The Wandering Disciple

Located on the north side of the Department of Commerce building just a few blocks from the White House is the White House Visitor's Center. The museum operated by the National Parks Service provides a glimpse inside life inside the White House. For years, it was as close as you could get to being inside the White House without being part of a group tour. That changed a few years ago when the President opened up the White House to individual self-guided tours which can be arranged through your congressional representative. (Photo: February 13, 2009)

A US Marine Corp Sikorsky VH-3 Sea King flies over the National Zoo on a flight towards the White House in Washington DC. The VH-3 is one of two helicopters flown by the Marines as part of the Presidential Airlift group. The Presidential helos are characterized by their white top. When the President is on board, the helicopter officially becomes Marine One. (Photo: February 13, 2009)

Philadelphia isn’t the only place in the country where you can see the Liberty Bell. Nestled in the busy courtyard of Washington DC’s Union Station is the Liberty Bell’s distant cousin, the Freedom Bell. Cast by the order of the American Legion, the Freedom Bell is a 2.1 scale replica of the Liberty Bell that was completed for the nation’s Bicentennial Celebration in 1976. It travelled the country on the American Freedom Train before finding a final resting place at Union Station. (Photo: February 14, 2009)

Some times it is the little things that make your home away from home feel like home.  Like coming in from a long day exploring the city only to find your stuffed friends waiting for you on the bed.  It is little gestures like this that help bring a smile to the face of the younger travelers in your party.  (Photo: February 13, 2009)

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: For decades Dolly Parton has entertained millions with her music. From growing up in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennesse through stardom in Nashville, there hasn’t been a country star more recognizable as Dolly Parton. Her legacy and career are idolized through a theme park in the Foothills of the Smoky Mountains called Dollywood. This vision of Dollywood really took off in 1986 when Dolly bought into Silver Dollar City Tennesse, a small theme park in Pigeon Forge. At the time the park had been open since 1961 as several different parks ranging from a Civil War park (Rebel Railroad) through Silver Dollar City and even a stint under ownership of Cleveland Browns owner Art Model. Under Dolly’s leadership, the park doubled in size and became the biggest ticketed attraction in Tennessee, entertaining over 3 million visitors each season. In addition to attractions dedicated to Dolly’s life and career, the park is packed with thrills around every corner. ...

The tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay region are a stunning site from the windows of an airplane.  In my opinion, there isn't a better view than the one seen when you are flying across the country.  This view was on a flight from Tampa to Washington DC on a heritage US Airways, now American Airlines Airbus A319.  (Photo: February 13, 2009)

They rocky shoreline of Caspersen Beach at the southern tip of the island of Venice makes for a perfect place to watch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico.  The road on the island ends at Caspersen Beach, leaving beachwalkers miles of shoreline to explore with plenty of shells and shark teeth along the sand.  (Photo: February 1, 2009)