The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC sounds rather boring considering all the other options in the neighborhood. However, this is one of the most educational and entertaining museums. Overview The National Portrait Gallery was founded in 1962 and opened in its current location in the Old Patent Office building in 1968. The focus…
Being born in Washington, D.C. I have been going to the free Smithsonian museums all my life. The Smithsonian National Museum of American History is a personal favorite. It opened right before I was born, and in recent years my father worked at the museum. Overview The National Museum of American History opened in 1964…
The National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institute is on the National Mall in Washington D.C. Located directly in the shadow of the U.S. Capital it is one on the most popular museums in the world. I have been coming here since it opened in 1976. Overview The annual Global Attractions Attendance report…
The sous vide method is great for cooking meat to the exact temperature you desire. One of the best meats to cook sous vide is pork. This is our recipe for a sous vide pork chop in a coffee and molasses marinade. Go To Recipe The idea behind sous vide is that you heat food…
Being born in Washington, D.C. I have been going to the free Smithsonian museums all my life. My favorite as a child was the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. I am happy to report that the Museum of Natural History remains a favorite for my children, even in their teenage years. Overview The Smithsonian…
Pork carnitas is a favorite at many Mexican restaurants in San Diego. We have a traditional method of cooking carnitas. However, there is also a sous vide pork carnitas method that is simple and delicious. Go To Recipe Carnitas is a dish we love to cook for parties. It is incredibly easy and really impresses…
Fort McHenry is one of many historic forts on the eastern seaboard. However, it stands out as being the inspiration for the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner after it survived an attack in the War of 1812. Located right by downtown Baltimore Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is worth a visit. Overview Fort…
Maryland is a state I always associated with crabs. I never knew Maryland had its own style of barbecue. Pit beef is a fairly new form of smoked roast beef that originated in the Baltimore area. Fun Diego Family had its first experience with pit beef at the legendary Chap’s Pit Beef. WEBSITE: https://chapspitbeef.com/ Pit…
The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland is one of the best bird-watching spots in the U.S. Located less than 2 hours from the Baltimore/Washington metro area, it makes visitors feel miles from civilization. WEBSITE: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Blackwater/ Overview The Eastern Shores of Maryland remain relatively undeveloped, especially for the crowded east coast. This was an area…
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park is a new national monument and park. It is located along the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, in an area that looks much the same as it did at the time of the Civil War. Overview Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park is located about 10…