Enjoy Free Admission and Unbeatable Savings with the Go Orlando Card
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a week-long family vacation, the Go Orlando Card is your ticket to free admission and unbeatable savings for a variety of Orlando activities, museums, restaurants, and more. Available in a one-, two-, three-, five-, or seven-day option, the Go Orlando Card offers discounted fun for guests of all ages.
For one low price up front, you can enjoy free admission to exciting local attractions and activities throughout your vacation. Adventurous travelers will enjoy the Sea Life Nature Cruise, the Sea Thriller Speedboat Adventure, or the Scenic Boat Tour. Those looking for a lesson in culture and history will enjoy the Orlando Museum of Art, the Museum of Arts and Sciences, or the Orange County History Center. And for the kids, Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, Splash Island Waterpark, and Congo River Adventure Golf are available for free.
As an added bonus, a three or more day purchase of the Go Orlando Card grants you free admission to the Arabian Nights Pirates Dinner Adventure and The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show. After purchasing the card, you will be given a guidebook listing the specific operating hours of each attraction accessible with the card. And while you’re in the area, remember to make a stop at some local shops and restaurants for special discounts.
When vacationing in Orlando, the choice is simple. Why pay individually for each activity when you can enjoy free admission to outstanding area attractions for one low price? Purchase the Go Orlando Card and make it a vacation worth remembering in sunny Orlando, Florida!
Regional History is on Display Near Mt. Rushmore, SD
Although the Mount Rushmore area of South Dakota offers a seemingly unlimited amount of sightseeing options and natural wonders, travelers to the area would do well to enjoy some of history’s most pivotal moments through some of these museums. From early settlements and Native Americans up to the present day, a look into the history of the Mount Rushmore region and the world at large would be a welcomed addition to any vacation.
The Journey Museum offers an in-depth look at the Western Great Plains from pre-historic times through the present. The museum is divided into five different exhibits that explore the history of time: the Museum of Geology, the Archaeological Research Center, the Sioux Indian Museum, the Minnisula Pioneer Museum, and the Duhamel Collection of Native American Artifacts. See life-sized dinosaur bones, view artifacts from ancient hunters of 10,000 years ago, discover the cultures of the Lakota and Sioux Indians, or learn about the different historical individuals who helped pave the region into what it is today.
Upon its completion, the Crazy Horse Memorial will become the largest sculpture in the world, dedicated to the warrior Crazy Horse who led his Ogala Sioux at the battle of Little Bighorn. The ongoing project serves as a tribute to both his courageous way of life and his untimely death. The site offers more than just the 563-foot tall sculpture-in-progress; it is also the location of the Indian Museum and Native American Cultural Center. The museum houses artifacts and art that help paint a picture of the proud Native American culture. The collection of memorabilia is donated by tribal members and other citizens who strive to expand awareness of the Native American way of life.
Located near Mount Rushmore in the historic city of Deadwood, SD, the Adams Museum stands as the oldest history museum in the Black Hills region. Artifacts and general information about famous historical figures are on display at the museum. You will find information about W.E. Adams, founder of the museum in 1930, as well as Thoen Stone and two of Deadwood’s most well-known historical figures, Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane. Learn about the life and times of these characters for an intriguing activity on your vacation.
Get a Full Taste of the Blues through Memphis’ Dining and Historic Sites
In addition to stunning sightseeing cruises and Elvis-themed sites, Memphis is known for its contributions to the heritage of the Southern United States. Much of this southern identity can be traced through the years of blues music performed in and around the city. On your next visit to Memphis, get a full taste of the Music City blues through the city’s variety of blues-themed attractions and historic sites.
Though first heard in the early 1900s, it wasn’t until the 1930s or 1940s that blues music became a more recognized genre. Artists like Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and Elmore James perfected the genre with a series of top hits on into the 1950s. One only needs to walk down historic Beale Street in Memphis to be reminded of blues with street performers and night clubs. One such night club is B.B. King’s Blues Club. You can enjoy a breakfast, lunch, or dinner at this historic club, but the real fun takes place after the sun goes down. The club features live performances from local and national talents alike, including the occasional performance from B.B. King himself. Ribs, burgers, catfish, and other favorites in southern cuisine make up a full list of menu items.
Right across the street from B.B. Kings Blues Club is the Blues City Cafe, where the late Chef Bonnie Mack is remembered. The restaurant features mouth-watering ribs, steak, chicken, catfist, and more. The food alone is enough to draw a crowd, but the evening entertainment also keep guests coming back for more. The Band Box is a section within the restaurant where entertainers perform. The Free World, a local band, provides many of the sounds you can expect to hear during any given evening.
The Civil Rights Movement marked a time of African American opression and struggle, a major theme found within blues music. Perhaps no greater museum exists to help remember that struggle than the National Civil Rights Museum. With exhibits of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and the Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., among others, you’re sure to get an in depth look at some of the powerful moments in years past that have perhaps helped continue to spawn the complexities and emotions that make up blues music. The National Civil Rights Museum serves as a reminder and memorial to those very moments.
Capture the Spirit of Charleston Through Cultural Museums
The cultural sides of Charleston and the entire state of South Carolina are prominently displayed through Charleston’s variety of museums. Great for an historically themed vacation or for just an afternoon activity to complete your day, a visit to one of Charleston’s museums can prove to be both insightful and entertaining.
The obvious choice for a distinguished museum is the Charleston Museum. Founded in 1773, this landmark has the claim of being America’s first museum. Inside the museums, guests will step into a world filled with South Carolina’s cultural and natural history. Exhibits at the museum include ones displaying local wildlife, old furniture, Civil War memorabilia, farming equipment, and much more. Also included at the museum is the Early Days exhibit, where you’ll see an Egyptian mummy and a plaster cast of Pharaoh Ramses II, among others. Place yourself in the history of this region at the Charleston Museum.
For a look at the military timeline as it relates to Charleston, the Citadel Museum provides just that. Located on The Citadel campus, the museum provides an in-depth look at military life since 1842. More than 300 artifacts are on display, including letters, diaries, and publications. An assortment of additional memorabilia is also exhibited, such as uniforms, weapons, photographs, and more – all of which combine to help fill the timeline between 1842 and the present.
Make it a trip the whole family can enjoy by bringing your kids to the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry. An imaginative afternoon complete with hands-on exhibits and events await you at this museum, which features displays for creative arts projects, science, medieval times, and more. And if you act quickly, you can enjoy Fam Jam at the museum, which takes place from July 26 through July 31 and features food, music, games, and other entertainment.
Celebrate the culture and history of Charleston on your next trip to this historic region by visiting one of these museums.
Add Historical Sites to Your Next Branson Visit
With the number of exciting year-round events and attractions in Branson, MO, a look at some of the city’s historical sites can provide a nice, easygoing complement to your next Ozarks visit. Branson features a wide range of museums near the heart of the city to help supply a healthy dose of historical education on your trip.
Titanic – The Legend Continues
Featuring over 400 artifacts and historic memorabilia, Titanic – The Legend Continues is among Branson’s most fascinating points of interest. Don’t miss your chance to experience a look into the intricate details of the ill-fated ship. Upon entry, you will receive a ticket with the name of a real-life passenger on it; as you wander through the museum, you will discover the fate of that one passenger on this disastrous night. The hundreds of artifacts, the Grand Staircase, and an actual iceberg that you can touch combine to paint an accurate picture of the tragedy and help place you back to this fateful night in April of 1912.
The Veterans Memorial Museum is dedicated to memorializing the lives of Amerrican soldiers during the 20th century. Among the notable displays within the museum are no fewer than 2,000 artifacts, including one particularly stunning bronze sculpture depicting 50 life-sized soldiers. The sculpture is the largest of its kind in the world. The names of diferent soldiers who have given their lives line the walls. The museum’s purpose is twofold: as an educational experience and as a way to pay tribute to fallen heroes.
On a bit of a lighter note, the Harold Bell Wright Museum presents the life and times of this 20th century author through an assortment of his personal collections and artifacts. The museum displays original manuscripts of his work, which include such books as the Branson-based “The Shepard of the Hills” and the ever-popular “The Winning of Barbara Worth.” Also of interest in the museum is a personal letter from Ronald Reagan expressing his admiration of Wright’s career. Wright’s gun collection and a variety of original paintings are among the other notable displays at the museum.
Visit Historic Tupelo, MS During Your Trip to Memphis, TN
Memphis is conveniently located on the Mississippi River, close to the borders of both Arkansas and Mississippi. Although Memphis has so many activities that you may not want to leave, venturing out in the surrounding area is an excellent idea for a day or afternoon trip. Tupelo, Mississippi is best known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, but it is also a great Southern town well worth visiting.
One popular site in Tupelo is the Elvis Presley Birthplace. The little two-room house saw the birth of one of the most important musical figures that America will ever know. The house is a part of the Elvis Presley Park, which houses a museum, a memorial chapel, and a life-size statue of Elvis at age 13. The museum houses clothing, personal items, artifacts, pictures and more of Elvis’ life. This museum pays homage to Elvis’ life without the glitz and glamour of Graceland.
An interesting non-Elvis related site in Tupelo is the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo. A businessman invested to create the largest buffalo herd east of the Mississippi River. In addition to the herd of buffalo, visitors will see exotic animals like kangaroos, tigers, lions, and giraffes, including an extremely rare white buffalo. Besides the animals, the zoo also contains an Indian dig site in the village of Etoukouma. Rides are available through the zoo, and small children will enjoy the Merry-Go-Round and the petting zoo. Camping is also available on site.
For a nice night out, spend the evening in historic downtown Tupelo. With a variety of authentic Southern restaurants, you can enjoy a relaxing dinner and then explore unique shops and sights downtown. Downtown contains various historical sights like the Lee County Courthouse and Lyric Theater. Visitors can also explore various Civil War sights. Depending on the night, you can catch live music in some of the downtown cafes and bars, or there might be a festival or special event going on.
Tupelo is just about an hour and a half from Memphis, but the drive through the scenic and green Mississippi countryside will be well worth it when you enjoy a day in this unique city.
Take the Time to Visit Las Vegas’s Cultural Side
Take the time to visit some cultural sites during your summer vacation in Las Vegas. With its variety of different museums and art galleries near the heart of the city, Las Vegas offers more than just the usual forms of entertainment that people from all over the globe have come to recognize.
Start your quest for cultural and artistic value at the Bellagio Fine Art Gallery. Displaying some of Las Vegas’s consummate works of art within the Bellagio resort itself, the Bellagio Fine Art Gallery boasts work from such artists as Claude Monet, Andy Warhol, and Alexander Calder. Take the time at the end of the exhibit to watch a film and browse through books about some of the artists whose work is featured. Feel free to take a souvenir home with you by visiting the Gallery Store and its display of merchandise.
Move on to Madame Tussauds Interactive Wax Attraction for an up close and personal view of some of your favorite celebrities and other people of notice. Located right on the Vegas strip and featuring two floors and over 30,000 square feet of space, the world-famous wax museum features wax displays of distinctive people from the world of music, politics, movies, television, and sports. Snap a picture with your favorite celebrities at this truly unique and memorable Las Vegas Site!
Finish your tour of museums in the City of Lights by exploring the lights themselves. Featuring displays of neon lights from as far back as the 1940s, at the Neon Museum you will be given insight into the history of the neon signs that Las Vegas has helped make so famous. The museum provides a fun option for entertainment that you would expect to find only in a place like Las Vegas!
Celebrate Music History in Memphis, TN
If you have a passion for music, Memphis, TN is the perfect place to show it. With its assortment of unique museums and tours, Memphis has long been dedicated to keeping the historical significance of music alive. So when you’re planning your summer vacation, make it a trip to remember by taking in some of Memphis, Tennessee’s legendary music-related points of interest.
Few could have imagined the significance that sould music would have on music when it first originated around the 1950s. The city of Memphis celebrates that significance with The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. With a variety of galleries and exhibits, feel free to take a step back in history and discover the reason why the soul music genre had for so long enthralled its listeners. The museum goes beyond just the music. It offers exhibits that show the people involved, the “founders” of soul music who overcame obstacles to create music that would be remembered forever.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
For an additional history lesson, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music features exhibits that show more than 2,000 artifacts and other items throughout the history of this unique music genre. You will also learn about how Stax Records broke through its modest beginnings and found musical talents who would eventually become legendary. Music fans of all ages will appreciate this interactive museum.
Visit the only recording studio to ever be named a National Historic Landmark. Featuring unique memorabilia from some of rock ‘n’ roll’s biggest legends, such as Elvis Presley’s microphone for his first recording, the Sun Studio Guided Tour allows you to gain insight into the historical impact of some of its artists. The site is a must-see for all music fans.
Visit Fun and Interactive Branson Museums on Your Next Vacation
May 27, 2009 by admin
Filed under Branson MO, VME
Aside from the great shows and activities Branson offers, the city is also host to a variety of unique museums that are the perfect addition to any Branson vacation. Sure to appeal to a variety of visitors, these museums are definitely worth checking out on your next visit.
Children of all ages as well as adults who are still children at heart will love this museum that features hundreds of toys from the 1800s to the present. You will see the toys you loved as children as well as the toys your parents and grandparents may have enjoyed. Toy trains, airplanes, lunch boxes, bicycles, and antique cars can all be found at this museum. Great for a leisurely afternoon, you and your fellow visitors will have a fun afternoon reminiscing about childhood at this museum.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum
Fans of the weird, unbelievable, and paranormal will be in their element at this museum. Featuring over 400 oddities including a two-headed calf and shrunken human head, this museum is full of surprises, starting when you first drive in and see the unique building. This museum is appropriate for all ages, and everyone in your family is sure to find something to intrigue and surprise them at this museum. Your visit to Ripley’s will surely give your family something to talk about for the rest of the vacation!
The tragic demise of the Titanic has been the source of fascination for many years, beginning when the ocean liner was discovered in the ocean. This museum is appropriate for all ages and promises an educational and interesting exploration of this vessel. Upon arrival at the museum, you will receive a ticket with the name of one of Titanic’s passengers on it, and you will follow this person’s journey throughout your tour. This museum is a half-scale model of the original ship and features over 400 exhibits and artifacts. You can even stick your hand in ice-cold water to feel what the passengers felt that fateful night! This museum provides a one-of-a-kind experience learning about one of America’s greatest legends.
Whatever your interests, Branson museums provide a great opportunity for family fun on your vacation.
Explore Unique and Interactive Museums in Memphis
Aside from great dinner cruises and city tours, Memphis offers a wide variety of great museums to take advantage of on your next visit. From child-friendly exhibits to unique museums, adding a visit to one of these great museums is a great way to fill your Memphis itinerary.
A well-known aspect of Memphis’ history is its special role in America’s civil rights movement. This museum is dedicated to preserving and spreading Memphis’ role in this movement. Located on the site of the former Lorraine Hotel, the place where Martin Luther King, Jr., was shot. The museum features exhibits on epic civil war events in Little Rock, Arkansas; Montgomery, Alabama; Washington, D.C.; and more. This museum will provide a sobering perspective on the trials and events of America’s path towards reforming civil rights.
The Children’s Museum of Memphis
If you are traveling with young children, a stop by the Children’s Museum of Memphis is a must. Featuring special, interactive exhibits suitable for kids of all ages, your family will enjoy the hands-on features of this exciting museum. With special seasonal exhibits and occasional workshops, you will never know what you are going to find at this museum, making a great addition to your vacation. Whether your children are interested in the human body, engineering, or art, they will certainly will not be bored at this museum.
If you are interested in a unique look into the history of Memphis, this museum will be a perfect stop while visiting Memphis. Featuring exhibits on Piggly Wiggly and Clyde Parke’s Miniature Circus, this museum is full of interesting exhibits about the history of Memphis. Whether you have visited Memphis frequently and know a lot about the city or not, this museum is sure to provide you an entertaining view and fill you in on many details of Memphis’ unique history.
