The post The Hidden Wonders of Rolling Hills Zoo appeared first on Our Changing Life.

The post Old Cowtown – A Step Back In Time appeared first on Our Changing Life.

The post Visiting Wisconsin Dells Without Getting Wet appeared first on Our Changing Life.

Atchison History

We took a short excursion from our hometown to explore the Atchison County Historical Museum. Although it was named for Missouri Senator David Atchison, a pro-slavery supporter, the city would break from that to back the Union during the war. In fact, Atchison would supply three militia companies. They also formed a ‘home guard’ designed to protect their homes from an invasion from Missouri. Rising to the challenge, they were able to suppress the raiding bands of thieves that roamed the edges of the frontier. When the nearby city of Lawrence was sacked, the citizens of Atchison raised $4000 to help out the stricken citizens.

Rail Dominance

Lying at the eastern edge of the Atchison, Topeka, Santa Fe rail line, the city’s growth was tied to that of the railroad. For many years, Atchison would vie with nearby Kansas City for dominance as a major rail hub. While its larger neighbor would eventually win out, this town along the bluffs would amass the businesses needed to guarantee their future. After the Civil War, the agricultural base of the surrounding region was an impetus for the construction of mills and grain elevators. The local foundries produced vital materials for the expansion of the railroad to the west.

Unequaled Talents

During the first part of the 20th Century, Atchison schools were a mixed bag. At Atchison High School, whites and blacks attended classes together. Until the 1950s, black students were not allowed to participate in extracurricular activities. Black students wanting to play sports would have to attend Lincoln School, which was segregated. While there were many restrictions placed on them, these students would still find success. The Lincoln Kittens rose to the challenge and won the state title in 1936 and 1945. Upon seeing the continued superiority of the Lincoln team, the Atchison High School coaches decided to integrate with the Kittens.

Prolific Poet

Music has been called the poetry of the air. This art form crosses all class levels and brings us together equally as fans. In the early 1900s, Jesse Stone was being raised at a music-filled home in Atchison. With a lack of entertainment venues for blacks, families were forced to entertain themselves. The Stone family excelled at this and little Jesse was a natural. By the age of five, he was performing in his family’s minstrel shows. By the time he turned 25, he had his own band and they cut their first record. During his career, he would write over 600 songs that would be performed by many famous artists. In 1992, he was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame.

A Master Rising to the Challenge

While each person is allotted their own struggles, it’s those that face them who have the best chance to succeed. It’s easy to fall prey to the woes of the world until you learn about someone who excelled at rising to the challenge. As we were exploring downtown Atchison, we happened upon a statue of ‘Little Will’ Boular. Stricken deaf at the age of four, he lost his legs to a train that he didn’t hear approaching. Not to be defeated, he became one of the greatest bricklayers of all time. He is even listed in Ripley’s Believe It or Not for laying 46,000 paving bricks in one eight-hour shift. So the next time you’re feeling like life’s got you down, just look at some of these Atchison heroes for inspiration.

The post Rising To The Challenge – Atchison History appeared first on Our Changing Life.

During our previous visit to Oklahoma City, we saw the construction work being done for the soon-to-be transit system. After experiencing the convenience of our hometown system, we hoped to have a chance to sample the OKC Streetcar. When a Route 66 road trip took us through the region, we found our opportunity. Working with Visit OKC, we planned a 24 hour stop in the heart of downtown.

We want to thank Visit OKC and the local businesses for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Beginning in Bricktown

Once we arrived, our first stop was in Bricktown. This entertainment venue is home to the American Banjo Museum, which was a stop we missed on our previous visit. Growing up on shows like Hee Haw, we had seen and heard plenty of picking and grinning. This was a chance to learn about the history of this unique instrument. You can imagine our surprise to find that the museum holds hundreds of banjos. It also tells the background of some familiar musicians.

Pops of Color

It seems that since beginning our travel blog, we have become more aware of all of the colorful landscapes that can be found in North America. This is especially the case for me since I spend a good deal of my time looking through a camera lens. Downtown Oklahoma City is filled with a myriad of colorful buildings, many of which are associated with the growing art community. We discovered that this expanding tribe of artisans is coloring a new downtown, and the OKC Streetcar is helping connect the dots.

Factory Obscura

Oklahoma City was the first destination where we made a return visit, since starting our blog. During our first visit, we had the pleasure of meeting Tabbi Burwell, from Visit OKC. She was such a great resource, that we couldn’t wait to see her again. This visit would offer a chance to meet Meg Cathey, who is on Tabbi’s staff. Working with the two of them, we were able to hammer out an itinerary that would include a nice cross-section of experiences. Knowing our desire to stay close to the downtown sector, they suggested we visit a brand new attraction called Factory Obscura.

This art-based collective was just kicking off during our visit, but we could already see that it would be a huge hit. Mix-Tape is the moniker that they have applied to their 6,000 square-foot experience. With a rotation of art installations, it’s hard to say what you will find there. During our visit, the piece was named The King’s Mouth. After removing our shoes, we crawled into the mouth and enjoyed a relaxing and unique audio-visual experience. We will certainly need to visit again just to see what new fun we find.

Let’s Do Lunch

Right across the street from our art experience is S&B’s Burger Joint. We had arranged to meet Tabbi and Meg for lunch at this eclectic rock & roll eatery. With a menu filled with namesake burgers, as well as some delectable sides, we knew it would be an amazing meal. Sure enough, we all picked unique choices, and I tossed in one of their over-the-top shakes. It may have been a lot of calories, but I knew we had a lot of walking in our future. As we dined, we took in the quirky and colorful vibe of this place.

A Friendly Face

During our visit in 2018, we had stayed in the Automobile Alley section of OKC. This strip is filled with historic buildings that housed car dealerships, as well as businesses that supported them. As we explored the area, we saw workers heavily concentrated on preparing the street for the OKC Streetcar, which was to come. We saw a few shops that were hanging on during this construction period and decided to check them out. We are so glad we did because it gave us a chance to meet Traci Walton.

Traci is the owner of Plenty Mercantile, which is such a cute shop. Filled with quirky gifts and artistic pieces, we found ourselves finding so many pieces we just couldn’t live without. It’s a good thing we travel by car since it allows for plenty of purchases. While shopping, we were introduced to Traci, and we had a long discussion about the changing landscape of downtown. When we returned in 2019, we had to drop by to see how she was doing. We were shocked that she would readily remember us, but it goes to show just how welcoming people are in the Central U.S.

Coloring a New Downtown

After a short chat at Plenty Mercantile, it was time to make our way to a nearby OKC Streetcar stop. As we walked up the street, I saw this brightly colored bison in a window. Being quite unabashed, I stepped in to ask if I could grab a photo of it. The staff was quite accommodating, and we chatted as I worked. Back outside, I joined up with Crystal to complete our walk to catch the next streetcar.

Colorful Colcord

We rode the OKC Streetcar back to where we had parked our car. It was late enough in the afternoon for us to check into our hotel, which was just a couple of blocks away. The Colcord Hotel is a boutique-style lodging option located in close proximity to Bricktown. We knew a return visit would be coming later, but for now, we wanted to check out the hotel.

After finding our room, we explored what we would later find out is OKC’s first skyscraper. At twelve stories tall, it must have been quite a sight when it was built in 1910. It has had multiple upgrades, but still contains much of its luxurious charm. With all of this exploring going on, we had worked up our appetites. Time to enjoy an amazing dinner at Flint Restaurant, which is located inside of the Colcord. Wow! This is what luxury dining is all about. Now to head out for more exploring.

Bring on Bricktown

From our hotel, it was a short walk to the heart of Bricktown. We made our way down to the river level, where we watched the tour boats passing by. All around us people were dining or enjoying drinks and conversation on outdoor patios. Our attention was directed to a group of people stepping into a local winery. We decided to follow them and made our way to Put A Cork In It. Inside we found a few groups enjoying tastings, so we thought that sounded like a good idea, as well.

John, the owner, showed us to a table and brought us sampling menus and a couple of glasses. A short conversation focused on determining our wine preferences. Fortunately, we both agree, for the most part, so John started bringing out some varieties for us to sample. there were some really good flavors going into our glasses, and each variety he served was slightly sweeter than the previous. Crystal and I thought the use of animal crackers to cleanse the palette between samples was quite clever and fun.

Rolling Into the Evening

With a slight buzz going, we thought it would be a good idea to grab some fresh air. Back to the riverwalk for some more sightseeing. A crowd was waiting in line to play miniature golf, so we decided to forego that activity and instead check out Hey Day. This bowling and arcade heavy attraction looked like a fun place to spend some time. Neither of us was in the mood to bowl, but we loved the use of color and lights in this space.

Colorful Competition

We moved up to the second floor, where we discovered a small arcade. We both knew that things were about to get competitive. A couple of rounds of racing allowed us to show off some skills. We went looking for air hockey but came up empty. No problem, our second favorite game is SkeeBall. Once again we found the use of lights and colors to add to the entertainment factor. I can’t remember who won, but I know that we both had a great time.

Calm Reflection

We departed Bricktown on the OKC Streetcar and watched as the city lights passed by. Riding the loop, we saw many of the familiar landmarks of downtown OKC, except now they took on an ethereal tone. While the streetcar made all of the expected stops, we found that most people seemed to have the same idea as us. We all sat in silence and just took in the night scenes.

During our first visit, we toured the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. This memorial had left quite an impression on us. While the horrific event that occurred there will never be forgotten, neither will the survivor spirit of those that came to the rescue of their neighbors. When the OKC Streetcar stopped nearby this spot, we decided to step off for another view. As we made our way through this space the stillness of the night surrounded us. It definitely added a new level of solemness to this site.

Coloring a New Day

We strolled back to our hotel, which was only about four blocks away. Our busy day was catching up with us, and we were ready to catch a good night’s sleep. The next morning we had planned to have breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Having the OKC Streetcar right outside the hotel’s front door was certainly handy. Four short blocks away we arrived at Kitchen 324. This downtown dining experience was hopping with business. With a menu full of amazing eats and delectable treats, it was no surprise.

OKC Streetcar

After breakfast was our last opportunity to ride the OKC Streetcar. Back at our hotel, we packed up for our return to Kansas City. We still had a couple of stops in Oklahoma City, but these would take us out of the downtown region. As we waited for the valet to retrieve our car, we took another look around the area. A passing streetcar confirmed that this transportation option is coloring a new downtown in Oklahoma City. If you haven’t visited downtown OKC in a while, perhaps it’s time to plan your next getaway. There is so much to see and do, and they have the streetcars to help get around downtown.

The post OKC Streetcar – Coloring A New Downtown appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Travel Dubuque and the local businesses for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are ours.

Howdy Partner!

A big part of a successful blogging trip includes establishing a working relationship with the local tourism bureau. Travel Dubuque helped us identify key destinations, that would be a perfect fit for our audience. After a quick stop at their downtown location, we had all of the information we needed for a successful visit. Always remember to check out the local visitors’ center for brochures, tips, and even coupons for local businesses.

Iowa’s First City

As we began to explore Dubuque sights, we discovered that it is not just the oldest city in Iowa. In fact, it is one of the oldest settlements west of the Mississippi River. This river city was built by hard-working immigrants, who came to the region in search of a better life. While early commerce focused on mining, the city would later become an industrial mecca. Some of the main industries were logging, mill-work, meat packing, and even button making. We found out that this particular industry derived from the mother-of-pearl that was harvested from shells gathered from the nearby river.

Getting Back to Nature

Since the best way to discover Dubuque history is from the beginning, it just makes sense that we head to the Mines of Spain. This area was originally inhabited by the Mesquakie tribe. Evidence shows that they were working lead mines prior to the Revolutionary War. They also dealt with fur trading with French trappers who visited the region. The area is covered with hiking trails and offers a chance to get back to nature. A visit to the Mines of Spain also brings with it plenty of amazing views from the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. While we were in the neighborhood, we decided to add a visit to Crystal Lake Cave. This spelunking venue was accidentally discovered by a lead miner in 1868. A brief history of the cave can be found in one of our previous articles, along with some photos from the underground. (Explore the cave here.)

Bird’s Eye View

Now that we had explored the underground world on which Dubuque lies, it was time to see it from a different perspective. A visit to the Fenelon Place Elevator offers an opportunity for a historic ride up the bluffs. Touted as the “World’s Shortest Railway”, we found that it is extremely popular with locals and visitors alike.  We have to say that the views found above are fantastic. From the top, we could see out across the downtown area and over the Mississippi River Valley. You definitely want to include this stop on your itinerary. (Take a ride here.)

A River Runs Through

With all of these wonderful views of the water, it was time to get a little closer perspective. A visit to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium would give us an inside view of our nation’s waterways. This Smithsonian affiliate complex is filled to the gills with exhibits and artifacts. Be sure to block off some extra time, so that you can explore all of the buildings, as well as the extra exhibits out back. (Explore the River Museum here.)

Slowing Our Pace

With all of this running around, we needed a chance to slow down for a bit. A visit to the Dubuque Botanical Gardens was the perfect solution. This volunteer-run attraction offers tranquil settings and peaceful places to relax. During our time there, we noticed others must have had the same idea. We even saw some local artists painting landscape scenes in the gardens. (Take a walk through the gardens here.)

Historic Lodging

Speaking of getting some rest, let’s discuss finding the perfect overnight lodging location. Hotel Julien was a great solution, as it allowed us to stay right in the heart of all the fun. This historic hotel has been the temporary dwelling of some big names, through the years. As we explored the spaces, we imagined that we were walking in the same steps as Abraham Lincoln and Al Capone. We were beginning to discover that Dubuque has been a hot spot for visitors for decades. It was definitely an experience that we will remember. (Explore Hotel Julien here.)

A Fresh Start

While breakfast at the Hotel Julien was a convenient way to start the day, we also wanted to sample the local flavors of the Millwork District. Located near the downtown, it is an area that is seeing a flurry of revitalization, much as we have found in other downtowns. We visited this cute coffee shop, which offers a tranquil, relaxed way to ease into the day. Inspire Cafe is certainly well named, as it inspired us to discover Dubuque districts outside of downtown.

A Nod to the King

The task of researching potential itinerary stops allows us to envision the flavor of a new destination. What that can often lead to, is the struggle with paring down our choices that can be visited in the time allowed. This really comes out when the subject is dining. It never fails that we find tons of interesting eateries, but we can only eat so many meals. When we found a spot that offers a PB&J burger, at 1st & Main, well it jumped up to the “must try” list. (Check out 1st & Main here.)

Cutting Edge

We always look for at least one stop that is on the cutting edge of the local social scene. In Dubuque, we chose L. May Eatery, and we were not disappointed. The locals flock to this urban eatery for cocktails, consumables, and conversation. Located in the heart of downtown, it offers indoor and outdoor seating options. We would soon discover Dubuque is a great choice for people watching. (Step inside L. May here.)

One of the Family

Since we had the people watching spot covered, we wanted to find a dining option that brought some comfort food to the table. When we spotted Vinny Vanucchi’s, it immediately caught our attention. The idea of dining in a family atmosphere should elevate comfort to the highest level. When we arrived, it went well beyond dining with family and ended up feeling like they adopted us into their clan.  (Check out Vinny’s here.)

It’s the People

Speaking of family, we found the most amazing chocolate maker, while exploring Dubuque, Iowa. Betty Jane has been a Dubuque landmark for many years. When it changed hands, some people were worried that the original recipes would be replaced. No worries here, the new owners have focused their energy on making the brand recognizable worldwide. After some taste testing, we knew that their sweet treats were too good to be kept a Dubuque secret. Besides, the new owners are amazingly friendly folk, that welcome the chance to show off some Iowa products. (Read more about Betty Jane here.)

Farewell for Now!

Our visit had allowed us to discover Dubuque treasures, that are fun for all ages. With all of these memories in the bag, it was time for us to make our return to our hometown. As we made our last trip through the downtown, we took the last chance to check out all of the cool wall murals. Our time in Iowa’s first city had opened our eyes to a wide variety of entertainment and dining options. We didn’t get to see all of the places we had researched, but we were happy to have an opportunity to savor a taste of Dubuque. Which of these stops would you add to your vacation itinerary?

The post Discover Dubuque – Iowa’s First City appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and the Amarillo Botanical Gardens for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Growing the High Plains

The first gardening club was organized in Amarillo, Texas in 1929. Some probably doubted the ability to cultivate delicate plants in the high plains region. After all, this area is known for some of the toughest conditions in the country. Drought, bright sunlight, and stiff winds can challenge even native vegetation. It took determination, and plenty of amended soil, to succeed. As the ladies of this group gained experience, they were able to implement various city beautification projects.

Bring it Together

Over the years, the city would grow to include 13 garden clubs, each doing diligent work in their respective areas. In 1954, they banded together to form the Garden Center, which would help add synergy to their efforts. After many years of fundraising, they moved into their new home in 1968. With plenty of space to fill, it took lots of cuttings to fill the gardens. Of course, many of the original plantings were offshoots of plants that the members brought from their own homes.

Tranquil Setting

Over the years, the gardens took shape, and the name would eventually change to the Amarillo Botanical Gardens. As with most growing enterprises, expansion has taken place at the gardens. A tropical conservatory is a focal point the visitors see as the approach. The large indoor atrium is packed full of tropical examples, as well as a family of ducks. The lush vegetation and calming sound of a waterfall make this a relaxing space to explore.

At the Water’s Edge

As we made our way through the gardens, we saw other groups enjoying the spaces. A butterfly garden looked very entertaining to some children, who’s parents watched from a shady spot nearby. Following the path through the park-like setting, we came upon a Japanese Garden area. Water spilled over boulders that sat along the edge of a small pond. Lilies opened their beautiful blooms in the mid-day sunshine. We could feel our hurried pace subsiding.

Have a Seat

A nearby pavilion offered seating out of the warm sunshine. Relaxing for a bit, was bringing us peace in the panhandle. We just sat and listened to the rushing water and birds singing in the nearby trees. Even though our next stop would eventually be calling, for now we were wrapped up in these moments.

Fall in Love with the High Plains

After a few moments of rest, we resumed our exploration of the gardens. Just a few steps away from our resting stop, we moved into a new section of the park. Here we found more seating options, where we could view plants more suited for the challenging environment of the high plains. Everything seemed so lush and vibrant. It was clear that even in this formidable landscape, beauty can not only survive, but thrive.

Peace in the Panhandle

Our time to move along was quickly approaching, but we still needed a few more minutes to recharge. The tranquility of the gardens was washing away our need to rush. All of the surrounding beauty was allowing us to gain peace in the Panhandle. We knew from our visit to the Alibates Flint Quarries, that there were plenty of native flowers that exist in the high plains. (You can read about Alibates here.) As we rested in the shade, at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens, it became clear that with a little love many non-native plants can also thrive. This gave us hope for our own yard, so many miles away. Perhaps some of these high plains natives would enjoy a home in lower elevations. Do you like to incorporate plants from other regions in your landscape?

Sharing is Caring!

The post Peace In The Panhandle – Amarillo Botanical Gardens appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit Lindsborg and all of the local businesses for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Our First Taste of Lindsborg

With Lindsborg being so close to our hometown, we decided to start our visit on a Friday evening. Crystal had the car all packed for a hasty departure after work. After a pleasant drive through the Flint Hills, we arrived just in time for dinner. Located in the heart of downtown, we stopped in Farley’s Bar & Grill. As soon as we walked through the door, we knew we were in a local hot spot. The place was packed with people socializing over dinner and drinks. Even with a wait, there was no way we were going to pass this place up. It ended up being a perfect “first taste’ of Lindsborg.

A Real Home Away From Home

With our bellies full, we were ready to unwind for the night. Our lodging was arranged at a local AirBnB called Lavendel House. Our host, Mark Galloway, happened to be there when we arrived. He showed us around our “home away from home”, which is a four-bedroom farm-style house. It certainly was much larger than we would need, but we appreciated the hospitality. This place even has a tree-house loft, which Mark was in the process of completing. When finished, it will make for a cute little couple’s escape destination on the edge of Little Sweden USA.

Decisions, Decisions!

With a full day of exploring on the horizon, it was time to crash for the night. The Lavendel House had plenty of sleeping options and would be perfect for a big family. With a full kitchen and even a large family room to watch TV, it made for a good home base. By the way, we opted not to sleep in the bunk beds. After a refreshing night’s sleep, it was time to get our Saturday started. Our itinerary was packed with sights all through the town. Lindsborg is home to around 3500 residents, but the number swells significantly during the school season, with the arrival of Bethany College students.

Re-purposed Restaurant

During the summer, you may find the numbers larger from an influx of tourists. When we arrived downtown, we found a car show set up on the main drag. We took a quick peek at a few, before heading into Blacksmith Coffee for breakfast. We love exploring spaces that have had a new breath of life brought to them. This building once served as one of the town’s blacksmith shops. To this day, you can still find signs of the previous use scattered around the space. With our coffee fix taken care of, it was time to move along. (Read more about Blacksmith Coffee here.)

Swedish Tradition

What would a visit to Little Sweden be without a stop at Hemlöjd? This cute shop has been a staple of Main Street since 1984. Once inside, we found it filled with colorful items that can be immediately associated with the Scandinavian culture. Their name means handicraft, which is appropriate when you see all of the interesting pieces. The ones that caught our eye were the Dala horses. It is a well-known Swedish souvenir, and we just couldn’t leave the store without picking one up for our home office. (Read more about Hemslöjd here.)

Take a Walk

Lindsborg is a perfect place for pedestrian visitors. The landscape is relatively flat, so it’s also popular with bicyclists. Our friends at the Visitors Bureau clued us in on the Välkommen Trail. (The word means welcome.) This 3.25-mile trail was developed from an abandoned railway path. It cuts right through the middle of town and has a collection of informational boards scattered along the way. It gave us a chance to learn more about the history and culture of the people of Little Sweden USA.

Milling Around

After a delightful stroll on the trail, we ended up near the southern end. From here, we could see our next stop, at the Old Mill Museum. Wherever we travel, we love immersing ourselves in the history of the destination. At the Old Mill Museum complex, we were able to see a broad spectrum of historical artifacts. The namesake mill is open to visitors but only runs for special events. There is also a historical museum, as well as a grouping of buildings across the street. This portion of the complex is called Heritage Square and includes the Swedish Pavilion built for the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. So much to see here, that you will want to set aside plenty of time for exploring. (Read more about the Museum Complex here.)

Russian Connection

Another pleasant walk led us back into the downtown portion of Little Sweden USA. Since we were visiting in late July, we were ready to quench our thirsts, as well as our growing hunger. What better place than Ol Stuga, which translates to the alehouse. Stepping through the door, we were greeted by a gathering of locals. This bar and grill are not just known for their ice-cold drinks, they also serve up a historic dish. While we waited for our meals, I did a little exploring around the space. You can imagine my surprise when I found out that Mikhail Gorbachev had visited this place.(Read more about Ol’ Stuga here.)

A Little Retail Therapy

With our late lunch complete, we were ready to check out some more of the downtown shops. Little Sweden USA draws quite a few visitors from around the world. While we were there, we saw a busload of tourists wandering around the downtown. This has helped maintain a good variety of boutique-style shops in Lindsborg. We wandered through stores that offer apparel, handbags, toys, and home furnishings. We even dropped by a fair trade shop that features items made by artisans from around the world.

A Stitch in Time

Stepping through the door of The Ivory Thimble, we found an interesting mix of apparel and accessories. We also discovered that this is the shop of the lady who produces many of the costumes for the local theater productions. As we looked around, we saw hints of what was to come during our evening entertainment. We knew the name of the show, but really very little else. For now, we were getting clues of what it may involve.

An Evening Under the Stars

Dinnertime was drawing nigh, so we ran over to The Brickhouse Grill for one of their delectable pizza pies. The visitor’s bureau had arranged for us a wonderful “date night”, which included dinner and live performance. As we were leaving our dinner destination, we noticed a local grocer next door. Inside, we found some Swedish sweet treats to share later in the evening. Now it was time to head to the park. Lindsborg has an active theater troupe, which puts on a live performance each year. We joined our host, and her daughters, for an evening of frivolity. (Read more about our date night here.)

Coffee for the Road

Our evening’s show had kept us out late, but it was well worth it. The next morning, we packed up our car in preparation for more travel. Before we departed Little Sweden USA, there was still one more stop. Breakfast and coffee are imperative for a good start, so we stopped in The White Peacock. This coffee shop serves some interesting dishes for breakfast and lunch. I sampled their Swedish Pancakes, which include lingonberries. This tangy Swedish berry adds a layer of flavor to the crepe-like cakes.

Little Sweden USA

Our time in Lindsborg was short, but we packed it full of entertaining attractions. This central Kansas city is a great destination for Kansas explorers and is perfect for a weekend excursion. You will want to visit their tourism site for more places to check out. (Find it here.) You may also want to consider visiting one of their many annual events. You will find something for just about everybody in the culturally rich destination. Who knows, you might just come home with your own Dala horse. (You can read our Travel Kansas article about this trip here.)

Share with Kansas Explorers!

The post Calling Kansas Explorers – Check Out Little Sweden USA appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit Kenosha and the Kenosha museums for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Traveling Through Time

Being so close to the lake, the land is relatively flat, so walking is a breeze. Most of our travels, in Kenosha were done by this method. As we were walking, we saw one of the city’s restored streetcars pass by. We knew immediately that we had to hop a ride on one. With a low $1 per ride cost, ($3.50 for all day pass) it’s an affordable way to see the downtown from a different perspective. The beautifully restored electric cars travel on a 2-mile loop that runs from the lake shore to the train station. We loved the nostalgic feel, and it is a popular attraction with kids, as well.

We started off at the Dinosaur Discovery Center, which offers an interesting perspective. This museum may not be huge, but it has a nice collection of specimens. The focus of the exhibits is exploring the connection between dinosaurs and birds. When viewing the skeletons of large predators, like the T-Rex, it can be easy to forget the connection to the winged creatures we see all around us today. While our scheduled time was limited at this location, I was not passing up an opportunity to capture plenty of images from this place. Now that we had a small taste of dinosaurs, we were eager for more. Time to move closer to Lake Michigan.

The Earliest Days

Once we reached the Kenosha Public Museum, it was time to get down to more discovery. Here we would have a chance to learn the historical background of this Upper Midwest city, and the surrounding region. As we passed through the time line of prehistoric history in Michigan, we learned about the changing landscape. Long ago the land was covered in water, as part of a huge seabed. This wasn’t limited to Michigan, as it was actually most of North America. Strange creatures patrolled the murky depths, seeking prey for sustenance. Fossils even show that there were coral reefs located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Putting Some Skin on Them Bones

As the waters receded, dry land became more abundant. Millions of years passed, but the days of the dinosaur finally dawned. While there are few dinosaur remains found in this area, it is almost a certainty that they patrolled the land looking for food. Traveling through time, with the aid of the exhibits, showed us how the ever changing landscape became what we see today. We enjoyed the addition of a few dinosaur models, that showed what they may have looked like with skin. Sometimes it can be difficult to imagine the finer details of these mysterious creatures by only seeing their skeletons.

Changing Landscape

Moving through the museum, we started traveling through time again. Our next stop brought us to the Ice Age, where glaciers covered the upper portion of North America. Over thousands of years, these glaciers advanced and retreated, carving out the spaces that would become the Great Lakes. When we looked out over the shore of Lake Michigan, it was hard to imagine an ice sheet so large that it covered farther than the eyes could see. Of course, the glaciers also created some unique landscape features, by dragging boulders and debris along their path.

Hunting Mammoths

Continuing forward in time, we came to the period where humans were inhabiting the lands in and around modern day Kenosha. A key discovery, in 1964, was made in a nearby farm. Portions of a tusk and hip bone, from a Woolly Mammoth, would eventually lead to uncovering even more. It wasn’t until the early 1990s, that the real importance was made about this discovery. Small marks on the hip bone suggested the use of tools. After an in-depth excavation of the original site, a nearly complete skeleton was uncovered. The scientists had uncovered the oldest known mammoth that was butchered by humans west of the Mississippi River.

Living Off the Land

The next series of exhibits had us traveling through time to the point where many of the native American tribes had established semi-permanent homes in the region. A combination of farming, fishing, and hunting provided the food for these communities. It was the Potawatomi tribe that originally named the are Kenozia, which means “place of the pike”. The nearby rivers were home to thousands of fish that migrated upstream from Lake Michigan. This ever-flowing supply of food attracted the attention of the early trappers, as well.

Bringing the Past to Life

An old path existed between what is now Chicago and Green bay. Known to the native tribes as the Jambeau Trail, it was formed by the receding glaciers. Used by the natives, as well as trappers and traders, it was named for the French settler, Jaques Vieres. He established a trading post at nearby Skunk Grove, which served the inhabitants of the region. The Kenosha Public Museum even has a small trading post located inside of the museum. Here we could see some merchandise that would have been found in those days. As interest in the area escalated, settlers began arriving from the east. By 1833, the majority of the Native Indian tribes had ceded their lands and moved west.

Back to the Present

We wrapped up our explorations on the first floor and made our way upstairs. Here we discovered exhibits that focused on the world as it exists today. A series of displays allow guests to explore the six localized ecosystems, that mimic those found around the globe. This area includes some interesting interactive exhibits. Visitors can play games designed to see how animals and humans find food and water. Videos show scientists doing in-field research. We also saw short videos that explain how we could make a positive impact on our planet.

Loving the Low Cost Attractions

We were enjoying exploring Kenosha, Wisconsin and its assortment of low cost entertaining attractions. In one afternoon, we were able to visit two free museums, as well as take a ride on a historic streetcar. There was still time for us to stroll along the art-lined walkway that runs along the lakefront. All of these options are enjoyable for all ages, so perfect for a family vacation. With the sound of gulls squawking in the background, we paused for a quick selfie in front of the museum. Our time in Kenosha was showing us that Wisconsin would clearly need to be explored in greater detail. For now, we were happy soaking up this lake city’s atmosphere. How many of you are dino-fans?

The post Traveling Through Time At Kenosha’s History Museums appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit Springfield, Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery, and Springfield Walks for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Preparing for Parting

We had packed so many exciting stops in our visit, but we always feel a little sad knowing it is almost over. With so much to see and do, there was no way we could possibly cover it in our allotted time. Having this opportunity to visit so many sites associated with Abraham Lincoln had been a dream of mine. Being an amateur Civil War buff, this was almost a pilgrimage. One of the things that made this visit so special, was the proximity of all of the attractions to the downtown area. With our lodging nearby, we had spent almost the entire three days traveling by foot. With just hours left in our schedule, we were ready for some more walking.

Dining in the Shadow of History

From the old capitol building, where the Lincoln family statues reside, we made our way along the old Route 66 path. Our dinner destination was only about four blocks away, so we arrived in five minutes. Obed’s & Isaac’s Microbrewery is just a block away from the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, which we had already visited once. We arrived for an early dinner, since we had plans for later that evening. This relaxed eatery is actually quite family-friendly, with the bar area separated from an assortment of dining rooms.

Protein Packed Portion

This restaurant was one that I had done quite a bit of research on, so we were well prepared for our visit. Being early, service was running super fast, and soon we were ready to begin our meal. Crystal was in the mood to eat light, so she ordered the Cobb Salad. Little did she know, their version loads up a heaping helping of ingredients. A bed of leafy greens is topped with piles of tomato, egg, shredded carrots, Apple-wood smoked bacon, blue cheese crumbles, and grilled chicken breast. A cup of guacamole accompanies the salad dressing of choice. She soon discovered that her order was enough for a couple of people to enjoy.

Springfield Classic

During our stay in Springfield, we often were asked if we had tried the city’s signature dish. Our evening of horseshoes and ghost tales wouldn’t be complete without sampling this unique creation. The dish is basically an open faced sandwich, but with a twist. When we tried to investigate the origin of this treat, we found an assortment of stories. The one we heard most often revolves around a dishwasher at a local hotel. The original was served in a shape that resembled a horseshoe, thus the colorful name. Whatever the true beginning was, we were determined to sample this local specialty.

Old Dish with a New Twist

Obed & Isaac’s allows guests to take a little liberty from the original dish. The base is still a couple pieces of bread, but they offer a selection of meats to choose from. I chose corned beef, since I felt it would best compliment my hard cider. Once the meat is piled on, the secret cheese sauce is ladled over this base. A hearty helping of French fries garnish the top. The dish is certainly carb and protein heavy, but I knew we would be doing some more walking later that evening. As I worked on the dish, it soon became apparent that I wouldn’t finish, and this was a half order. Keep that in mind when you place your order.

Take a Walk

Let’s be honest, we waddled out of the restaurant and made our way back down to the old State Capitol building. In the shadow of the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, we assembled for the evening’s entertainment. Springfield Walks offers a variety of tours that cover this historic city. Our selection was the Lincoln’s Ghost Walk. It is a 90-minute walking tour that would lead us back down to the Lincoln Home. This began with a short introduction to the history of Lincoln and his family. Many of the short stories were ones I had read about, but there are a few that were new for me.

Ghostly Tales

We made our way along 7th Street, and paused for a stop at the First Presbyterian Church. This was Lincoln’s church and you can still see the pew where the family sat. Of course, this is only available during tour times on Mondays and Wednesdays. Just a couple more blocks and we found ourselves in front of the Lincoln home. Since we had already toured the house, it would be interesting to hear some of the eerie stories that accompanied it. (You can read about the house here.) With an air of mystery and intrigue, our guide assembled us for the main presentation.

An Evening of Horseshoes and Ghost Tales

His animated storytelling entertained young and old alike. We heard stories about Mary Lincoln’s White House seances, as well as tales of her misery at the loss of her family members. Plenty of detail was given to the stories revolving around the skulduggery that took place at Lincoln’s Tomb. Some of these we had learned while visiting the tomb earlier in our trip. (You can read about that visit here.) As the darkness grew around us, our guide continued his tales of intrigue and mystery. Too soon, the time passed and we were making our way back toward our hotel. We took this opportunity to stroll once more through the historic downtown. As we passed the Lincoln family statues, we could almost hear the boys calling out to heir parents. Our evening of horseshoes and ghost tales was the perfect way to cap off a visit to Springfield, Illinois. We hope you find this Midwestern city as appealing as we did, and make your own plans to visit.

The post An Evening of Horseshoes and Ghost Tales appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit Kenosha and Stella Hotel for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Embracing the Past

The Stella Hotel & Ballroom is certainly a beauty to behold. The lobby is a welcoming space that beckons visitors to relax for a bit. Throughout the hotel we found reconditioned wood and terrazzo flooring. The retro wallpaper patterns speak of days long ago. In places, we could see the exposed brick and support beams that are the bones of the building. We had a chance to check out the ballroom, which was being prepared for a wedding. The huge space has an air of elegance that reminded us of the early 1900s.

First Impressions

With 80 rooms to choose from, we were lodged in one of their Heritage Suites. Complete with a living room, separate bedroom, and oversized bathroom, this would be the perfect spot for any weekend getaway. A small wet bar offered us a fridge to keep our local purchases cool (We love chocolate!), as well as a Keurig to get us going in the morning. With TVs in the living room and bedroom, as well as WiFi, we were easily able to stay connected to the world.  The muted colors were accented by the small splashes of color and interesting light fixtures. It was obvious that a lot of attention had been put into the redesign of this place.

Fun and Games

Our exploration uncovered more unique amenities inside the Stella Hotel & Ballroom. An exercise room offers space to burn off some of the calories we take in at all of the local eateries, like Frank’s Diner just a couple of blocks away. (You can see the plates at Frank’s here.) Nearby, we located a game room filled with over-size versions of some classics. It looks like the perfect place to have family game night or just a friendly couple’s competition. We love boutique style lodging destinations, since they will usually have a laundry list of amenities. If we had not been doing so much research on Kenosha, we would have been tempted to hole up in the hotel for a couple of days.

Distinctive Dining

With an amazing room and plenty of in-house distractions, the only thing we would need would be food. Fortunately, the Stella Hotel & Ballroom has that covered, as well. For breakfast and lunch, guests can choose from a wide menu at The Cafe. We did take the opportunity to sample The 1844 Table & Mash, their flagship restaurant, for dinner one evening. The same beautiful craftsmanship comes through in this space, as it does in the balance of the hotel. As we passed the whiskey bar, on our way to our table, the hostess explained that they offer 30 different whiskies, bourbons, and ryes. There are some people we know who would love to spend some time sampling their collection.

Kicking it Up a Notch

Knowing that we would be heading out for ice cream later that evening, we decided to try to keep our meal light. Unfortunately, the best made plans often go awry. The chef was eager to show off one of their premier appetizers, and soon we were facing a dish of Chicken Pops. (Pictured at top of page) After polishing off these delectable bites, it was time to get down to the main courses. When I saw Stella’s Burger on the menu, it immediately called to me. Made with 3 cuts of beef. and a slice of pork belly, it sounded delicious. The burger is topped with cheddar and an onion confit, and comes housed inside of a brioche bun. It had so many levels of flavor and paired well with their well-seasoned steak fries.

Soup and Salad

Crystal decided to go in a lighter menu direction than I had. She started with French Onion Soup Au Gratin. The rich and flavorful soup is made with slow cooked onions, which helps impart plenty of flavor to the dish. Before it is served, the presentation is made complete with a crown of bread and grated cheese. What a wonderful way to warm up on a cool evening. To compliment this dish, she added a Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken. While I may sometimes chide her for the dishes she selects, they both looked rather delightful. She pointed out to me that she was showing our readers that there is a wide range of meal choices at the restaurants we visit. I suppose that I will need to get used to taking photos of salads.

In the Middle of the Action

Our visit to Kenosha, Wisconsin was another reminder of how many cities have pedestrian friendly downtown areas. With our lodging at the Stella Hotel & Ballroom putting us in the heart of the action, we were able to park our car for the majority of our visit. The landscape of this portion of the city is fairly level, so no big hills to climb. With a sensible grid system for the streets, it was easy to locate attractions, dining, and shopping options. Toss in the electric streetcar, and we found this Midwestern city to be a perfect place for all ages to explore. Doesn’t this sound like the a great place to visit?

The post The Stella Hotel & Ballroom – Embracing The Past appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit Springfield and the Lincoln Presidential Library for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

First of its Kind

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum opened to the public in 2005. It’s hard to imagine it was 140 years after his death. While most presidential libraries start with the design of the building, this one was different. Wanting to create an “experience” for visitors, the inner exhibits were first determined. Afterwards, the shell that would become the building was designed to encapsulate all the contents. What this produced was a first of its kind museum, that immerses guests in the life and times of the 16th President of the United States. Covering an entire city block, it is the largest presidential museum.

Humble Beginnings

The museum is designed to walk visitors through the life of Lincoln. We started at The Log Cabin exhibit, which showcases Abe in his youth. The cabin is a recreation of his boyhood home in Indiana. The designers attempted to stay true, and even added reproductions of the native trees that would have been found in the region. They used logs from barns of the mid-1800s to construct the cabin. As we explored the space, one of the museum staff was on hand to answer any questions. She even explained that although the space seemed small, it was probably larger than Lincoln’s boyhood home.

Life Takes Shape

After moving to New Salem, Illinois, young Abe entered his first business venture. As we were immersing in history, we came upon the scene of Abe at work in the Berry-Lincoln Store. He is joined by Ann Rutledge, who was an early love interest for Abe. She would succumb to a wave of typhoid that struck the area in the 1830s. Passing through the store, we came to a gallery that showcases Lincoln’s life in Springfield, Illinois. Here we found Abe courting Mary Todd, who would eventually become his wife and mother to their four sons.

Home in Illinois

Over time, Lincoln self-taught himself law by reading various books. In 1843, Lincoln moved into his downtown Springfield law office with partner Stephen Logan. This partnership dissolved in 1844. That same year, he took on a new partner, William Herndon. What his new partner discovered was that Abe was prone to reading aloud, much to his new partner’s dismay. He also found that Lincoln was less than organized when it came to filing documents. The stories of Lincoln bringing his sons to the office, and then ignoring their often overzealous activity, was surely another point of discomfort for his office mate. Even with these distractions, Lincoln and Herndon would remain partners until Abe’s death in 1865.

On the Campaign Trail

In 1858, Lincoln faced Stephen Douglas in a series of debates, as they both ran for the position of Illinois Senator. During this period, Abe would deliver his House Divided speech, which was possibly his most famous given in Illinois. He won the election, and within a couple of years, was nominated for President by the Republican Party. He received 40 percent of the popular vote, in a four-way contest, and became the first Republican President. An interesting exhibit at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum is designed to shed light on the complicated election. It uses  21st Century television news reports, and electronic advertisements, to show what the election would look like today.

Off to the White House

Lincoln Elected! The news rang out across the nation to mixed opinions. Abraham Lincoln was one of the most controversial presidents, as the country was already on the cusp of secession. During the election, Lincoln’s name did not appear on ten of the southern states ballots, yet now he was their new Commander-in-Chief. A good deal felt that his anti-slavery stance also meant that he was against their states as a whole. Just over a month after his election, South Carolina would secede from the Union. By the end of following February, six more southern states would join in.

Injustice is Brought to the Forefront

While Lincoln believed that slavery was wrong morally, he struggled with how to solve the issue. The U.S. Constitution sanctioned it, although the word slavery does not appear in the actual document. Instead, there are clauses that protected the slave owners rights from persecution by the newly formed federal government. The country was now entering the second year of the Civil War, and the people were starting to understand the true costs in human lives. While slavery was certainly a contributing factor to the Civil War, it was not necessarily the primary one. With the North’s commitment to the war waning, it was time for a stance on the issue of slavery, once and for all.

Immersing in History

As we made our way through the Lincoln Presidential Museum, we found ourselves immersing in history lessons that were hot buttons during the Civil War. By the end of 1862, Lincoln was struggling with issuing the Emancipation Proclamation. On January 1, 1863, the proclamation was released. The resolution was specifically designed to only apply to the freeing of slaves in the southern (Confederate) states. Since these states were already in rebellion, it had no immediate impact on the slaves in those areas. The Emancipation was meant to give more purpose to the war effort of the Northern states, but it was also a rallying cry for the south, who would lose their slaves if they lost the war.

Decision Must Be Made

With Britain teetering on their decision to engage in the war, on the side of the south, the proclamation’s timing was imperative. Lincoln had waited until the north had a decisive win at the Battle of Antietam, in the fall of 1862. The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order, and would not become an amendment to the Constitution until December 6, 1865. Abraham Lincoln’s decision to give this order would allow Britain, who was against slavery, a reason to abstain from joining in on the war. This would prevent the south from receiving the much needed aid that would have fueled their war efforts and eventually lead to their defeat.

A Fateful Night

John Wilkes Booth is a name that is synonymous with the death of Abraham Lincoln, yet assassination was not his first thought. His first plan was to kidnap the President and hold him for hostage for the release of thousands of southern prisoners of war. The surrender of Robert E. Lee, on April 9, 1865, thwarted any remaining hopes of a southern victory. Booth’s plans immediately switched to the killing of the President, which he carried out on the night of April 14th. Co-conspirators were supposed to assassinate the Vice-President and Secretary of State, but these attempts failed.

The Nation Mourns

Continuing through the museum, we come to Lincoln’s final return to Springfield, Illinois. One week after his death, Lincoln’s coffin would be loaded onto a train that would carry him home. The trip would travel through 180 cities, in seven states. Along the route, there would be stops for public viewings. At each, they would unload the coffin and carry it through town in a hearse. It would be on public display, where thousands would flock for a chance to pay their final respects. In the end, President Lincoln would be interred in a tomb near downtown Springfield. (You can read our article about this stop here.)

See it for Yourself

Our visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum was one of the highlights of our trips in 2019. Having an opportunity of immersing in history on such a grand scale is not to be missed. The museum includes two amazing theaters (no photography) that offer state of the art experiences. In Ghosts of the Library, we watched a curator bring the past to life, and were amazed at what happens at the end of the show. (No spoilers from us!) The Union Theater is a sight, sound, and sensation that draws guests into the stories of the Civil War. Both of these shows were first rate productions that left us in awe. Before we left the museum, we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to take a selfie with the Lincoln family, who welcome visitors to the Presidential museum. I was still in amazement, as we finally made our way out of the space. How many of you have visited the museum?  We would love to hear your opinions of it in the comments section at the bottom of the page. Thanks!

The post Immersing In History at The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit OKC and Colcord Hotel for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Let’s Get This Visit Started

We made our first blog trip to OKC in 2018, but ran out of time, before seeing all the sites we wanted to feature. (You can see the 12 we tried last year in this article.) With only 24 hours to see what we missed, it was important to be close to local transit. No problem here, since the Colcord Hotel sits just a couple blocks from many key attractions. Bricktown is within easy walking distance, as well as the botanical gardens, and even the new streetcar. For those wanting a little extra pampering, the hotel offers complimentary luxury shuttle service to locations within two miles. Since the streetcar was still under construction during our last visit, we knew that was going to be key to our travels around downtown.

An OKC First

When we arrived at the Colcord Hotel, we noticed the towering structures that dwarfed our temporary home. Of course, it wasn’t always like that. Travel back to 1910, and you would find OKC’s first skyscraper weighing in at 12 stories tall. In those days, it was named the Colcord Building. The man behind the myth had come from California, and seen the devastation that earthquakes could cause. To make sure this same thing didn’t strike his new building, he created the first steel reinforced concrete building in OKC.

Bringing the Past to Life

When the Colcord Building was constructed, it was filled with all the luxuries of that time period. Marble columns and walls greet guests who pass through the double glass door entry. Decorative balusters line the staircases that lead to the floors filled with elegant lodging spaces. Art Deco light fixtures add an extra layer of nostalgic class. With such an elegant first impression, we were anxious to check out our room.

Boutique Styling

With all the amazing architectural elements, we were wondering what our room would look like. You can imagine our surprise when we entered our doorway to find this modern styling. The muted colors of the carpet and fixtures allowed the pop of color in the bedspread to jump out at us. Even though we would not spend a lot of time in our room, we knew that every minute would be enjoyable.

An Elevated Dinner

After a day filled with running, we needed to refuel for our upcoming evening. Fortunately, we didn’t have to go any farther than our hotel lobby. Flint Restaurant is located on the first floor of the Colcord Hotel. The mix of dark wood floors and oak tables adds an air of refinement to the space. Unfinished concrete pillars help keep the atmosphere from becoming stuffy. Diners have a mix of tables or booths to choose from, so there is something for every taste. Crystal prefers a booth, while I like chairs, and they even had a space to satisfy both of us.

Popular Gathering Spot

Visiting Flint was an OKC first for us, so I wanted to be sure to check out the entire space. Our visit was purposely planned for an early dinner, as we had so many more stops planned for our evening. While the dinner crowd had not yet arrived, the bar area was already seeing plenty of activity. This brightly colored space has an inviting feeling, and is watched over by the glass deer head.

Fresh Flavors

After seeing the delicious looking concoctions at the bar, I decided that one would look especially good on our table. Our server, George, was kind enough to make a suggestion for a delightful beverage that would compliment any dish we ordered. I agreed to let his choice ride, and soon he returned with a Violet Skies in hand. This light, yet flavorful drink is unlike any I had sampled. The drink is made with Capel Pico (a natural grape spirit from Chile), Bercherovka (a herbal liqueur from the Czech Republic), Creme de Violette (a violet flavored spirit), and some house made Lemon-Thyme syrup. The flavor is hard to describe, but it was gentle on the taste buds.

Familiar Yet Fresh

Now it was time to concentrate on our dinner selections. Flint offers an American cuisine dining experience with an upscale, yet casual atmosphere. Our window front table offered us views of the patio dining nearby. The menu is filled with familiar foods that are taken to the next level. I chose the Masa Batter Fried Mississippi Catfish. When my plate was delivered, I found the presentation to be intriguing. On one side of the dish was an abundant helping of their seasonal vegetable succotash. When I spun the plate around, I was pleasantly surprised to find a delectable tomatillo relish.

A Classic Plate

While the menu has plenty of land based meal options, Crystal also decided to go with a fish dish. The Herb Crusted Scottish Salmon comes with sides of asparagus and olive oil crushed red potatoes. The filet was light and flaky, and the crust was not overbearing. With our meals laid out in front of us, and pictures taken, we were ready to enjoy a casual meal. As we dined, we discussed our evening’s plans. There was so much we wanted to see on this visit, since many of the sights would be an OKC first for us.

Exploring the Big Friendly

The capital city of Oklahoma is brimming with sights that are appropriate for all ages. The city gained the nickname of “The Big Friendly” in 2007, and it is easy to understand why, once you interact with some locals. Everyone at Colcord Hotel was inviting and seemed genuinely happy to see us. The staff at Flint Restaurant treated us kindly, and we noticed the same approach being used with every other patron who entered the place. As we made our way around town, it seemed that the locals were more than happy to assist with directions or suggestions that made our visit easier. The true Midwestern hospitality certainly shines in Oklahoma City. Isn’t it about time you made a visit?

The post An OKC First – Colcord Hotel OKC appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit Kenosha and The Coffee Pot for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Hanging With Locals

They have an outdoor patio area, named the “Garden of Eatin”, but we saw a spot in the front window that was calling our name. Inside The Coffee Pot, diners were concentrating on their breakfasts. This place is a no-nonsense eatery, designed to give you a solid start to your day. We did hear some friendly banter taking place, which was a sign that most of the people were regulars. Of course, when someone new pulls out a camera, it can certainly quiet a crowd. Fortunately, the food was keeping them all in place, while I snapped a few photos. The place isn’t huge, but it still offers plenty of seating options that reminded us of the road trip days of the 1960s. We were beginning to see a pattern of long standing breakfast stops in Kenosha. (You can read about another one here.)

A Hearty Start

On this trip, we were doing a three city tour, with Kenosha as number two. Today was the last morning in town, so we wanted a hearty breakfast to tide us over during our drive to the next destination. Crystal decided that dining old school would work best for her. Eggs and bacon are standard fare, but we were surprised to find that The Coffee Pot uses homemade bread. They actually offer four varieties of their thick sliced bread. Crystal chose the standard white, but could have picked wheat, marbled rye, or even gluten free, if she had wished. I was enjoying the fun design of the formica table tops, that reminded me of my childhood years.

Sweeten It Up

With the decor whisking me back to my younger years, I guess it also influenced my meal selection. When I saw the Stuffed French Toast on the menu, I was intrigued. Made with two slices of their fresh baked bread, it is stuffed with a whisked cream cheese filling. This makes the filling lighter in consistency, so it was a perfect blend. They offer to top it with a fruit of choice, but I was struggling to pick. Our server finally suggested I just do a blend of fruits, and the problem was solved. Knowing that I would need some protein to tide me over, I added a side order of sausage to round out my meal. Little did I know that it would be so substantial.

Dining Old School

With all of this food laid out before us, it was time to dig in. There is something special about these types of diners. I’m not sure whether it is the atmosphere, the food, or just hanging out with the locals. It makes you feel closer to the community you are visiting, which is the goal we were wanting to achieve. By the end of our meal, we felt like one of the locals, as everyone around us had warmed up to our presence. (Once they got over me taking so many photos.) Later, as I was doing my research for this article, I discovered that there is a Coffee Pot Inn on the second story of the restaurant’s building. Evidently, we could stay just a few steps away, and be dining old school every morning. That’s something we will have to keep in mind for our next visit. Would you consider staying in an apartment above a restaurant?

The post Dining Old School at The Coffee Pot appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit Springfield and the Dana Thomas House Foundation for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Springfield’s Dana-Thomas House

Springfield socialite, Susan Lawrence Dana, inherited the Italian style home after her parents passed away. Along with the home came a substantial fortune her father had amassed from silver mines in the Rocky Mountain region. She decided that she wanted to have the home redesigned to better match her personality. Being a local socialite, she desired some place special to throw her lavish parties, and social events. In 1902, her path crossed with Wright, who was a rising star in the architect world.

Our Tour Begins

The tour begins with a short introductory video that gives an overview of the project. Afterwards, our guide, Ross, assembled us in the backyard of the home. His tour would educate us on some amazing numbers. Wright designed approximately 450 windows, skylights, Light fixtures, sconces, and other glass adornments for the home. The remodel would take about two years to complete. In the end, only one room would remain from the original design. With over 12,000 square feet of usable space, it is a massive structure.

Unexpected Opening

When we approached the front door of the Springfield’s Dana-Thomas House, little did we realize that it was an unusual feature. Ross explained that most of Wright’s designs would have the entrance hidden from plain view. This would prevent the doorway from breaking up the continuity of his design. The arch shape we found at the entrance would be repeated through the house.

Heading Inside

We entered the house and immediately realized just how large scale this project had been. There are sixteen major spaces that were used for entertaining and impressing guests. This terracotta fountain sits in front of a series of  Wright designed glass panels. This geometric shaped design would be found throughout the house.

Something Special

Later in her life, Susan Dana would end up being hospitalized. The house was sold to settle accumulated debts, and some original furnishings were removed. The home was purchased by Charles Thomas, who would maintain the balance of the original furnishings. It would stay in their family’s possession from 1944 until his wife Nanette passed away in 1975. In 1981, the state of Illinois would secure the home for the price of $1 million, and would invest that and more in returning it to its original condition.

Simplistic Design

While the building was a home, the majority of the spaces were designed for entertaining. Little of the area was reserved for personal space, like this bedroom. The simplistic design was a familiar theme with the Prairie School designs of Wright. The organic architecture often resembles Japanese styling, like what is found in the dual bed chambers.

A Piece of the Past

As I mentioned earlier in this article, Susan Dana required Wright to keep one room in original condition. This parlor reminded her of her parents, but Wright did find a way to tie it into the rest of  his design. The original lighting fixtures were replaced with pieces that matched others throughout the house. It was quite surreal to see this room in the center of the art-deco styling.

Hidden Treasures

We continued touring the various spaces, as well as investigating a portion of the 35 rooms. Some hidden treasures we found in Springfield’s Dana-Thomas House, include balconies used by orchestras during parties and social events. Ross led us downstairs, and we were shocked to see a duck pin bowling alley. We can imagine guests playing a game, while sipping champagne and dining on finger sandwiches.

A Treasure Saved

Our tour lasted about an hour, and covers a large portion of Springfield’s Dana-Thomas House. I took over one hundred photos, so we are betting you will take quite a few during your visit. The chance to walk through such an amazing piece of history is hard to describe. It has to be seen firsthand to truly be appreciated. Your next vacation trip to Springfield, Illinois should definitely include a stop at this historic home. Have you ever toured any of Frank Lloyd Wright’s buildings? We’d love to hear about your visit in the comments below.

The post Springfield’s Dana-Thomas House – A Treasure Saved appeared first on Our Changing Life.

Big Decisions at The Burger Stand

Since opening in 2009, and later relocating to The Casbah, The Burger Stand has been serving up some notable menu items. Their focus is centered around handhelds, with a focus on burgers. They have added some extras, like dogs, salads, and some unique sides. When we stepped inside, we were faced with the option of bar seating (full service) or open seating, which is self-serve. Since the bar was fairly open, we plopped down near their huge menu board.  We noticed that the full-service bar offers up some “boozy shakes”, which seem to becoming more popular these days. The decision was made to pass on these, but I did order a pear flavored hard cider. It was a perfect accompaniment to our meal to come.

Black & Blue

Since there are only two of us, we have a limited amount of menu items that we could eat in a single sitting. We will usually choose a variety, and then split the entrees. That way we can both sample the flavors of the place. Our first burger choice was the Black & Blue, which comes coated with blue cheese, Granny Smith apple chutney, and some mixed greens. The mix of flavors added a tang, that was cut with the delicate sweetness of the chutney. This is definitely one of the best tasting burgers we have had. We added a side of the Beer-battered Onion Rings, which had a great crunch without being to crumbly.

Smoke Burger

Picking the second entree was a little more difficult, since we were facing so many choices. It was finally determined to add another burger option, since it would offer a direct comparison opportunity. This one is the Smoke Burger, which adds Gouda cheese, apple-wood smoked bacon, and their homemade chipotle-coca ketchup. What would have been an almost regular bacon burger at most places, was escalated by the addition of the ketchup. The other side we picked was the Sweet Potato Fries. On a side note, you may notice the sneaky hand in the photo above. While Crystal is usually extremely patient during the picture phase, this time she got a tad bit anxious. It wasn’t until afterwards, that I noticed her sneaking a taste.

Explore Lawrence for Some Delicious Eats

For those who may not be familiar with Lawrence, Kansas, one of the main hot spots is Massachusetts Street. (Mass Street to locals) The six-blocks of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues is popular with locals, college kids, and visitors from nearby cities. (You can see some other Lawrence articles here.) Over the years, we have sampled quite a few of the dining spots, but it seems like there are a never ending list of options. Perhaps someday we will have an opportunity to spend a few days exploring a variety of them. In the meantime, perhaps this article will spark your desire to check out this downtown for yourself. We’d love to hear some of your favorite eateries on Mass Street.

The post The Burger Stand at The Casbah – Delicious Lawrence Eats appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit Kenosha and the Civil War Museum for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own. 

Honoring All Soldiers

After our introduction to Peggy, it was time to begin our visit. There is a gallery that is dedicated to all of those that have served. “Solidarity of Soldiers” is a collection of statues that are posed as they gather at an evening campfire. It has images that range from the Revolutionary War through present day conflicts. As we wandered through the statues, it brought a sense of patriotism and respect for the sacrifices of so many.

Taking the Tour

Our next portion took us into the main series of galleries, that make up the bulk of The Civil War Museum in Kenosha. This museum focuses on seven of the Upper Midwest states. These include; Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. The first series of exhibits paints a picture of the atmosphere that existed in the region leading up to the war. The Upper Midwest would play a significant role for the Union forces, as it supplied raw materials, food, and most importantly around 750,000 able bodies.

War Comes to America

Industry was expanding rapidly into the Upper Midwest, as the first whispers of the war were heard. When the first shots rang out at Fort Sumter, in early 1861, patriotic fervor spread quickly. While parents tried to hold their kids back, many youngsters felt that the war would be over in no time. Of course, not all communities were so supportive of the war effort. The first significant anti-draft riot took place in Port Washington, Wisconsin.

Interactive Exhibits

A really nice feature at The Civil War Museum in Kenosha is the life-size dioramas. Some of these are interactive, like the train pictured above. Set up to resemble an actual passenger car, some benches have room for visitors to sit with the statues. This triggers each passenger to tell a short story about their reason to be on the train. It’s interesting to hear the various details from each person on board, as they made their way east to the battleground region.

Interesting Artifacts

It seems like each Civil War museum we visit has some unique artifacts, which we have never seen. The badges and tokens used by slave owners tells a story of how slaves were “rented” out to other landowners, businesses, and even the local governments. These are just a few of the interesting artifacts found at The Civil War Museum in Kenosha.

Life in the Fields

A soldier’s life in Civil War camps was very tedious. The reality is that not much time was spent on the front line of battles. Those who enlisted, or were drafted, expected excitement to be commonplace. The reality quickly set in, when days were spent doing seemingly endless drills. The romance of battle came from the nostalgia of the Revolutionary War. Since this had occurred a few generations prior, memories of war were no longer based on reality. Twice as many soldiers would die from disease than from direct battle wounds.

The Costs of War

The Civil War Museum in Kenosha tackles some other issues that were associated with the long days of idleness. Alcoholism was a plague among officers, who had ample access to whiskey. It was also used as a stimulant for injured soldiers, but supplies wavered as the war drug along. While in many camps alcohol was prohibited, an illicit supply seemed to be plentiful.

Returning Changed

In almost every Civil War museum we have visited, there is an exhibit that details the prolific injuries that were a result of the battles. The use of “minie ball” bullets, which had the tendency to shatter bones, required the removal of limbs, instead of attempting to repair a wound. In battlefield hospitals, surgeons faced an almost endless line of injured soldiers, so little time was allowed for triage and complicated surgery.

Audiovisual Amazement

As we continued our tour, Peggy broke from the predetermined path to lead us to a special portion of the museum. The Civil War Museum in Kenosha is one of only a handful of museums to offer  a 360° movie experience. She led us to the theater, where a crowd was assembling. The lights dimmed and soon we were engulfed in an amazing audio-visual experience that drew us into the battlefield. As the story of three war participants unfolded around us, in the panoramic 10-minute film, we found that it also incorporate ground motion to add to a complete sensation.

Civil War Museum in Kenosha

With our visit complete, we thanked Peggy for her amazing detail. The Civil War Museum in Kenosha is a good spot to gain a better understanding of the important role that the people of the Upper Midwest played in the “war between the states”. Their use of life-size dioramas really helps bring the history to life. For those that enjoy Civil War history, this is definitely a stop you will want to add to your travel list. Of course, you will also want to check out some of the other museums in downtown Kenosha. (Here’s a link to the Kenosha History Center nearby.) With so many great sites to see, as well as the views of Lake Michigan, Kenosha, Wisconsin should be on your vacation destination radar.

The post Civil War Museum in Kenosha – The Upper Midwest’s Contribution appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit Kenosha and Ashling on the Lough for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own. 

Shaking Off the Chill

Our exploration of the area had included tours of two nearby museums. Afterwards, we attempted a stroll along the Promenade, that is lined with statues. With a chilly wind blowing in from the lake, it wasn’t long before we decided to forego this walk. Fortunately, the Happy Hour at Ashling on the Lough starts at 3:00. It was a bonus that the restaurant is easy walking distance from the park. As we made our way there, we enjoyed the view of the Southport Marina.

Avoiding the Crowd

Our visit on a weekday meant that when we arrived many people were still at work. The interior of the restaurant is filled with rich colors and plenty of wood. It has a welcoming appeal with an informal atmosphere. The kind of place that makes casual conversation easy to enjoy a couple rounds of drinks. The hostess showed us to a table that offered a view of the lake. As we took in our surroundings, the chill began to wash away.

Warming Elixirs

We decided that a couple of hot drinks would aid in warming up our insides. They have an assortment of warm beverages, so we chose a couple that offered completely different flavors. My Irish Coffee is a well known drink that included a quality Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and some fresh whipped cream on top. Crystal avoids caffeinated drinks in the evening, so she chose the Hot Cherry Pie. A mixture of hot cider and cherry schnapps means that this drink will warm you to your toes. As we sipped our drinks, we investigated the dinner menu.

Pie Education

Now that we were able to take off our jackets and really relax, it was time to pick our evening meals. Since we were dining a little early, we wanted hearty dishes that would tide us over for the night. For me, I couldn’t imagine anything better than a nice baked pie, but then came the decision. Would I pick Shepherd’s Pie, made with lamb or Cottage Pie made with beef? I decided to lean toward the beefy blend, which worked out deliciously. Once I poked through the golden crust of mashed potatoes, I discovered a hearty filling inside. The shredded beef was tender and moist. Combined with tender vegetables, this substantial dish packed plenty to hold me until morning.

Irish Tradition at Ashling on the Lough

Here is where I point out that only one of us has Irish roots. Crystal’s maiden name is McCoy, so I’m pretty sure she felt really comfortable in an Irish restaurant. When I had researched this place, I had even guessed what dinner entree she would pick. Sure enough, she chose the Fish & Chips. At Ashling on the Lough, they serve fresh cod in a beer batter made with Smithwick’s Irish Ale. This adds an amazing undertone to the fillets, which were fried to golden perfection. Toss some steak fries and coleslaw in the mix and you have the makings of an Irish classic. Another bonus is the homemade tartar sauce, which Crystal enjoyed heartily.

Warming Up to Kenosha Weather

Now that our bellies were full, and the chills had been run off, it was time to head back outdoors. The gray skies were still there, but the winds were beginning to die down. We had still a few more stops to make, before bedtime. If you have followed us for very long, you realize that we pack a weeks worth of sights into two or three days. With hearty meals to fuel us, like the ones we had at Ashling on the Lough, we knew that we would have plenty of energy to keep going. For now, we were just glad to have found a great way to chase off the chill. What are some of your methods to warm up on chilly days?

The post Warming Up To Ashling on the Lough appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit Springfield and the Illinois State Museum for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Piecing Together The Past

Like most of the states in America, Illinois has an interesting past. After getting a short orientation from staff, we were ready to head off and explore the Illinois State Museum. The first exhibit area we visited was Changes. This permanent exhibit takes visitors back millions of years, and then leads them through the changes that have occurred since those earliest days. We would find that throughout the museum there are displays set up to engage visitors with an interactive design.

Getting Our Bearings

Much like our home state of Kansas, Illinois was once part of a large seabed. There are plenty of fossils to be uncovered that show some of the activity of those times. As we followed the path through time, we were whisked by millions of years to see what life was like long before man walked these lands. Piecing together the past was helping us discover things we never realized about Illinois.

Ocean Dwellers

500 million years ago, Illinois was part of a land mass that held strange creatures. Walking into The Marine Record exhibit, of the Illinois State Museum, we saw massive models of some of these interesting species.

Missing Links

Closer to eye level we discovered displays filled with fossils from the long ago seabeds. While many of these are familiar, since we see them in museums near us, it is still fascinating to think about how huge the water mass must have been. Unlike areas that held higher elevations, like Wyoming or Colorado, Illinois was fairly flat. Being a sea, and not dry ground, means the state is empty when it comes to dinosaurs that roamed the land.

Enter the Ice Age

With a good sense of life in the sea,we made our way forward in time. A fun display has visitors enter the Ice Age through a frozen tunnel. On the other side, we would discover some more familiar figures. The short-faced bear and musk ox roamed these bountiful lands that were uncovered when the waters receded. The Illinois State Museum has interactive displays that allowed us to feel the skull of one of these giant bears, as well as a beaver pelt.

Familiar Figures

Nearby, we were able to get a better sense of the massive scale of these creatures. This is done by piecing together the past using skeletons of a short-faced bear and a mastodon, which towered above us. Alongside we also saw the skeleton of a beaver, which helped us to gauge the scale of these ancient beasts.

The Early Residents

Moving forward in time, we arrive in the period of the earliest known inhabitants. In the Peoples of the Past exhibit, we found a series of dioramas that showcase the native tribes who occupied the region. Around 12,000 years ago, the early inhabitants lived in caves and hunted the mammoths. Semi-nomadic, they would follow the beasts as they roamed the grasslands.

Tools of the Trade

Over time, the culture began to change to become more stationary. They built homes in small villages and added farming to their sources of food. Hunting was still a primary activity, and by 9,000 years ago they were using stone tools and weapons. We were still piecing together the past, but had moved to the point that human inhabitants were becoming commonplace.

Bounties of the Land

The lands of Illinois offered bountiful resources to sustain these native people. The lakes were a source of fish and crustaceans, and the soil was good for growing a variety of plants. By the time the first European explorers arrived in the 1600s, the natives had established a large confederation of tribes. Much like what would be repeated all across our expanding nation, the intrusion of settlers would eventually push the natives out of their homelands.

Familiar Industry

As we continued through the displays, at the Illinois State Museum, we came to an exhibit focused on the pearl button industry. This was not the first time we had seen this particular industry being highlighted. In Knoxville, Tennessee, we happened upon a display at the McClung Museum that teaches visitors about this business in the Tennessee River Valley. (You can see that article here.) Evidently, this industry originally took place in other parts of the country.

Button It Up

The Illinois State Museum highlights the details of how the pearl buttons were created. A collection of the tools and equipment used, shows how the buttons were harvested. We found out that the native Indians had also found the mussel shells useful for decoration.

Kid Friendly

Our time was running out for this visit, but there was still a lot to see. We decided to hit one of the areas that would appeal to some of the younger visitors, as well as their parents. The Play Museum is designed for children ages 3 to 10, who are visiting the Illinois State Museum.  Of course, the kids must be accompanied by an adult. Filled with an assortment of hands-on activities, this portion of the museum is really fun.

Places to Explore

Information boards placed nearby suggest ways to make the most of each station. A large pit allows kids to become a pint-sized paleontologist, as they dig for fossils. Another station gives them a chance to load up a jeep for their upcoming exploration trip. A collection of fossils, toys, and insects offer hours of fun. After touring the area, we almost wish our kids were still young enough to play there. It was time for us to head to our next stop, but we left with a better understanding of the Lands of Lincoln. As we moved back into the outside world, we knew that telling the story of the Illinois State Museum would be fun. If we could have such an enjoyable time with only a couple of hours, how much more fun would it be for others who could concentrate more time there. How many of you enjoy visiting museums that focus on larger regions?

The post Illinois State Museum – Piecing Together The Past appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the Museum of Science and Industry for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Science on the Farm

MSI is one of the largest science centers in the world. With that in mind, we knew that we would not make it to every exhibit. Our grandkids were joining us, so we determined to see as much as possible. With our map in hand, we headed into the museum to start our exploring. In the Farm Tech area, we found tons of interactive displays focused on farming. The Soy Shed dives into the science of soybeans. This versatile legume is used in a wide range of food products. We had an opportunity to research the history of soybeans, as well as go shopping in a virtual grocery store. While shopping, we were surprised to find out just how many products use soybeans.

Harvest Time

Now that we were in our farming mode, it was the perfect time to get in some harvesting time. Crystal and Laila jumped in line to take a turn in a John Deere combine. Jamal and I went digital by checking out a video game based on harvesting. After playing a couple of rounds, we decided to check up on the others. Our timing was perfect, as they were just jumping into the cab. We watched, as Laila cruised the rows of corn.

Grass to Glass

The next series of displays focused on the milk we drink and how it is processed. Each stage is explained, so it’s easy to see that there are many steps from cow to carton. In this area we also found some milking machines. The grandkids raced each other to see who could set up the milking machine quickest. This area of the museum was very popular with kids and adults alike. Our science search was definitely entertaining.

Alternative Fuel

With all of these cows needed to supply the milk for a growing population, something needs to be done with the byproducts. An interesting exhibit shows how scientists are working to develop ways to reuse the waste to create power. While some may think this is a novel idea, there are many utilities that are harnessing the power of methane exhaust as a power source. Many landfills are equipped to collect the methane that is produced during decomposition and burn it off to create electricity.

Engineering the Future

We moved deeper into MSI and stumbled upon the building blocks of human DNA. In the Genetics Lab, visitors can explore this mysterious science that has been rising to the forefront in the past few decades. Interactive displays allow all ages a chance to learn about mutations and genetic variations. We even watched some baby chicks pecking their way out of their shells. Another exhibit allowed us to discover whether we were related to Abraham Lincoln. Since we had recently visited his home in nearby Springfield, Illinois, this was a timely discovery. (You can see Abe’s home in this article.)

The World We Inhabit

Since we had explored the micro-world, why not take a step back and look at our planet from outer space? The Earth Revealed exhibit does just that. A floating orb sits in the middle of a room and visitors can watch a media presentation about the world in which we live. Using satellite images, we could see ocean currents, weather formations, and even air traffic patterns. This place was opening our eyes to so much new information, as we continued our science search.

Warning Signs

Since we were viewing our planet, it only seemed appropriate that a nearby exhibit would focus on how humans are impacting the world. With a growing population, there is an ever increasing need to produce more energy, products, and modes of transportation. Each of these processes put off exhausts that alter our environment. The Extreme Ice exhibit was a chance for us to see how this is impacting our polar caps. Inside this cool (literally) display, we found an actual ice wall. Visitors can touch this 7 foot structure and see how humans alter the landscape. It let us have a hands-on look at our impact on the planet.

Wired to Wear

MSI has tons of exhibits that come with the regular admission price. They also toss in some added opportunities to see special exhibits. For a small charge, visitors can check out one of the temporary displays, like Wired to Wear. We popped into this unique exhibit to learn about wearable technology.

Changing Your Wardrobe

As we explored the exhibit, we found lots of examples of ways technology was improving our wardrobe. Some items seemed like things we could see in the store tomorrow, while others felt like they would be found in a science fiction movie. Many of the garments and accessories are being designed to improve the quality of life for humans. A crash suit for motorcyclists is being designed to limit or prevent injuries from accidents. Of course some items are just for fun. Backpacks with LED displays that can be customized are sure to be a huge hit with school children everywhere.

Clothes Changing Us

Adding technology to clothing is also assisting those with handicaps. Our grandkids tested out a jacket that uses a form of sonar to help the blind navigate. As they approached walls or obstacles, vibrations warned them of impending danger. We found some other apparel designed to increase safety. One of the most odd pieces, had to be a jacket that barked if you got too close. If you were staying up with our Instastory, you probably saw Crystal’s surprise when she discovered it. Another item that seems to be just for fun is the musical tattoos, which turn the body into an instrument.

Science Search at MSI

We ended up spending around six hours at MSI, including our lunch break in their cafeteria. Even with all of that time, there were plenty of exhibits that we missed. To truly explore the Museum of Science and Industry you would need a couple of full days. For now, we were satisfied that our science search had opened our eyes to loads of new information. As we made our way towards our dinner stop, we discussed each person’s favorite exhibit. It became apparent that it was hard to choose just one favorite with so many great exhibits. Which one looks like it would be your favorite?

The post Science Search At Museum of Science and Industry appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit Springfield and Cozy Dog Drive In for their hospitality. Rest assured the opinions are all our own. 

Getting Our Kicks on Route 66

Growing up, we had plenty of opportunities to visit sights along the old Route 66, as it wound its way through the Central U.S. Today, nostalgia drives thousands of visitors each year to cruise some or all of America’s “first highway”. Over the past couple of years, we have added stories from plenty of Mother Road cities, including ones in our home state of Kansas. (You can read about one of our Route 66 explorations here.) With so much of the route already under our belt, a chance to fill in the gaps in Springfield was not to be overlooked.

The Early Days

Cozy Dog Drive In has a fascinating story to tell, and much of the information is held in artifacts at their restaurant. Their claim to fame is not that they invented the corn dog, but that they revolutionized how it is served. For decades, corn dogs have been a staple of southern cuisine. This dish involves coating a frankfurter in a cornbread sandwich. While it is basically an early version of today’s popular treat, it took too long to prepare. While Ed Waldmire Jr. was attending Knox College, he had his first experience with this southern dish. After discussing it with a fellow student, he let the subject drop. Five years later, he heard from that student, who told Ed that he had developed a batter recipe that would stick to the frank, while being deep fried.

The Origin of Corn Dogs

Since Ed was stationed at an Air Force base in Amarillo, Texas, he had time to test it and had access to equipment. The early versions used cocktail forks for sticks, and were nicknamed “crusty curs”. This new version was a hit, and Ed sold thousands in Amarillo. Once the recipe was fine tuned, it was time to work on the name. After going through a dozen he didn’t like, he finally settled on “Cozy Dogs”.  In 1946, Cozy Dogs were moved to Springfield, Illinois. That same year, this unique eat was introduced at the Illinois State Fair. By 1949, they had moved to Route 66 and the tag “Drive In” was added to their name.

Cozy Up to Cozy Dog

These days, travelers from around the globe visit Cozy Dog Drive In to learn about the origin of corn dogs, and sample these tasty treats. We pulled into their location at 2935 S. 6th Street, which is easily spotted by their sign along the street. Our stop was at lunchtime, and we found a steady stream of diners making the pilgrimage. Once inside, we discovered it is counter service. We placed our order and found a seat close enough to watch the magic. The menu has a good variety of handhelds, so those looking for something besides a corn dog will surely find a meal to their liking.

Our Turn To Taste

We decided to sample a spectrum of the menu, including the iconic treat that the restaurant is named after. Of course, we had to toss in some fries and rings, as well as a juicy burger to round out the meal. To wash it all down, we discovered they have an assortment of bottled sodas to choose from. We found it to be an added bonus that they carry the Route 66 logo on the containers. With all of this food laid out in front of us, the only thing left to do was to dive in. As we dined on our nostalgic meal, we took in all of the memorabilia that adorns the dining room. It sure made us feel like we were kids again, enjoying a site along the Mother Road. How many of you like to explore Route 66 cities?

The post The Origin of Corn Dogs – Cozy Dog Drive In appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Oberweis Dairy for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Entertaining the Troops

This trip included time with two of our grand-kids, so adding a sweet treat  would not require convincing. When we told them of our trip to Oberweis dairy, they pointed out that they had visited before, and liked their ice cream. Since our visits always include some guy running around with a camera (Me), we try to arrange our timing with staff. We were greeted warmly by Lauren, and given a short background on the company. While we listened, we had a look around the store. We noticed families gathered at tables playing chess and enjoying their scrumptious scoops. It was apparent that this place is a huge draw for families in part, because they offer such a welcoming atmosphere. We had learned that they get their dairy products from a series of small farms, which allows them to insure the best quality. From the non-stop line at the counter, it was apparent that this feature wasn’t lost on the locals.

Behemoth Bowls

After completing our tour, it was time to sample the tasty treats at Oberweis Dairy. With four humans in our group, it gave us a chance to sample a wide range of their ice cream treats. They make their waffle cones and bowls right there in the store, so we knew they would be fresh. What added a twist is that they dip some of them, and even decorate them with sprinkles. Oh yeah, choosing our selections just became a little harder. Lauren made a few suggestions, which would allow a test of some of the variety available. These sundae bowls can be filled with your choice of ice cream flavors, so Crystal chose Lemon Blackberry.  I decided to go overboard and sample one of their custom creations. Lauren whipped me up this mountain of magic, complete with chunks of cookie dough. Yes, I was rolling out of there.

Tasty Treats at Oberweis Dairy

The grand-kids showed a little more restraint than us, which certainly surprised me. A two-scoop cone certainly looked appealing, as I posed with it by one of the murals inside the store. Of course, I had to take the picture quick, since our grandson was eager to devour his tasty treat. Our granddaughter ordered up one of their frosty shakes, which comes with a cookie straw.  Soon, we were all enjoying our ice cream and discussing who’s was the best. The final vote was that each Oberweis Dairy treat was delicious in its own way.

Unexpected Treasures

Before we left, Lauren surprised us with a gift bag filled with Oberweis Dairy swag. The two stuffed cows were immediately spoken for, and never made it to Kansas City. Perhaps they will get a chance when the grand-kids visit. Inside we found a thank you card, which was such a memorable token. For us, we are usually satisfied with just having the opportunity to share some places that you may overlook during your own vacations. Our hope is that by giving you a peek inside, you will be more comfortable choosing to make your own visit.

Branching Out

One of the items in our swag bag was a gift card for a sister company that Oberweis Dairy owns. That Burger Joint is exactly what the name says, a local burger stand serving up burgers, chicken, and hot dogs. While the menu is fairly straightforward, the food offers some interesting options. Crystal and I each had burgers, but we switched it up with our bun choices. Mine was presented on a pretzel bun, while she opted for a Ciabatta roll. They have a variety of toppings to choose from, and they are all free, except for bacon. We were finding that Chicago is a “must see” city. (You can see more of our Chicago articles here.)

One More Bite

When we arrived at That Burger Joint, we didn’t realize it was connected to a satellite branch of Oberweis Dairy. It was a pleasant surprise to see the familiar tables, with chess boards, sitting at the other end of the space. After we finished our meal, we decided that we needed to test out the ice cream one more time. After all, it is all in the name of research, and we are always willing to make a sacrifice for the blog. This time we went with same line of thought that our grandson used, and each ordered a cone. As we sat there devouring our tasty treats, we found ourselves in ice cream heaven. How many of you have tested the tasty treats at Oberweis Dairy?

The post Tasty Treats From Oberweis Dairy appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the Chanute, Kansas Tourism Office and the local businesses for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Getting To Know Chanute, Kansas

There are a few different roads that lead to Chanute, but for our trip we chose 169 Highway South. At just over 100 miles away, it meant that our travel time would be right at 2 hours. After a hearty breakfast near home, we headed off for our destination. The path we chose took us by the home to another fun day trip we had recently made to Miami County. (You can read about the Miami County trip here.) We passed the drive reminiscing about past trips and discussing potential sites for future explorations. As we moved into the rolling hills of the Neosho River valley, we knew we were close to our target. A slight detour, due to road construction, had us passing through a couple of towns that were not yet on our radar. Bonus points for discovering potential new stops.

We arrived in Chanute and headed downtown to get a lay of the land. Our first stop would be for more coffee, but unfortunately we failed to realize that Fire Escape Coffee House is an evening destination. This non-profit endeavor is designed to engage the youth of the region and to offer them a destination where they can mingle with others their age in a positive fashion. Since it is targeted at high school age people, it has hours more geared around the evening time. No problem, we were able to walk down Main Street about three blocks and get our coffee fix at Grain Bin Restaurant. When we popped in there, we knew we were joining the locals. A couple of stools at the counter were all we needed to feel right at home.

Our itinerary was a little more laid back for this day, as we only had two historic sites targeted. This meant that there would be a lot more free time to explore our surroundings. After we had our fill of coffee, (Yes that does finally happen!) we began walking back up Main Street. By now some of the shops were open, so we decided to stop in and do some shopping. At each location, we would strike up conversations with the staff. The people we met in Chanute were so welcoming, but that is something we find in most every destination we explore in the Central U.S. There is a nice selection of shopping choices in Chanute including antiques, jewelry, home décor, and apparel. I was focused on taking photos, so Crystal occupied some time perusing the shops. She even found something at Trend & Main, which she would add to her wardrobe.

Old School Treats

Across the street, we noticed Cardinal Drug Store. From my reconnaissance prior to our trip, I knew that this was the home to one of the oldest soda fountains in the state of Kansas. It looks like lunch would have to wait, but after all they do say to eat dessert first. We stopped in and found the fountain occupies an entire corner of the store. Their menu has a variety of sodas, shakes, malts, and sundaes to choose from. Too many choices can certainly make us have to deliberate our final picks, but soon the decision was made. As we waited for our treats to be assembled, we looked around the store. Besides the obvious medicinal supplies, Cardinal Drug also carries some nice home décor pieces, as well as interesting gift ideas. Once our treats were ready, we sat down to enjoy them. This corner of the store is decorated with various Coca-Cola memorabilia and old medicine bottles, so we felt like we had been whisked back to an earlier age.

Exploring Where Explorers had Gone Before

The main stop during our day trip was planned for the Martin & Osa Johnson Safari Museum. (Yeah, it’s a mouthful.) This daring duo were an adventurous couple who set out to see and explore as much of the unknown spaces as possible. Focusing on the South Seas and Africa, they brought back some of the first images and moving pictures from the region. It is unbelievable the amount of hardships and hurdles they faced, as they paved the way for future explorers. It is truly inspiring for us, as we travel down our own path of exploration of the world we all call home. This little known museum is one that we would highly recommend to all travelers in the Midwest. (You can read more about this amazing couple here.)

Chanute’s Unique Namesake

After finishing our visit to the safari museum, we stepped across the street to the Chanute Historical Society Museum. Here we would become familiarized with another important historical figure in Chanute’s past. This small space is packed with some unique pieces that tell the story of Chanute’s formation and growth. It’s always interesting to discover that almost every city and town have some notable characters in their past. It’s just not every day that we find out that there is a connection between Chanute and the Wright Brothers. Who would have guessed?

Fueling Up

With the sugar rushes from our midday treat wearing off, it was time to get something a little more substantial. We returned to Main Street, which was just a couple blocks from the museum. There was a lot of positive input about Playmakers Sports Bar & Grill. Our late afternoon arrival allowed us to get seated and served quickly. This place was a great way to complete our day’s adventures in Chanute, Kansas. After our meal, it was time to head back to our car, which we had parked many hours before.

A Little Additional Exploring

On our way home, we had to use the same detour from that morning. This allowed us to see a couple of towns we had noted that morning. One of these was Iola, Kansas, which had just wrapped up a festival in their huge downtown square. We parked and walked the square to see if it would make for another day trip destination. While wandering, we caught sight of this interesting mural and decided to capture it in a selfie. We were impressed that they requested us to savor their soda “in moderation”. We will certainly keep this in mind, but for now it was time to return to our hometown. Fortunately, there will be plenty of weekends for more day trip opportunities. What are some of your favorite surprises you discovered during a day trip? We would love to hear about them in the comments section below. Travel safely!

The post Sweets, Treats, and Surprises In Chanute, Kansas appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the Dodge City CVB and the local Dodge City businesses for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

1) Step Back In Time

Dodge City is filled with names that most of us will recognize immediately.  Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Bat Masterson, and even Marshall Dillon evoke images of gun-toting cowboys strolling down the wooden boardwalks. While the city has grown up, it still maintains some of its western aura that made it so memorable. Throughout the city we found nods to its cow-town past. Being a destination on the Chisholm Trail helped create Dodge City’s rough and rowdy atmosphere in the 1800’s. Some of the unsavory visitors wound up in Boot Hill Cemetery. Be sure to stop in the Visitors Center to pick up a copy of the walking tour guide and then go check out some of the sights.

2) Getting The Inside Scoop

Of course, some may want to see the highlights from the comfort of the Dodge City Trolley. This mode of transport is more comfortable and comes with a built-in tour guide. Our guide, Steve, not only chauffeured us between sights, but also filled the time with informational factoids. He even imparted some colorful tales to his presentation. By the end of our journey, we came away with a better understanding of the background of Dodge City. It certainly made it easier to associate all of the other places we visited in the city’s historical timeline. (You can read more about the trolley here.)

3) The Early Years At Boot Hill Museum

One of the most notable, and easily recognizable, places in Dodge City is Boot Hill. Most of us have grown up seeing movies or television shows that refer to this ominous destination. As children we would play cowboys with the underlying intent of not ending up in the Boot Hill Cemetery. A chance to visit this actual site was truly memorable. The Boot Hill Museum holds a large collection of memorabilia and artifacts from the city’s early years. During your visit, be sure to climb Boot Hill to check out the additional historical displays, as well as the original cemetery site. (You can read more about the Boot Hill Museum here.)

4) Rowdy Visitors

Picture the sun sinking into the horizon and casting long shadows across Front Street in old Dodge City. A small group of deputies gather along the boardwalk in front of the Longbranch Saloon. Down the street a group of rowdy cowboys strut toward the saloon. Fresh from the trail, these men are looking for a chance to spend some of their money on drinks, gambling, and a good time. With sidearms strapped to their legs, there is sure to be a ruckus in town tonight. During the summer months, this scenario is played out for action hungry guests. The engaging drama culminates with a fast action shootout in the streets of Dodge City. This family friendly activity can be found on the grounds of the Boot Hill Museum.

5) They Can-Can Dance

Once the smoke clears, it was time for us to mosey into the Longbranch Saloon to get a peek at why the cowboys were so eager to come to town. The seats must be purchased in advance, which means that if you have a ticket, you will see the show. We joined our table guests as the evening’s frivolity began. Soon everyone was laughing and toe-tapping to the entertainment being brought by this merry band of characters. Be prepared that they engage with the audience and will even invite some members up on stage.  (Read more about the gunfight and saloon show here.)

6) Teaching Opportunities

Dodge City’s western roots means that visitors will find some unusual sites during their stay. One that we had to check out was the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame. Now it wouldn’t be odd to visit a site that honored teachers, but it’s the fact that they have combined it with the Gunfighters Wax Museum that adds a touch of the unusual to this place. Our visit started with touring the second floor, which is filled with dioramas detailing some of the famous lawmen, as well as quite a few unsavory characters from the Wild West days. Afterwards, we returned to the main floor to educate ourselves on the history of some of the states most outstanding educators. (You can read more about this dual subject site here.)

7) Spirits Of The Wild West

As we ventured around Dodge City, it seemed like every place we visited had some historical significance. A stop just up the hill from the Boot Hill Museum landed us at Boot Hill Distillery. Housed in the old city hall, the building sits on part of the grounds of the original Boot Hill Cemetery. While there was no discussion of ghosts, we did find some spirits inside. This is the oldest craft distillery in western Kansas, and their small batch approach allows them to have better control over the consistency of their products. A stop in their tasting room gave us a chance to sample some of their wares and we were floored by the smoothness of their products. This is a “must see” for those that appreciate the finer things in life. (You can read more about the distillery here.)

8) Kansas Suds

Speaking of firsts, Dodge City is also home to the first craft brewery in Southwest Kansas. Dodge City Brewing Company is the creation of an award winning home-brewer who wanted to spread the goodness on a larger scale. We dropped in for a lunch break and found they serve up a good selection of brews that even include some from other Kansas breweries. Add in one of their specialty pizza pies and you have the makings of a delicious meal. They also offer tasting size draws for those looking to sample a new brew variety. (You can read more about the brewery here.)

9) Memorable Meals

You knew that eventually the topic of food would come up. Fortunately, Dodge City has plenty of dining options. Being the home to some major stockyards means that beef is quite often the highlight of the menu. Don’t worry, there are plenty of other options, as well. We wouldn’t expect to eat a steak or burger at breakfast. (Although some do.) There are plenty of other choices. like the meal we had at Casey’s Cowtown Club. This meal came with a history lesson of the city, as well as a tour of the restaurant. While we didn’t feature as many restaurants as usual, we still found lots of variety. Tacos Jalisco is a great Mexican food option. If you are looking for a no-frills burger just drop by Kate’s for lunch or dinner. If you visiting the Boot Hill Museum, you may want to consider experiencing one of their Bull Fry meals. For those a little less brave, it comes with brisket, as well.

10) Morning Starters

Some mornings we find that we need an extra jolt of caffeine. Being Kansas City natives, we were floored to find that Red Beard Coffee serves up Blip coffee. The coffee from this KC roaster is one of our favorites, so you can imagine how happy this made us. Besides delectable coffee drinks, we also discovered there are some other imaginative specialty items being served in Dodge City. Choco Fruit serves up rolled ice cream, which is becoming quite a popular version of this frozen dessert. If you prefer the old style ice cream treats, you may want to drop in Paleteria Juaritos for a banana split.

11) Supporting The Locals

Timing our visit during Dodge City Days opened up some unique activities. The annual celebration runs toward the end of July and makes a trip to the city extra special. This ten day festival began in 1960 and celebrates the rich western heritage that sets Dodge City apart. That makes this annual celebration the second largest in the state of Kansas. The highly anticipated Dodge City Parade allows locals and visitors alike an opportunity to mingle in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. We grabbed some coffee at Red Beard and made our way over to the parade route to join the growing crowds. Soon the flashing lights and sirens told us it was approaching. By the time it finished, we were sure that all of the residents of Dodge City had either participated in or watched the parade. There is that much community pride there.

12) Kansas BBQ

Another key event during the Dodge City Days is the Smokin’ Saddles BBQ Contest. This KCBS sanctioned event draws teams from all over the country. With big prize money on the line, everyone is cautiously optimistic. The event is held in Wright Park, which fills with contestants. The day before the main event is filled with a special bbq contest designed to engage the younger crowd.

The Kid’s BBQ Contest has teams of children competing in the same style, but on a slightly smaller scale. Each team chooses a meat to prepare for the judges. While this event is not KCBS sanctioned, the kids still take it seriously. With adult supervision, the kids prep their steak or burger with their own special concoctions, rubs, and spice mixes. Soon the delicious aromas are wafting from the miniature grills, while team members carefully watch over the cooking. There were some amazing looking dishes at the end, so in the future we may have to volunteer to be judges, so we can get a taste. It was obvious that they are grooming the next generation of BBQ champions.

13) Big Name Entertainment

Like most celebrations, there is usually some sort of special entertainment. During Dodge City Days, they draw big name stars that wow the crowds. We had the opportunity to attend the Justin Moore concert at the United Wireless Arena. The show drew in thousands of guests who joined us in the evening of country music. Justin entertained for a couple of hours with the crowd singing along to many familiar hits.

Our trip to Dodge City opened our eyes and minds to some unique sights. As our time there ran out, we realized there was still more that we missed. The list we have compiled here does a good job at scratching the surface of the city, but we are sure there are plenty of other things you will find during your visit. Visiting during Dodge City Days will offer some special events, but there are still plenty of things to do other times of the year. We are betting you will enjoy your Wild West filled adventure to Dodge City. Which of these 13 things look the most appealing to you? Let us know your choices in the comments section below.

The post 13 Unique Reasons To Visit Dodge City Days appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Abilene Visitors Bureau for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Getting Familiar

Our first stop was the Dickinson Heritage Center, which is a multi-subject museum. Here we had the opportunity to learn more about how Abilene became a city. From its earliest days through more modern times, this place highlighted the notable moments and people who helped form the city. We especially enjoyed the Wild West aspect of the cow town days and the lawmen who helped rein in the rowdy cowboys. Be sure to step out back to see the additional exhibits. You will also want to take a ride on the C.W. Parker carousel that is found there. Check out the short video we included in our more detailed article. (Read more about Dickinson Heritage here.)

Watch Your Step

Within walking distance of the Heritage Center, we came upon Old Abilene Town. This recreation of the Wild West days was a perfect accent to our trip. Here we explored the buildings that shed light on the life of early settlers to the region. We can’t imagine what it would have been like to live without some of the creature comforts we have nowadays. During our visit, we were able to catch one of their performances. A group of rowdy characters entertained the assembled crowd with a show filled with comedy, action, and even some educational material. This all-ages feature is fun for the whole family, and you can even meet the actors after their performance. (Read more about Old Abilene here.)

The Man Of The Hour

Abilene’s most notable resident was Dwight D. Eisenhower, so we couldn’t pass up a visit to the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Boyhood Home. The 34th President of the United States may not have been born here, but being raised in the breadbasket of the country taught him his down-to-earth values. The Eisenhower Museum is under renovation until the late Spring of 2019, but the staff has assembled a memorable informational exhibit in the library. It is filled with artifacts and memorabilia from Ike and Mamie’s lives before, during, and after the presidency. Be sure to save your tickets, as they are good for a return visit to see the newly renovated space when it reopens.(Read more about Ike’s Library here.)

Riding The Rails

By extending our stay to include a second day, we were able to increase the number of sights we were able to enjoy. This gave us plenty of time to really deep dive into the museums and attractions we had on our schedule. A chance to ride the rails on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad had us pretty pumped. With very little train riding experience, we were looking forward to this attraction. We didn’t realize they had a small museum on-site, so we were happy that we had some extra time to explore it. (Read more about the railroad here.)

Going Downtown

One thing we always try to leave time for is to explore the downtown area of our destinations. Each town and city has something unique to offer, so we try to uncover their hidden gems. Along Buckeye Avenue, the main drag heading north and south, we found a grouping of retail shops. There were others that radiated out from this street between 2nd and 5th Streets. It made for a pleasant walking tour with short rests as we explored the shop interiors. This was a great way to meet some of the locals, who were friendly and quite helpful with meal suggestions.

Family Tradition

A home-style family meal is exactly what you would expect to find in the heart of Kansas. Have no fear, they serve these up daily at the Brookville Hotel. No need for a menu, since they have perfected the full-service chicken dinner over the past 100+ years. Yes, you read that right. This place may have moved from their original location, but have no fear. They brought their recipes with them. Be sure to take a few moments to check out the other spaces in the building before or after dinner.

With so much to see and do, why not start planning your visit to Abilene, Kansas. This family-friendly city will have you cheering for cowboys, learning about famous Kansans, and dining on delectable dishes. What more could you ask for in the heart of the country? So what do you have on your Abilene itinerary? We’d love to hear what we missed, so we can add it to our return trip. Leave us a note in the comments section below. Thanks!

The post Abilene, Kansas – Presidents, Residents, and Plenty Of Chicken appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the Travel Iowa and Catch Des Moines for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Learning The Lingo

Our first step, after picking a destination, is to begin determining an itinerary. This is done with an attempt to balance our stops with lots of variety. We know that our readers cover a huge variety of demographics, so we always try to pick plenty of stops for them to choose from when planning their own get-away. One of the first things we look for are educational opportunities. We truly believe that travel is a form of continued education, and opens up plenty of chances to learn about the culture and history of our destinations. A stop at the State Historical Museum of Iowa helped pave our way to better understand how Des Moines grew to its current status. Here we learned not just about the city we were getting ready to explore, but also the state in general. This makes a great first stop for your Des Moines vacation. (Read more about the Historical Museum here.)

While I was doing the planning, I stumbled upon a lesser known museum. Inside the downtown Wells Fargo location there resides one of about a dozen Wells Fargo Museums. These small scale exhibits are chocked full of hands on displays designed to highlight the role that Iowa played in connecting an expanding nation. What surprised us the most was just how many interactive exhibits this place has assembled. It’s a great stop for families, since there are lots of activities that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages. (Even my age!) (Read more about the Wells Fargo Museum here.)

Speaking of family friendly sites, how about stopping in the Science Center of Iowa. Here we found another place that is packed with all age accessible displays. While the majority of the space is designed to educate about various scientific principles, there is a gallery filled with more local appeal. The “What On Earth?” exhibit is a good place to learn about some of the native species that you may encounter during your visit to Des Moines or Iowa in general.  (Read more about the Science Center here.)

East Village Appeal

The layout of the downtown region in Des Moines is designed to be user friendly. The Des Moines River cuts a swath through the heart of the downtown and becomes a centerpiece for the design of the area. On the east side of the river, the neighborhood is called the East Village. This area is filled with a mix of commercial and residential, as well as holding the capitol building. We had the pleasure of meandering through the shops on a couple of occasions. Lots of boutiques are found in and around the area, and we even located one that we recognized form Kansas City. (RayGun has a store in the CrossRoads District of KCMO.)

Close-In Comfort

We were fortunate to be lodged right in the heart of the region we were exploring. The Staybridge Suites, in the East Village, made a perfect home base for us. The room was fantastic with lots of plugins for all of our electronics. We even got the chance to try out their pool and hot tub one evening. These were welcomed after a day of walking throughout the downtown. They have a breakfast buffet every morning, but we had already made plans to explore some of the local eateries. In talking with other hotel guests, the food was described as delicious. With a dedicated covered parking lot and key card access, this place worked well for our busy schedule.

Getting Outdoors

Downtown Des Moines is filled with interesting outdoor spaces to explore. From the capital hill over to the Gateway Park, you can find unique sights that are specific to this area. Each stop has its own flavor and at any time you could find a crowd. During our evening we would stroll around admiring the murals we found tucked away on the side of various businesses. (Great for selfies!) Of course, artwork is limited to this style, and a visit to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park offers tons of potential picture possibilities. Besides, it is nice to get out into the green spaces that Des Moines has reserved for its residents and visitors. (Read more about the outdoor spaces here.)

Another good spot to get in touch with nature is the Des Moines Botanical Gardens. Here we were in awe of the amazing number of species that can survive the wild weather of the Midwest. We even found a couple that we are wanting to add to our own landscape. Just down the road we visited the Robert Ray Asian Garden that holds some interesting foliage and sculptures. Its riverside location makes for a great spot to reflect and view the city skyline. (Read more about the gardens here.)

With so much to see and do in downtown Des Mines, Iowa you may want to plan a couple extra days for exploring. After all, we only had enough time to see the center city section. There are still tons of sights to be discovered on your own vacation to the Iowa capital. What are some of the places you think we should add to our next visit? Mention them in the comments section below and we will add them to our list. Thanks!

The post 3 Amazing Days In Downtown Des Moines, Iowa appeared first on Our Changing Life.

Getting A Good Start

One of the best ways we have found to uncover the local favorites is to ask. We will join a Facebook group that is specific to the food lovers of the particular destination. From them we can glean some excellent suggestions, as well as interesting background information. While we wish we could visit every single place they suggest, in the end we must narrow the field to the ones that fit our itinerary best. The morning we spent at the downtown Farmers Market allowed us a chance to pop into Java Joe’s for a cup of morning wake-me-up. This local chain has an eclectic retro vibe that is perfect for its Court Avenue District location. With our caffeine covered, it was time for more exploring. Java Joe’s does offer some breakfast bites as well, but we decided to test out some of the items being sold at the market.

We were fortunate enough to have a second morning in Des Moines, which meant that we had the opportunity to visit St. Kilda. The idea of dining at an Australian style restaurant certainly piqued our interest. With an open, airy interior and some unique flavor combinations, this place certainly left us with delicious memories. 

Munching On Handhelds

Lunchtime for us is usually reserved for sandwiches of some style. During a busy day of exploring, it is important to refuel. We have found that this particular meal time is good for a protein boost, and a nice juicy burger really hits the spot. The Walnut is the brick & mortar child of a long loved food truck named The Food Spot Truck. Adding the non-moving destination to their portfolio has allowed them to increase the number of fans they can serve. We stopped by after a visit to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and soon found out why they are so popular. Dishes like their Mushroom Swiss Burger and Mediterranean Chicken Pita offer plenty of flavor, while filling us up for more downtown time.

Do you ever get so hungry that you feel like you are running on empty? You know the times when you feel like a zombie just staggering through life. Well then, downtown Des Moines has the perfect dining destination for you. Stop in Zombie Burger for a frightening good time filled with good eats and interesting decor. Be sure to bring your camera, (Or phone camera) as you will certainly want to document this world changing event. (You can read more about Zombie Burger here.)

Selfie Spots

Since you have the camera handy, why not check out some of the local art that can be found in and around the east Village and other downtown areas in Des Moines. There are some nice murals, tucked away on the sides of buildings, just waiting to be discovered. It pays to get out of the car and do some exploring by foot.

Dining Around The World Without Leaving Downtown

The availability of so many cuisines makes downtown Des Moines a food lovers paradise. With dozens of choices, it would be easy to dine in the area every weekend all year long and not have to repeat locations. Some include interesting entertainment, like what we found at Olympic Flame Restaurant in the East Village. This Greek food eatery thrills customers with their flaming cheese, which has to be seen in person. (We have a short video of it in the linked article.) We also had the chance to be entertained by a local belly dancer who clearly enjoys interacting with the crowds.  (You can read more about Olympic Flame here.)

What could be better than sampling a different cuisine in a new destination? How about a restaurant that combines two cultures into one great space. Welcome to Fong’s Pizza. From the outside you expect to find a Chinese eatery and the feeling continues inside. Then the menu comes out and you see it is filled with pizza pies. But wait! These aren’t your standard everyday pizza toppings. Here’s where the Chinese meets the pizzeria with flavors like General Tso’s or the ever popular Crab Rangoon. Finish off your meal with a sweet treat of Raspberry Cheesecake Egg Rolls.

Now that brings up the subject of dessert. Everyone knows it’s the best part of the meal, and we try to always seek out a couple on each of our trips. After all, we don’t want to waste all of that walking we do. Just down the street from Fong’s, we came upon Royal Mile. This English style pub draws in plenty of people for a pint, but also has an interesting menu. Since we had already had plenty of main meals, our visit was specifically to test out their dessert menu. As you can see, it has some deliciously decadent dishes available. (You can read more about Fong’s Pizza & Royal Mile here.)

While the other desserts were scrumptious, for us nothing holds a candle to some sweet ice cream. This is especially true in the summertime. When planning our Des Moines weekend, we looked high and low for something unique to that city. When we stumbled upon Black Cat Ice Cream, we knew we had hit the motherlode. This small batch business makes their products with quality ingredients, which is apparent in the taste and creaminess. It was a perfect accent to the amazing foods we found in downtown Des Moines. (You can read more about Black Cat here.) Which of these places look most appealing to you? Let us hear from you in the comments section below. We love getting feedback.

The post 8 Delectable Downtown Des Moines Dining Destinations appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the Travel Iowa and Catch Des Moines for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Monumental Sights

Since almost all of our time was spent in the East Village or downtown, we could usually count on having a view of the capitol building nearby. There were a few times that it was eclipsed by the skyscrapers that tower over the downtown. We picked a quiet Sunday morning to walk the grounds and check out the amazing sculptures and monuments. It was such a peaceful time that we were able to reflect on the reasons for each of the tributes. This area is definitely one you will want to visit during your next trip to Des Moines.

The view of the cityscape is amazing from the foot of the capital. We lingered for a while, taking in the beauty of the skyline. It may have been our last morning in the city, but we knew we would be taking plenty of memories home with us. Nearby, we watched a family exploring the area and using it as an opportunity to educate their children on the local history. It was nice to see this interaction and we hope it instilled in the kids the desire to explore the world around them.

Des Moines Farmer’s Market

Before our visit, I reached out to some Des Moines groups to seek their suggestions on sites for us to visit. One that we heard mentioned more than any was the Downtown Farmer’s Market. When they described it we saw words like; huge, massive, biggest, and immense. We were hoping these weren’t just braggadocios statements designed to draw us in. Once we arrived, we quickly realized that these may have not truly expressed the true size of the event. With around 300 vendors, this weekly attraction draws in around 25,000 shoppers every Saturday during the summer months.

The market covers nine city blocks with vendors selling just about everything under the sun. Wandering through the area is a photographers dream. Vivid colors grabbed our attention, drawing us into booths filled with all sorts of artistic creations. The morning sun played off the art glass, casting colorful shadows across tables. We felt like kids in a candy store and strained to see everything. It didn’t take long before we realized that we needed a plan, if we were to tackle this place in an orderly fashion.

Joining In

We decided that the best approach would be to focus our attention on one side of the street at a time, and work our way up and down the rows. It proved to be a solid plan and soon we were able to focus on one booth at a time. Periodically, we would come upon a musical performer that had captivated an audience. During our visit we saw a jazz band, made up of high school students, swaying the crowd in front of the Polk County Courthouse. This architectural masterpiece made a beautiful backdrop for their band. Further down the street a couple performed with some unique instruments. They even had a “musical petting zoo” of sorts, and invited kids and adults to join in. The atmosphere of the market was akin to a fair or carnival, and everyone seemed to be relishing in the fun.

With so many baubles to be seen, we came to the conclusion that there was no real way we could possibly take it all in. The morning passed with plenty of caffeine, colors, and conversations. We stopped in a few booths and talked with the vendors about the Farmers Market experience, as a whole. It was apparent that this weekly event is known throughout the region and draws sellers and shoppers from miles around. With so many interesting pieces for sale, we couldn’t help but spread some of our tourism dollars around.

Greening Up

We did notice that a majority of the booths focused on items that weren’t grown on a farm. Of course, there were some produce stands and plant growers peppered in the mix. We are guessing it was enough for those who came looking for these items. Periodically we would see someone pass us pulling a wagon laden down with the fixings for a great salad or items that would be added to their landscape. These booths added some nice green to the market.

Western Gateway Park

On Saturday afternoon we wandered the farthest distance from our hotel during our visit. Our goal was to explore the Pappajohn Sculpture Garden located in this green space. The entire park covers around 13 acres with about a third of it being dedicated to the 28 sculptures. Heading to the park from the west (opposite of our lodging) makes it appear as a gateway to the downtown area of Des Moines. While climbing on the sculptures is not allowed (common sense) there is plenty of lawn for a picnic.

We had made a stop at Black Cat Ice Cream before arriving, so our visit was purely for admiring the artwork. There is a nice variety to the pieces, since it comprises the work of 22 different artists. The park is open during daylight hours and is free to the public. A meandering walk leads around the grounds to allow visitors closer views at each of the pieces. 

Puzzling Pieces

As we made our way through the park, we tried to figure out what significance each of the pieces holds for the artist. Some are obviously playful expressions like the hare posing as The Thinker. Others seem to carry a more ominous undertone like the empty shroud. While the Des Moines Art Center does offer a tour of the sculpture garden, we chose to let our own imaginations fill in the blanks.

CelebrAsian

Our timing to visit Western Gateway Park could not have been better. That weekend was the Des Moines CelebrAsian event that celebrates the culture of the Orient. With over a dozen different Asian villages, there is tons to see, hear, eat, and do. Each of the villages displayed items that are common to their culture. Most sold some food products, so visitors had the opportunity to sample a variety of cuisines.

Much like the farmers market, this event offered lots of colors and textures, which make for plenty of lovely photos. Live music and entertainment took place on two separate stages. We watched a little of a Bollywood style dance exhibition, while resting in the shade of the tents set up nearby. The entire event had a relaxed pace, which was amplified by the hot summer day. On the smaller stage there were an assortment of martial arts demonstrations that were extremely popular with the crowd.

Fun For All Ages

As we explored the various villages, we noticed that almost all of them had items geared specifically for children. The CelebrAsian event is truly family friendly and even featured some children’s musical performances. We took a few minutes to watch the cosplay competition, before continuing our wandering. With hunger beginning to creep back in, we knew it was time to work our way toward another delicious Des Moines eatery.

Making New Friends

While we walked to our dinner location, we discussed how many interesting sights we had found in Des Moines. This city is filled with plenty to occupy a weekend or even longer. Our three days were certainly packed, and would make a four or five day itinerary for most travelers. With only about 10% of the city’s footprint covered, we know there are still loads of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Why not make your plans to visit Des Moines and check out some of these sights firsthand. You might just uncover something we missed, and we hope you would share it with all of us in the comments section below. Remember, Sharing is Caring!

The post 3 Outdoor Spaces Not To Be Missed In Des Moines, Iowa appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit Council Grove for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Scenic Drive

We left home, in KCK, around 6:00 in the morning, which gave us time to stop for breakfast along the route. Council Grove is less than two hours from our home and offers some nice views of the countryside. It’s located just 55 miles southwest of Topeka, in the Flint Hills. Before long, we found ourselves cruising through the rolling hills. We rolled into the town of about 2200 residents just as the business day was beginning.

Getting Our Bearings

Our first stop was at the Visitors Bureau. This is a great place for travelers to begin their exploration, since the staff knows the area as well as anyone you will find. They will usually have plenty of maps, brochures, and information about all of the local attractions, sights, and businesses. We also find them to be a good resource for dining recommendations. Give it a try next time you visit a new destination. We bet they will become your go-to resource on most every trip.

History Abounds in Council Grove

One of the main purposes for our visit to Council Grove was to check out their large quantity of historic sights. They list 25 individual attractions, which seemed like a huge number for a town of their size. Some pre-trip research shed a little light on why this place would have so much to see. Council Grove was an integral stop on the santa Fe Trail. It was the last place to rest up and restock supplies, before wagon trains made the 600 mile journey to Santa Fe. It was also one of the last places to find hardwood trees, which were a vital source of repair parts for wagons. If you want to understand that last bit better, be sure to ask Diane Wolfe at the Visitors Bureau. (You can read more about the historical sights here.)

An Old Friend

Council Grove is split in two by the Neosho River, which flows south toward Oklahoma. In this part of the state it is a fairly manageable body of water. This is one of the main reasons why the wagon trains passed this direction. It made for a good crossing point and these days the Riverwalk celebrates that occurrence with commemorative signage and this beautiful waking park. While I had done research before our visit, somehow I completely missed the name of the river that flowed through the town. In my younger days, I would spend my summers with my grandparents in a little town called West Mineral, Kansas. Just west of town, the Neosho River passed by on its way to become Grand Lake in Oklahoma. Many times we would head to the river to fish or swim, and even noodle once in a while. It’s amazing how the mention of a name can bring back so many pleasant memories.

Local History

What would a visit to such a historic town be without a trip to the local museum? Diane was happy to show us around the Post Office Oak Museum located on Main Street. We noticed the odd name, but she was quick to point out the reason. In the past, travelers on the Santa Fe Trail would leave messages for others in a hollow in an old oak tree located at this site. Before long, a building was constructed nearby and over time served multiple purposes. These days it is the local/regional museum. It is filled with artifacts from the early days of the town all the way through the more recent past. When you visit be sure to set aside a good amount of time to view all of the collections. (Read more about the Post Office Oak Museum here.)

Retail Check

After our lunch, we wanted to do a little different type of exploring in town, so we headed to Main Street to check out some of the shops in Council Grove. We strolled along, and popped in a variety of retail stores. It gave us a chance to talk with some of the locals and get their views of their hometown. No matter how large or small the destination, we always try to get a flavor for the place by interacting. We find it to be a good way to meet some very interesting people and even make new friends. It amazes us how many times we even find a connection with some of the people we meet. One of the shops we stopped in was owned and operated by the Council Grove mayor. I would bet that this small tidbit would have easily been undiscovered if we hadn’t struck up a conversation.

Real Meals

Since I started my blogging life with restaurants, we are always mindful to try to sample plenty of the local flavors wherever we travel. After all, one thing we all have in common is the need to eat. Council Grove offered up some historic dining destinations, which we were more than willing to sample. A couple of our stops were in buildings that have been around for over 100 years. We could almost feel the history in them as we entered and getting the opportunity to learn more about these historic stops was humbling. We are sure that many of you have noticed a high volume of historical sites in our catalog of articles. It is our belief that travel is one of the best ways to continue education into our adult years. Getting a good meal, while learning some history is an added bonus. (You can read more about Council Grove eats here.)

Overnight Stay

While Council Grove makes an excellent day trip destination from Kansas City, it would be a shame to leave without experiencing a historical stay. We had the opportunity to spend a night at The Cottage House, which is a quaint hotel just a few feet off of the Santa Fe Trail. It makes a perfect home base for exploring the town, as it puts you right in the middle of everything. The clean, comfortable rooms are spacious and offer Victorian charm. (You can read more about Cottage House here.)

Since we were spending the night, it gave us a chance to head out to the lakes just north of the town. After taking a short drive around them, we settled on a nice spot that overlooked the water to the west. We soon were joined by others who know of the beauty that was about to unfold before our eyes. As we waited, we discussed the historical draw of Council Grove and wondered how many others in the region don’t realize all the jewels this hidden treasure holds. Soon the sun sank into the horizon, and everyone’s attention was drawn to the wildfire of colors that spread across the sky. While we are blessed to have the opportunity to travel to many places, we always have loved our Kansas sunsets! We hope you liked this overview of Council Grove and would love hearing from you. Please leave us a little love in the comments section below!

The post 24 Hours in Council Grove, Kansas appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad and Visit Abilene for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Depot Museum

Inside the depot, we met up with the manager, Mary Jane Oard. She was very welcoming, and gave us a quick overview of the depot. When you make your visit to the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad you will want to be sure to set some time aside to visit the museum located behind the ticketing area. We made our way to the museum section and found some interesting display. While we knew about brakemen and conductors, the role of railroad police was a little less familiar to us. I guess it is what they are referring to when they talk about the “bulls”. What an interesting job it must have been.

Some of the displays didn’t need any explanation, such as this collection of lamps. While each color had a different purpose, we just enjoyed the pattern that they presented lined up in a row.

Home Grown Art

We noticed the various pieces of graffiti and artwork that appeared on the depot walls. Mary Jane explained that it was likely done by railroad workers who were passing time. They were certainly a creative bunch and a few left the dates of their masterpieces for posterity. Be sure to check them out, before your train ride.

The Main Event

The announcement was made for our group to board the train for our ride. The entire trip would last about 1 hour and 45 minutes and would have a stop at the other end. Having little train riding experience, we were excited to get this ride under way. They offer a choice of inside seating, but the weather was more conducive for some outdoor atmosphere. Besides, we wanted to have an unobstructed view of the landscape. While they do offer steam locomotive rides periodically, our trip was handled by a diesel engine that was a tad bit newer.

We all loaded onto the train and found seats on the open sided car. One of the staff sat down beside us and filled us in on some of the history of the car we were riding in. Evidently, it was originally used for hauling steel and was converted for use by the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad. With everyone aboard, the train lurched forward on its way down the tracks. The trip took us five miles away to the nearby town of Enterprise, Kansas.

Turn’er Around

Once we arrived at the other end, it was time to disembark and check out the mill. In the meantime, the engineer and conductor uncoupled the engine and switched it to the other end. I took this opportunity to watch them in action. It’s not too often we get a chance to see the intricacy of the hand signals used to communicate with each other. We even caught some of it on video.

After witnessing this action, it was time to check out the Hoffman Grist Mill. While it wasn’t running that day, it is an active flour mill. The original mill (Not this building) began operations in 1869. These days they still produce flours that are for sale to the public. It amazes us to see this type of old school business surviving in this modern day world. We only wish they would have been operating during our visit. Perhaps on our next visit.

Return Trip

On the way back, we had a better idea of what to expect. The landscape is primarily farmland, which makes sense considering where we are. There is a section that passes through a wooded area and over the Smoky Hill River. On the way out, we were caught by surprise while talking. This time I was ready to catch some shots of the serene beauty, as well as the pile of debris that had gathered at the base of the train trestle from previous rains.

As we continued back to the station, we paid closer attention to some of the others on the train. It was clear that everyone enjoyed the rocking of the cars as we cruised down the tracks. Periodically, the engine would slow down for a crossing and we would hear the familiar horn signaling to any nearby vehicles. It is easy to understand why people were so infatuated with train travel for so long. It certainly makes for an enjoyable way to get from point A to Point B. This made our second real train ride, (Our first was this one in Eureka Springs) and we are quickly becoming fans. Have you ever traveled by train? We would love to hear about a true train journey!

Join the Fun and Give Us a Share!

The post All Aboard The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the Des Moines Botanical Gardens,  Travel Iowa and Catch Des Moines for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Under The Dome

W started out by exploring the Conservatory and Indoor Gardens. Their 80 foot tall geodesic dome is perfectly suited for the tropical species that they maintain indoors. The warm, humid atmosphere well represents what one would find in the jungles of Central America. Here and there we spotted bursts of color from orchids or other blooming plants. With access to multiple overlooks, it was easy to get a better feel for the entire exhibit.

As we meandered along the hardscaped pathway, we took in all of the beauty that surrounded us. As we made our way across one of the small bridges, we caught sight of this most unusual sculpture. We guess it was only fitting to find such an over-sized garden tool when you consider the overall size of many of these jungle plants.

Selfie Time

A small waterfall gave us a reason to stop for a selfie. (We love waterfalls.) Of course, like many it takes multiple shots to get one we can both agree on. While this was taking place, we had a visitor pop out nearby. We are guessing he wanted his time in the limelight, so we were honored to be able to add him to our pictures. Afterwards, he scurried away back into the foliage.

Ideas Abound

After the Conservatory, we passed down a hallway that led to the Gardeners Show House. This area is designed to provide inspiration to budding gardeners. It serves as a showcase for projects that utilize common plants, and re-purpose everyday objects. Some of the seating options are reclaimed from old pallets, and would fit well in most garden areas. While this area is not large, it is certainly packed full of great ideas. Be sure to check it out when you visit the Des Moines Botanical Gardens.

Heading Outdoors

We had already found so many interesting things to see, and we hadn’t even stepped out into the main garden area. Through the double doors we passed, and immediately found ourselves in the Bonsai Collection. This series of diminutive trees have been trained for decades. The oldest example in the collection started out in 1865. Let that sink in. That is the time of the Civil War era, so over 150 years old. These miniature masterpieces are amazing to behold.

Moving past the bonsai, we entered the Water Garden section of the botanical gardens. This half-acre area offers still waters, which reflect the landscape around it. We made our way across the walkway, taking in the nearby city skyline. Here and there we would see the water lilies lying gracefully upon the surface of the pond. We were hoping to catch sight of one of our new friend’s distant relatives. Unfortunately, the other turtles were either hiding or had great camouflage.

Running Waters

Another waterfall caught our eye and we made our way toward it. Sitting at the base of the Hillside Garden, this waterfall offers an excellent spot for more selfies either in front of or even behind the falling waters. Be sure to take a few minutes to climb the hill for a better view of the entire garden facility. It is another spot to get a prime skyline view, as well.

Beauty in Form

As we mentioned earlier, the beauty of gardens doesn’t just lie in the colorful flowers. Much like a room in a house, the few artwork pieces are made richer by the background wall supporting them. The same holds true for a complete garden. While the bright blooms are stunning to behold, they are also fleeting. The textures and shades of greens, tans, browns, and reds brought in by foliage are the backbone of a beautiful garden. In the Conifer Garden, we were able to see a wide variety of species that winter well in our climate. We have always considered places like the Des Moines Botanical Gardens to be a perfect place to explore new potential varieties to add to our own landscape. How many of you do the same thing?

Bonus Garden

As we were making our way to the Des Moines Botanical Gardens, we passed a roadside garden that looked quite promising. After our main visit, we decided to stop by the Robert D. Ray Asian Garden for a closer look. This small urban park features a Chinese pavilion situated along the banks of the Des Moines River. It is a nice place for a short stroll or a chat in the shade of the pavilion.

Just beyond the pavilion the walkway leads into a small shaded sculpture garden. The day we visited was warming up quickly, but the gentle breezes through this tree shaded area was quite refreshing.

Great Views Available

The walk into the park is connected to a walking path that leads into the heart of the city. As we made our way up the small hillside, we found ourselves with this fabulous view of the downtown. It made the stop worth it alone. Of course, the beauty of the Asian gardens was the cherry on the top. Do you plan to add the Des Moines Botanical Gardens to your vacation plans? We would love to hear your thoughts.

The post Relaxed Beauty at Des Moines Botanical Gardens appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit Council Grove for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Origins

Our visit to Council Grove began with a walking tour hosted by Diane Wolfe from the local tourism bureau. A large number of the sites are located along or near Main Street, which closely follows the original Santa Fe Trail path. A short jaunt led us to the remnants of the Council Oak. This is the spot where the representatives from the Indian tribes living in the area met with U.S. ambassadors to strike an agreement over the use of the trail. With this treaty in place, it signaled business full speed ahead for wagon trains.

Honorable Mentions

Nearby we came upon two statues that commemorate important demographics from pioneer days. The Madonna of the Trail statue is one of twelve found around the United States. Each one is placed in a state where the National Old Trails Highway ran. Just across the street we found the Guardian of the Grove statue. This bronze was created in 1998, by a local artist, to pay homage to the Kanza Indian tribe. For those not familiar with Kansas history, the tribe was also called the Kaw.

Durland Park

Heading further east, from downtown, we came to Durland Park. Here the city has assembled a variety of historical artifacts and buildings in one centralized location. (Perfect for those not wanting to do a lot of walking.) A replica of the original Calaboose (Old jail) shows how uncomfortable it would have been to be incarcerated in the mid-1800’s. We are pretty sure the hot summers and cold winters of Kansas would have been a great deterrent to repeat offenders.

We Like Trains

An original “Katy” Depot (Missouri-Kansas-Texas)  sits nearby. It is one of only two that still reside on their original location in Kansas. Just a bit behind it we found the Sylvan Park Depot. It was interesting to find that a man built his own personal depot, on the railroads right-of-way. It was used by his wife and visitors to visit their ranch. It ended up being the last privately owned depot. We never even knew anyone had built their own or that the railroad would have serviced them.

Riverwalk

Like most stops along one of the great American trails, Council Grove was serviced by a river. Fresh water was a vital commodity that travelers were always looking out for. The quietly meandering Neosho River offered a chance to refill their water barrels, before heading out on the Santa Fe Trail. These days the city has developed a beautiful park along the banks.

Life or Death

While the river brought life sustaining water, it also required the wagon trains to ford it to continue their journey. This portion of the Neosho River offered the best option, but it would still have been a potentially treacherous activity. Recent rains would have swollen the flow, and brought with it dangerously faster currents. It took experienced trail bosses to navigate these perils. These days the banks have been built up with flood stopping levees, but the original direction can still be seen reflected by the brick trail in the picture to the far right.

Diane informed us that our next stop was a little off of Main Street, so she felt the best path was to explore a little of the river-walk. We were more than happy to hear this, since we wanted to see more of this wonderful area. As we made our way south, we spotted a local trying his luck on the bank. I was hoping to catch a picture of him landing a catch, but my exploration partners had moved ahead without me. I hurried along and caught sight of them passing over a converted train trestle.

Early Settlers

While the original treaty was developed in 1825, it wasn’t until 1847 that one of Council Grove’s most notable pioneers arrived. Seth Hays (a great-grandson of Daniel Boone) came to the area with the purpose of trading with the Indian tribes. The first permanent building was constructed by him to be used as a trading post. By 1857, the population was growing, so the Council Grove Town Company was formed. Hays continued to expand his presence in Council Grove, and ended up adding the Hays House Restaurant to his collection of properties. This originally functioned as a mercantile store, restaurant, courthouse, post office, and meeting place. These days the Hays House remains the oldest continuously operated restaurant west of the Mississippi River. (You can read more about the restaurant here>)

We had an opportunity to tour Seth Hays’ House, that was built in 1867. While he never married, he did adopt a daughter who he raised along with his slave Sarah Taylor, who went by the name Aunt Sally. After slavery was abolished, Sarah remained with Seth, and is now buried near him. The home is decorated with period pieces and presents a view of life from the late 1800’s. The lucrative businesses that Hays operated made him a man of considerable wealth, so the home was furnished quite nicely for the time.

Beans, Bacon, and Whiskey

We can still remember those childhood trips when our parents would remind us it was the last stop for a while. It was a signal that all business needed to be completed, because we would be heading out on a long haul. Can you imagine this same thing occurring in the 1800’s? The Last Chance Store was erected in 1857 and served for a brief period as the final stop for supplies prior to heading across the open prairie. It was 600 miles to Santa Fe, so wagon trains needed to be stocked up for the journey. And we thought we had it rough when we had to sit still for a few hours.

These are just a handful of the historic sites that can be found in Council Grove, Kansas, so make your own plans to visit this “jumping off point” for the Santa Fe Trail. You may be surprised what all you discover. Be sure to wrap up your visit with a side trip to one of the two lakes north of town to catch a beautiful Kansas sunset. They are hard to beat!

Make history and share this article with a friend!

The post History Overload In Council Grove, Kansas appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the businesses and Explore St. Louis for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

1) They Embrace Other Cultures

Saint Louis is a city filled with an amazing amount of history. Over the centuries, this region has been the home of Native American Indians. Prior to becoming a territory of the United States, after the Louisiana Purchase, it was also claimed by Spain and France at times. These various influences can be found in the architecture and names of places throughout the metropolitan area. With all of the various ethnicities, that abound inside the city limits, it is no surprise to see the almost unending desire to learn more about foreign cultures. This was most apparent to us during a visit to the St. Louis Art Museum in Forest Park. The wide range of artistic pieces is a good draw for locals and travelers alike. What was really pulling them in was a temporary exhibit about the recently discovered sunken treasures in Egypt. Like so many of the locals, we became fixated with learning as much as we could about these ancient people. As Nehru once said, “Culture is the widening of the mind and spirit.” (You can read more about the Art Museum here>)

2) Want To Know Their Own History

While learning other cultures is vital, it is just as important to understand our own pasts. A stop at the Missouri History Museum gave us a great insight into the past of the city. History is who we are, so learning the history of St. Louis helped us better understand its people. Our visit allowed us to see the tail end of the temporary exhibit on the Civil Rights struggle, in this city’s past and present. It was a reminder that no matter how far we have traveled, there is still plenty of road before us. We also spent a good deal of time learning about the 1904 World’s Fair and its impact on the future development of the city. It was quite eye-opening. (You can read more about the History Museum here>)

3) Quietly Honor The Fallen

The Jefferson Barracks is an area unlike any we have in our hometown of Kansas City. It amazes us that even though these two cities share a state, they have such varied historical paths. Driving through the cemetery reminded us of all of the Americans who have fallen during times of war. A stop at the Missouri Civil War Museum highlighted one of the most divisive events in the history of our country. What was the most poignant part for us, was that the museum presents the conflict simply by the facts. It attempts to avoid pushing one or the other sides agenda, and is simply there to honor those that fell fighting for something they believed in. This showed us the true compassion of the people of St. Louis and their ability to rise above the ongoing squall to show respect to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. (You can read more about the Civil War Museum here>)

4) They Will Never Stop Learning

One of the keys to life is to learn something new each day. We have found travel to be a great education since we get to sample so many new things. It is always kind of funny to us when we include a place like the St. Louis Science Center in our itinerary. Almost every time we hear the same thing from the tourism team that we are working with. “You realize that place is designed for kids, right?” Well, yes we do. By the way, we will be two of the biggest kids in attendance that day. Places like this exist so that the locals and travelers can dive deeper into the cause and effects of the world around us. We dove in headfirst to the various exhibits. So much to see and do spread out through this facility. Somewhere along the way, we heard the shriek of happy kids and had to wonder if it was us that we were hearing. (You can read more about the Science Center here>)

5) Are Never Too Old To Enjoy Playing

Speaking of playing, we cannot say just how surprised we were during our visit to the City Museum. When we heard the suggestions from our readers, we had to wonder just what the real draw was to this place. Less of a museum and more of an adult-sized playground is the only way to describe it. When we pulled into the parking lot, we were already getting giddy. Tubes, chutes, ladders, walkways, tunnels, caves, and numerous slides are found inside and out of this engaging attraction. Be sure to stop in the gift shop and grab a pair of knee pads to aid in your exploring. Our only disappointment was that we went too early in the year, so the rooftop portion was not yet open. Oh well, it gives us a reason for a return trip. (You can read more about City Museum here>)

6) Not Afraid To Stand Out From The Crowd

Being unique is becoming more difficult to find these days. It seems that many people want to just blend in, and not draw any attention to themselves. While this may seem to be a safe approach to life, it leaves a person with a higher potential for regrets in later years. An old proverb says, “If you are too busy to laugh, you are too busy.” Sometimes we need to just cast off worrying about others’ impressions of us and do something that makes our heart sing. These are the moments that we will look back on fondly. St. Louis showed us plenty of people who weren’t afraid to step out of the shadows and let their lights shine. Seeing others act on their impulses certainly brought smiles to our faces.

7) They Love Their Musical Heritage

So many people associate ragtime, blues, modern gospel, and even hip-hop with big cities like New York, L.A., or even Chicago. Would you be surprised to find out the wide variety of musicians got their start or honed their crafts in the clubs and bars of St. Louis? Ragtime icon Scott Joplin moved to “Mound City” (An old St. Louis nickname) in 1901 to ply his trade. At that time, ragtime was so new that many publishers were unsure how to write the sheet music for some of his pieces. Many of the blues musicians that made Chicago famous were still playing primarily in St.Louis until the 1930s. Rock and Roll legend Chuck Berry got his start in St. Louis playing country riffs. This twang would remain a piece of his style even as he transformed into this new genre of music. Even current musical stars like Nelly (Cornell Haynes, Jr.) have hometown ties to the Gateway City. If you want to see a great selection of nostalgic memorabilia, including musical pieces, stop in Blueberry Hill on the Delmar Loop for a tour or better yet, a meal.

8) They Want More For Their City

Now that the Delmar Loop has been mentioned, let’s spend a little time on this historic avenue. The Loop, as it is referred to by locals, is a six block-long section of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. In the early days of the city, (Think the 1904 World’s Fair time-frame) Delmar Street was serviced by a streetcar that offered city dwellers a chance to escape the heat and head to the outskirts. As the city transformed, this area was abandoned and became blighted. In the 1970’s a leader stepped from the sideline to help begin a decades-long process of reviving the Loop to grandeur. Joe Edwards started with a single new business, but continued with time to revitalize many of the historic buildings along the route. The addition of the Moonrise Hotel brought a boutique lodging option to an area starved for places to host travelers to the city. These days, the Delmar Loop is recognized as one of the “Ten Great Streets in America”. After staying at the Moonrise and spending ample time on the Loop, we can only imagine the amount of dedication required to transform the area. (You can read more about Moonrise here>)

9) Recognize Greatness In Others

As we wandered the Loop, we noticed an array of stars and plaques placed in the sidewalk. At first it was just a passing glance, but soon we would find ourselves recognizing the famous names. Many of the names were easy to place, but some were more obscure and caused us to pause to learn more about them. With over 140 separate plaques, visitors will surely find plenty to hold their attention. It is also a great way to learn about the ties that many famous people have with St. Louis.  So many facts that we never knew.

10) Are Hooked On Space

A reoccurring theme we found during our travels around the Gateway City was space travel. We expected it at the Moonrise Hotel but were a little surprised to find hints of it throughout the Delmar Loop. In many stops along the way, we would see a homage to this dreamy desire. There are even signposts that give interesting perspective on each of the planets in our solar system. Just when we had decided it was specific to the Loop, we made a visit to the St. Louis Science Center. Here we found an entire section of the building dedicated to space travel. Wow! Saint Louis really likes their space.

11) Welcome Guests With Great Attractions

Having claimed to America’s Top Free Attraction is nothing to take lightly. Saint Louis holds that distinction with their world-class zoological park. The St. Louis Zoo sees around 3,000,000 visitors each year. That is more than the entire metropolitan population of the city it lies within. With over 16,000 animals on display, it takes a highly organized staff to keep everything in tip-top shape. We can tell you from an outsider view, that the zoo is an amazing asset for the St. Louis community. During our visit, we tried to cover as many of the 90 acres that we could. Even on a brisk day the crowds were out in force to observe the animals in action. Being zoo lovers, we have no problem suggesting the St. Louis Zoo to anyone planning a visit to the Gateway City. It’s that good! (You can read more about the Zoo here>)

Well, those are some of our observations of the people of St. Louis. Obviously, we only had time to meet a few of them, but we were quite impressed by the welcoming spirit we felt from those we did interact with. Hopefully, this article has piqued your own interest in visiting the Gateway to the West and maybe doing some of your own observing’s. Be sure to look for the little things that make these Midwestern dwellers stand out. Enjoy your stay and travel safely!

The post 11 Things That Make St. Louis The True Gateway City appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the Travel Iowa and Catch Des Moines for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Deadly Decor

Zombie Burger actually ended up being the last meal we experienced during our visit to Des Moines, so we had plenty of time to anticipate it. During our stay, we did have the chance to discuss our itinerary with local residents, and many were anxious to hear our opinions of this spot. When we entered the restaurant, we immediately were intrigued by the unique decor. While the seating options are pretty standard, it is the added layer of semi-gruesome murals and props that make the place stand out. During your visit, you will want to take a stroll around the interior to spot all of the various artwork pieces they have on display. Be sure to say Hi! to the happy couple awaiting your arrival. (Top picture)

Monstrous Meals

We were seated in the bar area, so it gave us a good view of the dining room. All around us we watched plate after plate of delectable dishes being delivered. We scanned the menus, which are designed like a copy of a local newspaper. With around 30 burger options, it took us a bit to finally decide. A discussion with the bartender was helpful, as she pointed out some of her favorites. Crystal finally rested on the La Horde. This all beef burger is topped with caramelized onions, bacon, goat cheese, and mayo. She opted for the Sweet Potato Fries as her side dish. They are served with a tangy sauce that added a nice little kick.

When I reached out to Zombie Burger, I was informed that the most popular burger was The Walking Ched. I discovered that the bun is actually made of deep fried macaroni and cheese. This sounded like it would be a little difficult to hold, and I was really in the mood for a handheld sandwich. (The person beside us ordered it and had to eat it with a fork, so I was correct.) I still wanted something completely out of the ordinary, so I chose the Trailer Trash Zombie. This little monster comes with the same style patty, but is loaded with some unique toppings. American cheese, fried pickle, ranch dressing, cheese curds, and even some chicken fried bacon crown this burger. It was a delicious dish destined for undead distinction. (Okay, I’ll watch the alliterations.) The need for a side dish that could match the flipped out flavors of my sandwich was apparent. Scanning the menu, I located the Garlic Bacon & Blue Cheese Fries, which seemed like a perfect compliment to the ranch dressing. Sure enough, I couldn’t seem to get enough of this combination. Of course, I finally had to stop eating for fear of being able to walk, and possibly being mistaken for one of the undead hosts.

Serious Shakes

Prior to our visit, every conversation we had about Zombie Burger always included a description of one of their signature shakes. We certainly weren’t going to let this opportunity pass us by, so we decided to sample a couple of options. Once again, I was the one to show my creative flair by ordering the most unusual item I could find on the menu. The Zombie Unicorn is comprised of vanilla ice cream, marshmallow cream, and a serious dose of Fruity Pebbles. They gave me a straw, but let’s get real. It took a spoon to down this magical treat. Crystal went vanilla on me, well kind of. She ordered the Peanut Butter Banana, which is pretty self-explanatory. Although it was fairly plain looking, it had a delightful flavor. By the end of our visit, we were both a little wobbly from the high concentration of delectable dishes we consumed. We may not have been the walking dead, but we were certainly close to being a cadaverous couple. What do you think about a zombie themed dining experience? Would you be game?

The post Flavors To Wake The Dead At Zombie Burger appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the The Cottage House and Visit Council Grove for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Special Touches

From the time we arrived, we were pleased with our lodging choice. The beautifully decorations recall a grander time, when quality was built into all of the details. As we were checking in, we noticed the foyer seating. Comfy benches and chairs begged to be sat in. Just across the hallway we discovered a breakfast nook perfect for supplying our morning coffee ritual. We knew this charming setting would make for a historic stay.

Old World Details

After checking in, we made our way up the staircase to our room. The woodwork is astonishing, and everywhere we looked we saw signs of the workmanship that is hard to find these days. The sun shining through the numerous stained glass windows cast rainbows of colors on our path. The beautifully carved rails and spindles reminded us of visits to mansions from yesteryear. A crystal  chandelier added an additional element of fashion to the setting.

Room To Spare

We made our way to our room, and found that the charm continued. As much as we travel, we have become accustomed to dealing with smaller spaces at times. The Cottage House offered us plenty of room with Victorian flair. Our king size bed looked so inviting, and an over-sized love seat provided plenty of seating. It was a little out of place to find a flat screen television in such a romantic setting. Of course, it came in handy when we needed to check the weather forecast for the next day.

Creature Comforts

The property sits just off Main Street, so it was easy to just park our car and walk to shops nearby. A huge porch offers guests a place to gather and chat after dinner at one of the town’s restaurants. For us, this ended up being the Hays House, which was only a couple of blocks away. (You can read more about Council Grove restaurants here>)  We ended up taking a drive out to the lakes for a sunset view, before calling it a night. Thankfully, we had a comfortable room at The Cottage House waiting for us on our return. Have you ever stayed at The Cottage House in Council Grove, Kansas? We would love to hear your thoughts.

Like this article? We would love for you to share it with your friends!

The post Step Back In Time At The Cottage House appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the restaurants and Explore St. Louis for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Loving The Loop

We really enjoy our breakfasts, and not just because we get coffee. There are plenty of unique places that make the morning meal a little more special. Run of the mill cafes and diners are enjoyable, if the food is good, but toss in something extra and the visit becomes memorable. That would certainly be the case for our stop in Peacock Loop Diner.  We loved that they are open 24 hours a day, which means we don’t have to try to fit a visit in their schedule. Add to that their brightly colored decor and fun attractions, and you have a picture perfect opportunity. (You can read more about Peacock here>)

Coffee Lovers Unite

Sometimes we happen upon a spot that wasn’t on our original list. Blueprint Coffee began as a stop for an extra shot of caffeine, but after seeing their dishes, we knew a longer visit was in order. Luckily, we usually leave a little wiggle room in our itinerary for just this kind of occasion. A full blown breakfast turned out to be a wonderful way to meet some locals, as well as sample some true drip coffee. (You can read more about Blueprint here>)

All That Fizz

What do you get when you combine a local St. Louis craft soda bottler with a dining/dessert shop? Fitz’s Restaurant was a fun stop that draws huge crowds. We loved the high octane atmosphere of the place, as servers whizzed by with large trays of goodies. The sodas are SO good that it is hard to keep from chugging them. Fortunately, we had just enough will power to save some to accompany our meals. Next visit we have to try one of their over-the-top floats. You can make it with any flavor of soda. (Yes, mine will be Orange Creme.) (You can read more about Fitz’s here>)

It’s Alive!

Barbecue is like a lifeline for Kansas Citians, and we knew that we would need to see if we could find some in St. Louis. Sure enough, there are plenty of choices in the gateway City, and we settled in for a sample at Salt + Smoke. They had some options that we don’t see in KC, but when in Rome… The most important part of the meal was the delicious smokiness that was prevalent in the meat. That’s something that just can’t be faked. (You can read more about Salt here>)

A Sweet Treat

Life is always better with dessert. This could be our mantra. Just a short walk from our hotel we discovered Piccione Pastry. This family run bakery serves up a variety of sweet treats daily. We were fascinated watching the staff making cannoli and some other desserts. They also serve a breakfast and lunch menu, but who says you can’t just eat dessert for breakfast?

Eating In The East

There were a couple of stops that took us away from our home-base near Forest Park. In the Jefferson Barracks region we uncovered Cafe Telegraph. This local favorite is home to one of the largest dishes we saw in St. Louis. The Fred Flintstone is an immense pork steak that can easily feed two. (If not three or four!) We have to be honest and say just seeing one scared us away from ordering it. Being out-of-towners, we will use the excuse of not being able to deal with doggy bags. If you decide to tackle this monster, you will want to bring your “A” game. (You can read more about Telegraph here>)

Happy Hour Munchies

Sometimes we find ourselves needing a quick pick-me-up between meals. During our visit to City Museum, we became a little parched. Fortunately, I had planned a little rendezvous at a Mexican cantina just a couple blocks away. Rosalita’s offers a nice Happy Hour food menu, and some delicious $4 margaritas. We sampled a couple of their tamales, as well as a huge plate of Chicken Fajita Nachos. Add to that the chips and salsa we munched on, and we were refreshed and ready for some more play time.

A Missed Opportunity

Back at City Museum, we discovered that they have some dining options, as well. While we didn’t end up eating there, it appeared that those who did were truly enjoying it. We saw sandwiches, snacks, and even an outdoor grilling station going gangbusters. A short stop at Beatnik Bob’s provides a rest break from exploring to satisfy any liquid cravings. The day of our visit the roof wasn’t open, but we heard a rumor that they have their own little cantina up there. Once again, another visit will be required. (You can see more fun photos of City Museum here>)

Rest assured that a visit to St. Louis will not leave you hungry. With so many great eateries, you will find something for everyone in your group. (We barely scratched the surface.) Be sure to try some toasted ravioli, which the city is known for. So, pull up a chair, and come take a taste. We think you will be pleased. Bon Appetit!

The post Sample The Flavors Of St. Louis Dining appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Wells Fargo for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

On A Mission

The main purpose of the museum is to highlight the role Iowa played in the early connection of travel across the nation. The country was expanding rapidly and communication was struggling to keep up. Lots of enterprises, like the Pony Express, sprang up to offer temporary relief of these problems. The railroad was building its intercontinental line, but in the meantime many travelers were resigned to travel by stagecoach. It was also a primary form of delivery for the mail and banking institutions. The Wells Fargo Museum has a number of displays that spell out the history of these changes, as well as offering a glimpse at artifacts from those days.

Recognizable Sight

Have you ever had one of those Aha moments where you suddenly connected the dots? This was the case for us when we saw the Wells Fargo wagon, which is a model of the one used in the movie The Music Man. Suddenly, we see how companies tie back into the everyday lives of those who came before us, and it gives us a connection to the past. It is only appropriate for us to see this particular device in Des Moines, since the original play was written by the Iowa native, Meredith Willson. We do have to wonder how many of the younger visitors miss this connection and move right past to the hands-on exhibits.

Playing Old School

We figured the Wells Fargo Museum would be filled with a grouping of static displays that told the chronological history of banking through the ages. The idea that there would be lots of interactive exhibits had not even crossed our minds. You can imagine our pleasant surprise when we discovered that there are lots of hands-on artifacts for little (and big) hands to hold. Visitors to the museum can explore old telephones, telegraphs, and bank punches. Each of these exhibits include educational information to help understand how the devices were used in the “good old days”.

They even have an area where you can get your own picture printed on money. I’m pretty sure that a bank note with my mug on it would certainly be worth at least five dollars, if not a couple more. This particular exhibit makes for a nice souvenir from your visit, and we are betting the kids will all want one.

Your Carriage Awaits

Traveling by stagecoach has been romanticized by Hollywood for quite sometime. The horse-drawn Concord stagecoaches are easily recognizable to most Americans. The suspension of the coaches were designed to take the constant abuse from the rough roads that they traveled. Leather straps were used to help absorb some of the jarring that would have come from the rough trails and create a swaying effect for the passengers. At the museum they have a display coach where visitors can recreate the feeling of stagecoach travel. Nearby you can see a full-size stagecoach decked out with the familiar red-gold paint job that signified it was part of the Wells Fargo family.

What Was Stagecoach Travel Like?

While stagecoach travel seems like the way to cross the country, it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Travelers were subjected to lots of uncomfortable situations. The museum has an interactive display that shows some of the real life situations that stagecoach travelers would have faced during their journey. After seeing some of the real facts, we are happy to have our automobiles and modern highway systems. Watch the video and tell us how you would have liked traveling by stagecoach.

Moving Into Modern Times

Since the museum is based in part on banking, it only seems appropriate for it to show the advances through the ages. The invention of automobiles certainly changed how people get places and signified a death toll for many of the start-up travel industries. These days we all are familiar with drive-thru banking, which began in the 1930’s. As technology advances, so do our means of travel. We can all be glad that we have more comfortable options than stagecoach. Let’s leave that method to the movies. For now, it’s enough to just pretend that we are riding one in this interactive museum. Ready to hit the trail?

The post Relive The Past At The Wells Fargo Museum appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the businesses and Visit Council Grove for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Breakfast With The Locals

Our readers know we like to find the spots the locals frequent. One of the true tests usually comes at breakfast, since it is definitely the most important meal of the day when you are exploring. Saddlerock Cafe is the kind of place that is easy to overlook, but a shame for those who do. It sits about a half block off the main drag, but we knew we were in the right place by the packed parking lot.

The interior looks like so many other small diners we have visited. Like many of those, we were sure that this place was about to knock our socks off. Scattered around the two dining rooms were a mix of locals all discussing the current events or days chores. We knew we were in the right place when we saw all of the local license plates in the lot. Our server stopped by and served us up some piping hot coffee to help us clear the cobwebs. Time to check out the menu.

Special Touch

We had the pleasure of being joined by Diane Wolfe, of Visit Council Grove, during our visit. She served as our personal tour guide and was happy to provide lots of the backstories associated with the places we visited. This hometown diner was her suggestion for breakfast and it was spot on. We informed her in advance that I would want to take pictures of everyone’s food, before we started eating. She was happy to oblige. She appeared at first to be ordering a standard meal, but upon further discussion we discovered the Saddlerock offers a variety of bread choices. Now I know what you are thinking. Of course they offer variety, wheat, white or rye. Sure, they have those, “but wait there is more”. (One of my favorite lines from the movie Clue.)

I decided on French toast, as did Crystal. We had to decide between Cinnamon, Cinnamon raisin, Raisin pecan, Pina Colada, and Cranberry orange almond bread. If you can imagine, it made choosing rather difficult, since we wanted to sample every flavor. In the end I chose Cinnamon and Crystal went with the Cranberry orange almond. The flavors completely altered the normal taste of our dishes, and brought a new enjoyment to our taste buds. It will be difficult to look at plain brioche toast the same now.  This certainly made our breakfast a memorable experience.

Storytime Luncheon

During our tour of the town, we walked out toward the western side , where the Trail Days Cafe can be found.. Although the town continues past the cafe, this was not the case in the 1860’s. At that time it was known as the Terwilliger Home, and it was the last house that the wagon trains would see as they headed southwest on the Santa Fe Trail. For those returning east on the trail, the home marked a return to civilization.

The building is the oldest stone home remaining on what was once the Santa Fe Trail in Kansas territory. The Terwilligers bore their 15 children here and the home remained in the family until the 1900’s. In the 1920’s it was converted into a gas station to service the growing trend of motor vehicles. Once again the shady trees of Council Grove became a haven for travelers to camp out in the shade from a long, hot day of driving. Soon they erected four small cottages to rent for lodging on the property grounds. Four more cottages were added during World War II, and used to mainly house military personnel. By 1977, the main building ceased to be used as a gas station. It sat idle for nearly twenty years, before it was adopted and on its way to becoming the delightful stop it is these days.

Original Eats

The menu at Trail Days Cafe is not the run of the mill type. It is broken down into a collection of cuisines based on region and time period. The goal is to replicate original dishes as close as possible. Pictured above are some of the dishes we sampled. On the left was a serving of Ham & Beans with Cornbread, which was a common dish for Early Americans. It was a combination of the Old World settlers and Eastern Indian tribes. From the Old World section of the menu, we tested the German Cole Slaw and Applesauce. Our last dish brought a touch of the 20th Century to the table. The 1902 Hamburger was invented in Clarinda, Iowa. The menu at the Trail days Cafe tosses in background information on all of their dishes, so customers get to learn about the origins of each thing they order. What a great idea! By the way, the food was delicious.

After our lunch, we were invited to take a peek upstairs at their collection of artifacts from days gone by. Here we found the upstairs bedrooms were set up much like they would have been for the Terwilliger family in the 1860’s. When you visit Trail Days cafe, we hope you get to spend some time speaking with the couple who run it. They are a wealth of historical knowledge about the surrounding region. It was so much fun hearing all of the stories about the past.

Simple Beginnings

No visit to Council Grove, Kansas would be complete without a stop at the Hays House. Seth Hays came to the area in 1847, and found that the area was already a popular place for wagon trains to assemble, before heading out on the Santa Fe Trail. He built himself a cabin and began serving meals out of it. Within ten years, he realized there was a growing need for more space, so he constructed the Hays House directly on the trail route. For the next four decades, the building would offer up more than just a meal and a place to stock up on goods for the road.

The mail was distributed from the building for a period, and the government rented space to hold court. Downstairs we found an area that served as a bar on Saturdays and church on Sundays. (The bar was covered for church services.) The original peaked roof was destroyed in an 1886 fire, but the building was saved from destruction. Up until the 1940’s, the Hays House also rented rooms to travelers. Visitors are encouraged to explore the upstairs and cellar to get a glimpse into the past.

Hearty Dinner

Travelers stopping at the Hays House can find a menu filled with delicious choices. We arrived for dinner, and were feeling rather famished from our day of exploring. Fortunately, we found that we would not be leaving hungry. Hearty dishes abound on the menu, and the special for the day was the Kansas City Strip Steak. (They must have known we were coming.) It was served with a baked potato and a visit to the salad bar. Fresh baked bread was brought to the table to accompany our salads. By the end of our meal, we had refueled our bodies and were ready for the evenings activities.

After dinner, we took a drive out to the lakes north of Council Grove. We found a nice spot to watch a Kansas sunset. (We consider these some of the best!) Before long, we were joined by others who had the same idea. We were happy to see that our spot was the choice of so many. There is something about a beautiful sunset setting that makes you want to share it with others. As you can see from this article, Council Grove, Kansas has some great eateries. Be sure to bring your appetites when you visit, as it is sure to be a historic trip. Which of these delicious dining destinations will you be adding to your travel schedule?

We would love for you to share this article with your friends! Thanks!!!

The post Historic Eats in the Heartland – Council Grove appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the Travel Iowa and Catch Des Moines for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

1) Locals Know It’s Great

Olympic Flame is the brainchild of Angelo Ligdis, who was born in Olympia, Greece. That means it would be hard to get a more authentic experience without leaving the U.S. He opened his Des Moines restaurant in 1988, and it has become a local favorite. It was obvious to us that many of the other diners were quite familiar with the place, since they are regulars. This is always a plus, since it is a sign of consistency. After a day of exploring, we were ready to sit a spell and enjoy a delicious meal. We were also intrigued by the promise of some unusual sights that can be found at this place.

2) Flaming Cheese

When was your last visit to a restaurant that had such an unusual menu item that it made everyone else stop and watch the presentation? It’s hard to think of one that we have experienced quite like the delivery of Saganaki. To be honest, it’s easier just to refer to it as flaming cheese. The base of this appetizer is Kasseri cheese, which is made from sheep’s milk. Somewhat reminiscent of provolone or mozzarella, it comes dipped in egg batter and fried. The real experience begins when they deliver it to your table. A drizzle of ouzo makes the dish flammable, much to the delight of patrons. The jumping flames are quickly extinguished with a squeeze of lemon juice and a shout of Opa! We watched this show repeated a few times during our visit, and each time it was just as impressive.

3) The Cuisine

A common result of dining at Greek restaurants is that you will leave with a full belly. The dishes are filled with a combination of flavors that have been tweaked over centuries to create he perfect combinations. Olympic Flame offers a variety of appetizers, salads, and sandwiches perfect for smaller meals. Since this was our dinner time, we decided to choose from the platter items on their menu. Crystal went old school with the Gyro Plate. The name obviously comes from the main course, which was filled with deliciously tender lamb and beef.  It also included a Tiropita, which is made with a cheese combination stuffed inside filo dough. It was so light and airy.

I selected the Souvlakia (Shish Kabob) that is made with tender cuts of pork seasoned with Greek spices. Like Crystal, my plate came with Tiropita, as well as Spanakopeta, which is similar except it includes spinach. Both platters also come with Dolma, a beef and rice mixture stuffed into grape leaves. A helping of orzo provides the pasta carbs for the meal. To keep us from the unlikely potential of leaving hungry, the meals started with homemade soup, Greek salads, and fresh bread. This is why we were so thankful to get to walk around after we finished.

4) Live Entertainment

As we dined, we would get the occasional show of flaming cheese. Every time they brought out the tray, the entire room would halt conversations to watch in awe as the flames erupted from the dish. Once they were extinguished, everything went right back to normal. It was quite interesting to observe this phenomena repeated over the next half hour. Just as this was starting to become commonplace, the next diversion arrived. During our research for our visit, we discovered that Olympic Flame hosts a belly dancer every Friday evening. Dinner and a second show? Yes, please!

After a short setup period, our evening show began. The rhythmic sounds of music pulsed through the restaurant, as our evening entertainer swayed to the beats. Most of the patrons seemed quite familiar with this attraction, and continued dining and their conversation. Periodically, a customer would offer a tip to the dancer, which was just as entertaining as her regular dance routine. We found ourselves slowing down the pace at which we were eating, so that we could savor more of the show. The dancer performs for an hour, and we were able to catch about half of her show. It made this one of our most memorable meals in quite some time. Now we wonder why more places don’t offer dinner and a show. What are some of your most memorable dining experiences? Share them with all of us in the comments section below. Thanks!

The post Four Fabulous Reasons To Try Olympic Flame In Des Moines appeared first on Our Changing Life.

Council Grove, Kansas is a town that we have heard mentioned many times over the years, but had never visited. Like many small to mid-sized towns, it is filled with the history and stories of the people who persevered in the harsh environment of life on the prairie. In 1541, Coronado crossed the Neosho River on the site that is now Council Grove. The town is one of the last areas to be home to stands of hardwood, which was a vital commodity for pioneers heading west. The oak trees would supply fuel for fires, raw timber for wagon repairs, and some welcome shade prior to their departure. The town’s name comes from a meeting of U.S. representatives and the leaders of the Osage tribes, who gathered under the “Council Oak”. The 1825 treaty they struck, provided for safe passage along the Santa Fe Trail heading southwest from the area. This monumental event cemented Council Grove as the main rendezvous point for wagon trains heading out onto the prairie.

Centuries of History

Seth Hays, a great-grandson of Daniel Boone, was one of the first settlers to the region. In 1847, he opened a trading post, which became the first permanent building in what would become Council Grove. We would find that many sites in the town have a link to Seth Hays. The township grew over the next decade, and in 1855 a post office was established. To many in those days, a post office was a requirement for a town to be considered official. The Council Grove Post office sat in the shade of a 135 year old stately oak. This tree would continue to thrive for another 135 years, before finally passing in 1990. Prior to the addition of the building, the oak tree was used as a drop off point for messages heading east or west along the trail.

Simpler Times

We have found that one of the best ways to get your bearings in a new destination is to visit the local history museum. It not only offers a glimpse into the past, but will usually tell the story of the citizens through the ages. Of course, there are also lots of interesting pieces of memorabilia to observe. No matter how many museums of this type we visit, there always seems to be some new pieces we have yet to discover. Learning the background story around them is what makes each exhibit unique.

A prime example is this bed, which is what would have been used in many pioneer homes. These days we are all used to a set of box springs and mattress, but life was a little less comfortable in the 1800’s. It would be commonplace to have a mattress stuffed with hay or straw that rested on a rope lattice. Periodically the user would need to tighten the sagging ropes. We are sure that the mattress filling would be a little less enjoyable than the memory foam versions of today. These displays make us remember how thankful we should be for modern conveniences. Even the air mattresses used during camping would be considered an improvement.

Familiar, Yet Unfamiliar

In the kitchen, we discovered many pieces that look familiar. Some of these we have seen in other museums, and a few are even items we may have used in our childhood. Most would be devices that our grandparents used as children. Once again the idea of convenience was brought to mind. Who can imagine cooking on a wood burning stove three times per day? I guess even this would be considered a luxury as people headed out onto what was once considered the Great American Desert.

Life on the Plains

For pioneers, life was filled with all sorts of danger. Among these was the threat of attacks from nearby Indian tribes. On numerous occasions the residents would have to fend off or hide from attacks. A plaque on the outside wall describes one such event in 1864. Later, we would tour the basement area where they hid for safety. It would certainly have been a frightening time. Not long after, in June of 1868, the town would receive its final Indian scare. Around 400 Cheyenne Indians would descend upon Council Grove, but passed through harmlessly. Their final intenet was to clash with the Kanza Indians in what would later be called the Cheyenne Outbreak of Morris County.

We headed upstairs to what would have been the bedrooms. These days they are dedicated to holding a variety of displays donated by members of the Council Grove community. Like so many other museums, this creates a somewhat eclectic collection of items from past generations. One room held an assortment of medical devices, instruments, and equipment. Nearby, we found a room filled with personal effects from some affluent members of society. The dapper outfits would have been quite dashing as they strolled the streets at the turn of the century.

Getting Places

Public transportation has been a concern for many generations and it is just as true in smaller towns as it was in the big cities. Those living in farmsteads outside the city limits would have used horse drawn transportation, but not so for the town’s residents. We found this photo which detailed an early streetcar that served the townsfolk after the Civil War. These are the kind of tidbits that catch our attention and make us rethink how life must have been in those days.

Like so many towns and cities that sprang up along the western routes, getting the railroad’s attention was key to survival. In 1868, the Katy Railroad would build through the Morris County, which would become a driving force in bringing new residents to the area. Later, the Missouri Pacific Line would service the town. These days Council Grove has stabilized with a population around 2200 residents. In future articles, we will show you some of the 25 historical features of this town. With a ratio of one historic site for every 88 residents, this could make Council Grove the most historic place (per capita) to visit anywhere in the U.S. Time to start planning your own day trip (or even overnight-er) to see this jumping off point for the Santa Fe Trail.

Like this article? Why not share it with others!

The post Getting Our Bearings At Post Office Oak Museum appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the St. Louis Zoo and Explore St. Louis for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Chilly Start

Our visit to the St. Louis Zoo occurred on the last weekend in March, so we knew going in that the weather would be a little unpredictable. The previous day had been cold and rainy, but on the morning of our visit the sun broke free of the clouds. While the temperatures started in the 50’s, the forecast was for a quick warm up, which we would certainly relish. We arrived just before opening time, so we could get some shots around the entrance. While the zoo is free, parking can be a little of a challenge. They have a couple of pay lots ($15 per car) or you can take your chance trying to find a spot on a nearby street. We decided that the cost of the pay lot was less than we would usually spend on admission, and it was quite convenient.

Creepy Crawlies

After orienting ourselves with the layout of the zoo, we decided that it would be best to locate some indoor exhibits. Fortunately, the St. Louis Zoo has a few to choose from. The zoo is broken into six main zones, (We are only focusing on five of them for this article.) and since we entered on the North side, we began our exploration in the Discovery Corner. The Insectarium offered a chance to get indoors, while exploring the life of the tinier species. The area is well designed and guides visitors on a discovery of the world of insects. We began by learning what designates a creature as an insect and eventually worked our way to the area that explains the important roles that insects play in our ecosystems. The whole exhibit is presented in a way that is appealing to all ages with many displays set at heights that allow younger guests eye level viewing.

Braving The Wild

Back outside, we discovered that the temps were still on the chilly side. (Fortunately it wasn’t windy!) We doubled back toward the entrance to visit The Wild. This zone was very popular with the other guests who were beginning to flow in.  We viewed the outside of the penguin exhibit, but decided to skip a visit inside. We have been through it recently and knew the crowds would make for a slow procession. A few of the birds were lingering around the outside pool, so we watched them preen themselves for a few minutes, before moving along.

A flurry of commotion signaled it was time to head to the polar bear exhibit. Sure enough, a crowd had gathered to watch the antics of one of the local residents. We aren’t quite sure which is more entertaining, watching the bear or the crowds reaction. Both made for some enjoyable moments, which we relished for a while. As some in the crowd would depart, new visitors would join the throng of eager viewers. Cell phones and cameras snapped shots of the splishing and splashing entertainer. Every once in a while we would hear someone remark about the massive size of the bear’s paw. To be honest, it is quite entrancing to watch the interaction between species.

Heading Up The Hill

We walked past the grizzly exhibit, and caught a quick view, before deciding to look for more indoor exhibits. Crossing the railroad tracks led us on the path to the Historic Hill area. At this point it is worth mentioning that obviously not everything at the zoo is free. There are a variety of snack and dining options available, which we found to be priced in line with most zoological parks we have visited. There are also a few special events and shows throughout the day that come with an additional fee. You can check the zoo’s website for a list of these. (The link is near the beginning of this article.)

Back To The Beginning

The St. Louis Zoo can trace its origin to the 1904 World’s Fair. While much of the original construction has been revised, Historic Hill remains the most historic portion of the zoo. Seeking warmth, we headed for the herpetarium, since we were sure it would be quite tropical. Sure enough, the crowds had also sought out this climate, so we decided to embrace them into our exploration. (It works well, since we like to people watch.) The herpetarium is broken into four distinct zones; desert, tropical, temperate, and montane (mountain forests). As we passed through the exhibits we noted the large number of families using the experience for education. It was fun to watch the looks of discovery on the faces of the kids, as they pointed out an interesting tidbit about a creature they were observing.

Sometimes, it is best just to take a moment to pause and reflect. Clearly these kids found the slow and purposeful motion of this snake to be entrancing. Throughout the building this theme repeated itself over and over. It was nice to watch the engagement and know that this was a learning exercise disguised as well as a fun activity.

More Learning Opportunities

One of our favorite things about zoos is their desire to help educate the public about a variety of topics that affect our planet. Some exhibits are designed to showcase a specific region’s ecosystem, like this area we discovered in the River’s Edge region of the park. The signage helps explain the species that can be found in and around the water’s edge. Many of the displays sprinkled around the park are obviously there primarily for these educational chances, and are designed to draw visitors in and spark conversations. By creating a desire to learn more about the other creatures that inhabit our world, it may foster a more caring attitude about our daily activities, and how they affect our planet.

We were pleased to see many families using these displays to help bring a better understanding to the next generation. In this base camp style setup, we watched a father share some of his knowledge with his daughters. Even though we were not accompanied by our kids or grandkids, we could still relate to this style of parenting. I’m sure there may have been a few “dad jokes” interspersed in the lessons, but that’s what makes them so memorable.

Public Education

It is important for people to understand the role of zoos. They are a public education institute focused on the survival of species. Many zoos are breeding places for endangered species or host rehabilitation services for animals that have suffered injuries. Most zoos also serve the role of endearing foreign species to the public in an effort to help create an attitude of preservation. The St. Louis Zoo includes many informational placards describing the steps they take, as well as the ones we can take, to help perpetuate our planet’s native species.

They don’t just focus on the animals that we see everyday, but also the ones that we have no interaction with. The River’s Edge area has a lot of African species. Obviously, this takes up a lot of space, since many of these animals are huge. As we passed hippos, rhinos, and elephants we thought about how well their exhibits are designed to reduce stress on the animals. At the same time, the designs also allow visitors some amazing views of creatures they will unlikely see in their natural habitat.

Wrapping It All Up

After examining the map, we realized we had overlooked an important section of the zoo. Red Rocks is home to many of the hoofed animals that populate the planet. We made our way over to the zone and observed giraffes, zebras, gazelles, and one of our favorites, the okapi. Our closest encounter with an Okapi occurred at Tanganyika Park near Wichita, Kansas. (You can read more about that park here>) With the day beginning to warm up, we decided to fast forward through these exhibits and make our way to the big cats. We have to limit our time at each stop, since we try to fill our itineraries with as many possible articles, as possible. As we came up to the cat section, we found a jaguar out and about. These are amazing creatures to watch, as they move so fluidly. He stayed outside for a little while, and we even got to see it rolling around in the leaves. Too soon it moved back inside to escape the rising temperatures and glaring sun.

We moved over to the other exhibits, but found the occupants had already come to the same conclusion. Clearly, it was nap time! With all of them taking their midday breaks, we decided it was time for us to make our exit. Lunch was calling and we still had plenty of St. Louis to explore before our chance to sleep. Have you ever visited the St. Louis Zoo? Which area of the park is your favorite? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments section below. Thanks!

The post Five Zones Of Free Fun At The St. Louis Zoo appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the Des Moines Science Center, Catch Des Moines and Travel Iowa for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Get Building

After getting the lay of the land from a staff member, we made our way into the gallery on the first floor. This area is called the Makers Studio and offers visitors a chance to get their hands engaged in creating a variety of inventions. A series of workbenches offer tools and instructions to get the imagination flowing. A really neat feature is the circuit blocks where we hooked up various components and then powered them with the turn of a crank. If you were following our “Story” on Instagram or Facebook then you should have seen these in action. It was quite entertaining.

Heading Upstairs

The second floor holds a series of galleries that each showcase a different science field. We started in the area that one of the staff members described as her favorite. Toying with Science is a chance to get physical with movement and flows.

A pair of water tables have various paddles that can be used to alter the flow of the water. The goal is to see how the current affects the production of energy in each stage. We noticed in this gallery that we weren’t the only “adult” kids enjoying a chance to play with the exhibits.

Having A Ball

Along the back wall we found a huge setup that involved tubes, levers, gears, and other contraptions that allowed us to alter the path of balls as they cruise through their maze. Nearby, another exhibit had a series of air nozzles that challenged visitors to attempt to get a series of balls to float in unison.

Another air powered device was a drum with a rubber membrane attached. By beating on the membrane, it would send air waves toward a panel covered with shiny discs. These would flutter with the breeze and showed how air patterns work. It didn’t take us long to understand why this gallery was so popular with people. We watched others as they raced tennis balls along a series of ramps that show how angles affect speed. In another section of the gallery, a couple of people worked to assemble paper rockets that they could launch to compete for distance. Perhaps you are starting to see why we enjoy visiting science centers.

Moving Into A Different Space

The next series of displays are contained in the Why The Sky? exhibit. It begins with a short introduction to human space travel, before moving into displays focused on explaining many of the mysteries of the universe. A spinning table demonstrates centrifugal force by allowing guests to experiment with various items like ping pong balls. This was another of those popular displays, so we only got to watch others playing with it. The display helps drive home the importance of gravity when dealing with centrifugal forces of nature. Otherwise all of the planets would shoot out through space.

With everyone focused on the spinning table, we moved on to some of the other displays. We are sure many of you have seen and maybe even played with plasma balls. These interesting little “toys” are actually a scientific device that many use merely for enjoyment. Now that we know more, we will certainly remember back to this visit whenever we see one in the future. If the goal of the Science Center of Iowa was to teach us something, it was doing a great job.

How High Will It Bounce

This display was all about supernovas and it actually grabbed our attention for its sheer entertainment value. The purpose of this setup is to show how stars age and eventually collapse upon themselves. When this occurs, the sudden collapse creates a shock wave that blows the star into space. That explosion is called a supernova. The fun part of the display is to lift the balls along the line and then gently let them drop as a group. Like a supernova, the heavier balls push the lighter balls away with amazing force. We spent a few minutes seeing who could get their top red ball to shoot the farthest up the line. I would like to claim it was a tie, but in reality Crystal won this challenge easily.

Bring It Back To Earth

Space was a lot of fun, but it was time to set our feet back down on the Terra Firma for our next gallery. What On Earth? is designed to showcase species and situations found all around Iowa. The promise of a weather station piqued my interest as we headed into the brightly lit space.

Who You Looking At?

The largest portion of this gallery focuses on allowing visitors to learn more about the animals, reptiles, and amphibians that share our space. It’s a good place to discover things with your kids or grandkids. Lots of displays are available to help explain the cycle of life to all ages. Nearby, we found a series of tanks that held many of the species that are native to the state. One in particular was happy to hop up and have his photo taken.

Staff members are on hand in all of the galleries to help instruct and educate guests. In this area, we watched as a young visitor became acquainted with one of the center’s snakes. It’s fun to watch the discovery in their eyes and the smile light up their face. We moved over to the weather station to see what it held for us. Here we found a green screen, where I was able to show off the weather for the day. (Another live action item we placed on our Story.) By the way, the forecast was for hot temperatures, sunny skies, and periods of excessive fun.

What’s Down There?

We made our way back down to the first floor and were prepared to leave, until Crystal spotted an area we had overlooked. Small Discoveries is designed for toddlers and their families to explore. A market allows kids to do their grocery shopping. They can take their purchases and create a healthy meal for their family. Others were busy exploring the farm area, and possibly considering milking a cow.

Bubbling With Fun

It was this toddler area that included an attraction that we had noticed when we were scoping out our visit. The Bubble bay is designed to let guests create amazingly huge bubbles. We watched as more “Big” kids tried their hands with the oversized wands. It was not only captivating for the kids to see, but it certainly held our attention as well. With this final box checked off from our visit, we knew it was time to head on. The one thing we didn’t have time for was one of the Imax movies, but that gives us a reason to plan a return visit. Which area would you like to explore at the Science Center of Iowa?

The post Big Kid Fun At Science Center of Iowa appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the Missouri History Museum and Explore St. Louis for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Humble Beginnings

The Missouri History Museum is broken into galleries that focus on various topics or time frames related to the region’s past. On the second floor there are a pair of galleries that cover the historical span of the last 200 years. Currents showcases the perspective from the original visitors and early settlers of St. Louis. As we viewed the exhibits, we learned about the hunters and trappers who first came to the area in search of the wildlife that was so plentiful near the river. A fur trading post was first established in the area around 1764 by French trappers. The lands stayed mainly under French control until the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

A River Runs Through

This newly gained territory attracted a horde of settlers to the city. The Mississippi River  was the commercial highway of the time and businesses flourished due to the city becoming a jumping off point for settlers heading west. Paddle-boats plied the muddy waters and along the shoreline docks were built to handle the steady stream of supplies coming from the south and east. St. Louis incorporated in 1823, and continued to thrive as a center for commerce and trading. The two decades leading up to the Civil War saw a surge in population for the city, as many immigrants poured in from Germany and Ireland. This was in part due to the German Revolution and the Irish Potato Famine, which both caused upheaval in their homelands. By 1900, St. Louis had matured into a manufacturing center, which was well positioned and serviced by rail and river.

The City On Display

A monumental highlight for St. Louis was being chosen to host the 1904 World’s Fair. In those days, this event was not to be missed. In addition to this celebrity filled extravaganza, the city was also hosting the 1904 Olympic Games. In a seven month span, St. Louis would play host to over 20 million visitors from around the globe. The construction of lush gardens, new thoroughfares, and around 1500 buildings was a monumental task.

To this day the event is still immortalized in movies, songs, and articles. The Missouri History Museum has a collection of over 250 artifacts from the event including; furniture, carriages, trophies, and awards. It was so interesting for us to see all of these pieces of a short moment in time that touched so many lives. Be sure to read some of the stories behind the lives of the people who helped make this event a rousing success.

Flying Into The Future

Air travel has long been associated with St. Louis. We would hazard to guess that almost every child has read about Charles Lindbergh and his plane, the Spirit of St. Louis. It’s a little surreal to actually be reading information placards about its construction, as well as seeing a replica of it hanging from the ceiling of the museum.

An exhibit called Panoramas of the City contains a variety of images collected from around St. Louis during the first half of the twentieth century. These panoramic shots show a good cross section of life in the Midwest. More than 50 images are displayed in supersized detail, which allows visitors a glance into the past. We were especially excited to see a couple of panels that mention a connection to our hometown of Kansas City.

The sister gallery to Currents is located just across the way, and is named Reflections. In this exhibit hall we found that the focus moved from the founding of the city, to the personal stories that shaped it to what we know today. Music has been a large part of St. Louis’ history and is well represented in the Missouri History Museum. Famous names like Scott Joplin and Chuck Berry have local connections to the city. In this gallery we also found lots of information on the sports teams that are synonymous with the Gateway City, and offer many hours of entertainment and frustration to sports fans across the nation.

Rotating Exhibits

Like many museums, the Missouri History Museum has a gallery that is used for rotating or traveling displays. During our visit it featured an exhibit titled #1 in Civil Rights: The African American Freedom Struggle in St. Louis. The exhibit ran for a year, but ended its run on April 15, 2018. St. Louis has often been on the forefront of the civil rights movement, and quite often grabbing attention in local and national news.

The exhibit was well organized and laid a good groundwork of information for those visiting from beyond the city limits. It was easy enough to follow along with the changes in atmosphere over the decades. The informational placards included many personal stories, which help drive their messages home with museum visitors.

Poignant Reflection

The day of our visit we found this gallery to be quite popular. The majority of guests were couples or small groups who slowly proceeded through the exhibit. At each display they would pause to take in the significance of the event being described. The entire set of displays was a powerful tool that helped bridge the gap from the issues of the past and show that while many advances have been made, there is still a vast amount of room to improve community relationships.

One of the most fascinating features of the exhibit was the timeline, which led us all through the years of protests and marches designed to cast a light on the inequality that a portion of our population faces every day. Here we learned the names of many who are not as well known, but served an important role in molding the changes that have occurred. The temporary exhibit also highlighted the four Supreme Court civil rights cases that originated in St. Louis.

A City Evolving

Throughout the Missouri History Museum the resounding theme was that St. Louis is a city that is ever changing. The skyline has evolved to add new structures, as the growing population push the boundaries of the city’s limits. With all of the services of any major metropolis, St. Louis has blossomed into a major destination for travelers. With service from air, rail, and a cross section of highways, many oaths across the nation pass through the city.

Fun For All Ages

With all of the history swirling in our heads, we almost overlooked one last gallery. The History Clubhouse is a place designed to engage the younger set, as well as their parents and grandparents. (Of course, we consider ourselves big kids!) Here you can experience much of the history of the city, but on a smaller scale. Many of the buildings are recognizable, but stand at a more manageable height. Kids can dress up in period clothes, fish from a canoe or put on a puppet show for friends and family. It’s a great place to let your imagination soar. Unfortunately for us, the time was approaching for the museum to close, so the activity of the day had subsided. We took a few minutes to do a little exploring, before making our way back to our car. With plenty of new knowledge under our belts, we were ready to explore more of the Gateway City.

The post Evolution Of A City – Missouri History Museum appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the Catch Des Moines for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Ever Changing Menu

The business operates out of the first floor and service is through a single window. No seating is available, unless you pull up a spot on the sidewalk, like we did. The menu is located on a placard outside the storefront and lists the available flavors for the day. Once a flavor sells out it gets removed from the list. The owner makes up as many gallons as possible and usually sells out. The small batch approach means that the product they offer is of the highest quality. After our visit, we had mentioned to some of the people we met about how much we liked the ice cream. We heard some of the nicest stories about the business and its friendly owner. One of the most touching was that during the coldest part of the winter, he made deliveries to those who couldn’t get out to get their ice cream fix. Now that is true customer service.

Funny Feline

When we arrived, there was a line to order, but it moved quickly. Alex Carter, owner and ice cream aficionado, was busy serving up some of his homemade specialties to adoring fans. A short lull in the line allowed us to chat with him for a moment. He explained about his fondness for ice cream, and his desire to serve only the best possible product he could produce. That is why his flavors and volume are limited. It allows him better control over the results, as well as giving him a chance to experiment with new flavor combinations. Why Black Cat Ice Cream? Alex told us about his cat (Yes, it is black!) which has a fondness for ice cream. It was an easy decision to connect the two when he began this venture. Pictures of his favorite feline adorn the inside of his shop. After a little more small talk, we decided on the two flavors we wanted to sample. After placing our order, we patiently watched while Alex scooped our treats from his five-gallon buckets of creamy goodness.

The Verdicts In

Our decision was to test out one of the cream based flavors, as well as one of the sorbet. Crystal ordered the Red Velvet Oreo, (pictured on the right) which had a wonderful Devil’s food flavor and real chucks of Oreos. The texture was creamy and the cool treat was more than welcome on the hot day. I went with the Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet that featured a mix of the two flavors. It was so creamy and the flavors were well balanced. We found a spot on a nearby stoop and sat down to enjoy our dishes in the shade. We knew that we would eventually have to head back out into the sunshine and heat, but for now we would just savor our desserts from this hidden gem. Are you ready to sample Black Cat Ice Cream?

The post Secret Treats At Black Cat Ice Cream appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the Salt and Smoke and Explore St. Louis for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Bustling Crowds

A common theme of the restaurants on the Loop would be that they all seem to have a good draw. While some are busier than others, everywhere we went we still found bustling business. While some may not like this, we actually enjoy the opportunity to people watch while we dine. When we first entered the space, we found ourselves near the bar area. In various cities we are beginning to find more spots that focus on whiskeys. We aren’t sure if this is a new generational thing, but it applies to a wide range of cuisines. At Salt +Smoke, they have a substantial menu of rye, bourbon, malt and corn whiskeys to choose from. We passed on these, but noticed quite a few testing out that menu.

Even though the place was fairly crowded, it only took a few minutes before we were seated. With a table near the window, we had perfect viewing of the indoors and outside. A steady stream of shoppers passed along the sidewalk just outside our window. Inside the lively chatter created a fun atmosphere that was fed by the delightful aroma of the smoked meats we were eager to sample.

It’s All About Presentation

Our server arrived, and we discussed the menu. After walking us through the choices, and even telling us her favorites, we finally came to an agreement and placed our order. Now we just had to wait for our dishes, while we sat and watched others eating. To help keep my mind off of the delicious aromas, I decided to capture a few photos of the place, as well as this interesting tablescape. There was just something about the shapes and colors that made this pic one of my favorites.

A St. Louis Requirement

Every restaurant we visited in St. Louis seemed to have their own spin on toasted ravioli. This appetizer staple has a slightly mysterious beginning, even though we heard a couple of logical explanations. However they were discovered, they have now become a must-try when visiting the Gateway City. At Salt +Smoke, theirs are stuffed with shredded burnt ends. A tangy dipping cheese sauce is a perfect compliment to this appetizer dish. The unique flavor combination meant that these tasty bites were added to the endangered list and quickly disappeared.

Let’s Get It On

In short order our main attraction arrived. The menu calls out a Bestie Combo, which can be ordered with two, three or four meats. We are slowly learning our limits, so we went with the two meat choice. The platter includes two sides and one of their signature popovers. Our meat choices were ribs and pulled pork. The ribs had a delicious crust and a perfect smoke ring. The pulled pork was tender and juicy, so no extra sauce was required. (This is how we rate good BBQ.) The choice of sides was difficult, since so many sounded good. Our server helped guide our choice and we ended up with the Pit Beans with Smoked Bacon and the White Cheddar Cracker Mac. The beans had a wonderful smoky richness that kept us coming back. The mac and cheese is made with a slightly sharp white cheddar (nice tang) and the addition of crumbled Ritz crackers. This was one of those sides that catches you off guard and you end up sparring over who gets the last bite. The popover was another added bonus that offers a slight bacony-cheese flavor in an airy, eggy treat. The meal was a perfect fit for two and we left the restaurant assured that barbecue is alive and well in St. Louis, Missouri. What are some of your favorite BBQ joints in St. Louis? Share yours in the comments section, so we can add them to our next visit!

The post Kansas City Diners Test St. Louis BBQ At Salt and Smoke appeared first on Our Changing Life.

Heads Up

The open atrium lobby offers a chance to view the three aircraft that are displayed. All of these are from the period just after the start of the twentieth century. The oldest of which was commonly used as a “trainer” plane for new pilots in the early 1900’s. Be sure to climb the steps to the second floor landing for a better view.

Regional History

Like every good state museum, the Iowa version focuses a lot of attention on the people and stories associated with the growth of the region. In this area we discovered many pieces specific to Iowans who are known around the world for their accomplishments. Pieces of clothing that have been used to climb Mount Everest or travel into space can be found in this gallery. We are sure that many of the stories are familiar to the people of the state, but it is a great way for travelers to quickly learn more about the background of some of Iowa’s celebrities.

The Early Days

A visit to the “You Gotta Know The Territory” gallery showcases the indigenous people of the land. Here we learned about the Wiki-up, which is the bark covered lodgings that they used. A nice collection of artifacts helped guide us through the discovery of the traditions of these early inhabitants.

The State Historical Museum of Iowa has separated this gallery into multiple sections, so we spent a considerable amount of time here. Large display cases hold various pieces of apparel, jewelry, and trade goods that would have been commonly found in the villages. A few examples of the native species is also among the collections.

Settlers Arrive

As we progressed through time, we came to the point that settlers first began arriving to stay in the area. A Conestoga wagon stands as a stark reminder of how people traveled during that period. It is hard to imagine packing up your entire life’s worth of belongings in one of these (Be sure to leave room for the family!) and then move across the country. Pioneers discovered the fertile lands were perfect for crops and soon Iowa became an agricultural center in the expanding nation.

The War Between The States

During the Civil War, Iowa saw around 76,000 of its residents fight in the battles and skirmishes. The State Historical Museum has dedicated a good size space to showing life before, during, and after the conflict. There are informational exhibits that detail how the pioneers of those days were turned into proficient soldiers. Some of our favorite pieces describe how some of these soldiers felt during this period and their beliefs focused around the war in general. It was quite enlightening.

A nice touch in the gallery is the description of and displays associated with the recreational time between the battles. Here we gained a better understanding of how the soldiers passed the time when not on the march or fighting. It made us stop and think about all of the free time they would have had, and how they would want have wanted to fill it with activity to take their minds off of the brutality that they would have witnessed during battle.

A Delicate Balance

Like many of the states in the heartland, Iowa has seen its own challenges in regards to how to harvest the bounties of the land. We never realized that the region was once a major hub for the production of pearl buttons. This large scale industry ran strong for many years, before suffering extensive setbacks due to over harvesting and changes in the fashion industry.

Coal mining was another industry that required people to disturb the natural landscape. Many people worked the mines in the late 1800’s through the first couple decades of the 1900’s. By the 1920’s the mining industry has subsided for the most part, as Iowans sought out alternate fuel sources. One of the main concerns, and killers to this industry, was that Iowa coal had a higher sulfur content that other regions of the country. The last Iowa coal mine shuttered in 1994, and the industry is now just a memory in the state’s history.

You Ought To Be In Pictures

One of our favorite galleries at the State Historical Museum of Iowa centered around the movie industry. Most Americans are familiar with The Music Man, which is centered around the ideals of a Midwestern town and its values. A couple other notable films were Field of Dreams and Bridges of Madison County. Both of these help propel Iowa into the limelight and vastly increase tourism.

Sitting in the center of the gallery is a small display focused on drive-in movies. We can both remember the hey-days of this industry and miss the Friday nights spent sitting in the car watching first run flicks. There is something to be said for the nostalgia of this era, which can’t be truly replicated with a visit to the big house movie theaters. Those were certainly some memorable moments.

An Unexpected Collection

We have had the opportunity to visit many museums during our travels. While each has its own unique spin on the local and regional history, most have common themes that come to be expected. Once in a while there will be a display that takes us on a turn that we didn’t see coming. Such was the case at the State Historical Museum of Iowa, when we came upon the “Riding Through History” gallery. It started with a couple of guys wanting to showcase their six-day ride across Iowa in 1973. They invited local, regional, and national newspapers to follow along and ended up with about 300 riders in total.

This had led to the creation of a seven-day event that draws upwards of 10,000 riders annually to explore the varied landscapes across the state. The event has blossomed into an almost carnival atmosphere with foods and entertainment along the route. The displays at the museum took us on a day-by-day exploration of the event and showcased some of the bikes, team jerseys, and memorabilia collected from previous events. It was certainly an unexpected and pleasant surprise to find in the museum. Of course, we found many more displays inside, but our goal is to pique your interest to make your own trip to the State Historical Museum of Iowa. It’s a great way to learn about the people of the state, so make it one of your first stops during your stay in Des Moines.

The post Iowa Through The Ages – State Historical Museum of Iowa appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the Moonrise Hotel and Explore St. Louis for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Storied Beginnings

The Moonrise Hotel is the brainchild of Joe Edwards, who is somewhat of a St. Louis hero. Dubbed the “Duke of Delmar”, he led assorted efforts to revitalize this decaying section of the city. After decades of work, the Loop is now a vibrant section filled with entertainment, dining, and shopping options. It has even been recognized as one of the “10 Best Streets in America”. Amid all of this development, he realized the need for a hotel that would serve the visitors to this new destination hot spot. Opened in 2009, the Moonrise Hotel quickly became the choice lodging of those wanting to be near the action while visiting St. Louis.

Joe Edwards has an affinity for all things space related. It becomes quite apparent as you stroll through the hotel lobby and further into the interior hallways. Even on the outside we found display cases filled with toys, scientific displays, jewelry, and various space memorabilia. This same theme resounds in some of the other businesses he is associated with along the Loop. It certainly makes great eye candy, and we enjoyed examining the cases to see which pieces we could recognize. Entering the lobby, we were greeted by the bright, vivid colors that are found throughout the building. It certainly made the place cheery.

Dancing in the Dark

Over the top decor is certainly a mainstay at the Moonrise Hotel, but it is done in a way that ties it all together. Chief among these unique decorations is the lobby staircase. The colorful lights play across the stair risers inviting guests to explore. The staircase leads to the second floor meeting rooms, which include some fun sitting areas overlooking the lobby. Be sure to explore this vantage point during your stay.

After checking in, we made our way to the guest elevators for this quirky eight-story hotel. Along the wall we found more of the space display cases to peruse. Inside one of these were some rare autographed pieces with names of astronauts we have heard of from the past. The Moonrise Hotel almost pulls double duty as a miniature museum with all of the artifacts. We can almost bet these types of displays are on every floor, but time didn’t allow us the luxury of checking. If you do explore in more detail, please let us know what you find.

Home Away From Home

We finally made it to our room, and immediately fell in love. On occasion we have had the opportunity to stay in boutique hotels, and always leave satisfied. The recurring theme to them is elegant comfort. This applied to the Moonrise Hotel, as well. The bed was super comfy and the bathroom offered all the conveniences with a sleek, modern design. There were even some space decor touches in our room. We were fortunate enough to get a view of the Loop from our windows and could stake out our path of exploration for later.

Up on the Roof

To get an even better view of the surrounding area, we made our way up to the St. Louis Rooftop Terrace Bar. This space is open from April through October. Stepping off of the elevator, we were deposited in the main bar area, which has a roof enclosure for inclement weather. Here is where you order your drinks, before heading out onto the roof for some one-on-one time with the outdoors. As we strolled around, we stopped to watch the iconic moon sculpture rotate. This was our first chance to see the dark side of the moon, even if it was just a model. The iridescent glow from the colored lighting sets a tone of casual intimacy, which is perfect for a romantic nightcap.

You All Come Back Now

As the sun sank into the Midwestern landscape, we watched the sky turn to its familiar coloration. The sunsets in the Central U.S. are some of the most beautiful we have found. There are a few places that compete with them, but for consistent beauty we have found few to match. With darkness setting in, it was time to head off to explore and taste our way along the Loop. Dinner was calling and we knew dessert wouldn’t be far behind. Fortunately, we knew we had a comfortable space to come back to at the end of our day. Have you ever stayed at the Moonrise Hotel? Tell us about your experience!

The post Space Age Stay At Moonrise Hotel In St. Louis appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the Catch Des Moines and Travel Iowa for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

East Meets Italy?

We made our way to the downtown side of the river, (We were staying in the East Village) and easily found the restaurant. Tucked into an area filled with restaurants, nightclubs and shops, Fong’s exterior looked more like a Chinese food establishment. We had been warned that this place is extremely popular, so we planned our visit to be after the lunch rush had subsided. Even with the mid-afternoon timing, the place was still pretty full. During our time there we saw a steady stream coming and going, but then some looked to be picking up to-go orders.

But Wait, There’s More

Fong’s could be described as a pizza joint with an identity issue. Not only is the menu a little unexpected, but the place also serves as a Polynesian Tiki bar. An assortment of unique goblets are available to hold your cocktails.  (You can buy them if you wish.) After placing our drink order, we took some time to examine the interior. Once again the feeling that this is a Chinese food establishment was overwhelming. While I snapped some photos for the article, I noticed a group of friends having shots. It is obviously a ritual to wear the racing helmets while doing this activity. They were nice enough to pose for a picture, and then explained that they were celebrating one of them recently becoming a doctor. The reason they gave for their choice of celebratory digs was that they lived off of Fong’s Pizza while attending college.

Not Crab Rangoon Pie

Almost everyone we spoke to told us we had to try the Crab Rangoon pizza. While we know that this dish is delicious, we had already sampled that flavor at another Iowa pizzeria in the Amana Colonies. Instead we wanted to test one of their other specialty pies. With names like General Tso’s , Fongolian Beef, and Sweet and Sour Chicken the choice of choosing one flavor became difficult. We finally landed on the Thai Chicken pizza which includes; peanut sauce, spicy Thai chicken chunks, mirepoix (diced vegetables), Asiago and mozzarella cheeses. Topped with fresh cilantro this pie had lots of flavors working together to deliver a power packed taste. The crust was thin enough to have a touch of crunch, but still substantial enough to hold in all of the toppings. We were certainly impressed with this East meets Italy combination.

After we completed our pie, the manager brought out a little surprise for us. (Thank you, Jeffrey Diemler!) Raspberry Cheesecake Egg Rolls are another unexpected adventure at Fong’s Pizza. Stuffed with a sweet cream cheese filling and raspberry compote, the rolls are fried and drizzled with chocolate sauce, before being dusted with powdered sugar. Yeah, they are a little decadent, but oh so tasty. Even though we had dessert plans for later, we couldn’t pass up these tasty treats.

All In The Family

Fong’s Pizza is part of a family of downtown establishments that serve up eats and drinks to the locals and travelers alike. Names like El Bait Shop, The Red Monk, Hessen Haus, and The Royal Mile are synonymous with the downtown dining scene in Des Moines. We didn’t realize the connection when we made our plans for the day but it worked out well. Later in the evening we returned to the same block where we had enjoyed such a delectable lunch. This time we were on our way to an English style pub for an after dinner dessert run. The Royal Mile sits on the opposite side of the street and just a couple of doors down from Fong’s. We were beginning to become very familiar with this area.

Do Calories Count On Vacation?

During our visits we usually try to add in at least one dessert stop. These will usually be a bakery or ice cream shop. The Royal Mile was an unlikely choice, but ended up being a home-run pick. We were struggling to choose between the Apple Cinnamon Pasty and the Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownie, so we just ordered one of each. Wow! These desserts were amazing. The apple dish was like a smaller version of an apple pie with a deliciously flaky crust. To compliment this homey goodness, they toss in a couple of scoops to make it Ala mode. The brownie was baked to perfection with a little crust along the edges, but still gooey in the center. This too had the ice cream accompaniment that helped moderate the chocolate overload. Upon delivery of our order, we noted that we could just eat a portion to get a good taste for their dishes. A little while later, we were staring at empty dishes. Good thing our trip was designed to be a walking adventure. Have you ever dined at either of these restaurants? Tell us about your experiences in the comments section below. We would love to hear about the other pizza flavors. Thanks!

The post Dining Around The World in Downtown Des Moines appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank all of the businesses mentioned in this article for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Ask the Locals

Our first destination was the local museum, but we arrived a few minutes early. Near the town square we spotted a local and struck up a conversation. During our talk he asked if we had visited the castle in town and our interest was immediately piqued. With easy to follow directions in hand, we made our way a few blocks to the site. While it wasn’t a real castle, it was still a great spot for a selfie and some reflection. We only stayed a few minutes, as a group looked like they wanted to use it for a photo shoot. That was okay, since it was now time to head to our destination.

Lay of the Land

The Miami County Historical Museum is located in Paola, Kansas. Situated near the square, it offers up four rooms of exhibits plus a genealogy research room. The museum covers the history of the entire county, which was a bonus for the rest of our trip. Since we would be heading a few minutes away to another town, here we would learn some basic history of it as well. This museum is open during the week, but will also open up on the weekend by appointment. We had no issues getting them to come down on a Saturday, and they were quite helpful in explaining much of the background of the area. (You can read more about this museum here>)

Spreading Tourism Dollars

After our stop in Paola, we scooted a little further down the road to Osawatomie, Kansas. This city’s name is a combination of the Indian tribes Osage and Potawatomie. (We learned that from a staff member at the local museum.) Our next stop was to be lunch, but first we decided to check out a couple shops on the main street. One of them was Coach Light, which is a women’s apparel store that has been in business for around 40 years. This is a common theme in many smaller communities, as they usually have only one or two mainstay businesses in each category of merchandise. I visited with the owner, while Crystal shopped. If you stop by here, be sure to check out the back room for all of her clearance items.

Small Town Gourmet

Our breakfast had worn off by now, and we were ready to refuel at Chris’ Cafe. This place was highly recommended and we soon found out why. We have eaten at our share of small town diners and they usually have very similar menus. While the food is usually delicious it can sometimes be less than healthy. Chris started as a baker, but soon saw the need to expand her menu to bring something to her town that the residents wouldn’t get at a fast food stop. She has certainly accomplished that goal. We were absolutely floored at the dishes she served, and the desserts show why she is such a successful baker.

Learning About the Locals

Just a few steps away from our lunch stop we stopped in the Osawatomie History Museum. This localized museum specializes in showcasing the history of the town. What used to be a smaller venue was expanded with the addition of the railroad depot exhibit. We especially enjoyed the refurbished caboose out back that offers a great hands-on learning experience. Be sure to ask staff about this, so they can take you for a tour.  (You can read more about this museum here>)

Charismatic Character

We had one more stop planned, which was the John Brown Museum. It was close enough to walk to, which helped after our delicious, and filling, lunch. The museum is located in a park, which was being enjoyed by families from nearby. The stroll includes a hill at the end, so keep this in mind when visiting. When we came up on the building, we were a little surprised not to see a cabin, but this would subside once we stepped inside. While this museum is not very large, it is packed with lots of information on a person who’s name will forever be associated with Bleeding Kansas and the Civil War. (You can read more about the cabin here>)

Beauty Surrounds Us

With the day drawing to an end, we decided it was time to head back to the city. Our historical day trip had certainly lived up to our expectations. As we made our way back home, we were reminded of how varied the landscape is in the places we travel. We love the mountains, as well as the shorelines, but have learned that there is beauty in just about every place we see. Sometimes it just takes the right setting to remind us to slow down and enjoy the view. When was your last day trip? Tell us a little about your adventure. We love hearing others stories and it may just spark our next day trip. Thanks!

The post On The History Trail in Miami County – A Kansas City Road Trip appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Explore St. Louis for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Hopping Busy

We usually keep at least one meal spot open for surprises like this and it happened to be a breakfast. Blueprint Coffee was only a couple of blocks from our hotel, so it made an easy walking target. When we arrived they were not too busy, but this would change by the time we left. Being early risers has an advantage, especially when it comes to beating the morning rush.

The previous visit had opened our eyes to their amazing pastries that are kept in plain view when ordering. Pretty sneaky, since it certainly made me crave one of these delicacies. When it came our turn to order, we discovered that they offer more than just these snacky type starters. Clearly this was going to take longer than we imagined. We ordered our coffee drinks and sat down to preview the menu.

Heady Aroma

It isn’t often we find our way into a coffee shop that also roasts their own beans. When we do, the aroma is heavenly. The mix of various beans add layers to the smell and made us even more eager for our hot drinks.

Fortunately, it didn’t take long for these to be prepared and we found ourselves sipping on them. We placed our meal orders and went back to sipping our delicious sunshine in a cup. Soon our meals were ready and it was time to dig in.

Breakfast Bites

Crystal was ready for a handheld, so she ordered one of their breakfast sandwiches. Made with egg and bacon on a toasted roll it was light yet filling. The addition of fresh fruit was a perfect compliment to the dish. Our morning schedule included a visit to the St. Louis Zoo and this sandwich was enough to fuel her for the entire visit.

Benny Bliss

I have been on a Eggs Benedict kick for a while and they had one that sounded promising. Made with eggs, bacon, some fresh greens all loaded on a homemade biscuit. The Hollandaise sauce was well balanced and added the perfect extra touch to the dish. My plate also included some fresh fruit, which added a nice sweet treat to the meal. My dish was just as filling as Crystal’s, so we were able to walk off four hours of animal viewing before heading to our next dining destination. In the end, it pays to leave a little wiggle room in your travel itinerary for that unexpected pleasure. What places have you stumbled upon during your travels? Share your best success stories in the comments section below.

The post Why We Were Surprised By Blueprint Coffee appeared first on Our Changing Life.