Several of those are located close together in La Villita, where there were lively crowds Saturday and Sunday for Day of the Dead San Antonio celebration.
Dia De Los Muertos skulls at La Villita
Udvar-Hazy Center in Washington DC
It includes both civilian and military aircraft as well as displays from our exploration of space.
The thing that I found most fascinating was the Enola Gay, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress that dropped the first atomic bomb on Japan at the end of World War II.
As of this writing (September 2023) Udvar-Hazy Center is open daily except for Christmas and admission is free (fee for parking).
Official site: Udvar-Hazy Center: airandspace.si.edu
Official site: Enola Gay photo gallery: airandspace.si.edu
Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach
There is a lot more to see than what I have here. Many of these planes can still fly. One of them had just come in for a landing when I was visiting. At certain times of the year on the weekend, you can even take a ride on one of the planes. Check their website for the details.
Official site: Military Aviation Museum: militaryaviationmuseum.org
Jerrasic Park – Metal Dinosaur Park near Virginia Beach
At the entrance to the Military Aviation Museum I was visiting was a collection of metal dinosaurs. The attraction was started by Jerry Yagen, owner of the museum – thus the name “Jerrasic.”
I wouldn’t have made a special trip to see the dinosaurs, but since I was there, it was a fun addition worth a little wandering around.
Cape Henry lighthouses in Virginia Beach
Both are located at Fort Story, still an active military base, at the north end of Virginia Beach.
The older brick lighthouse was authorized by the United States government and dates to 1792 – just after the American Revolution.
The newer black and white lighthouse was built in 1881.
The older lighthouse is usually open to the public to climb up the stairs. It was closed the very hot September morning I visited because it was considered unsafe to climb the stairs in the extreme heat inside. Bummer.
There is nearby statue honoring French admiral Francois Joseph Paul de Grasse – who engaged the British fleet in 1781 to help the American cause in the Revolutionary War.
Also on the grounds is the First Landing Cross to commemorate site of the first English settlers from the London Company in 1607.
National Park Service: Cape Henry Lighthouse: www.nps.gov/came/cape-henry-lighthouses.htm
Visit Virginia Beach: Cape Henry Lighthouse: www.visitvirginiabeach.com
Virginia Beach tribute to naval aviation
Virginia Beach is located a short drive from Norfolk, Virginia, and Naval Station Norfolk – home port of the Navy’s Fleet Forces Command.
Public art in Virginia Beach
A lot of the public art in Virginia Beach reflects that. Some, however, is more whimsical.
Sun, sand and waves at Virginia Beach boardwalk
King Neptune on the Virginia Beach boardwalk – sunrise, daytime, nighttime
The 26-foot-tall bronze statue has his back to the Atlantic Ocean and faces the setting sun in the evening.
King Neptune is located near 31st street and is easy to spot from a long way off, making him a convenient landmark for meeting people or taking selfies.
Wandering in Waynesboro, Virginia
When I visit a city for the first time, I usually look for public art, interesting buildings and food – not always in that order. In Waynesboro I found both within walking distance of my hotel.
At The River Burger Bar, I ordered the excellent “The Fun Guy” – an angus burger with sauteed mushrooms, grilled onions, bacon pieces, Swiss cheese and herb mayo. I also had a beer I had never seen before called “Ruby Red,” which went well with the burger.
Website: theriverburgerbar.com
Official website: www.waynesboro.va.us
