Having a successful and fun vacation

With the Pilafs about to embark on what I am sure will be a most memorable family vacation, I would like to share some experiences from past trips which might help you make the most of your time. One of the keys to providing the children memories which will last a lifetime is to have a series of planned stops which will allow time to stretch the legs and create valuable learning opportunities. Since the second largest ball of string is too far west to be available, here are some places that Kristen and Adam visited that I know they have strong memories of. Above, just two hours south in Bradford pa., is the Zippo lighter factory with a huge display of both practical and whimsical lighting devices. It will be tough to walk away. Heading southeast about four hours, and you are in Allentown, Pa for the world-famous coal museum. A delightful two hour tour shows all of the stages from plant growth to peat and ultimately to the coal deposits that we know and love today. After the tour I am positive that both Zach and Emma will be able, just as easily as we can,to identify the top specimen as anthracite and the bottom as bituminous. In the interests of saving time I would not bother with the related exhibits on zinc and molybdenum, but hey, who knows, the kids might insist.

Heading further south, conveniently located just outside of Richmond--watch for the signs--is the Lembeck Plantation and goat farm. A charming spot provides guided tours through the tobacco fields which, besides giving an extremely detailed history of tobacco in America, has living examples of all eleven of the most important tobacco strains in American History. You will not want to leave, but you will have to press on.

Crossing into North Carolina there are a number of great options. You will have to check the map to see which is most convenient but I would definitely suggest a stop in Spivey, N.C. which is the home of the annual "hollering contest". Unfortunately it is held in August so you will not be able to witness it first hand, but the museum of hollering has both tapes you can listen to as well as pictures of past winners. If that is not easily accessed, there is Edenton, N.C. which has in its town hall a diorama showing the events leading to the signing of the first North carolina state constitution in 1788 and get this, it has on display an actual pen owned by one of the descendants of one of the people who actually signed the constitution. This is "bringing history alive" to Zach and Emma and I am sure that they will never forget it. In Camden, s.c. there is a replica of the schoolhouse that they think John C. Calhoun attended for one week in 1801 before his parents got him private tutors. And, this is hilarious, there is a "dunce stool" and "dunce cap" that you can actually sit on and wear. I hope that you still have energy because the best is last. It's a bit out of the way, but well worth it, The Boll Weevil Museum in Anniston Alabama. Walk through 3 separate buildings and see the impact of the weevil on the economy of the south over two centuries--it is amazing!! I hope that you have enough energy left to check out the exhibits on chiggers, aphids, and my favorite, the Palmetto bug. This will just about get you into Fla. and by this time I am sure that the kids will want nothing to do with theme parks and beaches. That being the case, just email me, and I will send you a list of comparable activities for Fla.

Remember Pilafs, you have a responsibility to the rest of the family to provide a photo essay at the completion of your trip. We will be waiting. Have a safe and enjoyable time.