Pioneer Museum of Alabama

Hey Everyone!

Today we’re going to be exploring the Pioneer Museum of Alabama. One of Troy’s more educational attractions, the museum is the state’s premiere pioneer heritage destination, and features a wide variety of cars, buildings, and various historical artifacts that are sure to delight and fascinate both young and old.

In this interview with museum director Barbara Tatom, we discuss just a couple of the things to do and see at the museum.

The Pioneer Museum is open Thursday through Saturday from
9am until 5pm. They are located on 248 Highway 231 North. Admission is $10 for
adults, $9 seniors, $8 for students and children under the age of $5 get in for
free!

The Pioneer Museum of Alabama is a Troy attraction you don’t
want to miss, and I highly recommend checking it out!

Happy Traveling!

Checklist for Traveling Troy

Welcome back!

As I look back on the past three month’s worth of blog posts I’m just now beginning to realize how many places and activities in Troy we’ve explored. However, I realize that reading about a place online is almost effortless, while exploring it yourself takes a lot of planning and preparation.

While I want everyone to go out and have fun in the great city of Troy, I also want my readers to be prepared! So here’s a list of must-haves for traveling in Troy, Alabama!

 

1.       Light, Breathable Clothing

Everyone who’s lived or traveled in the southeast knows how hot and humid it is the majority of the year. While our brief “winter” weather might necessitate a few more layers, most of the time you’re going to want to wear clothes that’ll be comfortable for 80+ degree weather! Athletic clothing like running shorts, tank tops and sports bras are ideal for the muggy conditions—especially if your destination is outdoors!

2.       Comfortable Shoes

Most of the places we’ve covered so far in this blog are areas that require a lot of walking. It’s safe to say that you’re going to want to leave the dress shoes at home and opt for sneakers or hiking sandals if you’re wanting to explore most of the places I’ve visited!

3.       Sunglasses

Stars fell on Alabama—and that includes the sun! We usually have wonderfully warm, sunny weather down here in Troy, so make sure to bring along a pair of sunglasses on your adventures to protect your eyes!

4.       Sunscreen/ Bug Spray

Speaking of protecting yourself from the sun, don’t forget to lather on the sunscreen, especially if you’re prone to burning easy! Additionally, our weather attracts critters of all kinds—especially mosquitoes, which can carry serious diseases. Make sure to top all that SPF off with a coating of bug spray to protect yourself!

5.       Water

All the sun combined with physical activity can dehydrate you! Make sure to bring some water along with you on your journey!

6.       Cash

I try to keep most of the places I visit in my blog free or budget-friendly, but it’s always great to keep some cash on you! a few places charge admission, and additionally if you’re wanting to stop and grab a bite to eat that will also cost money. Troy can be a little old-fashioned at times so having a $20 bill on you will never be a bad idea.

7.       Camera

Last but not least, make sure you bring your camera or phone with you to capture pictures of all your fun adventures!

Keep checking back for more blog posts!

Happy traveling!

Murphree Park

Hello again!

Today we will be exploring a peaceful area of Troy that a lot of people may not know about!

Murphree Park is the perfect place to go if you just need a quiet moment to yourself, you want to get some exercise or even host a birthday party or other event!

 

Murphree Park is Troy’s most historic park. Created in 1889 by Joel Murphree Sr., by the beginning of the 21^st century it was in dire need of repair. So, in 2001, The City of Troy, Troy Parks and Recreation, and several members of the community all came together to give the park a complete redesign and facelift!

 

The park is composed of several features. An 1,888 ft. walking trail sprawls around the park, which makes it the perfect place to get in some exercise while also enjoying the outdoors!

However, the park is not just for adults. It also features a large playground for children, so if you have little ones or perhaps regularly babysit, Murphree Park presents a great way for children to release some energy in a safe, beautiful environment.

It is important to mention two things that are not allowed at the park. If you are a smoker, the park is claimed as a smoke free area, so you will not be allowed to smoke on the premises. Additionally, no dogs of any kind are allowed at the park, so if you are planning on taking a trip Fido will have to sit this one out!

 

Murphree Park also features a large, covered Pavilion that is available to rent out by the public for special events! If you are interested in hosting a birthday party, concert or something else that you think the venue would be ideal for, you can contact Troy Parks and Recreation’s main office at (334) 566-4031 and reserve the Pavilion!

Murphree Park is located at 307 Murphree Street in Troy, Alabama. It is open every day from 8am until 6pm.

If you would like to contact someone for more information as well as renting out Murphree Park’s facilities, you can also email Troy Parks and Recreation at recreation@troyal.gov

Make sure to check back again next week when we will be exploring Troy’s Pioneer Museum!

Happy Traveling!

My (Spoiler-Free!) Interpretation of Jordan Peele's "Us"

The movie “Us” hit theatres a month ago and has already earned over $180 million at the box office. The latest horror film from Jordan Peele, the director of the Academy award-winning “Get Out” has definitely sparked discussion.

While Jordan Peele’s movies typically have themes and stunning symbolism, such as the way the movie “Get Out” addresses many racial issues, there are no definite answers to what Us’s theme is.

I personally interpret a theme of classism.* Gabe always seems to be trying to play catch-up with Josh, buying a boat thinking his friend who is already a boat owner will be impressed. Instead their conversation about it at the beach is Josh somewhat snobbishly dismissing Gabe’s purchase and even insulting his intellect. Peele makes it no secret that the Tyler’s have more than the Wilson’s, and I think Gabe’s constant goal of trying to catch up to them represents a problem America is currently facing, where material things are put on a pedestal. Gabe is so focused on his materialistic goals that he seemingly has no awareness of his wife’s deteriorating mental health. And while we might laugh at his cluelessness while Adelaide is trying to explain her fears, this theme of putting money and wealth first and ignoring the seriousness of mental health is also a problem commonly found in our country.

Even still, while the Wilson’s dwell on their problems. The Tethered would still rather take their place than continue living their underground lifestyle. Their red jumpsuits, while also an obvious homage to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” which is referenced in the film also symbolize confinement, and that they are not free to do whatever they want like their above-ground counterparts.

While some people may be disappointed that the movie did not address a specific issue, I believe that because of the elasticity of the film, Jordan Peele has ingeniously crafted a film that you can translate to have any meaning you want. I have my idea, but you can have yours too and they both make about as much sense. More importantly, it sparks discussion between two people of differing ideas, and maybe while talking we’ll be able to understand a different concept that we previously couldn’t grasp.

What themes did you pick up on from the film? Let’s start a discussion in the comments below!