American inventor Thomas Edison bought a plot of land in Fort Myers, Florida, in 1885 to build his winter home, a rural area he called Seminole Lodge. It was here that he grew plants that would play a role in future creations and where he had a laboratory. In 1916, Henry Ford purchased the house next door, called The Mangoes, to be close to his friend. They spent winters … [Read more...] about Visiting the Edison & Ford Winter Estates
museums
Visiting Vicksburg National Military Park
Set on the Mississippi River, the town of Vicksburg was the site of one of the Civil War's most important battles. The Confederates had previously held control over the important body of water all the way into the Gulf of Mexico. It brought in soldiers, weapons, and much-needed resources. Even President Abraham Lincoln saw the significance of Vicksburg, noting that taking … [Read more...] about Visiting Vicksburg National Military Park
Visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame
Perhaps the top attraction in Nashville, Tennessee, and the one most important for music fans, is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, founded in 1961. This downtown attraction documents the genre's creation, influenced by other styles, as well as artists to come out of the Music City. The building design itself looks like a piano keyboard, pictured above, and has one … [Read more...] about Visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame
Visiting the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Set in Richmond's Museum District, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a sprawling facility that spans through hundreds of years of art history. They offer both guided tours and independent wandering for art lovers. Created to benefit and educate residents of the state, it was first established in 1936 in the English Renaissance building that still stands. Additional wings … [Read more...] about Visiting the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Visiting Old Car City, Georgia’s Wildest Outdoor Museum
Old Car City in White, Georgia is unlike anywhere else you'll find in your travels. The quirky landmark claims to be the largest open-air classic car museum in the world. Calling itself a "photographer's paradise," the 6-mile plot of trails makes it easy to see why. What started as a car dealership in 1931 has been reclaimed by nature, with plants growing into rusting … [Read more...] about Visiting Old Car City, Georgia’s Wildest Outdoor Museum
