The other day we received 3 very cool journals in the mail from Journals Unlimited. They sent their “All 50 States” Journal and even printed each of our names on the front cover! Each one is organized by state, with a map, fun facts, and 3 pages for writing, one with prompts. View it here.
We’re really looking forward to using them, and I’m so glad we received them before we left! After all, it just isn’t the same starting your “All 50 States” Journal 7 states into the trip.
I realized how important it is to figure out our goals, what we’ll collect, what identifying picture we’ll take in each state, and all that other good stuff - BEFORE we leave, so we can do it in ALL 50 STATES!
We do have things we want to do in each state like visiting the most popular tourist attraction, hiking, trying local foods, etc, but a member on our travel community suggested something we hadn’t thought of: geocaching. We looked into it, and treasure hunting certainly appeals to the kids, so we’re in…from the beginning. Another member suggested collecting those smashed pennies. Both the son and daughter have since decided to collect them. They especially liked the price of 51 cents each - much more affordable than 50 charms like the daughter originally wanted to collect!
One thing we haven’t figured out is how to take a picture in each state that identifies it as in that state. Roadside signs would be cool but not feasible from the interstate. I’d love your suggestions for THE state picture or things to do or collect in general in each state…and please let us know SOON as we’ll be leaving in less than 4 weeks, and you know how I hate to start something 7 states into the trip!
-The Mom (the practical one, maybe borderline obsessive in this case)
We’re really looking forward to using them, and I’m so glad we received them before we left! After all, it just isn’t the same starting your “All 50 States” Journal 7 states into the trip.
I realized how important it is to figure out our goals, what we’ll collect, what identifying picture we’ll take in each state, and all that other good stuff - BEFORE we leave, so we can do it in ALL 50 STATES!
We do have things we want to do in each state like visiting the most popular tourist attraction, hiking, trying local foods, etc, but a member on our travel community suggested something we hadn’t thought of: geocaching. We looked into it, and treasure hunting certainly appeals to the kids, so we’re in…from the beginning. Another member suggested collecting those smashed pennies. Both the son and daughter have since decided to collect them. They especially liked the price of 51 cents each - much more affordable than 50 charms like the daughter originally wanted to collect!
One thing we haven’t figured out is how to take a picture in each state that identifies it as in that state. Roadside signs would be cool but not feasible from the interstate. I’d love your suggestions for THE state picture or things to do or collect in general in each state…and please let us know SOON as we’ll be leaving in less than 4 weeks, and you know how I hate to start something 7 states into the trip!
-The Mom (the practical one, maybe borderline obsessive in this case)
If you want to combine education with your travels, you should visit Little Rock, Arkansas. Over 50 years ago nine African American students attempted to integrate the all white Central High School. Central Highs school remains operational. There is a statue dedicated to the Little Rock nine on the grounds of the state capitol. Many people do not know the story of the Little Rock nine and how it affected the sate and integration in the south.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facinghistory.org/resources/facingtoday/school-integration-fifty-yea?_kk=little%20rock%20nine&_kt=f4390590-40ff-464b-ac36-fa231a3d55d4&gclid=CL-Zys3I8KACFQ8NDQodCnL5GA
While in central Arkansas there are many places you could visit depending on your interest. Also, within a short drive is the Crater of Diamonds (find your own diamonds), Petite Jean Mountain (with trails to hike, waterfalls to see, and a bit of history itself), Hot Springs (natural hot springs, museums, Bath House Row). I could go on and on. There are many things to see and do but I cannot decide the BEST place for a photo.
Your adventure is almost here, so exciting !
ReplyDeleteHere is an idea for collecting something from every state, lapel/hat pins or key chains. They are everywhere and most attractions have them, plus they are easy to pack on the road. It’s a great way to remember where you’ve been and what sights and adventures you have experienced.
Taking photos of each state, that is more difficult to solve. It seems like it’s more of a personal idea of what the state represents. CA is the “sunshine” state, a photo at the beach. Florida, orange trees, Kansas, it’s flat, a photo of the flat horizon. Colorado, rocky mountains.
I think of nature, natural topography of the state, others would think of attractions or cities… Hollywood or Disneyland for California.
My grandmother collected thimbles. They are small enough to fit easily into your luggage, and even 50 of them won't take up that much room! Then when you are settled into your new house, whereever that is, you can put up a small curio cabinet and they'll all fit in there!
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