While I have never been much of a jewelry person, I have always been interested in gems, minerals, and rocks in general. My dad was an avid rock enthusiast and so it was hard NOT to become interested in rocks myself. One of the gems (minerals) that has always fascinated me was turquoise. You can almost always spot turquoise throughout history due to its beautiful, distinct blue-green color. Egyptian pharaohs wore it (like King Tut’s Ceremonial Mask). Native Americans wore it and designed with it, as did many other cultures across the globe.

It’s no secret that I enjoy historical and boutique shops, so on a recent trip up I-29 I made a beeline for Palmer’s Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe (Palmer’s Old Time Candy Shop). While I have been here before and the shop is always a treat, it’s especially fun near the holidays. It’s also a great place to buy gifts, particularly if you love Twin Bings, like I do!

If you’re like me, you love to discover unexpected little gems when you travel, especially ones that are underrated or somewhat unknown. When you find a place like that, it feels sort of like you have opened a surprise birthday gift and are delighted. That was the way I felt when I visited the ESSE Purse Museum and Store!

One of the things I like most about travel is the surprises. This is a story of one of those chance encounters that became a surprise.

When I was in college I went to DC to visit a friend who was working as an intern. She was working during the day so I had five days to visit many of the museums. I remember visiting the National Gallery of Art and being both amazed and overwhelmed. But, that was the museum that prompted my curiosity about art and artists.

One of the things I like most about travel is the surprises. This is a story of one of those chance encounters that became a surprise.