Dining in a pre-Revolutionary War tavern was a new experience for us. During a day in Colonial Williamsburg, we stopped by Kings Arms Tavern for a lunchtime meal. Everything about this visit was special and we were ready to soak it all up. While this may be a reproduction, the attention to authentic details is […]
Kings Arms Tavern – A Revolutionary Meal Read More »
The city of Williamsburg, Virginia is a familiar name to many people. Did you know that this historic settlement began as Middle Plantation? Way back in 1632, English settlers discovered this area provided high ground between the York and James rivers. The settlers began at Jamestown, in 1607, but quickly spread across the peninsula. After
Colonial Williamsburg – The Early Days Of America Read More »
The “David versus Goliath” story of the American Revolution influenced political ideas around the globe. How could a fledgling nation win its freedom from the greatest military force of its time? The victory did not come without sacrifices and was not unanimously supported by the colonists. Our visit to the Historical Triangle of Virginia included
American Revolution Museum At Yorktown Read More »
Before we visited Frankfort, Kentucky, we thought it was just about thoroughbred horses, fried chicken, and bluegrass music. What we were to discover was a vibrant past filled with curious moments in history. Did you know that Kentucky was originally part of the Virginia colony? The largest of the original 13 colonies, Virginia ceded the
Frankfort Kentucky – A Colorful Capital Read More »
In late April, of 1607, three ships appeared on the horizon of what would become the Virginia coast. Onboard are 105 passengers who are determined to create the first permanent English settlement in America. Their five-month trip was just the beginning of the challenges these early settlers would face. We journeyed to Jamestown Settlement, along
Jamestown Settlement – Winds of Change Read More »
Traveling to Virginia gave us our first views of the Shenandoah Valley. As pioneers poured into the region, during the 1600s and 1700s, many passed through this area. With an agricultural-based economy, farming was key to almost every family. Our first Virginia stop landed us at the Frontier Culture Museum, in Staunton. We were eager
Frontier Culture Museum – Where Cultures Blend Read More »
It’s not as easy to be a capital city. Frankfort had to outbid neighboring cities to gain the title, in 1792. Twice the capitol building burned down, which allowed those other cities to attempt to usurp the seat of state government. Having a centralized location helped keep the capital in “Mainhattan” (Frankfort’s nickname). To learn
Capital City Museum – Frankfort’s Time Capsule Read More »
North America is filled with special places just waiting to be explored. As we move farther into our blogging life, our journeys have opened our eyes to new landscapes. This trip allowed us our first views of West Virginia, “The Mountain State”. Located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, this capital city was once
Charleston, WV – Our First Visit To The Mountain State Read More »
The Kentucky State Capitol isn’t the first of its kind. In fact, it is the fourth building since Kentucky achieved statehood in 1792. We were excited to add a visit to our growing list of capitols, with Frankfort being the 18th under our belts. A trip to the eastern seaboard allowed us to plan two
Kentucky State Capitol – Timely Visit Read More »
A summer adventure led us down roads we had never wandered. Our first stop, on this eastern adventure, landed us in Charleston, West Virginia. Being our first foray into the Mountain State, we chose the capital city as our starting point. Situated just a few steps from the state capitol, the West Virginia State Museum
West Virginia State Museum – Our Doorway To The Past Read More »
There are many reasons to visit the Bluegrass State. Some visit for the southern cuisine, which we found in abundance. Others come for the horse racing or bluegrass music. During our One Day Stay in Frankfort, we discovered Kentuckian’s love their bourbon. Nowhere else are the conditions so perfect for bourbon making. From the moment
Exploring Bourbon Country In Frankfort, Kentucky Read More »
Long ago (actually the 1970s), we were introduced to a new level of movie-making. I can remember standing in line waiting to view a newly released film, named Star Wars. We had no idea what to expect, but an entire generation was introduced to intergalactic entertainment. The use of CGI helped transport us to distant
Intergalactic Entertainment – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Read More »
What are some of your earliest memories of amusement parks? While researching a visit to Universal Studios Orlando, I discovered that the first modern amusement parks began along the east coast. We are all likely familiar with the name Coney Island and it was home to one of these fun fixtures way back in 1895.
Immersive Experience At Universal Studios Orlando Read More »
It may be best to begin this article with a disclaimer. Our daughter is a huge fan of Harry Potter, but Crystal and I approach this book-based series a little less seriously. A monumental dual occasion provided the three of us a reason to head to Orlando for some magical moments. The start of 2022
Magical Moments – Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Read More »
With only half of a day to explore Natchez, we had to work quickly to see as much as possible. Even as we toured, we could already see a return visit would be required. With that in mind, we decided to hit the biggest highlights of Mississippi’s first city. A “must-see” for this short visit
Visiting Melrose Plantation – Natchez National Historic Park Read More »
During our travels, we like to figure out what each city has for an overarching theme. Bentonville, Arkansas has focused on creating an urban area filled with interactive opportunities. No matter your activity level, there is plenty to occupy your time during a visit. We were pleased to discover food and fun designed to appeal
Interactive Opportunities Abound In Bentonville, Arkansas Read More »
As we crossed the Mississippi River into Natchez, we could see the bluffs lining the eastern shore. Little did we know, this day would lead to an education lesson about the indigenous people who used to call this region home. Making our way through the city, we would eventually wind up at the Grand Village
Mississippi Mound People – Grand Village Of The Natchez Indians Read More »
For the past few years, our travel has focused on destinations that we can showcase to other travelers. After all, our blog was designed to spark ideas for others to enjoy for themselves. Once in a while we will break from the norm and take a little time for some rest and relaxation. Even during
Gulf Coast Vibes – Pass Christian, Mississippi Read More »
It goes without saying that a visit to Memphis has to include some time walking on Beale Street. Starting at the Mississippi River, the route travels almost 2 miles into the city. The iconic portion that many people picture is actually only about 5 blocks long. Packed with entertainment, shopping, and dining establishments, Beale Street
Walking On Beale Street Read More »
Southern cooking is all about comfort, so you know we love it. While some would consider Bentonville, Arkansas to be the northern edge of the south, we found it gives them a unique position in the culinary world. This vibrant city has a ton of interesting dining options that capture the flavors of the region.
4 Reasons to Visit The Buttered Biscuit Read More »
Getting the feel for a new destination requires sampling a little of the local cuisine. Since this trip was all about seeing the south, we wanted to embrace the foods that have become legendary. We had already received a good background on the history of Natchez, Mississippi at the local tourism bureau. It had been
Biscuits And Blues – Natchez Hospitality Read More »
When you travel to the home base of Walmart, you can expect big things. The Walton family has been diligent in giving back to the community and Bentonville has certainly prospered from this relationship. A prime example of this is the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Creating a world-class art museum is an expensive
Embracing Nature – Crystal Bridges Museum Of American Art Read More »
Breakfast meals are some of the hardest to blog about on a consistent pace. While we all love a delectable start to our day, quite often the meals are cookie-cutter style and resemble many others we have enjoyed. It takes something out of the ordinary to help get the creative juices flowing for an article.
Sunrise Memphis – Embracing Memphis Deliciously Read More »
Summer brings a combination of heat and humidity to the lands along the Gulf Coast. For some, this signals a move indoors or excursions to cooler climates. We embrace this season and find it offers the perfect timing for exploring life in the Louisiana River Parishes. After all, the atmosphere begs a person to slow
Louisiana River Parishes – Exploring The River Road Read More »
Downtown Bentonville is filled with a bunch of great dining options. When we were researching our upcoming visit, one name piqued our interest. Being a minister’s son, the premise behind The Preacher’s Son sounded intriguing. Working with Visit Bentonville, we were able to make our visit a reality. When the day arrived, we found ourselves
Familiar Territory – The Preacher’s Son Read More »
There are moments in history that stand out on the timeline of world events. On April 4, 1968, the world would be forever changed by the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Our short time in Memphis limited our ability to tour the National Civil Rights Museum, but we still carved out time for a
Gaining Perspective – National Civil Rights Museum Read More »
One of our favorite things about travel blogging is learning about new destinations. Our first visit to the state of Mississippi landed us in the oldest city. Natchez has sat high above the bluffs of the river since 1716. Of course, native people were already inhabiting the region long before the French settlers arrived. The
Natchez Visitors Center – Breaking New Ground Read More »
No matter where we wander, it’s a given that we will be sampling some local cuisine when we arrive. During the planning of our Louisiana River Parishes excursion, we made sure to mix in a collection of flavors that would allow us to truly experience the cuisine options found in the region. I can tell
Collection Of Flavors – Louisiana River Parishes Read More »
It would be a safe bet that nearly everyone is aware of Walmart. For years, they have dominated the chain store landscape by implementing some unique policies. It’s hard to believe it, but the Arkansas-based company will celebrate 50 years in 2022. This mega-chain came from a rather humble beginning way back in 1962. It
Walk Through Time – Walmart Museum Read More »
Have you ever found yourselves with just one day to see as much of a new destination as possible? This would be the situation we faced when we made our first excursion into Alabama. A peaceful beach vacation is obviously not something we can do, so we decided to add a day trip to the
7 Sensational Stops In Downtown Mobile Read More »
The current pandemic has wreaked havoc on our usual approach to travel. 2020 saw most sites closed or severely restricted. 2021 has brought some softening, which means that we were able to resume visits to major cities. For many years, we have had watchful eyes on a chance to visit Memphis, Tennessee. One of our
Watchful Eyes – Memphis Zoo Read More »
Growing up, I spent a number of summers staying in the country with my grandparents. That means I have enjoyed plenty of delectable homecooked meals. These days, we find ourselves frequenting more restaurants, which means fewer of those family-style dinners. During our visit to Bentonville, we found ourselves dining at one of the downtown hotels.
Refined Country Cuisine – The Hive Read More »
Exploring the Louisiana River Parishes offers visitors a glance inside the history of plantation life. Each plantation tour offers a different angle into the realities of enslaved life. Back in 1787, the lower Mississippi River Valley was prime acreage for the establishment of large farms. One of the first to be established was the Destrehan
Realities Of Enslaved Life – Destrehan Plantation Read More »
Exploring a new destination can really work up an appetite. Okay, let’s be honest about it. Sometimes there are just so many great foodie spots that we have to find a way to squeeze in a few. That was definitely the case during our downtown excursion in Mobile, Alabama. Even though we weren’t really starving,
Something To Taco Bout – Roosters Read More »
Bentonville has embarked on a plan to link its downtown with other entertainment districts around town. As we explored more of the city, we found ourselves becoming jealous of how successful they have become at integrating culture and community. A short distance from downtown, we discovered the 8th Street Market district. Designed as a community-focused
Cultural Chow Down – 8th Street Market Read More »
They say that we first dine with our eyes. It’s true that an appealing presentation makes a difference, but we feel it can go beyond the plate. Our visit to Truck Farm Tavern included an abundance of eye candy that decorates a large portion of the wall space. When you add that to the artistic
Artistic Cuisine – Truck Farm Tavern Read More »
The stories behind each city we visit, help us to draw an image of how it achieved its current shape. Most places have a linear history that usually springs from just a few influences. Then, every once in a while, we will discover a history as broad as that in Mobile, Alabama. Having been influenced
Moving A City Forward – History Museum of Mobile Read More »
These days it is too easy to forget about the earliest residents in the lands we call home. So much of our lives revolve around the daily activities that we have disconnected ourselves from our history. That is what makes visits to places like the Museum Of Native American History so important. Finding a cultural
Facing The Past – M.O.N.A.H. Read More »
It is said that history repeats itself. While this is true, the outcome will often change. Such is the case with the 1811 Slave Revolt in the Territory of Orleans. These days the region lies within the Louisiana River parishes. At that time, the area was known as the German Coast. A large number of
Breaking Point – 1811 Slave Revolt Read More »
Our first foray into Lower Alabama ended up filled with unique experiences. We spent a good bit of time exploring one thoroughfare in this historic southern city. Dauphin Street was one of the original from when the city was founded. It was designed to be the principal commercial avenue and it has held that distinction
Eclectic Eats in Lower Alabama – Squid Ink Read More »
Walks in the woods help us maintain our bond with Mother Nature. Since the majority of our travels focus on the downtown districts, we relish the opportunity for a nature break. Bentonville has worked hard to incorporate nature and city into a mish-mash that blends the line. Striving to become the “Mountain Biking Capital of
Nature Break – Coler Mountain Bike Preserve Read More »
In southern Louisiana, life revolves around the Mighty Mississippi River. For as long as man can remember, the river has brought life to this region. When the earliest French explorers arrived, they found the Houma tribe to be residing in what would become Louisiana. They understood the value of this impressive waterway which supplied a
Navigating The Mighty Mississippi – Great River Road Steamboat Museum Read More »
Mobile presented us with our first tastes of Alabama life. As we rolled into town, we were greeted with the sights of 300 years of coastal living. We were eager to immerse ourselves in the history of the city, but first, we needed a little sustenance. Previous visits to the south proved we knew that
Sugar Pillows For The Win – Mo’Bay Beignets Read More »
Having a meal at an airport is not usually high on people’s list of entertaining dining. When the suggestion came from our friends at Visit Bentonville, we just knew there was more to this story. Thaden Field is a local airport that serves private traffic. Unlike most places of this type, they also feature an
Airborne Inspiration – Louise At Thaden Field Read More »
Throughout our travels, we have discovered that barbecue is a language understood by most people. The smoky goodness of this cuisine brings people together. Even in bayou country, which is known for its Cajun dishes, we uncovered a world-class BBQ joint. Traveling the backroads of the Louisiana River Parishes landed us in some delectable settings,
Smoky Goodness – Wayne Jacob’s Smokehouse Read More »
Nearly three-quarters of a century before the Revolutionary War, the city of Mobile sprang to life. At that time, the lands were claimed by France. Time would find this ownership tenuous, as they struggled to ward off enemy advances. With this being our first Alabama visit, we wanted to get in touch with the history
Carving A Space In The New World – Fort Conde Read More »
It has been said that we grow old when we stop playing. If this is true, then we should remain young forever. Visits to science-based play zones have become a popular all-ages experience. In Bentonville, the Scott Family Amazeum offers a fun way to learn while you play. We will sometimes get a sideways glance
Being Childish – Scott Family Amazeum Read More »
The Mighty Mississippi River snakes its way through the River Parishes of southern Louisiana. Each twist and turn drags a bit more mud into the murky waters. Along its path, landowners carved out their segments of land that would grow into massive plantations. The use of enslaved labor would eventually be the downfall of the
Crown Jewel Of The River Road – Houmas House Read More »
When Mardi Gras is mentioned, most people picture the revelry that revolves around Bourbon Street in the French Quarter section of New Orleans. To be honest, we were in that group for way too long. It would take a trip to Mobile, Alabama to help us learn the true origin of this party in the
Party In The New World – Mobile Carnival Museum Read More »
Travelers make their way to the Louisiana River Parishes for a variety of reasons. Tourism swirls around the plantation homes, sportfishing, and outdoor adventures. No matter what the main purpose of your visit, everyone will find themselves enjoying some local eateries. In fact, the dining scene was one of the largest draws for us. Before
Tastes Of The Land And Sea – B&C Cajun Restaurant Read More »
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