Category Archives: attraction

Missouri Gateway to the West

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Missouri Gateway to the West

St Louis, Missouri is the first location I have to choose from. Known for the Gateway Arch I have to admit that Google’s description has caught my attention. “St. Louis is a major city in Missouri along the Mississippi River. Its iconic, 630-ft. Gateway Arch, built in the 1960s, honors the early 19th-century explorations of Lewis and Clark and America’s westward expansion in general. Replica paddle wheelers ply the river, offering views of the arch. The Soulard district is home to barbecue restaurants and clubs playing blues music.”

10 Best Things to Do in St. Louis - What is St. Louis Most Famous ...

Blues Music, Bar-B-que, even a trolley, what more can you ask? Accommodations are a hotel, The Red Lion Hotel- Downtown.

 

OYO Hotel St. Louis Downtown City Center MO, St Louis MO, St. Louis MO

 

Branson Missouri

My other choices are both in Branson. Branson is an Ozark town in southwest Missouri known as a family vacation destination. Its 76 Country Boulevard is famously lined with theaters, which once hosted mostly country music performers but today present diverse entertainment. Also along the strip are the Marvel Cave, the Wild West-style Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction and Silver Dollar City, an 1800s-themed amusement park with live music. ― Google

I’m sure I could have fun and enjoy the shows. In fact I originally had Branson on the top of my list but the more I think about  paddle wheelers on the Mississippi the more my camera and I want to head west.

Greensview, Branson

The first Branson accommodation is Greensview

This description isn’t too enticing, do you think?

Located in Branson Theater District, Greensview Branson by Exploria Resorts is within 1 miles of Mount Pleasant Winery, Hollywood Wax Museum, and Titanic Museum. Free WiFi is available in public areas.

Cable TV and a DVD player are included in every apartment at Greensview Branson. They each have a full kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher.

Branson drone 005cc RESIZE

The Suites at Falls Creek

The Suites at Falls Creek is the 2nd resort option in Branson. I like what it has to say on Diamond Resorts web site

The Suites at Fall Creek, 1 Fall Creek Drive, Branson, Missouri, 65616, United States

Explore the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World” while enjoying the comforts of home at The Suites at Fall Creek. Surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Ozark Mountains, The Suites at Fall Creek offers a lakeside haven overlooking the White River Basin. The resort is conveniently located near downtown Branson’s entertainment district and dozens of dining options. Explore the outdoors or enjoy a show, and then return to the spacious accommodations that feature well-appointed amenities.

 

The Suites at Fall Creek By Diamond Resorts - Holiday residences in Branson (Missouri, United States)

Seems I have some thinking to do on this one!

Considering Delaware

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How about Delaware

Does Delaware get missed because it’s such a tiny state? It hardly shows up as white space on my map. It feels like it should be a quick stop to somewhere else. Sorry Delaware! Don’t mean to be insulting. There’s only 1 resort and it’s on Fenwick Island.

Mallard Lakes at Fenwick Island

Mallard Lakes at Fenwick Island

Photo from the resort website

Mallard Lakes at Fenwick Island, 297 Cardinal Lane, Fenwick Island, Delaware, 19944, United States

Relax in the peaceful, serene environment of Mallard Lakes on Fenwick Island in Delaware. Shops and restaurants surround the area, or travel to nearby Ocean City and traverse the boardwalk. Golf courses, boating excursions, horseback riding, seashore parks and beaches are just a short drive away. Whether you want to participate in fishing or just some relaxation at one of the four stocked lakes, Mallard Lakes will provide you entertainment with a touch of solitude.

What to do in Delaware

Like most states I research there is a list of things to do on the internet. The list for Delaware has a lot of mansions and museums. One that caught my eye is the Delaware Art Museum located in Wilmington.  “As you approach the building, you can’t help seeing the Dale Chihuly arrangement of brilliant glass flowers, each several feet across.”  I am a huge Chihuly fan. Love his glassworks. I’ve been to exhibits and the MFA (Museum of Fine Arts) Boston and Chihuly Garden & Glass in Seattle. Plus those brilliant , twisty glass chandeliers in many casinos are Chihuly too!

2017 MFA Exhibit Boston – Photo by Deb Neumann

Other Attractions on the list

The #1 attraction according to trip advisor is  FUNLAND. “This park as been a family owned and operated attraction for decades. Wonderful place to spend the day and get out of the sun. Very reasonable pricing.”  Not something I would be interested in but maybe if I had children with me? 

#2 is more to my liking. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Sanctuary. Bombay Hook is 14000 acres of Wetlands preserve and home to many migratory birds.

#3 Cape May-Lewes Ferry.  “Whether you’re crossing the Delaware Bay for a fun day trip or as part of a long-distance trip, on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, your journey is sure to be a memorable one. Enjoy historic lighthouses, picturesque harbors, oceangoing vessels, unique seabirds and, just maybe, your very own dolphin escort! The 17-mile, 85-minute cruise between New Jersey and Delaware can cut miles off a trip along the Atlantic Coast, connecting points like Wildwood, Stone Harbor, Avalon, Ocean City and the rest of the Jersey Shore with Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Sussex Shores, Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Ocean City, MD, and destinations throughout Virginia. Our welcoming, modern terminals are a destination in and of themselves, with enjoyable restaurants and lounges, and well-stocked gift shops!”

That sounds interesting!

So more to see and do than I expected from such a tiny state.

Georgetown Loop Railroad

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Historic Railroad

Can you hear that lonesome whistle? 

After seeing the Steam engine puffing by with black smoke billowing from its stack I knew I’d be riding the Georgetown Loop Railroad. 

I’m not a true train buff but there is just something about a steam engine that stirs the heart.

Georgetown Loop Railroad

The Georgetown Loop Railroad was completed in 1884. It was built to connect the mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume. The builders planned out a corkscrew route to make the grade between the towns more manageable for the steam engine. Although the towns are only 2 miles apart, the loop is twice that distance and crosses 4 bridges.

 

On this bright and sunny summer day all of the cars were open air. 

Devil’s Gate Station

 I was waiting at the Silver Plume Depot to pick up my tickets for the 11:25 train. There are restrooms, benches and tables and a nice friendly atmosphere. I should have known that was too easy. I was at the wrong depot. My departure point was the Devil’s Gate Station. Devil’s Gate was completely different!

The parking area at Devil’s Gate was huge and full. Walking down the steps from the parking to the depot area was like entering a beehive. Lines were everywhere. Lines to get into the gift shop, lines to pick up tickets, lines for the restrooms and lines to board and exit the train. Tour busses unloaded their passengers and guides called out instructions to their charges. The contrast to Silver Plume Depot was startling. 

 

All Aboard

 Our conductor had the perfect voice for the All-Aboard call and in spite of the noise and confusion boarding was quick and efficient. In no time at all the whistle blew 3 short toots and the train pulled out with a jerk. Everyone was warned that it wouldn’t be a smooth start and to keep hands and children inside the cars.

This was Big Horn Sheep country, and I kept my eyes open for possible sightings, but the only wildlife out today was a deer getting lunch in some low brouse.

My favorite parts of the trip were the creek crossings. My seat allowed me to watch the engine as it started across the trestle bridges. 

A Perfect Day for a Train Ride

All in all, it was a perfect day for a train ride. It was sunny and warm with a lovely breeze. I even got a bit of a sunburn.

Everything about the depot was clean and welcoming. The staff were fun and friendly. I’m really glad I took the time to explore this area and enjoy this train excursion. Maybe I’ll get to see the Big Horn Sheep another time.

 

 

 

The Wild Center

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The Wild Center, Tupper Lake NY

The Wild Center, formerly known as the Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks, creates an environment that lets you immerse yourself in nature. What do the eagles see? What would it be like to live in a spider’s web? On one of our aborted trips to Whiteface Mountain we detoured to the Wild Center. I’d heard about it from my sister and also read several articles in Adirondack Life magazine but I really couldn’t get my head around what it was. So what’s the best way to find out? Go there for myself.

A Walk On The Wild Side

The Wild Center gives new meaning to a walk on the wild side. Well maintained boardwalks wound through the forest and trees. My knees were not cooperating the day we were there. My limited mobility as I’ve gotten older continues to be a major frustration for me. On the board walks I was fine but when we left the boardwalk for the trail it got harder and soon I was parked on a bench watching families pass by to the river. Still I was able to enjoy enough to see what all the buzz was about. 

The Eagles Nest

One of the stops on the board walk that I heard mentioned over and over again was the Eagle Nest. I couldn’t imagine it but once I saw it I was hooked. A short climb up a series of stairs and you step into the world of the Eagle. Standing in the nest you look out over the tree tops just like an eagle would. There are panoramic views in all directions.

The Spider’s Lair

Nearby a rope spider web was stretched over a large hole in the board walk inviting the adventurous and non mobility challenged to test it out. A family was rolling around laughing a struggling to climb back up while we were there. Oh to be young again. I would have tried it in a heartbeat but I was pretty sure that if I got in I’d never get out now.  Just watching those teenagers convinced me my assessment was correct.

The Wild Walk

Wild Walk takes visitors up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest. That was really tempting but once again caution limited what I was willing to try. The suspended bridges and the climb up the inside of the huge tree truck look like tons of fun. It made me think of the Swiss Family Robinson attraction at Disney. Lots of swaying walk ways suspended in the trees. 

Handicap Accessible

You may think from my comments on what I skipped that this is only for the young and fit but that’s not entirely true. The board walk is so wide and well maintained that you can easily navigate those sections with a wheel chair. On a nice day there is no better way to get out in nature and enjoy the beautiful Adirondack breezes. 

 

Return to Whiteface Mountain

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Whiteface Mountain Revisited

We returned to Whiteface Mountain 3 times while I was visiting. We are stubborn folk and no mountain was going to defeat us. Especially not one we could drive up. But Whiteface and fate had other plans. With a mountain this big it can make it’s own weather. After our first zero visibility try we returned on another sunny day. As we approached the bottom of the mountain we could see that the summit was hidden by clouds. No point in wasting another $30.00 toll. We headed off to find lunch.

Tail o the Pup

Located in Ray Brook NY, the Tail O the Pup is a BBQ restaurant with lots of outdoor seating. It was chilly when we were there but we wanted to give it a try so we decided being a little cold was acceptable. Note to self- next time toss a jacket in the car. I had a bit of trouble with the name of the restaurant. What do puppies have to do with BBQ? If the name was Tail o the Pig I’d imagine cute little curly pig tails but a Pup? We gave our order. My brother ordered the fried scallops I went with the BBQ ribs. The scallops were the winner. They were so juicy and they were huge! For a BBQ place my ribs were a disappointment. They didn’t come close to being “Fall off the bone”. They had a nice flavor but I’m not a fan of having to fight with my food to eat it. Next time we go there I know what I’m going to order.

Third Time’s the Charm

Or so they say. So we gave Whiteface one more shot. This was an absolutely beautiful day. Sun shining and only fluffy clouds in the sky. No fog banks, no storm clouds. How could we miss? This time is wasn’t the weather that stopped us. No it was fate or New York’s road construction crews. When we got to the entrance to the toll road a line of cars was turning around. A sign said- “Road Closed for Maintenance”. Ok we’re done. Three strikes you’re out! and all those cliches. We’ll save Whiteface for another trip. 

Whiteface Gondola

But all was not lost. As we drove away we spotted the Gondolas running up the side of the mountain. We might not make it to the summit on one but we’ll make it close to the top. So that was how we salvaged the Whiteface adventure. Enjoy the views from 3/4 of the way up. Imagine what you’d see from the top.

Puzzle update

I continue to make slow but steady progress