An art education opens a world of possibility, while being a fun thing to do with kids. Visiting a new destination? Get your bearings at museums, art galleries, and other cultural centers.
A handsome young man lured us into a sumptuous chamber room and an unexpected sight. My two teens and I had come to Bagore-ki-Haveli in search of the world’s largest turban, not realizing that the renovated royal home also housed an extensive collection of folk arts. Doffing our shoes, we entered a large room sectioned…
In the heart of downtown Lake Placid lies the Olympic Center, home to three indoor skating rinks, the outdoor speed skating oval, and the only Olympic Museum in the United States. But to anyone who watched the 1980 Winter Olympics, it’s the place where Miracles happen. No visit to Lake Placid is complete without a…
Looking for a way to explore the outdoors, learn about a movement with a hard work ethic and interesting social structure and all while giving your kids the chance to learn through play areas and roam through a round barn? Then visit the Hancock Shaker Village – an interesting day trip located just 45 minutes…
For the last couple of years we’ve been hearing and reading about the National Museum of Play at The Strong, known to the Rochester locals as “The Strong”. I couldn’t see how one museum would be worth the 3 plus hour drive to Rochester, hotel stay and expense? But I was so wrong. At over…
Battling a world-class case of jetlag, I wasn’t in the mood to tackle anything too ambitious on our first day in India. A late morning brunch at The Leela Palace Hotel, followed by a leisurely stroll through the National Museum in New Delhi fit the bill. Even better, the art exhibits provided much-needed context for…
The National September 11 Memorial is not an easy place to visit. It is undoubtedly beautiful – well conceived with classic style; but even on a sunny summer’s day the waterfalls and reflecting pools mirror back more than the surrounding construction and newly planted trees. The Memorial has been designed so that two pools, an…
The City of Rochester was blessed with being home to the very philanthropic entrepreneur, George Eastman, the inventor of modern film and founder of Eastman Kodak. As a result of the enormous amount of wealth Eastman personally donated to the arts, and other philanthropists that were largely connected to Eastman Kodak, Rochester, NY is home…
A visit to Philadelphia often includes lots of history stops and it can be fun to get off the beaten path a bit. One unexpected treat in Philly is the historic site at the old Eastern State Penitentiary. The exhibits are really well done, and carefully curated historical information is both interesting and informative. As…
I’m a big fan of exposing kids to local history as young as possible. They may not always fully understand it but my hope is that as my children get older they will develop an appreciation for history and cultivate a love of learning. My family made a recent day trip up to Fort Ticonderoga,…
What’s the best way to teach your kids history? Start with what they find interesting! The home of Judge John Corwin is a perfect example of 17th Century architecture and one of the few remaining high-end homes from the architectural style known as First Period. It was built right in the middle of the 1600’s;…