Indiana

Ok, I'll be the first to say it, there ain't much in Indiana. But there are a few things that are definitely worth checking out if you are in the area.

Santa Claus, Indiana
Y'all this is the cutest little town I've ever been too. And let's remember The North Pole incident, where I was so disappointed with life but I did not have this issue with Santa Claus!


So first (I've just recently been told firstly is not an actual word, which bothers me because I use it ALL the time) Holiday World & Splashin' Safari - an amusement and water park! Only open from May to September, this will cure some of your summer Christmas blues! Ticket prices range from 21-50 dollars per person depending on what day you go (cheaper during the week) and if you buy online.

Next up is just the town itself. Complete with a Christmas shop and a post office where some of Santa's letters come. It is an adorable little town and I highly recommend making it a stop!

Indiana Dunes National Seashore
I thoroughly enjoy the national parks, well most of them anyway. This one I thought was amazing and wish that I would have spent more time there, but I had other things to see that day!
Make sure you stop and put your toes in Lake Michigan! There are a couple points where you can have beach access, however, I recommend West Beach because there is a bathhouse there and you can swim. There are also several trails in this area that you can hike up the dunes.
PSA
Please make sure that you do not hike up the dunes that aren't designated trails, it destroys the natural beauty of the dunes!

At the Seashore

West Beach

Some of the Dunes 

Indianapolis
The capital city of Indiana. Home to the Colts and the Indianapolis 500. Most people do not believe that there is much here, and well honestly they may be a little right :)
But if your travels take you here, there are a few things you should do!!

The Canal 
There is a beautiful canal right in the middle of the city. So obviously there is a walkway that you can do and most importantly you can take a gondola ride just like you were in Florence, Italy! I'm not sure if they sing or not, but I'm sure with enough money they will, just maybe not well.

Benjamin Harrison's House 
Do you remember this name? He was our 23rd President! When he was campaigning he would give speeches from his front porch and would eventually die in the master bedroom here. It is worth at least a drive-by if not a tour if you have the time!

His House and Front Porch

Part of the Front Porch

Indiana War Memorial
I left this for last, but it is probably the main thing I would make sure I visit while in this city. This monument was originally supposed to be to honor the WW1 soldiers and was enlarged later and had a name change. It's a 5 block plaza and definitely number 1 on my list for anyone!

WW1 Memorial

Well, that is all I have for Indiana! 

Any questions, email me! 

graceparsons2023@gmail.com

Washington D.C.

I've been to D.C. 3 different times and still have not seen everything there is to see here. If you are a history buff like myself you really need a full week to see everything. The main highlights can be done in a few days.
Bring comfortable shoes, unless you are mega-rich (or just too cheap) you will probably be walking or metro-ing everywhere. It is easier and cheaper than trying to cab.
Plan out what you want to see, even though the majority of the museums are free, sometimes during busy tourist seasons, you won't be able to actually get into the museums unless you have tickets (Example: Holocaust Museum).
Jason and I rented bikes and rode around, which turned out to be a way faster way to see the sights! There are a lot of bike stations around D.C.!

Now to the sights! I'm going to put a list of things that I think are important. This is by no means all-inclusive, but these are the things that I think should not be missed when you go!

1. White House - if you want to do a tour, make sure you plan ahead. For all U.S. citizens, you have to request a tour at least 3 months in advance from your congressman, for all out of country travelers, you must request a tour through your embassy. All tours are free, they just require planning! 
   
2. Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting Pool 
   
3. Vietnam War Memorial
4. Korea War Memorial
   
5. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
   
6. FDR Memorial - my favorite memorial. It is all outside with statues and quotes from not only FDR but Eleanor too. 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. Thomas Jefferson Memorial
   
   
8. Holocaust Museum-Get here early, like when it opens or earlier and stand in line for tickets. They are free, but they "sell-out" quickly. This is one of the best museums I've ever been to. I highly highly recommend it. 
9. World War II Memorial
10. Washington Monument
    
11. Captial Hill/Library of Congress/Supreme Court
    
     Capital
    
     Capital
    
     Library of Congress (above) Supreme Court (below)
    
12. National Archives
    
13. Smithsonian's 
    
1. American History Museum
2. Natural History Museum
3. Air and Space Museum
4. American Indian Museum
14. Newseum
    
    
    
    
15. Spy Museum
    
16. Theodore Roosevelt Island
17. LBJ Memorial
18. Arlington Cemetary
1. JFK's grave
2. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
19. Marine Corps War Memorial

There are so so many more places that I could include/should include. But if you are going to go for a weekend trip. These are the things I feel you must hit! 

If you have any questions/comments/concerns let me know! 

graceparsons2023@gmail.com

happy traveling! :) 

Washington State

Ok, let's talk about Washington State! You know the other Washington on the west coast! I made it to Seattle in June of 2016 to run a half marathon. I got sick on the plane on the way there, so I didn't get to see and do as much as I normally do, so I obviously have to go back! And times, I still have national parks and stamps to get! Also, this is one of Jason's favorite cities, so I don't have to twist his arm too much.

Seattle
The town of ferry boats, coffee, and the space needle. Oh and Grey's Anatomy (Tried to find Jackson Avery but to no avail).
Firstly, walk around this town. There are so many amazing and wonderful things to see. During our walk, we saw some art, some beautiful decor and adorable shops that I forced Jason into.

The hammer moves 

Totem Pole

Space Needle

The icon of Seattle and the most recognized building as well. I didn't get to go to the top when I was there, so it's number 1 on my list of things to do when I go back. They have an observation deck and a restaurant on the top :) 

Space Needle from the start line of my half

There is also the Museum of Pop Culture right by the Space Needle, which was inspired by Jimi Hendrix. 

Pike Place Market 

The farmer's market of Seattle since the 1900's! Make sure you carve out at least a half of a day for just this place! Also, make sure you get a map and don't just assume your Fiance knows where he is going..... because you will get lost. 

This place has so so many things to explore. From seafood shops, crafts, collectibles, unique foods and of course the farmers market. It is definitely worth your time! 

Original Starbucks

Who loves their coffee? (Not me). But if you are a coffee fanatic like most are these days, you would be remiss if you didn't hop into the original Starbucks. It is right by Pike Place Market so you have to while you are exploring! It opened in the 1970's and hasn't stopped since. The lines may be long (they were around the block on the day I was there), but for some that delicious brew is totally worth it. 

Starbucks

The Gum Wall

The most disgustingly awesome thing I think I have ever seen. The gum wall, right by Pike Place Market down Post Alley is where people will deposit their gently chewed gum onto a wall. Some creative people spell out names or draw symbols and shapes. I was just happy (?) enough to put my gum on the wall and walk on! 

The gum wall alley

The gum wall! 

Snoqualmie Falls

About an hour east of Seattle is this beautiful 270-foot waterfall! We made a stop there on our way to Mount Rainier! The falls have a lodge, observation deck, and gift shop :) I would definitely make a stop to see this! :) 

Snoqualmie Falls

Mount Rainier 

Mount Rainier is one of the world's most deadly volcanoes due to the glacier formations on it. So, of course, I had to see it! Mount Rainier stands at over 14,000 feet and Washington is known for its cloudy and dreary weather so not a lot of people get to see its summit. We didn't on the day we were there. As a National Park, there are all kinds of hiking that can be done. Just make sure if you plan to overnight hike, you obtain a permit from the rangers. 

That is all I have for Washington State for now!!!
If you have any questions or comments let me know!! graceparsons2023@gmail.com
happy travels!

Maryland

Next up in my State Series is Maryland! I've been through Maryland multiple times and actually lived in Baltimore for 5 weeks during my Pharmacy rotation at John Hopkins. It is a state full of history and has some stunningly beautiful places! I was there in 2013 and just recently for a Orioles game in August 2017.

Baltimore
To me: Baltimore has the least amount of things to do. I think that since it is only an hour from D.C. there isn't a whole lot there. But let's talk about what is there!!

Inner Harbor 
This is where all the action is!

Inner Harbor 

Inner Harbor 

Inner Harbor

Inner Harbor 

There is a bunch of shopping areas here along with about a billion places to eat. I'll focus on the good ones toward the bottom of the Baltimore section. 

Things along the Inner Harbor to do: 

 Federal Hill (where the union soldiers marched the captured Confederate soldiers after the Battle of Gettysburg)

Maryland Science Center - pricing is $25-29 depending on if you do the IMAX and such. 

Historical Ships in the Harbor: USS Constellation (an actual ship used in the early 1800's), Submarine USS Torsk, Chesapeake, Taney and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse (red lighthouse from the photo above) - $15 for 2 ships, $18 for all 4. 

Top of the World Observation Deck - $6 

American Visionary Art Museum (I hated it, but I'm not an art fan.) $16

National Aquarium - $40 They have a dolphin show that is pretty cool. 

Inside the Aquarium

Food: 

Rusty Scrupper

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co (I had to put it on here.)

Phillips Seafood

McCormick and Schmick's Seafood and Steaks

There are so much more but these are the good seafood places right in the Inner Harbor. 

Right outside of the Inner Harbor is Camden Yards. This used to be a train station and was where the Union soldiers dropped off the Confederates to be marched after Gettysburg! (I guess I think this is so cool!) It is now where the Orioles play and I think it's a great way to preserve history but in a way cooler way than most!! 

Jason and I go to a game in August 2017.

Babe Ruth's birthplace is actually really close to Camden Yards (about 2 blocks behind it) and I feel is worth a stop to give a nod to the great Babe! I actually went on his birthday in 2013 :)  $10

The little museum for Babe. 

And honestly, I think that is pretty much it for Baltimore. As I've said before I'm not a huge fan of it especially when D.C. is an hour away! 

Annapolis

I adored this town! A lot smaller than Baltimore and has a small sea-town feel to me. I was there for a Saturday when I lived in Baltimore in 2013 and I wish I would have taken more photos. I started by the Naval Academy and walked around the marina then up Main Street (I'm pretty sure it was Main street) and went into about 20 different little shops and boutiques! I spent way more money than I should have as a college student. 

I walked up until I cut across and saw Maryland State House. It is a beautiful domed building built in the 1700's. I love love love old buildings like that that have stood the test of time.

I wish that I had more to add to this section, but that just means that I got to go back and get more recent photos and info! Jason will love that :) 

Antietam 

You all know how I feel about National Parks, so I at least have to include this here. It's about a half hour away from Baltimore and another half hour or so away from Harpers Ferry, WV.  

The Battle of Antietam is also called the Battle of Sharpsburg and is the most bloody single-day battle of the Civil War. It was also one of the first 5 battlefields to be preserved. 

Cumberland

This town is really cute and has some really cool things that are surrounding it! 

Firstly the C&O Canal is great for walking and biking trail that goes all the way through Harpers Ferry. The first part of it starts in Cumberland. 

 On the wall by the Cumberland Visitors Center

Outside of the Cumberland Visitors Center

Close to Cumberland is Deep Creek. A wonderful lake and trails that are a common place for summer vacationers! I've been here once and of course this is before I decided to photograph all my journeys! 

Outside of D.C. 

There are a couple places right outside of D.C. that are really worth the drive to see! 

Piscataway Park - directly across the Potomac River from Mount Vernon and has farming there! So its a great place to stop off with kids! 

Mount Vernon from Piscataway Park

Fort Washington Park - 12 miles down river from D.C., this fort was the first line of defense against any water attack on our capital! 

My dad and I walked around this whole fort amazed at the beauty and fortitude of the place. Kids would love this place to run around and play! 

Fort Washington

The drawbridge entrance

Officers Quarters

The original defenses prior to 1812

A cannon! 

Can you see the Washington Monument?

That is all I got for now for Maryland! Stay tuned for more updates as I explore more of this beautiful state!! :) 

Anything you want to know or want to see me write about? Email me!! graceparsons2023@gmail.com