 Despite the fact that I lived only minutes away from a stretch of it in Arizona, I had no idea that US Route 60 was once a transcontinental highway. And I certainly never knew how absolutely stunning it was to drive it (AKA the Midland Trail National Scenic Byway) through West Virginia until I took this trip. For those of you looking for gorgeous mountain drives. incredible views and refreshing little towns, see for yourself why it is called "...One Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In America".
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  Years ago I was blessed to meet a wonderful couple from Lexington, Kentucky who loved to show me their beautiful state. And this year, we started by visiting the charming village of Augusta, KY. It is a easy, pleasurable drive from Lexington and it is also a short car ferry ride across the Ohio River from Ohio. Augusta was founded in 1786 and is the hometown of actress, Rosemary Clooney, and her movie star nephew, George Clooney.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories   It's been said that "Bardstown, KY has it all – beauty, charm and history." And one visit there proved it to be so true. Bardstown Mainstreet has great shopping and eateries - like Mammy's Kitchen and Bar - all in a historic setting. It hosts The Old Talbot Tavern - the Home Of The World's Oldest Bourbon Bar. And you can stay there in the Jessie James suite and see the bullet holes he (allegedly) shot in the wall after having one too many.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  I have been blessed to travel to all 48 contiguous states in one road trip, drive Canada coast to coast, hitchhike all around America, tour Tuscany, and live in four US states and on both coasts. Yet, when I think of pure travel joy, I think of Michigan. Maybe it's because I grew up there. Perhaps it is because took time to (re)discover it whenever I came back to visit. Or maybe it's simply because when I think of country roads taking me home, those roads always take me to Michigan.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  My gracious host and fellow traveler put together quite a road trip itinerary for us in west Michigan. Our first stop was both simple and profound - the Pleasant Hill Blueberry Farm in Fennville, MI. It is a beautiful sea of poppies planted by two parents who wanted to honor their late son who lost his life to suicide after serving in Afghanistan. Today the field gives comfort to fellow veterans suffering from PTSD and to many who are seeking comfort and solace from hardships they are facing.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories   Gwen Frostic may be the most famous artist to ever graduate from my high school, Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte, Michigan. However, I never heard of her until I visited and photographed her incredible studio this summer in Benzonia, Michigan. According to her Wikipedia page, she graduated in 1924 and went on to attend Eastern Michigan University. Despite enduring a lifelong challenge from polio, she created countless images, authored 28 books, launched an international art business that still flourishes today, and was inducted into the Michigan Woman’s Hall of Fame. It is my hope that she continues to receive recognition for all that she accomplished so that others may be inspired by her extraordinary life.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  Traverse City, Michigan is often called “The Cherry Capital of the World.”, so it only makes sense that the city should have the world record pie pan, right? This monstrosity once baked a cherry pie that weighed 28,350 pounds and was 17 feet, 6 inches in diameter. Now I'd like to think I could have eaten some of that without gaining weight, but that would just be some big pie in the sky thinking. :-)
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  Mission Point Light is a lighthouse located in Traverse City, Michigan at in Old Mission State Park. It was built on a sand dune in 1870 to warn mariners about the shoals in the Grand Traverse Bay. It was said that the light could be seen up to 13 miles away. Today the lighthouse no longer functions in its original capacity, but between tourists and volunteer lighthouse keepers it is a very popular attraction.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  Fishtown in Leland, Michigan is both rustic and picturesque. It is located on the majestic shores of Lake Michigan near Sleeping Bear Dunes. This charming resort town offers fishing charters, shops, art galleries, and waterfront dining like the Cove and Rick's Cafe.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  According to Wikipedia, "The 45th Parallel is a circle of latitude that is 45 degrees north of Earth's equator. It crosses Europe, Asia, the Pacific Ocean, North America, and the Atlantic Ocean...The 45th parallel north is often called the halfway point between the equator and the North Pole..." This sign is one of several markers in Michigan denoting the 45th Parallel halfway point.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  Since my next few posts deal with unique culinary experiences in Michigan, I thought I'd start out with the one I found most intriguing - a place where you can dine with Jesus. Located at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Brighton, MI is a life-size replica of Christ at the Last Supper table. It is nestled in a serene, outdoor setting and all are welcome at the table. It is open Apr - Oct. And yes, it seats 12.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" Well, Romeo, Michigan is north of Detroit and It. Is. Awesome! Based on my personal experience, Romeo has great spots to wine and dine like Thee Office Pub And Cookery and amazing places to caffeinate like Main's Treat Coffeehouse (clever name!). And judging from the colorful outside, The Rustic Bluebird looks really interesting and the stately Abby On Main looks simply Divine (church humor).
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  I dare say that downtown Lake Orion, MI has it all: Gorgeous parks and incredible hiking and biking trails. Interactive art at Orion Art Center. Live entertainment at 20 Front Street. And great eateries like Fork 'n' Pint, Cookies And Cream, Sagebrush Cantina, and Wee Bean. It is a perfect destination for anyone who likes small cities with a big personalities.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  One of the many things Lake Orion, MI does incredibly well is to integrate it's beautiful park on the Paint Creek with the downtown area. I really love that blend of nature and commerce, so if you know of other cities that offer that combination, please let me know.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  Oxford, Michigan is a smaller version of it's neighboring town of Lake Orion. Oxford offers everything from the classic beauty of the Oxford Museum and GQT Oxford 7 Movie Theater to the whimsical business Funky Monkey Toys. And while I was only scouting for future places that day, I didn't get a chance to sample any eateries. But according to Yelp and Trip Adviser there are quite a few worth a return trip.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  Every time I visit my boyhood home state of Michigan I get pleasantly surprised by how many new (to me) great eateries there are. In addition to the places mentioned in my previous posts, here's some more tasteful discoveries: Cabana Blue Lakefront Sports Bar and Grill in Clay Township, Sugarbush Tavern in Chesterfield, Bentley's Roadhouse in Harrison Township, Single Barrel Social in Brighton, Main Street Grill and Tavern in Milford, Whiskeys On The Water in Wyandotte.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  Thanks to a music loving friend, I was able to see KatMandu the Bob Seger Tribute Band just before I departed Michigan. Ironically, they played in the park that is directly adjacent to our former family home of 60+ years. So, hearing the hits they performed so well - songs I grew up listening to on the radio -.in that very location, really made it feel like the country roads had taken me home ...to Michigan. And on that sentimental note, I'll let the original Motor City rock star sing me out...
I think I'm goin' to Katmandu, That's really really where I'm going to If I ever get out of here That's what I'm gonna do Bob Seger, "Katmandu" < link to song Contents Books Home Hire Stories  Living out West most of my adult life, the only time I ever heard about New Jersey was from the TV series Jersey Shore. So, I figured "the Shore" might be a good place to start exploring my new home state. In my research I learned that the actual Jersey Shore is 141 miles of beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean. And thanks to a wonderful local expert, I got a great tour of Seaside Park Boardwalk. The 2.5 mile boardwalk is packed with rides, restaurants, attractions, shops and games.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  The best way I can describe living in rurual New Jersy is to say that seems like the nearest town is always ten minutes down a gorgeous country road. And that tiny bourough (AKA "boro") or village may only have a few businesses in it, but some of those will be remakably welcoming, unique and quaint. Such is the case for the combined towns of Peapack-Gladstone nestled in the rolling hills of Central New Jersey. The area is lush and inviting, and eateries like Gladstone Market with its hidden riverside patio are very pleasant surprises.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  Old Wick, New Jersey is another hidden boro that is postcard perfect. The Oldwick General Store is a lucious eatery located next to a very popular restaurant The Twerksbury Inn which was built in 1800. The Julian Gage Home Collection is masteful blend of antiques and fine home furnishings set in a magnificent historic church. And the colorful Melick's Town Farm is New Jersey's largest apple orchard which has fresh cider, baked goods and a pet pot belly pig. th fresh baked goods, prepared foods and fresh cider with fresh baked goods, prepared foods and fresh cider
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  Like many boros in New Jersey, historic Basking Ridge was founded centuries ago, but has a very modern appeal. A prime example of that is The Washington House Restaurant in the heart of the downtown which offers great indoor and outdoor dining. And accross the street you'll find the Blue Cafe, which is known for its terrific food and famous customers - Beatle, Sir Paul McCartney and his wife, Nancy (who was born in nearby Edison, NJ).
Contents Books Home Hire Stories   I figured if I didn't feature a hit from one of New Jersey's biggest rock stars, I would be in big trouble. So, here it is coupled with a glorious sunset in Bernardsville, NJ.
Bruce Springsteen, "Glory Days" < link to song Contents Books Home Hire Stories Note: Click “Previous” below to go forward to the next 25 posts. Click "Forward" below to go back 25 posts. |