These four Detroit museums find their home on or near Woodward Avenue, nicknamed “Detroit’s Main Street.” The nearby Wayne State University is Michigan’s third-largest.

It makes sense that this area is called the Art Center district. You can barely walk a block without bumping into a museum, a building of cultural significance, a publishing house or an independent gallery.

If you’re looking for things to do in Detroit, you’ll definitely want to stop at these Detroit museums.

Detroit Historical Museum

When I visited the Detroit Historical Museum, I knew Motor City was an important place for American music, industry and civil rights. Almost all of my knowledge of Detroit history was from the 1950s onward. Well I can tell you I learned a lot more at the Detroit Historical Museum.

You’ll want to start from the museum’s lower level, where it has recreated street scenes from the 1840s, 1870s and 1900s. You can walk inside storefronts that actually existed in long-ago Detroit, imagining what it would be like to order a few yards of cloth or get a shave from an old-time barber.

The museum’s main floor takes you along a timeline of the 20th century in the Allesee Gallery of Culture, highlighting important moments in sports, music, television and of course cars. Kids in particular will love the Kid Rock Music Lab, which includes displays of famous Detroit musicians, and where you can try your own hand at mixing the next hit.

Detroit wouldn’t be Detroit without the auto industry, so it makes sense that the Detroit Historical Museum includes a two-story display about Motor City. My favorite part: the assembly line with several cars mid-assembly. It was so cool to look inside the “guts” of these cars. I find I take my own car for granted sometimes, which makes it doubly cool to see all the intricate work that goes into making one run!

Finally, you’ll go upstairs. This area includes room for special exhibits. When I visited the Detroit Historical Museum, it reflected on 1967, the contentious year of protests and demonstrations in Downtown Detroit. I thought it did an excellent job of critically looking at the context of the so-called Detroit Riot, and encouraging visitors to consider what we want Detroit to be like 67 years from now.

Visiting Detroit Historical Museum: Details

Address: 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI

Admission: $10 for adults, $6 for children

Hours: Museum closed Mondays. See museum hours for other details.

African American Museum in Detroit

The Charles Wright Museum of African American History celebrates the culture and highlights the history of African Americans. From the moment you step inside this Detroit museum, you’ll feel the magnitude of its mission. The Freedom Rotunda lets in sunlight that illuminates the flags of countries from which African Americans can trace their ancestry.

I took about an hour and a half to go through the African American Museum in Detroit. Most of that was in its current main exhibition, “And Still We Rise.” This thorough, immersive exhibition traces the history of African Americans from the inhumanity of the Middle Passage to present-day. “Enslaved but never mastered” perfectly summed up this exhibition.

One thing that stood out in this exhibition was its use of sound. Museums tend to be hushed spaces, but the Wright used recorded music, dialogue and environmental noise to transport visitors back in time. You might hear the noises of a bustling market in West Africa or the shouts of a slave auction as you walk throughout this African American Museum in Detroit.

A word to the wise: Some parts of “And Still We Rise” were, understandably, disturbing and graphic. (You can’t exactly explore the history of slavery without going into its horrific details, can you?) Still, I would have thought twice before bringing very young children through. For example, one part played a recording of a man screaming as his skin was branded. Teaching all children our country’s history—the proud and the ugly parts equally—is critical. I also want to teach them in a way that’s age-appropriate and share details they have the tools and language to process.

I loved the “Personal to Political” exhibition, too. This showcased prints and other media from African American artists, including stunning quilts from an artist of Gee’s Bend, Alabama. I loved seeing artists who favored a particular medium (like fabric for quilt-making) explore other modes of expression.

The Wright Museum of African American History continually updates its exhibition. I’m bummed that “Queen,” showcasing artwork of African American women, wasn’t yet installed when I visited. Oh well—it’s just another reason to return to this Detroit museum!

Wright Museum of African American History: Details

Address: 315 East Warren Ave., Detroit, MI

Admission: $8 for adults, $5 for children, free for children under 3

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 9am to 5pm. Sunday 1 – 5pm. Museum closed Mondays except for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Mondays in February.

DIA: Detroit Institute of Arts

The Detroit Institute of Arts is home to some of the most famous art in Detroit. The famous murals by Diego Rivera that take up an expansive room draw visitors from all over. These Detroit-centric murals highlight the auto industry, the WWII war effort and the artist’s worker-centric politics.

Although its 27 panels aren’t as controversial today, Detroit leaders called for the entire artwork to be destroyed. The head of the museum, as well as Henry Ford’s son Edsel (who provided some of the commission for the work), refused to give in. Thank goodness.

(Do you love murals—and want more? Then you’ll want to read my post on the best place to see street art in Detroit. This spot has murals on every block, so you’ll see dozens of them in one concentrated area.)

This Detroit art museum has much more than Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals, of course. Art from Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well as iconic pieces from the Americas and Europe, draw thousands of visitors each day. And the General Motors Center for African American Art puts a special emphasis on Black artwork, which was too long marginalized by museums.

Finally, if you visit DIA with kids, keep an eye on family-friendly activities and events. For example, look for a cart next to a statue of a donkey, called Artie, in the Prentis Court. This cart has free games kids can play throughout the museum. And on the weekends, volunteers lead kids’ activities throughout the museum. Finally, occasional workshops (like one making crayon rubbings and another stitching handmade books) are free with museum admission.

Detroit Institute of Arts: Details

Address: 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI

Admission: $14 for adults, $56 for children, free for children 5 and under

Hours: Open 7 days a week, most mornings at 9am. See the museum’s hours page for more details.

Michigan Science Center

Full disclosure: I haven’t visited this Detroit science museum—yet. But y’all know how much I love a good hands-on children’s museum! I know that the next time my kids and I are in Detroit, we’ll be spending a day at the Michigan Science Center.

This Detroit museum is directly next to the Detroit African American museum so I couldn’t resist including it. Like all the best children’s museum, the Science Center is interactive and hands-on. Kids can build model satellites, drive toy rovers over a pretend Mars, build an epic marble track and tinker in the Spark!Lab to invent new creations.

The Michigan Science Center also has a play area designed for preschoolers called Kid Town. It’s an area modeled after a city, with plenty of ways kids can use their imaginations and their sense of play, of course. Science-themed play dates with stories and guided activities take place here Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11am.

Where to eat near these Detroit museums

Going to museums makes me *hungry*! If you’re the same, here’s where to fill up.

For lunch, I recommend Seva, an all-vegetarian restaurant with hearty, seriously delicious fare. Meat-eaters and vegans alike will find plenty to love here. It took me ages to decide on what to order because I wanted it all. And every time a server brought out someone else’s meal, I changed my mind because it all looked so good!

In the end, I ordered vegan “cheese” dip with homemade tortilla chips, the parsnip chowder (which was featured in Vegetarian Times) and a mega satisfying vegan kale Caesar salad.

For dinner, head to Chartreuse, which was voted Detroit restaurant of the year in 2017. Its menu changes regularly to make the best use of what’s in season, so you know you’re always getting the freshest ingredients in whatever you order. To wit: A selection of just-picked vegetables from Recovery Park, the organization that turns vacant lots into urban gardens, is always on the menu.

You’ll also want to try chartreuse, the green liqueur this little restaurant is named after. You can taste a few of the varieties or order a cocktail mixed with this distinctive, herby liqueur. Finally, don’t forget to check out the living wall and flower installation at Chartreuse—definitely inspired by its green name!

So many Detroit museums!

I can’t imagine seeing all these Detroit museums in one day. (Just the thought of hitting up four museums at once makes me exhausted.) So when you’re in Detroit’s Art Center district, you’ll have to either pick which museums most interest you or pace yourself over a few days.

Have you been to any of these Detroit museums? Do you have other must-do recommendations for Motor City? Let me know in the comments!

The post Detroit museums: African American, art & historical museums appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

These off the beaten track museums are some of the most unique things to do in NYC. These museums don’t have the same crowds you’ll find at other NYC experiences, and many are free museums in NYC!

Below, I’ll highlight my favorite unusual New York museums, from art museums to obscure galleries to even a spot where admission gets you a big ol’ bowl of delicious stir fry.

So if you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in NYC, you’ve found a bunch. I know you’ll love these museums in NYC as much as I did!

American Folk Art Museum

The American Folk Art Museum near Lincoln Center houses some of the country’s most significant art from self-taught artists. We’re more used to seeing masterpieces from painters and sculptors who studied art for decades, but this NYC museum highlights those who have created original works without training.

Their art education may be limited, but these artists’ imagination is not. Within this off-the-beaten-path New York museum, you’ll see paintings depicting everyday life, sculptures wrought from everyday objects and scenes sketched on the back of paper bags (the only paper some artists had). You may even see something that makes you rethink your definition of art.

How to visit the American Museum of Folk Art

Address: 2 Lincoln Square, New York City
Hours: Closed Mondays. Open hours vary; check web site for opening times. Closes 7pm.
Admission: Free (donations gladly accepted)
Nearby public transportation: 1 train

Neue Galerie

This New York art museum on the Upper East Side’s Museum Mile may be only blocks away from the city’s most famous museums, but it doesn’t have the same crowds or lines. The Neue Galerie (yep, that’s how they spell it), pronounced “Noya,” focuses on German and Austrian art of the 20th century. It calls a lovingly restored brownstone home.

The Neue Galerie displays works of fine art alongside beautifully designed objects such as chairs, glassware and a tea set I still fantasize about owning. I found myself staring at one portrait by Gustav Klimt, taking in the swirls and whorls of the patterns around a woman painted in gold. “Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer” is one of my favorite paintings in all the New York museums—and I’ve been to just about every one.

Note, though, that children under 12 are not allowed in the Neue Galerie outside of special events and visits, such as Family Mornings. In addition, you cannot bring even empty water bottles into this NYC museum.

How to visit the Neue Galerie

Address: 1048 5th Ave, New York
Hours: Thursday – Monday, 11am – 6pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Admission: $12-25
Special admission days: First Fridays of the month, admission is free from 5 – 8pm. Children under 12 years are not admitted during First Fridays.
Nearby public transportation: 4, 5, 6 trains

Bard Graduate Center Gallery

Although I lived in New York for several years and go back often, I’d never heard of the Bard Graduate Center until my most recent visit. This unassuming museum on the Upper West Side, just a block and a half from Central Park, is one of New York’s best off-the-beaten-path discoveries. When I talk about it, even people who have lived in New York for decades say they’ve never heard of the Bard Graduate Center, much less been inside.

When I visited this little-known New York museum, it featured an exhibition on French fashion during World War I. Dresses, uniforms, magazines, photographs and catalogues were displayed on the museum’s three floors. I love looking at old fashion, so I was thrilled to take in the century-old gowns and caftans. But I learned a lot, too. The exhibition thoughtfully connected through-lines between fashion, feminism, social change and war.

I saw maybe two or three other people at the Bard Graduate Center, besides the incredibly nice woman at the counter. I had the museum almost entirely to myself. This museum is one of New York’s hidden gems that I can’t wait to revisit every time I’m in NYC.

How to visit the Bard Graduate Center

Address: 18 W 86th St, New York City
Hours: 11am – 5pm Friday – Sunday and Tuesday, 11am – 8pm Wednesday – Thursday. Closed Monday.
Admission: $5-7
Nearby public transportation: 1, B, C trains

Morgan Library and Museum

When you think of New York libraries, I’m about 99% sure you’re imagining the famous New York Public Library branch in Midtown with the enormous stone lions out front. After all, the NYPL has been in countless movies, from Sex and the City: The Movie to Spider Man.

I’m going to tell you about another library that doubles as a museum—one almost no tourist ever visits.

The Morgan Library and Museum was financier Pierpont Morgan’s home, which he filled with room after room of rare books and art. When it became a museum in 1924, conservators kept the rooms looking just like they had when this very wealthy collector built it. So as you walk through the Morgan Library and Museum, you’ll see not only paintings on the wall but also sculptures on book shelves, couches and chairs, writing desks and fireplaces ready to be lit.

Some of this little-known museum’s rare books are cracked open, including a Gutenberg Bible—only one of 49 in the world. A gallery in the front of this New York museum holds seasonal exhibitions. When I visited, it highlighted the charcoal portraits of John Singer Sargent.

How to visit the Morgan Library and Museum

Address: 225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street, New York City
Hours: Vary, check the web site for hours. Closed Mondays.
Admission: $13-22, free for children under 12
Special admission days: Admission to the Morgan Library and Museum is free Friday nights from 7-9pm. Live jazz plays in the atrium, and wine and other drinks are available for sale.
Nearby public transportation: Grand Central Station (4, 5, 6, 7 and S trains)

Museum at Eldridge Street

The Museum at Eldridge Street is one of the most beautiful locations in New York City. It’s also one of the most hidden gems in all of Manhattan.

This historic synagogue in the Lower East Side was transformed into a museum. Its caretakers restored what had become a dusty, pigeon-filled building. With its epic stained glass windows, you won’t soon forget this underrated museum in NYC.

You’ll take a self-guided tour through the synagogue to learn about Jewish immigrants to the U.S. To learn more about what to expect in this Lower East Side museum (and for more photos!), read my full post on the Museum at Eldridge Street.

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How to visit the Tenement Museum

Address: 12 Eldridge Street, New York City
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10-5. Friday 10-3. Closed Saturday. Check the website for closures for Jewish holidays.
Admission: $8-15
Special admission days: Pay what you wish admission on Mondays and Fridays
Nearby public transportation: B, D trains at Grand St

Tenement Museum

New York is a city of immigrants—in fact, almost of all of the United States traces its heritage from elsewhere, except Native Americans. New York’s Tenement Museum tells real stories of the immigrant experience to root our understanding of how NYC was shaped by newcomers—and continues to be formed by that history.

The Tenement Museum in the Lower East Side takes visitors through one of several buildings where dozens of immigrant families lived. We did the Irish Outsiders tour, one of eight tours offered, each of which focuses on one immigrant group. Joining a tour is the only way to visit the Tenement Museum. Although I’m generally not a tour-loving person, I can’t imagine seeing this museum any other way.

In the Irish Outsiders tour, we learned of one Irish family, the Moores, that made New York its home in the 1800s. In just an hour, I came to care deeply for these real people who lived in the very building where I stood. Our tour guide brought them to life, sharing their struggles and celebrations while weaving in context of what life was like for immigrants during that time. I may not have remembered facts and statistics from a plaque, but I’ll never forget Bridget, the family’s matriarch, or Baby Agnes, who didn’t live to see her first birthday.

The Tenement Museum in New York is brilliant in the way it shares living, breathing history with visitors. It makes immigration, an issue that might feel abstract or contentious, feel concrete and personal. I want every single visitor to attend one of the tours in this New York hidden gem. I know I’ll be back to experience the other tours.

“Immigration is not a political story. It is a human story.”

-David, a Tenement Museum tour guide

I wouldn’t bring young children to the Tenement Museum, though. The tours involve a lot of standing and listening, and young kids would get restless. Children 0-5 are not admitted.

How to visit the Tenement Museum

Address: 103 Orchard Street, New York City
Hours: The museum opens at 10am and closes between 6:30 – 8:30pm, depending on the day.
Admission: $22-27.
Special admission days: You must join a tour to visit the Tenement Museum. Tours often sell out, especially on the weekends, so it’s best to buy tickets in advance. That said, some tours are more popular than others, so you have a better chance of getting last-minute or day-of tickets to these tours, or all tours during weekdays.
What’s more, this New York museum offers discount for military members, teachers, people who are disabled and people who live in the neighborhood (with zip code 10002).
Nearby public transportation: F, M, J and Z trains

Level 10 travel tip: The Tenement Museum also has an excellent gift shop, accessible to the public without the need of tickets. If you’re looking for New York gifts, books or souvenirs, the Tenement Museum is one of NYC’s best places to find them.

The Frick Collection

If you’ve ever wanted to imagine what it’s like to live as a zillionaire in a New York mansion, the Frick Collection is the place to do it. This little-known museum is right down the street from the Met and the Guggenheim, but it’s off the beaten path. I recently went to the Frick Collection on a Saturday morning, when there were no crowds and zero lines—compared to the Met, where you can expect to wait upwards of 30 minutes just to buy your ticket in.

The Frick Collection has kept the look and feel of a residence, displaying paintings in rooms still furnished with couches, tables, desks and the like. This hidden gem specializes in art; in fact, it displays three paintings by Johannes Vermeer—of the only 34 Vermeers known in the world.

In addition to the art, the museum’s courtyard is worth a visit in its own right. This central spot is lit by the many windows set into the roof, and its fountain casts a spell of calm over the entire room. Tropical plants and flowers breathe life into the courtyard. It’s an excellent place to sit for a while—a peaceful refuge in bustling New York.

As a heads-up, the Frick is in the middle of proposing updates and remodels to the Frick Museum. The current proposal is controversial because it would turn some rooms into traditional museum galleries with white walls (and no plush setees). So before you visit the Frick Museum, check its web site to ensure construction won’t interrupt your visit.   

Children under 10 years old are not admitted.

How to visit the Frick Museum

Address: 1 East 71st Street, New York City
Hours: Tuesdays – Saturdays 10am – 6pm. Sundays 11am – 5pm. Closed Mondays.
Admission: $12-22
Special admission days: Wednesdays 2 – 6pm are pay what you wish for admission. Admission is free First Fridays from 6 – 9pm.
Nearby public transportation: 6 and Q trains

Museum of Food and Drink

I almost literally stumbled across Brooklyn’s Museum of Food and Drink when walking to meet a friend for lunch. This little museum is definitely off the beaten path but is worth a visit, especially if you’re particularly interested in the cuisine the museum is highlighting when you’re in town.

When I recently went to the Museum of Food and Drink, it focused on Chinese-American restaurants. The first thing I noticed was how good it smelled in there—as if I were walking into a restaurant, not a museum.

I thought the museum’s displays were overly text-heavy. To get the most out of the exhibit, I had to read a lot, and I missed more interactive opportunities. That said, I enjoyed looking at all the menus and learning about Chinese-American food: from the patterns of immigration (and discrimination) to opening restaurants for Chinese workers to adapting recipes for American tastes.

I didn’t realize that my ticket also got me a taste of one of the sample recipes. I sat down at the counter and talked with the chef, who told me about his own family’s history of immigration from China while he stir fried a cauliflower dish in an enormous wok. Talking with the chef—hearing his very personal stories, including how one grandfather fled totalitarian China by swimming miles through the ocean until he reached an island—was by far the best part of my experience at the Museum of Food and Drink.

How to visit the Museum of Food and Drink

Address: 62 Bayard Street, Brooklyn
Hours: Friday – Sunday 12 – 6pm. Closed Monday – Thursday.
Admission: $7-14, children 5 and under are free. These general admission tickets include one tasting.
For the full tasting of 3 dishes, tickets are $17-25.
Nearby public transportation: M train

Jewish Museum

Also along Museum Mile—5^th Avenue on the Upper East Side, where there’s practically a museum on every block—sits the Jewish Museum. This institution celebrates Jewish contributions to art and culture.

When I recently visited, I loved the expansive exhibition on Edith Halpert, one of the most influential gallerists in United States history. She was revolutionary as she championed artists who were also African American, Jewish, Japanese American, self-taught or another marginalized identity. And she celebrated their works during controversial times, from World War II (when the US government interned people of Japanese descent) to the McCarthy era.

The New York museum’s permanent collection is a mix of modern and contemporary art alongside traditional works, such as cases to hold the Torah. New York’s Jewish Museum also holds a world-class collection of menorahs, including one carved from wood stolen from factories in a concentration camp.

Regardless of your background or religion, the Jewish Museum in NYC is an excellent add to an art lover’s list.

How to visit the Jewish Museum

Address: 1109 5th Avenue at 92nd Street, New York City
Hours: Thursday 11am – 8pm, Friday – Tuesday 11am – 5:45pm. Closed Wednesdays.
Admission: $8-18. Children 18 and under, as well as active duty military and their families, are always free.
Special admission days: The Jewish Museum is free to visit on Saturdays and Jewish holidays. Know, though, that its audio guides are unavailable on Saturdays.
Nearby public transportation: 6 train

Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum

The Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum isn’t technically a hands-on children museum, but it’s one of the most engaging museums for children (and adults!) I’ve seen.

First of all, this New York museum’s displays are so varied that every room offers a surprise. From a piece of oversized light bulbs filled with moving mechanical butterflies to a room where visitors can design and display their own wallpaper, the Cooper Hewitt is never dull.

I can’t believe I hadn’t ever visited, or really heard of, the Cooper Hewitt until my most recent trip to New York City. I can’t help but be disappointed in all those years I missed this innovative and thought-provoking museum.

How to visit the Cooper Hewitt

Address: 2 East 91st Street, New York City
Hours: Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm. Saturday 10am – 7pm. Sunday 10am – 6pm.
Admission: $9-18 ($2 off your ticket if you buy online). Children 18 and under are always free. $10 tickets for people with disabilities.
Special admission days: Saturdays are pay as you wish from 6 – 9pm.
Nearby public transportation: 4, 5 and 6 trains

Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian

Lower Manhattan is not exactly off the beaten path—Battery Park, the Statue of Liberty and Ground Zero draw thousands of visitors each day—but tourists rarely visit the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian. That’s a shame for them, but nice for you: You’ll be able to explore the artifacts, dress and art of North America’s Native Americans without fighting any crowds.

This off the beaten path museum highlights different tribes and cultures, showing the variety of clothes, pottery, beadwork, paintings and sculpture from across North America. The museum also addresses head-on the history of violence against Native Americans.

I appreciated the hands-on digital displays alongside some pieces. My kids would love playing with the touch screen in front of a traditional outfit. And downstairs, the imagiNATION Activity Center invites kids to dive in to Native American culture and design. Kids can pretend to kayak, build a bridge by weaving together ropes and build an igloo with blocks.

The museum building itself, the Alexander Hamilton Customs Building, is breathtaking, too. I spent almost as much time admiring the building’s intricate details as I did immersing myself in Native American craftsmanship.

How to visit the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian

Address: 1 Bowling Green, New York City
Hours: 10am – 5pm, Thursdays open until 8pm
Admission: Free
Nearby public transportation: 4, 5, J, Z, R and W trains

New York City Fire Museum

History buffs and kids alike find a lot to love about the New York City Fire Museum. This off the beaten path museum in Soho has filled an old fire station with artifacts and memorabilia of fire fighters dating from when the city was still called New Amsterdam, not New York.

Antique fire engines, lanterns and other gear fill entire rooms. Old posters give visitors a sense of how fire fighters fit into a city much different from today’s—for example, I learned about fires and other emergencies in the city’s Five Points neighborhood, near modern-day Chinatown and the Lower East Side.

I loved the second floor’s parade fire engines, which fire fighting brigades would proudly ride down the street during city celebrations. Clearly, New York loved its fire fighters long before their sacrifices on 9/11.

Speaking of which, the New York Fire Museum also has a memorial for fire fighters who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center Twin Towers. The memorial, covered in photos of those who were killed, was overwhelmingly emotional. If you visit the New York Fire Museum with kids, decide ahead of time how you’ll address this history with your children.

If you’re curious to learn more, read my full post on the New York Fire Museum here.

How to visit the New York Fire Museum

Address: 278 Spring Street, New York City
Hours: 10am – 5pm daily.
Admission: $5-10
Special admission: Free for active and retired military, and active and retired members of FDNY/NYPD/DSNY/PANYNJ 
Nearby public transportation: 1, C and E trains

Museum of the City of New York

This New York museum is along Museum Mile, but it’s not on the beaten path by a long shot. The Museum of the City of New York is just up the street from the Met and the Guggenheim but gets way fewer visitors.

That’s too bad, because this underrated museum is so cool.

On a recent visit, the museum hosted an exhibit on the puppets of New York, from Sesame Street characters to larger-than-life puppets from the city’s Halloween parades.

My favorite section of the museum was a photography exhibit showcasing how the city has changed over the decades. The black and white photos showed neighborhoods that looked as if they’d been bombed, graffiti-covered subways and block parties for famous musicians. I couldn’t stop thinking of those photos for the rest of my trip. It’s incredibly how much New York has transformed.

How to visit the Museum of the City of New York

Address: 1220 5th Avenue, New York City (at 103rd Street)
Hours: Friday – Sunday, 10 – 6.
Admission: $14-20. People 19 and under enter free.
Nearby public transportation: 6 train at 103rd, 2/3 trains at 110th Street/Central Park North

El Museo del Barrio

Just one block away from the Museum of the City of New York, El Museo del Barrio is absolutely worth a stop. El Museo was founded as a counterweight to the privilege of white male artists who dominate traditional fine arts museums.

In El Museo, you’ll find exhibits that center artists of Latin American descent. It also makes an effort to highlight queer and other voices traditionally left out of fine arts circles.

On a given visit, you’ll see paintings and sculptures, just as you would in most other museums. El Museo also curates video, installation, and unconventional pieces. Recently, we saw sculpted bags of Takis, paintings decorated like quinceañera cakes and a wall covered in shredded paper as if it were a giant piñata.

How to visit El Museo del Barrio

Address: 1230 5th Avenue, New York City
Hours: Friday – Sunday 11-5
Admission: $5-9 suggested admission. Children 12 and under enter free.
Special admission days: Members of the Whitney get free admission.
Nearby public transportation: 6 train at 103rd, 2/3 trains at 110th Street/Central Park North

The most underrated museums in NYC

These unique, non-touristy museums in NYC probably won’t be on most visitors’ itineraries—which makes them even more appealing in my book. These unusual things to do in NYC are underrated not because they’re not worth visiting but because they’re off the beaten path.

That makes you want to go to these New York museums even more, doesn’t it?!

When you visit—whether you go on museum free days or pay full admission—let me know how you like them. And definitely give me the heads up of which New York museums or other unique things to do in NYC I should check out on my next trip!

The post Full guide to unusual New York museums: Unique things to do in NYC appeared first on To & Fro Fam.

This small, little known museum makes for a quick visit. The Fire Museum takes you back in history to when New York was still ruled by gangs, and fire fighting was a for-profit business. Then it takes you up to the current day with an emotional exhibit on 9/11.

If you have kids who are at all interested in fire fighters, you simply have to include this on your list of things to do in New York with kids. (My nephew just outgrew his obsession with emergency response vehicles, but he would have loved this quirky New York museum.)

And honestly, I think most kids would enjoy the New York City Fire Museum. Although they won’t be able to slide down a fire pole (#LifeGoals), they can dress up in fire fighter gear and check out the carriages that evolved into the fire trucks we know so well today.

So, if you’re looking for off the beaten path things to do in New York with your kids, mark the Fire Museum on your map.

What you’ll see at the New York City Fire Museum

The New York City Fire Museum takes up two floors of a former fire station in Soho. And just about every square inch of this quirky museum in NYC is filled with fire fighter artifacts, gear, patches and historical photos.

One of my favorite parts of the Fire Museum was seeing how fire fighting carriages eventually turned into cars. The different designs, from how they pumped water to how they sprayed the hose, were fascinating to see.

Anyone who likes steampunk or antiques will also fall in love with all the old fire fighting gear. The craftsmanship of the old lanterns, bells, clocks and medals sure beat out what we can buy today.

Typed explanations throughout the museum provide snippets of history, and how New York’s fire fighters fit into that past.

Level 10 travel tip: The Fire Museum is only one block away from the Color Factory, an interactive exhibit that celebrates color and creativity.

9/11 memorial at the New York City Fire Museum

Set apart from the main sections of the Fire Museum, a 9/11 memorial marks the sacrifice of the city’s fire fighters during the 9/11 attacks and the recovery that followed. I appreciated how the memorial had its own room, somewhat separate from the museum, for a few reasons. Firstly, the 9/11 memorial is an incredibly emotional, somber place. I was glad to have some privacy from the excitement and cool factor of the rest of the museum.

Secondly, not all parents will feel ready to take their kids to the 9/11 memorial. Having the memorial slightly tucked away enables parents’ choice of when and how to discuss the terrorist attacks with their children.  

I went into the 9/11 memorial at the Fire Museum on my own. I took the time to look at the portraits of the fire fighters who died that day, feeling overcome by sadness. I imagined all the people these fire fighters left behind, and the people they helped save.

The memorial itself is covered with their faces. The memorial has two rectangular gaps—absent of the towers that used to stand in Lower Manhattan.

Photographs from 9/11 and the days that followed fill one wall—from the plane hitting the World Trade Center Tower to the dust-covered faces of fire fighters to the funerals of those who didn’t make it out.

The New York City Fire Museum 9/11 memorial brought me back all those years to when I woke up to the news of the attacks. If you’d like to pay your respects to everyone who died on 9/11, and to honor the many people who survived and helped the rescue and recovery efforts, I recommend you visit the 9/11 Memorial in Lower Manhattan. The enormous—and enormously emotional—memorial stands in Ground Zero.

Level 10 travel tip: You may be more emotionally affected by the national 9/11 Memorial than you expect—I sure was. I ended up ugly crying on a bench next to the memorial. Don’t plan on breezing by the memorial—expect to need some time transitioning to your next activity. And be prepared to answer questions from your kids.

One of New York City’s unusual museums

While you’re in NYC, you’ll definitely want to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, the Guggenheim and the Museum of Natural History. I love each of those New York museums, and I make a point to visit them every time I go to NYC.

It’s also fun to find some of the city’s little known museums, like the New York City Fire Museum. This small museum is sort of like a kids’ meal: Just the right amount for a child’s appetite or, in this case, attention span. You won’t need to take tons of snack breaks or bribe them to go see your favorite painting; your kids will be able to make their way through this entire off the beaten path museum in one go.

So if you’re visiting New York City with kids, definitely put the Fire Museum on your list of things to do.

Is there someone you know who would want to visit this unusual museum in New York City? I’d love for you to share this post with them so we can all have more unique experiences in NYC. Thank you!

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If you’re headed to Bend, OR or other parts of Central Oregon, don’t miss out on visiting the High Desert Museum with kids—or grown-ups! This gorgeous museum is full of exhibits my kiddos loved, and the information goes in-depth enough that the adults will learn a ton, too.

Most importantly, the High Desert Museum is fun and interactive. Whether you’re planning a trip to Central Oregon soon, or you’re considering going in the future, read on for everything you need to know about exploring the High Desert Museum with kids. And don’t forget to pin this post so you remember where to find these tips later!

An immersive experience at the High Desert Museum with kids

I visited the High Desert Museum with my kids, husband and in-laws in August when we took a family camping trip in Central Oregon. It wasn’t the first time I’d visited: Since I grew up in Oregon, we took a trip the museum when I was little—but today’s museum blew away the vague memories I had from my childhood.

I was beyond impressed by Central Oregon’s High Desert Museum, which is about a 10-minute drive from downtown Bend, OR. Yes, the museum included static displays teaching about the region’s history, but it also included live animals, fine art exhibits, interactive and kid-friendly stations and even live music!

When you’re planning a visit to Central Oregon’s High Desert Museum with kids, you’ll want all the details to map out your trip and take full advantage of this family-friendly destination.

Animals at the High Desert Museum

When I first started to plan our trip to the High Desert Museum with kids, I learned that the museum is also home to a whole bunch of animals! Porcupines, owls, eagles, lizards, tarantulas and even river otters delighted my kids. My girls were thrilled to discover parts of the High Desert Museum were more like the zoo!

We planned our trip to the High Desert Museum around the otter feeding time. There, one of the animal keepers tossed fish to the playful creatures in their gorgeous outdoor habitat while explaining river otter behavior.

For example, did you know a group of otters is a romp of otters? Use that tidbit on your next trivia night!

Level 10 travel tip: The otter habitat gets crowded during weekend feeding times, which makes it hard for kids to see. Instead of standing around the outdoor exhibit, go underground, which is much more spacious—and where kids can watch the river otters underwater.

We also loved the aviary, which is home to birds of prey such as owls, eagles and the like. These are birds that have either been injured or imprinted on humans, so they can’t survive in the wild. They live at the High Desert Museum so we can learn about these magnificent animals.

The museum hosts a bird show, Raptors of the Desert Sky. We didn’t go to it this time, but it’ll be a fun addition to our trip on our next visit to the High Desert Museum with kids. Admission is between $3 and $5, and tickets need to be purchased at least a half-hour before the show.

We didn’t want to miss the porcupine family, either. The exhibit is just to the right of the main entryway. For some reason, my kids love porcupines.

Check the High Desert Museum schedule on their website or when you arrive for other animal talks, like the ones about fish, reptiles and other critters.

Hands-on learning at the High Desert Museum

One of the first things we saw in the High Desert Museum with kids was the Hall of Plateau Indians. The girls were fascinated by the teepee and of course wanted to climb in—which they couldn’t do.

They did have an opportunity to learn by touch and asking questions at a volunteer-run station next to the exhibit. There, the girls could touch and ask questions about common plants different Plains tribes relied on for food; they also had a chance to handle arrowheads and other artifacts.

Throughout the museum, you’ll find hands-on learning experiences to engage young kids.

Learn through play at the High Desert Museum

The High Desert Museum is one of many that have come a long way from the old model where kids are told to learn passively—and not touch!

The High Desert Museum has three phenomenal ways kids can learn through play. These interactive areas let kids be kids and expend some serious energy, all while exploring what a high desert habitat is.

Dig, Crawl, Climb!

Just outside the indoor section of the museum, follow a short path past a covered wagon to the Dig, Crawl, Climb! outdoor play space. My girls were beyond excited to find this playground-like area. We had been walking around inside the museum for about 45 minutes, and they were ready to play!

Hands-down, their favorite part of the outdoor play space at the museum was the gigantic spider web. We played spiders and flies with some other families who visited the High Desert Museum with kids.

This area also has a sand pit where kids can dig and a long tunnel kids can crawl through, just like many of the animals who live in the high desert.

Level 10 travel tip: Make sure you have wipes or are ready to return to the bathroom indoors if your kids dig. They’ll be covered in a fine layer of dust.

Miller Family Ranch and Sawmill

Talk about bringing history to life: At the High Desert Museum’s Miller Family Ranch and Sawmill, volunteer actors in period costumes were working on chores and tasks just as their turn-of-the-century counterparts would have done.

My girls were obsessed with washing laundry the old-fashioned way. They took socks and bloomers from the clothesline, agitated them in soapy water, then wrung them out.

Their enthusiasm made me hope they’d be a little more proactive with laundry at home, but so far, no luck…

They also got to draw water from a well and use it to water a garden. This activity was more familiar since they help me in our garden at home.

Finally, we got to see how someone would have used an old-fashioned fireplace to bake! A reenactor was making chocolate chip cookies—though unfortunately she didn’t share the delicious-smelling results.

All the volunteers were in character, so they spoke to us as if they were really living in 1904. The girls are still a bit young to totally grasp that, but they did love the hands-on aspects of this outdoor area of the High Desert Museum.

Whose Home? indoor playground

We think of deserts being hot, but Central Oregon’s High Desert region actually gets a ton of snow in the winter. That’s why having an indoor educational play area is so clutch.

The weather was warm when we visited the High Desert Museum with kids, but my girls loved the Whose Home? play area just the same. There, they could climb pretend cliffs and explore rocky outcroppings—perfect for my littles, as they will seriously climb anything.

The Whose Home? indoor playground showed kids that different animals live in different habitats and find their own niches in the same space. The play area had puppets and even costumes (Maxine was dressed up as an eagle for much of our time here).

Edie’s favorite part was moving little rocks throughout the cliff to find metal replicas of animals, from lizards to spiders. There are so many animals to discover in a real desert, and the Whose Home? play area was a safe way to explore that idea—through play!

Food at the High Desert Museum

We stayed at the High Desert Museum with kids for a half-day, which meant we were all hungry! I didn’t want to risk hangry meltdowns on the way back to our campsite, so we stopped for lunch at the museum’s Rimrock Cafe.

I was quite impressed with the museum cafe menu. Not only did they have kid-friendly food like sandwiches and yogurt parfait cups; they had food that I actually wanted to eat!

I ordered a gluten-free Southwest quinoa salad and fruit; Hubs got a caesar chicken wrap. Remarkably, my kids actually ate a full meal here—I’m not sure if that’s testament to the quality of the food or just that they were worn out and starving from all our play and exploration! Either way, it was a major win. (You guys know already that my kids are picky eaters and that I’ve shared the many ways we encourage them to eat on vacation.)

The Rimrock Cafe has a spacious outdoor seating area. It’s shaded and lets in a comfortable breeze. I’d absolutely recommend eating outdoors here if weather allows.

You can bring in your own food, but the museum asks that you not eat it in the cafe, but rather in Classroom A so cafe patrons have room to sit.

Native cultures at the High Desert Museum

Out West, relationships between Native peoples and settlers were/are complicated—and often violent and repressive. At the permanent exhibit By Hand Through Memory, you can introduce your kids to the real history of how the reservation system affected Native Americans in the High Desert.

I appreciate that in addition to highlighting Native culture by showing beading, headdresses, lodging and other Native traditions, the museum also addresses the exploitative treatment of Native Americans.

This conversation might continue in your travels through Central Oregon. For example, when we drove to Central Oregon from Portland, we passed through the Warm Springs Reservation. The drive gave us a chance to talk to the girls about independent Native nations within our country. It was hard to explain in a way that made sense to them, but starting these difficult conversations early is absolutely crucial in raising culturally sensitive, compassionate and aware young citizens.

More tips to visit the High Desert Museum with kids

Don’t feed the animals—people food makes chipmunks and ground squirrels sick.

Pick your trails wisely—a few of the paths in the museum’s outdoor grounds are steep and rough. Especially if you’re using a stroller or have mobility limitations, stick to the paths marked as easy to navigate on your museum map.

Plan for outdoor exploration. About half of the museum is outdoors, which is amazing: That way, you learn about the High Desert while actually being in that environment! But you’ll need to plan accordingly. On sunny days, lather the kids with sunscreen, and dress in layers. In the winter, you’ll need coats and boots.

Whether you go in the summer, winter, or anytime in between, visiting the High Desert Museum with kids is a wonderful and fun way to get to know Central Oregon.

PS – Looking for more kid-friendly activities in Central Oregon? Read my post on hiking Lava River Cave, the coolest underground lava tunnel you’ll ever visit!

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Hubs and I went on a romantic weekend away where we explored all the best things to do in Astoria, Oregon. It was a rare kid-free weekend so we got to take advantage of restaurants, museums, cafes, breweries, and the sweetest bed and breakfast you ever did see. 

My husband and I tend to be pretty low-key about holidays and anniversaries with each other. For the most part, we’ll give each other a card, cook a slightly special dinner, or go on a hike as a family. But for our ninth anniversary, my parents offered to watch the kids for an. entire. weekend. (WHAT.)

This trip to Astoria might have spoiled us. If I have anything to do with it, we’ll be stepping up anniversaries from now on.

Whether you’re going for a romantic weekend with your forever person or adventuring with friends, read on for the best things to do in Astoria, Oregon.

Exploring Astoria, Oregon

Thanks to its concentrated population of fishermen and cannery workers, Astoria earned the unruly reputation as being the “most wicked place on earth for its population.” (HA!) Our weekend in Astoria was anything but wicked, though. In fact, it was a sweet, romantic, welcoming town for us to explore on our anniversary vacation.

The weekend in Astoria was the first time Hubs and I have been away from both kids at the same time. We missed our girls, and my parents were definitely tired out by the time we picked up the kids, but a trip away was so worth it. There are so many great things to do in Astoria so no matter whether you’re visiting with your partner, your friends, or your family, you’ll never run out of options of activities to keep you busy.

Unique Things To Do in Astoria, OR

There are so many fun things to do in Astoria, but if you only have a weekend in the city I recommend you add the below activities to your bucket list! They’re a good mix of hiking, drinking, eating and shopping!

Hike Saddle Mountain

Our romantic weekend in Astoria started even before we arrived on the Oregon Coast. We rarely have a chance to tackle challenging hikes, since we have to go at a kid’s pace (or be prepared to carry them). So on our drive to Astoria from Portland, we stopped at Saddle Mountain.

Parts of this 4-mile out-and-back hike are tough: The trail gets really steep, and some of the rocks can slip underfoot. But all the work is worth the sweat and it’s one of the best thing to do in Astoria if you’re in search of adventure!

Atop Saddle Mountain, you get a 360-view of the entire area, from the Pacific Ocean to the west to Mt. Hood and Mt. Rainier to the east. We hiked Saddle Mountain on a clear day, which you’ll definitely want to do, too. The hike took us about 3 hours, so plan accordingly on your drive to Astoria.

Level 10 travel tip: Saddle Mountain bursts into color with wildflowers during the spring, but the crowds increase, too. If you go during peak wildflower time (April), know you’ll be hiking with hundreds of others, and you’ll struggle to find parking.

Climb the Astoria Column

Speaking of heights, you’ll definitely want to climb the 164 steps of the Astoria Column. Set on the top of a hill that overlooks all of Astoria and the Columbia River, this pillar offers beautiful views.

Take your time on the way up. If you’re in decent shape, the number of steps won’t necessarily phase you, but you very well could get a little dizzy circling the spiral staircase!

Level 10 travel tip: You can buy a little wooden airplane from the gift shop at the base of the Astoria Column, which you can launch from the viewing platform. Make sure to plan for this if you go to Astoria with kids!

Hike the Cathedral Tree trail

Within Astoria’s city limits, you’ll find a pristine old-growth forest that makes you feel as if you’re far away, not in the center of town. The Cathedral Tree trail is an easy 1.5-mile hike from the trailhead to the Astoria Column. You’ll park on the road and walk among cedars, Doug firs, and spruce. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Astoria, this is it!

Level 10 travel tip: Follow wooden signs to the Cathedral Tree, an enormous Sitka spruce with a natural nook. And crane your neck to see to the tree’s tippy top—there’s nothing more romantic than feeling small to make you marvel even more that you found your honey.

Visit Astoria museums

Astoria’s Maritime Museum grounds you in time and place with its exhibits on the region’s history. Astoria has been a center of fishing and canning, particularly of salmon, and this museum pays homage to that past. 

You can get a quick taste of this history at the Hanthorn Cannery Museum, which displays photos, boats, and other artifacts. It’s one of the few free things to do in Astoria, but you’re encouraged to give a donation to the nonprofit that preserves the region’s history. Get coffee and a scone at the next-door Coffee Girl cafe, which has been caffeinating Astoria residents since the heyday of canning.

Visitors can also live the dream of their acting career at the Oregon Film Museum, which is housed in the old Astoria jail (where, BTW, scenes from cult favorite Goonies was filmed). You can reenact and film scenes from movies made in Oregon, including The Shining (“Here’s Johnny!”).

Just a block away from the Oregon Film Museum is the historic Flavel House, where you and your partner can imagine living in the romantic home of one of Astoria’s founders.

A romantic weekend in Astoria: Where to shop

Astoria is one of Oregon’s oldest cities, and it has stayed true to its small-town roots by supporting independent businesses. Browse hand-in-hand with your partner among these quirky, uniquely Northwest shops.

Maiden Astoria sells made-in-Oregon gifts like enameled metal camping mugs, delicate jewelry, and scarves; I swooned over the letterpress prints and original artwork.

I could have spent days mining through the treasures in Vintage Hardware. From the big—wall-sized window panes and vintage doors—to the small—a basket of antique keys and old black and white photos—this spot offers gems for home renovation pros and dabblers alike.

Cargo is like a trip around the world without ever leaving Oregon. I bought a gift for my parents as a thank-you for watching our kids, and I probably would have continued to fill my basket with trinkets from Mexico, India and beyond had I not popped in right before the shop closed.

Do & Arrow sells vintage and new alongside each other, staying true to its hip aesthetic. You’ll find vinyl, wool blankets, air plants, leather hats and more in this clothing and home goods shop.

Where to stay for a weekend in Astoria, Oregon

Astoria, Oregon doesn’t allow full-home rentals (only letting out rooms if the owner is on-site), which makes short-term stays like AirBnB hard to find. Eric and I usually rent out a house like this when we travel, but in hindsight, the scarcity of AirBnBs was a benefit.

After all, without that push to go outside our typical rental routine, we would have never been introduced to the beautiful Rose River Inn Bed and Breakfast, just minutes from downtown Astoria.

The Rose River Inn Bed and Breakfast is a quaint, cozy place in a historic home that overlooks the Columbia River—and it was ideal for a romantic getaway in Astoria. We ended up getting the attic suite, which has two beds (enough for two couples or parents plus kids, though on this trip it was just us), plus a private bath and a sitting area. The room was comfortable, and I loved taking a bath in the claw foot tub.

Did I mention the breakfast yet? Because you guys, not only did I have someone else cook for me (and do the dishes!), I ate so well! We enjoyed yogurt with fruit, OJ, coffee, tea, homemade scones, and a delicious quiche.

Hubs and I were full until mid-afternoon, and the hearty breakfast fortified us as we planned what to do in Astoria.

Level 10 travel tip: Let your Bed and Breakfast hosts know if you have to leave early and will miss breakfast; they’ll pack you a to-go back with fruit, a muffin and granola bars.

If you’d rather stay at a hotel, check out the lodging along the waterfront. This prime location puts you in easy walking distance of Astoria, Oregon restaurants, museums, shopping, the trolley and more.

Astoria, Oregon Restaurants 

My favorite restaurant in Astoria was also the most romantic. We celebrated our anniversary over dinner at Baked Alaska, where we watched pilot boats moving giant barges down the Columbia River at sunset right outside the restaurant. (Pilot boats help huge ships maneuver safely through this stretch of the river.)

I usually order vegetarian dishes, but I figured I might as well eat seafood since we were near the Oregon Coast—and I’m so glad I did! Their signature dish, the seafood stew, was beyond delicious. It wasn’t a heavy, creamy clam chowder (though they offered that on the menu, too); it was a seafood broth with a generous amount of scallops, salmon, clams and prawns. I ate every last bite.

They also serve wood-fired pizza, steaks and a wine list that’s nothing to sneeze at. I couldn’t have asked for a better restaurant in Astoria to celebrate our anniversary.

Level 10 travel tip: Make reservations for the tables at the very back of Baked Alaska, which is parallel to the Columbia River, for the best (and most romantic) views.

There are a few top-notch ice cream spots in Astoria, too. So save room for dessert at Frite & Scoop, where you can sample your way to your favorite flavor—or opt for the frites, if salty and savory is more your bag.

Visit the breweries in Astoria

Astoria has plenty of breweries, too. Check out the live music schedule at Fort George Brewery and Pub (just blocks from the Rose River Inn Bed and Breakfast). And order a pint at Buoy Beer Co., which is right on a pier. You can snag a table that overlooks the Columbia River, but even if you don’t get a primo seat, you can check out the heavyweight sea lions resting below the building through the glass floor.

So many things to do in Astoria!

If you’re planning a romantic getaway or weekend away in Oregon, a weekend in Astoria is a great bet. You can connect with your partner while you enjoy the best things to do in Astoria including hiking, dining, shopping — and, of course, make memories to savor for all the anniversaries to come.

Have you spent a weekend in Astoria, Oregon? What were your favorite things to do, eat, and see?

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