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My First Blog Post

Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde.

This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.

Take a break from life by enjoying the serene nature that Florida and Georgia offer. Taking a week off from work and school can help not only with physical health, but also mental health. It’s a well-known tradition that a lot of students participate in Spring Break by traveling somewhere warm for the week.

Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia Aquarium

Visiting the Georgia Aquarium for the first time is amazing. You will want to be able to participate in everything they have to offer. Interacting with dolphins, sea lions, sea otters, penguins, seals, and belugas. Personally, it was calming to just sit in the small auditorium style area, and just watch the panorama view of the fish just swimming by, as well as seeing the even larger auditorium, most likely used for shows or specific viewings, just to sit and watch all the different fish swim by, including getting excited every time I saw the sea turtle that kept swimming by.
The gift shop has a lot of offer, especially for someone who likes to get souvenirs. Clothing, jewelry, stuffed animals, some eco-friendly items, like reusable straws, or mugs and cups. The thing I liked best about the gift shops, is that they don’t have plastic bags. They either give you a chance to buy a reusable bag, which is made from recycled items, or you just carry your items out, after they give you a sticker that says you paid.

Stone Mountain Park

Not that far outside of Atlanta, Georgia, is Stone Mountain Park. For someone who recently wasn’t into going out for day hikes, it was fun. To see everyone who comes out normally for their daily exercise, was also fun, after finding out that people like to hike to the top and then have a picnic there before venturing back down. There is also another way to get up and down Stone Mountain, a gondola. In the park there are also 5 other trails that you can make your way along. The park doesn’t only have trails and the mountain, it also has other places of interest, there is a carving on the side of the mountain, and a large golf course. As well as places to eat and other exhibits, including an inn, resort, and campground. There’s also a historical and education center in the park.

Tallahassee, Florida
Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

My friend that I visited while over spring break really wanted to show me this park. Being from the Midwest, it’s hard to imagine that flowers continue to grow. The gardens sit on a lake and is better to walk through and take your time, while the other section of the park is more for hiking, biking, swimming, canoeing, and other related things. The garden has different areas to walk through, with different types of plants in those areas. Like woodland area, magnolias, azaleas, camellias. Including also having a reflection pool, basically a secret garden, because it’s surrounded by walls. Time can be spent just admiring the beauty of the areas and soaking in the calmness of it all. After seeing the gardens in the spring, really got my motivation started to have my own garden started back home after the cold turns to heat.

St. George Island

Being just a few hours from Tallahassee, this island was my first view of the Gulf of Mexico. The beach was so calming, even being unprepared. There is an education center/ gift shop just off the beach. It wasn’t open when I visited, but I would’ve loved to visit if they were. They have a very large souvenir shop, with jewelry, name tags, shells, items made from shells, clothing, beach clothing, water items. Making it a keepsake shop, as well as having items for those who came unprepared. The beach is so peaceful, even being unprepared to dip my toes in, I could’ve spent hours at the beach, and gotten even more sunburnt than I already had gotten.

Wakulla Springs
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

This park is also around an hour or so away from Tallahassee, making it easy to be able to visit easily if staying in the area. The park has a boat tour, which sells out quickly early in the day. If wanting to participate it’s better to know before hand that you want to go, and then go early in the day to get a spot on the boat. The tour isn’t that expensive, which probably makes it easier for it to sell out. The area is known for alligators, and other aquatic life like manatees. Which I didn’t get to see on my visit but was cool to know that I could’ve been close to the wildlife. Even without seeing the aquatic wildlife, I still got to see the birds, around the area. There is a swimming area with a high jump off area which doubles as a higher lookout point. It’s easy to spend a long while up there just taking in the fresh air, listening to the sound of nature, and hoping to see some of the aquatic wildlife.

Indialantic Beach

Being just off a busy town, this beach was a lot busier. People lying in the sun, playing in the water, fishing just off the beach. This was a first view of what it’s like to live near a beach, everyone wants to be near or on it. Also being the first time I’ve seen the Atlantic Ocean, that I can and will remember for a very long time. I was prepared this time, not being clad in normal beach wear, because of a sunburn that would’ve gotten much worse if not. The calming nature of the beach, as you walk up and down it isn’t easily matched by walking up a mountain. It was so amazing to see, as well as also extremely scary if you think about it too long. Especially being a first time that has yet to come, swimming in the ocean instead of just standing in the waves.

Melbourne, Florida
Brevard Zoo

Although being a smaller zoo, this zoo was amazing. They have so many exhibits, as well as different shows, and interactive extras. Being able to feed the giraffes was breathtaking. Although I was hoping to be able to get my whole hand licked, it was still incredibly amazing to be able to feed the tall animals. When I was there, lots of others were there too. Someone just walked by the giraffes after I finished feeding her, and she went to get a drink of water, then looked up and sprayed the people walking by! I just had to laugh, and over hearing that she had gotten it on video, even if she ended up wet. The other encounter that was amazing was being able to go into a bird enclosure and feed the lorikeets. I haven’t been around birds that can be pets before and having them sit on my hand, arm, and shoulder was so cool. I just wanted to go back and get more food so they could continue to use me as a perch while eating. The last interactive thing I got to be a part of was the train ride through the middle of some of the exhibits. The fun thing about this ride was it happened to derail while we were on it. The guide was doing exactly what she normally would’ve been doing, but this time it happened to derail. It lengthened the ride, by us sitting in the cars, while other zoo employees had to bring in the heavy equipment to be able to lift of the engine and put it back on the tracks. Things that go wrong will always be in your memory, especially if you visit the place again, or a similar place in the future. But the nice thing about it, was that we got to sit and watch some of the wildlife in the area, while waiting for the train to be put back on the rails.

Emily Baugh is a travel writer and explorer, who isn’t afraid to try different things, even if for the first time. She lives in Minnesota with her dog Blaze, who is an energetic husky, who has a heart as large as he is. She dedicates her free time to pursuing her various hobbies of reading, writing, yarn crafts, and learning all she can about living sustainably.

Alexandria, Minnesota.

Step back in time.

Written by Emily Baugh. Photos by Emily Baugh

Do you want to step back in time by participating in a scavenger hunt that aids your learning about the past? The scavenger hunt showcases preserved items throughout the history of the area, including exciting information for items as you search through the items of the past. Experience the beginnings through pictures before venturing out to the modern city scape.

The above pictures shows, the welcome sign, as well as the watertower. The bottom three photos shows, pictures that hang in Travelers Inn Restaurant, of the town around when it was built.

The City of Alexandria is in Minnesota. The city didn’t start as a city, but a fort called Fort Alexandria. It has lots of things to do, but to step back in time you must visit the Runestone Museum. It holds the Kensington runestone, that is an authentic Viking script. As well as lots of other older items and artifacts. Look at Big Ole as you exit the museum. Big Ole was built for the world’s fair in 1965, to showcase the “Minnesota, the Birthplace of America”. Visit the historic courthouse that is just about the same age as the city itself.

The above photos show, the Big Ole Statue. The second shows the courthouse that was build in the 1800’s.

Dine in at Traveler’s Inn restaurant, where you can enjoy breakfast through dinner, as well as old photos of Alexandria. Later you can dine at the Depot, which is a historic train depot turned into a restaurant and bar, which sits with a perfect view of the lake. If you fancy wineries or breweries, there are several places that can be visited in Alexandria area, but only one located in Alexandria. If your sweet tooth is bothering you, there is a candy shop on main street of Alexandria, called the Candy Shack. After you settle the sugar rush, you can browse the Scandinavian giftshop that resides right next door.

For activities to participate in there is a large trail system in Alexandria, as well as all the water related activities, since Alexandria is located around a lot of lakes. Unrelated to being outdoors, there are a good few antique stores in the area. One of which being in an old bank building, which has four levels full of antiques of all sorts.

With all Alexandria has to offer, let it be your travel destination. This city definitely has something for everyone, with the plethora of options available. You won’t regret making this trip! Have fun!

Alexandria, Minnesota basics

This town has been around for 160 years. It has a lot of history, and places to view the history. It’s also a place that can be visited to stay on the lakes, as well as having fun on the lakes, making it easily accessible because it’s surrounded by lakes.
For further information: Contact Explore Alexandria Minnesota (320-763- 0102), info@explorealex.com, 324 Broadway Street, Suite 101, Alexandria, MN 56308

Getting there:

You can get a direct flight into Alexandria, but it might cost you more. As well as being able to fly into Minneapolis St. Paul (MSP). MSP might be cheaper, but then you’ll have to get transportation to Alexandria.
Transportation: There are buses, as well as being able to rent a car. The bus system is Jefferson lines, they have one bus that goes to Alexandria daily. You can also get a rent a car directly from the airport.

When to come:

The best time to explore Alexandria is during the summer months. There’s more lake activity during the summer months. As well as not having to experience the cold winters of Minnesota, which aren’t for everyone.

Accommodations:

There are several hotel options in Alexandria, ranging from the cheap ones, where it’s just a place to sleep, to others more luxurious. The price range can be from $60 dollars a night to around $200 a night. The lower end hotel would be Super 8, where they still include breakfast, Wi-Fi, and pets. To book a room contact Super 8 at (1-800-536-1211). The higher end hotel a range but Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center is the most expensive per night, at around $180 a night. They have a lot of amenities like a pool, a beach, a gym, free Wi-Fi, bar and lounge, and a golf course, as well as lots of nice goodies in the rooms. To Book call (320-762-1124).

Food:

If you want to experience Alexandria’s small-town restaurants, there are a few that are homey. Travelers Inn Restaurant, and the historic old train depot that was turned into a restaurant called the Depot. The Depot is also a saloon, so it’s more prepared for “pub food” than it is for a high course meal. There is also a candy shop called the Sugar Shack, which showcases ice cream, cookies, candy, fresh fudge.

Expenses:

If you are planning on staying comfortably, as well as for a few days you might be looking at around $300 or more. If you eat out at restaurants consistently during your stay you might be looking at around $100 dollars a person, you might be able to lessen the blow if you go food shopping. While depending on your shopping wants, you can spend a good chunk of money.

For entertainment:

They do have a movie theater, as well as an escape room, and an arts theater. During the summer they have an amusement park. They also have several lakes where you can spend the day on, either the lake, or the beach. But if you are a history lover, there are a couple museums, the Runestone Museum, as well as the Legacy of the Lakes Museum.

Shopping:

Regarding actual shopping there are several antique places in the area, Past and Present Gallery, Now and Then Antiques, Yesterday’s. Including secondhand stores, Someplace Safe Thrift Store, Krupkes Konsignments, Goodwill, Endless Treasures, Narlie’s Secondhand Consignment, and Klothes Kloset. If you’re a book lover, there are a couple bookstores in the town. Cherry Street Books, Hidden Treasures Collectibles and Comics. As well as several giftshops: Magpie, Hello Beautiful (coffee shop and boutique), Creative Touch Boutique, and one being especially unique the Scandinavian Gift Shop.

Helpful Websites:

https://explorealex.com/https://www.downtownalexandria.com/entertainment/explore-alexandria-tourism/

About

Emily Baugh is a travel writer and photographer, who isn’t afraid to try different things, even if for the first time. She lives in Minnesota with her dog Blaze, who is an energetic husky, who has a heart as large as he is. She dedicates her free time to pursuing her various hobbies of reading, writing, yarn crafts, and learning all she can about living sustainably.