Tag: Travel

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More than a City

ellenparkerwrites

What’s the first image that pops into your mind at the words – New York?

To you think skyscrapers? Statue of Liberty? Streets filled with taxis and limos?

I want to to banish these images of the largest city in the United States. Instead, think of the other portions of the state.

These reminders of visits to New York were purchased in Seneca Falls, Niagara Falls, and Buffalo. Not pictured are souvenirs from the Finger Lakes or a drive through the Adirondacks. An enjoyable time, great scenery, and bits of history are located at each of the mentioned regions.

So the next time you plan a trip to a new-to-you state — think beyond the first place that comes to mind. State capitals are not always the largest or best-known city. National and state parks hold treasures small and large. Roadside attractions can be education or humorous.

In the sweet romance, Morning Tryst, you meet photographer Serena Carter. In addition, you are introduced to several Missouri State Parks. History, scenery, fishing…what’s your special interest?

Follow the link for more information on this armchair visit to the Midwest. https://amzn.to/35gH37S

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Travel on my Mind

ellenparkerwrites

To paraphrase song lyrics…do you know where I’m remembering? I’ve visited this state more than once — twice it was my destination, other times I traveled through.

When I say the state “Georgia”, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Peaches? Civil War history? Soft drink? Olympics?

How many thought “fish”?

When you visit Atlanta, be sure to add several hours at the Georgia Aquarium to your agenda.

When you study the map and pick a state to visit — after Georgia, consider Illinois. The sweet historical romances New Dreams and Stitching a Dream are both set in a fictious river town in the 1850’s. The link will give you more information on the journey of immigrants. https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

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Four Trips = Four Items?

ellenparkerwrites

I didn’t realize the fact that I’ve been in various portions of New England four different times until recently.

Yes, I’m one of the people that stop in the gift shop after visiting an attraction. Do I always buy? No. Do I sometimes get inexpensive or small? Yes.

During my first trip to New England, I was accompanied by a son. In Salem, MA, I enjoyed the waterfront and bought a shirt to remember the place.

A friend and I went to New Hampshire — enjoyed the city of Portsmouth and I brought home a mug.

My brother and I visited Vermont. (This was the completion of my quest to set foot in each of the 50 states.) Another mug was added to my kitchen shelf.

The cruise ship paused at Bar Harbor, ME. A hike on a beautiful fall day, plus a stop in a gift shop, resulted in — you guessed it — another mug. The blueberry fudge didn’t even make it back to the ship.

Have you visited states, or areas, hundreds of miles from your home? Do you pick up souvenirs? What’s your favorite item?

In the sweet romance, Morning Tryst, we meet photographer Serena Carter. Her favorite time — and scene to photograph — is sunrise. At sunrise, the world displays a moment of hope and promise.

Follow the link for more book information: https://amzn.to/35gH37S

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Dreaming of Vacation

ellenparkerwrites

Summer is coming! School terms are nearing an end!

Do you need a change in routine? A different view to recharge and readjust?

Does this interest you?

A cabin beside a mountain lake. Does any portion of that description have you searching for exact location and prices? I think this puzzle shows a fine place to vacation. The cabin looks large, so unless you have several children, I would suggest vacationing with friends – or friendly relatives. I can imagine three or four high-school or college friends (plus spouses) having a grand week in this location.

Have you made summer vacation plans?

Louisa Mueller took a memorable trip at age nineteen. Her travels were not a vacation, but a journey to a new home in a new country. The year 1851 is one she will never forget. To find the story of her trip and arrival in fictional Elm Ridge, Illinois, check out the sweet romance, New Dreams. Follow the link for more information: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

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Memory Prompts

ellenparkerwrites

A dear friend died last month. We met during our first semester in college, and stayed in touch through moves, marriage, divorce, children graduating and marrying.

Near the end of all the events in the previous paragraph, she suggested to take a trip together. The experience went well enough that we continued to travel together as long as her health allowed.

On several of our adventures, I purchased coffee mugs. When I want to think of my friend, all I need to do is pour a cup and think back to the where and when. Do I want to think of South Carolina, where two Midwest women watched their first sunrise over the Atlantic? Or listening to the geologist explain what we were seeing at the Grand Canyon?

Have you traveled with a friend? Day trip? Longer?

Louisa Mueller set out an adventure with her father in 1851. She continued, with determination and courage, after his death. How about relaxing on a rainy day with the sweet historical romance, New Dreams, to learn her early experiences in America. Link is below: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

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All in One Container

ellenparkerwrites

What would you take if you were moving to another country? The transport company sets a limit of one large container plus one hand-carried satchel per adult.

Clothes come to my mind first. Then some dishes and household necessities — pots & pans & linens. Garden and farm tools are high on the list. Perhaps special tools and items for a trade. Books, including a religious volume or two were included by most of the Europeans immigrating to America.

In the sweet historical romance, New Dreams, Louisa Mueller and her father leave the German States for America. He’s a baker, so many of the items in his travel chest relate to his occupation — from recipes to pans. Check out the book at the link to see how the Mueller’s fare during and after the sailing ship voyage. https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

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Travel in Grand Style

ellenparkerwrites

Americans have moved West by various means in the four centuries Europeans have settled in the land.

Waterway was certainly common — and at times the most comfortable. Remember, roads were poor and early stagecoaches (or private carriages) did not come equipped with shock absorbers. Many men walked leading a horse or mule carrying a heavy pack.

Railroads made an entrance in the mid-19th century and soon showed many advantages.

So if you were moving from Pennsylvania to Illinois in 1851, you had options. Kurt Tafel, in the sweet romance Stitching a Dream makes the majority of his travel by riverboat. Here’s a grand example of one which traveled on the Ohio River. I imagine him on a more modest model — but with similar route and accommodations.

For more information on the sweet historical romance, follow the link. This one takes you to the Nook edition: https://bit.ly/3Ri8RNX

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The Stage is Ready

ellenparkerwrites

Have you purchased your ticket? Brought your valise?

The horses are coming around now. Are you all set for a journey to Yorktown?

With our nice, large wheels and a good team, we shouldn’t have any trouble crossing streams or moving along a muddy road. And the roof will keep us dry — for the most part.

Horse-drawn stages remained a fixture on the American scene well into the 19th century. Fictional Elm Ridge, Illinois depended on steamboats traveling the Mississippi River for most of their needs, but were connected to the stage capital by a stagecoach route. Check out the story of a few immigrants who arrived mid-century in New Dreams, a sweet, historical romance. https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

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Seating sets the Mood

ellenparkerwrites

Waiting for friends at the hotel?

This arrangement sets the mood with modern construction with a historic mood. Comfortable too — I tested.

Slow the pace. Sit a spell. Think about all you’ve seen and done today — or yesterday. Have you come to enjoy the history of the area outside the hotel? Or are you here for a very modern, tech-centered conference?

The chairs don’t care. They extend their invitation to all.

In the sweet romance, New Dreams, seating in the apartment above the bakery is basic. Several side chairs around the table plus a settee in the sitting area — a portion of the large room defined by a piece of carpet. The immigrants who live here are busy building a new life and focused on function before elegance. Find their story here: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

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20th Century Witness

ellenparkerwrites

Majestic, mature trees caught my attention during a recent vacation. Look at this one.

Yes, this is all one tree. According to the sign tacked to the trunk, it’s a hackberry. Graceful, sturdy branches would invite me to hoist myself up a bit and claim a seat — if it was located on my own property and not a public space.

I don’t know the age. But I suspect this was present as a much smaller tree when the 19th century turned into the 20th. Structures have been built, worn, and destroyed during that time. Others have been puzzled over and re-constructed within easy sight. For this particular tree stands on the Colonial Williamsburg property. I wonder how may people have paused in the shade and exchanged a bit of news. Perhaps business has been conducted within the dripline.

Trees were viewed as lumber and firewood in the sweet romance, New Dreams. While a few select specimens were spared by the settlers, the Americans and immigrants both wanted clear building lots and fields. In 1851, forest remained in patches. Take a step back in time here: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE