by Brian Wesley | Jun 9, 2018 | Adventure, Favorites, Hike, National Park, Southwest, Video
A co-worker and I were once crossing southern New Mexico when we saw White Sands National Monument nearby. We were ahead of schedule so we decided to stop for a quick break. When we entered the park it was flooded so we only got to see a tiny portion of the park. ... 
by Brian Wesley | May 12, 2018 | Adventure, Hike, History, Museum, National Park, Video
Mt Rushmore is one of those places that should be seen at least once. The first time I visited was during a work-related trip in the area. Interestingly enough, the city I was working in had to be evacuated because of a fast-moving fire. My co-worker and I... 
by Brian Wesley | Apr 28, 2018 | Adventure, Arizona, Favorites, History, Museum, National Park, Science Museum, Tucson, Video
Kitt Peak is the largest collection of optical and radio telescopes in the world and has been for over 50 years. Here, about an hour and a half from Tucson, they study stars, galaxies, magnetic fields, Dark Matter, and even our own sun. Every volunteer-lead tour is a... 
by Brian Wesley | Apr 14, 2018 | Adventure, Favorites, Food, Southern Texas, Urban Exploration
When visiting the San Antonio area, you must plan an afternoon (or more) at The Alamo and the San Antonio Riverwalk. There’s not too much to say besides walk around, take a boat tour. Enjoy the architecture, culture and food. Here is a video highlighting our... 
by Brian Wesley | Apr 7, 2018 | Adventure, Favorites, History, Southern Texas, State Park, Tour, Urban Exploration, Video
When I was young my grandma took me and my parents on a road trip to see the amazing Western US. One of our first stops was to visit The Alamo. Back then, I had no idea the significance of this shrine…. what was lost here… what was gained. Here’s a... 
by Brian Wesley | Mar 10, 2018 | Adventure, History, Southern Texas, State Park, Video
After the defeat of the Alamo, Santa Anna’s Mexican Army retreated East and was chased into a corner by General Sam Houston’s army. The battle was quick as the Texan’s screamed: “Remember the Alamo”. Santa Anna was captured and forced to sign over Texas as an... 
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,... 
