 The Kentucky State Capitol is located in quaint Frankfort, KY. The massive building houses A Chair Of Honor dedicated to prisoners of war and those missing in action, and a 14 foot statue of President Abraham Lincoln. The elaborate grounds feature a stunning spherical mirrored sculpture and the huge Kentucky Floral Clock which has over 10,000 flowers.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  As readers of my travel ebooks know, I love a quirky place. And if that unique place has great food and service, it's like I hit the trifecta! (I'm in Kentucky. By law I have to use a horse racing reference.) :-) And that's what happened when my hosts took me to the Cliffside Diner in Frankfort, KY. The charming restaurant backs up against a big cliff, sits on a winding road and across from a jungle hidden river. So, my cliff notes are this: the quirky ambiance, delicious food and wonderful service makes Cliffside Diner an odds on favorite.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  I wanted to see this monument in Frankfort, KY dedicated to Daniel Boone for two reasons. First and foremost, he was a legendary frontiersman. Secondly, I saw a Davy Crockett statue on a previous road trip, and those two American heroes are forever linked because one actor, Fess Parker played both parts when I was a kid.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  I was driving to see some great friends in Lawrence, Kansas when I spotted the road signs announcing Santa Claus, Indiana ahead. According to local legend, "the townsfolk were gathered in a small log church on Christmas Eve discussing a new name for their town...Suddenly, a gust of wind blew open the church doors and the sound of sleigh bells drifted inside. The children ran to the door and shouted, "Santa Claus! Santa Claus!” The decision of what to name the town became clear...and the Santa Claus, Indiana, Post Office was established on May 21, 1856."
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  I described the origins of Santa Claus, Indiana in my previous post (here). But what the famous letter to little Virginia (here) didn't prepare me for is just how many different Santas there are in this ho-ho-hometown. I'm not sure of the exact number, but I'm guessing he just magically appears wherever you are - just like he does at Christmas. :-)
Contents Books Home Hire Stories   I have driven through Glenwood Springs, Colorado many times on my way to visit friends in Aspen and Carbondale, but this is the first time I actually stopped to visit - and I am so glad I did. The Hotel Denver is described as the "Star Of Glenwood Springs" for it's "historically modern" decor and welcoming ambiance. The adjacent Glenwood Canyon Brewpub and River Blend Coffee House serve up both kinds of liquid refreshments. And the riverside park vistas and downtown street views are all complimented by the Rocky Mountains.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories   A singer-songwriter changed America - and my life (that story here) - when he first sang about this area of Colorado in 1972. And his lyrics about "the Colorado Rocky Mountain high" are about the best words I can think of to explain the euphoria I feel when seeing views like this. With that said, I'll think I'll just let Colorado's troubadour sing us out...
John Denver, "Rocky Mountain High" < link to song Contents Books Home Hire Stories  I told my kind hosts in Grand Junction, Colorado that I would probably wake up early to start my long drive into Phoenix, AZ. Since they both travel, they understood and wished me a safe journey the night before. So, I started my 10 hour trip home around 4:00 AM when it was still dark outside. But boy did that strategy ever pay off when I came across this view of "nature's masterpiece" Moab, Utah at the crack of dawn.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  If you believe the news media, America has lost its sense of humor. But if you believe your own eyes, you'll see the good ol' USA can still take a joke. Here's proof from my Living In America road trip. As you can see, the signs range from an Iowa town proclaiming a future fictional space captain will be born there in 200 years to a guy named Ron who sells cutlery in an Arizona ghost town populated with famous Jackasses (burros). There's funny signs at a Beatles' themed Michigan restaurant telling Hippies where to go and why beer is actually salad. And lastly, there's places in Colorado for people who are "full of bull" and a chalkboard reminder that a cold heart - like a cold beer - is something ex-tra special. :-)
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  Prior to the pandemic, I primarily photographed people (link here). But when I couldn't get within six feet of them, I began to focus (literally) on outdoor and animal photography. As an unexpected result, I now love shooting landscapes, nature, architecture and other kinds of outdoor imagery. And I have discovered a special place in my heart for photographing animals I see and pets I am blessed to care for (link here). So, with that in mind, here's just of few of the fabulous furry creatures I encountered on my Living In America road trip.
Contents Books Home Hire Stories  As I made the final drive from Forest Gump Point in Monument Valley to Phoenix, Arizona, I couldn't help but think about all the wonderful people who went the extra mile* for me on my six part, 8,000+ mile journey. So, I'd like to conclude this ebook by acknowledging all the amazing faces who proved the optimistic premise of Living In America. With that said...
First, I'd like to thank everyone who reached out or met up with me along the way. I am so very grateful for every new memory we made and old memory we shared. Secondly, I want to give a shout out to all those who encouraged me online. Your kind words, playful humor and helpful suggestions were greatly appreciated. Lastly, I want to express my sincerest gratitude to all of my very gracious hosts on this trip (in order of first appearance). Thank you for putting me up and putting up with me. :-) Patti and Gerry Congleton, JaJa Cardiff and Mark, Dixie Jones and Kim Jones-Gray, Megan and Quin Larson, Lynda Stotts and Mark Langowski, Sharon Sharif, Debbie Majerek, Misha Garcia, Patti Linder-Stivers and Gary Musgrave, My Colorado Family, Midi and Jarrod Daddis, Patti, Stephanie and John Taylor, Jackie Larson and Dave Keiser, Lori Gray Mills, Darlene Cox, Margo and Rick Wilhelmsen, Marge Morgan, Carmen and Dennis Stange, Tim Warner, Chris and Jessica Braboy, Debbie Sammons and Debbie Fovenesi, Janet Breen, Yolanda and Jerry Davis, Megg and Tony Rubbo, David Kwiatkowski, and Jan Marquis and Bert Przybylski. *The Extra Mile. Below are the state abbreviations, dates, estimated mileage, routes and corresponding posts for my road trip 2023, Living In America. I hope my journeys inspire you to smile. Part 1: AZ/CA. Mar 18-29. 1700+ mile route here. Posts 2-12 here. Part 2: AZ/NV/UT. Apr 15-18. 850+ mile route here. Posts 13-20 here. Part 3: AZ/CO. May18-25. 950+ mile route here. Posts 21-32 here. Part 4: NE/IA/MI. May 26-28. 1150+ mile route here. Posts 33-39 here. Part 5: MI. May 28-Jul 5. 750+ mile route here. Posts 40-48 here. Part 6: KY/CO/AZ. Jul 6-Jul 12. 2400+ mile route here. Posts 49-64 here. PS. For those wanting to go their own extra mile to discover America's extraordinary beauty, see the comprehensive interactive map here. I hope it inspires you to dream. Contents Books Home Hire Stories  Thank you for joining my Living In America road trip. If you'd like more eBooks about travel or encouragement, go to my Books page at www.LesManess.com (AKA Stories From The Road Les Traveled). For more about my background and passions, see the Gigs, Photos and Stories pages on my website. And if you are interested in subjects like Health, Humor, Encouragement, Travel, Pet Pals and Heroes, check out the Topics page there.
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