Route 66 Archives - Our Changing Life

Pontiac Route 66 Museum: Journeys Through Time

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 11:21:00 +0000

We arrived in town with the sense that every brick along the square held a story. The Pontiac Route 66 Museum stood ready to introduce us to its most treasured tales. Before we even stepped inside, our attention drifted toward the back of the building where Bob Waldmire’s converted school bus waited in the quiet of the parking lot. Its sun-bleached wood and fading yellow paint suggested long miles on the Mother Road.

We lingered near the doorway a moment longer, feeling our curiosity rise as we wondered what drew so many Route 66 travelers to this museum complex. The promise of stories tucked into every corner pulled us forward. We felt that familiar excitement that comes when a place invites us to understand why it has become a beloved stop along the Mother Road.

Museum Complex

The Pontiac Museum Complex felt like a cluster of stories gathered under a single roof. We wandered from the Route 66 exhibit into the Bob Waldmire Experience and on into displays celebrating Life in the 1940s. Each space carried a different rhythm, and each encouraged us to slow down and look closer.

As we wandered, we found ourselves wrapped in the place’s gentle pace. The layout encouraged discovery, letting us drift from one narrative to another until we felt fully settled in the era each gallery highlighted.

Toys of the 1940s

The Toys of the 1940s exhibit made us smile the moment we spotted it. We recognized a croquet set, well-loved board games, and names that evoked our parents’ childhoods. Their stories came back to us in quick flashes, adding a personal touch to the experience.

The toys carried the charm of a time when entertainment came from imagination and shared laughter. We found comfort in the simple design of each piece, which helped us appreciate midcentury family life with fresh eyes. Every item seemed to capture a moment that had been cherished long before our own travels began.

1940s Home Life

Since we were soaking up the decades before our births, we decided to head into the 1940s home exhibit. The recreated 1940s kitchen felt like stepping into a memory we never lived. The soft clatter of imagined dishes and the fragrance of coffee that we could almost smell filled the room. Colors were gentle, and the practical layout reminded us of how much daily life once revolved around simple routines.

The living room nearby was equally inviting. Heavy fabrics, warm lamps, and familiar shapes created a stillness that made it easy to picture families gathering at the end of a long day. The space seemed to hold a quiet strength that many homes from that era carried.

Waldmire's VW Bus

Bob Waldmire’s VW bus offered a different kind of comfort, one tied to open roads and a life spent gathering stories. As we approached, we noticed bits of memorabilia tucked into every corner. Maps, trinkets, and tiny sketches created a sense of organized clutter that felt as genuine as a signature.

Standing beside it, we could imagine Waldmire parked at overlook after overlook, capturing the landscape with his pen while the world moved gently around him. The bus acted as both studio and home, and it reflected his wandering heart with a clarity that made us pause.

Illinois Route 66

The exhibits devoted to Illinois Route 66 put us right back on the open road. We enjoyed the reminders of small diners and friendly conversations, especially when we reached the Cozy Dog display. That stop has long been a favorite of ours, and seeing its story told inside the museum felt like greeting an old friend.

As we examined the exhibit, we pictured the connection between this display and the roadside attractions we have visited. It made the experience feel wonderfully layered, as if the museum and the road shared the same heartbeat.

Pontiac Route 66 Museum

We left with our curiosity renewed and our affection for Illinois Route 66 strengthened. If you happen to have a favorite stop along this stretch of the Mother Road, please share it with us in the comments so we can add it to our growing list. Our visit reminded us how many stories remain to be discovered, and we look forward to sharing more of them in future posts.

The museum is located at 110 W Howard St, Pontiac, IL 61764, and welcomes travelers year-round. Hours vary by season, with generally generous daytime availability that suits most itineraries. Admission is free, and visitors are encouraged to offer a donation if they feel inspired.

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Illinois Route 66 Filling Stations

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 10:27:14 +0000

Driving into Dwight, we couldn’t help but pause at the sight of two aged pumps that have seen generations of travelers. These relics mark the spot where Route 66’s heartbeat once pulsed strongest, back when cars pulled in for fuel, an oil check, and maybe a friendly chat with the attendant. Dwight’s pumps aren’t just mechanical leftovers; they’re symbols of a world where the highway was more than asphalt. They represent a ritual: drivers leaning back in their seats while someone else handles the dirty work. Today, the pumps are silent, their dials frozen in time, but their presence still whispers stories of long road trips, roadside picnics, and kids pressing their noses to the window in anticipation of the next adventure. In Dwight, you don’t just see old pumps; you know the spirit of Illinois Route 66 filling stations.

From Service to Self-Serve: The Changing Times

The transition from full-service to self-service didn’t happen overnight, but by the late 1970s, it was clear the old ways were fading. Convenience and the lure of lower fuel prices pushed drivers to pump their own gas, often without giving it much thought. Gone were the days when a uniformed attendant would not only fuel your car but also check your oil, top off the washer fluid, and even wipe the bugs from your windshield. Filling stations had been small hubs of community life, where gossip passed as easily as gasoline. With automation, those moments vanished, replaced by a swift swipe of a credit card and the hiss of a nozzle. It was progress, yes, but progress often comes at a cost. Along Route 66 in Illinois, what remains are ghostly outlines of those lively corners, reminders that sometimes efficiency can flatten the human touch.

Sprague Station: Preserving Illinois Route 66 Filling Stations

Built in 1931, Sprague Super Service in Normal, Illinois, is a rare survivor of the golden age of filling stations. Once a bustling stop where cars lined up for gas, today it stands as a beautifully restored visitor center along the historic route. Its Tudor-style design was unusual for the time, chosen to make the station feel welcoming rather than purely utilitarian. Travelers stepping inside are now greeted with maps, brochures, and stories, instead of fuel nozzles and oil cans. What makes Sprague Station remarkable is not just its preservation, but its reinvention. It has become a place to reflect, to learn, and to understand just how vital filling stations were to the rhythm of American travel. Instead of being lost to progress, it was given a new purpose, proving that the spirit of the road can adapt and endure.

Murals of the Mother Road: Stories on the Walls

Even when the stations themselves are gone, the memories linger on the walls. In towns along the Mother Road, murals have become the storytellers of Illinois Route 66 filling stations. Bright paint splashes across brick, depicting cheerful attendants, classic cars, and neon signs that once lit up the night sky. These works of public art transform alleys and main streets into galleries of nostalgia, reminding us that while buildings may crumble, culture endures in imagination. Murals serve as both preservation and reinvention, inviting new generations to discover the romance of the Mother Road through color and creativity. They are a roadmap painted in reverse, leading us not toward the next town but back in time to when travel was more than miles; it was an experience to be savored, one pit stop at a time.

Texaco Station in Atlanta: Home of the Roadside Giants

On the corner of Arch Street in Atlanta stands a carefully preserved 1930s Texaco station. It has since been transformed into the American Giants Museum. But its real claim to fame? It shelters the towering fiberglass giants that once dotted America’s highways. Statues of lumberjacks, cowboys, and service attendants, all crafted to lure drivers off the road and into the lot. These oversized figures were advertising in their most theatrical form. They remind motorists that fuel stops could be as memorable as destinations themselves. Inside, the Texaco station’s tidy bays and retro signage capture the optimism of mid-century travel, when the open road promised adventure and discovery. By curating these roadside icons under its roof, the Atlanta Texaco does more than preserve the memory of filling stations. It magnifies their role in shaping the visual landscape of American road culture.

Dwight’s Historic Station: A True Time Capsule

Built in 1933, the Ambler-Becker Texaco Station in Dwight is a jewel for anyone yearning to see what an Illinois Route 66 filling station really looked like. Walk through its doors and you’re greeted by polished wood counters, vintage oil cans, and walls adorned with Texaco memorabilia. The garage bays still hold the echoes of wrenches clinking and tires hissing with air. Unlike many stations that were remodeled or abandoned, this one has been carefully restored to appear as though business paused. It feels less like a museum and more like a service station frozen mid-shift, as if the attendant just stepped out to grab a cup of coffee. In a town already rich with Route 66 history, the Dwight station offers one of the purest glimpses into the life and rhythm of the road, a living reminder of what we’ve lost and what we still cherish.

Carrying the Flame: Why Illinois is Route 66’s Gateway

There’s a reason Illinois holds such a special place in the story of Route 66. It was in Chicago that the Mother Road began, stretching westward into legend. Today, the state carries the flame of that heritage by preserving historic landmarks, including Illinois Route 66 filling stations, murals, and roadside attractions. They remind us why Route 66 became one of the most famous roads in America. To travel these miles is to travel through layers of history, mechanical, architectural, and cultural. Standing at these stations, you can almost hear the laughter of families piling into their cars, the squeak of service bay doors, and the chime of the driveway bell that announces another arrival. For anyone yearning to reconnect with the romance of the open road, Illinois is the perfect starting point. It’s not just a drive; it’s a journey back to when travel itself was the destination.

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American Giants Museum: Route 66 Icons

Jeff & Crystal — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:30:00 +0000

There was a time when driving along Route 66 felt like a treasure hunt for the eyes. Each bend in the road might reveal a towering fiberglass giant, greeting travelers with a silent wave or a fixed grin. As a kid, I pressed my face to the car window, scanning the horizon for these whimsical figures. They became mile markers of our family trips—signposts of adventure on the Mother Road. Whether holding a tool, a hamburger, or simply their own massive hands on their hips, they stood as proud guardians of the highway. These giants weren’t just advertisements; they were part of the scenery, woven into the memories of countless road trips. Even now, when I spot one, I feel that same spark of excitement I did decades ago, when every roadside stop promised a story and a smile.

Birth of the American Giants Museum

The American Giants Museum was created to preserve and celebrate these larger-than-life roadside icons. Sitting just off the historic stretch of Route 66, in Atlanta, Illinois, the museum offers a unique bridge between nostalgia and history. Its mission is simple yet powerful—rescue, restore, and display these fiberglass wonders for future generations. The founders understood that these statues are more than marketing gimmicks; they’re symbols of mid-century Americana. By bringing them together under one roof, the museum keeps their stories alive and accessible. Visitors can learn about their origins, the craftsmen who built them, and the countless miles they’ve traveled. In a world that moves faster every year, this place invites you to slow down and appreciate the craftsmanship, humor, and charm these giants brought to roadside culture. It’s not just a collection—it’s a living tribute to the playful spirit of the open road.

Inside the Museum Walls

Step inside the American Giants Museum and you’re met with an array of characters frozen mid-wave, mid-pose, and mid-story. While the giants are the stars, the interior also holds smaller statues—ranging from friendly mascots to quirky one-offs—that once adorned storefronts across America. Informational placards offer fascinating details about their construction, origins, and the marketing strategies behind them. Some displays even trace the travels of specific figures, noting the towns and businesses they once called home. The lighting and layout invite you to linger, giving each piece the spotlight it deserves. There’s a comforting hush in the air, the kind you get in places that respect their subject matter. Walking among these relics, we felt like we were flipping through a family album—each figure a snapshot of a time when advertising was as much about imagination as it was about sales.

Filling Gas and Growing Memories

Before corporate logos dominated every corner, gas stations often turned to fiberglass giants to grab attention. Texaco and Esso stations, in particular, embraced the idea of a towering figure beckoning motorists from afar. These statues, often outfitted in service uniforms, created an immediate sense of friendliness and reliability. In my youth, I remember spotting these creations at the stations we passed. They became more than places to refuel—they were mini-attractions in their own right. The American Giants Museum captures this slice of history beautifully, displaying restored service station giants alongside photographs of them in their prime. It’s easy to imagine families pulling in, kids wide-eyed, while the attendant wipes the windshield and checks the oil. In a way, these fiberglass figures helped shape the golden era of the American road trip.

The Bunyan Giant and His Missing Axes

Among the museum’s most famous residents is the Bunyan Giant, a creation of Prewitt Fiberglass that towers with unmistakable charm. Originally designed to hold an enormous axe, this gentle giant became a recognizable figure across the country. But as history has shown, those axes often went missing—pilfered by souvenir hunters or lost to time. The fiberglass company had to craft extra axes to replace the ones that disappeared. Something is endearing about this ongoing saga; it humanizes the giant, making him less a static object and more a living piece of folklore. Standing before him, I couldn’t help but smile, imagining the countless stories he could tell. Whether guarding a lumberyard or promoting a local festival, the Bunyan Giant remains one of the most enduring and adaptable of America’s roadside titans.

Burgers and Big Personalities

Not all fiberglass giants wielded tools—some held food, and lots of it. Burger joints quickly caught on to the idea of using fiberglass mascots to tempt passing motorists. Big Boy, with his checkered overalls and gleeful grin, became a household name, while Mama Burger brought her flavor to the roadside scene. These figures turned simple diners into memorable destinations, their cheerful faces promising hearty meals and friendly service. I remember stops at Big Boy during our summer trips, where our family would pile into a booth beneath the shadow of the grinning mascot. The burger might have been ordinary, but the experience felt special because of the giant outside. At the American Giants Museum, these food-themed figures stand proudly, their smiles as wide as ever, reminding visitors that sometimes, the secret ingredient is simply a dash of whimsy.

Waving Giants, Lasting Memories

As we wrapped up our visit, I couldn’t help but marvel at the many ways these fiberglass figures once beckoned travelers to pull over. From a hand-waving gentleman outside a small-town hardware store to a pie-holding waitress promising a slice of comfort, each giant was a silent invitation to linger. Some stood guard at the edge of parking lots, others perched near neon signs, their painted smiles competing with flashing lights. They weren’t just advertisements—they were personalities, each telling its own story in a single pose. The American Giants Museum preserves that diversity, letting you stroll from one character to another as if revisiting a parade of roadside friends. If you’ve ever met one of these roadside legends—whether on Route 66 or in your hometown—we’d love to hear your story. Drop a comment and share your encounter; every giant has a tale worth telling.

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Changing Times – Precious Moments

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 09:00:08 +0000

Back in 1982, we began our family with the birth of our daughter. By that time, the Precious Moments figurine craze was growing. The bulb-eyed figurines were flying off the shelves as fast as they could be restocked. Artist and creator Sam Butcher was preparing to launch on a journey to find a home for the pinnacle of his dream. During a stay in Joplin, Missouri, he felt the call to build in the heart of the country. Nearby Carthage would become the home of the Precious Moments Chapel, which would draw in millions of fans. These days, the changing times have caused the crowds to dwindle. Although, the dream of this janitor-turned artist still remains.

The Little Village

His foray into business involved Sam and a friend, Bill Biel. Originally, it was two-dimensional drawings used for greeting cards and posters. At a Christian Booksellers convention, they were greeted with an overwhelming demand for their products. Soon after, an American giftware distributor approached Sam with the request to produce a three-dimensional prototype. His first piece was titled “Love One Another” and was produced in porcelain.

Moving the Business Forward

In just a few short years, Sam had created a line of 21 individual figurines. The statuaries created from Sam’s art quickly grew in popularity. He would receive tons of letters from adoring fans who felt touched by their message. By the mid-1980s, Sam was on his quest for a new home base. His grand design would include a chapel where he could express his faith and love for God. A visit to Rome had provided him a view of the Sistine Chapel. This would inspire him to create his own masterpiece that would console and inspire others.

Perfect Placement

With an air of determination, Sam set about fulfilling his dream on the outskirts of Carthage. It would take five years of painstaking work to create and decorate the Precious moments Chapel. He opened it in 1989 and it has since been visited by millions of people from around the globe. The monies earned from the sale of his figurines were pumped back into this project. To allow everyone the opportunity to see his handiwork, the property offered free admission. Being located on the edge of the Ozarks made it an ideal stop for people traveling Route 66. While the changing times have lowered the number of visitors, there is still a steady flow on most days.

Precious Moments Chapel

We had made a visit many years ago, but the memories had faded. This time we were seeing it with fresh eyes. Entering through the gift shop, we chose to take a self-guided tour. After exploring the visitors center, we made our way outdoors. The day was overcast and filled with rain showers, so we skipped an in-depth view of the grounds. Staying along the paved pathway led us to the shrub-lined entrance to the Chapel. Hurrying down it, we entered the serene space to view the grand work of Sam Butcher.

An Artist’s Dream

During the construction of the chapel and supporting buildings, Sam had time to think about the subject of his decorations. He wanted it to be a reflection of his deep belief in God. When we entered the main Chapel, we were greeted by the massive “Hallelujah Square” mural. It is designed to be a reflection of heaven through the eyes of a child. The painting shows a young girl standing at the gates of heaven. A gathering of angels is ready to welcome her in. Scattered throughout the paintings are images of people that are dear to Sam. Many of the characters that touch our hearts express the hope that Sam has for those that have gone before us.

Carried Home

While Sam had spent many years creating this masterpiece, his personal life was filled with difficulties. After completing the chapel, he moved his family to St. Charles, Missouri. He also created a resort in the Philippines, where he would spend more and more time. It was during one of these visits that he lost his son, Phillip. To counter his grief, he threw himself into his work. This would lead to him creating Phillip’s Room at the Chapel. His children saw the effects on him and took over the management of his business. This allowed him to return to the Philippines for an extended stay. Once again tragedy struck the family with the loss of his son, Tim. This inspired him to create a bell tower in his honor.

Changing Times

As we wrapped up our visit, we were filled with so many memories from our early days of marriage. Seeing the cherub-like figurines reminded us of the times when our kids were still just passengers in the backseat of our car. The changing times have seen them grow into adults and even bless us with grandchildren. Who knew that this short stop at a Midwest attraction would bring us back to our beginning. It made us wonder if we had any of those early figurines stashed away in one of our totes filled with our family’s memories.

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Reviving Nostalgia Along The Mother Road – Iggy’s Diner

Jeff & Crystal — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 09:00:36 +0000

Cruising the path of the old Route 66 led us through the heart of Carthage, Missouri. As we pass the normal mix of fast-food restaurants and corporate businesses, we spot a gleaming silver shape ahead. Positioned on a frontage space, which has since been converted to a traffic circle, we spot Iggy’s Diner. The stainless steel shell screams “retro” with flashbacks of 50s malt shops dancing through our heads. Even on an overcast day, the appearance of this iconic stop excites us. Here we were confident to find that they were reviving nostalgia along the Mother Road.

Diner History

Diners have been around for well over 100 years. The style represented at Iggy’s Diner began popping up just after World War II. Sliding into the 50s, the American diner became popular with families who were looking for entertaining excursions. Prior to these stainless steel versions, the diner had consisted of “lunch wagons”. This newer version was closer to a café and had expanded capacity. The diner industry had suffered during the Depression, like most other service businesses. The popularity of Route 66 helped create a demand for more of these stops. While many have long ago disappeared, we still happen upon them at times.

Reviving the Past

Iggy’s Diner is definitely a newer version of this old-school eatery. The building was fabricated in the late 1990s, but it has a vibe much older. The modern conveniences that accompany its newness are mostly superficial to the naked eye of diners. Built with a concrete floor, metal wall studs, and a metal roof are parts hidden from open view. What flashed before our eyes were the old maps and musical posters of 50s musical artists. They were doing a bang-up job of reviving nostalgia along the Mother Road.

Old School Eats

We decided that if we were going to travel back to the 50s, we ought to be dining on nostalgic dishes. The menu includes a wide range of options, but our gazes stopped at the Burger Baskets. What is more iconic than that? We decided to get a couple of versions and split them between us. Crystal chose the Bacon Ranch Burger that is seasoned with ranch spices. A heaping side of Curly Fries rounded out her basket. I picked the Piggy Iggy, which combines a beef patty with sliced smoked ham. It is the best of both worlds. My side was a plentiful mound of Onion Rings. Our conversation slowed as we concentrated on devouring the abundant portions sitting in front of us.

Reviving Nostalgia Along the Mother Road

From the stainless steel shell to the brightly colored booths, Iggy’s Diner exudes the essence of the past. Our visit occurred after a stop at the Battle of Carthage Museum, so the Saturday lunch rush was winding down. This opened up our view to be able to take the full atmosphere of the space. As we lingered at our Formica-topped table, we soaked in the nostalgia of this rekindled “greasy spoon”. Our lunch meal had hit the spot but the open road was calling our names. Time to head out and continue reviving nostalgia along the Mother Road.

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War Out West – Battle of Carthage Museum

Jeff & Crystal — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 09:00:51 +0000

Conflict along the Missouri state line had been occurring throughout the second half of the 1850s. Far away in the East, the political battles were raging. After John Brown’s unsuccessful raid on Harper’s Ferry, some believed that signaled the end to the threat from the west. Little would anyone expect that the first significant land battle would be pitted in the Missouri arena. One day after our nation celebrated the anniversary of its independence, the north and south clashed at the Battle of Carthage. As the eastern portion of the nation prepared for battle, the war out west was already heating up.

We want to thank the Battle of Carthage Museum for its hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Battle of Carthage Museum

I’ll be honest and say that I was among the throng of people who were unaware of the significance of the Battle of Carthage. The history books fail to mention that this battle took place 11 days prior to the 1st Battle of Bull Run. To better understand this battle, we must rewind a month, to early June 1861. Missouri Governor Claiborne Jackson was a pro-Southerner who suspected the Union forces deployed by President Lincoln. A conflict between the Union forces and the Missouri militia, near St. Louis, added to the rising tension in the state. A last-ditch conference between the two sides failed to resolve the growing distrust.

Straightforward Layout

Inside the Battle of Carthage Museum, we discovered an easy-to-follow floorplan. Most of the displays are housed along the outer walls of the space. Visitors can follow along the path of the battle, and find tidbits of information about the people that were involved. There are also some exhibits that informed us about the atmosphere in the region before, during, and after the battle. A large diorama shows how the battle played out, as it actually began outside of town, before moving into the city square.

War Out West

While Missouri was technically a neutral state, Southern sympathy ran deep in many of the rural areas. The war out west had already been raging for nearly half of a decade by 1861. To the north, bands of guerrilla fighters inflicted raids on both sides of the Missouri-Kansas line. Events like the Sacking of Lawrence and the Battle of Black Jack kept tensions high throughout the region. When Governor Jackson took the lead of the Missouri State Guard, it signaled the only time that a sitting U.S. governor led troops against the Union to which his state belonged.

Union Forces

After the decay of relations in St. Louis, the Missouri State Guard headed southwest. A delay in Jefferson City was thwarted by Union troops being led by Gen. Nathaniel Lyon and Col. Franz Sigel. The Guard retreated to Boonville, where a skirmish took place on June 17th. Jackson had hoped to rally groups of Guard in Boonville, as this area was sympathetic to the Southern position. His hope was to gather 50,000 troops and run the Union forces out of the state. The Union forces were made up of a large contingency of battle-hardened German immigrants. They were well equipped with artillery and made quick work of Jackson’s attempt to hold Boonville.

Confederate Volunteers

The Confederate forces consisted primarily of Missouri State Guard troops. Since the war was only beginning, there had not yet been time to raise funds and create a regulated look. Quite a few of the volunteers were armed with their own weapons from home, while others had no weapons at all. In fact, during a portion of the battle of Carthage, Confederate forces began a flanking maneuver using the unarmed participants. Since the Union was unaware of this, they had to take the threat seriously and began their retreat toward town.

A Battle Comes to Carthage

By using field artillery, as well as a brave bayonet charge, Sigel’s forces were able to successfully reach the Carthage town square. The Confederates continued their pursuit and a firefight broke out on the square. After a day filled with engagement, the Union forces were able to escape during the night. The Missouri State Guard lost 35 men and had 125 injured. They also suffered the capture of 45 soldiers. On the Union side, there were 13 casualties, 35 injured, and 5 captured. The victory went to the Confederate forces who would repeat the feat a month later at Wilson’s Creek.

Who Knew?

Whenever we visit a new museum, we enjoy the little tidbits that we discover. It wasn’t too much of a stretch to imagine that the firefight caused significant damage to the buildings in Carthage. Many towns were decimated by the fighting that took place throughout the Civil War. When we learned that the town was home to a young Myra Maybelle Shirley, we were a little surprised. In later life, she would go by the alias of Belle Starr. Hailing from Missouri, it was no surprise that she would eventually be associated with the James-Younger Gang.

Clued In

The Battle of Carthage was not the end of war-time activity in this city. Aggressions continued throughout the war and eventually led to the city being burned to near completion in August of 1864. After that, there was no reason for either side to use the buildings as a stronghold. By the fall of 1866, the town was seeing a rebirth and a return to prosperity. Located on the path of the original Route 66, visitors from all over the world pass through this city every year. We wonder how many realize the violent stories that accompany the city’s place in history.

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Route 66 Museum – Lebanon, Missouri

Jeff & Crystal — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 10:00:25 +0000

Few highways have captured the American spirit like Route 66. This nostalgic thoroughfare has been dubbed “The Mother Road” and “Main Street of America”. With 2,448 miles of open road, it led travelers from Chicago to Los Angeles. Along the way, drivers would find iconic stops to satisfy just about every need. This famous path has become immortalized in movies, books, and a number of memorials. Just about every city and town along the way has looked for a way to embrace its drawing power. For those carving out the road in sections, you will likely find at least one Route 66 museum during your trip.

Perspectives from the Road

We have memories of traveling the route since our childhoods. For me, it was large portions of time spent in southern Missouri and Kansas, as well as the eastern half of Oklahoma. Many of the sites that dotted the roadside were already well-established, but this had not always been the case. Route 66 was established in 1926, and became the nation’s first all-weather highway. While it may not have been the longest or oldest American highway, it provided the shortest path between the Midwest and West Coast. To understand the significance of this highway, we need to better grasp life in this period of the country. A stop at the Route 66 Museum in Lebanon, Missouri was another chance to piece together the history of this road.

The Early Days

America was quickly changing and the country needed roads to manage these changes. The heavy agriculture base of the central states had to rely on the railroad for transportation, but rail paths were limited. The addition of highways, like Route 66, would provide pathways to places not serviced by rail. By the time I would travel the road, it was all paved, but I can imagine the earliest days. From my times in the country, I know what the weather can do to a dirt road. Imagine heading out on a cross-country journey not knowing what road conditions you would encounter.

Rough Roads

Trips like that would be more like adventures. Packing the car would require creating a second home. After all, the construction of restaurants, motels, and shops would come later. When your day ended in a city or town, these conveniences could often be found. Often times, the path between towns would be the resting stop for meals or even nighttime lodging. Talk about your old-school camping trips. The rough roadways would also present the possibility of damages to your vehicle, so plenty of spare parts should be included during packing. This display case at the Route 66 Museum reminds us of the struggles that faced many of those early day road warriors.

Adding Convenience

As more and more travelers paved the way, it brought with it people looking to capitalize off of the route. Motor lodges, now called motels, sprang up all along Route 66. These offered an easy overnight stay that got travelers out of a tent and into a bed. Over time, more amenities were added to entice travelers to stop. The addition of glowing neon signs would beckon weary drivers to pull off for the night. While many of these iconic stops have gone by the wayside, there are still plenty around. Part of the fun of a Route 66 road trip is picking a couple of these stops for an overnight stay. It offers us travelers a chance to merge with the history of the Mother Road.

Filling a Need

By the late 1930s, Route 66 had rivaled the railroad for the transportation of goods. Truckers began traveling the road in droves, which signaled the need for more amenities. Roadside cafes and diners popped up all along the path. During our explorations, we have sampled a few of the most iconic restaurants. In Springfield, Illinois, we discovered the self-proclaimed corndog origin at Cozy Dogs. Another Route 66 trip landed us at The Big Texan, in Amarillo, where we were tempted to challenge a Texas-sized steak dinner. We are betting that many of these early eateries probably used their own gimmicks to draw in diners.

A Touch of Home

Besides seeing all of the memories of yesteryear, places like the Route 66 Museum are also informative. The Kansas portion of the Mother Road is the smallest of any state. Since my childhood summers were spent in that region, I have traveled every inch of it. In fact, we were lucky enough to visit it again during an event hosted by Kansas Tourism. The fact that mining was the base of the economy for generations is well-known in that region. What we didn’t realize is that traffic along Route 66 had been shut down due to labor disputes. Obviously, it was well before our time.

America’s Main Street

Many remember the catchphrase “Get your kicks on Route 66”. Advertising, like the poster above, was used to draw attention to a large number of attractions and sights along Route 66. Cities and towns vied for tourism dollars from travelers passing east or west. These days, people from around the globe plan out their visits based on some of these same sites. While many will digest the entire route in one trip, we rely on breaking it into digestible sections. By focusing on specific cities or legs of the road, we can explore in greater detail. So far, we have successfully navigated from Chicago to Amarillo.

Route 66 Museum in Lebanon

Places like the Route 66 Museum in Lebanon serve as depositories for the memories of times gone by. They also help educate the next generation about the value of a classic American road trip. Whether you are planning your own excursion along Route 66 or any of the other great American highways, be sure to keep the spirit of those early travelers in mind. Be prepared for the unexpected and save some time for exploring the stops that aren’t always found on maps. It’s a good way to get to know the locals and make some amazing memories at the same time.

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Test Of Time – Route 66 Local Love

Jeff & Crystal — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 10:00:07 +0000

Midwesterners have had a long love affair with the open road. While there are many wonderful destinations scattered across the region, often one is faced with a significant drive. The invention of roads helped make travel more feasible and shortened the time needed to move from point to point. One of our favorite thoroughfares to explore is Route 66, which is often referred to as the “Mother Road”. One of America’s first highways, the love for this path has stood the test of time. Even today, travelers spend hours and hours planning their own excursions down the route.

Glory Days

Cruising along Route 66 will definitely bring a feeling of nostalgia. While newer businesses and stops continue to be developed (Check out Uranus, Missouri), it is the long-standing sites that really grab our attention. Way back in 1950, Glenn Wrinkle launched Wrink’s Market. Sitting along the edge of Lebanon, it served as a restocking stop for travelers along this stretch of the Missouri Mother Road. His friendly demeanor made travelers and locals feel welcome in the store. His fresh-made sandwiches were popular with many, including radio host Paul Harvey. Glenn kept the store running until his death in 2005.

The Vintage Cowgirl

This sudden change shuttered the doors and could have signaled a permanent death. Glenn’s son Terry Wrinkle attempted to reopen the store, but the downturned economy of 2008 forced it to reclose after only two years. It appeared that Wrink’s Market would fade away like so many other Route 66 iconic stops. Low and behold, the founder’s granddaughter, Katie Hapner, reinvented the market in 2017. While it carries the name “The Vintage Cowgirl”, it still holds the same atmosphere as the olden days. Katie and her stepsister, Sarah, welcome visitors looking for a break from the road. Following in her grandfather’s footsteps, we found her busy assembling sandwiches for hungry travelers. It’s inspiring to see that others are working to bring the past into the future.

Tried and True

Sharing a parking lot with Wrink’s Market is Taylor’s Dairy Joy. Once again, we found that this business has stood the test of time on Route 66. With the lunch hour fast approaching, we decided it was the perfect place to grab some food. Taylor’s has a lot of similarities to dozens of roadside eateries found along the Mother Road. Stepping through the door, we found a hand-written menu filled with easily recognizable dishes. A couple of cheeseburgers sounded good and we decided to split some fries and onion rings. This simple, but filling meal was an obvious hit with the locals, as well. Finding a seat in the dining room, we noticed the wall mural (at the top of this page) had an odd similarity to something out of a “Close Encounters” movie.

Getting Our Sweet Desserts

Here is where we have to open up a little about our choice for lunch. Sure it’s a Route 66 iconic stop, but it was the word ‘Dairy” in the name that sealed it for us. Let’s be honest, it’s hard for us to pass up a chance to sample some local ice cream no matter where we wander. I mean, we have tasted frozen treats all across North America, including Quebec City in Canada. Taylor’s Dairy Joy offers a variety of soft-serve options, from cones to amazing sundaes. We were not afraid to tackle some of their most impressive creations. We ordered a Chocolate-covered Cherry Sundae and a Turtle Sundae to make sure we had a wide range of flavors. Both ended up being delicious but extremely filling. It became apparent that there would need to be some major walking in our future.

Standing the Test of Time

Route 66 draws thousands of visitors because it reminds us of our past. Seeing all of the unique business designs is entertaining and enlightening. The tried and true methods applied to diverting drivers from the road have been encapsulated in much of the mainstream advertising approach. Shock and awe were common occurrences that would cause travelers to pull over so they could see it for themselves. These days, many of the visual extremes have faded or crumbled under the weight of neglect. We have seen a recent surge in the desire to bring many of the notable iconic sights back to life. We certainly hope this happens and we can preserve these familiar landmarks for future generations.

Plan Your Adventure

When the interstates were introduced, many didn’t realize just how negative of an impact it would be for some towns and cities. The steady stream of travelers moved from the byways to the highways. While some smaller towns have shriveled and died, places like Lebanon, Missouri have survived the test of time. By embracing their Route 66 history, they are helping pique the interest of a new generation of road warriors. When we found out about their newest display, we just had to get involved. It was an appropriate gesture to lock our love to Route 66. After all, we have had so many wonderful experiences along the Mother Road. When was your last Route 66 road trip?

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Route 66 Road Trip – Road From Rolla

Jeff & Crystal — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000

Our country is filled with an array of vacation opportunities. Just about any type of diversion can be found, if you know where to look. One of our favorite activities is exploring the haunts that early drivers would find across the United States. An easy way to do this is a Route 66 road trip. Running from Chicago to Los Angeles, it served travelers for generations. Even before it was paved, in 1926, it was still winding its way through big cities and small towns across the country.

Road from Rolla

During the Dust Bowl days, many would follow this path west to California. By the late 1950s, interstate highways were sounding a death knell for these types of leisurely travel corridors. These days, many scurry down the highway rushing to their destination. It seems like fewer and fewer of us take the time to enjoy the journey. Maybe the current conditions call for us to rethink our idea of the perfect vacation. A Route 66 road trip is a good way to maintain social distancing and still explore the countryside.

Route 66 Road Trip

While large swaths of the Mother Road vanished with the installation of the interstates, travelers can still find plenty of the original path. Many of the sights along the route carry fantastic names that just beckon to be seen. On a stretch between Uranus and Rolla we discovered Devil’s Elbow Bridge. Offering a pass across the Big Piney River, the views of the surrounding cliffs are inspiring. We even had an opportunity to watch a local fisherman try his luck.

Stonehenge, Missouri?

A sight that we would have never expected to find in the middle of Missouri is a Stonehenge replica. When we saw it listed in Rolla attractions, we knew a few minutes had to be carved out in our itinerary. After all, you don’t pass by one of these everyday. This unusual attraction is located on the campus of the Missouri University of Science and Technology. It is half-scale of the original, and only represents a partial reconstruction. Built out of granite, the stones were cut and carved using high pressure water jets. The original would have taken many years to complete, where this one was carved in a month. It is truly a testament to technology.

Fun Diversion

Since we were beating around Rolla looking for diversions, we decided to head downtown. This Midwest town embraces its Route 66 heritage. Those looking to “get their kicks” will find some interesting eateries and fun shops to explore. After some local shopping, we were ready to cool down with a refreshing treat. We located an old-fashioned soda fountain and popped in for a look-see. We could tell from the steady stream of customers that this place was a local hit.

Cooling Off

What began as a stop for a cone turned into a real adventure. You probably have noticed that we love ice cream, so it’s no surprise to see us pick a scoop shop. Over the years, we have found some amazing creamy creations. Soda & Scoops was ready to raise the bar with their own unique concoctions. Our choice was a homage to Independence Day named “Baby You’re A Firework”. It started with a strawberry cheesecake shake and took off from there. The addition of vanilla frosting, sprinkles, whipped cream and a sucker really got it going. Oh, and let’s just shove a Bomb Pop in for good measure. Yeah, it was freaking awesome!

Slow Death

When they added I-44 to Missouri, much of it fell right on top of the Route 66 corridor. These days, the original path is almost like a frontage road running parallel to the interstate. As we traversed it, we spotted signs of the glory days. Many of the gas stations, motels, and motor courts have been abandoned. Those that remain are staying alive by multi-tasking their business plans. Often you will find a combination, fuel stop, antique store, and eatery wrapped into one location. In almost all cases, they wear the badge of Route 66 with pride.

Set Your Sights on Route 66

The format of vacationing certainly changed quickly in 2020. Almost overnight, the world looked differently at the notion of large gatherings on beaches or at events. The changes affected us, as well, but mostly through the shuttering of museums and other public spaces. Our style of trips revolve around in-depth looks at the stories behind a cities growth. The interaction we have with others will usually be restricted to just a few people at a time. That made us feel more comfortable about the idea of exploring during a pandemic. A Route 66 road trip is a good way to get back out in the world, while still limiting your exposure to others. Aren’t you ready to hit the road?

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Juvenile Jokes Galore – Uranus, Missouri

Jeff & Crystal — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 10:00:32 +0000

Route 66 explorers are always on the lookout for iconic stops. The Mother Road has been a fascination for decades and too many of the original attractions have deteriorated by the wayside. These days, a journey along one of America’s first highways can turn into a treasure hunt that brings a mixed bag of rewards. As we made our way west from Rolla to Lebanon, we kept our eyes peeled for any reason to pull off the road. Just a stone’s throw from Fort Leonard Wood, we happened upon the tourist trap named Uranus, Missouri. As we pulled into the parking lot, we could see that we were in store for juvenile jokes galore.

Another World

Driving along the route, it would be nearly impossible to miss this place. Even traffic on the nearby interstate is sure to spot the huge sign screaming for attention. Once you get nearby, you are already aware that the owner is attempting to attract visitors. For us, it is part of the draw of the Mother Road. All along the way, Route 66 has been known for its unique sights and unusual attractions. In its early days, these were designed to capture attention and get travelers to take a break from the road. These days the same still applies, except that many of the older sites have become abandoned. We were happy to check out Uranus since it was a new stop attempting to capture the spirit of the tourist traps of old.

Strangely Familiar

Stepping out of our car, we found ourselves trying to take it all in. Dinosaur statues competed with selfie spots. If you are desiring a hodge-podge of businesses this is certainly a place to find them. The signage called out a tattoo shop, escape rooms, ax-throwing, and outdoor outfitters to name a few. On top of that, there is a collection of novelty décor that would appeal to any selfie starved traveler. This place is the perfect place to snap a few one-of-a-kind memories.

Tourist Trap Treasures

Now we weren’t about to let this opportunity pass us by, especially when we were in the company of the World’s Largest Belt Buckle. It hadn’t been that long ago that we had attempted to break some records ourselves, during a visit to Gatlinburg. Of course, we may have fallen short, but here we could stand in close proximity to one.

Sideshow Seduction

Our schedule did not include time for visits to the bulk of the small shops, but we did have enough for the Circus Sideshow Museum. This interesting collection of freaky exhibits hearkened back to the days of the traveling circuses. We are both old enough to remember walking along the midway and hearing the barkers call out to the crowd. Their promises of fantastic creatures and unbelievable oddities enticed us inside for a closer look. In Uranus, we were able to relive these childhood days. Check out this article to see some of the unusual specimens.

Fudge Factory

At the far end of the strip, we found the main store for souvenirs. We knew that it was a must-see since we had heard so much about it. Besides, traveling along Route 66 requires a certain amount of snacks to keep up your strength. The bright colors of the building were definitely designed to attract attention and it worked. While traveler traffic was lower during this pandemic, those that did stop were checking out the store, as well.

Juvenile Jokes On Demand

Up until now, the juvenile jokes had just been assumed. Stepping into the Uranus Fudge factory brought them front and center. Inside, it was reminiscent of many of the Stuckey’s style stops we saw in our younger days. The mixed bag of merchandise ran the gambit from collector’s items to novelty gag gifts. The bright color scheme continued on the inside and the place is packed with eye candy. A large candy counter contained the staff members dishing out the various flavors of fudge. An assortment of t-shirts, car tags, posters, and signs displayed the juvenile jokes that come with the name Uranus. This place certainly takes a light-hearted approach at souvenir sales.

Mixed Bag

While our shopping desires were pretty limited at the Uranus General Store, it was still quite interesting to see all of the artifacts they had scattered around the store. One must really pay attention if you want to see the majority. It seems they have taken the idea of “Where’s Waldo” to heart, as they tuck unique displays in every nook and cranny. With such a wide range of merchandise available, there were a lot of temptations to purchase unnecessary items.

Different Times

Being so close to the Ozarks, we found quite a few items and displays that were throwbacks from our youth. While the majority of the kitschy items were interesting to see, we found ourselves easily able to overcome the temptation to buy. Then there was the assortment of candies. Oh you know that is where our strength wavered. As we walked down row after row of bushel baskets filled with salt-water taffy, we couldn’t help but fill a bag with some assorted flavors. The fresh chocolates on display were far too tempting to pass up, so we grabbed a couple of those, as well.

Route 66 Rest Stop

With our treasures in hand, we made our way back toward our car. We were still smiling from the juvenile jokes that are so commonplace in Uranus, Missouri. One more chance to take in all of the sights that line the landscape, before heading back out onto the Mother Road. This unusual stop may not be decades old, but it certainly captures the spirit of Route 66. People from all over the world travel to the Midwest to experience the fun and frivolity associated with the bygone era of road trips. Maybe this pandemic will help kickstart a new generation of auto-exploration. After all, you never know what you will find when you get off the interstate.

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Uranus Sideshow Museum – Throwback To Carnival Days

Jeff & Crystal — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 10:00:10 +0000

Rolling down Route 66 in rural Missouri brought us to the pun-filled destination of Uranus, Missouri. Among the variety of commercial attractions is the Uranus Sideshow Museum. This place is a throwback to carnival days of old. While my only memories are of small versions at rural locations, there are certain things that I can recall. Barkers shouting out fantastic claims to the passing crowd caught my attention. The mixture of bright lights and colorful banners created a sensory overload that required seeing the promised oddities firsthand. These were certainly different days and a form of entertainment that wasn’t available on television.

Carnival Vibes

Since we were needing to stretch our legs, this looked like a good place to do it. The tantalizing banners hinted of unbelievable, and possibly cringe-worthy sights. Entering the Uranus Sideshow Museum, we found that the ceiling is covered in the types of banners that would have been commonplace in the early 1900s. The majority of these types of displays would have been associated with traveling circuses, like Barnum and Bailey. There was a time when there were also permanent displays, which were often referred to as ‘dime museums’.

Animal Acts Abound

Often the exhibits featured animal acts. Showing off trained animals was an inexpensive form of entertainment that would have offered higher profitability for the owner. After all, the costs would have been food, housing, and the trainer. These shows were popular with crowds of gawkers who piled in to see them perform. Freak shows are not an American invention. As early as the 17th century there were ‘monster shows’ traveling across the European continent. Many of these concentrated on human abnormalities like dwarfism.

Local Legend

Some of the attractions that I vaguely remember focused more attention on animal deformities. More than a few of the exhibits were obvious taxidermy experiments where the union of two species was concocted. Here is a modern example of this where they have crafted a mix of monkey and fish. Like the ones of old, it plays off of the intrigue of impossibility. It also includes the mystery of how such a possibility could exist. This scenario is covered by the explanation of a scientific experiment gone wrong. Doesn’t that sound a lot like the majority of the sci-fi flicks from the 1950s?

Twin-Headed Oddities

Another common sighting at these types of attractions has to do with two-headed abnormalities. Whether it was human or animal, these were commonplace at the old carnival shows. I remember seeing two-headed calves and the Uranus Sideshow Museum has a two-headed turtle swimming around a tank. In the early 1800s, there was a famous pair of Siamese twins who toured all through Europe. It was estimated that over 100,000 people came to see them in just a span of seven months. It was obvious that people were intrigued by these types of sights.

Mermaid Mystery

Another popular exhibit to capture the attention of a crowd was the hopes of seeing a true-to-life mermaid. Obviously, this would have been impossible, but it still drew plenty of people into the show. As you can see above, these require the skill of a taxidermist to fashion the mythical creature. They have a variety of versions on display at the museum, and it was interesting to see the skill levels of the different tradespeople. While all were aiming for the same final product, they each put their own unique spin on it.

Uranus Sideshow Museum Live Action

As we were nearing the completion of our visit, a staff member notified us that there was a show preparing to begin. There was only one other couple there at that point, but we all made our way to the stage area. The staff member introduced herself as the ‘tattooed lady’ and showed off some of her body tapestries to the ‘crowd’. Then she proceeded to do a few corny magic tricks, before moving to the main event.

Sparking Scene

Her feature performance is sword-swallowing. We’ve probably all seen it done, whether in person or on television. At the Uranus Sideshow Museum, we found that she adds a little extra zest. There are plenty of people who can perform sword-swallowing, but how many times do you find such an electrifying performance? This was definitely something we didn’t expect and it was met with a round of applause. I would have said a standing ovation, but there were no chairs for us to start from a seated position.

Uranus Sideshow Museum

While many of the displays at the Uranus Sideshow Museum are a bit hokey, they are all G-rated and can be viewed by all ages. Nothing will jump out at you and the views of living creatures are pretty rare. (I can only recall the turtle.) Admission was reasonable at $6.00 per adult and the length of visits depends on how in-depth you study the displays. For those who are looking for an unusual stop along a mid-Missouri road trip, this is one you won’t soon forget.

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Red Oak II – A Labor Of Love

Jeff & Crystal — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 10:00:11 +0000

It would be safe to say that most people have heard the name Norman Rockwell, but how about Lowell Davis? This Missouri-born artist was often referred to as a master of rural art. Davis was born near Carthage, in the original Red Oak, Missouri. Growing up in a rural setting instilled a love for the simpler life in him. After building a successful career, he would return to the area to create his own testament, which he dubbed Red Oak II.

A Life of Art

Lowell’s life experiences affected every aspect of his art. While he was only a small child during the 1930s, it was this period that he longed for the most. To him, they seemed to be simpler times with different values. People were actually neighbors and knew those who lived nearby. Life was more manual, as most people had gardens, and canned their own supplies for the cold seasons. Many made their own clothes or at least repaired those that they owned.

Red Oak II Resident

After World War II, Davis witnessed the changing of the guard. More people moved from rural to urban settings. Cities grew and small farms diminished in number. Small Town USA became an endangered species. This change has continued into the present day, and the landscape is dotted with ghost towns. The construction of Red Oak II began in the late 1980s and was designed to capture a moment in time.

Route 66 Vicinity

Lowell’s choice for Red Oak II put it just a couple of miles from the path of Route 66. This classic “Mother Road” was one of the original highways to cross large sections of the United States. Like small-town life, the rural highways would fall victim to progress and be replaced with interstates. Davis pays homage to the route with the placement of a 1920s Phillips 66 Filling Station that he discovered in Avilla, Missouri. In fact, most of the buildings were moved from other small towns to their new home at Red Oak II.

An Artful Life

Davis kicked his art career into high gear in the 1970s. He hesitated to believe anyone would be interested in his style since it was based on those simpler times. Something about his rural depictions struck a chord with mainstream America. Before long, his pieces were in high demand. I remember my earliest introduction to his work from visits to the Ozarks. I, like many of his fans, found his pieces helped recall memories of their youths or even a lifestyle they never had an opportunity to experience firsthand.

Watchful Eyes

As we explored Red Oak II, we found that we were not alone. In front of Lowell’s house, we spotted these two cats doing some exploring of their own. During his later years, Lowell would have been found sitting on the porch enjoying the views of his creation. It was not unusual for him to engage with visitors, as he found these conversations to be a great way to connect with the world beyond his driveway. The creation of his “ghost town” certainly provided plenty of opportunities for conversations, as it has drawn in visitors from all around the world.

Down Home Aura

Taking time to visit Red Oak II created a change in our pace. Since our goal is to provide as many trip options as we can, our timetable is usually running at an increased rate. On this particular trip, we were actually enjoying a vacation, but you know I wasn’t going to pass up an opportunity to share it with others. While visiting, we saw others also scoping out the site. Some preferred to just drive through along the circular route. There is ample parking for those who want to see things closer up and explore on foot. We felt that choosing to get out of the car offered a more personal feel to our visit.

Preserving History

The loop through Red Oak II is about a half-mile long of level gravel drive. It makes for an easy excursion, which offers up-close views of the various buildings and sculptures. We didn’t keep track, but I would estimate there are around two-dozen structures to see. Some are private property but are clearly marked as such. As we wandered around, the slower pace of country living began to return to us. During my youth, I would spend my summers about 50 miles from this site. Of course, it barely existed back then, so I would only see Lowell’s creations during visits to stores in towns around the region.

Outdoor Art

The idea that someone would assemble an entire town in the middle of nowhere is quite peculiar. Seeing all of these buildings makes you wonder what would inspire this eccentric decision. It is when you see Lowell’s art scattered among the spaces that you begin to understand. His style was one that drew from simpler times and a simpler life. Viewing his pieces evokes a feeling of small-town life. The messages are easily understood, but stand the test of time. It is an art that can appeal to the masses since it draws on the basic principles of everyday life.

Telling the Truth

Of course, Davis would also pepper in his own unique brand of humor. So many of his pieces bring a smile to the heart, as they are easy to relate to on a personal level. He can hide the humor as a simple testament in a piece that focuses on the thieving habit of crows. Everyone who sees it quickly understands his meaning, but each reaches the conclusion on their own level. Then as we moved down the way, we came upon a piece titled “Woman’s Work” that shows he could hit you over the head with his humor. Throughout his career, his art replicated real life.

Eclectic Pieces

While we were exploring Red Oak II, we found that the buildings were not the only pieces he brought to town. Scattered around the open spaces we found some eclectic finds that were a blend of real-life and fantasy creations. An old automobile shared a small field with a plane of his creation. Joining the pair is an old tractor that has become home to another one of his unusual sculptures. It seems that Davis was versed in creativity in a variety of mediums.

Keeping the Law

We found that not only did he pepper his sculptures with humor, but he found ways to include it in some of the structures, as well. We loved this old Marshall’s Office, and could even spot some of the necessary hardware that is stored inside. When we turned around, we spotted what was clearly an old jailhouse. Davis had taken the liberty of labeling it as a child daycare center. We were sure there are plenty of parents, like us, who find humor in this little inside joke.

New Friends at Red Oak II

We invite you to take the opportunity to slow your pace at Red Oak II. The homey life exudes from this place and you expect to see freshly baked pies sitting on the windowsills of the houses that dot the landscape. A visit to this unique attraction is a great addition to a Route 66 trip or even a visit to nearby Carthage, Missouri. We know you won’t find another place quite like this one, and we hope you appreciate it as much as we did. Who knows, you might even make some new friends during your visit. Travel safely!

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24 Hours in Weatherford, Oklahoma

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 03:00:35 +0000

Picture yourself cruising down the highway. A warm breeze blowing in the window as the miles of pavement roll by under your tires. Each new town and city brings another chance to explore the wonders of America. This is just the kind of experience you get when traveling along the path of the old Route 66. We have chosen to digest this 2448-mile path a little at a time, which allows more freedom for in-depth study. During our 24 hours in Weatherford, Oklahoma, we found educational attractions, delectable dishes, and plenty of friendly locals.

First Taste of Weatherford, Oklahoma

Cruising the road can create quite a hunger. It’s easy to get distracted by all of the eye candy one finds along the Mother Road. By the time we rolled into Weatherford, we were famished from a morning of exploring. Our first stop was Lucille’s Roadhouse, which has existed since 1937. In 2006, they relocated from Hydro, Oklahoma to their current location. The creation of the interstate highway system marked a slow death for many roadside stops along the original Route 66. Fortunately, some, like Lucille’s, have found a way to survive. It certainly made us feel like we were stepping back in time to the golden age of road-tripping.

History in the Heartland

Speaking of the golden age, our visit to Heartlandthe of America Museum offered us a peek back in time to a variety of ages. While a lot of the artifacts were familiar to us, there were just as many that were completely foreign. We have to think way back to remember some, and others are just part of stories that we heard from earlier generations. These types of history collections are slowly losing their audience, so it’s important to help support them. Perhaps we will see a revival of the days when you would stop by the local drugstore for a sundae at their soda fountain.

Stafford Air & Space Museum

With only 24 hours in Weatherford, Oklahoma, it meant that we had to make the most of our time. One of our main purposes for selecting this city, was a chance to see the Stafford Air & Space Museum. We weren’t sure what we would find, but seeing an aerospace museum in a city of 10,000 residents certainly intrigued us. From our research, we knew that they had some unique exhibits on-site. It’s not everyday that you have an opportunity to see some of the artifacts found in this space. Walking beside a Titan II missile helps put its size in perspective.

Studying the “Space Race”

Many of us can remember learning about the “Space Race” between Russia and the United States. At the Stafford Air 7 Space Museum, you can see a V-2 Rocket from World War II. This is the first long-range guided rockets, which reached into space in 1944. Once the military war ended, the “Cold War” began ratcheting up. Inside this Weatherford museum, we found a nice selection of exhibits about this new age of travel. What began with the launch of satellites, soon progressed to the goal of putting a human on the moon. You can learn all about this race in this museum.

Little Italy Comes to Town

As the day drew toward evening, it signaled the time for the attractions to close. We drove around the downtown area and checked out a few of the shops. Much like we find in many small to mid-size cities, the majority of the commercial outlets are found on Main Street. We popped into a couple of boutique shops and antique stores. Soon it was time for these to close, as well. We realized that dinner time had arrived and made our way to a local Italian cuisine destination. Luigi’s Italian Restaurant is popular with the locals, who happily welcomed us into their space. After so much exploring, we had worked up quite an appetite, but this place offered plenty to satisfy it.

A Comfortable Stay

Now that we had full bellies, we were ready to check into our lodging for the evening. Just off Main Street we located the Comfort Inn & Suites. They were currently changing from their ownership, but it didn’t really impact our stay. We chose this location because it offered a place near downtown and it has a pool. We both enjoy taking a dip but rarely get an opportunity during our blogging sessions. Forgoing any evening entertainment, we chose to stay in and check out this amenity. Once we finished our dip in the pool, we were ready to hit the sack for a good night’s rest.

Breakfast with the Locals

Our 24 hours in Weatherford, Oklahoma were running low, but we still had time for a couple quick stops. We know that breakfast sets the tone for the day, so we try to have a hearty meal when traveling. With more roads to explore, we chose to keep in our Route 66 mode by visiting Jerry’s Restaurant. This chain grew to fame in the western states starting in 1964. Walking through the door, we knew it was a hangout for locals. After sizing us up, they warmed to our visit. It can be interesting to see how they react to a couple with a camera. Of course, being a Mother Road attraction means that they are used to being in pictures.

Fueling Our Morning

Our morning dining choice came with a slew of options. Benedicts, scrambles, omelets, French toast, pancakes, and even more choices were making it hard to select. Our server pointed out that everything is cooked to order, so the whole menu is delicious. With little guidance, we just pointed and picked our breakfasts. We discovered that she was right, as my Eggs Benedict was delectable. Once again we had replenished our body fuel and were preparing to head back out on the open road.

Our final stop in Weatherford was at The Cup. (pictured at the beginning of this article) We had spotted this cute boutique coffee shop during our exploration on the previous day. Since it was past coffee time in the evening, we chose to double back for a morning visit. We chose a couple of specialty lattes for the road and said our goodbyes to Weatherford.

24 Hours in Weatherford, Oklahoma

As you can see, there is plenty to fill 24 hours in Weatherford, Oklahoma. It’s in cities like this that we find some of the most unexpected surprises. With just under half of Route 66 under our belts, we are curious to see what the other half has to offer. The open road is fun to explore and really brings the feeling of Americana to life. If you are looking for some nostalgia, you will definitely find plenty along Mother Road. Make sure to plan plenty of extra time for unexpected excursions, as there is so much to see and do. Have you ever explored portions of Route 66? We’d love to hear some of your favorite stops along the way.

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6 Reasons To Visit The Stafford Air & Space Museum

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 09:00:47 +0000

For centuries people dreamed of taking flight. Watching the birds soaring through the air seemed to offer the freedom to explore life from a new perspective. While the invention of hot air balloons and gliders allowed glimpses into this new world, it was powered flight that would forever change the way that humans travel. During an excursion along Route 66, we made a stop in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Who would imagine that this town of 10,000 would be home to an impressive air travel museum? Being eager to learn how it ended up here, we stopped in and discovered 6 reasons to visit the Stafford Air & Space Museum.

We want to thank the Stafford Air & Space Museum for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Aviation History

We have all seen the old movie clips of the various flying contraptions that failed to launch. Many people worked singularly to solve the riddle of manned flight. It took collaboration to finally achieve the momentous victory at Kitty Hawk. The Wright Brothers were deliberate in their approach, learning important lessons from their unsuccessful predecessors. During a visit to Chanute, Kansas we learned that they even had assistance from a bridge designer. This led to their ultimate victory in achieving sustained flight. The Stafford Air Museum offers a variety of aircraft that walk guests through the timeline of development.

Rapid Advancements

While combustion engines allowed man to soar, it would be the invention of jet engines that got us moving. Without tremendous amounts of thrust, we would always be limited. As far back as Sir Isaac Newton’s day, there was a belief that you could propel forward by a rear-facing explosion. More unsuccessful attempts happened in this arena, mostly due to the lack of power supplied by coal. It took until 1942 for the first American jet engine to be developed. The addition of pressurized cabins allowed for loftier flights.

Hands-On Displays

High on our list of 6 reasons to visit the Stafford Air & Space Museum are all of their interactive exhibits. When was the last time that you got to climb into the cockpit of a jet fighter? Crystal didn’t hesitate to take her turn at the joystick and pictured herself cruising through the atmosphere.

Rockets

While jets certainly changed the way humans travel, we were still limited to our planet. This was not enough for some who had dreams of traveling into space. We can imagine the delight found by earlier generations when they would watch fireworks shoot into the sky. This rapid explosion of power was developed by the Chinese, who harnessed the use of gunpowder. The idea of space exploration, utilizing rocket power, was proposed in 1898 by a Russian schoolteacher. While solid propellants were effective for shorter bursts, the use of liquid fuels would soon become recognized. During World War II, Germany’s V-2 Rocket stunned the scientific world. After the war, Allied countries would begin the “Space Race” to see who would be first to explore the outer regions.

Unbelievable Size

Exploring the museum offered us some exhibits that were unbelievable in size. To stumble upon a Titan II Rocket inside was certainly unexpected. We had seen a variety of rockets during a visit to the Strategic Air Command Museum, but they were all outdoors. These launch vehicles are usually associated with intercontinental ballistic missiles but have served another purpose. The 1960s were the height of the “Space Race” and both Russia and the United States both saw advancements. By the middle of the decade, astronauts had already performed spacewalks. The race was on to see who would be the first to walk on the moon, which would occur before the decade ended. The Titan rockets helped pave the way for the creation of the Saturn series that would take Apollo 11 to the moon.

Space Capsules

Landing on the moon may have been the end game, but it took a series of steps to accomplish this feat. One of the 6 reasons to visit the Stafford Air & Space Museum is the chance to see space capsules up close. While Russia dealt with its tests, the U.S. was advancing through a rapid change in designs. Each new generation of space capsules was designed to accomplish a specific set of goals. The Gemini models (pictured on left above) were used to make the first orbits of the earth. During the Gemini 6 flight, Thomas Stafford made his first journey into space.

Stafford would take part in the Apollo 10 mission that orbited the moon 31 times. This trip paved the way for the Apollo 11 mission two months later. During the Apollo 10 trip, the astronauts on board traveled farther away from earth than anyone had ever accomplished. During the trip, Stafford piloted the Lunar Module during orbit and successfully docked with the Command Module (pictured on right above). During the return trip, the capsule achieved a speed of nearly 24,800 mph, which is the record for human travel.

Space Artifacts

We can only imagine the nerves of steel required to experience reentry through the atmosphere. We can remember watching the television, as they showed the effect of friction during this dangerous portion of the journey. The fireball that was created brought with it temperatures of nearly 5000 degrees. Seeing the effects that this event had on the heat shield brought the danger home for us. While the astronauts were fitted with space suits, nothing would save them if this shield failed.

Kid Zone

All of these amazing exhibits had us wondering how we would have handled space travel. The museum offers visitors a chance to explore this idea. A variety of stations allow guests to challenge their motor skills. While some of the displays are designed specifically for the younger set, (Sorry Crystal, that spacesuit won’t fit.) other exhibits can be enjoyed by all ages. This is the perfect way to wrap up a visit to the museum and inspire the next generation to aim for the stars. Make plans to see if you can discover more than 6 reasons to visit the Stafford Air & Space Museum. We would love to hear what you would add to our list.

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History In The Heartland of America Museum

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 10:00:42 +0000

Cruising along Route 66 will lead you to some unique destinations. While the names on the map roll by like tumbleweeds, the people found in the cities along the way will plant themselves in your memory for years to come. A prime example was our visit with Nedra, who was happy to share a slice of the past with us. We were about ready to get a lesson of history in the Heartland of America Museum. Actually, that is the name of this out-of-the-way museum that we found in Weatherford, Oklahoma.

Holder of the History

One thing we have learned during our years of traveling is that every visit is a little different. For each place that we find that is high-tech and up to date with technology, there is another that barely exists in the social media world. These are the ones that struggle to get recognized since they often have no one on staff to assist. When we run across one of these, it makes us a little more eager to get the word out about them. Especially when they have some interesting artifacts and exhibits.

Walk Down Memory Lane

The museum is broken into a series of rooms that each cover a segment of life. As we strolled from room to room, we spotted lots of items that we remembered from our youths. There were just as many that obviously predated our existence. Route 66 was officially designated in 1927. The timing ended up being useful for families heading west to escape the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. It would also serve as a major thoroughfare for Americans heading to Los Angeles for the 1932 Summer Olympics.

Honor in the Heartland

Although there are always a variety of items that are new to us, there are certain themes that play out in city after city. Exploring history in the Heartland of America Museum comes with a healthy dose of patriotism. Many of the museums, like this one in Weatherford, get their artifacts from locals. Proud military members and their families willingly donate pieces that have been collected by those who served. Fortunately, this means that there is plenty for all of us to see.

Heading Outdoors

After looking over the artifacts inside, it was time to move out into the Oklahoma sunshine. A collection of smaller buildings is found on the museum grounds. Each has significance to the people of the region. We could tell that Nedra was finding pleasure in sharing the collection of memorabilia that the staff had amassed on this site. A blacksmith shop and old schoolhouse were first for us to visit.

Historic Visit

Once the doors were opened, we found the interiors of each building to be filled with precious memories. Nedra told stories of her youth, which included experiences in places like these. While life was difficult in those days, it was simpler and just as fulfilling.

Route 66 Memories

There was one last exhibit that Nedra wanted to show us. She had saved the best for last. A small roadside diner sat on one end of the museum grounds. It didn’t look overly impressive and reminded us of many of the mom and pop shops that lined the route. We could almost envision the leather-tufted stools and smell the burgers cooking. The conversations of people discussing the best stops along The Mother Road filled our imaginations.

Cool Daddy was Here!

Once the door was opened, our visions became reality. The counter was just about what we had imagined. Sample plates of food lined the space and represented the stick-to-your-ribs meals that would be served up for hungry travelers. That is about the time that Nedra pointed out an interesting artifact sitting on the counter. A piece of ledger paper held the names of some of the travelers who had dined at this small eatery. Right in the middle was the signature of Elvis Presley. Not only had he stopped to eat here, but it was one of three visits that he made traveling back-and-forth on Route 66.

Local Love

All that talk about dining on the route had certainly built up our appetites. We thanked Nedra for her wonderful tour of the Heartland of America Museum and headed to dinner. Back on Main Street, we located Luigi’s Italian Restaurant. Stepping through the door, we knew we were the only two here that weren’t locals. That was okay with us because the growing crowd signified a good meal to come.

Getting Our Italian On

A quick round of salads took the edge off of our appetites without destroying them. This was just enough to hold us for the main courses. I rarely pass up an opportunity to enjoy some Tortellini Alla Panna, and that evening’s dish was delightfully cheesy. The blend of marinara and alfredo sauces added a nice layer of flavor. Crystal chose the Luigi’s Special which features chicken, sausage, and ham. Then mix up some white wine cream sauce with a touch of marinara to add a pleasing edge to this interesting dish.

Heartland of America

Another successful day of exploring was in the books. We had once again been getting our kicks on Route 66, and discovering all of this history in the Heartland of America was fulfilling. Time to head to our hotel and do a little swimming before settling in for the night. We had another day of exploring ahead of us and the open road was calling our names. When was your last road trip?

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Calling All Route 66 Lovers – Lucille’s Roadhouse

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 10:00:39 +0000

The Central United States is filled with a mixture of amazing destinations, although there can often be miles between stops. For decades, travelers have cruised the back roads and highways that crisscross the country. One of the most iconic American highways was Route 66, which carried travelers from Chicago to Santa Monica. We love exploring the remnants of this historic road, as it provides ample opportunities to find a blast from the past. A prime example is Lucille’s Roadhouse, which is calling all Route 66 lovers to visit Weatherford, Oklahoma.

We want to thank Weatherford Tourism for hosting our lunch. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

A Road Well-Traveled

After wrapping up a visit to Amarillo, Texas, we found ourselves back on the Mother Road heading east. This section of Route 66 has some interesting sights, and many can be seen from the road. Of course, pulling off for a closer look makes the trip more interesting. About 20 miles outside of Amarillo, we happened upon the VW Slug Bug Ranch. This place stands as a parody of the Cadillac Ranch, which sits on the west side of Amarillo. Here we found another opportunity to leave our mark but chose to just memorialize our visit digitally. After a few minutes, we found the road calling all Route 66 lovers to keep exploring.

Hungry in the Heartland

We continued our journey east, as we crossed into Oklahoma territory. Our goal for this portion of the trip was Weatherford, which rests about an hour west of the state capital city. By the time we pulled into town, we were famished and ready for lunch. Fortunately, we had scheduled our first stop to be lunch at Lucille’s. As we pulled into the parking lot, the building reminded us of an iconic stop that would have been a common sight during trips in our childhoods. Making our way inside, we found the dining room to be filled with the familiar color scheme of the late 1950s. This was certainly putting us in a nostalgic mood.

The original Lucille’s sat along Route 66 near Hydro, Oklahoma. While the new version leaves behind the gas station portion, it fulfills the spirit of the Mother Road. All around its spaces, we found reminders of the “olden days” of travel. When the interstates began popping up across the nation, popular roads soon withered away. Along with these were the livelihoods of many business owners who survived off of the travel traffic. Fortunately, recent years have seen a renewed interest in the “golden days” of cross-country trips.

Burgers – America’s Meal

Dining along the route is a good way to experience plenty of Americana. Once you get past the old-time gas pumps and polished chrome, at Lucille’s, you find a menu filled with a wide range of options. During our visit, we got to have lunch with Haley from the local tourism bureau. This gave us a chance to showcase three choices off of the menu, instead of the two we would usually order. After a morning of exploring, (and afternoon plans of even more) I was looking forward to a beefy burger. Lucille’s Roadhouse has a variety of topping combinations to choose from.

I decided to go with the Blue Cheese Bacon Aioli Burger. They begin with a 1/3 lb. patty cooked to your requested level of doneness. This is topped with bacon, blue cheese crumbles, and their aioli sauce. The whole thing is served on a toasted bun with the normal condiments that are included on the side. The combination of flavors made for a wonderful taste that kept me coming back for more bites. They include one side with this meal and I couldn’t see a better option than a heaping plate of crispy French Fries.

Yard Bird

Haley decided to head in a different direction and ordered the Grilled Chicken Breast. This can be doubled up for those with a bigger appetite, but her plate seemed to have plenty to offer. The grilled filet is served on a bed of rice pilaf and also comes with an extra side. She touted the baked potatoes and ordered one to show us just how hefty the spuds are at Lucille’s Roadhouse. She reported that the dish was cooked perfectly and she tried her best to finish it all up. This dish is calling all Route 66 lovers to come by and have a serving.

Getting Your Greens

Crystal was in a greener mood but knew she needed a burst of protein for our afternoon visits. When she spotted the Paradise Salad, her choice was sealed. A large serving of greens is the base of this freshly prepared dish, but it doesn’t stop there. Let’s count the toppings that they toss on. I saw apple chunks, dried cranberries, chopped pecan pieces, Mandarin orange slices, and pineapple bits. Oh wait, I left out the Blackened chicken breast, so that makes half a dozen toppings. They keep the fruity flavors going with the Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing. Crystal liked this combination of tastes.

Calling All Route 66 Lovers

While Lucille’s Roadhouse is a newer stop along the Route 66 trail, it still embodies the spirit of the open road. We know that many people from around the world will gather annually to explore this slice of Americana. Perhaps this will be on your list of roadside attractions that you visit. Before we left, we discovered that Lucille’s is actually two restaurants in one. The side where we dined is the casual eatery designed like a 1950s carhop stop. They also have a nice steakhouse available for those desiring an upscale meal. It was clear that Lucille’s Roadhouse was calling all Route 66 lovers to stop in and test out their hospitality. We did and couldn’t wait to tell all of you about it!

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Dining On The Panhandle – Amarillo Eats

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 10:00:30 +0000

Can you imagine visiting a new destination and not trying out some of the local eateries? We always try to uncover those places that draw in the city’s residents, since they usually have some of the best dishes. During our trip to Amarillo, we had plenty of opportunities to sample a wide range of restaurants. With so many great options, we are sure you will find dishes to satisfy even the pickiest eater. Let’s take a look back at the variety we discovered while dining on the Panhandle.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and all of the local businesses for hosting this amazing visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Girasol Cafe & Bakery

There’s no better place to start than with breakfast. An early morning stop at Girasol Cafe & Bakery had us going green. Their dedication to fresh ingredients and wholesome touches on their dishes made our morning meal special. It is worth noting that breakfast is not the only meal that they serve. Rumor has it that they bring out the “Wow” factor at lunchtime, as well. We have perused pictures of some of their midday meals and wish we had taken an opportunity to drop back by for a second meal. Oh well, we will just let you all tell us about it. Drop a note in the comments section below, if you’ve had lunch at Girasol Cafe.

Youngblood’s Cafe

While not every place that we visit will end up with its article, we still like to bring attention to them in these overviews. A case in point was Youngblood’s Cafe, which we visited the morning we were leaving Amarillo. The life stories we find in each city we visit never cease to amaze us. The owner of this eatery is an Amarillo native who has worked in the restaurant business for decades. Wanting to increase his knowledge and culinary skills, he enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America after 20 years in the industry. For us, that says a lot about his determination to always be his best.

Texas Eats

After working at some upscale establishments in New York City, he finally returned to his hometown to bring his knowledge to bear for his neighbors. The return to town gave him a chance to go back to creating delectable Texas-style dishes that fill up hungry guests. Dining on the Panhandle means enjoying down-home meals served by people who care. Their location in the stockyards means you may see people in cowboy hats and spurs at the next table. Welcome to Texas!

Calico County

It was clear that many of the restaurants we visited had a long history in their community. A morning meal at Calico County proved that even after 35 years, people still flock to a good breakfast stop. From the moment we approached the barn-red structure, we had an overwhelming sense of down-home country food. Once our meal was served, we were not disappointed. From the freshly baked cinnamon rolls to the mason jar-shaped waffles, it was all delightful. Just the kind of filling meal we needed to fuel a day full of exploring.

Bracero’s Mexican Grill

One of our reasons for starting our Texas travels in Amarillo is their history of residing on Route 66. The Mother Road has been part of our lives since our youngest days, so we just had to explore some of the most notable sights. On the inner-city stretch of America’s first Highway, we had a chance to stop for lunch at Braceros Mexican Grill & Cantina. What a delicious way to brighten our day. The use of color in their dishes made for a memorable meal. It was also a chance to sample a dish that we had never seen before.

Coyote Bluff Cafe

Dining on the Panhandle will offer plenty of opportunities to meet the locals. It was not unusual to be sitting next to a table filled with high plains cowboys. Coyote Bluff Cafe would be the kind of place that many would pass by without giving a second look. Unfortunately, they don’t know what they would be missing. Inside this tiny eatery, we found some massive burgers that come with a variety of toppings. The menu is designed to satisfy Texas-sized appetites, after the morning of riding the range.

Dining Outdoors

In Amarillo, we discovered that not every meal needs to be eaten indoors. During our day at Palo Duro Canyon, we had a chance to visit the Texas Outdoor Musical. Before the show, they offer up a chuckwagon-style meal that will satisfy even the biggest appetite. After passing through the serving line, we joined our new friends at the outdoor picnic tables for a meal under the Texas sky. If you have never tasted Texas-style barbecue then you are in for a real treat. They do it up right at this event and even throw in a serving of cobbler to top it all off.

The Big Texan

Maybe your idea of dining on the Panhandle would include challenging yourself to finish off the 72 oz. Steak Challenge at The Big Texan. If so, you would be in good company, if you can accomplish the task. Suffice to say, there was no way that either of us was going to attempt this gut-busting trial. Even though no one was up for the task during our visit, we still found the ambiance of the place to be amazing. If you enjoy having plenty to see, while you dine, then this place should be at the top of your list. Make sure you save some time to explore the common areas outside of the dining room, as well.

Public House

With all of those engaging dining opportunities making your minds rush, perhaps there will be a moment that you just want to unwind. Might we suggest taking in a meal at Public House? This upscale eatery has a relaxed atmosphere that’s the perfect fit for a break from the rush of exploring. With an eclectic assortment of menu items, it’s easy to find plenty that sounds scrumptious. We also found that they are quite adept at creating craft cocktails.

Dining On The Panhandle

While it may seem that we spent our entire visit eating, we realize that we missed lots of other dining options. Amarillo has lots of eateries across a broad spectrum of cuisines. Discriminating diners will find upscale chophouses and even a fun speakeasy. Families can find a variety of restaurants that have something to offer everyone in the group. While we hope that you test out some of the places we have shared in this article, we’d also love to hear about other eateries you uncover. Drop us a note in the comment section, so that we can begin creating our list for the next time we are dining on the Panhandle. Bon Apetit!

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Playing In The Panhandle – Amarillo Entertainment

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 10:00:30 +0000

When we are determining the first city to cover in a new state, we look for a place that offers something for all ages. After all, it’s not a family vacation destination, if it doesn’t appeal to everybody. Crystal and I have family in Texas but decided to start with a city far away from the areas we have frequented. The high plains of the Panhandle offered some experiences that we could not find anywhere else in the state. Sorting through all of the Amarillo entertainment options, we found lots of ways to spend time playing in the Panhandle. Obviously, we weren’t able to hit up every potential stop, but we feel like we found a nice variety for a family visit.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and all of the businesses we visited for hosting us. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Alibates Flint Quarries

Visiting Amarillo in the summertime is a great opportunity to enjoy some outdoor activities. The landscape of this region is fun to explore and offers some beautiful views. We found that playing in the Panhandle can include some interesting lessons. On our way into the city, we made a stop at the Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument. Located north of Amarillo, it sits beside Lake Meredith. The visitors center has exhibits that walk visitors through the lives of early inhabitants in the area. After examining the displays, and watching a short video, it was time to explore the grounds. Hiking trails of various lengths are available for exploration and they even have ranger-guided tours.

Amarillo Botanical Gardens

Experiencing high plains means seeing a lot of native grasses and flowers. Of course, there is also plenty of cactus to be found. The growing conditions in this region can be difficult, but not impossible. When we visited the Amarillo Botanical Gardens we found plenty of species that were flourishing under the care of local volunteers. As we wandered the tranquil gardens, it gave us a few moments to take in their peaceful setting.

Sod Poodles Baseball

While the peaceful setting is beautiful to behold, it’s fun to balance it with a little excitement. Watching a baseball game can be quite a lot of fun, and finding out that it is the first season for a new team made it extra special. It didn’t seem like it could be topped, but a behind-the-scenes tour took it to a whole new level. While you may not get one of those, you can still enjoy watching the Amarillo Sod Poodles playing in the Panhandle. Bring the whole family and make an evening of it!

Wonderland Park

Speaking of family fun, how about a day at the amusement park? When we discovered that Wonderland Park was located in Amarillo, we knew a visit would be required. Their mixture of thrill, water, and kid rides means that there will be plenty to keep every family member occupied. Don’t forget to challenge each other to a round of mini-golf, before scoping out great views of the city on their sky-high overhead tram.

Panhandle-Plains Museum

A visit to the Panhandle is also a good chance to learn more about this unique portion of America. The history of the lands and the people who have settled it is filled with memorable stories. Many of these can be found by exploring the Panhandle-Plains Museum. In Texas’ largest history museum, you will find exhibits from the age of dinosaurs, through the western migration, and right up to the present. We couldn’t believe just how large this place is until we tried covering it all in half of a day. Big mistake! You will want to block off longer if you really want to explore.

Cadillac Ranch

Amarillo has the distinction of sitting squarely on the old Route 66 path. This historic tie brings thousands of Mother Road travelers through town every year. For those familiar with the history of “America’s first highway”, you know that it was lined with unique stops and oddities. These days there are still plenty of fun spots to see and explore. The Cadillac Ranch has to be near the top of unusual places to leave your mark on the world. Be sure to bring a can of spray paint and some gloves. (Just make sure you haul your trash back out with you.)

Jack Sisemore RV Museum

With such a famous roadway in the area, travel is obviously an important subject. Would you believe there is even a place to see vintage camping vehicles? When we dropped by the Jack Sisemore RV Museum we weren’t sure what we would find. It was actually a very interesting place to wander through. It’s filled with classic campers and recreational vehicles that we remember from our youth. As we explored the space we could imagine how many kids spent their youths playing in the Panhandle during family vacations.

Palo Duro Canyon

If you are going camping in the Panhandle, there isn’t a better destination than Palo Duro Canyon. Just south of Amarillo, travelers will find the second-largest canyon in America. While the photos show beautiful countryside filled with remarkable landscapes, they still lack in showing the absolute wonder. Visitors will find an abundance of hiking trails that help them get back to nature. campsites are available inside the park, so you can really immerse yourself in the Panhandle-Plains.

Palo Duro Creek Ranch

While RV’s offer a comfortable lodging option, they won’t get you up and down some of the wild roads found in the backwoods portion of the canyon. For that, we visited Palo Duro Creek Ranch. This locally-owned company offers jeep tours through the heart of the landscape. With such a large canyon area, some of the property is privately owned. This means you can have an amazing adventure under the watchful eyes of an experienced guide. It is a memory that we will not soon forget.

Palo Duro Canyon Adventure Park

Speaking of memorable activities. Would you be willing to zip-line across part of the canyon? While Crystal chose to keep her feet firmly planted on the ground, I made the climb up the tower. Once I was all strapped in, it was time to whoosh across the great divide that laid out below me. The feeling of exhilaration is amazing, and almost matches the views from this angle. Now we have heard that they added a bigger and longer zip-line option. Looks like we need to return to take on that challenge.

Texas Outdoor Musical

Are you a live theater lover? Would you believe that Palo Duro Canyon even has this covered? The canyon is home to Texas Outdoor Musical, which is a long-running live performance. Imagine all of the grandeur that can be accomplished when you have the great outdoors as your stage. The staff at this unique attraction have embraced nature and use it to help tell the story of life on the Panhandle-Plains. Once the lone rider gallops across the bluff behind the stage, it’s time to settle in for an evening of entertainment. We are betting you will find yourself toe-tapping along with the rousing score that accompanies this fun event.

Playing in the Panhandle

As you can see, there are plenty of things to fill a family vacation. The options are limitless and include: sports, theater, history or just spending time in nature. Our late July visit found us playing in the Panhandle during the summer heat, but the lower humidity makes it much more manageable. With all of these choices, (and more that we didn’t have time to visit) you are sure to build an itinerary that will have the whole family engaged. Now that we have cracked the seal on Texas cities, look for additional destinations to be covered in the future.

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Going Green For Breakfast – Girasol Bakery

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 03:45:48 +0000

hen we plan out our trips, it seems that breakfast can be some of the most difficult stops to pick. While we enjoy a good down-home breakfast as much as the next person, those types of places don’t make for very interesting articles. Since we want to offer plenty of options, finding an eatery that allows us the ability to showcase some unique dishes is a bonus. When we stopped at Girasol Cafe & Bakery, in Amarillo, we found ourselves going green for breakfast. Their use of fresh vegetables, fruits, and seasonings added a pop of color and loads of flavor to our morning routine.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Girasol Cafe & Bakery for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Local Love

We enjoy rooting out the places that are frequented by locals. These are usually off the beaten path and can be found in strip malls, markets, or near residential neighborhoods. It’s not that we completely avoid chains, but do we really need to tell you what they have at a place found in every city across North America? Visiting places like Girasol Cafe opens up a world of options that you may not realize even exists. When we arrived at the bakery, it was obvious that most people were stopping in to get something on their way to work. Before long, we were joined by some groups who had the time to sit for a spell.

Daily Variety

What fascinates us about restaurants of this type is the ever-changing menu. While they will have a handful of dishes that become the base offerings, each day and week will bring new items. This allows the locals plenty of options, so it doesn’t become stale. Of course, with so many fresh ingredients, becoming stale isn’t an issue at Girasol Cafe. Just breathing in the delightful aromas that filled the bakery had us wanting to try everything. Obviously we weren’t going to be able to do that, but we did decide to try something new.

Protein Nibble

Our plans for the day included plenty of physical activity at Palo Duro Canyon. This meant that we could start with a little extra protein (and calories), and still be able to burn it off. When we spotted the Love Bar, we knew that it just had to be sampled. The texture reminded us of a blondie bar, and it was packed with the same type of sweet flavor. This version had a delicious assortment of nuts and berries for some added zest. We could have eaten these all day long.

New Take on Favorites

Obviously, we needed to add some variety to our meals, so I ordered up Brioche French Toast. These airy triangles were cooked perfectly. They also include two eggs prepared however you wish and a side of avocado. This was unexpected since I can’t remember ever having it served up like this. Their willingness to offer fresh produce had me going green for breakfast, which was not my usual approach. I have to admit it was a pleasant experience that I have continued to seek out since this visit. It must be true that you can teach old dogs new tricks.

Going Green for Breakfast

Crystal has always been a fan of avocado, so the menu at Girasol Cafe fit her perfectly. She selected the Vegetable Omelette and found that they served her avocado right on top. It certainly made for a pleasing plate presentation, which is important at Girasol Cafe. A side of their crispy potatoes added some starch that would stay with her while we hiked. Going green for breakfast was definitely agreeing with us.

Capturing the Moment

The morning sun was moving up in the sky, so we knew our time was precious. Late July in the Panhandle-Plains can bring some unpredictable weather. One thing was a sure bet and that was it would be toasty. Of course, we enjoy the warm weather much more than the cold, so this was the perfect time of year for our visit. Still, we wanted to get to the canyon before the sun was too far overhead. Our hope was to see a little wildlife before they all went into hiding from the sun. Time to dig in and devour these delectable bites laid out in front of us.

A Little for Later

With our bellies full and our coffee needs fulfilled, it was time to make our way to our attraction destination. Girasol Cafe & Bakery had been such a great choice that we hated to leave all of this deliciousness behind. Fortunately, they still had plenty of sweet bites to choose from that would work perfectly as a quick energy boost during a day of exploring. After all, who would blame us for wanting to extend their yummy flavors farther into our day? See anything you’d like to try?

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The New Game In Town – Amarillo Sod Poodles

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 04:00:03 +0000

Baseball is often referred to as “America’s Favorite Pastime”. The crack of the bat, roar of the crowd, and feeling of camaraderie that come with a baseball game are hard to match. When we were offered an opportunity to attend a game during our visit to Amarillo, there was no way we were going to pass it up. The Amarillo Sod Poodles, a Double-A franchise, was playing in their inaugural season in their new home. There is a new game in town, and we were going to watch it. After a hearty dinner at The Big Texan Steak Ranch, we were in the mood for some live entertainment as big as the state of Texas.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and the Amarillo Sod Poodles for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Mobile Mascot

We found a parking spot close to the stadium and made our way to the gate. The new park has been named Hodgetown in honor of Jerry Hodge, a local businessman who happened to be the city’s 26th mayor. The team had spotted us a seat in the section behind the home plate, so we had a bird’s eye view of the evening’s festivities. As the players warmed up on the field, the team’s mascot arrived in a four-wheeler. The name for the team was determined from a local contest. Other names, like Boot Scooters, Bronc Busters, and Long Haulers were passed up in favor of Sod Poodles. Soddies, as they are called, are a reference to prairie dogs, which are a common sight in the Panhandle-Plains.

Play Ball!

Now that the mascot had whipped us all into a frenzy, it was time to play ball. In days gone by, I was a huge fan of Major League baseball. Since we began our travel blogging adventure, it is hard to find enough time to follow any team. We still enjoy a day at the park, they are just too infrequent. The Amarillo Sod Poodles are a minor league team that belongs to the Texas League. The eight teams that make up two divisions are located in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. It is interesting to note that the Texas League has existed in some fashion since its founding in 1888. Amarillo became the newest city when it was awarded the franchise of a team relocating from San Antonio.

Audience Participation

Now before you think that a Sod Poodles game is exactly like an MLB version, let’s note some differences. The park is smaller, so it offers a more intimate setting to enjoy the game. Hodgetown seats about 6630 fans, but with an outfield terrace and other areas, it has seen numbers swell to over 7100. While the main attraction is the baseball game being played out for admiring fans, there are plenty of secondary events to keep the throng engaged between innings. The people in the stands watched one hilarious episode unfold, as a cluster of audience volunteers bounced each other to the ground.

Fun for All Ages

While many of the between-inning games are designed to be played by young adults, there are some that include the younger fans. We watched as a youngster pitched bean bags through a cut-out stand. Each game ends with someone winning a consolation prize, even if they didn’t quite get the results they were hoping for. This makes good entertainment for everyone and the crowd’s cheers make the contestant’s evening memorable.

Tour Time

With the game progressing well for the home team, it was time to take a little closer look at Hodgetown. We met up with Tess Bloom, the Director of Marketing, for a tour behind the scenes. After introducing us to the life-size bobblehead of the mascot, we made our way into the area that holds the suites. Here is where many of the local businesses will host company outings and special events. After all, who doesn’t enjoy an evening at the ballpark?

Behind the Scenes

Even though our visit was in late July, the weather was perfect for attending the new game in town. As we made our way through the facility, we were introduced to a wide range of staff members. Everyone was so friendly, but that is something we always find in Texas. It was apparent that these fans were excited to have a minor league baseball team in Amarillo. The team was showing its thanks by having a solid first season.

Fan Encounters

We came out of the upper level and followed Tess, as she led us through the park. As we said before, this park is designed to offer every fan an intimate experience. Seating options include the regular stadium seats, as well as a huge outfield lawn area. In this part of the park, we noticed lots of fans laid out on picnic blankets, soaking up the last rays of the day. We continued around the outfield and came to a patio area that had hightop style seats above the outfielders. This was a popular place for home run balls to be caught, and we saw a few kids hanging around with their gloves at the ready.

Up Close & Personal

Now that we had seen the views from above, it was time to get down to the field level. Tess led us down to an area near the home team’s dugout. We noticed the addition of an outside seating area that mimicked small suites. It was made up of clusters where groups of four to six fans could congregate around a table to watch the game. This was the first time we had seen this type of outdoor seating, and it seemed like a great idea. The game was really heating up into a nailbiter, so we decided to hang out in this area for a while.

The New Game in Town

Heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, the visiting team was carrying a 4 to 2 lead. The Sod Poodles tied the game and sent it into extra innings. The fans were certainly getting their money’s worth tonight. The tenth inning had both teams scoring another run, which led to the need for another inning. At the top of the eleventh, the visitors scored three runs, which sent some of the fans heading toward the gates. Those that stayed behind were treated to a four-run half, that had the Sod Poodles staging a come from behind victory.

Taking It All!

The fun and excitement of that evening would be played out over and over at Hodgetown. In their first season in Amarillo, the Sod Poodles would end up making it to the playoffs. As they say in sports, once you are in the playoffs, its anybody’s game to win. In true underdog fashion, the Sod Poodles would go on to capture the Texas league Championship and set themselves up for a 2020 season as defending champs. This is just some of the excitement that can happen when you are the new game in town.

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Comfortable Elegance – Public House Amarillo

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 04:00:05 +0000

It seems that our fast-paced travel style can get us burning tons of calories, which is a good thing. Our desire to feature plenty of local dining options always has us on the lookout for unique stops. Amarillo, Texas was filled with choices galore, but we wanted to make sure that we took a little time to slow our pace. An evening meal at Public House offered us a moment of comfortable elegance in the Texas Panhandle.

When we are traveling, we try to incorporate plenty of dining options that are family-friendly. While it is almost always just the two of us, we realize that many of you may have a wide range of ages in your party. We also want to explore a variety of cuisine options, so that you have plenty of choices to pick from when planning your own itinerary. Tossing in an upscale spot can take a vacation from memorable to unforgettable.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Early Birds get Great Seating

Since we are early risers, our timetable runs earlier than many others. We can still hang into the night but like to get our eating done with time for our bodies to burn up the extra calories that come from restaurant foods. The added bonus with this type of schedule is that we usually beat the most crowded periods, and we catch a lot of happy hours. Upscale dining spots, like Public House, will run specials during the late afternoons, in an effort to draw in early diners.

During our visit, we noticed that most of the customers were taking advantage of this and were grouped in the bar area. This allowed us to have the dining room almost to ourselves. There was a family with children nearby, which allowed us to see how parents handle a visit to a spot like this.

Hey there, Romeo!

After a day of exploring, we were ready to unwind a bit. Of course, we had more stops planned for the evening, but for now, we were just taking in some peaceful moments. This seemed like a good time to sample a couple of the cocktails off of their menu. I chose to try one that was completely new to me, The Romeo. My spirit preference usually leans toward gin, and this drink uses that as the base. The addition of Aperol adds notes of mandarin orange, and a splash of St. Germaine brings a complementary flavor combination.

Crystal decided to go a different direction and ordered a Pimm’s Cup. Made with gin, a lemony soda, mint, and fruit flavors, this sweet drink just screams summertime. These smooth cocktails were the perfect partner for an appetizer plate.

Steak Egg Rolls

We decided to start our meal with a little appetizer, so an order of Steak Egg Rolls looked like a good option. A blend of Teriyaki steak and mixed veggies are stuffed inside of two egg rolls. These are cut on the bias, so the presentation really gets your appetite going. The addition of the Spicy Ranch dipping sauce kicks the flavor (and heat) up a notch. This dish certainly does a great job of representing comfortable elegance, much like you would find at any tapas restaurant.

Chicken Goat Cheese Salad

When it came time to order our main dishes, Crystal decided to sample one of their special salads. Our server walked her through the options and she finally landed on the Chicken Goat Cheese Salad. Her choice brought plenty of color to the table. This comes from the fresh strawberries and pickled red onion. Plenty of grilled chicken chunks, candied walnuts, and goat cheese crumbles add flavor depth to the dish. Once she tossed on the raspberry vinaigrette, the dish was as delicious as it was beautiful. You know, I might just become a fan of salads, as long as they are as flavorful as this one was.

The Cubano

Let’s be real. When I saw that they serve The Cubano, there was no way that I was going to settle for salad. The thought of a hoagie roll piled high with pulled pork, smoked ham, pickles, and Swiss cheese was enough for me to stop perusing the menu. Their use of coriander grain mustard gave the Public Houses’ version a nutty aroma with a slightly citrus flavor. An accompaniment of curly Public House Fries paired perfectly for a hearty dinner. No way was I leaving this place hungry.

Comfortable Elegance At Public House

Our evening meal at Public House was the perfect diversion from our busy day. The comfortable elegance of this upscale eatery really helped us unwind. During our meal, we noticed an increase in customers. It was obvious that our timing had been perfect and allowed us some quiet time before the evening rush. Now that our appetites had been satisfied, it was time to get back to exploring Amarillo. An evening of thrill rides was awaiting us at Wonderland Park. With so much to see and do, we knew there was no way we would see it all, even with the boost of energy we got from our delectable meals.

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Palo Duro Canyon – Millions Of Years In The Making

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 13 Jan 2020 04:00:32 +0000

High in the Panhandle-Plains of Texas, people carve out a life from the rugged landscape. Driving across this flat terrain reminded us of traveling across the western half of our home state of Kansas. This perspective changed when we arrived at Palo Duro Canyon. Laid out before us we saw only glimpses of the 120-mile long canyon system. As the second-largest canyon in the United States, it has earned the nickname of “The Grand Canyon of Texas”.

Part of the Palo Duro Canyon is home to a state park. This area is popular with hikers, campers, and nature lovers from all around the world. Admission to Palo Duro State Park is $8.00 per adult, with children 12 & under get in for free. Traveling to the park is about a 25-minute drive from Amarillo. After exiting the interstate, the final 10 miles were filled with anticipation. Having scouted out the area on Google maps, we were spotting landmarks that showed our progress.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Palo Duro Adventure Park for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Dropping Elevation

The funny thing about canyons are they sneak up on you. Since they are basically holes in the ground, you don’t see them from miles away. The same applies to Palo Duro Canyon. With each new landmark, our anticipation grew. Passing the zip-lines and jeep tours were tell-tale signs that we had finally arrived. (More about those places in a minute.) With an average depth of around 800 feet, the floor of the canyon offers a different experience than the one found on the rim. As we stood on the lip looking out at the canyon, our minds struggled to imagine that so much wonder and beauty could be created by erosion.

Getting Oriented at Palo Duro Canyon

Our first stop, inside the park, was at the El Coronado Lodge Visitors Center. It’s a good place to get oriented, before heading out to explore. A small museum helps visitors paint a picture of the history of Palo Duro Canyon. As we explored the displays, we noticed mention of the people who were hunters/gatherers long before the land was settled. We had visited a site north of Amarillo that had introduced us to these early inhabitants. Of course, during those times the landscape would have been filled with herds of bison.

Get in Touch with Nature

Now that we had our bearings, it was time to get in touch with nature. Completing the drive to the floor of the canyon brought a new perspective. From here we could see the walls surrounding us. The colorful bands that signify eons of time are like rings that line the land. Rocky outcroppings are scattered across the landscape, as remnants from centuries of erosion. These hoodoos (also called fairy chimneys or earth pyramids) are formed by the erosion of soft soil around a hard stone. One of the most notable examples of this is Lighthouse Rock, which is the picture at the top of this page.

Photo Opps

Throughout Palo Duro Canyon you will find perfect backdrops for family photos. Many of these are short hikes from the road and are accessible by most travelers. After navigating the decline at the entrance, we found ourselves passing a large parking lot. We noticed a group of people had pulled in for a closer look. Following their lead, we pulled in. What we found was a serene setting where we could get our first taste of the landscape.

After the group finished their photos, we took the opportunity to pose for a few. This rocky outcropping sits in front of a 1/2 mile nature trail, which is a good way to warm up for some of the longer hikes that are found in Palo Duro Canyon. Ever since our visit to Yellowstone National Park, we know to keep our eyes peeled for gatherings of tourists. Not only does this usually mark a possible wildlife sighting, but also helps us find interesting sights.

Above the Ridge

Obviously, we don’t always rely on others for picturesque sightings. Our visit to the canyon included plenty of time where we were the only two around. Of course, there were plenty of others in the park at the same time, but with all of this open space, you feel like you are solitary explorers. As the heat of the July summer sun increased, we began to spot more raptors riding the upward spiraling thermals. Seeing this sight above one of the colorfully banded canyon walls left us staring in wonder.

Stopping for Sights

We continued our drive along the park loop. After passing a series of campgrounds, we came upon The Big Cave. Another formation that has been created by erosion are caves. While there are many smaller ones dotting the landscape, one is the most visited in Palo Duro Canyon. The cave is visible from the main road and can be reached by a short hike of about 600 feet. The climb up requires navigating a rocky slide area, which was stable but still requires paying attention. During our visit, we were joined by another group of hikers.

Bird’s Eye View of Palo Duro Canyon

Once we reached the cave entrance, we took a few minutes to look around. Unlike the massive cave formations found in the Midwest (like this one in Dubuque), these are fairly simple. Still, it offered a break from the sun and an interesting perspective of the canyon. After a few minutes, we all decided to head back down to the main road. Checking the time, we discovered it was time for us to head out of the park for a couple of excursions.

Back-road Rides

Palo Duro Canyon is huge! We learned that only a portion of the canyon is part of the state park. Other areas are privately owned and include opportunities for visitors to have exciting experiences. We doubled back out of the park to check out a couple of places close to the entrance. (Be sure to hang on to your entrance receipt for reentry.) Hiking can lead to overlooks, which have amazing views of the canyon below. We learned that there are other ways to get a firsthand look at nature.

At Palo Duro Creek Ranch, guests can take a jeep ride down into the canyon. This wild ride had us hanging onto the rails, as the landscape opened up before our eyes. With 1, 2, or 3-hour options, guests can pick the length of their visit. Once we arrived at the floor of the canyon, we were treated to some special moments exploring the formations. It was definitely an experience that Crystal and I will long remember.

Aerial Views Abound

With a trip up and down the canyon wall under our belt, I was in the mood for a little more adventure. Just across the street, we found our next destination. At Palo Duro Canyon Adventure Park they have unique ways to get a birds-eye view of the landscape. Having the opportunity to zip-line across one of the canyon gorges seemed like a fun way to get some air time. During the research portion of our trip, I had made contact with the owner, who invited us in for a ride. While I was all in on it, Crystal chose to stay grounded for this part of the trip. That put her behind the camera for a change.

Show No Fear

After strapping into the safety gear, we headed out to the tower. Here, we traversed the swinging bridges up to the platform where we would launch. There were two others in my group, so it gave me time to survey the surroundings. The view from up there gave me a better sense of the breadth of the canyon. Once my turn came, I hooked up to the line (including some redundant safety lines) and launched off the platform. While the 300-foot ride takes a while, time passes quickly. Once I arrived on the other side, it was time to unhook and across a 300-foot bridge to where we started our journey.

Since our visit, they have completed a new thrill ride that takes guests on an even longer ride. On this new version, riders zip 800 feet and then back to the starting point. I’m hoping we make it back to Amarillo so that I can give this ride a whirl. How many of you would be up for that challenge?

Evening Entertainment

With our adrenaline pumping activities complete, it was time to bring our heartbeats back to normal. We made our way back into the park and had time for another drive. The beauty of the landscape just kept impressing us. Our final activity, in Palo Duro Canyon, was a visit to the Texas Outdoor Musical. The evening entertainment included a chuckwagon dinner, a backstage tour, and a rousing outdoor performance that is as big as the whole outdoors. After the show, we even had time to meet some of the performers who gladly mingled with guests. What a perfect way to cap off an adventurous day in the wild.

Palo Duro Canyon Experiences

It is hard to really express just how amazing Palo Duro Canyon was to see in person. We wish we would have had time to take advantage of more of the hiking trails, but I suppose these will have to wait for a future visit. It should also be noted that there are places that offer horseback riding. While we did spot the occasional raptor circling overhead, the hot summer day most likely forced many of the other inhabitants into the shade. Of course, spotting lizards and roadrunners can be easy around this region. Whether you want to pitch a tent, bring an RV, or just drive in from one of the nearby cities, Palo Duro Canyon is a great place to explore.

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Texas-sized Fun at Texas Outdoor Musical

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 04:00:12 +0000

Everyone knows that they do things bigger in Texas. We discovered this also applies to their outdoor theater located in Palo Duro Canyon. After spending a day exploring the 2nd largest canyon in the United States, we made a visit to Texas Outdoor Musical. This long-running musical has played from June through August for over 50 years and brings Texas-sized fun to the Panhandle. When we were researching our Amarillo trip, a visit to this show became a recurring recommendation.

The beauty of Palo Duro Canyon makes the perfect backdrop for this show. Earlier in the day, a thrill ride up and down the canyon wall had given us a firsthand understanding of the height of the canyon walls. Exploring more of the canyon had included zip-lining and hiking, so we were looking forward to a relaxing evening of entertainment.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Texas Outdoor Musical for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Panhandle Performance

During the preparation for our Amarillo trip, we had made contact with Matt McComas. He is the new Marketing Director for Texas Outdoor Musical. We discovered that in the past, the theatrical performances had a strict policy about cameras. After some back-and-forth, we were granted permission to photograph the performance. This was an amazing honor for us, and we arrived at the theater with the intention of enjoying ourselves to the fullest. Being set in this beautiful park adds to the wonder of the experience, and we found ourselves admiring the landscape during quieter moments.

Chuck Wagon Dinner

Matt wanted to make sure that we had a complete experience, and had arranged all of our evening’s activities. We wanted to make sure anyone could enjoy the same things that we did. All of our activities are available to the general public (except for taking photos). After parking our car at 6:00, we made our way through the gate and into the ticketing area. We popped into the gift shop to check out the available souvenirs and found they also sell refreshments during the show. On a hot Texas summer night, this is important to remember.

Texas Outdoor Musical offers a Chuck Wagon BBQ Dinner that can be added to your tickets. We found that many of the patrons were joining us for dinner that evening. Guests pass through a line where they serve up barbecue brisket, sausage and pulled pork. Toss in some Coleslaw, potato salad, and beans for the sides. In case you still have a little room left, dessert is the choice of a couple of flavors of cobbler. Now that we had full bellies, it was time to dive into some Texas-sized fun.

Quanah Parker

We had time to kill before the amphitheater seating opened, so we decided to walk around. Behind the gift shop, we found a pavilion where many of the guests were gathered. We also found that Benny Tahmahkera Jr. had set up a display that showcased Native Indian art and culture. At about that time, Matt showed up and introduced us to Benny, who plays the part of Quanah Parker in the show. An interesting fact is that Benny is actually the great-great-grandson of Parker and a member of the Comanche Nation.

Backstage Tour

Matt led us to where the backstage tours begin, and along the way, we ran into David Yirak, the Managing Artistic Director for Texas Outdoor Musical. His pride in the show became immediately apparent during our conversation. Here was a reinforcement that we really needed to deliver on our request to create an article about the show.

We had missed the tour, so Matt offered to give us one himself. Behind the scenes, we saw many of the props that would be used for the evening’s production. As we passed one of the rehearsal stages, we saw some of the cast practicing their steps. We stepped out onto the amphitheater floor and looked up at the seating. The sun had fallen behind the canyon walls, which signaled that the doors would soon be opening for people to find their seats.

Ready to Roll

Being deep in the heart of the Panhandle, in July, means that sundown comes late. With the stage being at the base of a 600-foot canyon wall, the shadows of dusk grow quickly. The crowd filtered into the theater and found their seats. Matt had reserved a section of seats that would afford us a direct line for photography. To our left, the band appeared out of one of the rotating stage doors that line the sides of the stage. Matt made a few announcements prior to the start of the show, as the crowd settled in for an evening of Texas-sized fun.

Kicking Into Action

At 8:30, a trumpet played a short tune while a lone rider appeared on the lip of the canyon. The audience’s attention is drawn to this solitary figure who gallops across the ridge with the Texas flag waving behind him. This signals the start of what has become the best-attended outdoor theater event in America. As the performers sing and dance to the well-choreographed script, we found ourselves toe-tapping along with the beat.

Well-Versed Cast

It is hard to imagine that for each season they must assemble the entourage in about one month. Fortunately, many of the performers are returning from previous seasons, which helps in the process. There are still a lot of moving pieces, and auditions are held as far away as Tennessee. It takes lots of commitment to be willing to sign up for the 65 performances, that will take place over a season. Needless to say, many life-long friendships will spring from this experience.

The Story of Panhandle

As the darkness slowly grew around us, the story unfolded across the stage. Stagehands quickly moved props to keep the storyline flowing. While the tale is very loosely based on historical events in the Panhandle, it replicates an atmosphere that was repeated all across the western frontier. After his parent’s death, Calvin Armstrong returns to his childhood homestead. He brought with him plans to move the Panhandle forward, by bringing the railroad to town.

My Land

Calvin’s ideas don’t sit well with Col. Charles Goodnight, a local rancher. Goodnight has spent far too long building his empire, to see it divided by railroad tracks. Tensions are increased by Col. Goodnight’s niece’s feelings for Calvin. While the main plotline rotates around ranchers versus homesteaders, various love interests swirl into the mix.

Lighthearted Accents

An assortment of supporting characters flush out the cast. Tucker Yelldell befriends Calvin Armstrong and even comes to his aid during a serious illness. Kate Lucas is the love interest of Tucker and adds some lighthearted accents to the script. As with any good story, there is a mix of angst, conflict, desperation, and eventually cooperation. By presenting it with a musical score and charming entertainers, it makes for a delightful evening of entertainment.

Diorama Based Sets

With a wide array of scenes to be played out, Texas Outdoor Musical has developed an inventive solution to scenery changes. Impromptu stages are set on the right and left of the main stage. These rotate to make the changing of scenery pieces occur seamlessly backstage. While the audience’s attention is drawn to one of these sub-stages, the crew can reorganize the main stage for the next act. Not only does this keep the action moving along, but it actually focuses the audience on the storyline.

Parker Returns

In the midst of the squabbling between rancher and farmer, Quanah Parker appears. Parker was considered by many to be the last chief of the Quahadi Comanche. His resistance to white settlers in the Panhandle is well documented. His tribe was the last to leave the Staked Plains and move to a reservation in Oklahoma. When he was finally forced onto a reservation, he quickly adapted. While he never truly assimilated into the white culture, he taught the younger generation of Comanche the importance of learning their ways.

Texas-sized Fun

As the story wrapped up, the performers moved into a patriotic piece. Behind them, a choreographed fountain creates a moving screen. This was added in 2011, due to an excessive period of drought. Fortunately for us, 2019 had brought plenty of rain, which was apparent in the greenery found throughout Palo Duro Canyon. As the music grew, fireworks appeared over the canyon ridge. What an amazing finish to a grand evening of entertainment.

Meet & Greet

As the last fireworks faded away, the performers took their final bows. The lights returned to the amphitheater and the crowd began filing out. While we waited for the crowd to thin, we had a short conversation with the staff nearby. The pride that everyone has in the performance is easily visible. They all have plenty to be proud of, as the show is a memorable event. After all, when was the last time you have had the opportunity to see so much in one sitting?

As we made our way back to the entrance, we found that the main characters had assembled for an impromptu meet-and-greet. For us, this was just frosting on a delicious cake. It was obvious that the performers truly enjoy what they do. After some short conversations, we decided it was time to head back to Amarillo. During our drive back, we enjoyed a star-filled sky away from the city lights.

An Evening Under The Stars

What began as an idea of having a relaxing evening of entertainment turned into something much greater. That evening we met people, heard stories, and saw Texas pride in a way that was new to us. We have traveled to Texas plenty of times in the past, but this was our first excursion into the Panhandle. Life in this region is unpredictable and forces the residents to become resourceful. Their ability to withstand untold issues has made them resilient, but it has not broken their spirits. Texas Outdoor Musical has bottled this spirit and uncorks it each night for an eager crowd. Isn’t it time for you to make plans to see this extravaganza firsthand?

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Bringing Fun To The Panhandle – Wonderland Park

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 03:45:10 +0000

For almost seven decades, Wonderland Park has been bringing fun to the Panhandle. In the early ’50s, Paul and Alethea Roads traveled to Amarillo to look over some potential property where they might develop an amusement park. While their first impression was less than impressive, a second viewing opened their eyes to the potential. That was in 1951 when the idea of creating one of these types of entertainment venues was still rare. There were only three other parks opened that year. All were fairly small, but offered the growing population some places to play.

While Wonderland Park started with just three rides, over time the family has expanded the site to include plenty of entertaining options. The original owners have handed off the responsibility to their kids. Paul and Paula Borchardt, and their family, now operate the park and keep everything running. When the opportunity to add this attraction to our itinerary presented itself, we jumped on it. After all, who doesn’t like to explore a park that they have never visited? A day filled with indoor exploration had us eager to enjoy some outdoor activity.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Wonderland Amusement Park for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

High Flying Fun

What is three stories tall 500 feet long and one of only three in the country? We’re talking about the Cyclone. Each car holds one or two riders and takes them on a back and forth journey. We first spotted this ride as we traversed the park on the Sky Ride. As we passed by, we could see the laughing riders enjoying this unusual coaster. With a top speed of around 17 miles per hour, it wasn’t burning up the tracks. Still, a series of switchbacks and drops make this an entertaining ride.

Getting Trapped

Across from the Cyclone, we spotted Mouse Trap. This steel coaster was built in 1972, so it uses the chain lift to get the cars to the top of the first plunge. With four riders per car, they can propel 12 people at a time. This helps the line move fairly quickly. Mouse Trap is over five stories tall and more than three times as long as Cyclone. With a good series of turns and drops, it kicks up the thrill level. Be sure to take a spin after dark to get an added level of excitement.

Taking a Spin

For those who like to go in circles, they have some options at Wonderland Park. The owners wanted to make sure they were bringing fun to the Panhandle for all types of riders. The Rainbow reminded us of taking a ride on a platform. It rotates from side-to-side until it is spinning the platform (and it’s riders) around in full loops. It reminded us of rides we have seen at various carnivals, except this one remains on-site. Nearby we found the Wonder Wheel, which is their version of a Ferris wheel. With 16 cars, it can certainly keep up with a crowd. This is another ride to enjoy after dark, as it offers great views of the whole park.

Slowing the Pace

Trying to fit all of the fun possible in a limited space would normally limit a park’s ability to offer variety. This is not the case at Wonderland Park. They are bringing the fun to the Panhandle in the air, on land, and even on the water. For those in the know, Amarillo sits close to Palo Duro Canyon. Being such a huge attraction, the 2nd largest canyon in America, it only seems appropriate that there would be a ride fashioned after it. Sure enough, hop aboard the Rattlesnake River Raft Ride and you float through the changing landscape. Bonus that it offers a chance to cool off from the hot Texas sunshine.

Hydro Therapy

Now if you make it through your raft ride without getting soaked, perhaps you need to press your luck a little more. We have experienced a variety of log flume rides, but this one has a distinction that no other can claim. The Big Splash Log Flume was designed as the prototype for log-rides all over the world. It is a short ride, measuring less than 600 feet long. That won’t matter when you tell your friends about your experience on this first-of-its-kind ride in the heart of the Panhandle of Texas.

Nightfall

As the sun set to the west, we watched a car full of riders whoosh by on the Hornet. Like many other amusement parks, some of the rides at Wonderland had a previous life elsewhere. This one came from Houston, where it had been kept indoors. Now that it was freed from its cage, it was entertaining riders of all ages under the Texas sky. Being a more modern steel coaster, it gets riders moving quicker than some of the older rides.

Historic Rides

All of this excitement had worn us out a little, so we decided to investigate the southern end of the park. Here we found that they are bringing fun to the Panhandle in a different way. While many of the thrill rides have height limits, the kiddie section is filled with attractions for all ages. There are even a couple of rides that we were too big to ride. One that is perfect for everyone is the Merry-Go-Round. When we discovered that there are 10 special “Parker” horses onboard, well we just had to check it out. After all, we had the fortune of visiting the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Playing a Round

During our sky-high ride earlier in the day, we had spotted a miniature golf course. If you remember our mini-golf escapades in Gatlinburg, then you know that it’s hard for us to pass up a chance to compete.

To be honest, we don’t keep track of our scores, but we certainly recognize which one of us is on target during a round. We were impressed at the variety of obstacles that they had on their course in Amarillo. By the way, for those wanting to just play miniature golf, there is a separate entrance just for this attraction.

Color Our World

As dusk faded and the darkness grew, it was a good time to enjoy another trip on the Sky Ride. The peaceful pace allowed us to take in the whole park laid out at our feet. We could also see part of the surrounding city lights. All around us families were enjoying an evening of fun. The screams of excitement echoed through the night and soon we were anxious to return to exploring the other rides.

Don’t Rock the Boat

As we walked along the main path of the park, we spotted The Pirate Ship. These gondola style rides make for a good diversion from the nearby rollercoasters. Watching from a distance, the ride seems rather docile. Once you climb aboard, you gain a completely different perspective. As the ride is propelled higher and higher, you find the butterflies in your stomach become more active. The screams of delight fill your ears and confident laughs are heard more as it slows down than when it was gaining momentum.

Closing Time

Our evening of fun was drawing to an end, but we still had time for one more ride. Fantastic Journey is the epitome of a one-of-a-kind ride. The founder of Wonderland Park built this ride himself. We wonder if it was just coincidence that Paul Roads hailed from the state of Kansas. Learning welding skills while working at Cessna, in Wichita, helped him in later life as he designed and built rides at his park. Amusement park owners are a small group and many form lasting friendships. They will share ideas and help each other out, when possible. These friends provided the spark to help get this funhouse-type ride operating.

As we slid into the car, we were anxious to see what was waiting for us inside. We found a variety of gags inside, but we’ll keep some of the suspense a secret. Do watch out for the run-away truck. As you pass through the rotating barrel, remember that this was designed and built by the original owner of Wonderland Park. Paul certainly knew a few things about bringing fun to the Panhandle of Texas.

Bringing Fun to the Panhandle

Our time at Wonderland Park had come to an end, and it was time to say our goodbyes. We had met some wonderful people and enjoyed an evening of entertainment. The Borchardt’s had been so welcoming to us that we felt like part of the family. They say things are bigger in Texas and that certainly applies to friendship. Keep Wonderland Park in mind for your next family vacation. After all, this place knows a thing or two about bringing fun to the Panhandle.

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Coyote Bluff Cafe – Cowboy Up For Lunch

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 09:45:38 +0000

Over the course of our travels, we have learned the truth in the saying “Never judge a book by its cover”. This also stands true for many of the restaurants we have found. Sometimes the little hole-in-the-walls offer up some of the best eats around. It is a common practice for us to set our itinerary weeks before a visit. Since we are almost always working with the local tourism bureau, plans need to be confirmed prior to our arrival. This requires extensive research on my part.

While a picture paints a thousand words. it still leaves much to be discerned. To ensure that the places we choose offer a pleasing experience for an entire family of travelers, I may end up crossing dozens of potential stops off my list. The goal is to root out those locally-owned eateries that are destined to become a landmark. Of course, sometimes they just fall in our lap, like finding Coyote Bluff Cafe in Amarillo, Texas.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Coyote Bluff Cafe for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Soaking Up The Sun

Life in the Panhandle-Plains can be hard, and it’s easy to work up an appetite. After a morning of exploring, we were ready to chow down on some delicious Texas beef. We had arranged to have lunch with Braley Hand, who was our primary contact at Visit Amarillo. This would be our second meal with someone from the tourism bureau. We always feel honored when they are willing to take time out of their busy schedules to meet up. It’s a chance to learn more about the city that they call home.

We arrived a couple of minutes before Braley and took the momentary pause to soak up some Texas sunshine. Some people may think we are crazy to travel south in the summer, but we love it. We have found that preparation makes all the difference, and it begins with your mindset. We watched as groups of locals came and went, and it seemed like cowboy hats and baseball caps were the fashion statement of the day. Glad I had my Baylor University cap.

Hanging With the Locals

When Braley arrived, we made our way inside the diminutive dining establishment. Space is a premium inside, and we could immediately see that this place is a hit with the locals. That is exactly what we look for when exploring. The tables were filled with groups of diners engaging in conversation. Coyote Bluff Cafe is one of those places where there is a constant murmur of talking in the background. It makes the atmosphere feel so alive.

Our server found us a table and we sat down to scan the menu. This is easy to do, as the bulk of the dishes revolve around their half-pound burgers. Yeah, that’s right. A full half-pound of lean Texas beef. If you leave this place hungry, well you just didn’t try hard enough. It didn’t take long for us to decide, and we all found our favorites.

Prairie Patties

Before you think that Coyote Bluff Cafe is just a simple burger joint, let me point out that they have options. There are nine different topping combinations just on the burgers. Diners can choose from a smoky barbecue experience or kick it up a notch with some mild green chilies. For the adventurous, you can select the Burger From Hell that includes jalapenos, Tabasco, and their special Coyote Hell Sauce. Needless to say, no one at our table chose to burn out their taste buds on this occasion.

We did end up selecting three different flavor combinations without even meaning to. Braley suggested we split a Basket of Fries, which ended up being more than enough for three adults. Crystal’s choice surprised me, since I noticed a few chicken based choices on the menu. I guess she decided to adapt the Texas philosophy of ‘Go Big or Go Home‘.

Cowboy Up For Lunch

After placing our order, we spent a few minutes chatting with Braley. Having been a long-time Amarillo resident, she was able to provide plenty of background for our visit. Her passionate descriptions were building our anticipation to explore this Route 66 metropolis. Being our first visit to the Panhandle of Texas, we had no idea what the landscape would look like. During our drive from the Alibates Flint Quarries, we scanned the horizon checking out the Amarillo cityscape. We were surprised at the similarities to our home state of Kansas.

Sitting in a crowded restaurant, in the heart of Amarillo, we knew we were in cowboy territory. Looking around the dining room, we noted lots of people who were obviously on a lunch break. It was obvious that Coyote Bluff Cafe is a local haunt. We were feeling pretty confident with our dining choice by now. As our server laid out our bounty before us, I knew that we would all want to dig in, but first I needed to capture the moment.

Piling It On

By now, Crystal has become quite familiar with the routine. We arrive, find a seat, I take photos, and then we order. Then I take more photos, the food arrives, I take more photos, and finally we get to eat. Her patience is commendable, and sometimes I take it for granted. On the occasions that we dine with someone from a city’s tourism bureau, I have to remind myself that they may not be familiar with the routine. Fortunately, Braley was a well-seasoned professional who made sure that I had everything I needed for the article, before starting to eat. We love working with professionals.

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OKC Streetcar – Coloring A New Downtown

Jeff & Crystal — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 09:45:52 +0000

When we really think about it, Oklahoma City and Kansas City have a lot in common. Both are located in the heart of the country and filled with welcoming residents. They are located on the I-35 corridor, which bisects our nation. They are both transportation hubs and share a history associated with the cattle industry. Something else that these two cities have in common is their new streetcars. Kansas City launched its RideKC operations in the spring of 2016, and Oklahoma City followed within a couple of years. A visit in the summer of 2019 showed us how the OKC Streetcar is coloring a new downtown.

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.

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Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum – Revisiting Our Childhoods

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 09:45:08 +0000

Who remembers those summer camping trips from your youth? Those are memories that had been stored in a dusty file in the back of my brain. When we were in the planning stages of our Amarillo trip, we were looking for some unusual stops to add to the itinerary. Braley Hand, our contact at the tourism bureau, made an unexpected suggestion. A visit to the Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum would certainly offer something out of the ordinary. A chance to tour a variety of recreational relics sounded a little obscure, but we try to keep an open mind.

Since our trip was a continuation of our Route 66 explorations, visiting this attraction made a lot of sense. After all, the golden age of auto-touring also happened to be the prime period for recreational vehicles. We can remember the days of riding in the backseat and watching the various pull-behind campers glide by. Our young minds would imagine the wonderful destinations that the people would see during their travels. Little did we realize, but our visit to Traveland Museum would open a floodgate of nostalgic memories of back road camping.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Jack Sisemore Traveland for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Going Back in Time

The Siseland Traveland RV Museum was not visible when we first arrived. The museum is located behind an RV dealership but is easy to find. We stepped through the dealership door and asked the receptionist for directions. They actually have a painted line that leads straight to the attraction. Of course, as we approached the building, the huge painted sign on the side kind of gave away its location. Before we even crossed the threshold, we were already being whisked back to our youth.

One of the first displays we spotted was an El Camino loaded up for a day at the lake. It was parked in a replica of an old A&W restaurant drive-thru line. So many fun memories began flowing. We could remember the smell of the exhaust from dirt bikes, and the splash of the waves on the front of the boat. Another great memory was the frosty mugs of root beer that we would get at A&W. This was one of those special treats that seemed so extravagant to a child.

Early Days of Camping

We moved into the main exhibit of trailers and RVs to examine some of the ones from before our time. The Sisemore Traveland RV Museum is the proud owner of a 1935 Airstream, which was produced in the second year of the company’s history. The founder of Airstream, Wally Byam, had spent his youth traveling. Much of it included sleeping outdoors. The idea of making it a comfortable experience was close to his heart. We can imagine him spending nights in a sleeping bag but dreaming of being indoors.

His earliest trailer versions were constructed with plywood and masonite. The addition of amenities began piling up, and by 1934, he introduced the Airstream line. The idea of an enclosed kitchen and bedroom struck a chord with Americans. They were an expensive luxury, especially during the Depression. Still, the demand was so high, that they struggled to keep up with demand. Many Americans associated the riveted aluminum with the burgeoning airplane industry. Camping would never be the same.

Amazing Finds

Have you ever seen a display that really caught your attention? When we spotted this 1936 Alma trailer, we were shocked at how well it had been preserved. Of course, learning that it had spent the last 64 years in storage would certainly keep the aging process minimized. We had no recollection of the Alma Trailer lines, but evidently they were pretty big stuff in their time. They started in Alma, Michigan, and produced models from 1934 to 1957. During the 1940’s they were the largest trailer factory in the United States. This 25′ Silvermoon model was cutting edge in its day.

Tight Spots

While the Alma may have passed away in history, there are still some big names in the RV industry. The Sisemore Traveland RV Museum has a 1953 Fleetwood trailer on display. Fleetwood trailers got their modest start in 1950. Created by a company that made window blinds for travel trailers, they saw the possibilities of moving into the RV business. In 1953 Fleetwood Trailer Company began to release travel trailers designed for the growing American population. With personal income increasing after World War II, people were looking for recreational opportunities.

The country was primed for outdoor activities, and owning a recreational vehicle or travel trailer were signs of a successful career. Soon, families all across the country were packing up the station wagon and hitching up the trailer for family vacations. National parks saw a surge in attendance, as Americans scrambled to make the most of their time away from work.

Stay Aware

As we walked through the Sisemore Traveland RV Museum, we were amazed at how many artifacts they had assembled. There were so many recreational vehicles that they even had some suspended from the ceiling. Seeing the row of motorcycles took us back to the beginning of our relationship together. In my teenage years, I rode a motorcycle, and Crystal would join me at times for rides. Hitting the open road was an amazing experience. We loved having the wind in our faces and getting to be more connected with the world.

These days, we have chosen the path of riding in cars. I would say that a lot of this is for the comfort level. Much like the early trailers had minimal amenities, over time this has changed dramatically. The newer models we saw at Jack Sisemore’s have all of the bells and whistles. Of course, when we were kids it was an awesome experience just getting to sleep indoors when we were at a campsite.

Hollywood Camping

All of this nostalgia was starting to make us wonder if those days were really as amazing as we remembered. You know how the mind can be selective about memories. Is it possible that we were just seeing the good things, and overlooking some of the issues that went with RVing in the ’60s and ’70s. This is the kind of thing that goes along with a Hollywood movie script. A good idea goes south for a bit, but it all ends up well in the end.

During our tour, we found that even RVing has a footnote in Hollywood history. In 2006, the movie RV showed that a dysfunctional family can find new bonds, after a series of mishaps. Traveland RV Museum has a vehicle that was used in the filming of Robin William’s movie. You know that you are mainstream when Hollywood picks your industry to highlight in a movie. I just don’t remember any of those hilarious maladies happening during our family trips.

Sisemore Traveland RV Museum

It was quite apparent that the Sisemore Traveland RV Museum is designed to elicit feelings of nostalgia. This may be a little difficult for those too young to have experienced the use of these historic vehicles. To be honest, many of the items on display predated us, as well. At least we were well aware of most of them. Hitting the open road, with a travel trailer in tow was a memory that did not elude us. We could even remember the days of full-service filling stations, even though neither of us was driving.

We were now in full nostalgia mode, and I started to think back to many of the various styles of camping we had done. Some of my earliest memories were my parents towing a Starcraft pop-up camper behind the Galaxy 500. We would head off to a lake area, where us kids would spend time imagining life as pioneers. Of course, we never thought about all of the modern amenities that we had brought with us. To us, it was all about being out in nature.

Tight Living

As we grew, the versions of camping changed. During a short period, my parents owned a VW Microbus. Trips made with this unique vehicle were a little tighter but required less fuel. This was important during the gas shortages of the 1970s. For us kids, it was still a chance to get out of town and explore new areas. It wasn’t until I was older that I learned about the Hippie culture that embraced this interesting vehicle. We certainly never sat around a campfire singing Kum-ba-yah, but we did get back to nature.

Some summers, nature even got in contact with us. We dealt with unbearable heat waves, biting mosquitoes, tick checks, and those strange noises in the middle of the night. I’m guessing I wasn’t the only kid that imagined some wild beast making its way into our camp to check out the burrito shaped packages of children sleeping by the campfire. Of course, in all of those campouts, I was never nibbled on, even by a mildly ferocious beast. Probably because I positioned my sleeping bag so that one of my brothers would get eaten first.

Take a Walk Down Memory Lane

As we ducked in and out of the recreational vehicles, at Sisemore Traveland RV Museum, so many of the items inside evoked fun memories. It was like taking a walk down memory lane, except it was focused on just RV’s. The colors and patterns of the fabrics are so memorable. Crystal remarked about how today’s styles are starting to incorporate some of these very designs. While we fondly remember this period of our lives, I’m not sure I am ready to return to the leisure suit era. I did leave with a renewed interest in RV’s. Maybe an overnight visit to Palo Duro Canyon. It certainly has some amazing sights to explore up close. Who’s up for a camping trip?

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7 Reasons To Chow Down At Bedlam Bar-B-Q

Jeff & Crystal — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 09:45:31 +0000

By now, we are sure that you all know we love barbecue. Being from the Midwest, we have sauce coursing through our veins. Traveling across the continent has given us opportunities to sample this smoky cuisine in some unexpected locations. A visit to Oklahoma City would not be considered an unusual destination for ‘Cue. When it was time to narrow down our restaurant choice to just one, well that is when it got tough. After doing a lot of research, we identified 7 reasons to chow down at Bedlam Bar-B-Q. With a long morning, filled with exploring the Oklahoma History Center, we were famished by the time we arrived for our late lunch. No need to worry, Bedlam pulled out all of the stops to make sure we were fueled up for the back half of our day.

We want to thank Visit OKC and Bedlam Bar-B-Q for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

#7) Ordering Old School

Finding Bedlam Bar-B-Q wasn’t difficult, as it lies just off the main drag. Being located on the northern half of the city worked out perfectly, as this was our last stop before the drive back to Kansas City. Stepping through the door, we found ourselves in a galley style chamber, where patrons order their food. Using the “order here and we’ll bring it to you” style is synonymous with many of the well-established barbecue joints we have visited. It actually reminded us of one we have in KC, that got its start in Oklahoma.

While Oklahoma Joe’s has since changed its name to Joe’s KC, it still has its roots from the years it was connected with the Midwest smoker manufacturer. Fortunately for us, our late arrival had ensured we wouldn’t face the lines that can be found during lunch rushes. In fact, being a weekday, we were one of a handful in the house for a 2:00 mealtime. Maybe we need to rethink our dining times to avoid the rush more often.

#6) Choices

Since our visit had been pre-scheduled, we were planning on sampling a variety of the dishes available at Bedlam Bar-B-Q. We still took time to review the menu, so we could see if anything unusual popped out at us. They have a good selection of plated dinners to choose from. We found that owner Jeff Watt has chosen the brisket and hotlink sandwich as his favorite. The range of smoked meats was quite familiar, but we were surprised to see the addition of smoked bologna. Now that’s not something you see at most barbecue joints. They also offer up half of a smoked chicken, still on the bone. That sounded like the makings of a good dinner for two.

#5) The Decor

Now that we had seen a sampling of the dishes available, it was time to check out space. If you have ever visited Oklahoma and spent some time in the state, then you know it has quite a storied history. At Bedlam Bar-B-Q, they embrace this colorful past, and it shows through in the decor. The walls are covered with memories of days gone by when cowboys and Indians still roamed the lands. It is easy to get caught up in checking out the decor, and before you realize it, your food has arrived.

#4) Seating Choices

At most restaurants we visit, we find a couple of choices in seating. Usually, it will be tables or booths. Sure you can find both of those at Bedlam Bar-B-Q, but it doesn’t stop there. Looking for a real conversation starter? Why not belly up to the piano table, where you can dine with friends in real style. Since it was just the two of us, we didn’t sit there, but don’t think it wasn’t tempting. I did plop down on one of the stools, just to check it out. By the way, the photo of the laser cut stool at the top of the page is located at the piano table.

#3) Connect With Nature

Since we are on the subject of unusual seating choices, let’s not forget the outdoor patio at Bedlam Bar-B-Q. This wonderful setting is used for special events and most frequently in the evenings. We can imagine sitting in the shade of the willow tree, as the gentle Oklahoma breezes flow by. Nearby, the sounds of live music would play, by one of the local bands that frequent this place. Of course, there would also be the tempting aroma of the smoky dishes being prepared nearby. Man, we wish our visit would have allowed for a firsthand taste of that experience.

#2) Sides Galore

Okay, it’s time to talk about the food at Bedlam Bar-B-Q. While most places you will visit focus on the meats, the staff at Bedlam offer up some of the best sides we have sampled. When they delivered our food, they wanted us to have a good assortment to choose from. Clearly, they know how much we can eat. The flavors they pack into their dishes bring pleasure with each bite, even from some old standards. For instance, the creaminess of the Mac & Cheese makes it melt in your mouth. We found the same attention to detail with their Baked Beans and Cowboy Beans.

These sides, while exceptional, are commonplace at barbecue joints. When they delivered our dishes, there were a couple of sides that stood out from the field. Seeing Tabouli Salad served caught my attention immediately. This Mediterranean based dish is a mix of finely chopped vegetables and Bulgur wheat. With olive oil and a lemony base, it offered a refreshing lightness to our meat-heavy meal.

Sitting next to the Tabouli was a dish that clearly came from a casserole-style creation. Our server was quick to point out that this is their famous Green Rice. It is made with a recipe that has been handed down through Jeff’s family. Our first bite told us that it was a dish we were very familiar with since it is one that Crystal often makes at home. The mix of rice, broccoli, and cheese offer a delightfully creamy texture. The taste had us coming back for more bites, and this was the first dish to be emptied.

#1) The ‘Cue

While all of these sides offered plenty of reason to visit Bedlam Bar-B-Q, let’s not overlook the main attraction. The top reason we visit barbecue restaurants is to sample the smoky meats that they produce. Even before our first bite, we were already savoring the smoky scent found when we approached the parking lot. Once everything was laid out in front of us, it was hard to refrain from tasting it. I learned firsthand what Crystal goes through whenever I ask her to pose with the food. I feel like I earned an extra portion just for my patience.

Our plate was filled with pulled pork, smoked turkey and chicken, tender brisket, and some of their notable dry-rubbed ribs. With so much going on, they had to put the Polish and hotlink sausage on its own plate. Finally, it was time to dig into this smorgasbord of smoky goodness. With each bite, we could taste the care and time put into making the taste delicious without the need for sauce. To us, this is the sign of a confident barbecue chef, who has mastered the ability to replicate his dishes daily.

You can only imagine the smacking lips and satisfied taste buds that took place this day. The tasting passed far too quickly, and soon we were noticing dishes become empty. We each gravitated toward our favorites, but the delectable flavor still tempted us to mix in some of our less frequented cuts. Even though we gave it our best, there was just no way that we could complete all of this food. After thanking the staff for this unbelievable meal, we rolled ourselves out to the car, to begin our journey home. As the mile markers whizzed by, we chatted about our successful venture in Oklahoma City. When is your next trip scheduled for this amazing destination?

The post 7 Reasons To Chow Down At Bedlam Bar-B-Q appeared first on Our Changing Life.

Take A Wild Ride At Palo Duro Creek Ranch

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 09:45:43 +0000

Everyone knows that the Grand Canyon is the largest in the United States, but you do you where the second largest is at? You can imagine our surprise, when we discovered that it lies just south of Amarillo, Texas. Yes, the panhandle plains are home to Palo Duro Canyon, which is HUGE! While our visit to this Route 66 city was chocked full of stops, we knew that we had to set a day aside just to explore this canyon area. What better way to see it up close than a jeep ride right down into it? Our friends at Visit Amarillo arranged a time for us to take a wild ride at Palo Duro Creek Ranch.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Palo Duro Creek Ranch for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

The Ranch

During our research for this visit, we had the opportunity to connect with a bunch of people from the region, through Facebook. When we surveyed them on places that were “must-sees”, Palo Duro Canyon was at the top of the list. To be honest, we had never heard of it. After Googling it, we were dumbfounded that such a natural wonder could stay so well hidden from public knowledge. We knew that we had to help get the word out about this fantastic destination. One day earlier, we had been in Canyon, Texas to tour the Panhandle-Plains Museum.

Being so close to the canyon, we expected to see it. Obviously, we were completely wrong. After all, the canyon is lower than the ground around you, so it doesn’t show on the horizon as mountains would. It was apparent we would have to wait. After a quick run down the interstate, we jumped on Highway 217, which leads to Palo Duro. It was still about 10 miles to our destination, so the anticipation was really building. While the elevation is greater on the high plains, the flatness reminded us of our home state of Kansas.

By the time we saw the dirt road turn-off for Palo Duro Jeep Tours, our anticipation had grown to peak levels. To think that we would have the chance to spend two hours seeing the canyon up close was so thrilling. Oh wait, now we had to traverse the dirt road to the ranch. Oh well, it just meant that it built the suspense even more. Soon enough, we turned a bend in the road, and the ranch came into view. It reminded us of something right out of the Old West, and we could hardly wait to meet the staff of Palo Duro Creek Ranch.

John Knows

Our arrival was quite timely, as our guide was all ready to get going. After brief introductions, we loaded into the dust-covered Hummer. John would be leading us out into the field, and we were assured that he really knew his stuff. Our group included another couple with their son in tow. With John in the driver’s seat, there was plenty of room for the five us in the open back. As the instructions were given, we made note of the various handles and bars that would become much-needed supports for our excursion.

The tour started easy enough, with a short run to the edge of the canyon. During our tour, John would take periodic stops to tell us some of the histories behind Palo Duro Canyon. He would also serve as the staff photographer for the group, as he was happy to take pictures for everyone. Let me tell you, he knew all the good places to pose us, as long as we were willing to stand near a canyon edge.

Palo Duro Canyon was formed by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, as it flowed across the land. The erosion has left an assortment of canyons, bluffs, caves, and exposed the colorful layers to the naked eye. His descriptions of what we were going to see just made us that much more anxious for the experience.

Steep Descent

As we arrived at the lip of the first descent, all of us were taken back with the beauty that unfolded before us. It is hard to imagine how one stream could do so much work. We held on, as John edged the jeep down the steep ravine. In places, the tires must have been skirting the edge, but it quickly became apparent that John knew this path like the back of his hand. Of course, he didn’t mind peppering in a little humor at the perfect times. We were barely into the tour, and we were already warming up to our guide at Palo Duro Creek Ranch. Let’s just hope that he kept his cool under the hot Texas sun.

Natural Beauty

After this first round of drop-offs, we arrived at an area that was used by cattle for grazing. While the first inhabitants of the canyon had been native Indians, European explorers would not discover these lands until Coronado came through in 1541. His group would meet the Apache tribe, who would eventually be uprooted by others. Once horses became part of everyday life for the Indians, the Kiowa and Comanche were able to force the Apache out of the canyon.

In 1852, a military group was assigned the task of finding the source of the Red River. This would lead to the rediscovery of Palo Duro Canyon. By 1874, the military had begun an operation to remove the native Indians from the area and move them to the reservations in Oklahoma territory. We had learned quite a bit about the Indian relocation from a visit to the Oklahoma History Center. With the land cleared, it was prime time for new settlers to move in.

Charles Goodnight would be one of the first, when he established his JA Ranch, in 1876. It was hard to imagine the idea of cattle grazing on this hilly terrain, but it reminded us just how hardy the Texas longhorn can be. John informed us that we were coming to an area that would be prime for some photo opportunities. That was good news, as we were all just getting over our white knuckle experience of the first descent.

Pit Stop

John came to a stop along the trail and invited us to get out and stretch our legs. He continued our history lesson, as he told us about how the native Indians were brought to submission. In the late summer of 1874, members of four tribes had sought refuge in the canyon. With a stockpile of supplies, it looked like they were set to hold out through the winter. Twelve companies of cavalry were sent in to root them out. Splitting into three columns, the cavalry was able to force the Indians to abandon their supplies and retreat.

By capturing nearly 2000 of the Indian’s horses, it left them mostly on foot. This dealt a blow that they would not recover from. The Indians would eventually return to their Fort Sill reservation, as they no longer had the ability to survive the winter. After finishing his tale, John escorted us to the edge of the bluff, which overlooked the canyon floor. Of course, first, we posed for a few photos with the horsepower that brought us to this point.

Height Awareness

The edge of the bluff offered some unique viewing opportunities. What we discovered was that I was the only one who didn’t mind the height. Seeing this box canyon firsthand made it easy to understand why the native Indians had chosen this area to hole up. There are so many points that people could hide, and navigating them looked rather difficult. Since my co-participants wouldn’t hazard the approach, I decided to record some video for them to see the drop-off. Our visit to Palo Duro Creek ranch was turning out to be quite an experience.

Untold Beauty

When we reached the edge of the bluff, we found that the valley laid out before our eyes. All of the colors, found in the various layers of soil, were so amazing. Here and there we could make out small geological formations, which John promised we would be seeing up close later in the tour. Even in the hot July summer, the greens were popping all over the canyon floor. Time to get back to the jeep and continue our journey.

Who Do Hoodoo?

Once we made it to the canyon floor, the amazement just kept getting bigger. Here and there we would spot a skink or lizard sunning itself on a formation. While we had seen a few caves that were eroded in the hillside, now we were up close with some hoodoos. These fascinating formations are created when a hard rock sits atop a softer under-surface. Over time, erosion from the elements will wear away the surrounding soil. What is left is these chimney-like structures. Sometimes referred to as tent rocks, these are commonly found in canyon settings.

The layers of color we were seeing are created from the various ages where new material was deposited. From our visit to the Panhandle-Plains Museum, we knew that this region had been a swamp at one time. This is the section where the red coloring is found. It comes from the oxidation created in the tidal pools that would have been found long ago. Seeing the color bands from this angle made it easier to understand the passing of time.

Finding Shade

With our tour now passing the two-hour point, we knew our time was limited. John was happy to make some suggestions for more photo opportunities. Posing under one of the hoodoos allowed us a brief break in the rare shade found in Palo Duro Canyon. A few more minutes exploring this unique landscape, and it was time to load back into our all-terrain chariot. This was one of those experiences that began forming as an article in my mind, even as we were still in the canyon. We knew that we had to pass along this amazing destination to all of you so that you could see it for yourself.

Heading Back Up

As we made our way back up the bluffs, we found ourselves back in white knuckle situations. It seemed easier to accept driving along drop-offs when you are moving away from them. While Crystal focused on watching where we were headed, I took the opportunity to look back at where we had been. It still amazes me, when I watch this video, at just how steep the climb was that we had just made.

Happy Campers

Looking back at our experience at Palo Duro Creek Ranch, it ranks as one of those unforgettable memories. While the amount of our exertion was low, it had still offered a few heartbeat racing moments. In the end, we had made some new friends, including our amazing tour guide. John had made our journey memorable by making sure to take the time to show us all of the nooks and crannies that he has discovered over his time driving guests through the canyon. His capable driving skills, great backstories, and friendly humor had endeared all of us to him. You can bet we highly recommend him for a tour guide when you visit Palo Duro Creek Ranch. Now which of you would be brave enough to peek over the edge of the cliff?

Share with an Adventure Lover!

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Touching The Past – Oklahoma History Center

Jeff & Crystal — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 09:45:57 +0000

The idea of containing all of the history of a state in one location would be futile. Each one would be overflowing with a wealth of artifacts and information, that just couldn’t be gathered in one place. Of course, many of the state museums do a fantastic job at detailing a wide variety of the history, which allows visitors to get a taste for how the region has developed over time. When we planned our visit to the Oklahoma History Center, we were hoping to find out more about our neighbor state to the south. We just didn’t realize how much we would be touching the past of this unique territory.

We want to thank Visit OKC and the Oklahoma History Center for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Pre-Explorer Age

Archaeology shows that people have inhabited Oklahoma territory for centuries. Arrowheads and projectile points have been discovered in dig sites. Some of these came from the Alibates Quarries located just south of the panhandle region. Many of these cultures were found by Hernando de Soto when he explored the New World in the early 1500s. By the time more European explorers arrived, prior to the Revolutionary War, there were two dominant tribes in the area. The Wichita people had established homes across much of the Great Plains. They were farmer/hunter people, who built a network of small villages. While the Wichita worked the lands, there were others who frequented the region.

Life on the Plains

The Apache people were known for their nomadic lifestyle. Being primarily hunters, they followed the herds of buffalo, as they migrated across the lands. From what historians can surmise, the Wichita and Apache coexisted in peace. The Apache was using dogs to help move their belongings. When Francisco Coronado visited the territory, he introduced the horse. This would dramatically change life on the plains for the native tribes. With this newfound assistance, the Apache could expand their territory north and south across the continent.

The native tribes did not believe in the ownership of the land but reserved themselves to be stewards of it. Far removed from what was occurring globally, the native people went forward with their daily lives. Around them, the ownership of the territory would change from France to Spain, and eventually the United States. While all of this swirled around them, life for the native people remained fairly stable. The informative displays at the Oklahoma History Center allowed us to see for ourselves the struggles faced by the native people. Touching the past included feeling the weight of one of the travois, their form of a wagon that would be drug from camp to camp.

Indian Relocation

With the ever-increasing number of immigrants to the east, the United States government was struggling with how to handle the indigenous people. Treaty after treaty was formed, which promised the native tribes new lands, in exchange for the current homes. As the numbers of new immigrant arrivals swelled, each of these treaties would be broken, to open up new land for settlers. In 1830, President Andrew Jackson would sign into law the Indian Removal Act. While it was meant to provide for a peaceful relocation, too often force was used to meet the desired outcome.

Part of what would become Oklahoma was designated for the five civilized tribes. Many in the government saw no value in these lands, so they felt this was the perfect region for the new reservations. Moving the Seminole, Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Cherokee tribes were accomplished by the end of the 1830s. Many native Indians would perish on the forced marches that were overseen by the U.S. government.

The Nation Prepares for War

The landscape of America was changing. The Louisiana Purchase had put the center of the continent into United States control. This opened up new lands for settlers and speculators. Just south of the Oklahoma region, Texas was declaring its own independence from Mexico. From 1836 to 1845, the region would be a separate country but would be annexed by the U.S. This action helped lead to the Mexican-American War in 1846. After the war ended, Texas was added to the Union as a slavery state.

To stay within the boundaries being applied to new slave states, the northernmost border of Texas would be moved south, leaving the tract that would eventually become the Oklahoma Panhandle. As the map filled in all around the Midwest, the territorial borders for Oklahoma would be defined by what was leftover. Even with all of the areas around claiming statehood, it would take until 1907 for Oklahoma to have a star on the U.S. flag.

Engaging the Native Tribes

The tumultuous times that had fallen on our country would not leave the territory unscathed. By the beginning of the 1860s, the Oklahoma region was home to around 55,000 native Indians. All around them, new states were being established. With the issue of slavery becoming a flashpoint, the addition of Kansas and Nebraska added fuel to the fire. The Confederates were quick to form alliances with the major Indian tribes. The Civil War even raged within the borders, as Union and Confederate loyal tribes faced off with each other. This conflict continued throughout the war, and it would lead to the president suspending treaties with any tribe supporting the Confederate side. There were a few that held on for the duration of the Civil War. In fact, it was a native Indian general who was the last to surrender on June 23, 1865. This Cherokee chief would find his tribe left out of negotiations, after the war.

We were surprised to find so many informative exhibits at the Oklahoma History Center. While we knew that our region of the country had been a hotbed for conflict, it still amazes us when we learn new details about specific battles. It reminds us that in all of these smaller conflicts, within the Civil War, there were heroes as well as casualties.

Opening the Land

For years, Oklahoma territory was considered uninhabitable for anyone except the native Indians. The quickly changing weather, often running to extremes, made survival complicated. Much of the landscape appeared difficult to farm or ranch. As the end of the 1800s approached, the country was discovering improved methods of farming. These would help drive the demand for new land that settlers could claim. In March of 1899, President Benjamin Harrison announced that nearly 2 million acres of Indian territory would be made available to settlers.

At high noon, on April 22, the “land rush” would begin. Over 50,000 hopefuls swamped the land, in anticipation of the event. A few early starters slipped across the line, to get a head start on finding a claim. They would be labeled “Sooners”, and many a legal battle would erupt over their claims. During an earlier visit to Oklahoma City, we had a chance to visit the Land Rush statues at BrickTown. These life-size pieces bring the feel of the moment to life.

Tending the Herd

As we made our way through the exhibits at the Oklahoma History Center, we found opportunities for touching the past. Here and there, we discovered these stations that allow visitors to interact. This one gave us a glimpse of life as a cowboy. We could climb aboard a saddle, to imagine the open prairie all around us. Nearby, a chuck-wagon awaited a cook to prepare the evening meal for the hungry cowboys. Can you imagine the hardships that must have come with moving herds from Texas, up the Chisholm Trail?

Heading to Market

By the time that Oklahoma became a state, in 1907, the landscape was already dotted with growing cities. Oklahoma City had a population of around 50,000 and was preparing for its next phase of growth. With so many cattle ranches in the state, it made sense to develop some meatpacking plants. This would eliminate the need to move all of the herds out of state, for processing. In 1910, the Oklahoma National Stockyards Company opened as a public market. This development spurred the creation of multiple packing plants, to service the stockyards. Business boomed, and by 1966 it was the sixth-largest market in America. By 1973, it became the largest and still holds that distinction today.

Feeding a Nation

Having a major stockyard meant that packing plants would have a steady supply. This attracted companies like Armour and Wilson to open plants in Oklahoma City. The partnership blossomed, and soon Oklahoma City had cemented its place as a major meatpacking location. After World War II, Oklahoma City emerged as a growing leader in this industry. During the 1960s and ’70s, while many other cities saw a shuttering of meatpacking plants, Oklahoma City continued to flourish. With good transportation access from highways and railways, their central location allows for continued success.

Dust in the Wind

Oklahoma has seen plenty of struggles, as well as successes. During the 1930s, the country was battling with the Great Depression. While this impacted the entire nation, regionally there were even more issues arising. The high plains were well-known for receiving sparse amounts of precipitation. While these arid grasslands could support grazing animals, they were not considered prime farming lands. After the Civil War, waves of immigrants flooded west looking for land. Some would come to the Great American Desert with hopes of creating a new life.

After World War I, the need for wheat and other crops was felt worldwide. With the addition of motorized farming equipment, farmers saw the potential to work on this untapped ground. While this panned out during wet years, it could spell disaster during times of drought. After a run of favorable weather in the 1920s, the climate would change for the worse. Beginning in the summer of 1930, drought returned to the high plains. This dried out the thin layer of topsoil, which was picked up by the gusting winds that frequent the region. Before long, these “dust storms” would become an all too frequent sight. By the mid-1930s a mass migration would occur, which would see families fleeing to the west.

Taking to the Skies

One of the reasons we enjoy so many museums is the opportunity to learn about local history. It surprises us how often we find a connection with someone or something we recognize from the past. A good example was this exhibit on aeronautics. Stepping into the old barn we found ourselves touching the past of airplane travel in Oklahoma. Little did we know that Braniff Air Lines originally started in Oklahoma City. Inside of this interactive exhibit, we were able to strap in and enjoy a ride, as the video screen took us up for a look-see. To be honest, we actually sat through this display twice, since it was filled with some good information. Be sure to check it out for yourself, when you visit.

A Route Runs Through It

Crystal and I grew up in the era when Route 66 was one of the main arteries for travel across the western half of the nation. While this leisurely choice was eventually replaced by interstates, there are still sections that maintain its nostalgic touch. Oklahoma holds a variety of sights for those traveling the Mother Road. While some classic stops have passed away from neglect, a recent resurgence of interest is bringing a new generation of travelers to the region. When following the route, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for unique attractions. You just never know when one will pop up on the horizon.

Plan Your Own Road Trip

Oklahoma has such a storied history, that there is no way we could capture it all in this article. With so many places to explore, our hope is that we will spark your explorer side. Plan your own road trip, and you will find yourself touching the past at sites all across the land. If you want to learn about more Oklahoma destinations, be sure to check our Southwest category. You are sure to find some great vacation ideas that are family-friendly. After all, road trips make for memories that will last a lifetime. Travel safely!

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35 Years of Panhandle Pride – Calico County

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 09:45:51 +0000

Longevity is one of the main goals in the restaurant business. Many struggle to make it through the first couple of years, as they fight to build a consistent following. If they make it to five years, then they face the next issue, which is to prevent their menu from becoming stale to their regular customers. Finding a dining destination with long term staying power is usually a sign of consistent dishes being served with exceptional service. This was certainly the case, when we discovered 35 years of Panhandle Pride at Calico County.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Calico County for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

It Takes All Kinds

Stopping at Calico County for breakfast on a weekday gave us a good idea of the local crowd who frequent the restaurant. It became quickly apparent that the food they serve is accepted by a wide range of clientele. Within the span of a few minutes, we were joined by business people who looked to be on their way to the office. Nearby, there sat others who could easily be factory workers. Servicemen, as well as another regular working “Joes”, dotted the landscape inside of the restaurant. It is reassuring to see that such a wide range of appetites find solace in the meals at one location.

The seating options are simple enough, with a choice between booths and tables. Of course, there is a place that Crystal and I differ. I have always been a fan of table dining since it offers chairs that move in and out of the space. Crystal is a booth person and tells me it is because she finds them to be more comfortable. At Calico County, you have your choice, but in this instance, I was able to win out and pick a table. As we waited for our morning coffee service, we scanned the menus to see what yummy bites they offered.

Spiral Delight

When our server returned with our coffee, he brought with him a basket of freshly made cinnamon rolls. This was not something we expected, but it was certainly welcomed. These delicious little spirals of goodness gave us something to nibble on, while we perused the menu. We have to admit that this was not the first time we had been surprised by cinnamon rolls during a Route 66 trip. During a visit to Tulsa, Oklahoma, we had been served up an enormous pastry treat at Tally’s Good Food cafe. (You can read about Tally’s here.) While the rolls at Calico County were more of normal size, they were still a delicious treat.

Simple and Fresh

Our plan for the day would have us spending the first half exploring the Panhandle-Plains Museum. We know it is the largest history museum in Texas, so we wanted to be sure to pack on some protein to keep us going. Crystal had started the visit with the intention of getting an omelet, and Calico County has a nice variety to choose from. She decided to keep it simple and just go with the sausage version. The scrambles are made with sour cream and American cheese, which makes them silky smooth. The addition of the Whole Hog sausage added a delightful flavor punch to the dish.

A side order of their crispy bacon would help add an additional protein boost. Of course, she washed it all down with a few cups of their coffee. You know we had to start our day with a cup of Joe. She was kind enough to offer to share her bacon with me, so that allowed me to dive deeper into the menu for my main dish.

Syrup Pockets

I’m not really a heavy breakfast eater, in general. For me, lunch or dinner is my preferred meal, but I know the importance of fueling up for exploring. That being said, I don’t focus nearly as heavily on the protein side. Knowing that Crystal was sharing her bacon offered plenty for me, so it opened up my options. This morning, I was feeling a bit on the sweet side, so I thought about my traditional go-to of pancakes or French toast. After all, it’s hard to go wrong with either of those choices.

As I reviewed the menu, my eyes spotted the Chicken & Waffles. This southern dish is one that I have enjoyed many times, but it sounded too heavy for this particular morning. The server arrived back at our table, and I hadn’t yet decided. When I explained my indecision, he suggested I just go with a serving of the house waffles. Little did I realize that they came in the shape of the restaurant’s logo. That was a bonus I didn’t expect. It ended up being a perfect choice and had me wondering why I don’t choose waffles more often. After all, they have those perfect little syrup pockets that help keep each bite sweet and moist.

35 Years of Panhandle Pride

Our visit to Amarillo, Texas reminded us of a few important lessons that we have learned along the road.

#1) Longevity is usually a sign of consistency. If you want to serve delicious bites to customers, they need to know that each visit will yield similar results. Discovering that Calico County has over 35 years of Panhandle Pride, under their belts, was a sure sign of this.

#2) Be open to suggestions. When you find yourself waffling about what to order, ask your server what the restaurant is known for. When you put their pride on the line, it will almost always result in a fantastic meal. Besides, it can also lead to rediscovering a dish you forgot you enjoyed.

#3) Keep your eyes peeled. You never know exactly what you may find when exploring Route 66. These crazy legs are exactly the kind of oddity you will find when exploring America’s Mother Road. So, when is your next Route 66 road trip?

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Bringing Brunch To Downtown Oklahoma City – Kitchen 324

Jeff & Crystal — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 09:45:46 +0000

You may have noticed that we have a thing for downtown areas of destinations we visit. Over the past few years, we are seeing more and more cities experiencing a revitalization of their urban regions. This return to the core has sparked the opening of some unique attractions, shops, and lodging options. Of course, when you create reasons for people to visit, you will need to be able to feed them. During a summer visit, we found that Kitchen 324 is bringing brunch to downtown Oklahoma City.

We want to thank Visit OKC and Kitchen 324 for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Urban Digs

On this visit to OKC, we found ourselves staying at the Colcord Hotel, which is right in the heart of the urban revitalization. (You can check out Colcord here.) As we scoped out the map of nearby options, Kitchen 324 offered a promising meal within easy walking distance. Since we were winding down a four-city trip, we decided to sleep in on our last day. No problem, since breakfast was so close. When we arrived, we found that the restaurant is housed in the old Braniff Airlines building, which was built in 1923. You don’t find that kind of history in the suburbs. From the brunch crowd, it was clear that we weren’t the only ones who appreciate this.

Intriguing Ingredients

Once we started diving into the menu, we found that Kitchen 324 is mixing it up with some interesting flavor combinations. Crystal liked the sound of the Breakfast Bowl, which has an eclectic collection of ingredients. This veggie-packed dish has Brussel sprouts, avocado, and sweet potato, all tossed with kale pesto. She found plenty of protein in the dish, as well. They have this delightful bacon mixed in and top the whole thing with a pair of eggs. Now, that’s what we call a hearty breakfast.

New Twists

I had been thinking about chicken & waffles since we were south of the Mason-Dixon line. When I spotted the Hot Chicken Biscuit, I forgot all about that other dish. I mean, this plate is a great example of how Kitchen 324 is bringing brunch to downtown Oklahoma City. The base for this delectable dish is their homemade biscuit. This place knocks baked goods out of the park. A crispy, and slightly spicy, chicken breast is topped with a fried egg. That’s all it takes to make this sandwich, but the flavor goes on for days. Of course, they toss on a side of their crispy potato wedges, and I ordered some of their McCabe’s Crispy Bacon to round out my meal.

Picturesque Presentation

After we had ordered, but before our meals arrived, we had an opportunity to explore the restaurant. A nearby pastry counter was decorated with tempting treasures, that we made a mental note of for later. Our server had mentioned these treats, during our conversation. The manager came by to welcome us, and we were able to have a short conversation. She explained that Kitchen 324 sources locally produced ingredients, whenever possible. This idea seems to be catching on throughout the country, and we like it. We have found that it brings flavor back to dishes without the need to over-season the food.

Tasty Treats

Once we had finished our meals, it was time to decide just how full we wanted to be. Since we had a morning of exploring in front of us, we figured we could walk away from the extra calories that would come from one of the sweet treats in the pastry case. With so many choices, we knew that this would be tough. After tough negotiations, we agreed on the Cro-Conut. This airy puff of sinful delight combines the tastes of coconut and rum into one dreamy dish. You can bet that this quickly disappeared, and it was worth every heavenly bite.

Bringing Brunch to Downtown Oklahoma City

The flavors we discovered at Kitchen 324 were amazing. As we were dining, a couple was seated at the table next to us. Being out-of-towners, they had happened upon this spot. When they asked how the food was, it sparked a conversation about downtown dining. They had also noticed the increase in flavorful options in more of the downtown areas of cities they have visited. It confirmed what we already knew as a growing trend. This makes us confident that we will discover even more, as we develop our travel itinerary for 2020. We hope to show more places pushing the envelope, much like Kitchen 324 is doing with bringing brunch to downtown Oklahoma City. What cities have some of your favorite downtowns to explore?

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Life In The Staked Plains – Panhandle Plains Historical Museum

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 03:45:19 +0000

This was our first visit to the southern High Plains region of Texas. With three days to explore, we planned on learning about the history of the region. The huge mesa that encompasses this portion of the high plains is actually named Llano Estacado. It is often translated as the Staked Plains. Using Amarillo as a home base, allowing for an easy excursion to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, in Canyon, Texas. We always look for a chance to better understand local life. The demands that come with living in this difficult region, has challenged life in the Staked Plains for thousands of years.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Early Life in the Staked Plains

Obviously, the lands were occupied long before humans arrived. Over the eras, life in the Staked Plains has had to adapt. During a portion of time, the region was actually part of a swampy rainforest. Fossils show that many types of dinosaurs once roamed the area. We love seeing the variety of creatures, and seeing the giant phytosaur (Similar to a crocodile), is just amazing. As we followed the displays through time, we came to the period where mammals became the dominant beings. One of the exhibits shows the visible changes to the American bison over time.

Mammals Come to the Forefront

As the sea levels continued to drop, the swamps receded. The rivers were still commonplace, so animal life in the Staked Plains flourished. Early ancestors of wild horses roamed what would eventually become the southern high plains. Over the centuries, the species changed, but their numbers still flourished. Millions of buffalo, whitetail deer, pronghorn antelope, and prairie dogs would find life in the Staked Plains to be favorable. This would be the environment that the first humans discovered when they arrived in this region.

Finding Shelter

Strewn throughout the Panhandle are rock outcroppings. Many of these provide overhangs that create shelter. Not quite the scale of underground caves, they were still useful to get out of the harsh weather that would strike the region. For thousands of years, native Indians and nomads alike would utilize these spaces. Scientists are able to uncover artifacts that have been protected from the elements and shed light on these early inhabitants.

Supporting Life in the Staked Plains

With all of the wildlife, it was sure to draw a variety of hunting tribes of native Indians. During a visit to the Alibates Flint Quarries, we learned about the use of handcrafted tools by these early people. (You can read about Alibates here.) Some of these tribes decided to make the area their permanent home and faced the ever-changing weather. Archeological finds from the region tell the story of these dedicated people. A combination of hunting and farming helped support their semi-permanent villages.

Nomadic Visitors

While some tribes took up a more permanent residence, others preferred the nomadic life. Comanches followed the buffalo herds, that frequented the region. Life on the Staked Plains meant navigating the grasslands, as well as the canyons. This includes Palo Duro Canyon, which is the second-largest canyon system in the United States. The Comanche were a fierce people who defended their hunting grounds with vigor, which continued until after the Civil War. The slaughtering of the buffalo removed their main food source leading to the downfall of the Comanche.

Changing Life in the Staked Plains

With the buffalo mostly obliterated, the grasslands were opened up for domesticated herds. The first to come were sheep, followed shortly by cattle. As more and more ranchers arrived, the sheep herds gave way to the increasing cattle stock. Soon, barbed wire fences began cordoning off sections of the Llano Estacado.

Commerce Comes to Town

When enough cowboys and ranchers had populated the region, it was sure to draw others. Many of these were business owners who looked to profit from supplying the ranch hands and owners. The railroad’s arrival would bring additional speculators, and soon families would follow. Towns sprung up with the hope of attracting a railroad depot. Commerce had come to the Staked Plains.

Harnessing the Wind

Life in the Staked Plains meant dealing with lots of wind. Dust devils are whipped up by the fast-moving breezes. With a nearly constant supply of free power available, the use of windmills became integral in the Texas Panhandle. We can honestly say that this was the first museum we visited that had an entire gallery filled with windmill parts. We can just imagine a worker staked out on the plains, as they assembled a windmill.

Drilling for Gold

It is estimated that there is oil or gas under two-thirds of the state of Texas. Life in the Staked Plains these days includes plenty of fields, but it hasn’t always been that way. In the early 1900s, an expedition was organized to trace the Canadian River, which flows through the Panhandle. During the exploration, it was noted that the region was favorable for rich oil fields. The report was forgotten for over a decade until it was finally used to determine the location of the first test well.

Treasures of the Staked Plains

This initial well would end up discovering one of the greatest oil and gas fields in the world. A variety of petroleum products have been mined from the formations located under the Panhandle Plains. This is just one more of the treasures that make up life in the Staked Plains. With all of this rich history, it’s easy to understand why the people who inhabit this region are so eager to show off their corner of the world. This museum is amazingly large, so plan plenty of time for your visit. (We didn’t.) They will even allow you to leave for lunch and return for more, just let them know in the gift shop.

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Picking And Grinning At The American Banjo Museum

Jeff & Crystal — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 09:45:08 +0000

While the banjo did not get its start in America, it has certainly found a way into the culture of American music. I have had a fascination with this unique sounding instrument for many years. When our travels brought us back to Oklahoma City, it offered an opportunity I would not pass up a second time. Ever since my youth, I have watched banjo players picking and grinning, while evoking melodious tunes. A visit to the American Banjo Museum would offer a peek inside the history of this mysterious musical instrument.

We want to thank Visit OKC and the American Banjo Museum for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Coming to America

The earliest known origins of the banjo started in Africa. The instrument is composed of four, five or six strings and a membrane-covered frame. It found its way to the Caribbean, in the 17th Century, with the introduction of enslaved people. Historical references can be found dating the use in North America to the 1700s. The banjo would often be heard on plantations, and by the mid-1800s would find its way into mainstream American culture. Prior to this, it had been primarily a handmade instrument. Gaining notoriety in minstrel shows had helped the banjo capture the interest of the public.

Picking and Grinning Americana

The Roaring Twenties was the golden age of the banjo. The instrument played a prominent role in American life. Jazz was all the rage, and banjos were a key instrument in the genre of music. The American Banjo Museum has a wonderful collection of banjos that showcase the artistic side of the designs featured in this era. It’s hard to imagine so much work going into the side of the banjo that rested against the body. It just shows how much people loved their instruments.

Rhubarb Red

As we explored the American Banjo Museum, there were plenty of familiar names and faces popping up. One of the greats in the guitar field is Les Paul. Little did we realize that he has his own connection with picking and grinning. In the 1920s, he performed in a duo, named Sunny Joe & Rhubarb Red, which featured hillbilly music. This genre was extremely popular at that time, and Les would often be found playing the banjo, among other instruments.

Ingrained in American History

Picking and grinning moved farther into American culture and was often associated with country music. After World War II ended, the banjo once again saw a rise in popularity. Many artists would utilize this instrument in their groups, as they performed at The Grand Ole Opry. Banjo players would be as integral to this genre of music, as guitar players were to the fast-rising Rock and Roll. In fact, there were many “Country Shredders” who would become easily recognizable.

A Familiar Name

Pete Seeger was a popular folk singer in the 1940s. As a social activist, he wrote many songs that have found their way into American history. You may remember “If I Had a Hammer” or “Turn! Turn! Turn!”, which were recorded by many artists. While visiting the Woody Guthrie Museum, in Tulsa, we found that they had a traveling exhibit on Pete Seeger. The iconic message on the skin of his banjo was easily recognizable as being from this important artist. (You can read about the Guthrie Museum here.)

King of the Banjos

When we hear the name Earl Scruggs, it immediately is associated with the banjo. Arguably the greatest banjo player of all time, he revolutionized picking and grinning. Many artists had utilized a one or two-finger picking method, but Scruggs introduced the three-finger style. For decades, the banjo had been a back-up instrument used to provide rhythm to a band. This new style of picking brought the banjo up front and center, as it allowed artists to do solos. The music of Scruggs can be found in movies and television shows, like The Beverly Hillbillies. Most of us can recognize “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” when it plays.

An Unlikely Entry

During our visit, we were lucky enough to catch the tail end of the Jim Henson special exhibit. In this rotating exhibit, there was a ton of information about this visionary. It brought back memories of watching The Muppets on television, during our youth. The exhibit told about his life from boyhood through his passing. The early days of puppeteer work, on Sesame Street, helped him develop the characters that would later come to life in his movie, The Dark Crystal. He was certainly a special kind of storyteller.

Picking and Grinning Alternatives

As we made our way onto the second floor of the museum, we found a few oddities in the banjo world. The huge bass banjo seemed like quite a weird idea, and it would be interesting to hear it played. I guess it wasn’t meant to be. Nearby, we found a series of display cases filled with ukuleles. Not being terribly familiar with this instrument, our minds drift to pictures of Hawaiian dancers playing this instrument on the beach. Little did we know, there is an entire series of professionally crafted ukes designed like miniature banjos.

Gallery of American Treasure

Upstairs we also found a large collection of banjos from the 1920s and 1930s. These gorgeously gilded instruments were so interesting to view. From a cursory glance they looked similar. Once we got closer, we could see how each has its own unique design. It amazes us that there can be so much variation in this one magically musical creation. Do you enjoy watching the picking and grinning of banjo players?

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Tex-Mex Fix On Route 66 – Braceros Mexican Grill & Cantina

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 18 Nov 2019 09:45:15 +0000

Some like it hot, but we prefer it to be flavor-packed. Amarillo, Texas is chocked full of intriguing dining options, so we knew our trip would be delicious. One of the reasons we chose Amarillo as our first Texas blogging city, was that it lies smack dab on Route 66. There is a section of the Mother Road, which aligns with 6th Street, that has embraced its historic roots. On this roughly one-mile-long stretch, you will find an assortment of shops, eateries, antique stores, and bars. We also found a place to get our Tex-Mex fix on Route 66 at Braceros Mexican Bar & Cantina.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Braceros Mexican Grill for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Heading South of the Border

When we discovered that Braceros has been in business for over 15 years, we knew that they had to be solid. In the restaurant business, 10 years is a magical number that many never achieve. For this visit, we were excited to have lunch with Kashion Smith, who is Deputy Director at Visit Amarillo. After our greetings, I headed off to get photos of the restaurant, while Kashion and Crystal had a chat. It sure is handy being a traveling couple, since we can cover two tasks at once. Crystal was able to make note of some details that she learned from this life-long Amarillo resident.

Brightening Up the Table

I returned to the table to find them in deep conversation. We snacked on some chips and salsa, while we perused the menus. Soon, our server returned to see what we had decided. Kashion led off the ordering with a dish we had never seen. Her Veggie Plate was filled with an assortment of grilled vegetables. Toss in some grilled shrimp and you have a color wheel of deliciousness. The smell of the freshly grilled ingredients was intoxicating. Kashion assured us that it tasted as good as it looked. Obviously, she was no rookie when it came to getting her Tex-Mex fix on Route 66.

Going Old School

Braceros has some pretty good looking lunch specials, that had caught our attention. Crystal likes to stick to the tried-and-true dishes, that she can easily recognize. Of course, sharing bites has opened her eyes to some new tastes. Today she would choose to go mainstream with the Chicken Enchilada & Chicken Taco plate. The addition of refried beans (or Charro if you prefer) and Arroz Mexicano (Spanish rice) round out this lunch special. It definitely equates to a filling meal that had a nice assortment of flavors and allowed Crystal to get her Tex-Mex fix on Route 66.

Sizzling and Savory

The lunch special menu was calling out to me, as well. When I spotted the Soft Fajita Tacos plate, my mind was made up. With a choice of chicken or beef, I decided to sample their steak version. Once again, my plate was accompanied with a choice of beans and their delectable rice. The tacos were absolutely spot on. The steak had a nice flavor, which was accented by the perfectly caramelized onions and grilled peppers. Excellent lunch choice.

A Sneak Peek

Being travel bloggers does come with a few perks. Most visits we make will land us a chance to meet the owners of the restaurants we choose. On this particular visit, we were greeted by Jaime Santillán, who hails from Zacatecas, Mexico. After a short conversation, he asked if we would like to sample a dish that he was considering adding to the menu. When he delivered the plate of tacos, they made a striking presentation. The blue corn tortillas are stuffed with Huitlacoche (also called Mexican truffles), which is an edible corn mushroom. This delicacy is accented with a deliciously tangy cheese. Since Crystal doesn’t like mushrooms of any sort, it fell on me to enjoy, err… sample this dish for the team. I already wish that this was available at a restaurant in our hometown.

Get Your Tex-Mex Fix on Route 66

Braceros Mexican Grill is certainly a notable landmark on the old Route 66 path. What our visit showed us was that places like this have a menu so large, it would take weeks of visits to even make a dent. If you visit their website (Link in the first paragraph), you will find that their menu is layered with amazing culinary creations. Toss in one of their specialty drinks, from their in-house bar, and you can easily create your own fiesta. We now understand why they had a steady crowd in the middle of the afternoon on a weekday.

Spending Time with the Mother Road

Now that we had our Tex-Mex fix on Route 66, it was time to check out some of the other businesses along this section of the Mother Road. We bid our goodbyes to Jaime and Kashion, and headed back out into the bright Amarillo day. The food and conversation had been so enjoyable that we were a tad bit behind schedule. Never mind a few minutes, we were not going to miss this opportunity. We spent about an hour exploring the shops and conversing with locals. When the demands of our next stop became a reality, we bid our farewells, for now. It looks like further exploration will have to be done on a future visit.

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Rocking The Classics At S&B’s Burger Joint

Jeff & Crystal — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 09:45:02 +0000

It’s hard to beat a good burger for lunch. Wherever we travel, we always look to add at least one good burger joint to our itinerary. It never ceases to amaze us with the unique ways that eateries find to dress up this handheld staple. During a return visit to Oklahoma City, we had a chance to dine at S&B’s Burger Joint. On this particular day, we were joined by Tabbi & Meg, from the Visit OKC tourism bureau. We love getting to spend time with our hosts, as we learn so much information about the city we are visiting. On this particular day, we would discover that S&B’s is rocking the classics with their unusual dishes.

We want to thank Visit OKC and S&B’s Burger Joint for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Long Play Favorite

S&B’s Burger Joint has built a following across Oklahoma. This chain of restaurants is owned by Shannon Roper and Bryan Neel, hence the name S&B’s. While we often shy away from showcasing chain restaurants, there are always those few that stand out from the pack. We like that S&B’s is more of a local chain and that they are dedicated to their community. This includes being generous with donations back into each community that they serve. We arrived a few minutes early, so we had time to scope out the interior. Since we were enjoying an early lunch, it meant that we had our choice of tables, in their open, garage-like seating area.

Gimme, Gimme

Most of you can probably remember the lyrics, “We built this city on rock and roll”. This chain has built rock and roll into their theme. From the colorful graphic images on nearly every surface to the rows of LP records, it’s all about the tunes. Reviewing their menu, we found that they carry this theme into this area, as well. We found categories of Greatest Hits Salads, Classic Rock Pizza and Burgers, as well as Other Classics. Our hosts talked up the specialty shakes, so we obviously needed to sample one. I picked out a Strawberry Poptart Shake, which is truly over-the-top experience.

Rockin’ Patties

With four in our group, there was a whole lot of food being ordered, so let’s get started. Meg got it rolling with the Impossible Burger. This plant-based version of a burger is becoming all the rage. While we are okay with a good cow-based patty, it’s nice to see restaurants beginning to solve the ordering dilemma for our vegan friends. Tabbi pulled from the Indie Rock Burger section, with her order of The Frenchman. With mushrooms, Swiss cheese, fried onions, and French onion dip, it had me second-guessing my choice.

Smothered Goodness

You can’t have burgers without getting some fries, and Tabbi knew that S&B’s was rocking the classics with their Peanut Butter & Bacon Fry. While we truly enjoy a nice order of sweet potato fries, this place doesn’t stop there. Let’s get crazy and drizzle some creamy peanut butter all over your fries. Oh wait, why not toss on a heaping helping of bacon crumbles, as well. What kind of madness is this? Oh wait, it’s the delicious kind that kept us coming back for more.

Instant Classic

With all of these crazy options to choose from, it was actually our server who helped me decide on my burger. Old Town Road is one of their signature burgers and starts with one of their half-pound Angus beef patties. Then they go crazy. Toss on some melted cheddar, jalapeño-bacon, hand-breaded fried jalapeños & frizzled onions, and then coat it with BBQ aioli. While you are at it, why not top it with a whole fried jalapeño? Oh wait, they did just that, and it was delicious.

Rocking the Classics Again

It was looking like Crystal would have to bring some normalcy to our table. I thought it would happen with her order of the Black & Blue. Once again, S&B’s was rocking the classics with their spin on this burger house staple. Sure it’s a burger, and sure it has bacon, but the coating wasn’t blue cheese, it was a balsamic blue cheese vinaigrette. How can that be misconstrued as a Black & Blue Burger? Sure enough, they threw this dish for a loop, as well. Crystal quickly discovered that the blue cheese is stuffed inside the burger, so the flavor comes out in every bite. Pretty tricky!

Get in my Belly

As we dined and conversed, it was clear that S&B’s Burger Joint has found a way to spice up their menu. By rocking the classics with unusual twists, they have carved out a niche in the burger world. What made it even better was that the Angus beef patties were juicy and flavorful, so they would easily be able to stand out on their own. Of course, we aren’t upset to have so many unique topping combinations to choose from. It just makes it a little more difficult to pick just one. At least I had my strawberry shake to savor while I decided.

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Ever Changing Landscape – Cadillac Ranch

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 09:45:34 +0000

Traveling through the Texas Panhandle can bring with it some unusual sights. One of the most popular paths is to follow along the old Route 66, which passes through Amarillo. Just west of the city, we happened upon the Cadillac Ranch. This quirky art installation is visited by thousands of budding artists annually. The open invitation to leave their mark has created an ever-changing landscape. We saw this opportunity as a chance to be part of history, even if only for a moment in time.

Color on the Panhandle

The Cadillac Ranch will certainly catch the eye of passing motorists. The backstory is just as impressive as the monument. A local Texas millionaire, named Stanley Marsh 3, invited an artist collective to create an intriguing installation on his ranch. Marsh’s goal was to have something so unique that it would baffle the minds of locals. The artists, known as the Ant Farm, hailed from San Francisco. With the permission and financial backing of Marsh, they came up with a plan for the Cadillac Ranch.

Our Path to Paint

In 1974, the plan went into effect. The idea behind the art installation was to show the evolution of the Cadillac’s tail fins, from 1949 to 1963. To accomplish this, they planted ten automobiles nose down in the Texas Panhandle. All of the Caddies are angled toward the west in a straight line. Since the piece was accessible by the public, it didn’t take long for change to occur. It began with visitors removing pieces from the cars. The glass was broken out, and much of the chrome was stripped off.

Ever-Changing Landscape

The next step, in the evolution of the ever-changing landscape, came in the form of spray paint. It began simply as tagging the cars with a name. Visitors looked for any unaltered spaces to claim for their own tag, and soon all of the cars were covered. With every inch plastered, it was only logical that old tags would soon become covered with fresh paint. Fast forward forty years, and what we found was a field of nearly unrecognizable autos.

Hands-On Approach

While the original finish is long since been covered, the tail fins still show through the layers of paint. Not to be left out, we came prepared with our own can, as well as some gloves. The biggest challenge was finding a spot where our short-lived markings would survive. It seemed like each of the ten cars had its own little group, and there was an almost unending line of new arrivals.

Fame is Fleeting

Soon we found our spot and prepared to make our mark in the ever-changing landscape. With the wind whipping all around, we were a little nervous about the spray. Fortunately, our spot was on the eastern side of the last Cadillac on the eastern edge of the art installation. Within minutes, our legacy was complete and left a permanent record of our visit. Of course, the layer upon layer of paint suggested that it would be covered up by the end of the day.

Time to Fly

We looked around at the scene around the Cadillac Ranch in amazement. It was obvious that visitors were not satisfied with just painting the cars. Nearby, the parched Texas soil was covered in brightly colored shapes and designs. The hot July sun was sliding across the horizon, so it signaled the time for our departure. With all of the running we had been doing, we were looking forward to a little relaxed time. (We found it here at the Botanical Gardens.) With our addiction to this Route 66 landmark complete, we made the walk back to our car. Along the way, we passed other travelers who made the pilgrimage to leave their mark on the ever-changing landscape. It made us realize that the one constant at this site is change.

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Peace In The Panhandle – Amarillo Botanical Gardens

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 03:45:48 +0000

How many of you find yourself moving at a faster pace during your vacations? It seems that we feel the clock ticking on our time away, and we want to pack it full of leisurely activities. By the time we return home, we feel like we need a vacation from our vacation. We have found that by adding a few tranquil stops to our itinerary, it allows us to slow down and recharge our batteries. An example was our visit to the Amarillo Botanical Gardens, which allowed us to find Peace in the Panhandle.

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?

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Cowboy Spirit At The Big Texan

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 28 Oct 2019 09:45:25 +0000

Don’t you like it when you find a hometown connection when visiting a new destination? This is exactly what happened to us, during our stay in Amarillo, Texas, but we will talk about that in a minute. Part of our focus, on this trip, was finding stops that are perfect for Route 66 travelers. (Here’s some we discovered in Springfield, Illinois.) This city is filled with opportunities, but one that cannot be missed is The Big Texan. To call this place a restaurant is an understatement. It is much more than that, as it exudes the cowboy spirit throughout the space. Since 1960, this Texas-sized eatery has sat alongside the Mother Road, welcoming weary travelers.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and The Big Texan for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Kansas City Connection

R.J. “Bob” Lee had his roots in the Midwest. After spending time at the Savoy Grill, a Kansas City landmark steakhouse, he knew what it takes to make a great steak. Like many of us, he grew up watching westerns and listening to stories of the cowboy spirit on the high plains. The urge to see the land firsthand forced him to move his wife and kids to Amarillo, Texas. Here in the Panhandle region, he would get a hankering for a first-class steakhouse. Since he couldn’t find one to please his expectations, he decided to create his own. It was important to him that it not only fed the body but offered a taste of the old west. His desire was to keep the spirit of the cowboy alive, and it certainly looks like he built a lasting shrine.

The Early Days

When Bob Lee opened The Big Texan it was a welcome sight to travelers along Route 66. Drivers would see the huge cowboy sign from a distance and knew they were about to arrive. It wouldn’t be long before Big Texan signs were erected all along the Mother Road. Much like the old Burma Shave signs, only these hinted of the FREE 72 oz. steak dinner. Of course, we all know nothing is truly free, so there was a price to be paid. Even without the huge steak offer, people would still flock to the restaurant to experience some true Texas hospitality.

Game On!

So why such a big steak? The story has it that Bob Lee held a contest to see which local cowboy could eat the most steak in one hour. While a few took him up on it, one stood out above the crowd. That cowboy devoured four and a half pounds of steak, a baked potato, one dinner roll, a salad, and a shrimp cocktail. To top it off, he accomplished this feat in one hour. (We’re guessing he didn’t go bronc busting immediately afterward.) Bob Lee decided then and there that anyone who can match that accomplishment gets their meal for free. As I stood there looking at the massive slab of beef, along with the sides, I knew that this was a challenge meant for someone besides me.

Going Fowl

As we nestled into our booth, we could feel the history around us. As we explored the menu, I wondered if Crystal would step up to the challenge. Lol, Of course, she wouldn’t! Her dinner choice was exactly what she imagined. Picking from the Big Sandwiches portion of the menu, she landed on the Char-Broiled Chicken Sandwich. An over-sized grilled chicken breast is served up with all the fixings. She offered me a taste, but this is a steak house, so I had to decline. I was saving my appetite for a juicy slab of beef.

The Big Texan Vegetarian Plate?

While I may not be stepping up to the 72 oz. steak, I was pretty pleased with my order of the Big Texan Center Cut 8 oz. Sirloin. Sure, it would take nine of these to match the slab I saw on display, but it was plenty for my appetite and would satisfy my cowboy spirit. Besides, it comes with a baked sweet potato and a side of Coleslaw. While we were dining, Bob Lee Jr. dropped by our table to welcome us to his restaurant. When he spotted my meal, he noted that he likes to call this dish the “vegetarian plate”. Okay, maybe an 8 oz. steak isn’t Texas-size after all. No matter, it was still delicious, and I ate every bite!

Welcome to Texas

While we dined, we watched strolling musicians playing for the crowd. Afterward, we found Bob Lee Jr. sitting out in the bar area, along with his craft brew-master. We joined them for a chat and listened to the stories of how The Big Texan has changed over the years. This family ran business is just that, a family business designed for families. By keeping to this basic principle, they have seen a consistent stream of satisfied customers. Every aspect of the business screams Texas and the old west cowboy spirit. This isn’t just a restaurant, it is an experience. Even without the 72 oz. steak challenge, this place would still be a landmark. But since they have it anyway, would you be willing to take the challenge?

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Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument – Digging The Past

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 03:45:06 +0000

When we planned our visit to Amarillo, there was an unusual stop that we wanted to catch, which lies north of the city. The Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument is the only park in Texas dedicated to preserving the quarries of the native peoples. The admission to the park is FREE and includes the beautiful scenery of nearby Lake Meredith. We arrived early enough to beat opening time, which allowed us a few moments to explore the landscape.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Alibates Flint Quarries for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Panhandle-Plains

Coming from a recent visit to Lindsborg, Kansas provided us with a chance to approach Amarillo from the north. (You can read about our Lindsborg visit here.) The Alibates Flint Quarries are open seven days a week, except holidays. As we explored the grounds around the visitor’s center, we made note of the vegetation. Some of the shrubs and flowers were familiar to us. Others were clearly native to this part of our world, and probably wouldn’t be happy in our neck of the woods. Everywhere we looked, the rocky hillsides dominated the landscape. Peeking out from below, we would catch glimpses of the familiar red soil of the Canadian River valley.

Early Explorers

When the staff noticed us meandering, they opened the doors and invited us inside. We started our visit by watching a short video about the native Indians who originally excavated this site. After this introduction, it was time to explore the on-site museum. It is estimated that the Clovis people were the first to excavate the flint that is common to this region. In many places, the flint outcroppings have been exposed, and pieces can be seen without digging. This would probably have been how the flint was originally discovered.

What’s So Special?

What drove us to stop at this particular site? When we read some background on the quarries, we were wondering what made this flint so special. It was apparent that a visit would be required to get answers to our questions about the people and uses of this special kind of rock. Flint is a hard form of quartz that is usually found with limestone. The appearance is most commonly gray, black or brown. Clearly, the color variations found at the Alibates Flint Quarries must have made for some prized pieces. This amazing mineral can be chipped to produce sharp-edged tools and weapons, in a process known as “knapping”.

Alibates Flint Quarries Products

As we explored the exhibits at the museum, we found that flint was used for a wide range of tools. Most of us would immediately think of arrowheads, which were an important aspect of hunting. Using the same design, except on a larger scale, would produce spearpoints. Flint also had an important role in other aspects of life for the native Indians. Spokeshaves could be formed, which were used to shape wooden rods and staffs. Most commonly these would be the shafts of arrows. This versatile mineral could also be shaped into awls and drills.

Trade Value

The value of the flint pulled from the Alibates Flint Quarries would spread across much of southern North America. While the first native Indians to discover it was probably nomadic, later tribes would settle in the area. Around 1000 years ago, there were villages of tradespeople who trafficked in this versatile material. Dotted across the Canadian River valley, are quarry pits that tell the tales of previous excavations. Pieces made from this area have been found as far north as Montana, to the south in Central Mexico, and to the east up to the Mississippi River. It is safe to assume that the tools crafted from the Alibates Flint Quarries were used for trade among various tribes.

Take a Hike at the Alibates Flint Quarries!

Our visit had given us a better understanding of the significance of this site. The timing of our visit didn’t allow for one of the FREE ranger-led hikes, but the staff told us about a nearby trail that we could fit into our visit. As we hiked through the high plains terrain, we imagined what the area meant to those first explorers. Along the path, we could spot shards and pieces of the local flint lying on the ground. The unique coloring of the stones is certainly entrancing. It made us think back to our childhood when we watched the ground for the chance to find an arrowhead. While we only found a handful over all of those years, we now have to wonder if any had come from one of these quarries. Did you collect arrowheads as a youth?

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Historic Dining Options In Springfield, Illinois

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 26 Aug 2019 09:45:50 +0000

In every city we visit, we are able to uncover some amazing eats. Springfield, Illinois kicked it up a level by adding the historic aspect to many of our stops. Being the heart of the “Land of Lincoln”, as well as a Route 66 destination, made this city extra special. Our downtown stay gave us access to a slew of locally owned eateries that are serving up some unique dishes. We all know that eating is required to survive, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be good food. Join us as we walk through this gallery of historic dining options in Springfield. Illinois.

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

The Lincoln Connection

If we are going to write an article about historic dining options in Springfield, Illinois, we have to include Wm. Van’s Coffee House. With a history that spans over 150 years ago, this former home has a direct link to Abraham Lincoln. These days, it has been moved to its new location and serves the locals and visitors who frequent this unique coffee house. (Read more about Wm. Vans here.)

Bringing a French Influence

We would love to write an article about every place we visit, but sometimes it just isn’t feasible. This is one of the reasons we produce these overview articles. It gives us a chance to show some other wonderful options that can be found in the cities we visit. A good example is Incredibly Delicious. This French bakery and cafe serve up some delightful baked goods and flavorful dishes. Everything was so tempting that we even had a slice of their sinful chocolate cake with our breakfast.

Historic Dining Options in Springfield, Illinois

When it comes to historic dining options in Springfield, Illinois, Maldaner’s Restaurant has been around for 135 years. With that many years under their belt, we knew the meals would be memorable. After all, this place has been serving Route 66 diners since the very beginning of the nation’s first highway. (Read about Maldaner’s here.)

Mother Road Eats

Speaking of Route 66 iconic eateries, let’s talk Cozy Dogs. This unique eat has quite a colorful, and debatable, history. There are a few stories of the origin of this cornmeal coated snack, and the one that surrounds Cozy Dog Drive-In is just as plausible as any. While we were raised calling them corn dogs, you won’t want to make that slip up when ordering at this Springfield classic. (Check out Cozy Dog here.)

New Classics

With so many historic dining options in Springfield, some may begin to think there are no new options. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. This capital city has plenty of new tastes to sample, and we couldn’t wait to give some of them a try. Long Nine Junction was definitely a “must try”, as it has seen tons of positive press. It had piqued our interest and once we tasted some of their specialties, we couldn’t get enough.

Tacos with a Twist

What happens when a seasoned chef decides to strike out on his own? Everyone wins, as the city gets a new restaurant, serving up authentic Mexican street dishes. This is exactly what has happened at Tacology 101. A meal of street tacos, Queso and chips, and some yucca fries were more than enough for the two of us. It reminded us of dining in our hometown, which is filled with amazing Mexican food destinations.

Springfield Specialty

During our explorations of this fun Midwestern city, we kept getting asked about the “horseshoe”. It seemed like everyone “in the know” was familiar with the city’s signature dish. Obviously, there was no way we were going to miss sampling one. Our visit to Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery was the perfect opportunity. Once again, we found a dish that had a little mystery around its origin. It was interesting hearing the various stories, but it was the dish that was the real winner. It is definitely carbalicious. (You can read more about horseshoes here.)

Sweet Treats

No visit to a new destination is complete without checking out the sweet treat scene. (At least in our opinion!) While our schedule was jammed packed with tons of attractions, we did squeeze in a visit to Pease’s Candy. This long-running candy maker has been in business in Springfield since the 1930s. After teaming up with Bunn Gourmet, they now offer a wider range of specialty sweets. We found their shop to be over the top and was a perfect match for the exquisite treats.

Friendly Competition

Candy isn’t the only sweet snack found in Springfield, Illinois. As we explored the shops along 6th Street, (The original Route 66) we came to a pair of specialty popcorn shops. What we found was a story of old and new working to bring options to the people who visit the area. Del’s Popcorn has been an Illinois icon for generations and expanded to Springfield in 1980. Pittman’s Popcorn is a relative newcomer but has its own niche on the popcorn business. With over 70 unique flavors, it’s gaining ground on its iconic neighbor.

Hanging with the Locals

Our visit to this capital city proved to be a culinary success. We found an amazing number of historic dining options in Springfield, Illinois. What made the visits extra special was the opportunity to meet so many locals. A common theme that we find throughout our visits, is the kind and welcoming people. Be sure to engage with the people that you meet in new destinations. They can provide the best insight into places to visit and things to do. Besides, it’s a great way to make new friends.

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History Galore In Springfield, Illinois

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 09:45:39 +0000

It’s always a thrill for us when we get to visit the capital city of a state. Even though they all have a dome, each is unique in its own way. Our trip to Springfield, Illinois gave us a chance to find history galore, in this twin domed Midwest city. So many historical paths cross in Springfield, and we couldn’t wait to explore them. This was the home of the Lincoln family, and the city is rich with sites where the family frequented. Route 66 passes directly through Springfield, and thousands travel the Mother Road looking for adventure. The city has plenty to offer visitors of all ages, and we came here to prove that it makes a great vacation destination.

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

Seeing Double

With a pair of capitol buildings, Springfield offers up a view of the old and new. The Old State Capitol has the distinction of being the place that Abraham Lincoln presented one of his most iconic speeches. “A house divided against itself cannot stand…” has been heard by millions and rings true even today. This speech was delivered by Lincoln during his campaign for U.S. Senate. While he will lose this race to Douglas, two short years later he will be elected President of the United States. In 1877, the Illinois legislature would move to its new home in the current State Capitol. Topped with a 405-foot dome, the building is quite a sight to see. You will certainly want to reserve some time to tour the inside and see the amazing details.

A Capitol View

We love finding cities that can be explored on foot. Springfield has a fairly level topography, so we knew that our journeys would be easy to navigate. With so many of the sights being in and around the downtown, we needed a home base that allowed easy access to this district. The State House Inn fit that bill perfectly and offered some amazing views of the current capitol building.

Getting It Wright

History buffs and Frank Lloyd Wright fans flock to Springfield to visit the Dana-Thomas House. Where most of Wright’s houses were built from the ground up, this one was actually a renovation. A rich socialite of Springfield met Wright in the early 1900s, and soon a plan was developed to transform the Italian mansion into a massive masterpiece. The house does have one special feature, as the owner wanted to preserve one room in remembrance of her parents. It was certainly a night & day kind of experience to suddenly happen upon a Victorian designed parlor in the midst of this beautiful home. (You can read more about the house here.)

Kidz Rule

While the Dana-Thomas House may be more appealing to adults, don’t fret that the children will be too bored. A stop at Kidzeum will certainly rev their motors. This children’s science center is designed to educate, while they play. The focus is on the human body, but there are also plenty of displays that focus on other aspects of life. Be aware that adults MUST be accompanied by a child to get in. This is one place that focuses heavily on making sure kids have an amazing visit. (You can read more about Kidzeum here.)

Connecting the Pieces

In almost every city or town we visit, we will root out the local museums. These spots give us access to better understand the history galore of the region. In capital cities, like Springfield, we will usually find the state museums. Places like the Illinois State Museum expand the focus to cover the entire state. From the earliest prehistoric times, right up to today, there are exhibits that show how Illinois came to be. This all-ages attraction is a great place to visit after touring the State Capitol next door. (You can read more about the museum here.)

Land of Lincoln

Now that we had a good grasp on the general history, it was time to do a deeper dive into one of Springfield’s most well-known citizens. Abraham Lincoln may not have been born in Springfield, but it is where he owned the only home he purchased. A visit to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site gave us a chance to tour the family residence. There are other historic homes that can be explored, throughout the neighborhood. (You can see more about the Lincoln home here.)

Difficult Decisions

Now that we had learned a little about the home life of the 16th President, it was time to visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. This museum was built about 140 years after Lincoln’s death, but perhaps it took that long to truly capture the story of this man. As we made our way through the exhibits, we tried to put ourselves in his shoes. The hardships that he faced, and the decisions he was forced to make wore heavily on him. We have had the opportunity to visit many presidential museums, and this one is certainly one of the best. (You can see why here.)

A Nation Mourns

Our exploration of the Land of Lincoln would not have been complete without a stop to pay our respects at Lincoln’s Tomb. From his humble beginnings, he rose to greatness and led our country through one of the most tumultuous times in its history. Even after his death, there were devious acts that prevented his body from resting at peace. Springfield was providing us history galore in almost every corner of the city. (You can learn more about that here.)

Evening Entertainment

While Lincoln and his family finally are able to rest, the stories of their days in Springfield still resonate with locals and visitors alike. We joined Springfield Walks for a ghostly tour of downtown Springfield. Our animated host led us through the paths that would have been used regularly by Abraham Lincoln. As he told us stories, of days long gone, we held on to every word. This tour is a great family activity, as it offers an interesting look at Springfield after dark. (You can read more here.)

Retail Therapy

Even though we pack our itineraries full of attractions and dining choices, we always leave a little time to explore other local businesses. Peppered throughout the downtown, we found a collection of cute boutique shops. As time allowed, we would pop into some to check out the merchandise. Downtown Springfield has a good number of art shops, that offer an eclectic mix of styles. We love the bright colors that these bring into our days, and they certainly caught our attention as we explored the region.

Couple Goals

When traveling, our late evenings are usually reserved for catching up on social media or prepping for the next day. There are occasions that we find some free time to do a little extra exploring. Since we were walking everywhere, we had an opportunity to check out some adult entertainment options, like Floyd’s Thirst Parlor. This downtown venue does double duty as a bar and an arcade. After grabbing a hard cider, we headed upstairs to check out some games. We spent quite a bit of time playing Skeeball, air hockey, and a couple of rounds of darts. Afterward, it was a short leisurely walk back to our hotel.

History Galore in downtown Springfield

While we only had three days to explore Springfield, Illinois, we were able to make the most of it by finding so much nearby. Whether you are a Lincoln fan, a Route 66 cruiser or a Civil war buff, you will find history galore in this Midwestern Capitol city. Even if you are bringing a family filled with adults and kids, there are plenty of options for everyone to have a great visit. Like many of the other cities we have explored, Springfield shows just how much can be found in the central part of our country.

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An Evening of Horseshoes and Ghost Tales

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 09:45:29 +0000

A visit to Springfield, Illinois is an opportunity to dive into the long history of this Midwestern region. With only three days to soak in as much as possible, we found ourselves bustling between stops. As we approached the end of our visit, we found ourselves facing our final day of exploration. With daylight burning, we approached an evening of horseshoes and ghost tales. This last night in the Land of Lincoln would be filled with historic stories of food and fun.

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.

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Immersing In History at The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 05 Aug 2019 09:45:32 +0000

When you travel to Springfield, Illinois, you will find yourself transported to the Land of Lincoln. While he may not have been born in Illinois, much of his formative years were spent in this Midwest state. I have to tell you that I have been fascinated with the life of the 16th President since my youth. An opportunity to visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum was not to be missed. We set aside plenty of time, since we knew we would be immersing in history during our tour. It only seemed fitting that we should start our visit on a day that threatened rain.

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!

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An OKC First – Colcord Hotel OKC

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 09:45:34 +0000

Oklahoma City holds so many great opportunities for couples and families. With tons of attractions, hundreds of dining options, and welcoming residents, this city is just begging for a visit. On this trip, we only had 24 hours in OKC, so we needed to stay close to the action. The Colcord Hotel OKC was the perfect home base for our 24 hours of exploration, as well as an OKC first for us. With so much history and loads of style, we couldn’t wait to get our historic start going.

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?

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Springfield’s Dana-Thomas House – A Treasure Saved

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 29 Jul 2019 09:45:04 +0000

While we are not experts in architectural design, that doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate beautiful designs. Springfield’s Dana-Thomas House gave us a chance to see one of the homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Unlike many of the homes Wright built from scratch, this home was a redesign. That small detail will come in play a little farther into this article.

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.

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Illinois State Museum – Piecing Together The Past

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 09:40:17 +0000

One of the benefits of visiting state capital cities is the opportunity to tour the state museums. Most every city and town will have a historical stop that showcases the local history. It is the state museum that will fill out the details on the entire region. In Springfield, we discovered the Illinois State Museum sits in close proximity to the capitol, and both of these were easy walking distance from our downtown lodging. We dropped by the museum to see how their displays are piecing together the past.

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?

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Science Search At Museum of Science and Industry

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 09:45:28 +0000

We have had the opportunity to visit a lot of science museums. While some exhibits are commonplace at almost every museum, each one we visit seems to have a few unique displays that intrigue us. Our visit to the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI), in Chicago, blew us away with their sheer volume of exhibits. We knew we were in for quite the experience, when we saw the immense building that sits along the shore of Lake Michigan. It became apparent that we would need to focus, as we launched our science search at MSI.

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?

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The Origin of Corn Dogs – Cozy Dog Drive In

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 09:45:59 +0000

A visit to Springfield, Illinois holds something for just about everyone in your travel crew. If you are a fan of road trips, then retracing the Mother Road (Route 66) will lead you straight through the heart of this Midwest city. Along the route, there are a variety of unique stops, like Cozy Dog Drive In. When we made our stop at this iconic site, we had no idea that we were taking a step back into the origin of corn dogs.

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?

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Tasty Treats From Oberweis Dairy

Jeff & Crystal — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 09:45:59 +0000

Wherever we travel, Crystal and I will usually be on the lookout for ice cream. We are fortunate that both of us can agree on this creamy treat as a preferred dessert option. When we planned our latest Chicago visit, it was agreed to make our base camp on the outskirts of the metro. While it meant a longer commute to the main attractions, it put us in easy striking distance of sampling the tasty treats at Oberweis Dairy. For those who have never visited Chi-Town, this Midwest creamery serves up some delicious ice cream creations, in a family friendly setting.

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?

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