Kelly Murray

Kelly Murray is a multidisciplinary artist and writer whose diverse portfolio of work includes contributions in art, film, and creative writing. She holds a dual B.A. degree in English Literature and History from the University of Delaware. Her love of history, travel, and literature permeates her work.

Kelly has written professionally for 10+ years and has been published in a variety of lifestyle and travel publications including Delaware Business Magazine, Odyssa Magazine, and The WC Press. When she’s not writing, Kelly shifts her focus to the visual arts. She is currently a resident artist at Aston Mills Arts in Aston, PA where she creates landscape paintings and photography. Kelly is also an active member of the Philadelphia independent film community focusing on writing/directing narrative films, with a special interest in historical period dramas.

Kelly lives and works just outside of Philadelphia.

A Million Dollar Idea

This exquisite abode is the Villa Lewaro, a 34-room 20,000-square-foot home – built by the first female self-made millionaire in the U.S., a Black American woman named Madame C.J. Walker.

Groundbreakers

A Cinema Fit For A Cowboy

A well-loved landmark of Kanab, the Theater has continued the town’s tradition as a Hollywood destination – and the small theater has grown to screen first-run releases from major motion picture studios.

Adventurer Stories

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Congress Plaza Hotel

This 19th-century Hotel is home to 871 rooms -- and countless ghosts who roam its halls.

Dilgence to Doctorate

George McLaurin, OU's first African American student, studied in the mezzanine of the Bizzell Memorial Library while earning his doctorate, because he was not allowed in the Great Reading Room due to his race.

Groundbreakers

Lisbon, Portugal

Luvaria Ulisses

The Luvaria Ulisses glove shop has been creating custom gloves within its 4-square-meter store for more than a century.

Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Milburn House

Designed to resemble an ocean liner, this office block is located on one of the city's last remaining medieval-era streets.

Charleston, South Carolina, United States

Rainbow Row

Local lore suggests the pastel facade of Rainbow Row once helped drunken sailors find their way home.

Paris, France

Syndicat de L’Épicerie Française

This Art Nouveau building was once home to France's most powerful grocer's union.

Salzburg, Austria

Schloss Hellbrunn

This Austrian palace is celebrated for its fountains and water tricks.

Krasnodar, Russia

The Krasnodar State Historic and Archaeological Museum-Reserve of Felitsyn E.D.

This Museum goes on underwater archeological expeditions to gather artifacts for its exhibits.

Helsinki, Finland

Ihantola

Ihantola translates to “Wonderful Place” and oh, what a wonder it is!

South Tyrol, Italy

Alpe di Siusi

The Alpe di Siusi is the largest and highest alpine plateau in Europe.

Patagonia, Argentina

Laberinto Patagonia

The largest labyrinth in Argentina boasts nine entrances for visitors to enter its maze.

Silver Plume, Colorado, United States

Bread Bar

This bar is housed in a historic 19th century bakery.

AWA Visted Here

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Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Cuixmala

This Mexican resort was once the private mansion of British tycoon Sir James Goldsmith.

Torrey, Utah, United States

The Flute Shop

This motel is famed for handmade Native American-inspired wooden flutes sold in its gift shop.

Paros, Greece

Kimisis Theotokou

The colorful facade of this Greek church stands out among the traditionally blue and white buildings on the island of Paros.

Fresno, California, United States

Fresno Brewing Company

This all-brick building is the last remaining original structure of the Fresno Brewing Company.

Medina, Saudi Arabia

Dhu al-Hulayfah Mosque

This mosque is believed to be the location where Muhammed prepared for his peaceful pilgrimage to Mecca.

Subotica, Serbia

Raichle Palace

This Palace was built and owned by its architect, Ferenc Raichle.

Busan, South Korea

Yeongdo Lighthouse

This lighthouse is built near a forest once used for archery by an ancient king.

Cañon City, Colorado, United States

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Two railroad companies waged war to complete this historic rail line.

Cincinnati, Ohio, United States

Esquire Theater

This historic theater was almost turned into a fast food chain.

Olesa de Montserrat, Barcelona, Spain

Vador Bruixa

This custom residential home belonged to textile entrepreneur Salvador Ubach.

Bratislava, Slovakia

Old Town Hall

Three townhouses and a palace were combined to create this town hall.

Sagres, Portugal

Lighthouse of Cabo de São Vicente

This lighthouse is located on the most south-westerly point in Europe.

Vienna, Austria

MAK Museum

In 2014, the MAK Museum became the first museum to use bitcoin to acquire art.

London, United Kingdom

Somerset House

Originally built in 1547, this Palace was a centerpiece of the British monarchy during the Protestant Reformation.

Gothenburg, Sweden

The Garden Society of Gothenburg

The 19th century garden park was created after an amateur botanist convinced the King of Sweden to build it.

Medlow Bath, New South Wales, Australia

The Hydro Majestic Hotel

The Hydro Majestic Hotel was originally built as a hydropathic treatment center.

Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Linthorne Loft

The Linthorne Loft was the first residence in Bonavista to include a general store on the first floor.

Dysart et al, Ontario, Canada

Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve

The Reserve is home to the first sustainable forest in Canada.

Banda Aceh, Indonesia

Baiturrahman Grand Mosque

Completed in 1881, this mosque served as refuge during the 2004 earthquake and tsunami.

Langley, British Columbia, Canada

Fort Langley Community Hall

In 1924, the construction of this town hall was funded for a total of $137.13.

Kansas City, Missouri, United States

Paseo YMCA

A historic community center that served as the meeting place for the formation of the Negro National League.

Vashon, Washington, United States

Point Robinson Light

This historic lighthouse was saved from a land dispute in the 1990s.

Athens, Greece

Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens

Athens' largest church began construction on Christmas Day in 1842.

Los Angeles, California, United States

Hollywood Historic Hotel

This Hotel was designed by one of the most prolific movie theater architects of the 20th century.

Warsaw, Poland

Wilanów Palace

This royal palace was renovated in the 18th century by one of Poland's most powerful noblewomen.

Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art

This art museum is located in the former vacation home of billionaire tobacco heiress Doris Duke.

London, United Kingdom

Royal Courts of Justice

London's law courts are rife with superstition and rooms with mysterious origins.

Tokyo, Japan

Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine

Next to one of Tokyo's bustling train stations, this ancient Shinto shrine offers an oasis of tranquility.

Tallinn, Estonia

Kadriorg Palace

This palace was built by Peter the Great as a gift for his second wife Catherine.

Capannori, Italy

Villa Torrigiani

This Villa's history is entwined with a 16th century love story that could rival Romeo and Juliet.

Dornoch, Scotland

Skibo Castle

This medieval castle-turned-private club was once owned by a Scottish-American steel tycoon.

Cesenatico, Italy

Grand Hotel Cesenatico

This Hotel was financed by the inventor of the aseptic bandage.

Southwold, United Kingdom

Swan Hotel

The Swan Hotel, and the brewery behind it, has a 600 year history of brewing ale.

Kilternan, Ireland

Our Lady of the Wayside Church

This small Irish church has hosted more than 2,000 weddings.

Columbia, California, United States

Old Columbia Schoolhouse

California's first two-story brick schoolhouse.

Hamilton, New Zealand

Hot Air Balloon

It is tradition that each time a hot-air balloon lands, champagne is shared.

Nairn, Scotland

Cawdor Castle

In Macbeth, the Scottish king is referred to as the Thane of Cawdor, but his connection to this castle is rooted in fiction.

Bari, Italy

Teatro Petruzzelli

This theater was built thanks to two enterprising brothers.

Prague, Czech Republic

Star Summer Palace

This star-shaped villa is located in the middle of a hunting preserve.

New York, New York, United States

161 Duane Street

PSA: This building has *NOTHING* to do with our friends at Whalebone Magazine.

Beatenberg, Switzerland

Beatenberg – Niederhorn Cable Car

This Swiss Cable Car is located in a town with medieval origins - and an origin story that involves slaying a dragon.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts, United States

Days’ Cottages

A failed plan for a dream beach house led to the successful creation of Days' Cottages.

San Sebastián, Spain

Monte Igueldo Funicular Building

This station building serves the oldest funicular railway in the Basque country.

River Ranch, Florida, United States

Westgate River Ranch

Experience early American cowboy life at this Florida dude ranch.

Tallinn, Estonia

Toompea Castle

According to legend, the Toompea Castle sits on a hill created by hand by an ancient woman named Linda.

Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada

Christ Anglican Church

This lovely 19th-century church was built thanks to a land grant from a militia veteran of the War of 1812.

Lewes, Delaware, United States

Harbor of Refuge Light

Storms from the Atlantic sea have shaped the resilient history of the the Harbor of Refuge Light.

Presented with

Bucharest, Romania

Palace of the Parliament

Containing 1.5 billion pounds of steel and bronze, the Palace of Parliament is the heaviest building in the world.

Chiemsee, Germany

Schloss Herrenchiemsee

Explore this unfinished mansion on a secluded island in Germany's Lake Chiemsee.

Port Townsend, Washington, United States

Point Wilson Lighthouse

During WW1, an illustrious lightkeeper cultivated an abundant Victory Garden at this Washington state lighthouse.

Lincoln, United Kingdom

Lincoln Cathedral

This cathedral was once the tallest building in the world -- surpassing the Pyramids of Giza.

Belgrade, Serbia

Captain Miša’s Mansion

Once a royal residence, this Mansion now welcomes university students through its halls.

Fujikawaguchiko, Japan

Fuji Electric Railway

This Railway shares a surprising partnership with a railway across the world -- in Switzerland.

Magnisi Peninsula, Sicily, Italy

Magnisi Lighthouse

Situated next to ancient burial grounds has drawn grave robbers to this Sicilian lighthouse.

Cape May County, New Jersey, United States

Wildwood

Bill Haley and the Comets launched the hit single “Rock Around the Clock” from the stage of the Wildwood’s Hof Brau Hotel.

Port Said, Egypt

Port Said Ferry

This Egyptian city was built to accompany the digging of the Suez Canal.

Paris, France

Jardin des Tuileries

The first public park in Paris was once owned by a nine year old monarch.

Washington DC, United States

Fellows Building – Dumbarton Oaks

Intellectual debates and lively parties were enjoyed at this residence for Harvard research fellows.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The People’s Committee Building

This luxury hotel has been transformed into HoChiMinh City's city hall building.

Asbury Park, New Jersey, United States

Asbury Park Casino

A shipwreck on display once drew thousands of tourists to this iconic New Jersey beach.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Carpenters’ Hall

This assembly hall has played host to a slew of visitors from rebellious revolutionaries to notorious bank robbers.

Cappadocia, Turkey

Hot Air Balloon

Hop on a hot air balloon to explore this region's ancient villages carved in soft rock.

The Land Of Lighthouses

Twenty-seven mini lighthouses can be found on Lake Havasu.

Off the beaten path

Podersdorf am See, Austria

Podersdorf Lighthouse

One of three lighthouses in landlocked Austria.

Bangkok, Thailand

Siam Park City

A ride down the Park's Speed Slide is very much like gliding down a rainbow.

Dublin, Ireland

Boland Mills

This formidable factory building played a pivotal role in the Easter Rising of 1916.

Derbyshire, United Kingdom

Calke Abbey

This centuries-old estate has been home to a long line of eccentric noblemen, the Harpur Crewes.

New York, New York, United States

Katz’s Delicatessen

As New York City’s oldest active original Jewish deli, Katz’s is an unquestioned institution of both culinary and cultural influence.

AWA Visted Here

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Pécs, Hungary

City Hall

Since 1871, the melodies of the carillon in the bell tower of City Hall have rung out every hour on the hour, signaling the passing of time.

Nice, France

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice

Jules Chéret was painter and lithographer who had a widespread impact on the city and French culture and some may say he was the father of the modern poster.

Presented with

The Caring Curmudgeon Of Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill Books isn't here for your crap.

In The Details

Cape Town, South Africa

African Trading Port

This art gallery, nestled in one of the oldest working harbors in Cape Town, curates traditional art from all over Africa.

New York, New York, United States

McNally Jackson Books

After working in publishing for many years, Sarah McNally opened McNally Jackson Books in 2004.

Bruges, Belgium

Provinciaal Hof

Built in 1892, the Provinciaal Hof was formerly used for provincial government meetings in Bruges.

Hillah,Babil, Iraq

Ishtar Gate

Built in 575 BC, the Ishtar Gate was conceived as part of a grand processional way into the city of Babylon.

New York, New York, United States

FDNY Engine 55

Engine 55 was one of the first two fire companies to arrive at Ground Zero on 9/11.

Istanbul, Turkey

Dolmabahçe Palace

Situated on the banks of the Bosphorus Strait, the Dolmabahçe Palace is the former administrative center for the Ottoman Empire.

London, United Kingdom

Poplar Cottage

Built in 1695, Poplar Cottage is the last remaining weatherboard cottage in London's Charlton Village.

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Corpus Christi College

During the 14th century, the Bubonic Plague led to the founding of Corpus Christi College.

AWA Visted Here

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Batavia, Illinois, United States

Campana Factory

Opened two years before the Great Depression, the Campana Factory manufactured Italian Balm, a popular hand lotion.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Mount Pleasant

Situated on the banks of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, Mount Pleasant mansion hosted many leading figures of the American Revolution.

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Joseph Carroll Carriage House

The Joseph Carroll Carriage House is located among distinct mansions of New Orlean's Garden District.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Royal Palace of Cambodia

The Royal Palace of Cambodia has been the official residence to Cambodia's kings since 1866.

Ontario, Canada

The Delhi District German Home

Opened in 1950, the Dehli District German Home celebrates and preserves German tradition through events and gatherings.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amstel Hotel

The Amstel Hotel is the vision of Samuel Sarphati, a physician and politician who made major strides in public health during the 19th century.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Nyboder Mindestuer

Nyboder Mindestuer was created to house sailors of Denmark's Royal Danish Navy.

Val Veny, Italy

Rifugio Monte Bianco

Opened in 1953, the Rifugio Mont Bianco is a rest stop on the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Chipping Sodbury, United Kingdom

St. Lawrence Presbytery

The St. Lawrence Presbytery is located in a former 17th century coaching inn, a rest stop for travelers with horses.

Manchester, United Kingdom

Whitworth Art Gallery

Established in 1889, the Whitworth has steadily transformed itself over the decades to remain one of England’s preeminent art galleries.

London, United Kingdom

Annabel’s

Touted as the most famous nightclub in the world, Annabel's counts Mick Jagger, Jack Nicholson, and the Royal Family among its members.

Moscow, Russia

The Dutch House at the Kuskovo Estate

The Dutch House at Kuskovo Palace once hosted dinners for guests of Russian nobility during the height of the estate's popularity.

Washington DC, Washington DC, United States

Lincoln Theatre

One of the oldest movie theaters in DC, the Lincoln Theatre hosted silent films, vaudeville acts, and legendary jazz performers before being transformed into a movie theater.

AWA Visted Here

Presented with

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Suburban Station

Opened in 1930, Suburban Station is an underground station built to replace the above ground Broad Street Station.

The Art Deco Capital of the World

The inner city of Napier is now recognized as having one of the largest and most beautiful concentrations of Art Deco buildings in the world.

Architectural Wonders

Presented with

An Airborne Laboratory

Installed in 1999, the Ballon Generali is a tethered helium balloon that also tracks air quality in the skies of Paris.

Groundbreakers

Dublin, Texas, United States

Dublin Bottling Works

Established in 1891, this bottling factory in Texas was the first facility to produce Dr. Pepper.

The Fingerless Navigator

Honoring the legacy of Howard Blackburn.

History Lesson

New York, New York, United States

George F. Baker Jr. House

This impressive house was completed in 1931, but the intended resident, George Baker Sr., passed away before ever stepping foot inside. At the time of his death, he was the third richest man in the U.S., behind Henry Ford and John D. Rockefeller.

Odessa, Ukraine

Al Salam Mosque

The only monument to Islam in Odessa, the Al Salam Mosque and adjoining Arabian Culture Center are emblems of the long Muslim history of the Ukranian port city.