My first presidential library surprised me. The Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock combined American history, architecture, diplomatic gifts, White House exhibits and an Oval Office replica into one of the most memorable museum stops on our Midwest road trip.
Why Every Traveler Should Visit at Least One Presidential Library Read More »
Architecture, Family Travel, Road Trip, Travel Tips, US Travel Adventures
Factory Obscura’s Mix-Tape turned an Oklahoma City road-trip stop into a hands-on exploration of light, sound, hidden details and locally created art. Here’s what I discovered, how long I’d allow and why your smartphone may be the best camera to bring.
Factory Obscura: Where Curiosity Comes to Life in Oklahoma City Read More »
Architecture, Family Travel, Photography, Road Trip, US Travel Adventures
A second day at Tanganyika Wildlife Park gave us more than additional animal encounters. Returning to favorite habitats, meeting penguins, feeding a lioness and watching a snow leopard decline a scheduled interaction gave me a deeper perspective on animal behavior, keeper education, conservation and ethical animal experiences.
Why One Day Isn’t Enough at Tanganyika Wildlife Park Read More »
Eco-Tourism & Conservation, Family Travel, Outdoor Adventures, Photography, Road Trip, Travel Tips, US Travel Adventures
After a full day at Tanganyika Wildlife Park, we walked from Hotel at Old Town to Public at the Brickyard for dinner. The historic warehouse setting, locally focused menu, relaxed service and memorable ribs and dessert made it an ideal ending to our first day in Wichita.
Public at the Brickyard: The Perfect Ending to a Day of Adventure in Wichita Read More »
Architecture, Restaurants, US Travel Adventures
My first day at Tanganyika Wildlife Park included a keeper-led tiger feeding, giraffe and rhino encounters, lorikeets, lemurs and more. Beyond the close animal experiences, I also looked at how the park approaches animal welfare, conservation education and responsible wildlife interactions.
Two Feet From a Tiger: My First Day at Tanganyika Wildlife Park Read More »
Eco-Tourism & Conservation, Family Travel, Outdoor Adventures, Photography, Road Trip, US Travel Adventures
Hotel at Old Town became our Wichita home base during a nine-day Midwest road trip. Its historic warehouse character, dramatic multi-story atrium, spacious suite, covered parking and walkable Old Town location made it a memorable place to recharge between two full days at Tanganyika Wildlife Park.
Hotel at Old Town: A Home Away From Home in Wichita’s Historic Old Town Read More »
Family Travel, Road Trip, US Travel Adventures
Day 3 of our Midwest road trip took us from St. Louis to Wichita, but spontaneous stops changed nearly everything we had planned. Buc-ee’s, Uranus Fudge Factory, Springfield murals and an unexpected visit to Wonders of Wildlife turned a driving day into one of the most memorable days of the trip.
Road Trip Day 3: Why the Best Stops Were Never Part of the Plan Read More »
Family Travel, Photography, Road Trip, US Travel Adventures
City Museum St. Louis became one of the highlights of our nine-day Midwest road trip. We spent more than three hours exploring caves, tunnels, hidden passageways, rooftop attractions and immersive art, and I took nearly 200 photographs inside one of the most unusual attractions I have ever visited.
City Museum St. Louis: The Place That Made Me Feel Like a Kid Again Read More »
Architecture, Family Travel, Photography, US Travel Adventures
The Cheshire St. Louis turned our first Midwest road-trip overnight into part of the experience. From the British-inspired architecture and James Bond novelty suite to the pool, cabana, distinctive public spaces and convenient Forest Park location, this boutique hotel offered far more personality than a typical overnight stay.
The Cheshire St. Louis: How We Escaped to Europe Without Leaving St. Louis Read More »
Architecture, Family Travel, Road Trip, US Travel Adventures
Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston, Illinois combines Route 66 roadside Americana, a huge antique mall, Twistee Treat Diner, homemade fudge, quirky photo stops and the seasonal Area 66 Haunted School. We planned a quick lunch stop and stayed nearly four hours.
Pink Elephant Antique Mall: A Must-Visit Route 66 Attraction in Illinois Read More »
Road Trip, US Travel Adventures
Day 1 of our nine-day Midwest road trip took us from Richmond, Kentucky to St. Louis through Indiana and Illinois, with Route 66 roadside attractions, 33 murals, Pink Elephant Antique Mall, the Brooks Catsup Bottle and Old Chain of Rocks Bridge along the way.
Follow our nine-day, nearly 2,200-mile Midwest road trip through eight states, with Route 66 roadside attractions, Tanganyika Wildlife Park, St. Louis, Wichita, Oklahoma City, Little Rock, historic hotels, immersive art and hidden gems along the way.
The Ultimate Midwest Road Trip: Route 66, Tanganyika Wildlife Park & Hidden Gems Read More »
Eco-Tourism & Conservation, Family Travel, Outdoor Adventures, Photography, Road Trip, Street Art, US Travel Adventures