Toast Pop Travels through West Virginia!

James and I are from West Virginia: the wild-and-wonderful, Civil War-born, thirty-fifth state admitted to the Union. Summers are always special here because June 20th is the anniversary of the state’s existence. Two-thousand and twenty-three is even more so because the year marks West Virginia’s one-hundred and sixtieth birthday! In honor of the milestone, James and I want to show you the cool places our own backyards offer to visitors, newcomers, and natives alike!

Tudor’s Biscuit World

Tudor’s Biscuit World is a small fast-food chain that originated and now dominates the Mountain State. Their restaurants serve hearty biscuit sandwiches, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s a place that many are curious about and find that the place is certainly worth the hype for its value, service, and atmosphere. More still, many of their breakfast sandwiches are named for West Virginia’s culture, like the Miner and Peppi–homages to the coal mining industry and the pepperoni roll; or the Ron and Mary B–named for State House employees who were regular customers at the original location in Charleston. While others are named for the major college sports teams, like The Thundering Herd for Marshall University, The Mountaineer for West Virginia University, or The Golden Eagles for the University of Charleston. With over sixty locations throughout the state, one is sure to be along your way! 

For more info: http://www.tudorsbiscuitworld.com

(Additionally, I contributed to an article about Tudor’s in WV Explorer magazine)

Mothman Museum

Scotland has the Loch Ness Monster, the northwest U.S. has Bigfoot, and West Virginia has Mothman! The world’s only museum dedicated to him is found in Point Pleasant! Among their exhibits are rare archives about him and mysterious happenings that occurred in the town in 1966 and 1967; press clippings, video footage, and articles connecting him to the Silver Bridge disaster and UFO activity; the prop collection from the Mothman Prophecies film; and more. Their merchandise store sells all things Mothman from shirts, to books, to Christmas ornaments. Next door is a cool statue and a themed escape room is in the works. 

The rest of Point Pleasant is a cool, small town as well with several small businesses, preserved vintage architecture, and a nice park dedicated to the area’s Native American heritage. Additionally, the city is home to a Mothman Festival in the fall. 

More info: https://www.mothmanmuseum.com/

The state museums

Take a deep dive into state history at one of the free museums operated by West Virginia’s Department of Arts, Culture & History. Charleston has the West Virginia State Museum, situated in the capitol complex. Wheeling is home to the West Virginia Independence Hall. Moundsville has the Grave Creek Archeological Complex. And Clifftop is the location of Camp Washington Carver. 

For more info: https://wvculture.org/agencies/museums/

Oglebay Festival of Lights

Oglebay any time of the year is an experience. It’s a two-thousand acre park in Wheeling that features lodging, dining, sports, shopping, and a zoo, among other things. During the winter season, they host one of the nation’s largest holiday light shows featuring over three hundred acres of festive displays along a six-mile drive!

For more info: https://oglebay.com

The Greenbrier

The Greenbrier Resort has been a historic getaway destination since 1778, attracting presidents, celebrities, royalty, and business leaders from all over. An upscale resort, accommodations are offered in 710 signature rooms and 33 suites. Amenities include dress codes, golfing, spa services, 11 bars, 9 restaurants, clubs, a clinic, and over 55 indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. 

For more info: https://www.greenbrier.com/

Bramwell

Bramwell has roots in the coal-mining industry. In the 1800’s, it had the largest number of millionaires per capita in the United States. As such, many of the homes have been preserved and are open for public tours. Other great offerings in town are the Bramwell Corner Shop, Pipestem Park, and the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System. 

For more info: https://wvtourism.com/bramwell/

Princeton

Princeton is another town where history, art, and culture intermingle. There, one can find the Princeton Railroad Museum, Those Who Served War Museum, The McNutt House, The Chuck Mathena Center, and plenty of boutiques, galleries, and shops. James recommends the Blue Ridge Bee Company, a company specialized in honey and bee-keeping goods. 

For more info: https://wvtourism.com/company/city-of-princeton/

Hope you’re enticed to visit and explore more of the Wild and Wonderful we live in! 

Happy 160th Birthday, West Virginia!

Toast Pop Travels: The Air Force Museum

Ohio gave birth to Wibur and Orville Wright, the men who gave birth to modern aviation. Over a century later, they’re honored in the National Museum of the United States Air Force among three hundred and fifty other aircraft, missiles, and other artifacts related to flight’s history and development. With free admission and parking every day of  the week, this is a great place to spend one or two days while in Dayton, Ohio! 

Situated on the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the museum is home to over eleven galleries that highlight aviation’s contributions to wartime conflicts and scientific developments in the field. Several craft are furbished to allow visitors to walk through the hulls and peek into the cockpits. Some even have models or simulations of the aircraft driver’s seat. My personal favorite was the Presidential gallery, a display of the aircraft that carried America’s leaders. Even some momentos like dishes, itineraries, and menus are shown. 

A Centennial exhibit honoring the museum itself is planned to open May 20th. 

Other attractions and amenities at the museum include: free guided tours; virtual and audio tours; touchscreen games and information panels; some hands-on STEM integration activities; handicap access and motor carts; an Aviation Hall of Fame; a gift shop; and concessions. Out on the grounds are the Air Park, with a playground and exhibits of Boeing aircraft, a control tower, and Nissan Hut from WWII; and the Memorial Park with statues and plaques for those who gave their lives in the Air Force. For a fee, visitors can get tickets to experience one of their 3-D or VR simulator rides or the museum’s own movie theater with specialty films. 

This museum is very much “Toast Pop approved”! I can’t think of any other feature destination this budget-friendly and steeped in heritage! Just wear good walking shoes and don’t forget to look up as many displays are structured overhead!

images from my trip

The Wright Brothers display

The Wright Brothers display

Don’t forget to look up!

There’s plenty of great photo spots!

From an exhibition featuring flight uniforms

Inside the Aviation hall of Fame

A view inside a cockpit

inside an aircraft

myself in a cockpit

missles

near a space shuttle

One of the presidential aircraft

Around Memorial Park

Plan your visit to the Air Force Museum!

https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/

Find business hours, get directions, preview exhibits, review rules and FAQ’s,  check the movie listings and schedule, and more!

https://www.facebook.com/AFmuseum

Like/follow for updates and events.

https://www.daytoncvb.com/

Find more to do in Dayton! 

Toast Pop Travels: The National Corvette Museum

I’m not a huge car person, but thankfully the men in my life are! Growing up, my dad worked for a couple automotive production plants and also owned a 1974 C4. My husband is a commercial truck driver but he knows his way around civilian vehicles quite well himself, having tinkered with mine since we’ve known each other. 

My husband’s work has taken him through Bowling Green, Kentucky countless times but two years ago, we were finally passing through for pleasure after Thanksgiving and had time to stop at the National Corvette Museum–someplace he’s been wanting to go, and one I genuinely enjoyed myself given to some extent by my dad’s associations with the classic vehicle. 

The museum is on the aptly named Corvette Drive and can be seen from Interstate 65. It’s also a quarter mile from the Bowling Green Assembly Plant, where Corvettes have been produced since 1981. Plant tours are a possibility, though separate from the museum admission and experience, of course. The 115,000-square foot facility showcases over eighty models throughout its seventy-year production, along with other displays of the company’s history and memorabilia. They’ve even dedicated an exhibit to the collapse of its Skydome floor in 2014–a sinkhole developed under the floor of that section in the building, and swallowed eight rare and one-of-a-kind Corvettes among other debris. The area with extra precautions, and displays have been integrated to illustrate the sinkhole location, a simulation of the disaster, some of the geography behind it, and the recovered or damaged vehicles after the fact. 

images from my trip

A brief history of the brand name

the sinkhole exibit

one tape strip outlined the sinkhole, the other outlined the cave beneath the floor

This is close to what Dad had when I was a kid

A current, limited-engagement feature is a gallery for the Legendary Creations of Carl Casper, the man behind “The Batman Returns” Batmobile, Turbo Shark Corvette/ Cosmic Invader, Young American Dragster/ 51 Merc “Knight Cruiser” and more exotic custom creations. Also, an education gallery opening April 28th will offer hands-on STREAM activities for younger visitors to enjoy. 

Amid cruising the showcases, hungry visitors can dine at the museum’s Stingray Grill that serves diner-style burgers, salads, desserts, and drinks. The museum’s Corvette Store offers Corvette accessories and car care products in addition to typical souvenirs. Right in the lobby is a Corvette driving simulator in which participants drive a C6 on a virtual racetrack. The real driving experience is offered seasonally at the NCM Motorsports Park across the highway.

Even if you’re not a car geek, time here at the National Corvette Museum can be time well-spent with any vehicle enthusiasts in your life! This attraction gets “ToastPop Approval”! 

Plan your visit to the National Corvette Museum!

https://www.corvettemuseum.org/

Buy tickets, book tours (or even hotels), view the Stingray Grill menu, preview exhibits

https://www.facebook.com/corvettemuseum/

Like/follow for special updates and events

https://www.visitbgky.com/

Find more to do in Bowling Springs!

https://corvettestore.com/

Shop online for official Corvette merch!

Exciting Summer Vacation Spots For 2023

As summer approaches, people everywhere are looking for the perfect vacation spot to spend the summer of 2023. Whether you’re looking for a beach getaway, a city adventure, or a cultural experience, there are countless amazing destinations out there to explore. To help you find the perfect summer vacation spot for 2023, here are some of the best places to visit this summer.

For those looking to soak up the sun, the South of France is a great option. With its beautiful beaches, stunning countryside, and world-renowned cuisine, the South of France offers something for everyone. From the glamorous resorts of the Côte d’Azur to the charming villages of Provence, the South of France is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the summer.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable city experience, you should consider visiting the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. From its stunning beaches to its lively nightlife, Rio de Janeiro is a city unlike any other. It’s a great place to explore the culture and history of Brazil, as well as have fun in the sun.

For a truly unique experience, consider a trip to Iceland. This unique island nation is known for its stunning landscape, incredible natural phenomena, and fascinating culture. Whether you’re exploring the capital city of Reykjavik or taking a drive along the breathtaking Golden Circle, Iceland is a great place to experience the best of summer.

Finally, if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, consider a visit to the Galapagos Islands. This archipelago off the coast of Ecuador is known for its incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and fascinating history. From snorkeling with sea lions to hiking through the lush jungles, the Galapagos Islands are a great place to explore the wonders of nature.

No matter where you choose to visit this summer, one thing is for sure: you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for a beach getaway, a city adventure, or a unique cultural experience, there are countless amazing destinations waiting to be explored. So, get planning your summer vacation for 2023 and make sure you don’t miss out on any of these incredible destinations!

ToastPop Travels: The Pandorica

Brace yourselves! Because the subject of this travel post takes you through time and space!

Well, sort of…and as far as I know, none of the ToastPop staff has ever been here, but us Whovians would be thrilled to hit it up sometime! The Pandorica is a brand new Doctor Who-themed restaurant in Beacon, New York that just opened in July. While The Pandorica as known in the show meant no good for the universe, the eatery of the same name is in a good way the most interesting thing to have graced the Whovian universe (after the season eight premiere this weekend)! A Nerdist Review that first covered the location says that the décor expresses many odes to the show: Van Gogh’s “Exploding TARDIS” painting hangs in the dining room, it has a TARDIS restroom and a TARDIS mural, the menus are outfitted with the look of the blue box, and even some of the selections themselves are inspired by and named for references from the shows (Although the “fish fingers” are actually French toast sticks, served with with custard!).

My travels this summer have led me to some low-key, casual restaurants, and this imaginary/virtual trip to The Pandorica is not much different in atmosphere. This place offers live musical entertainment, and even cosplay events from time to time! And it’s great for Whovians of any age! Not only does the Pandorica gain ToastPop’s approval, but the newest faces of Doctor Who, Peter Capaldi, Jenna Louise-Colman, and Steven Moffat, visited recently and loved it!

Plan your trip to Beacon and The Pandorica!

The Pandorica Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thePandoricaRestaurant/timeline/?ref=page_internal

find directions and business hours, and what’s going on

“Doctor Who’s Cast Reacts to New York’s Newest Doctor Who-Themed Café” (article): https://www.grubstreet.com/2014/08/doctor-who-cast-peter-capaldi.html

What did the stars have to say about The Pandorica?

Beacon city website: http://www.beacononhudson.com/

Take your own virtual trip to Beacon and see it for yourself!

Beacon, NY Trip Advisor page: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g47291-Beacon_New_York-Vacations.html

Plan a real trip to town through Trip Advisor. Check out what accommodations and other attractions Beacon has to offer, and what others have said about them. 

A scene from “The Pandorica Opens” (season 5, ep. 12): https://youtu.be/Pa74e8oAvIM?si=eLguruV3zm0WRSX8

Watch an iconic moment from Doctor Who surrounding the restaurant’s namesake. Shared here for the fun of it.

Toast Pop Travels: Blue Moon Café

Shepherdstown, West Virginia is the oldest town in the state, but a blended atmosphere of home-grown, country, and contemporary combine with its antiquity to make it a wonderful place! There is just as much of a unique atmosphere at its Blue Moon Café. Much of the dining area is furnished outside among a shady green oasis that even includes a fountain. The menu is an affordable variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, wraps, pizza, and a little crab. They have many vegan and vegetarian options, along with several alcoholic beverages. Blue Moon is locally sourced, meaning many of their products were grown or made right in the region. Local entertainment can even be found here at their open mic nights.

Blue Moon Café gets my “Toast Pop Approval” for its support of local agriculture, food quality, meal price, and unique dining experience outdoors! Its well-worth the walk from anywhere in the heart of town.

Food and pics of Blue Moon’s outdoor dining area

Plan your visit to Shepherdstown and the Blue Moon Café!

Blue Moon Café homepage: https://bluemooncafeshepherdstown.com/

Check out their menu, see their special features and offers

Blue Moon Café Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue.moon.cafe.wv/?hl=en

Shepherdstown Visitors Center: http://shepherdstown.info/

Learn the history, find out about local events, plan a stay, and more!

Toast Pop Travels: Topsail Turtle Project

Vacationing tourists aren’t the only ones looking for a good place to stay near the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Topsail Island is the choice nesting ground for several kinds of sea turtles, and along with them is the Topsail Turtle Project, a private, nonprofit, and volunteer organization dedicated to maintaining the sea turtle’s well-being. Their mission to the marine life is to conserve and protect them here and abroad; rescue and rehabilitate the injured; and inform and educate the community about the their plight and threat of extinction. The heart of the organization is the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City. For no more than five dollars a visitor, you can experience a guided tour of the facility and see the turtles in their care. 

Left: workers aid a turtle needing medical attention Right: a rehabilitating sea turtle swims in its own pool

The project’s web pages alone boast information on successful recoveries, releases, and information on nesting along Topsail beaches. So, you’re bound to be part of something new in your visit and even your support through donations.

My family vacationed on Topsail Island this summer, and I really liked being there! It has a small-town vibe: quiet and comfortable. Some beach access is exclusive to visitors and residents of certain residential complexes, and there are some choice local restaurants and even ice cream parlors. The turtle hospital and turtle project are the heart of this community, so I give it all a big “Toast Pop Approval”!

Plan your trip to Topsail Island and the Sea Turtle Rescue Center!

homepage for the rescue center: https://www.seaturtlehospital.org/

Find hours of operation, make a donation, and see what’s going  on.

The hospital Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/seaturtlehospital/timeline

See exclusive photos of the Topsail Turtle Project at work, and try out the area guide app.

Topsail Island homepage: http://www.topsailbeach.org/
Arrange to stay right on the island, and find other things to do.

Toast Pop Travels: Hyman’s Seafood Company

Scenes around Hymans. That is my family photo there btw 🙂

In the heart of the historic district of Charleston, South Carolina is a wonderful staple business that has stood for over a century. What began as a wholesale center in 1890 has become Hyman’s Seafood restaurant and Aaron’s Deli; a city landmark, a critically acclaimed eatery, and a very popular dining spot! Critics regard Hyman’s for quality food and service all for great prices and many famous faces have dined there at some point, as you will see by the dozens of gallery-style portraits and even on little plaques on the dining tables. It might get a little crowded, but it is not the least bit uncomfortable and worth the wait. Its popularity contributes to the restaurant’s lively atmosphere.  There is something for everyone at the cost of twenty dollars at most for a dinner meal. The complimentary boiled peanuts and hush puppies are some of the best! Usually families with children are even presented with coupons for complimentary dessert redeemable at the general store on the way out, and you can take some of your Hyman’s experience with you when you purchase from their array of souvenirs! Beyond the hype, a trip to Hymans can be a great personal tradition. It’s a family owned business spanning about five generations after all. My own family often vacations in Charleston, and our experiences are not complete if we don’t go to Hymans. Southern cuisine and hospitality couldn’t be a better value anywhere else!

Plan your visit to Hymans!

Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/HymansSeafood
Menu: http://www.hymanseafood.com/files/file/Hymans_Seafood_Menu.pdf

Mobile app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hymans/id494362469?mt=8
Free for Apple devices. Access their menu, find recipes, get in on the daily deals, and more!  

How Often Do You Snack?

You just had that sinfully rich ice cream from Martine Lambert in Rue Cler for dessert and now you’re craving for those delicate artisanal pastries from Carl Marletti in Rue Censier in Paris. Paris is indeed a haven for all lovers of fine food and of course, all the fine things in life. And having a snack to go with your mid afternoon coffee is a practice beloved by Parisians and many cultures all around the world. Most of us try to get in three meals a day (some skip breakfast), so we compensate by snacking during the day. So here’s a little secret, you can actually snack more than once during the day and not ruin your diet. When you want to have a little snack and you want treat yourself, you can also visit Popelini in Rue Debelleyme for the best profiteroles.

Following a healthy lifestyle by watching what you eat is a bit of a challenge. Like playing poker, you need focus and discipline. You can now play poker without having to dress up and go to a real casino. But if you’re looking for the thrill of a live poker game, you can join the tables at Casino Croisette in Cannes. You can be a poker expert in no time when you follow these tips, and you can also be a master of your own diet when you know when the best time for snacking is. Always keep in mind that you can snack anytime you want as long as your last meal is at least four hours ago. If you exceed more than that, you risk of eating more than you should during your next meal. If you must snack on something substantial yet big on flavor you can try the famous artisanal baguettes and loaves from Pain d’Epis just around the Eiffel Tower and have some delicious savory treats like their fougasse and baguette royale.

Most importantly, you should snack after one hour of intense workout. Whether if it’s cardio, judo or pilates, your snack should be protein rich or you can also load up on carbohydrates. If you want to go the healthier route, you can have a protein shake, a tuna on whole wheat sandwich or hummus and pita that can be just as satisfying. You should also refrain from snacking between breakfast and lunch. People who snack between those meals also tend to snack during the midday so the calories add up and so does your weight. If you want to increase your fruit and vegetable intake, you can check out the organic goods and produce at L’Epicerie Generale in Rue de Verneuil, Paris.

Travel with Tutto

Airline travel can be arduous and annoying. The best flight to your destination is one at an ungodly hour with connecting flights. You arrive at the airport only to discover it has been delayed or cancelled. Then you have to worry about the ridiculous baggage fees and all the security searches and standards. Alleviate one less stressful hassle with your luggage and travel with Tutto carry-ons.

Tutto brand luggage is a product of Mascot Metropolitan Inc. This is a greatly accredited brand for the simplistic use of their product, its creative design, its convenient efficiency, and its remarkable capabilities. The Arthritis Foundation favorably assesses it for its four-wheel base that lessens weight and strain on the user’s back and arms, its U-shaped puller bar on either side of the frame that eases maneuvering and takes the bend and stretch of moving luggage. From Homearts magazine, Tutto received a seal of approval for qualities like design, appearance, uniqueness, innovation, and color. A writer from MercuryNews.com states that the lightweight characteristics and the exterior of his Tutto bag allowed him to carry more in a smaller bag. He praises Tutto as the “Rolls-Royce of lightweight luggage”.

There’s a Tutto tote for every need, whether you’re a business person working on the go, or a hobby enthusiast with materials on hand. Provided online are carry-ons and Pullmans for overnight, weekend, or retreat trips. There’s also the “office-on-wheels” and various laptop and PDA cases for stow and go working activity. “Crafts-on-wheels” are ideal for carting scrapbooking affects, and the “machine-on-wheels” for sewing machines and kits. Tutto’s pet carriers are rated the best by the top university of veterinary medicine and Whole Dog Journal. All larger Tutto bags compress to about three inches for storage when not in use.

There are 311 store locations in the United States that carry Tutto bags. Find one near you with their store locator! With many products being available in an array of color choices, your bag will stand out in the sea of bland, homogenous suitcases known as the baggage claim! Any given bag is well into the hundred dollar range, some over two hundred before shipping and handling. The PDA cases run twenty-seven dollars. Product support is available on Tutto.com for demonstrations on how to use their products or for ordering and replacing parts. Tutto bags are a pricey investment, but they come with a year-warranty promising to replacing or fixing defective items. If Tutto is worth your wallet, then travel with less stress on your next trip!