Deadwood, South Dakota: Truth, Legend, and the Last Days of Wild Bill Hickok

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The One Stop We Missed

Among the myths and legends of the Wild West sits Deadwood, South Dakota. I still regret that we didn’t take the time to visit when we took our amazing vacation out that way. If you’ve been following Around Dusty Roads for a while, you may remember those older posts—Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, Custer State Park… we squeezed in a lot. But Deadwood? Somehow it slipped through the cracks.

Does that mean a return trip is needed? Let’s talk about it, and you be the judge.

A Town Built on Gold, Grit, and Gunpowder

Deadwood earned its reputation during the lawless days of the Wild West. Gold brought fortune seekers. Fortune seekers brought outlaws. Outlaws brought gunfights. And the whole mix created a town where danger and opportunity walked hand in hand.

Today, Deadwood leans into that history with restored saloons, historic buildings, and lively reenactments that celebrate its rough‑and‑tumble past. It’s a place where the line between truth and legend blurs—sometimes intentionally.

The Murder of Wild Bill Hickok

Of all the stories tied to Deadwood, none is more famous than the death of James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok. On August 2, 1876, Hickok took a seat in Nuttal & Mann’s Saloon No. 10. For reasons still debated, he sat with his back to the door—something he almost never did.

That small decision became part of Western lore.

The day before, a drifter named Jack McCall had lost all his money to Hickok in a poker game. When Hickok offered him money for a meal, McCall took it as an insult. Fueled by wounded pride and liquid courage, he returned the next evening, walked up behind Hickok, and shot him in the head.

Legend says Hickok was holding black aces and black eights—the now‑famous “Dead Man’s Hand.”

Honoring a Legend

Visitors to Deadwood can still pay their respects at Wild Bill’s grave in Mount Moriah Cemetery. His memory lives on in more ways than one:

  • In 1979, he was inducted into the World Series of Poker Hall of Fame.
  • Every June, Deadwood hosts “Wild Bill Days” in his honor.
  • And every time someone draws a Dead Man’s Hand, Hickok’s story resurfaces.

Thus, while gone, Wild Bill Hickok is certainly not forgotten.

Truth or Tall Tale?

This one goes firmly in the truth column. The details may have been polished by storytellers over the years, but the core of the tale—Deadwood, Wild Bill, Jack McCall, and that fateful poker game—is solid history.

Your Turn: Is Deadwood Worth a Return Trip?

I missed Deadwood the first time around, and the more I dig into its history, the more I wonder if that was a mistake. Between the Wild West legends, the historic saloons, and the chance to stand where Wild Bill Hickok played his final hand, it feels like a place that deserves a spot on the itinerary.

So now I’m turning it over to you.
Have you been to Deadwood? Did it live up to the stories?
Or, if it’s still on your bucket list, does it sound like a place worth doubling back for on a future South Dakota adventure?

Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your take.

 

Centralia, Pennsylvania: The Fire That Won’t Go Out

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A Casual Conversation Sparks a Mystery

Recently, a friend and I were talking about places to live. He’d moved from the Taunton, Massachusetts area and was temporarily staying with people he knew in South Carolina. Things weren’t quite working out the way he expected, so naturally the conversation drifted to “best states” to live in.

We didn’t agree on many. He was eyeing Pennsylvania and West Virginia, while I leaned… elsewhere. When I mentioned Centralia, Pennsylvania, he looked at me blankly. He’d never heard of it. That surprised me—and got me wondering how many others have missed this strange chapter of American history.

Because Centralia isn’t just a dot on the map. It’s a cautionary tale, an environmental disaster, and today, a curious tourist attraction.

 

Good Intentions, Catastrophic Results

The story begins in 1962, when Centralia’s city council met to discuss cleaning up a strip‑mine dump. At the time, using abandoned mines as landfills wasn’t unusual. Lighting them on fire, however, was a known risk—especially in coal country.

Still, the council hired five volunteer firefighters to clean up the landfill and burn off the trash. On May 27, 1962, they set the fire, doused the visible flames that evening, and assumed the job was done.

It wasn’t.

Flames kept reappearing. The fire crew returned again and again, but something underground had already gone terribly wrong. While bulldozing debris, workers had unknowingly exposed a hole filled with combustible material—an open doorway into the maze of old coal seams beneath the town. Once the fire slipped into that labyrinth, it became unstoppable.

A Town Lost to the Flames

More than sixty years later, the Centralia mine fire still burns. Experts believe it could continue for centuries. The ground above it has cracked, collapsed, and vented smoke. Most residents relocated long ago, leaving behind empty streets, a handful of determined holdouts, and a ghost town that draws curious visitors from around the world.

Not the Only Eternal Flame

Coal seam fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish. Some burn for thousands of years. Australia’s Burning Mountain has been smoldering for an estimated six million years.

Even Pennsylvania—rich in coal—has multiple active mine fires beyond Centralia, including long‑burning sites in the Powder River Basin.

Myth or Truth? Absolutely True.

Centralia isn’t an urban legend or a campfire tale. It’s a real place with a real fire still burning beneath it. And if my friend hadn’t heard of it, I’m guessing plenty of others haven’t either.

Maybe that’s why stories like this matter—they remind us how easily good intentions can ignite something far bigger than anyone ever imagined.

 

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

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One More Recipe… I Couldn’t Resist

I know, I know — I said I was going to take a little break from cooking posts. Around Dusty Roads is more than a recipe corner, after all. But when something this easy and this delicious crosses my path, how am I supposed to keep it to myself?

So here we are. One more. I promise it’s worth it.

Do you love peanut butter? Do you have a sweet tooth that wakes up the moment you see those peanut butter eggs at Easter or the Christmas tree–shaped Reese’s? If you’re nodding along, this one’s for you. It’s rich, it’s nostalgic, it’s no-bake, and it’s dangerously simple.

While I was digging through Turtle Fudge recipes for Valentine’s Day, I stumbled across this gem: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars. The only real “work” involved is giving your biceps a little workout while mixing — so grab your trusty wooden spoon and channel your inner “Get Ready to Rumble!”

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (8 Tbsp.) salted butter, melted
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 8 full sheets)
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 cup + 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, divided
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Peanut butter mix should look like this

Instructions

  1. Line an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper; set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and confectioners’ sugar. Stir in 1 cup of peanut butter, then press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
  3. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of peanut butter with the chocolate chips — microwave or stovetop both work. Stir until smooth, then spread over the peanut butter layer.
  4. Chill in the refrigerator until completely firm, at least 2 hours. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cutting.
  5. Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to a week.

almost as good as the pro’s

You can find the original recipe and extra notes over at Sally’s Baking.

No-bake, no guilt… unless you eat the whole pan. Not that I’d know.

If you give these a try, let me know how they turn out. I love hearing your tweaks, triumphs, and taste‑tester reviews.

 

Biometrics

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Biometrics: One Small Step Into the Star Trek Universe… and One Giant Pain in the Finger

Have any of your accounts started nudging you—sometimes not so subtly—to “upgrade” to biometric login? I swear, every time I turn around someone wants my fingerprint. Banks, pharmacies, apps I barely use… everyone’s suddenly obsessed with my thumb.

So I finally caved and put it on my cell phone.
Big mistake. Huge.

wish my phone had the use password option- It doesn’t

My fingerprint reader works about half the time on a good day. If my finger is dry? Forget it. If I’ve washed my hands? Nope. If the wind is blowing from the east and Mercury is in retrograde? Absolutely not.

I’ve even resorted to wetting my finger—either in the sink or, yes, I admit it, the old “lick and pray” method. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. After five failed attempts, I’m locked out anyway and have to type in my password. So what exactly is the point?

And here’s the kicker: my phone doesn’t like when I try to bypass the fingerprint and just sign in normally. It refuses to open the password screen, as if to say, “No no, we’re doing biometrics today.”
Then it sends me helpful little messages like:

“Having trouble logging in? Try wetting your finger!”

Why should I need pep talks from my phone? This should just work. Until it does, I’m not putting biometrics on any other device or account. I’m not risking locking myself out of my bank because my finger is having a dry day.

And while we’re ranting… let’s talk about two-step verification.

My bank requires a special code every single time I log in. Not occasionally. Not randomly. Every. Time.
I enter my password, and up pops a cheerful message telling me they’re sending a code. Now I get to choose: email or text. It’s like a security-themed choose-your-own-adventure.

I was logging into my photography site the other day to update my payment method, and they hit me with the “we’ll send you a code” routine too. Fine. But then they did it again. And again. After every step. It took forever to get anything done.

Look, I understand hacking is a real problem. If someone broke into my bank account, I’d be upset—assuming they could find anything worth stealing. But surely there has to be a way to streamline all this. I’m not convinced the current system is helping as much as they think it is.

What About You?

So tell me — am I the only one fighting with my own technology like it’s a stubborn toddler? Do your biometrics behave, or are you also stuck licking your finger in public like a confused raccoon? Drop your stories in the comments. Misery loves company, and I’m ready to hear your best “locked out again” tales.

Closing

Until the tech world figures out how to recognize a perfectly normal human finger, I’ll be over here typing passwords the old-fashioned way and dreaming of a future where logging in doesn’t feel like a full-contact sport.

 

A Simple, Stylish Bedroom Makeover

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Fresh Ideas for a Modern, Cozy Retreat

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

A bedroom makeover doesn’t have to mean knocking down walls or buying all new furniture. Sometimes the most transformative changes come from simple updates—fresh bedding, a new rug, better lighting, or a thoughtful rearrangement of what you already own. Whether you’re craving a minimalist cocoon, a modern sanctuary, or something with a little mid‑century flair, you can refresh your space step by step and still make it feel uniquely yours.

Below are some inspiring ideas—plus easy upgrades like quality linens from Promeed—to help you create a bedroom that feels calm, stylish, and deeply personal.

Start with the Basics: Build a Foundation for Better Sleep

Before diving into décor, set the stage for comfort.

✔ Invest in a quality mattress and linens

A supportive mattress and breathable bedding are the heart of a restful bedroom. Soft, durable sheets and a comforter that suits your sleep style make a world of difference. Neutral tones—ivory, mocha, gray, soft beige—create a timeless backdrop that works with any décor. We recommend checking out Promeed for linens and accessories

✔ Layer your lighting

Modern bedrooms rely on lighting that works in layers:

  • A main overhead fixture
  • Bedside lamps or sconces
  • Optional accent lighting like string lights or a soft-glow nightlight

This creates ambiance and makes the room feel warm and intentional.

✔ Choose soothing colors

Whether you love crisp whites, earthy browns, or soft coastal hues, pick colors that help you unwind. Modern design leans toward clean lines and calming palettes.

Modern Bedroom Inspiration: Clean, Calm, and Personal

Today’s  bedrooms are all about simplicity, comfort, and thoughtful details. Here are a few design directions inspired by House Beautiful:

Go for a Headboard + Nightstand Combo

A statement headboard instantly elevates the room. Some designs even include built‑in nightstands for a sleek, custom look. Pair this with soft neutral bedding and warm lighting for a balanced, modern feel.

Keep It Neutral and Natural

Mocha walls, gold-toned linens, and a jute rug create a cozy, autumnal cocoon. Natural textures—linen, jute, cotton, wood—add warmth without clutter.

Make It Minimalist

A minimalist bedroom doesn’t mean empty—it means intentional.
Try:

  • A simple gallery wall
  • A built‑in shelf above the bed
  • Hooks for robes or accessories
  • A sculptural pendant light

These small touches keep the room serene but interesting.

Textiles & Decor: The Easiest Way to Refresh Your Space

Textiles are the quickest, most affordable way to transform a bedroom. Consider:

Bedding

Upgrade with quality linens, decorative pillows, and throws in layered textures.
Bedding and Linens

Rugs

A soft area rug or runner adds warmth, color, and grounding. Accessorize with a throw banket. Find more ideas at Joydeco

 

Curtains

Fresh curtains can soften the room, control light, and instantly modernize the space. Check out Joydeco for quality curtain and shade ideas

Plants

Real or faux greenery brings life and freshness to the room.

Lighting

Swap outdated fixtures for sconces, pendants, or soft accent lighting.

Nightstand Styling

A tray, a book stack, and one or two personal objects make the space feel curated, not cluttered.

Furniture & Layout: Small Changes, Big Impact

Floating Nightstand

You don’t need new furniture to make the room feel new.

Rearrange the layout

Sometimes simply moving the bed or shifting a dresser opens up the room.

Add a statement headboard

Upholstered, wood, rattan—choose something that reflects your style.

Improve storage

Floating nightstands, storage ottomans, or under‑bed bins help keep clutter at bay.

DIY upgrades

New knobs on a dresser, a fresh coat of paint, or repurposing an old piece can make a big difference.

Finishing Touches: Make It Yours

These small steps pull everything together:

  • Make the bed daily—instantly tidier and more inviting
  • Add personal touches—secondhand finds, DIY art, or sentimental objects
  • Use scent—lavender, eucalyptus, or your favorite calming fragrance
  • Keep surfaces simple—a few meaningful items go further than a dozen small ones

Ready to Refresh Your Bedroom?

A modern bedroom doesn’t have to be complicated. With thoughtful updates—especially new bedding and linens from Promeed and fresh curtains from Joydeco you can create a space that feels serene, stylish, and unmistakably you. Whether you’re going minimalist, natural, or mid‑century inspired, these ideas help you build a bedroom that supports rest, comfort, and your personal design story.