over 2000 years; a chariot pulled by a horse team; the warriors themselves, all in fantastic poses.  Information on the ancient Chinese architecture was also fascinating and especially well-presented.  A children's exploration area elsewhere in the museum had small blank books as freebies, and the kids were very amused by these with E drawing a great collection of terracotta statues.

If you go now to this exhibit, you are actually headed to the Cincinnati Art Museum--they co-organized the exhibit with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and it will be there from April 20 through much of the summer.  If you just want to take in the VMFA, that's a great day trip, too.  Go in nice weather, and you can enjoy the attractive grounds--there's plenty of places to spread out a little picnic, including some small outdoor tables near the parking garage.  Parking is available onsite for $5/day (free for members); general entrance is free of charge although special exhibits are ticketed.  Reserve your tickets in advance, especially for blockbuster exhibits like this one. On the day of our visit, every spot was sold out--and at an exhibit entrance rate of 300 people per hour.  Considering a membership?  Be sure to check out the student membership--it's a great deal at $10, and students are eligible at age 13 (a great savings if you visit more than once a year).  While you are in the area, know you are right beside the Virginia Historical Society, also with free general admission.