Washington, DC is packed with incredible museums, and while everyone knows the big-name federal stops like the White House, U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court, National Archives, and Library of Congress, there’s a whole world of lesser-known federal museums and visitor experiences hiding in plain sight across DC, Northern Virginia, and nearby…
I didn’t know I liked pinball three hours’ worth. But apparently…I really do. We popped into the Roanoke Pinball Museum thinking it’d be a quick, quirky stop- maybe 30, 45 minutes tops. But somehow, three hours flew by, and the only reason we left was because our stomachs were growling…
Nestled along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Explore Park in Roanoke, Virginia, is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts. With a variety of unique camping options, thrilling activities like Treetop Quest and mountain biking, and a historic tavern-turned-brewpub, this park offers something for every kind of adventurer. We spent a…
During our month in the Washington DC area, we stayed at two campgrounds: Cosca Regional Park on the Maryland side of DC and Lake Fairfax Park on the Virginia side. Camping at Lake Fairfax Park is a great way to enjoy nature while staying close to all the attractions of…
The NIKE missile program was launched in the 1950s as a highly visible symbol of America’s strength and defense readiness. It was the first nationwide air defense system, developed in response to growing Cold War tensions. Fears of a Soviet nuclear attack led the U.S. Army to begin planning a…
Roanoke, VA turned out to be the perfect weeklong stop between our time in Northern Virginia and Tennessee. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Parkway, Roanoke offers a mix of outdoor adventures, local history, and unique attractions. During our stay, we explored iconic spots like Mill Mountain and the Roanoke Star,…
Spending two weeks in Northern Virginia while exploring the DC metro area was such a fun and busy adventure! We packed in so much during our stay—history, museums, parks, and even a few surprises along the way. It’s one of those places where there’s always something to do, and we…
Atlas Obscura has long been one of my go-to resources for travel planning. If you’re not familiar with it, the site is a treasure trove of weird and unusual places to explore. Both users and editors contribute entries, and you can create lists of places you’ve visited, plan to visit,…