Beth Bankhead, Author at ETB Travel Photography

The National World War II Museum

Those that follow my blog know that I tend to focus on outdoor activities. While I sometimes write about a museum I popped into for about an hour in a “Things to Do…” post, it is rare I dedicate an entire article to something indoors. Well, the National World War II Museum was so good, it warranted its own write up. Even then, I won’t be able to do it justice.

I don’t think I have ever been to the same museum twice unless I was attending a special exhibit. That said, I would return to the National World War II Museum a second time in a heartbeat. I was so impressed by the facility, the exhibits, and the comprehensive information.

In full disclosure, I do love historical fiction based on World War II. Additionally, I have wanted to visit this museum for at least 10 years. On the flip side, sometimes I’m disappointed by my high expectations. Furthermore, I don’t like spending hours in a museum, and I read that most people spend around five hours. Consequently, I tried keeping my expectations in check.

In the end, I spent six hours in the National World War II Museum, and it beat all my expectations. I highly recommend making time for a visit even if you are in NOLA just for one of its crazy festivals, most notably Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest.

DIVE INTO HISTORY!

Things to Do in Dauphin Island

Dauphin Island is an Alabama town located on a barrier island of the same name. The town is part of the Mobile metropolitan area, and the island helps define the mouth of Mobile Bay. Dauphin Island is reached by the scenic, three-mile Gordon Persons Bridge.

History of Dauphin Island

Originally known as Massacre Island, it was renamed to Dauphin Island in honor of Louis XIV of France’s great-grandson and heir, known as the dauphin for the dolphin on his family crest. While dauphin means dolphin in French, dauphin was the title given to the heir apparent of France, Louis XV.

Though the Spanish first discovered and mapped the island in 1519, the French were the ones who mistakenly named it Massacre Island in 1699 after finding a large pile of human skeletons which was actually an Indian burial mound.

At the end of the French and Indian War, Dauphin Island was ceded to the British in 1763. After the American Revolutionary War, Dauphin Island became part of the Province of West Florida, controlled by the Spanish.

It wasn’t until the early 1800’s after Spain and the United States signed the Treaty of San Lorenzo that settlers began migrating to Alabama from the Southeast and took the land away from the Indians.

By the Civil War, Dauphin Island was controlled by the Confederacy and captured by the Union Army during the Battle of Mobile Bay.

Today, this charming bayfront town is known for its laid back and natural setting.

EXPLORE!

Things to Do in Gulfport

Looking for a beach vacation over spring break, a fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico over the summer or simply an easy get away? Look no further than Gulfport, Mississippi. With a population of roughly 73,000, Gulfport is the second largest city in the state.

It takes its name from being a port on the Gulf Coast of the Mississippi Sound. Gulfport is rich with civil war history, claims six miles of sandy beaches, and is a marine enthusiast’s paradise.

Though quieter than coastal cities like Gulf Shores, Gulfport still has many things to do including dining, shopping, and gambling. The city is just over an hour drive from New Orleans, and its international airport supports over 800,000 travelers annually.

While visiting Gulfport, consider some of the following activities:

EXPLORE!

Fishing in Gulfport

During our two weeks in Gulfport competing in horse shows at the Harrison County Fairgrounds, we spent one of our Mondays off fishing in Gulfport. Due to poor planning, actually no planning at all, we had to drive to Biloxi, 45 minutes away, in order to charter a boat.

When we looked into our options, most of the fishing companies in Gulfport were already booked. The only ones left were pricey and operating out of Biloxi.

TAKE THE BAIT!

Places to Eat in Gulfport

Believe it or not, Gulfport is the second largest city in Mississippi. As a result, it offers a variety of entertainment and eateries. During our two weeks competing in horse shows at the Harrison County Fairgrounds, we tried many places to eat in Gulfport.

Some of the restaurants are in downtown Gulfport while others are closer to the fairgrounds, but these are a few that made our list.

DIG IN!

Things to Buy in Turkey

When exploring the vibrant markets and rich cultural tapestry of Turkey, there’s an abundance of enticing items to purchase, each offering a glimpse into the country’s diverse heritage. From intricately designed carpets and traditional ceramics to aromatic spices and delectable sweets, Turkey boasts an array of treasures waiting to be discovered. Embarking on a journey through Turkey’s bustling bazaars is not only a shopping experience but also an immersion into its
history and craftsmanship.

For those seeking convenience and curated experiences, Turkey tour packages offer an ideal way to navigate the labyrinthine streets of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar or explore the artisanal workshops of Cappadocia. With expert guides leading the way, travelers can delve into the intricacies of Turkish cuisine, sample local delicacies, and peruse a myriad of souvenirs to commemorate their unforgettable journey. Whether strolling through the vibrant lanes of Istanbul or marveling at the natural wonders of Pamukkale, Turkey’s diverse offerings are sure to captivate and inspire visitors from around the globe.

SHOP TIL YOU DROP

How to Get Your Smartphone Ready for Travel?

Did you pack the sunscreen, a page-turner, the ultimate vacay wardrobe, and even your passport? Got your phone chargers sorted out, too? Hold up — it’s crucial to get your smartphone travel-ready before you jet off.

Imagine having to deal with hotel booking mishaps with no internet, running out of space for those breathtaking snaps, or not being able to watch a movie on a long haul flight. It has all happened to me before, and a beach hat won’t cover up those troubles!

Here’s what you need to consider when traveling overseas with a mobile phone to ensure your vacation goes smoothly.

MAKE THE CALL!

How to Capture Culture in Photographs

If you ask me what my favorite genre of photography is, I don’t even have to think about the answer. Adventure photography is one of the most exciting and connective ways to capture the world. It broadens both global and personal horizons, brings unlikely people together, and creates the opportunity for extraordinary memories and experiences to emerge.

But I can tell you, there’s so much more to adventure and travel photography than catching a flight and snapping some pictures. It’s a specialty that requires strong intuition, deference, trust, and respect for the people and cultures that you encounter along the way.

It’s extremely important to remain aware of a country’s traditions, practices, and forms of communication to truly capture its essence in an authentic and appropriate way.

Without a sensitive and respectful approach to cultural and travel photography, your cultural appreciation can turn into cultural appropriation – an outcome that won’t serve you or the beautiful people and places you capture throughout your travels.

So, next time you plan a travel photography adventure, keep my tips in your back pocket to ensure you take more memorable, authentic, and culturally appreciative photos.

POINT AND CLICK!

San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge

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While visiting Katy for two weeks of horse shows, I had a day off between the events and took a short road trip to San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge.

Established in 1968, the refuge encompasses 70,000 acres from the coast to 50 miles inland. It protects coastal prairies, lakes and marshes (both fresh and salt), as well as riparian and bottomland forests that attract 320 species of birds.

While it is recognized internationally as a Significant Shorebird Site along with nearby the Brazoria and Big Boggy refuges, San Bernard National Wildlife Refuges is home to much more wildlife including deer and alligators.

EXPLORE

Things to Do in Safety Harbor

Well, I needed a getaway. I was in Dallas for almost six weeks and was starting to go stir crazy! While I was hopeful to sneak in an international hiking trip, I just couldn’t get an affordable one organized in a short time, so I retraced my steps to Safety Harbor, Florida.

In 2022, during my jaunt around the southeast, and mostly Florida, I made a brief visit to Safety Harbor. I intended to stay a few days, but the warm March temperatures for me and Annie in VANgo coupled with horses coming back into my life, curtailed our adventures. I guess that’s the beauty of having a mobile home, or more specifically a Sprinter in my case…you can come and go.

So, we left, but I always thought I’d like to visit the area again. Fast forwarding to January in 2024, I visited again. This time on a girls’ trip with three friends from the south of Florida joining me. Ironically, it was not too hot. In fact, it was ridiculously cold!

I had so much fun fishing in Loreto and kayaking in the Everglades, I had hoped to include both activities in Safety Harbor, while also exploring the cute downtown, tasting the local cuisine, soaking in the history, enjoying the arts and more. Though the weather kept us off the water, at least it was warmer than Texas, and we found plenty of other things to do in Safety Harbor and the Tampa Bay Area.

EXPLORE!