by Brian Wesley | Mar 3, 2018 | Gallery, History, National Park, New Orleans
When the British returned a second time to America to retake the rebel colonies the war became known as the War of 1812. Some of the war’s notable events included, major naval battles, the burning of Washington DC, the siege that encouraged the writing of the Star... 
by Brian Wesley | Feb 24, 2018 | Adventure, Blog, Family Hikes, Favorites, Hike, History, Museum, New York, Northeast, Science Museum, Urban Exploration
Just before the US Civil War, a plan was devised to set aside an area for open spaces, trees, and a refuge from the city. Many looked to similar parks in London and Paris for inspiration. Over the years Central Park has become one of the most filmed locations in the... 
by Brian Wesley | Feb 10, 2018 | Adventure, Blog, Deep South, Favorites, History, Museum, New Orleans, Tour, Video
When you think of the Antebellum South with sugar cane fields and large homes with wrap around columns, Oak Alley is usually the home that comes to mind. After a half-hour drive from downtown New Orleans, you’ll turn off of the interstate onto sleepy southern roads.... 
by Brian Wesley | Jan 27, 2018 | Beach, Favorites, Science Museum, Science Museum, Video
When you think of coral reefs there aren’t many in the US. In fact, the Florida Reef is the only living coral reef in the continental US (and the third largest in the world – next to the Great Barrier Reef and the Belize Barrier Reef). While the reef is rather long,... 
by Brian Wesley | Jan 22, 2018 | Adventure, Family Hikes, Gallery, Hike, History, Religious, Tour
As a kid, I heard a story about a pioneer handcart company that was so beaten and worn from their winter handcart journey that they couldn’t finish the last leg of their trip to the Salt Lake Valley. What makes this story different from the Donner party was the rescue... 
by Brian Wesley | Jul 9, 2016 | Adventure, California, Disney, Disneyland, Favorites, Los Angeles, Theme Park, Video
Christmas in Disneyland Disneyland has always been a magical place for our family. But seeing it at Christmas time just brings that magic to a whole new level. With that said, we would like to share some of our favorite aspects about Disneyland around Christmas. The... 
by Brian Wesley | Jun 25, 2016 | Beach, California, Food, Los Angeles, Shopping, Urban Exploration, Video
Catalina Island, located about 20-25 miles west of Los Angeles, California, is full of adventure and class. It is a famous landmark for the Chicago Cubs’ practice field (which was owned by the candyman William Wrigley, Jr. himself). There have been a number of... 
by Brian Wesley | Jun 11, 2016 | Adventure, Great Smoky Mountains, Shopping, Smoky Mountain National Park, Urban Exploration
Growing up, Brian and I had the opportunity to go to Gatlinburg occasionally and it was always a treat to walk in downtown Gatlinburg. Since then, the kids have had the opportunity to make their own memories walking the streets of downtown. Strolling through The... 
by Brian Wesley | May 14, 2016 | Adventure, Favorites, Gallery, Tour, Urban Exploration
Like big homes? Touring mansions? Then Ashville, North Carolina has something for you to see. Built at the end of the 19th century (completed in 1896), the Biltmore estate is the largest privately owned home in the United States. This place is huge…. And by huge I... 
by Brian Wesley | Apr 30, 2016 | Adventure, Chicago, Family Hikes, Hike, History, Midwest, Museum, Science Museum, Urban Exploration, Video
Originally built over 120 years ago to house fine art for the World’s Fair; the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry is our top pick for Chicago! Sure, it’s important to see the Bean (Cloud Gate), Willis Tower (aka Sears Tower), and get a slice of pizza. However,... 
by Brian Wesley | Mar 19, 2016 | Adventure, Deep South, State Park, Tour, Urban Exploration
We live in a world where everyone fights for their voice to be heard. Some have to fight harder than others. I’m proud to live in a world where people like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks (just two among many) stood up for what they believed. As we’ve said... 
by Brian Wesley | Mar 5, 2016 | Adventure, History, Tour, Urban Exploration
Bowling Green Kentucky has been the home of the Corvette since the early 1980’s. The intimate Corvette Factory Tour takes you out onto the factory floor inches from the assembly line to see almost every aspect of the build. The first step, have a reservation. Visit... 
by Brian Wesley | Feb 27, 2016 | Adventure, Family Hikes, Favorites, Gallery, Hike, National Park, Smoky Mountain National Park, Video
Growing up in Mississippi people often vacation in the Smoky Mountains. Through several scouting and family adventures we were no strangers. There is no area I remember more in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP) than Cades Cove. When planning this... 
by Brian Wesley | Feb 13, 2016 | Adventure, History, Museum, Tour, Urban Exploration
Everyone knows that Henry Ford was quite the revolutionary. That’s why when I was visiting Detroit, MI and I heard I could tour one of the Ford factories I immediately jumped on that opportunity. The Rouge Complex built around 1920 is 1.5 mile wide and a mile long... 
by Brian Wesley | Feb 6, 2016 | Adventure, Beach, Caribbean, Hotel
Nassau Nassau is a gorgeous island with crystal clear turquoise water. However, there are much nicer islands in the Bahamas and nearby Caribbean that call to the Wesley’s. Nassau is a great place to spend a day soaking up the rays, exploring large hotels, or... 
by Brian Wesley | Jan 11, 2016 | Adventure, Chicago, Hotel, Urban Exploration
The Chicago Motor Club was once an office building used to test and rate automobiles for consumers. Like the Consumer Report for AAA. Today the Motor Club has been purchased and transformed ($41 million) by Hampton Inn hotel. They have done a fantastic job restoring... 
