Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

The Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore Harbor commemorates the battle during the War of 1812 where Francis Scott Key composed the lyrics for the song that would become the US National Anthem. In the times we now live in it is important to understand the history of the anthem and the man who wrote it. Unfortunately Baltimore harbor is not the most attractive outside of the monument with modern industry lining much of the shoreline.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

The visitor center is a must see in this park. Be sure to catch the moving presentation and unveiling of the flag flying proudly over the old fort.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

An interesting exhibit is the different renditions of the anthem by various artists.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

From the visitor center walk up to the fort and explore the battlements and grounds surrounding the main fortification.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

If you time your visit right (look for exact times on park website) you will be able to witness the flag raising.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

Then be sure to check back into the visitor center after completing your Junior Ranger activities.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

This was the first of many Junior Ranger badges for Alex.

Restaurant Review – Tuscan Kitchen (Salem, New Hampshire)

The Tuscan Kitchen in Salem, New Hampshire is a go to location for authentic Italian American cuisine in southern New Hampshire. They also have an Italian market adjacent to the restaurant sharing the same large private parking area. We ordered a series of antipasti for starters. The Salumi e Formaggi Della Casa had a nice selection of meats and cheeses which along with the olive oil and fresh Ciabatta bread were wonderful.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

The Calamari Fritti was fresh and tender and not too chewy. Rita ordered a pasta dish and we ordered one secondi the Signature Tuscan Steak alla Fiorentia. The bone in tomahawk rib eye was enough for both of us with plenty of food to spare.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

We split a Tiramisu for desert which was great. We have also gone for the Sunday Pranzo several times in the past. Each Sunday there is a a special menu celebrating an Italian family style Sunday dinner. Starting with a salumi and cheese platter followed by a meat selection including meatballs, sausage and chicken and finished with a secondi of spit roasted sirloin all served family style. Whether for Sunday dinner or anytime during the week you cannot go wrong with the Tuscan Kitchen.
Here are some other pictures from subsequent visits:

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

The open kitchen and prep area allows you to see all the action including the making of the mozzarella.

New video by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

Perry’s Nut House Belfast, Maine

Perry’s Nut House on US Route 1 going along the coast of Maine heading into Washington County is one of the truly American roadside attractions that used to be commonplace throughout the country, Founded in 1927 this was a must stop for us as we made our way up to my mother’s hometown of Eastport each summer.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

Rita was less impressed with the small museum in the back of the store. Most of the items and oddities that once graced the display cases have been sold off during a period of ownership change.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

My boyhood memories override the tackiness that later years have wrought. It is still a great place for the tacky Maine souvenir and the selection of fudge, nuts and candies make it worth a visit. There are many bins with a variety of tasty nuts and the fudge is still home made and delicious. Road trip mainstays. A fixture on the drive to Acadia National Park and points north.

Custom House Tower – Boston, Massachusetts

The Boston Custom House Tower is one of the iconic images of Boston going back to the early part of the twentieth century. In my father’s boyhood it was the tallest building in Boston and is now only the 17th tallest!

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

The construction of the custom house was authorized by President Andrew Jackson in 1837 and completed in 1849. The tower was added in 1915, at the time Boston had a height restriction but the Custom House being a federal building was exempt from the restriction. After laying vacant for 14 years when the federal offices moved to a new location the Custom House now houses an upscale hotel.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

Weir Farm National Historic Site

Weir Farm National Historic Site in Connecticut is a small NPS site commemorating the fusion of art and nature. The site preserves the home of American impressionist J. Alden Weir. Take a walk around the grounds and view Weir Pond you may catch an artist painting the scene.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

In addition to the house and grounds there is an adjacent 110 acre network of trails called the Weir Preserve. If you have young children be sure to do the junior ranger program. The activities for the badge include a scavenger hunt through the grounds, great fun.

New video by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

Art is a big part of the park and not only are there artists in residence but there are art supplies available so you can try your hand at your own artistic endeavors.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos
New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos