Road trip from Houston to Reading

Houston philanthropists and art patrons John and Dominique de Menil established the Menil Foundation in 1954 to foster greater public understanding and appreciation of art, architecture, culture, religion, and philosophy. In 1987, the Menil Collection’s main museum building opened to the public. Today, the Menil Collection consists of a group of five art buildings and green spaces located within a residential neighborhood. The Menil remains committed to its founders’ belief that art is essential to human experience and fosters direct personal encounters with works of art. The museum welcomes all visitors free of charge to its buildings and surrounding green spaces.

Located in the heart of NASA’s spaceflight program, Space Center Houston is a must-visit for fans of space exploration. With more than 400 space-related artefacts and numerous interactive exhibitions, you can easily spend a whole day learning about NASA’s history and current work. Be sure to hop on the tram tour too, which takes you around the real site of the Johnson Space Center, including the original Mission Control room and a behind-the-scenes look at the astronaut training facilities. You might want to join VIP tours by NASA experts to gain a deeper understanding and inside knowledge of the center. – Tripadvisor

Step into the vibrant world of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Science Museum, where curiosity knows no bounds!

Nature reserve, consisting of several sections, preserves significant examples of the natural and cultural resources of the Mississippi Delta region.

The Presbytere was designed in 1791 to match the Cabildo, alongside St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. It stands today as a beautiful reminder of both Louisiana's singular past and its vibrant present.The Presbytere, originally called Casa Curial or "Ecclesiastical House," was built on the site of the residence, or presbytere, of the Capuchin monks. The building was used for commercial purposes until 1834 when it became a courthouse. In 1911, it became part of the Louisiana State Museum. Two exhibitions are on display-"Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond" tells of rescue, rebuilding and renewal, and "Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana" captures the fun and fantasy of the annual celebration.

A stylish jazz spot in the French Quarter, which serves Cajun and Creole dishes.

Fun and learning never end at McWane Science Center, a nonprofit, hands-on museum and IMAX(R) Dome Theater. Four floors of interactive exhibits celebrate science and wonder - from an amazing collection of dinosaurs to innovative environmental showcases, imaginative early childhood playgrounds, and an awe-inspiring aquarium. The energy and excitement of discovery spring to life through an extensive lineup of science demonstrations performed daily by talented educators. The adventure intensifies in the IMAX(R) Dome Theater, where wide-eyed visitors experience the sights and sounds of breathtaking films on a 5-story-tall screen surrounded by 3 tons of high-intensity speakers.

Bronze replica measuring one-fifth the size of its sister statue located in New York City.

Craft and art collections.

Come In and Smell the Spices! The Spice & Tea Exchange® offers food lovers, chefs, and tea enthusiasts a unique shopping experience filled with culinary delights. Explore your inner chef and shop over 140 fine spices, 75+ hand-mixed seasoning blends, sugars, salts, loose-leaf teas, and accessories. Create your own gourmet gift, or choose from a variety of gift boxes and recipe samplers!

Hidden inside the historic Kern Building, behind The Oliver Hotel lobby, is Knoxville’s one and only speakeasy, The Peter Kern Library. Once a well-kept secret, the bar is now a beloved institution. The dark wood, fireplace, rows of books, and cocktails named after literary characters create a warm and cozy atmosphere where time seems to stop.

Muse Knoxville is a children’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math (STEAM) museum located in Chilhowee Park. Our programs in the museum, in schools across East Tennessee, & throughout Knoxville bring STEM, the arts, health & wellness, & emergent literacy to life in the minds of children. We inspire & empower ALL children through transformative learning experiences through a variety of hands-on and inquiry-based, exhibits and Outreach programs for children aged 6 mos. to 10 y/o. *Museum Play - Indoor educational learning & play spaces, a full-dome planetarium, outdoor learning spaces & a playground! *Field Trips - Bring your class, homeschool, daycare or youth group for a day of fun! *Parties/Events - Choose from a variety of packages to celebrate your special day with us. *Planetarium - We house East Tennessee's only public-access planetarium with shows that rotate every hour!

Fun for the whole family, the Science Museum of Western Virginia features a tropical butterfly garden filled with butterflies from around the world; fun and interactive exhibits exploring Healthy Bodies, Healthy Earth and How It Works; live animals and the popular "FROGS"; the Living River & Touch Tank; and amazing traveling exhibits such as "TUTANKHAMUN: Wonderful Things From The Pharaoh's Tomb," running June 14-Dec. 31, 2014.

Teddy Roosevelt declared that this Italian Renaissance-style building was “the handsomest building I ever saw”. Indeed, the State Capitol, with its vaulted dome and grand staircase and the murals and painted floors inside, is thing to behold.

Genesius Theatre is a Performance Venue that specializes in Musical Theatre. The theatre doubles as a learning center for kids by providing 2-3 kids / teen performances and 4-6 week kids summer theatre camp every year. The "Genesius Difference" is the up-close atmosphere of the performances. We trust in the power of this inspiring & dynamic medium to transform the artists who create it, the audiences who enjoy it, and the patrons who support it.