Standing high above the meeting point of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, Fort Snelling is often called the most historic place in Minnesota—and for good reason. ✨ Established in 1820, this military outpost witnessed nearly every chapter of the state’s story, from early frontier life to the Civil War and beyond. Originally built to secure the U.S. presence in the Upper Midwest, Fort Snelling became a crossroads of cultures—home to soldiers, traders, enslaved people, and Dakota...
8 days ago • 1 min read
If you’re searching for one of Missouri’s most scenic drives, look no further than the southern section of Missouri Highway 19, which winds through the heart of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. This 42.3-mile stretch is known for its rolling “roller coaster hills,” crystal-clear springs, and colorful wildflowers that make every turn a feast for the eyes. 🌸🌿 The route passes through the Mark Twain National Forest, where dense woodlands and peaceful streams showcase the natural beauty of...
15 days ago • 1 min read
- It’s the Plaza Restaurant & Oyster Bar! 🦪🍽️ If you love great food served with a side of history, make sure to stop by The Plaza Restaurant & Oyster Bar in Thomasville, Georgia. Established in 1916, it holds the title of Georgia’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, serving up Southern hospitality and classic flavors for more than a century! 🕰️🌽 Located in southwest Georgia, Thomasville sits just 30 miles north of Tallahassee, Florida, making it an easy and scenic day trip for...
22 days ago • 1 min read
Or the most impressive bridge in any state you visit. Here’s something else to look for on your travels in the US. A publication called Love Exploring published an article highlighting each state’s most impressive bridge. Here’s a link to the article. I thought I’d mention the bridges I’ve seen or crossed in my travels and realized there are fifteen of them on the list! See a summary of a few of them below. And here’s a link to a post with details about those I have crossed or seen. Some are...
26 days ago • 1 min read
Are these stories folklore or are they real! Over the years since each National Park was founded, you’ll find hundreds of stories. I found these stories on Mental Floss, a website that has generally reliable articles for casual trivia and interesting facts. That implies fact-checking the stories to ensure multiple sources report the same story. But… who knows how much truth is in these stories about six legendary who haunt six national parks? What do you think? What have you heard? 1....
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
I attended the All Fifty States Club Annual Conference in Richmond, VA, this weekend. I met many “like-minded” people who love visiting all fifty states and sharing memories of their travels in the US. One of our speakers shared his experience of visiting all fifty states and reciting the Gettysburg Address in each one. Many who visited all fifty told us about their unique activities in each state. A common one is visiting all the state capitals. Some have visited every state three or four...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Did you know that only about 1% of Americans have visited all 50 states? There’s a club to help you if you want to take the challenge. It’s the All Fifty States Club. Here’s the link. You can sign up for the newsletter anytime. You can join if you’ve visited at least 35 states. You will become a full member when you reach all 50 or a continental member when visiting all of the Lower 48. Come on! Join the fun! Put all 50 on your bucket list now! By the way, there are no rules for how you visit...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Exploring California’s Scenic 17-Mile Drive 🚗🌊🌲 The 17-Mile Drive winds through the beautiful Monterey Peninsula, weaving past dramatic coastline views and the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links. ⛳🌅 It’s a private road with a fee of about $12 per car, but worth every penny. While you can complete the drive in about an hour, I recommend taking at least three hours to stop for photos, enjoy the scenery, and soak in the natural beauty. 📸✨ My wife and I recently returned from a week in...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
A a When people think of Hawaii, chances are they picture Waikīkī Beach—and for good reason! Located in Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu, Waikīkī is the most famous beach in the state and one of the most recognized in the world. 🌍✨ The series of “Best Beaches in Hawaii” I did a year or so ago didn’t include Waikiki. I always wondered why, as I thought, and have confirmed from several sources, it’s the most famous. So, here’s a bit about it! Once a retreat for Hawaiian royalty, Waikīkī became a...
2 months ago • 1 min read