Island Vacations recommends our guests visit The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum while they are here. Beach walks become more interesting once you know a little something about all those fabulous shells washing up on the shore. The displays include interactive touch tanks, shell craft displays, scientific and general shell knowledge for all to enjoy. They have a beautiful gift shop full of amazing items to remember your visit or purchase an item as a gift for those taking care of things for you back home. People find they transform from being a casual shell finder to a more focused shell collector once their knowledge level increases!
During the past year, Island Vacations has participated in several Adopt-A-Class events at the museum. These trips bring area school children to the museum where they learn about the mollusks that call local waters home. The students interact with the mollusks in the touch tank, learn about these fascinating ocean creatures from the marine biologists that work at the museum, and create a memory about their trip during the arts and crafts segment of the trip.
Island Vacations’ owner, Fran Peters, has been intrigued by shells since she was a little girl. Being able to expose children to the creatures that live in the Gulf waters surrounding their home is something she truly enjoys.
“Children are like sponges and if we teach them early about seashells, then perhaps they will follow in our footsteps and continue to give back to the museum when they are able,” said Fran Peters, Owner of Island Vacations.
For more information on hours, admission fees and programs for the public visit http://www.shellmuseum.org/.