Author: Emily Gautreaux

Weirdest Museums in America

America is known for a lot of things, so it’s no surprise that there is a surplus of weird museums for visitors to see. Mashable shares their favorite “weirdest museums” for all of the road-trippers out there looking to add a little variety to their next adventure.

From Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon, there are plenty of weird museums to fill your daily itinerary and learn some strange facts about American inventions and obsessions. From a Maple Museum to a Toilet Seat Art Museum, there is something out there from everyone.

1.  New England Maple Museum-Weirdest Museum

Located in Vermont (because where else would an American maple museum be located?), you can learn about maple syrup’s history dating back to the Native Americans and leading up to modern day, a 200 year coverage.

Then you can check out the gift shop and take some delicious syrup back home with you!

Address: 4578 U.S. 7, Pittsford, Vermont 05763

Admission: $5

2.  The Museum of Edgar Allan Poe

If you find yourself in Richmond, Virginia, you won’t want to miss this museum!

Dedicated to all things Poe, this museum is also located in the oldest standing building in the city. You can expect to find a huge collections of manuscripts, letters, memorabilia, and experience a realistic example of how Poe lived and worked.

Address: 1914-16 East Main St., Richmond, Virginia 23223

Admission: $6

3.  National Mustard Museum-Weirdest Museum

Love condiments? The mustard museum may be just the place for you! You won’t want to miss this Wisconsin sight.

Here you’ll find more than 5,624 different kinds of mustard from 50 states and 70 countries, you’ll even be able to use a one of a kind mustard vending machine!

Address: 7477 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562

Admission: Free

4.  Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum-Weirdest Museum

Yep, you read that right. Barney Smith, a 98 year old proprietor, has a toilet seat art collection he opens to the public every year in Texas.

With over 1,400 decorated toilet seats, Barney makes a new one yearly for his wife to celebrate their anniversary. Somewhat odd, yet somewhat charming.

Address: 239 Abiso, Alamo Heights, Texas 78209

Admission: Free

5.  Idaho Potato Museum

Fried potatoes, baked potatoes, french fries, hash browns, au gratin – if it’s made with potatoes then they’ve got it.

Located in Blackfoot, Idaho, this museum is for all those potato lovers out there! Learn about the

History of farming potatoes and don’t forget to get a picture with the massive potato replica out front!

Address: 130 NW Main St, Blackfoot, Idaho, 83221

Admission: $3

6.  International Banana Museum-Weirdest Museum

Calling all banana lovers! Check out this museum in Mecca, California and see a world-record of 25,000 banana related items and pictures. Don’t forget to try their homemade banana ice cream or milkshakes and then snap a pic with the massive banana statue!

Address: 98775 State Hwy 111, Mecca, California 92254

Admission: Free

7.  Museum of Western Colorado: Dinosaur Journey

Most likely the best dinosaur museum in the country, this museum borders the line between awesome and weird. If you find yourself in Colorado, make sure to swing by and check out the animatronic dinosaurs that eat each other, fossil exhibits, and pre-historic records.

Address: 550 Jurassic Court, Fruita, Colorado 81521

Admission: $8.50

8.  Historic Auto Attractions

This isn’t your average car museum.

Here, you can see the car used in the Batman television series, the DMC DeLorean from Back To The Future, and the paddywagon from Ghostbusters. Make sure you don’t miss the collection of presidential and world leaders limousines and Elvis Presley’s personal car.

Address: 13825 Metric Drive, Roscoe, Illinois 61073

Admission: $12

For more travel related news and information, click here.

 

Students Interested In Education Career Have New Pathway

On October 16, the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved a new pathway that will equip college and career-bound high school students with the intent to pursue a career in education with knowledge and skills necessary for success when they graduate, Louisiana Believes shares.

Called the Pre-Educator Pathway, a part of the nationally recognized Jump Start career and education program, high school students will be able to take a unique progression of courses to encourage the development of strong, foundational academic knowledge and skills. In addition, students main acquire around 30-40 hours of practicum experience the help them become familiar with the K-12 teaching environment.

According to the Pre-Educator Pathway Overview, the mission of this pathway is to cultivate highly skilled educators by guiding young people on a path to becoming accomplished teachers, beginning in high school and extending through college and into the profession.

This pathway is geared for those who are seeking to become an early childhood education teacher, elementary school teacher, middle school education teacher, secondary education teacher, special education teacher, art teacher, foreign language teacher, or computer science teacher.

The statewide credentials that are included in this pathway are CIW Web Security Professional (Advanced), CIW Web Security Associate (Basic), CIW Web Security Specialist (Basic), CompTIA A+ Basic, and CompTIA Security+.

“We are hopeful the newly-approved pathway will elevate the education profession as a career option for our young people. We also hope it builds a pipeline to fulfill the state’s need for diverse, capable, 21st Century educators.” said State Superintendent John White.

The practicum the high school students will experience will be a combination of classroom observation and classroom assistance, and they will develop an understanding of diverse learners and different learning environments.

The Pre-Educator Pathway will help high school students seeking a TOPS University Diploma and those planning on becoming a certified teacher by guiding them towards being accomplished educators throughout all stages of their life. By beginning this pathway in High School, the students who choose this pathway will be catered to passing the Louisiana teacher certification exams and the General Teacher Competencies required by Louisiana for teacher certification.

For students who don’t plan on becoming a certified teacher but intend to enter the education profession, the Pre-Educator Pathway will prepare them to take on alternative roles – like child care worker, substitute teacher, paraprofessional, professional tutor, or school system cyber security analyst.

Amy Weems, an assistant professor in ULM’s School of Education, said, “We are proud to offer this pathway for high school students who have an interest in serving their communities through the teaching profession. This pathway was built through strong partnerships with our local school districts, and we look forward to helping those districts to train their best and brightest high school students who will return to serve future generations. It is the very best example of how ‘grow your own’ initiatives can exponentially improve the quality of education we can offer to our students to better our communities.”

For more education related information, click here.

Cheese Stuffed Mountain Meatballs Recipe

These giant cheese-stuffed meatballs have yet to meet someone who didn’t love them!  Everybody loves a good comfort food, and I’ve got just the thing for you! Made with a cheddar cheese filling and simmered in a rich red sauce, these Mountain Meatballs are the perfect, easy-to-make meal to fill rumbling stomachs. Pair them with a side of mashed potatoes and a veggie for a well-rounded meal.

This dish makes eight meatballs and takes a little over an hour to prepare.

INGREDIENTS

MEATBALLS:

  • 2 teaspoon Olive Oil
  • 2 red onions (finely chopped)
  • 3lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Coriander Seeds crushed
  • 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
  • 3 large eggs
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 2/3 cup grated cheddar cheese

SAUCE:

  • 1 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 red onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
  • 1 yellow bell pepper (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh grated garlic
  • 2 Red Chili Peppers (de-seeded and finely chopped)
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika
  • 1/3 cup Tomato Sauce
  • 1/3 cup Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1/3 cup Cider Vinegar
  • 1/3 cup Molasses
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
  • 5 cups Coffee hot, strong
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 tablespoons parsley (chopped)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEATBALLS

First, pre-heat the oven to 460 Fahrenheit and spray a large roasting dish with cooking oil.

For the meatballs, heat the oil in a large skillet and saute the red onion until soft (about 3-5 minutes), then remove from skillet and leave to cool completely. Place the ground beef, dijon mustard, oregano, cumin, coriander seeds, breadcrumbs, and the eggs in a large mixing bowl, add the cooled red onion you cooked previously, and mix thoroughly. Add salt and pepper to taste. Then, divide the mixture in eight equal portions, roll into balls (slightly larger than tennis balls).

Divide cheese into eight equal portions and add into each meatball. Press meatballs to close securely. Arrange the meatballs in the prepared dish and bake 40-45 minutes or until golden, then remove from oven.

Meanwhile, in the same skillet, heat the oil for the sauce and saute the onion, both bell peppers, garlic, chili, and paprika until soft. Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, molasses, mustard, coffee, and tomatoes. Reduce heat to medium low, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.

Spoon out most of the fat in the meatball pan and pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs. Place in the oven for about 5 minutes or until sauce is heated thoroughly. Remove from oven, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.

If you have any leftover, place into a tupperware container with a sealed lid and keep up to a week (if they last that long!). These taste even better heated up the next day for lunch – especially with a side of mashed potatoes!

Even better – you can meal prep this easily! Prepare meatballs how you would, but instead of putting them in the oven, put them in a container and pop in the freezer for later (you can do the same with the sauce!)

For more delicious recipes, click here.

 

Visit New Orleans on a Budget

Visiting New Orleans doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg! In fact, there are plenty of things to do that requires a grand total of zero dollars. If you know the right places to look, having fun on a budget is totally possible – especially in a culturally rich city like New Orleans. You just have to know where to find it.

A little bit of advice for finding the hidden gems of the city is to strike up conversation with locals and ask them where you should go! They’ll know the perfect places to send you for the best time with the most beautiful scenery.

Here are a few things you can do in New Orleans on a budget:

  • Visit Frenchman Street, New Orleans

An often underrated aspect of New Orleans, take in the french architecture and culture on Frenchman Street. Stop and listen to the live bands performing for tips, then head over the the Frenchman Art Market.

  • Listen to Live Music in New Orleans

It isn’t a true visit to New Orleans until you’ve heard the soulful Blues of street bands. Try and find as many as you can to experience the Jazz, R&B, and Blues of Louisiana.

Grab a coffee and enjoy the sights as you explore Audubon park. You could even rent some roller skates or bikes to see the park quicker.

You never know what kind of character you’re going to meet, so keep your eyes peeled for adventure and make sure to have fun!

Get ready to dance, because Magazine Street is filled with music and happy chatter. You can peruse this street for hours, stopping to watch the bands, grab a bite of true Cajun food, and stop in at a few small shops.

You don’t have to bet, but just watching the races can be fun! Plus, you get to meet the horses before the race, so pick a favorite and watch them win!

City Park is huge, so don’t worry if you don’t get to see every inch of it. Take in the scenery, fit in a couple of photo ops, then head to the Sculpture Garden located in the heart of CIty Park. Here, you’ll find intricate sculptures and artwork scattered for you to see.

  • Bywater District in New Orleans

This trendy up-and-coming neighborhood is perfect for a casual Sunday morning brunch. The laid back atmosphere compliments filling food nicely, so make sure to take your time and soak it all in.

This dog-friendly park offers a gorgeous panoramic view of the Mississippi River and New Orleans skyline you won’t want to miss.

Stroll from Bywater to downtown and experience the gorgeous scenery that this particular part of New Orleans has to offer.

Closer to downtown, this park matches the hustle and bustle of the city. Stroll through this waterfront park, take in the scenery, and grab a bite to eat from one of the small restaurants nearby.

For more Louisiana related articles, click here.

Top 5 Reasons To Visit Natchitoches

Natchitoches, pronounced “Nack-a-tish”, this city in Louisiana was established in 1714, making it one of the oldest parts of the Louisiana Settlement. The region’s culture and heritage date back 3,000 years, starting with the Caddo tribe and then slowly acquiring Spanish, French, African, and Creole settlers.

This little city has a lot of history, a robust community, and gorgeous scenery. With over 30 bed and breakfasts for travelers to pick from and elaborate french architecture from colonial times, it’s clear that there’s something special about this charming town.

Cosmos Mariners shares their top five things to do when visiting Natichoches:

  • Go on an adventure in the historic district.

This 33-block National Historic Landmark Distance in Natchitoches contains a multitude of structures, homes, and historic sites. You’ll see sites like the Fort St. Jean Baptiste Historic site located on the Cane River Lake (make sure to see the exquisite replica of a french fort!) and the Herman Taylor Home, known for its role as the home in the movie Steel Magnolia. You can even choose to stay in the pink “Shelby” room overnight, or choose one of the other rooms that is named after the characters.

If you want to see some original French architecture, check out the Roque House. Located downtown on the riverbank, the home was built by a freed slave around the 1800s. While your downtown, stroll through the oldest general store, Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile.

  • Learn about Creole culture in Natchitoches

Start at the Melrose Plantation, constructed completely by descendants of freed slaves, served as home to the Metoyer family for generations. The matriarch of the family, Marie Theresa Coincoin, was a freed slave who built her empire by trapping and selling local game, making medicine, and growing tobacco.

Oakland Plantation and Magnolia Plantation Complex are both a part of Cane River Creole National Park and provide a unique insight into the daily lives of past residents. On Magnolia Plantation, pay close attention to the slave cabin area – this would have been the heart of the African AMerican community before the Civil War era.

  • Tour the Hall of Fame and History Museum.

The tour starts before you even enter the building – the modern architecture of the building is contributed to the area’s rich and dynamic culture. The uniquely designed building was named world’s top architectural project by Azure in 2013.

The Sports Hall of Fame caters a spot to Louisiana athletes like Shaquille O’Neal, Audrey Patterson, and Archie Manning. New Orleans Saints’ fans need to check out the commemorative football signed by all players from the 2010 Super Bowl.

At the Northwest Louisiana History Museum learn how the native and early French, Creole, Spanish, and African settlers contributed to the dynamic melting pot Louisiana is known for today.

  • Try Louisiana classics.

What’s the best way to dive deep into Louisiana culture? Food!

Fill up your plate (and your stomach) with meat pies and étouffée and explore the different options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with these favorite restaurants:

– Maglieaux’s on the Cane

– Merci Beaucoup (try their mini crawfish pies and stuffed potatoes with etouffee!)

– Mariner’s Restaurant, (for fresh seafood fans)

– Lasyone’s Meat Pies(the name says it all!)

– French Market Express (for when you’re on the go)

  • Get festive during the Christmas season.

Natchitoches Christmas Festival of LIghts is the oldest celebration in the state. The riverbank and downtown dress up for Christmas, brightening the night sky for over 90 years. Make sure to stroll through the shops downtown and try some fresh locan gumbo or gator on a stick!

For more Louisiana related articles, click here.

 

Louisiana Granted Millions for Student and Teacher Support

On October 14, 2019, the Louisiana Department of Education announced being awarded five competitive federal grants, totaling $115 million. These grants will be utilized for student and teacher support.

Louisiana Believes states the grants will be utilized towards enhancing the literacy programming and instruction; increasing mental health services for students, including those with past trauma and those who are historically at a disadvantage; help teacher earn credentials in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (also known as S.T.E.M.); and initiate a leadership program for both current and future special education administrators.

“The U.S. Department of Education continues to recognize Louisiana as a state that generates creative ideas to solve critical problems. These five new awards will support the implementation of plans to address many of our schools’ and students’ greatest challenges. We look forward to collaborating with state agencies, school systems and community partners to implement effective solutions to these pressing concerns.” says State Superintendent John White.

The grants, varying in dollar amount and length, include:

  • Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant for Student and Teacher Support

The largest grant, it totals $100 million over the span of five years. It will contribute to literacy support for schools that identify as having low academic performance across the state by helping purchase top-rated reading curricula and instructional materials, provide educators with access to professional development, provide support to students who struggle with reading, and provide evidence-based literary resources for families. Louisiana Department of Education’s goal is “to serve 600 high-needs schools and early childhood education providers, 2,000 local leaders, 9,600 teachers, and 240,000 disadvantaged children by the end of the five-year grant period.”

  • Trauma Recovery Grant for Student and Teacher Support

This $7.5 million award spans 5 years and will help provide and increase mental health services in an effort to increase academic performance and decrease absence and decrease discipline rates. “The state education department will partner with the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) and community agencies to pay for direct mental health services for students who have experienced trauma, with a particular focus on low-income, foster, homeless, and migrant students.”

  • Improving Pre-Engineering and Computer Science Education through Micro-credentialing Grant

Totaling $4 million over 4 years, the award will develop a pathway for teachers to earn certificates of expertise in STEM fields and encourage the expansion of STEM pathways in the school systems.

  • Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant for Student and Teacher Support

Funding a partnership between Louisiana Believes and LSU School of Social Work, the $2.5 million award will encourage an effort to expand and strengthen the school-based mental health force over a 5 year time frame. The “Louisiana School Social Work Expansion Project” aims to provide mental health services to high-needs schools and improve the culture and climate to foster a healthy attitude and prepare students for employment and to lead fulfilling lives as responsible citizens,

  • Special Education Leadership Grant for Student and Teacher Support

This award, which totals $1 million and spans 5 years, is intended to establish a “Special Education Leader Fellowship”. The fellowship will span a year and be a comprehensive development program for current and future special education leaders across Louisiana.

For more education related information, click here.