26 The George Peabody Library

Located in downtown Baltimore, the George Peabody Library is rated one of the most stunning and historically significant libraries in the United States. It’s part of the Peabody Institute, now a division of Johns Hopkins University, and is known for its breathtaking architecture and vast collection of books.

The library was established in 1857, thanks to the philanthropy of George Peabody, a financier and philanthropist who wanted to promote culture and education in Baltimore. It was officially opened to the public in 1878. The library was designed by Baltimore architect Edmund G. Lind. This stunning architecture has earned the library the nickname "the cathedral of books."

25 The Folger Shakespeare Library

The Folger Shakespeare Library, located in Washington, D.C., is one of the most important centers for the study of Shakespeare. It was founded in 1932 by Henry Clay Folger and his wife, Emily Jordan Folger. The library is home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works, including 82 First Folios (the first collected edition of Shakespeare's plays, published in 1623), as well as a vast collection of other rare books, manuscripts, and art from the early modern period (1500–1750).

The building itself is designed in a neoclassical style with a beautiful marble exterior, featuring bas-reliefs of scenes from Shakespeare's plays. Inside, the library is both a research center and a cultural venue, offering exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.

While Shakespeare is the centerpiece, the Folger also holds materials related to other Renaissance writers, explorers, and historical figures. Its collections include manuscripts, letters, and early printed books from the 16th and 17th centuries. 

 The library also hosts a theater, the Folger Theatre, which presents regular performances of Shakespeare’s plays and other classic works.

We explored five sections of the library.  They are Great Hall; Reading Room; Theater; Shakespeare Exhibition Hall and Rear Book & Manuscript Exhibition Hall.  

Shakespeare Exhibition Hall

Great Hall

Reading Room

Theater

Rear Book & Manuscript Hall

Cant resist the earrings from the gift shop that match the designs with all the windows!

Sculptures in the Garden

Outside the library, there is a small garden featuring sculptures inspired by scenes from Shakespeare's works. I think the artist had a brilliant idea, as the sculptures feel incredibly lifelike. Just look at the expressions on the characters' faces!

King Lear, Act 3, scene 2

Julius Caesar, Act 2, Scene 1

Puck Statue

One of the most prominent sculptures is of Puck, a mischievous character from Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. This bronze statue is located near the entrance, capturing Puck's playful and whimsical nature. It was created by sculptor Brenda Putnam in 1932. Puck is shown seated with a flute, embodying his trickster role.

Bas-Reliefs of Shakespearean Scenes

The exterior of the library features bas-relief sculptures that depict iconic scenes from several of Shakespeare’s plays. These marble reliefs, created by sculptor John Gregory, were part of the original design from 1932 when the library was built. The scenes include famous moments from plays like Hamlet, Macbeth, and The Tempest. Each relief captures critical dramatic moments, emphasizing the themes of Shakespeare’s work.

The Nine Muses

Above the entrance of the library, there are carvings of the Nine Muses, representing the Greek goddesses of inspiration for literature, science, and the arts. These figures symbolize the broad intellectual and artistic mission of the Folger Library, emphasizing its dedication to both scholarship and creativity.

These sculptures complement the neoclassical architecture of the library and give a visual narrative that honors Shakespeare’s contributions to literature and the arts.

24 The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm and The Winery at La Grange

1) The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm (Location: Gainesville, Virginia)

The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm is a scenic vineyard located in the heart of Gainesville. It offers a tranquil setting with beautiful views of Lake Manassas, making it a popular hangout spot rather than solely a destination for wine tasting. Although you might expect to see grape vines, there are none here.

The tasting room is spacious and welcoming, featuring rustic, farm-inspired decor. We sat on what my friend called "Grandmom's Couch" in front of the fireplace, enjoying some apple ciders and BBQ ribs before tasting their wines (there are two food trucks outside the tasting room). This winery not only provides wines but also apple ciders and beer, which seemed more popular with the customers.

We walked around the lawn to the lake, taking in beautiful views and sitting on the grass while enjoying the live band playing in the background. A couple sitting next to us recommended visiting the Winery at La Grange, which is close by. So, we did.

2) The Winery at La Grange (Location: Haymarket, Virginia)

The Winery at La Grange is situated in a historic estate in Haymarket. In contrast to the Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm, it is small, quiet, and intimate. We sat by the fireplace overlooking the grapevines and enjoyed their wine with some cheese and crackers until the winery closed at 6 PM.

The property features a manor house built in the 18th century, providing a charming and historical backdrop for wine tasting. 

The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm-Tasting RoomS

The Winery at La Grange

23 Washington, DC Pershing Park/World War I Memorial

Pershing Park, now home to the World War I Memorial, is a historical site in Washington, D.C., commemorating American soldiers who served in World War I. (Address: Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 14th and 15th Streets, Washington, D.C). It is close to the White House and the National Mall, making it easily accessible to visitors exploring the area.

Pershing Park was originally dedicated in 1981 and named after General John J. Pershing, the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. The park was designed by architect M. Paul Friedberg and included a statue of General Pershing, a fountain, a pond that converted into an ice rink in winter, and landscaped areas.

In 2021, Pershing Park was rededicated as the National World War I Memorial, coinciding with the centennial of the end of World War I. The memorial honors the 4.7 million Americans who served in the U.S. armed forces during World War I, including the 116,516 who died and the 200,000 who were wounded. 

22 Brighton Dam Azaela Garden

Brighton Dam Azalea Garden is a beautiful garden located near Brighton Dam in the Brookville area of Montgomery County, Maryland, known for its stunning azalea displays.

The garden is home to a wide variety of azalea plants, which bloom in a spectacular array of colors each spring. The Brighton Dam Azalea Garden is a favorite spot for photographers due to its breathtaking scenery and vibrant colors during azalea bloom season. Azaleas have about two weeks of peak bloom time (normally first two weeks of May). During this period, each day reveals new colors on display. However, after the azaleas are gone, there are no other flowers blooming at any other time. This set of photos were taken on April 24, 2024 (This year, them bloomed earlier).