Tag: Travel

The moment I stepped across the threshold, I was reminded of another, larger space an ocean away.

The purpose of the wall display was to demonstrate power. Mission accomplished.

Yes, those are pistols and swords as the wall decor. Rifles and daggers are on the other walls of this entry. According to the docent, and I have no reason to doubt her, they are all in working order. I did not count the weapons — after all, the house tour needed to stay on schedule. I suppose the servant tasked with dusting keeps an accurate count.

The man putting on this display? The Royal Governor of the Colony of Virginia. Don’t worry — he’s been gone for years. The house is a restoration with many items from the 1700’s displayed.

In the sweet romance, NEW DREAMS, immigrants a century later display power and wealth by the quality of the goods for sale, in their clothing, and their bearing. Check out the story by following the link below: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

Sometimes a person needs a little get-away but the lack of vacation days or other obligations keep you from taking a week or more.

I suggest a day trip. Study the map and find a place within an easy drive with a park, historic site, or cultural (sports count) event you want to experience.

In the spring of 2022, I had the urge to “get out of town”. I think all the pandemic “waves” kept me close to home for longer than my nature enjoys.

So I packed my things, and headed for the extreme Northeastern corner of Missouri. I had four state parks and historic sites on my itinerary for the day. So I started early and grabbed a tiny breakfast an hour and a half from home.

The day was full. When I returned after dark, I gave thanks for the new tires on my car (purchased only a few weeks previous) and for the ability to see and enjoy new sites.

The places I went that day would have been subjects for Serena Carter’s camera during her fictional year photographing Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites. You can find her story in the sweet romance, Morning Tryst. Just follow the link for more information. https://amzn.to/35gH37S

At times, I suspect modern builders do not give as much attention to the acoustics of a public building as is due.

Don’t get me wrong. They are not ignoring the feature entirely. But, with the current reliance on microphones, speakers, and sound systems acoustics have slipped in priority.

Not so over 130 years ago. When Thomas Ryman hired the designers and builders for the Union Gospel Tabernacle, they paid close attention. After all, they wanted the speaker to be understood in the most distant seat.

Restored in 1989, and renamed Ryman Auditorium, this Nashville, TN landmark remains an active concert venue.

Plus, Captain Ryman’s statue provides a great place for tourist photos. My travel companion, a fan of Country Music, enjoyed every minute of our visit.

For thirty-one years, this auditorium, with its excellent acoustics, hosted the Grand Ole Opry — in person and live radio broadcast. History and music ooze from the benches, walls, and lobby exhibits.

Photographing gems of a variety of history were part of the job for Serena Carter the year she traveled Missouri State Parks. Check out her story in the sweet romance, Morning Tryst. Follow the link to find the book blurb: https://amzn.to/35gH37S

Road trips require several things — among the top few are rest stops. When driving the Interstate system, you’ll often find an expanded rest stop — more than basic restrooms, drinking fountain, and place to picnic and walk the dog — a short distance inside a state.

I look forward to these, not only for the items listed above, but for maps, tourist literature, and perhaps an interesting display or two related to the state.

If you enter Kentucky on I-24 from the north, you are in for a treat.

Welcome to Whitehaven, a restored 1860’s mansion.

Inside the traveler will find all of the usual, plus the opportunity for a guided house tour. (Not on Sunday and last tour at 4 PM.) The house features period furnishings and memorabilia of Alben Barkley. He was vice-president of the United States from 1949-1953. The day my friend and I visited, it also included a swarm of bees at the top of one of the front porch pillars. Yes, they stayed above us and we didn’t bother them.

Travel, close to home or to a far destination, tends to open the mind via new experiences. In the sweet romance, MORNING TRYST, the heroine photographer learns much in her travels around Missouri State Parks. Follow the link for more book information: https://amzn.to/35gH37S

Meet me at the bridge — the covered bridge. In the dim light and current lack of traffic, perhaps lovers can steal a kiss? Or make a promise to each other.

This puzzle artist is a master at working in different styles and lengths of covered bridges during their peak of popularity. Not many of the structures remain. Have you visited one? Or several?

When travelling, I keep my eyes open for signs to covered bridges preserved in parks. I find a bit of wonder in the engineering of more than a century ago. Built for horse-drawn farm and freight wagons, they could not support the heavier loads carried by modern trucks. But they served the residents well by connecting two sides of a creek or river.

Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites has preserved four covered bridges throughout the state. In Morning Tryst, a sweet romance, photographer Serena Carter would have visited each bridge in each season. The one below is Sandy Creek, an easy drive from St. Louis. Check out the book for some of her adventures. https://amzn.to/35gH37S

Are you taking a road trip this September? I find this month an excellent time to travel — often the weather is fine and the tourist venues are less crowded than in summer. In the northern portions of the United States, the trees are might preview their fall colors.

One day on the bus, this was our “welcome to New Hampshire.” The driver was careful, obeyed the rules, and left the police to watch, and correct, other drivers.

Never underestimate the value of a rest area when traveling on the highway. Most these days offer restrooms, water, picnic tables, and vending machines. They are excellent places to stretch your legs. Walk the dog when traveling with pets. Read a little local history on a placard or watch the kids enjoy a little playground time.

Travelers in 1851 would marvel at the facilities today. No matter the reputation of the steamboat, conditions were not like any modern mode of travel.

Check out a sweet romance set in a Mississippi River town in that era with New Dreams. https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

The Upper Midwest. The Great Lakes Region.

The area of the United States where I grew up goes by more than one name. And yes, the regional geography is dominated by five, large, freshwater lakes.

This is not a photo of any of the five Great Lakes. Rather it is Lake Champlain, sometimes referred to as the Sixth Great Lake.

Large enough to form a good share of the border between New York and Vermont, this is a contender. Actually, I prefer to think of it as separate and standing on its own for beauty and history. Besides, it’s rumored to have a monster — none of the five make the claim.

No sea monsters on the immigrant’s voyage. But they certainly saw their share of both salt and fresh water before they reached the interior of the United States. For a sweet romance featuring this journey, check out New Dreams. https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

Sailing ship. Riverboat. Smaller riverboat. The journey from the German States to fictional Elm Ridge, Illinois, demanded courage — and time.