Springfield, Illinois is a Midwestern city filled with historic houses. Being the hometown of the Abraham Lincoln family puts it squarely on the map of vacationers and history buffs alike. While some of the homes are available for tours, others can only be viewed from the outside. We found one that crossed the tourism-only line […]
Historic Break At Wm. Van’s Coffee House Read More »
Kansas City developed much like other large metropolitan areas. Its expansion often came from incorporating nearby towns and neighborhoods, as it pushed its borders out from the urban core. Some of these townships retained their identity, even as the city limits pushed beyond their borders. We find that each has its unique history and local
Couples Escape In Parkville, Missouri Read More »
For years, Crystal has wanted to visit the Great Smoky Mountains. In her youth, she passed through the region on a road trip, but had not visited as an adult. Being mountain lovers, we felt it was time to remedy this oversight. We were experiencing a warm September, as we headed off on our Smoky
Smoky Mountain Road Trip Part 1 – Rainy Days and Fun Days Read More »
While long vacations can be fun to plan, there are plenty of times we are just looking for a short getaway. Whether it’s a day trip or an overnight stay, taking an excursion to a close by destination can add an air of excitement to any weekend. With a drive from Kansas City that can
Eye Opening Discoveries In Fort Scott, Kansas Read More »
We feel that we are making a solid case for a couples visit to Parkville, Missouri. Of course, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a family-friendly location, as well. There are actually a variety of options for all ages to get active in downtown Parkville. Within a few block area we found about half a
Get Active In Downtown Parkville Read More »
If you have traveled to some of the touristy destinations you may have seen one of the unique structures that house Ripley’s Believe It or Not attractions worldwide. The outside of these oddity museums are designed to draw the attention of people passing by. What is found on the inside is just as unusual and
Oddities Galore At Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Read More »
We are always on the lookout for unusual sites when visiting a new destination. It is amazing what you can find when you dig deep enough into a city’s attraction. Fort Scott may seem like an unlikely place to learn about the worlds most unheralded heroes. A stop at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung
The Power of Positive Change – Unsung Heroes Read More »
A trip to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is an opportunity to get back to nature on a grand scale. Our visit required catching breaks between days of showers, which were coming from the remnants of a recent hurricane. By shifting our schedule around, we were able to enjoy a couple of days of
America’s Best Free Attraction – Cades Cove Read More »
When we planned our visit to Fort Scott, Kansas our itinerary included a variety of sites to see. The one site that had to be top of our list is the actual fort from where the city gets its name. One of a chain of forts built in the mid-1800’s, it was designed for keeping
Keeping The Peace Frontier Style – Fort Scott Read More »
It amazes us to see the trends repeat themselves over the years. Much like clothing styles that refresh every few decades, we are witnessing a resurgence of the smaller boutique style shops. For many years, the big box stores were pushing these locally owned businesses out of the way. These days you can find more
Looking At Parkville Shops With Fresh Eyes Read More »
Wherever we travel it is our goal to help showcase some of the local eateries. In most cities, we try to feature a cross-section of cuisines to allow our readers plenty of options. Most of the meal decisions are made long before our trip, so we can narrow down our destinations. Once in a while,
A Pancake Tour of Gatlinburg Read More »
Our visit to Main Street Parkville allowed us to sample a wide range of cuisine options. Within a few easily walk-able blocks, visitors can find anything from casual to refined elegance for dining choices. We wanted to sample every one of them, which meant we were in for quite the culinary adventure. We chose a
Cafe Des Amis Offers Intriguing Dishes Read More »
Tooling through the Appalachian Mountains is like stepping back in time. This well eroded mountain chain is one of the oldest on the planet and offers some amazing vistas. That is, when the mist and fog are not too heavy. Since our visit landed smack dab during the remnants of a hurricane, we altered our
Blue Ridge Parkway – The Road To The Top Read More »
It’s obvious from our travels that great food can be found just about everywhere. One of the things that elevate a good meal, to the status of great, is the atmosphere. You have probably found yourself enjoying a delicious meal in a location that felt cold and less than welcoming. While not every restaurant will
Crooner’s Lounge Hits The Mark Read More »
What is a couple to do when they need a break from their busy city life, but don’t want to take a road trip? Have you considered looking at options right in your own backyard? We did just that, when we spent a night at Main Street Inn in Parkville, Missouri. Taking a weekend night
A Couples Getaway At Main Street Inn Parkville Read More »
How many of you remember curling up with a copy of the Guinness Book of World Records? It was always amazing to read about the various accomplishments that could get you into this annual tome. As youths, we would daydream about becoming the next big record-setter in some odd or outlandish scheme. Little did we
Become A Record Setter At Guinness World Records Read More »
We never cease to be amazed at the history we find in each city we visit. It’s true that every place is filled with its own set of stories, and it is up to the visitor to seek them out. A trip to Fort Scott, Kansas provided an opportunity to learn more about one of
The Importance of Perseverance – Gordon Parks Read More »
Finding breakfast foods in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is about as easy as falling off of a log. It seems like every other restaurant is dishing up some country eats. With a day of Smoky Mountain hiking planned, we needed something that would stick with us and fuel our morning. Those early settlers in the region started
Frontier Food At Crockett’s 1875 Breakfast Camp Read More »
Let’s be honest, there are good and bad things that come with being travel bloggers. One of the best things is the opportunity to experience so many amazing cities throughout North America. While we will usually only stay for two or three days, we can pack a lot of fun in a little time. With
Spirit of New Orleans Read More »
Our travel blogging research sessions almost always only involves the two of us. When some new travel friends suggested joining us for a meal, we saw it as an opportunity to include them in one of our visits. It also gave me the idea of sharing with all of you what goes in to a
Shared Experience At KC Smoke Burgers Read More »
The Smoky Mountains are an area that has been on our travel radar for years. We have made visits to the Rocky and Ozark ranges, but the Appalachians have always been another trip away. When we finally made our way there, we wanted to experience as much as possible. Using Gatlinburg as a home base,
Climbing Clingmans Dome Read More »
It bears repeating that New Orleans is unlike any other city in the world. One of the biggest draws in The Big Easy is the French Quarter. In comprises just 78 square blocks, but in this small space are untold tales of wonder and amazement. It is filled with historic buildings constructed in the late
ABC’s Of The French Quarter Read More »
We have some readers who are very firm believers in not visiting chains of any kind. There is a misconception that has spread, because of some of the fast food chains. In our opinion, not all chains are bad. Sometimes you discover food that is so good, that you wish to enjoy it when you
Peace Of Pizza At Mellow Mushroom Read More »
World War II was fought on such an epic scale that it is hard to imagine a museum being capable of reflecting its magnitude. When we discovered that The National World War II Museum was located in New Orleans, we knew a visit was required. Little did we realize just how engrossing the exhibits would
The Cost Of Peace – The National World War II Museum Read More »
It’s time for a confession. With all of the restaurants we have visited and covered, there are still some cuisines that we have overlooked. A friend clued us in on a Thai restaurant that we have passed more times than we can count. The description of the food was so compelling, that we knew it
Thai Orchid Brings The Flavor Read More »
When we are traveling there are not a lot of sports moments to be had. Trying to balance an itinerary with 6 to 9 stops per day makes it difficult to “suit up” for a special game. That doesn’t mean we haven’t found ways to satisfy our competitive sides. Miniature golf is always on our
Mini-Golf Galore in Gatlinburg, Tennessee Read More »
New Orleans is a city that can easily drive a visitor to overindulge. While you may have just conjured up images of partying on Bourbon Street, we are actually referring to all of the amazing dining options. With an almost innumerable list of restaurants, diners, and eateries, this city dishes up an overload of flavors.
Food Envie In The French Quarter Read More »
A visit to the Smoky Mountains offers travelers so many options. While it is easy to get caught up with shopping, hiking, and climbing, don’t forget to save time to learn about the people of the Appalachians. Who would be more native than the first residents to the region? A visit to the Museum of
Museum of the Cherokee Indian – A Smoky Mountain Side Trip Read More »
There are a variety of destinations that celebrate Carnival every year. Each has its own flavor, but New Orleans is the location that comes to mind when you hear the term Mardi Gras. Made up of about 16 days of parades and parties, this annual event has been referred to as the “Greatest Free Show
Greatest Free Show On Earth – New Orleans Mardi Gras Read More »
We enjoy happening upon a new eatery, especially when it is found in conjunction with another visit. This was the case when we were stumbling upon Smitty’s Garage at 8811 State Line, in Kansas City, Missouri. Located in a new development, it joins a handful of other eateries that are new to the city. These
Stumbling Upon Smitty’s Garage Read More »
Vacationing in Gatlinburg, Tennessee means plenty of dining options. We wanted to sample a mix of cuisines, since variety is the spice of life. No Way Jose’s Cantina was our choice for Mexican cuisine, and its location was a perfect fit for our day. With a visit to Ripley’s Aquarium next on our itinerary, we
No Way Jose’s Cantina – A Cure For A Gloomy Day Read More »
There are moments in time that capture the attention of an entire nation, and even the world. When Hurricane Katrina assaulted the gulf coast, many of us were glued to the news as the tragedy unfolded. The devastation it brought was unimaginable, as the Crescent City took a share of the storm’s wrath. A visit
The Resilience Of New Orleans – The Presbytere Museum Read More »
Winter is one of our least favorite seasons. Sure the snow looks beautiful when it is newly fallen, but even that can become tedious with time. There comes a point that we just need to get out of town, even if only for the day. Fortunately, we have lots of great destinations nearby. A short
4 Fun Stops In Leavenworth, Kansas Read More »
When we were planning our Gatlinburg, Tennessee visit there were a few stops that had to be included on our itinerary. Reviewing their website, we easily saw 6 reasons to visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. We decided to block off at least 2 hours for a visit, and we knew that our love for
6 Reasons To Visit Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies Read More »
It’s hard to imagine that a market place has existed in New Orleans since 15 years after America claimed its independence. Ever since 1791, some form of market has resided just off the banks of the Mississippi River. It seems that almost every few decades would bring some type of change, but one thing stayed
5 Blocks Of Fun At The New Orleans French Market Read More »
Getting the opportunity to visit a place like the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum is like returning to the wonder years of our youth. There is something magical about taking a spin on a merry-go-round. For many of us, it was our first amusement ride, and one that is not discriminatory of age. The bright lights,
Taking a Spin at C. W. Parker Carousel Museum Read More »
Many of our trips include multiple day stays in new destinations. Sometimes, our travel plans only allow for a short visit, which means we need to make the most of our available time. During our Smoky Mountain trip, we were only allotted 24 Hours in Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. While it may not seem like much
24 Hours in Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee Read More »
No visit to New Orleans would be complete without seeing Jackson Square. This parklike setting is named for Andrew Jackson, who is considered one of the key heroes from the War of 1812. All around the square, you will find some of the oldest buildings in the city. To learn more about the early days
The Early Days of New Orleans At The Cabildo Read More »
History tells us how the railroad was key to Westward Expansion. The race to cross the continent is well documented. Afterwards, it was the railroads that moved people and goods around the nation. Pullman Place Family Restaurant honors this important mode of transportation by including railroad memorabilia in its decor. Located in downtown Leavenworth, Kansas,
Homestyle Eats At Pullman Place Family Restaurant Read More »
Businesses evolve over time, but the idea of good eats must remain a mainstay for them to be sustainable. The Tomato Head, in downtown Knoxville, is an example of a business that has embraced change. Located in the Market Square, this place is focusing on the food, and offers guests a variety of options to satisfy
Focusing On The Food At The Tomato Head Read More »
During our last trip to New Orleans, we made sure to set aside time to experience some of the historical sites in the French Quarter. The 1850 House is one of five museums organized by the Louisiana State Museum organization, in the Crescent City. While this attraction isn’t a specific family’s home, it is a
Life During Westward Expansion – New Orleans 1850 House Read More »
It amazes us when we visit a site that we have been so close to, for many years, but have never explored. The Frontier Army Museum, at Fort Leavenworth, is a prime example. Oh, we’ve been to Leavenworth plenty of times, and even quite a few on the Fort Leavenworth Army base. We just never
Frontier Army Museum – Discovering Our Past Read More »
Understanding the background of the people in a region helps us to better connect with the residents we meet during our trips. To get this information, we find that a visit to the local history museum is a great start. The East Tennessee History Center is located in downtown Knoxville. Inside, we found plenty of
East Tennessee History Museum -The Appalachian Connection Read More »
New Orleans exudes history, which can be found around almost every corner. A visit to the French Quarter opens up a new realm of ages old buildings filled with unexpected treasures. The Gumbo Shop is one of those locations that has stories to tell, if you just take the time to listen. With a menu
Gumbo Shop – New Orleans Dining Tradition Read More »
Leavenworth, Kansas is an easy day trip from our hometown of Kansas City. On an unseasonably warm winter day, we made our way to the “first city” in Kansas to see some new sights. A good day of exploring requires some fuel, which we found at Harbor Lights Coffeehouse & Cafe. After a short drive,
Harbor Lights Coffeehouse – A Local Haunt Read More »
Ice cream happens to be one of our favorite treats, so a visit to Cruze Farm Dairy was a welcome stop. Our “foodie” friends in Knoxville, Tennessee had clued us in on this downtown destination. The buzz focused around the farm fresh taste of their products. After our first dinner date in Market Square, we made
Farm Fresh Goodness At Cruze Farm Dairy Read More »
Strolling through the French Quarter, in New Orleans, you can happen upon some unusual sites. While many may be on the quirky side, the French Quarter Visitor Center was a pleasurable way to learn more about the area we were exploring. Tucked away in the notorious French Quarter, this space may be diminutive, but the
Jean Lafitte – New Orleans’ Unlikely Hero Read More »
Learning the history of a destination helps us better understand the principles on which it was founded. In Knoxville, we only had one day to gather all of the historical knowledge that we could absorb. A stop at McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture would certainly assist our endeavor. Located on the campus of
McClung Museum of Natural History – An Educational Museum For All Ages Read More »
On our first visit to the Crescent City, we had the pleasure of sampling Café Du Monde, which we consider a New Orleans staple. Our return coincided with the city’s 300th birthday, and we were ready to help them celebrate. This ages old restaurant has been serving up a simple menu since 1862. The original
Cafe Du Monde – A New Orleans Staple Read More »
This Kansas City winter has brought a rollercoaster of weather. Last weekend we were anticipating our second big snow in two weeks, which fortunately bypassed us. Even with the cold rain falling from the sky, we still planned a stop at Betty Rae’s Ice Cream to check out their treat menu. We had been seeing
Betty Rae’s Ice Cream Brings Smiles On A Cloudy Day Read More »