tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52915312741054579392024-03-09T20:46:51.769-06:00Wine and Spirits TravelMarcia Frost writes about travel, food, wine and spirits, including cruises, hotels and restaurants with great food and activities.Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.comBlogger562125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-34517372484192735032024-02-29T16:09:00.040-06:002024-03-03T17:12:34.180-06:00More to See in Joliet, Illinois<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRXtUVkv_kNQ_bAmvtt1pJ8OD_sapHnKx7kdOGLMf6a8aTxPlFSjRhEM6-NSy1hL5x8KW4m0aQ7fTTKTVAyMdsmPxEXGTY9uxq5uYL-QIeJoFNeHmFSIrdPwaWKmU8Vzg8RYiJWwPDByMgiZvduRWatk5x6yDYq_7-E3nKIDsNusphO5oq42wD3NUBas/s2049/JolietAreaHistoricalMuseumJolietIL090121%20(7).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRXtUVkv_kNQ_bAmvtt1pJ8OD_sapHnKx7kdOGLMf6a8aTxPlFSjRhEM6-NSy1hL5x8KW4m0aQ7fTTKTVAyMdsmPxEXGTY9uxq5uYL-QIeJoFNeHmFSIrdPwaWKmU8Vzg8RYiJWwPDByMgiZvduRWatk5x6yDYq_7-E3nKIDsNusphO5oq42wD3NUBas/s320/JolietAreaHistoricalMuseumJolietIL090121%20(7).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>After an exciting <a href="http://www.wineandspiritstravel.com/search?updated-max=2024-02-29T16:09:00-06:00&max-results=1" target="_blank">night at the Illinois Rock and Roll Hallof Fame Induction</a>, my friend Lisa and I stayed at Harrah’s Joliet hotel. In the
morning, we went downtown to explore.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QYIMHOU0oM3xMR8pM4g8yP7tv2LgZWjvchmjhIXojaExfQmr8BSg0fCeNWR4wuvoXqa1Xa2uXjnKYShKAjsrYarQFwi1bMBELCB0E6IbhyphenhyphenaDC_AWSO4LaNC9YJR7Osd7ZRT_qnJ9GdWr3qdRWDAJstkKEtQRy3Sm-2GK2KhinFmwYHfUXxGc9Xg8Tlo/s1451/DowntownJolietIL090121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1451" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QYIMHOU0oM3xMR8pM4g8yP7tv2LgZWjvchmjhIXojaExfQmr8BSg0fCeNWR4wuvoXqa1Xa2uXjnKYShKAjsrYarQFwi1bMBELCB0E6IbhyphenhyphenaDC_AWSO4LaNC9YJR7Osd7ZRT_qnJ9GdWr3qdRWDAJstkKEtQRy3Sm-2GK2KhinFmwYHfUXxGc9Xg8Tlo/s320/DowntownJolietIL090121.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">With Lisa walking and me in my scooter, the town looked easy
to navigate on this beautiful day. We hadn’t eaten since early the previous evening,
so we were ready for breakfast at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/66Rtdiner/" target="_blank">Route 66 Diner</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpCo8NCaw3sY3vJ4AYTGiAGr6xfqiToJ327jQtdQfAa7fDqS5TYTaICjOltZZlv2QizQlNv9Yr7y7PHsXZr5XrieCE2BV6zGAA778gp6i5WcrZBgJmsAHU7bmERDk0uhIGYySQO9ycD33r5ofPf-pSB2oOEMzrcjoYYuATx2fApkyFVFL8BKZVNfF0PI/s1536/Route66DinerEggsBenedictJolietIL090121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="1536" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpCo8NCaw3sY3vJ4AYTGiAGr6xfqiToJ327jQtdQfAa7fDqS5TYTaICjOltZZlv2QizQlNv9Yr7y7PHsXZr5XrieCE2BV6zGAA778gp6i5WcrZBgJmsAHU7bmERDk0uhIGYySQO9ycD33r5ofPf-pSB2oOEMzrcjoYYuATx2fApkyFVFL8BKZVNfF0PI/s320/Route66DinerEggsBenedictJolietIL090121.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The diner was decorated to pay tribute to the popular
roadway that comes right through this town. There was no doubt as to what I was
going to eat as they actually had a dish named “Marcia’s Platter.” No one
seemed to know how it got its name, but the plate of scrambled eggs,
vegetables, hashbrowns, and cheese was just what I wanted (with a side of
pancakes). <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-slot="9071642794" style="display: block; text-align: center;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Lisa chose the Eggs Benedict and we relaxed with our coffee
for awhile before heading back on the street. The downtown is quaint with lots
of shops. We took a few minutes to stop at Sue Regis Glass to see some of the
creations being made. <o:p></o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5S5479NDJ_HDH0O_SzEnLiIdQfT-x9IyE1AI9w08BZsJunrBCxDv2BZYIuEHyuml1aCdecsOrc9lZmyiCjnJljrOY0tGkplLyigva9RyomoQd_lrvORGApNroT8LdwOzq8GO1dwJdiiW5OAPkKLxZWnaA8qsp4Mv_5eGlCfsv1WBe_44eM5HGyBr-W8/s1621/SueRegisGlassArtJolietIL090121%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="1621" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5S5479NDJ_HDH0O_SzEnLiIdQfT-x9IyE1AI9w08BZsJunrBCxDv2BZYIuEHyuml1aCdecsOrc9lZmyiCjnJljrOY0tGkplLyigva9RyomoQd_lrvORGApNroT8LdwOzq8GO1dwJdiiW5OAPkKLxZWnaA8qsp4Mv_5eGlCfsv1WBe_44eM5HGyBr-W8/s320/SueRegisGlassArtJolietIL090121%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’m not sure why, but my scooter had not charged, and we got
stuck at some point. It was nice to see how much help we got from local people
coming by and seeing the scooter broken down. They helped me get to the <a href="https://www.jolietmuseum.org/" target="_blank">JolietArea Historical Museum </a>while we plugged in the scooter and went through the
museum with a wheelchair. (It would be the last trip for that mode of transportation,
and I had to get another.)</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsmhyphenhyphennJzHLbpJQKSJaEvgRJccA09wjhuDwCkrcUfVT_dt581lOfncdpQF6f94XiRKLLWVRztBr_QiRc9aQRRmKpXKjcaPVIetkXTIGO6tZ8szLrTcvXR8c1DlCf1soUWPd17cnZj3xyBd1Jvsp7N16YmQ7PZgSWcacLtvxpT1a194pcrJId3OBKWlmKU/s1536/JolietAreaHistoricalMuseumBluesBrothersLisaJolietIL090121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="1536" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsmhyphenhyphennJzHLbpJQKSJaEvgRJccA09wjhuDwCkrcUfVT_dt581lOfncdpQF6f94XiRKLLWVRztBr_QiRc9aQRRmKpXKjcaPVIetkXTIGO6tZ8szLrTcvXR8c1DlCf1soUWPd17cnZj3xyBd1Jvsp7N16YmQ7PZgSWcacLtvxpT1a194pcrJId3OBKWlmKU/s320/JolietAreaHistoricalMuseumBluesBrothersLisaJolietIL090121.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">At the museum we were greeted by the Blues Brothers. The
statues are so life-like we just had to stop and pose. The famous group is just
one of the exhibits here. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl8Df5J2IB4WnIpfGfirzJ30Eo_eFkj81IkWMm5fd5UUHWrONyc0x2DBr9T0oSR6V5BOHIYFmU_jPE2X3v4M0PPr1WG9Y7hhQh_edIygJMJEkuTVcSctriFx9iTeX0mbZXDGkhE_9QXktKk9Dhhnj6x-1ykvGp4Fh_FQ8XcFCamewNHoDkvtrna3nPFU/s2048/JolietAreaHistoricalMuseumJolietIL090121%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHl8Df5J2IB4WnIpfGfirzJ30Eo_eFkj81IkWMm5fd5UUHWrONyc0x2DBr9T0oSR6V5BOHIYFmU_jPE2X3v4M0PPr1WG9Y7hhQh_edIygJMJEkuTVcSctriFx9iTeX0mbZXDGkhE_9QXktKk9Dhhnj6x-1ykvGp4Fh_FQ8XcFCamewNHoDkvtrna3nPFU/s320/JolietAreaHistoricalMuseumJolietIL090121%20(2).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">There are tributes to many of the people and things
that came out of Chicagoland, as well as the history from this area. A large
room also has a lot about Route 66 from Illinois to California. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yZV6i-Llli_ZXWayfZXa8Y6B_1M1jAH4E7BjLKHmFTM7gaiSw5rXTGMCnEId6O-3jBv3jjsM5QxYEYGkNmKMYox81aMd72giXJDP3_bAABuamPlHVpxErDew3tTNn0SH4Uy9bESKo_0uYM0E_G3pwMzwZD-3x8FUYL8X8-Dkvm5-PvKhbxyPkAwCL30/s2049/JolietAreaHistoricalMuseumRoute66MapJolietIL090121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2049" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yZV6i-Llli_ZXWayfZXa8Y6B_1M1jAH4E7BjLKHmFTM7gaiSw5rXTGMCnEId6O-3jBv3jjsM5QxYEYGkNmKMYox81aMd72giXJDP3_bAABuamPlHVpxErDew3tTNn0SH4Uy9bESKo_0uYM0E_G3pwMzwZD-3x8FUYL8X8-Dkvm5-PvKhbxyPkAwCL30/s320/JolietAreaHistoricalMuseumRoute66MapJolietIL090121.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">We managed to get an Uber back to the hotel in which we
could carry the scooter. Once at <a href="https://mavely.app.link/e/gNm8wt3WFHb" target="_blank">Harrah’s Joliet</a>, we got some lattes and wraps
from the Cross Street Grill for the road. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3iB_ec9r1U9A83j9CFMFYLZutZbLzOvr09AeWgpctqLPCfmYUA3s361Z1etRLb3tB8G0Kfk7DXcqDKQrHGpgmB4-3G9fe6lef9-XRWm-IwVz3768caVEkM6H1eqEoyNdx7MVmvImINlWlw-lSwJVZKGnNXL5uRliR6ufexNf1sgFSx_6iwjYtNUX_jI/s1631/HarrahsCrossStreetGrillJolietIL090121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="1631" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3iB_ec9r1U9A83j9CFMFYLZutZbLzOvr09AeWgpctqLPCfmYUA3s361Z1etRLb3tB8G0Kfk7DXcqDKQrHGpgmB4-3G9fe6lef9-XRWm-IwVz3768caVEkM6H1eqEoyNdx7MVmvImINlWlw-lSwJVZKGnNXL5uRliR6ufexNf1sgFSx_6iwjYtNUX_jI/s320/HarrahsCrossStreetGrillJolietIL090121.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">It was less than two hours to home
and I knew <a href="https://visitjoliet.com/" target="_blank">Joliet </a>was a place I’d be coming back to – especially since the Illinois
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame wasn’t quite ready for us to see on this trip. <o:p></o:p></p>
<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block; text-align:center;"
data-ad-layout="in-article"
data-ad-format="fluid"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756"
data-ad-slot="9071642794"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0Joliet, IL, USA41.525031 -88.081725113.214797163821153 -123.2379751 69.835264836178851 -52.9254751tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-60096554614527117662024-02-15T15:41:00.004-06:002024-02-15T15:41:53.781-06:00Joliet: A Historical Prison and Rock and Roll History<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNP5PI3RT5v6YcNuhKoO9CLfsixSaIn4sjuRpmg1gPCXVYnYHEZMp2zkQWteA328tUpCKIB6jqoYQz7qWQUyofCBEX48QCYIDoh-EzdhXYKQ3YUaH8RJVUgzFFIfOOb_gEP3ZNbFCTjlNoxYcPBmRXQ-E6dBKaVmuSHaz7fDRcXzEpICFyRolvcc7R6zc/s1500/ILRockHallOfFameMusiciansJolietIL083121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNP5PI3RT5v6YcNuhKoO9CLfsixSaIn4sjuRpmg1gPCXVYnYHEZMp2zkQWteA328tUpCKIB6jqoYQz7qWQUyofCBEX48QCYIDoh-EzdhXYKQ3YUaH8RJVUgzFFIfOOb_gEP3ZNbFCTjlNoxYcPBmRXQ-E6dBKaVmuSHaz7fDRcXzEpICFyRolvcc7R6zc/s320/ILRockHallOfFameMusiciansJolietIL083121.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The first Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction was
delayed because of the pandemic. When they rescheduled, I was ready to go experience
this exciting night – and spend some time checking out the city of Joliet.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKg6zYbXuyqWSrw8VdxUjse1IXPPSbsgpJIf6hKAXQMQY87q_LHoQq0JdISWX1T7nVtM5NQ7Xo0Gv6xFcVv1XinPVZ6r9LA-AD6BmlRrY_WGFSke4OM4OVZFUxY4KoM_mGfIg6gpqkNze1VLJNB4LUXorphzjM4YJI3JlaNYmR-pbWBNq_AxKzYHGy0s/s1500/OldJolietPrisonJolietIL083121%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKg6zYbXuyqWSrw8VdxUjse1IXPPSbsgpJIf6hKAXQMQY87q_LHoQq0JdISWX1T7nVtM5NQ7Xo0Gv6xFcVv1XinPVZ6r9LA-AD6BmlRrY_WGFSke4OM4OVZFUxY4KoM_mGfIg6gpqkNze1VLJNB4LUXorphzjM4YJI3JlaNYmR-pbWBNq_AxKzYHGy0s/s320/OldJolietPrisonJolietIL083121%20(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I took my friend Lisa along. It had been quite a while since
we had traveled together, but we certainly had a lot of trips behind us.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpTdQ7RYT7pwI06DPSGFb1uM3FgjhEafHMIOvDn084MMPhCBMpWl4SwoLbDRPjTizsGspB-sKlvnm414_BArtZ-XMd64KrS2dHLakUmDj5_QhKhZjdixPVrEUSG1y43-a96T3CWCAbTq4-gzDYZIe2fcprqs5uEaEbUHIU6-C0LPDO9Qe5PyXLzs-L54/s1500/OldJolietPrisonJolietIL083121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpTdQ7RYT7pwI06DPSGFb1uM3FgjhEafHMIOvDn084MMPhCBMpWl4SwoLbDRPjTizsGspB-sKlvnm414_BArtZ-XMd64KrS2dHLakUmDj5_QhKhZjdixPVrEUSG1y43-a96T3CWCAbTq4-gzDYZIe2fcprqs5uEaEbUHIU6-C0LPDO9Qe5PyXLzs-L54/s320/OldJolietPrisonJolietIL083121.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our first stop was at a place I’ve never been to in any city,
a prison. We spent about two hours on a private tour exploring one of the most
famous in the country. <a href="https://jolietprison.org/" target="_blank">Old Joliet Prison</a>,
which was featured in the <i>Blues Brothers </i>movie. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Given the importance of keeping a lot of the historical artifacts,
the accessibility to every building wasn’t available to me. I still felt I got
to see a lot from the outside in my scooter. I let Lisa do the deeper exploring
and picture taking.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0A1Q22FuERzLM8Rf7FwTReaZ7UluWw0DX63uflG4CObxq_6e89ExsmXZIKmqbbR6yrs8AsezJ5yC5340ff6lqD5jcC39HlBLJI72tsegX7F7-bjlF6n6E3z0Sae1cdYcj6yUH5fEfGSwPn_G_Ihi2epfibvPpNwCv_w55bIwfwJ56YJChBWRavHaISY/s2113/OldJolietPrisonBluesBrothersJolietIL083121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2113" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0A1Q22FuERzLM8Rf7FwTReaZ7UluWw0DX63uflG4CObxq_6e89ExsmXZIKmqbbR6yrs8AsezJ5yC5340ff6lqD5jcC39HlBLJI72tsegX7F7-bjlF6n6E3z0Sae1cdYcj6yUH5fEfGSwPn_G_Ihi2epfibvPpNwCv_w55bIwfwJ56YJChBWRavHaISY/s320/OldJolietPrisonBluesBrothersJolietIL083121.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was even more interesting to hear about how important
these structures were to the development of the prison system in the state, and
one might say to the United States. The first prisoners arrived at this
facility in 1858 and it was a functioning place of incarceration until 2002.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIsIjbLeHwAqmLBxV8_g1EfVMA2OopI0iv-ocbYFz2kflf5bUFJfeXPKH9ZqRD8krfBuzZ-oNR_JYujB2xM65YzdWpAJOWHLuN43VSfjT-Sya0nDXhM_LoPHKet-dLMhrtGtsPg5XeXMxn_uqPsJwdLtifZKcYj1WOMCofLm4DznYgYv0DYsYINdunT8/s1500/OldJolietPrisonSchoolJolietIL083121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIsIjbLeHwAqmLBxV8_g1EfVMA2OopI0iv-ocbYFz2kflf5bUFJfeXPKH9ZqRD8krfBuzZ-oNR_JYujB2xM65YzdWpAJOWHLuN43VSfjT-Sya0nDXhM_LoPHKet-dLMhrtGtsPg5XeXMxn_uqPsJwdLtifZKcYj1WOMCofLm4DznYgYv0DYsYINdunT8/s320/OldJolietPrisonSchoolJolietIL083121.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We also learned about two books that tell a lot of the
story, <a href="https://amzn.to/3uljLul" target="_blank"><i>Joliet Prison Blues</i></a><i> </i>and
<a href="https://amzn.to/3urv6ZN" target="_blank"><i>Old Joliet Prison: When Convicts Wore
Stripes</i></a><i>, </i>both by Amy Kinzer Steidinger. The boxes depict a lot
of the treatment of prisoners, which was criticized in later years.<br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">After we left the prison, we were more than ready for lunch
and headed to downtown Joliet. Lunch was at Chevre Latin Café.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bdUI4K1F8_jzxY9CHSQECTz_QfpQTOKkTu4AseIHIm6NWnngSXmktQ62sqz2kVdcxFgsUeTzYc7kiK3Y9SNG12m7GJxkwuzkvQC_c5LayQewEmoLoHqyDJqCDacLTQKMrUXuDLDdbVVteD4p5TNjjEtudEfhJinSZAEvxlhsjVcYguXMG4GK2o2KaMg/s1795/ChevreLatinCafeSteakBowlJolietIL083121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1795" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bdUI4K1F8_jzxY9CHSQECTz_QfpQTOKkTu4AseIHIm6NWnngSXmktQ62sqz2kVdcxFgsUeTzYc7kiK3Y9SNG12m7GJxkwuzkvQC_c5LayQewEmoLoHqyDJqCDacLTQKMrUXuDLDdbVVteD4p5TNjjEtudEfhJinSZAEvxlhsjVcYguXMG4GK2o2KaMg/s320/ChevreLatinCafeSteakBowlJolietIL083121.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><p></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was a nice day to sit out on the patio. The food was both
excellent and unusual. We shared some empanadas, then Lisa had the Café Steak
Bowl, and I had the Chicken Bowl with Plantains. We were too stuffed for
dessert, but we ordered lattes and picked up Cheesecakes by James next door to
bring back to our hotel. We settled on one cherry and one turtle.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe78d_jn7fDr7mNezm-T-hPXWTxDPzyzvQHlRGOhoKODV9sXR-kXEa2LzPe1zbXdd0CR581v9quVzjAWu84h8fL8klXgqhCKnTzKIOblPfNEmj-WWPJTc_cjyIjPxGMPMYwbLG92xSOn_vE-q3W2UruONWU70QWLtIBqHKX6ihv-cHVCA8gBGABHugzog/s2001/ChevreLatinCafeEmpanadasJolietIL083121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2001" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe78d_jn7fDr7mNezm-T-hPXWTxDPzyzvQHlRGOhoKODV9sXR-kXEa2LzPe1zbXdd0CR581v9quVzjAWu84h8fL8klXgqhCKnTzKIOblPfNEmj-WWPJTc_cjyIjPxGMPMYwbLG92xSOn_vE-q3W2UruONWU70QWLtIBqHKX6ihv-cHVCA8gBGABHugzog/s320/ChevreLatinCafeEmpanadasJolietIL083121.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span>Before we went to the hotel, we met up with some other journalists at the </span><a href="https://bishopshill.com/" target="_blank">Bishop Hill Winery</a><span> for tastings. We didn’t stay long because I was tired and wanted to put my feet up before the night’s festivities.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__8jhJQ77PRPo1Kbt0I4MtlDpNTChSsGd_3reklTxuaiSzY5EP3NA3y9pMrxCDf57hoQC-Gn8GFn4vnzvuAhs4iXIZ_PEl2i8qPiAGf-qheVYXZNV9Ur_bNB98AqYiwi6AX7XtWEatwB7LO3kKiezA6LWjNzMROz9BH4VhiYu29J6XCG2LRj332iNQzA/s2001/CheesecakesByJamesCherryandTurtleJolietIL083121%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2001" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__8jhJQ77PRPo1Kbt0I4MtlDpNTChSsGd_3reklTxuaiSzY5EP3NA3y9pMrxCDf57hoQC-Gn8GFn4vnzvuAhs4iXIZ_PEl2i8qPiAGf-qheVYXZNV9Ur_bNB98AqYiwi6AX7XtWEatwB7LO3kKiezA6LWjNzMROz9BH4VhiYu29J6XCG2LRj332iNQzA/s320/CheesecakesByJamesCherryandTurtleJolietIL083121%20(2).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div></div><p class="MsoNormal">We quickly checked into <a href="https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-joliet" target="_blank">Harrah’s Joliet Hotel</a>. It was
a nice hotel. It wasn’t quite like some of the previous Harrah’s properties I
had stayed at, but had a few restaurants and a large casino. It was also within
walking distance (in my case mobility scooter) of everything we would be going
to that evening and the next day. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBG1lPRcOmdENBFLhr4x9jhdx_grWhLOAGyPYbOSjKxz6rQvTN9NNHrQmtCP9jdgRc4RtpLbKVDxV_KUpCHk-BnsXlbIRGznXoc7gmG-OaC-4Ay4hf4MBB7s9d6HrEqDsAW9-YWuPYLpUwfqyYSxxD6Sq98sUOhLF47ix4Zcw3_1zDVuEIEvOj-8N9k2c/s2001/RialtoTheaterMarqueeJolietIL083121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2001" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBG1lPRcOmdENBFLhr4x9jhdx_grWhLOAGyPYbOSjKxz6rQvTN9NNHrQmtCP9jdgRc4RtpLbKVDxV_KUpCHk-BnsXlbIRGznXoc7gmG-OaC-4Ay4hf4MBB7s9d6HrEqDsAW9-YWuPYLpUwfqyYSxxD6Sq98sUOhLF47ix4Zcw3_1zDVuEIEvOj-8N9k2c/s320/RialtoTheaterMarqueeJolietIL083121.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I always like a reason to get dressed up and I did so for
the event, as did Lisa. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was being
held at the Rialto Theater, a beautiful and historic building in Joliet. The Illinois Hall of Fame was the brainchild of Ron Romero, the President & Founder of the <a href="https://www.roadtorock.org/" target="_blank">Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66</a>. He was (and is) determined to bring publicity to the huge collection of music that has come out of the state.</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJa4q6WnDAPujVjF59d2gGV0chwPdxBuwBMPpu4IbJxEEdQNbHbbhvGR-GaOJ-U7xfyxCZsdnpnnEuGkrut-3Cl1wRMPKdikcWQTFed-ws39BVejQPk8jUyWdazh-qjcf8bygJ_VTXHqzbosvoUBgMkLwgVs92nevOYqiBt-qERSghr_uNSxbYECoA_A/s2048/013643b72604149585431b157d8448c20cd310b2d7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJa4q6WnDAPujVjF59d2gGV0chwPdxBuwBMPpu4IbJxEEdQNbHbbhvGR-GaOJ-U7xfyxCZsdnpnnEuGkrut-3Cl1wRMPKdikcWQTFed-ws39BVejQPk8jUyWdazh-qjcf8bygJ_VTXHqzbosvoUBgMkLwgVs92nevOYqiBt-qERSghr_uNSxbYECoA_A/s320/013643b72604149585431b157d8448c20cd310b2d7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p></blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many people don’t realize how many top performers come from
Illinois and this first induction class was certainly a good sampling: Cheap
Trick, REO Speedwagon, Chicago, Buddy Guy, Muddy Water, Dick Biondi, Larry
Lujack, Ides of March, The Buckinghams, WLS Radio, and Chess Records. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The show was phenomenal, with representation from all the Hall
of Famers, including Kevin Cronin from REO, and the full bands of The
Buckinghams and the Ides of March. The rest were video acceptances, and live tributes
by those such as Blues legend John Primer.*<o:p></o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmO09_1IsE54TrV4JezFeKAJJIM8bLr8vjh_MG7GwNfmxHrFq_yZL6xal0KGyIowJ97K-aUc-xObzGvez0q_ekK0SIrBs_ebzob94nWaqB1LtUL6gq6NG3z0-Qx0xvek_OyOnYGIS6wEzMX15frwhbGinwxd2pkM-zijRshljQ6xwNao_DXjhI7BSlH2o/s2001/ILRockHallOfFameJohnPrimerJolietIL083121%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2001" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmO09_1IsE54TrV4JezFeKAJJIM8bLr8vjh_MG7GwNfmxHrFq_yZL6xal0KGyIowJ97K-aUc-xObzGvez0q_ekK0SIrBs_ebzob94nWaqB1LtUL6gq6NG3z0-Qx0xvek_OyOnYGIS6wEzMX15frwhbGinwxd2pkM-zijRshljQ6xwNao_DXjhI7BSlH2o/s320/ILRockHallOfFameJohnPrimerJolietIL083121%20(3).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">It was quite an evening. I never saw so many people standing
and singing for so long. Everyone knew the songs and it was one big giant
singalong, especially for moments such as The Buckinghams singing “Kind of A
Drag.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TOLFmOCWwKU" width="320" youtube-src-id="TOLFmOCWwKU"></iframe></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If I hadn’t been so tired from the long day, I would have
loved to get to know some of the performers, but it would have to wait for the
next one. Lisa and I headed back to the hotel. We hadn’t really had dinner in
the rushed evening, but there was the cheesecake. Yes, both pieces were delicious.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*For more specifics on the concert, <a href="https://vocal.media/beat/illinois-musical-riches-showcased">check out this
story</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><br />Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0Joliet, IL, USA41.525031 -88.081725113.214797163821153 -123.2379751 69.835264836178851 -52.9254751tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-21742448424926578022024-01-31T14:30:00.059-06:002024-02-01T16:29:50.010-06:00Visiting the Reimagined St. Louis Union Station<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonE2cClz1TkDvGt6-UtsU1REiSKwDvY0Ggoir3ErEUWw8ntOaeexHUWUT_BsINhNA7auTwisCTyvecLrRiXjxdbpmwJqA25LSIlHlmFvrZCN42PBzR829j1XXiM0yUKYVFVUCB1cWAXfwRh4d1Kk-g5gDLD-BZZsFFZFUP61EWY_Lm1mTJ2o-tIKi6pg/s1500/StLouisUnionStation081123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonE2cClz1TkDvGt6-UtsU1REiSKwDvY0Ggoir3ErEUWw8ntOaeexHUWUT_BsINhNA7auTwisCTyvecLrRiXjxdbpmwJqA25LSIlHlmFvrZCN42PBzR829j1XXiM0yUKYVFVUCB1cWAXfwRh4d1Kk-g5gDLD-BZZsFFZFUP61EWY_Lm1mTJ2o-tIKi6pg/s320/StLouisUnionStation081123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I’ve wanted to visit St. Louis Union Station since it was
remodeled a few years ago and the attractions were added. I had heard nothing
but good things about it. When I was invited to cover a <a href="https://vocal.media/beat/yellowcard-celebrates">Yellowcard</a> <a href="https://vocal.media/beat/yellowcard-celebrates">concert</a> in the
Gateway city, I decided it was the perfect time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJTambvpEVJwufKGAelpP5K0LTu2o9HD5a2nmMk2F8u_s2-3mF4-Zwf_PKp_Scg22JyddRnfKaEw3TXBgrislxeeHdeWRczgEkdLwmNHmdwRXsVf9iZR5YGYOrtvJohlDGQIYMSvjOdaazMXN_LqB1yppQRWdGxcm9ZGB6SpcmMMO2VgSByX7Oz21J3s/s1588/StationGrilleEggAvocadoQuinoaUnionStationStLouis081123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1588" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJTambvpEVJwufKGAelpP5K0LTu2o9HD5a2nmMk2F8u_s2-3mF4-Zwf_PKp_Scg22JyddRnfKaEw3TXBgrislxeeHdeWRczgEkdLwmNHmdwRXsVf9iZR5YGYOrtvJohlDGQIYMSvjOdaazMXN_LqB1yppQRWdGxcm9ZGB6SpcmMMO2VgSByX7Oz21J3s/s320/StationGrilleEggAvocadoQuinoaUnionStationStLouis081123.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Brittany and I went straight from the concert to the <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/stlcuqq-st-louis-union-station-hotel/">Hilton
at St. Louis Union Station</a>, a Curio Collection Hotel. I was impressed the moment we walked into the lobby,
with the high ceilings and light show that magnified all the art. I could only
compare it to the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAX2YX3meKCdbr1pvRsofQeQq2Wtae12Pd7rv61ulUDmhoAM43hP-qfOx9i3_HSy-Jo8zWvXGedWgw2s1aQpX0Msx7EyN7jmCZIEuPWOKBBtkNRbL0QpsqiuewHXNjazdhnRLAo95CGHgh9LLR-MKb3zmyPt3YoSL0TFW5CVmzEZlXLJM6Y2MvH82b2m0/s1500/StLouisAquariumUnionStationFish081123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1500" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAX2YX3meKCdbr1pvRsofQeQq2Wtae12Pd7rv61ulUDmhoAM43hP-qfOx9i3_HSy-Jo8zWvXGedWgw2s1aQpX0Msx7EyN7jmCZIEuPWOKBBtkNRbL0QpsqiuewHXNjazdhnRLAo95CGHgh9LLR-MKb3zmyPt3YoSL0TFW5CVmzEZlXLJM6Y2MvH82b2m0/s320/StLouisAquariumUnionStationFish081123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />We were exhausted and went right to sleep. In the morning,
we had breakfast at Station Grille, one of the hotel’s restaurants. It was
quite a meal, starting with freshly made pastries. Brittany had Chicken &
Waffles. I ordered the Egg, Avocado & Quinoa, which was covered lightly
with a balsamic dressing, and I loved it.<br /><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After breakfast, we met up with our friend `Amanda and
headed over to the other side of the hotel for the activities. Our first stop
was at the St. Louis Aquarium. It’s better not to explain how it’s done and let
you be surprised, but I can tell you the entrance is an experience in itself!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_m3RApB2af9AWklr-MfwPPJiWxpbBWxE7dgzJAf_5zIGIEue2Cz_pc9ajD6fXRxSzUPsnMZ2TIHFo8J8B73RIZQXe5K4uzSwoIWGfubFev52X_TQKHopev-kkn4LF4oI9A7qD3wLqu7yYBZHRnWTXpiLS_KbEsz8sL4RkI8d-1asTAzrovCYEJwwuQA/s1626/StLouisAquariumOtterUnionStationStLouis081123BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1626" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_m3RApB2af9AWklr-MfwPPJiWxpbBWxE7dgzJAf_5zIGIEue2Cz_pc9ajD6fXRxSzUPsnMZ2TIHFo8J8B73RIZQXe5K4uzSwoIWGfubFev52X_TQKHopev-kkn4LF4oI9A7qD3wLqu7yYBZHRnWTXpiLS_KbEsz8sL4RkI8d-1asTAzrovCYEJwwuQA/s320/StLouisAquariumOtterUnionStationStLouis081123BL.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Aquarium is filled with hands-on experiences and also
has animal shows. We got to see the training of an armadillo.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9npL0sYRKRScAOEpG2SzWzyseGeCTTTycLP3CMY9jlM2Ik4POgNjqlkhG3A1H10hbKs-U_GnwNrA5a3h2M3Y96vJ2dIhrsYGvKDymgzYMdm6K0VZw3fWkvCQMhRNYYydQU3xMln1RgAtKZmXAvT1DYOj_MMcwnBjydo_uGkrLiKVH9f52eDzE_ic19jo/s1500/StLouisUnionStationMirrorMaze081123%20(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9npL0sYRKRScAOEpG2SzWzyseGeCTTTycLP3CMY9jlM2Ik4POgNjqlkhG3A1H10hbKs-U_GnwNrA5a3h2M3Y96vJ2dIhrsYGvKDymgzYMdm6K0VZw3fWkvCQMhRNYYydQU3xMln1RgAtKZmXAvT1DYOj_MMcwnBjydo_uGkrLiKVH9f52eDzE_ic19jo/s320/StLouisUnionStationMirrorMaze081123%20(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">We then went to check out the Mirror Maze and Union Station
Selfie Express before heading outside to The Wheel. This Ferris wheel towers
over the area and provides quite a view of the city, including the new soccer
stadium.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigd6kbLC_UF_BY1HC5xc7M3PWBFCIZSXLV-6w60qx-52U5NkQ1aHEJFRGvmi8j1EDU6_HOcRshyphenhyphenIqGxPqCfmg8XT5jQLPCdpy_nGuynjVfL3UWHcrJumEk7WzjpPqBvua0e3ZERVT2h4J3KPNZtkszWL9Yd31SvtfHNYfBMIOYBDwRiiohBJEOA45Hnm8/s1500/StLouisUnionStationMirrorMaze081123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="1500" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigd6kbLC_UF_BY1HC5xc7M3PWBFCIZSXLV-6w60qx-52U5NkQ1aHEJFRGvmi8j1EDU6_HOcRshyphenhyphenIqGxPqCfmg8XT5jQLPCdpy_nGuynjVfL3UWHcrJumEk7WzjpPqBvua0e3ZERVT2h4J3KPNZtkszWL9Yd31SvtfHNYfBMIOYBDwRiiohBJEOA45Hnm8/s320/StLouisUnionStationMirrorMaze081123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">We stopped at the Soda Fountain for some unique milkshakes
and fries, before going to miniature golf and on the carousel. You can buy packages that include all of the attractions so it doesn't get too expensive. Amanda had to leave,
and Brittany and I headed to lunch at the <a href="https://www.trainshed-stl.com/">Train Shed</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHV_v-Y4t5zmzbQwEIkuhnrDp6y6CxbAXIE754HqqnYSVtWyC7gcxRccqh_dc40B9G1lXYiDQFeO02KMd8g6BQg6o7Hi0NQsbEQXdIp-yI7fQ_Zy_97FmDBztYa7fKSkMjq-q7UrJnS67hzWAouObRpxALo1M9a46B3LUZnt_9KWGZfg-6X9W94bmlIHY/s1500/CarosoulStLouisUnionStation081123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHV_v-Y4t5zmzbQwEIkuhnrDp6y6CxbAXIE754HqqnYSVtWyC7gcxRccqh_dc40B9G1lXYiDQFeO02KMd8g6BQg6o7Hi0NQsbEQXdIp-yI7fQ_Zy_97FmDBztYa7fKSkMjq-q7UrJnS67hzWAouObRpxALo1M9a46B3LUZnt_9KWGZfg-6X9W94bmlIHY/s320/CarosoulStLouisUnionStation081123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><o:p> <br /></o:p>We always like to get different things so we can get a
better feel for restaurants, but the Grilled Chicken, with fresh mozzarella,
pesto aioli, basil, roasted tomato, arugula, and balsamic on whole wheat caught
both our eyes. Brittany ordered it and it was as good as it sounded. I enjoyed
the Pulled Pork sandwich.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEoCWhitzyrsD5H1k_bVooTvuREYKZMihEEwKrdUlaDT2GX3qXRzh_YuLwGFtIsW4qyMM5We4dkkDRTH0RY1qMx5kSY2J5oSwixtwqJ2fbSg4SAmJRscX3zC1azgAinNrzNdHa154WYmzEX3Q9P8mufwQ6mgh-5hDF0ugEWyQUotsBMcto4yVKPg1f2M/s2667/StLouisUnionStationTheTrainShedSign081123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEoCWhitzyrsD5H1k_bVooTvuREYKZMihEEwKrdUlaDT2GX3qXRzh_YuLwGFtIsW4qyMM5We4dkkDRTH0RY1qMx5kSY2J5oSwixtwqJ2fbSg4SAmJRscX3zC1azgAinNrzNdHa154WYmzEX3Q9P8mufwQ6mgh-5hDF0ugEWyQUotsBMcto4yVKPg1f2M/s320/StLouisUnionStationTheTrainShedSign081123.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br />We went back to the room to rest for a while and to gain our
appetites back before we went to dinner. We were going to the hotel’s newest
restaurant, The Pitch. It is a sports bar that focuses mostly on soccer as the
stadium is right across the street from it.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMC3N7Y16GpS3ci7smP52L5cIuEa_S_zZMWLjneQYw5RafzlK8t9-xpYHD0LK6QVrqFcqDVHFbMNLsZGlyIWfVNlVAJMEO3NW7JZJ9UL-XpWSfBqKXBjAbNp79OCoPhPZaS3NE_7HbtGSj6TxTf1AcKJswdZrMh0aFtFMgues0MmiAJ4SSgs7YfM1WOY/s2268/StLouisUnionStationThePitchChickenPotPie081123%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMC3N7Y16GpS3ci7smP52L5cIuEa_S_zZMWLjneQYw5RafzlK8t9-xpYHD0LK6QVrqFcqDVHFbMNLsZGlyIWfVNlVAJMEO3NW7JZJ9UL-XpWSfBqKXBjAbNp79OCoPhPZaS3NE_7HbtGSj6TxTf1AcKJswdZrMh0aFtFMgues0MmiAJ4SSgs7YfM1WOY/s320/StLouisUnionStationThePitchChickenPotPie081123%20(2).jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://www.thepitch-stl.com/">The Pitch</a> does
look like it belongs in an episode of <i>Ted Lasso. </i>Even the menu has a
touch of British, with Fish & Chips, Fried Bologna, and Chicken Pot Pie,
which I really enjoyed. Brittany had the Salmon BLT. We also ordered the huge pretzel (I took most of it home) and Fried Ravioli, which is
a dish St. Louis is known for.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVn6fKyPRZaKNQzqhJ_DVhMcpJbVtt5jGpjAiTGTEwZ6bpYvpYtZ3iYwA0TlcVQJiCYUFr6gPfXO2wwT4Xe2A4mbQmtAvH6SX4jjtTcsA-7O3nWze2C2gnZYrC_2m4-GJT7WTlu5arKjFywbeUklyhP_EOMztkQMgHxQECltQFnQ0LMX4pLxhrCurYLQ/s1500/StLouisUnionStationThePitchSalmonBLT081123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="1500" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVn6fKyPRZaKNQzqhJ_DVhMcpJbVtt5jGpjAiTGTEwZ6bpYvpYtZ3iYwA0TlcVQJiCYUFr6gPfXO2wwT4Xe2A4mbQmtAvH6SX4jjtTcsA-7O3nWze2C2gnZYrC_2m4-GJT7WTlu5arKjFywbeUklyhP_EOMztkQMgHxQECltQFnQ0LMX4pLxhrCurYLQ/s320/StLouisUnionStationThePitchSalmonBLT081123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">When we finished dinner, it was back to the hotel to check
out. We watched one more light show. There were some families checking in as we
checked out. The hotel has everything for all ages and is also dog friendly. I
will definitely be back.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyO-Pj0eVLPPsrTD4vfGdhI-7ekbI7HfR339iT-M-oqSatefEF2x6aNzaUwW7sQZwzENdE1Dmn03jiCCDx4QdOYoZSJSrlFRdOGhkrIR-gxZclShxycHuI4SAtJ9_YhLsOZaI0RWn-UURIZrLekdE7MGI6RwayGSyFjjg0Byu9Ng8SnyjxqCB78jntrUA/s1500/StLouisUnionStationHiltonGrandHallLightShowO81023%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyO-Pj0eVLPPsrTD4vfGdhI-7ekbI7HfR339iT-M-oqSatefEF2x6aNzaUwW7sQZwzENdE1Dmn03jiCCDx4QdOYoZSJSrlFRdOGhkrIR-gxZclShxycHuI4SAtJ9_YhLsOZaI0RWn-UURIZrLekdE7MGI6RwayGSyFjjg0Byu9Ng8SnyjxqCB78jntrUA/s320/StLouisUnionStationHiltonGrandHallLightShowO81023%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>I was hosted on this trip for most of the activities,
food, and accommodations, but views are my own. <o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-slot="9071642794" style="display: block; text-align: center;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</p>Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0Union Station, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA38.6266193 -90.206783210.316385463821156 -125.3630332 66.936853136178854 -55.050533200000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-71427972468849943952023-12-31T17:08:00.033-06:002024-01-01T17:21:58.844-06:00More Activities on Fair Oaks Farm<p>We had a good night’s sleep at the <a href="https://fofarms.com/lodging/">Fairfield Inn on Fair Oaks Farm</a>s in
Indiana. The room was quite spacious for three adults, an 8-year-old, and an 11
lb. yorkie who was a bit excited to have three different beds to chose from.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHchm_wmRT-B1mryRXaH_580FM-Dq7RNc0ZeQe4bq5h6YiAmh8llxB_cCqv2xyy8SaH2jgWmdjpK79mcHcANatTzbBgOolDst_-qTTGdZ0fHOUMWA5tWdBKHyGcxmQAh0zxgJZGppPc0h6Jp12z6KCfYkfzxsL3W12_7NzDbt227zGqt2-ofpjvyjN9M/s2667/FairOaksFarmsPorkBuildingTeddy11922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHchm_wmRT-B1mryRXaH_580FM-Dq7RNc0ZeQe4bq5h6YiAmh8llxB_cCqv2xyy8SaH2jgWmdjpK79mcHcANatTzbBgOolDst_-qTTGdZ0fHOUMWA5tWdBKHyGcxmQAh0zxgJZGppPc0h6Jp12z6KCfYkfzxsL3W12_7NzDbt227zGqt2-ofpjvyjN9M/s320/FairOaksFarmsPorkBuildingTeddy11922.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>Breakfast is included at the hotel, and it was a nice
buffet. We filled up on eggs, bacon, and waffles, and explored a little before
heading outside. It was another cold day, so we dressed warmly.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We went to check out the Igloos, a highlight of the Forest
of Lights celebration. They are considered part of the Farmhouse Restaurant and
are just outside those doors. They were heated and quite cozy. We were just
supposed to go in for hot chocolate, but we were so comfortable we decided to
stay a little longer for Mimosas, cheesecake, fries, and smoked brisket chili.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dh3MOf1XT-8IramiFpnCAzzWMtKBlYIc0taJ-PSIUIK7lDxfzHb44gx7yRgtYhK6duxMz2e4jpfDNzT3287vW84i3NtMJ7Z4ykQSrSe2kHsaEqDrZPZpveU6Rg2T99XplzTWTpjyY_ErHr-C2KeiCWK_baOe5vs7H-ftM-6mvN2mWevxONaq6_B6awY/s1514/FairOaksFarmJessicaBrittanyInIgloo112022.jpg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1514" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6dh3MOf1XT-8IramiFpnCAzzWMtKBlYIc0taJ-PSIUIK7lDxfzHb44gx7yRgtYhK6duxMz2e4jpfDNzT3287vW84i3NtMJ7Z4ykQSrSe2kHsaEqDrZPZpveU6Rg2T99XplzTWTpjyY_ErHr-C2KeiCWK_baOe5vs7H-ftM-6mvN2mWevxONaq6_B6awY/s320/FairOaksFarmJessicaBrittanyInIgloo112022.jpg.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">When it was time for us to go to the Pig Adventure (you get
times for tours when you purchase your tickets) we went to the bus. There are
many different packages available, or you can buy individual tickets to a
single activity. The farm also has educational classes throughout the year.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-slot="9071642794" style="display: block; text-align: center;"></ins>
</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The bus was equipped with a wheelchair lift, so I had no
problem getting my scooter on. Teddy was happy on my lap, as one of his tasks is
to notify blood sugar and blood pressure drops.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMrYSL3aUWSW6JV4KBrYQBltF1OOA_MMctIUSGCc3pYrvn4rlN9kzEDTBlkV3M8YFZ9P9suedYx_fSeAg6obkNKgt5bTDSZvKSfba5Jua6yKmmzEFGhiXb8TTtDO7yW9BNR_ihrYzfMdPvhS3bMJB5tdnVcqHHfbeL-QBYNHCO0C2fJi0wRzeyWZ6n68/s1440/FairOaksAubrieHotChocolateInIgloo112022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMrYSL3aUWSW6JV4KBrYQBltF1OOA_MMctIUSGCc3pYrvn4rlN9kzEDTBlkV3M8YFZ9P9suedYx_fSeAg6obkNKgt5bTDSZvKSfba5Jua6yKmmzEFGhiXb8TTtDO7yW9BNR_ihrYzfMdPvhS3bMJB5tdnVcqHHfbeL-QBYNHCO0C2fJi0wRzeyWZ6n68/s320/FairOaksAubrieHotChocolateInIgloo112022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Pig Adventure includes a tour around the huge building,
where pigs are born and raised. We were able to see some newborn piglets.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Fair Oaks Farms is all about sustainability. Their buses
actually run on waste from the animals. They are working toward achieving a
zero-carbon footprint for all of their vehicles.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fVGveRGW9D32-c-2zQrL9r_lBpMXYgdymzs0YmIqJsDIy-SWwa9PTbTOCLJK_EOwJyUc1UE8JUvcYL_uIAn-ktGkT1uj7n0foPKpZzHttWn0Hn-I2Cg-dEe2ZXptLmzCg-w2ke0pS6ZG-bmMsExmYKyqFS8kYw1zqHueArKaIG5sMpxDjz8futfO6V8/s1500/FairOaksFarmsPigAdventureGestationCenter112022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fVGveRGW9D32-c-2zQrL9r_lBpMXYgdymzs0YmIqJsDIy-SWwa9PTbTOCLJK_EOwJyUc1UE8JUvcYL_uIAn-ktGkT1uj7n0foPKpZzHttWn0Hn-I2Cg-dEe2ZXptLmzCg-w2ke0pS6ZG-bmMsExmYKyqFS8kYw1zqHueArKaIG5sMpxDjz8futfO6V8/s320/FairOaksFarmsPigAdventureGestationCenter112022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Before we headed home, we stopped at the Cowfé for
lunch. They have a huge selection of cheeses. We did some tasting and I purchased
some of my favorite, Calico.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The deli also had meats and they make fresh sandwiches. We picked
up some for the road, while Brittany had more of the smoked brisket chili she
had loved at the restaurant.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpPQobchSy6g-RjYpq-Tyx7BgOzNLAU__xYH0hD-aDNitd1C5SfLxH7UewuKM0r-_jJY3LmjpC5eoZNa5mRtGecRssEZJwbt7PjIdylJN11WWEj8OzGyUrJUvTRTNFL_HzJmjKdlNqa_j_QZXj93svTU6MxDdRVg5n9H0tARIBHIb-SDsrQIM9PW6oe8/s2731/FairOaksFarmIglooSmokedBrisketChili112022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2731" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpPQobchSy6g-RjYpq-Tyx7BgOzNLAU__xYH0hD-aDNitd1C5SfLxH7UewuKM0r-_jJY3LmjpC5eoZNa5mRtGecRssEZJwbt7PjIdylJN11WWEj8OzGyUrJUvTRTNFL_HzJmjKdlNqa_j_QZXj93svTU6MxDdRVg5n9H0tARIBHIb-SDsrQIM9PW6oe8/s320/FairOaksFarmIglooSmokedBrisketChili112022.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">In addition to the Festival of Lights, <a href="https://fofarms.com/activities/">Fair
Oaks Farms</a> has events throughout the year. They include Easter Egg Hunts in
the spring, a Sunflower Field in the summer, and Harvest events for apples and
pumpkins in the fall. In the warmer months there is also often outdoor music.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-slot="9071642794" style="display: block; text-align: center;"></ins>
</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Photos by Marcia Frost and Brittany Lambright<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>I was hosted on this trip for most of the activities,
food, and accommodations, but views are my own. <o:p></o:p></i></p><br />Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0Fair Oaks, IN 47943, USA41.0750361 -87.2575282999999912.764802263821153 -122.41377829999999 69.385269936178844 -52.10127829999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-87587143470612669092023-12-23T12:59:00.004-06:002024-01-01T17:09:04.623-06:00Fun on Fair Oaks Farm<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-nq0T18H9OQHfVj3pU9IfxXccWUm8PYXG_1ZHbyM3XkyO7j2qzEedNg0xDHcICvo4NK7cqy8VxGAH12U4NawBpquSXUnKs2uTTvqeJb8HfodvKcSbwazGfPX3NjGVrT_9OdlT20NUClzQxHlDoIhgyhGb49jjvL25F5xosripEWWUYPK0kduAvxhpcs/s1500/FairOaksFarmsDairyAdventureAubrieMilkingCow111922%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-nq0T18H9OQHfVj3pU9IfxXccWUm8PYXG_1ZHbyM3XkyO7j2qzEedNg0xDHcICvo4NK7cqy8VxGAH12U4NawBpquSXUnKs2uTTvqeJb8HfodvKcSbwazGfPX3NjGVrT_9OdlT20NUClzQxHlDoIhgyhGb49jjvL25F5xosripEWWUYPK0kduAvxhpcs/s320/FairOaksFarmsDairyAdventureAubrieMilkingCow111922%20(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I had never heard of <a href="https://fofarms.com/">Fair
Oaks Farms</a> when I fellow travel writer suggested it to me. When I found out
it was a complete destination just an hour and a half away from Champaign, I quickly made
arrangements to take some friends, a willing to play eight year old, and my
dog, Teddy </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmSn_Yn24jmde5sUN6MKqwCnuSMAoB3UbD7sfPqdyP_NmlpQoEQK1-39v0FISvShSbAZvL7y4BY4Q6roBUElWKo_ZP2D4a96Rtrv8t_DUCTR2iNDH5DPo8aIFbbtOuTDetcQLRBbAbGJ7yZv-g9XFgcF_xktaKa777cgjtoZm632qCnsQT4uPAtNG8T8/s1500/FairOaksFarmsFairfieldInn111922%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="1500" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmSn_Yn24jmde5sUN6MKqwCnuSMAoB3UbD7sfPqdyP_NmlpQoEQK1-39v0FISvShSbAZvL7y4BY4Q6roBUElWKo_ZP2D4a96Rtrv8t_DUCTR2iNDH5DPo8aIFbbtOuTDetcQLRBbAbGJ7yZv-g9XFgcF_xktaKa777cgjtoZm632qCnsQT4uPAtNG8T8/s320/FairOaksFarmsFairfieldInn111922%20(4).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">The name may be familiar to you if you drink Fairlife milk
or protein shakes. This is much more than a farm, though, it’s a full
destination, and we took advantage of anything it has to offer. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The first thing we did when arriving was check into the
hotel. There is a Fairfield Inn on the property so once we parked, we didn’t
have to get into the car again until it was time to go home. The building was even
set up to look like a barn, but on the inside it was all about a modern hotel.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
</o:p></p><p><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-slot="9071642794" style="display: block; text-align: center;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our suite was large, with two beds and a pullout couch. Aubree
took the couch. Teddy tried his best to join her. We had a microwave and
refrigerator in the room, and an indoor pool downstairs. <o:p></o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAa_01t7frRZWNPGywwRWCJVFwhJhpXT2toDtrertPBJ2a2N6KOeEHCsv_BAnDTsvbJokl6l2AwNhHyyQRQH1GrBPdr5OvAGlD75uhshYEkl4y1AxnvDJkQxJHSocX0BE0i8nrZPZDzzCElCW-BoI_10xQXoKIIwH3r_aOhndt0qofsKeCl5PZ4nrees/s1853/FairOaksFarmsDairyAdventureAubrieWithCow111922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1853" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAa_01t7frRZWNPGywwRWCJVFwhJhpXT2toDtrertPBJ2a2N6KOeEHCsv_BAnDTsvbJokl6l2AwNhHyyQRQH1GrBPdr5OvAGlD75uhshYEkl4y1AxnvDJkQxJHSocX0BE0i8nrZPZDzzCElCW-BoI_10xQXoKIIwH3r_aOhndt0qofsKeCl5PZ4nrees/s320/FairOaksFarmsDairyAdventureAubrieWithCow111922.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">After we got our things settled, we headed to the Dairy
Adventure first. It was a short walk away and the path was clear for me to take
my scooter. The building was filled with hands-on activities and selfie spots
for kids and adults. It was also about learning about doing things on the farm,
such as milking a cow. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDjKADFBsYwq1WMr5_HpD_PIoAsuq7_TRf0K9AMiP8me_JTTbEjxSR73Ql9fyq9p1iXdHAh8ciiGSkjlaWyfPyyeObC8chvQuP-VjCf6nd-Rfbf1hdqOoWb8e_qYg7p4VHpy9ZpIQjY5yVOyiOybpqEWuONkDM0i16KoyenDTva0MAS-MVvExZkiCJ9M/s2667/FairOaksFarmsDairyAdventure111922%20(10).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDjKADFBsYwq1WMr5_HpD_PIoAsuq7_TRf0K9AMiP8me_JTTbEjxSR73Ql9fyq9p1iXdHAh8ciiGSkjlaWyfPyyeObC8chvQuP-VjCf6nd-Rfbf1hdqOoWb8e_qYg7p4VHpy9ZpIQjY5yVOyiOybpqEWuONkDM0i16KoyenDTva0MAS-MVvExZkiCJ9M/s320/FairOaksFarmsDairyAdventure111922%20(10).jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">From there we got on the bus to tour the milking production
building. Pets are welcome in the hotel and main areas, but not where there are
farm animals. Since Teddy is a service dog and never left my lap, he was
welcome. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOSMzIKmt55HxfZ7blw2YebdoGk_JaM7t5AdpdKlFJWAxZrxOkQQTOHjgJuRk1lGHh_87Pb98G-2s4wjEV2BpA0vLdrpOATH98D73C7az7dL78DXbRH22gChPF8etbN_qRRbi15QQDqxn4y3uQ68gPLSs8wGlJTgr0xwSJHbhmRgsZCdqm_1XKKgeVGA/s1500/FairOaksFarmsRopesCourse11922%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOSMzIKmt55HxfZ7blw2YebdoGk_JaM7t5AdpdKlFJWAxZrxOkQQTOHjgJuRk1lGHh_87Pb98G-2s4wjEV2BpA0vLdrpOATH98D73C7az7dL78DXbRH22gChPF8etbN_qRRbi15QQDqxn4y3uQ68gPLSs8wGlJTgr0xwSJHbhmRgsZCdqm_1XKKgeVGA/s320/FairOaksFarmsRopesCourse11922%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">When the bus returned us to the main complex we were pretty
hungry and ready to taste some milk products. Ice cream was our choice and the
Cowf<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">é</span>
was the perfect place to have it. There are about a half dozen flavors. All we
had were delicious.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjza2Pb0CAzxZIcE324xl_bi-cAQMhKW7xPTDf5xOUjfrYgcoe52pvw7Xud8GW9YD95PqEAqCXqzt2-_NEUUuUF-g2uXOPyiB0Q8MVCRNX8BiOPLidSLzsa6cIGCt9anYBKawOC95VOpIgwGZnwapGgs2ya_dujRJBNTUuPSkjuWi4MvahvUx6h9-VRbKA/s2667/FairOaksFarmsRopesCourse11922%20(5).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjza2Pb0CAzxZIcE324xl_bi-cAQMhKW7xPTDf5xOUjfrYgcoe52pvw7Xud8GW9YD95PqEAqCXqzt2-_NEUUuUF-g2uXOPyiB0Q8MVCRNX8BiOPLidSLzsa6cIGCt9anYBKawOC95VOpIgwGZnwapGgs2ya_dujRJBNTUuPSkjuWi4MvahvUx6h9-VRbKA/s320/FairOaksFarmsRopesCourse11922%20(5).jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">We took a walk after the ice cream to see some of the mom
cows with their calves and then went on to the rope course. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Teddy and I stayed on the scooter and
observed, but Aubree, her mom Jessica, and Brittany enjoyed the climbing.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LpkgBZfHybPUyNivvU58qY5PMAXGE4L31sG_W-AsHPg4urc7T3RUVhbcTpiePOIvv6TcJdVlJFjqzdOuvvx2ob05GG6nsyLg-E06l_tSS4bbE2AmH29sx4qv-XBjzkBZTQx96PahU8Ui4rPt3Lh6tyXXmrF-qixtDlAx6BsCJncK_QVWJv3tuN5O-VI/s1500/FairOaksFarmsDairyAdventure111922.%20(10).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LpkgBZfHybPUyNivvU58qY5PMAXGE4L31sG_W-AsHPg4urc7T3RUVhbcTpiePOIvv6TcJdVlJFjqzdOuvvx2ob05GG6nsyLg-E06l_tSS4bbE2AmH29sx4qv-XBjzkBZTQx96PahU8Ui4rPt3Lh6tyXXmrF-qixtDlAx6BsCJncK_QVWJv3tuN5O-VI/s320/FairOaksFarmsDairyAdventure111922.%20(10).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The next building we headed to was the Crop Adventure. It
also contained plenty of learning experiences. Aubree had fun “shopping” in a
grocery store and learning where products come from. I learned a lot about the
farm as the boards explained how Fair Oaks has fed seven billion people, and
how far modern production has come over the years. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><o:p>
</o:p></b></p><p><b><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-slot="9071642794" style="display: block; text-align: center;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</b></p><b>
</b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We rested in the room for a little while before heading to
the Farmhouse Restaurant. It was getting cold out and we were glad we could get
there from the hotel without going outside. The restaurant was decorated for
the holidays, with a few cow statues here and there. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1s4ykcIR1w4wYiMPWKrdh159mjRvHYb_19upiC6fzOoKwgCDGtM1E38rSxMkMaOz-dPX1VEsKeEmMPWadli9sHWQc5QZS4PFXFXUFXo2kN85I0w1pgIdzahdMSCK1cO44FybwIeoDiYTgNaySWV-PEhoVREhGfLV6tRvSe4_Ns6vcEB2prvL80TIs80/s2206/FairOaksFarmsFarmhouseRestaurantXMas11922%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2206" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1s4ykcIR1w4wYiMPWKrdh159mjRvHYb_19upiC6fzOoKwgCDGtM1E38rSxMkMaOz-dPX1VEsKeEmMPWadli9sHWQc5QZS4PFXFXUFXo2kN85I0w1pgIdzahdMSCK1cO44FybwIeoDiYTgNaySWV-PEhoVREhGfLV6tRvSe4_Ns6vcEB2prvL80TIs80/s320/FairOaksFarmsFarmhouseRestaurantXMas11922%20(2).jpg" width="218" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The menu has something for everyone and contains a lot of
items from the farm, including the popular cheese curds, which we agreed were
delicious. I loved the Pig Adventure sandwich. It is a hickory smoked pork on a
brioche roll with their house made barbecue sauce. Brittany had a tender steak.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyaPnEH5MAI9V2e3889nd7EuegivFRsn8RPTmP4FfamOVgj1lelAA4Dg_UDn5s0W4GGVSmn__g8BlhmFdmpgcwPE1H9wBvPIqNznebgorZTvHDC4mpO-_YzALWpUrkyGZ1lO_lnrGbzVVTm6-NVNloRzgYKtM8pyHgS6e0N-OpVRoq3sdyhX2Q659KNk/s1500/FairOaksFarmsFarmhouseRestaurantCheeseCurds11922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1500" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyaPnEH5MAI9V2e3889nd7EuegivFRsn8RPTmP4FfamOVgj1lelAA4Dg_UDn5s0W4GGVSmn__g8BlhmFdmpgcwPE1H9wBvPIqNznebgorZTvHDC4mpO-_YzALWpUrkyGZ1lO_lnrGbzVVTm6-NVNloRzgYKtM8pyHgS6e0N-OpVRoq3sdyhX2Q659KNk/s320/FairOaksFarmsFarmhouseRestaurantCheeseCurds11922.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The kids menu has quite a few items, including mac n cheese,
pizza, and grilled cheese made with at the Fair Oaks dairy.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSATS-n5XfHUVjJmQFs0P8sc2N1yosKASLdxSW_NPoRGq_WHgZgTBJerjDxF6kfm8TAE-BxPpibAHStvWKYLgJa-4XSCVL7vxPQUAtC-IwTTwFlNvAjjytpkTexw_JrGii-7qb4feq-q9oHbFp6X1j0egqC2eyvaFalElrC6LUitbvJ5P65JUEWLBjgc/s1500/FairOaksFarmsForestOfLights111922%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1282" data-original-width="1500" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSATS-n5XfHUVjJmQFs0P8sc2N1yosKASLdxSW_NPoRGq_WHgZgTBJerjDxF6kfm8TAE-BxPpibAHStvWKYLgJa-4XSCVL7vxPQUAtC-IwTTwFlNvAjjytpkTexw_JrGii-7qb4feq-q9oHbFp6X1j0egqC2eyvaFalElrC6LUitbvJ5P65JUEWLBjgc/s320/FairOaksFarmsForestOfLights111922%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">After dinner, we went to explore their holiday season event,
Forest of Lights. It consists of a long trail, lit with beautiful lights, many
shaped as farm animals and equipment. When you get to the halfway point, there
is a place to stop by firepits. We had bought s’mores in The Market to toast
before then.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfCAwdErKA8TtfVt1uq5JcQ3fzDx_qo9RTuyDcIOlH4dBtcDm0QMCSHTluCQ_iteKGqeksSY7GIrvssTzYMHKZMVQU0uji8XkeEgt7x1tCgk8QNJEcy78y23v7HK7HZnYbxlcaihlSS6SZNhEz1wA8lLX3KEfjT4k6rJmthSzIuK76AHtWhspnnLFtjo/s1500/FairOaksFarmsForestOfLights111922PhotosByBrittanyLambright.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjfCAwdErKA8TtfVt1uq5JcQ3fzDx_qo9RTuyDcIOlH4dBtcDm0QMCSHTluCQ_iteKGqeksSY7GIrvssTzYMHKZMVQU0uji8XkeEgt7x1tCgk8QNJEcy78y23v7HK7HZnYbxlcaihlSS6SZNhEz1wA8lLX3KEfjT4k6rJmthSzIuK76AHtWhspnnLFtjo/s320/FairOaksFarmsForestOfLights111922PhotosByBrittanyLambright.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was too cold that night for us to do the sledding hill or
ice skating. It was fine because we had a day filled with fun and all of us
were ready to go to the hotel and get in our warm beds.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
</o:p></p><p><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-slot="9071642794" style="display: block; text-align: center;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">*This was my experience at the Forest of Lights in 2022.
Check the <a href="https://fofarms.com/forest-of-lights/">website</a> to find
out the current offerings. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Photos by Marcia Frost and Brittany Lambright</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>I was hosted on this trip for most of the activities,
food, and accommodations, but views are my own. <o:p></o:p></i></p>Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0Fair Oaks, IN 47943, USA41.0750361 -87.2575282999999912.764802263821153 -122.41377829999999 69.385269936178844 -52.10127829999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-57237285928296762192023-11-30T16:35:00.003-06:002023-12-02T16:56:43.894-06:00Christkindlmarket and Dog Friendly Carmel<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtxoFCjSXPoP3sIcNTqrpTJLXMMiFS3JjZ7dQncxdXhdJReJb5oTd_CpxTRh1oegdksCWzoyOJ4BAAg07Wbc15_HeoJZkd-V4ShVdjcjAl_sw-SOu9gTmkKnE8Dm1sOVASdIwacDu3l9LNcHQJyUXLKxjjxcxUWLQQy_K7KJe_md7-MeScqBEk8jRF3Y/s1500/ChristkindlmarktCarmelIN11821.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1500" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtxoFCjSXPoP3sIcNTqrpTJLXMMiFS3JjZ7dQncxdXhdJReJb5oTd_CpxTRh1oegdksCWzoyOJ4BAAg07Wbc15_HeoJZkd-V4ShVdjcjAl_sw-SOu9gTmkKnE8Dm1sOVASdIwacDu3l9LNcHQJyUXLKxjjxcxUWLQQy_K7KJe_md7-MeScqBEk8jRF3Y/s320/ChristkindlmarktCarmelIN11821.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It was a busy and exciting <a href="http://www.wineandspiritstravel.com/2023/11/carmel-indiana-teddys-first-trip.html">day
before</a> as I took my service dog (then still in training) Teddy to Carmel,
Indiana. My friend Jaimee stayed over with us at the <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/indcrht-home2-suites-carmel-indianapolis/">Home2
Suites by Hilton</a>. It was a bit of a tough night getting the little guy to
sleep on his first overnight in a hotel. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAq4ES3FbUiDnYEk4EitFJTUOzrwiUoEojoasfM4SMvkp1QdTjAmh7w1bB4FleoIA_9_e_DDbDOYusdNw8U-lvLHQ9zhkQ7KFV0hBk_h3570m9ZcPYtubB-vWo0i_dNBQV4Wox3rDjDBoeWbteWi2-0A5DHdm9rRftL7IWq15eNoD-PgrMrd2bYX73Vkg/s2001/ClayTerraceDogParkTeddyCarmelIN111821%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2001" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAq4ES3FbUiDnYEk4EitFJTUOzrwiUoEojoasfM4SMvkp1QdTjAmh7w1bB4FleoIA_9_e_DDbDOYusdNw8U-lvLHQ9zhkQ7KFV0hBk_h3570m9ZcPYtubB-vWo0i_dNBQV4Wox3rDjDBoeWbteWi2-0A5DHdm9rRftL7IWq15eNoD-PgrMrd2bYX73Vkg/s320/ClayTerraceDogParkTeddyCarmelIN111821%20(2).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We had requested a corner room, so no one seemed to be
disturbed, but we were ready to get out of the hotel suite and let him run
around outside.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout-key="-fb+5w+4e-db+86" data-ad-slot="8655757789" style="display: block;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></o:p></p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After breakfast, which is included at all the Home2 Suites,
we decided to check out one of the pet friendly city’s dog parks. I had asked
around and Clay Terrace was mentioned as a good one by a few people. Teddy
definitely agreed and it gave him a chance to burn some energy before he was
back on my lap on the scooter “working.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPGAtlAcDLXNbG65zWgHHDtHm4Q_qbmFkD0nmfGXRudIOX_ahO6JwBOFtGrUzCpsGFeYhrsdKxGTbOd6Bu1ieEk6NpX9mqDOuFTWrYLU-SzBzUK4iU3H738PztdoV7VPHwaEGExBfpgTTCYXD43JibEK1nCCl_fkpUr0aUaYK0gF0n7dA_PZzmNbvgBw/s2000/ChristkindlmrktMarciaTeddyCarmelIN11821.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPGAtlAcDLXNbG65zWgHHDtHm4Q_qbmFkD0nmfGXRudIOX_ahO6JwBOFtGrUzCpsGFeYhrsdKxGTbOd6Bu1ieEk6NpX9mqDOuFTWrYLU-SzBzUK4iU3H738PztdoV7VPHwaEGExBfpgTTCYXD43JibEK1nCCl_fkpUr0aUaYK0gF0n7dA_PZzmNbvgBw/s320/ChristkindlmrktMarciaTeddyCarmelIN11821.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We were on our way next to the <a href="https://www.carmelchristkindlmarkt.com/">Carmel Christkindlmarkt</a>.
This was my second trip there and I was happy to be back as it was my favorite
in the U.S. The market, which does not have an entry fee, is a yearly event
filled with food, gifts, performances, and an ice-skating rink. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdRgpwdO9DtE37COz7EMU-XGIMlYJBX3v4pethf8eIQlIMBB_8IKdbf0AjxOGz9xHn7EDMLE4M8SCqE55DfB8jjecOcdUDwOE7f6m0Epq-ek4_4xP80n8DQMPrkBBiscxf2ULa8q7ay1fn578t1NaYGmFcVauSHYYhv2MAi9wjnTO99_3sBV-5Yi9sW8/s1500/ChristkindlmarktCarmelIN111821.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1273" data-original-width="1500" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdRgpwdO9DtE37COz7EMU-XGIMlYJBX3v4pethf8eIQlIMBB_8IKdbf0AjxOGz9xHn7EDMLE4M8SCqE55DfB8jjecOcdUDwOE7f6m0Epq-ek4_4xP80n8DQMPrkBBiscxf2ULa8q7ay1fn578t1NaYGmFcVauSHYYhv2MAi9wjnTO99_3sBV-5Yi9sW8/s320/ChristkindlmarktCarmelIN111821.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I had to sample the Glühwein, a spiced, warmed wine that I
had enjoyed when I visited <a href="http://www.wineandspiritstravel.com/2014/07/gingerbread-in-germany-with-viking.html">Christmas
markets in Europe</a>. I can also never resist a warm Bavarian pretzel when I
go to one of these markets. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout-key="-fb+5w+4e-db+86" data-ad-slot="8655757789" style="display: block;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></o:p></p>
<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I purchased a few things from holiday booths (they have Christmas
and Hannukah), and we walked around for a while, but it was an extremely cold day,
so we headed to the car after about an hour.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbXayy3Nb0oF_PvGJwHRmFEvilmlVdmZmJ8eSXdqpxIbLcWtLsts9Zgd5V4gLsWfMBcMispCiRg1qHQt569iVnS0fyM8MUjJiWF9tXUhzr8FHtL3VVHJwkL2yi6Kad5RdmkX6qADVWDo-hdV2l-lnAX4WexfjyyMXLOhzAs7rPqiBoI6HQjPyUD4zE7M/s2001/JacksDonutsCarmelIN111821%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2001" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbXayy3Nb0oF_PvGJwHRmFEvilmlVdmZmJ8eSXdqpxIbLcWtLsts9Zgd5V4gLsWfMBcMispCiRg1qHQt569iVnS0fyM8MUjJiWF9tXUhzr8FHtL3VVHJwkL2yi6Kad5RdmkX6qADVWDo-hdV2l-lnAX4WexfjyyMXLOhzAs7rPqiBoI6HQjPyUD4zE7M/s320/JacksDonutsCarmelIN111821%20(2).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Before leaving Carmel, we stopped at a chain famous in this
area, Jack’s Donuts. I got a peanut butter roll to take go and even found some
doggy bakery items for a treat for Teddy. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hMhjaSJhpoMkNNsGPhhjsagEqox03GjoJ1WEO8NNAmw4D-DxRNQ69TIpffZxASHcNrQ54PtmzIpp0nJNdGszOSYoFXkjfPM4XgOhAdVyW-WCWNUXzWX7OrUXQlk3ncY9O4bFhgBjmZwghs0MfWUVHOJYdoW0R-Dxg4HColl3HTPiNy9lXTuZTjVRCeg/s2001/SunSettingIN-IL111821%20(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2001" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hMhjaSJhpoMkNNsGPhhjsagEqox03GjoJ1WEO8NNAmw4D-DxRNQ69TIpffZxASHcNrQ54PtmzIpp0nJNdGszOSYoFXkjfPM4XgOhAdVyW-WCWNUXzWX7OrUXQlk3ncY9O4bFhgBjmZwghs0MfWUVHOJYdoW0R-Dxg4HColl3HTPiNy9lXTuZTjVRCeg/s320/SunSettingIN-IL111821%20(3).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I dropped Jaimee at her Indiana home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was just under two hours west to Champaign
and I was driving with the sun as it set. It was a beautiful way to end the day,
and what would be the first of many trips with Teddy. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSG1L-1l9umLgGzrBw2wWVmIGN8GCKz8mjr-EvOwE6-JH6m2mm7pEJo48OQVoXn7n-OTilAjEqIS-kscXumcVAGkdKOptl7GDkISMFjOkPK085Mul4OZK8zOPQ0F2NI-gO-IBNfChI54tJB9Ho2Ie2IeXPTz3OPAH279n5VdJU1Z3XDtsNZLcuL-t4lE/s1500/SunSettingIN-IL111821%20(9).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSG1L-1l9umLgGzrBw2wWVmIGN8GCKz8mjr-EvOwE6-JH6m2mm7pEJo48OQVoXn7n-OTilAjEqIS-kscXumcVAGkdKOptl7GDkISMFjOkPK085Mul4OZK8zOPQ0F2NI-gO-IBNfChI54tJB9Ho2Ie2IeXPTz3OPAH279n5VdJU1Z3XDtsNZLcuL-t4lE/s320/SunSettingIN-IL111821%20(9).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0Carmel, IN, USA39.978371 -86.118043511.668137163821157 -121.2742935 68.288604836178848 -50.9617935tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-18674680110781192022023-11-11T16:18:00.004-06:002023-11-11T16:21:53.704-06:00Carmel, Indiana: Teddy’s First Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8RRv31gfsZAAobSOwlSEmCY3eDIsrfMwajhPJbUXkwNBasLPWbBfH3r1WIfkT7LbwbV1G8KuJXYyN2PtI0ftZz6r8eCiU3maqGKh7fZtEpLsXRtpqzozGDRzIIMlyTE5NEV4dipJvFjg8iE_5J_aPoAgEz6ULXaC4aUSeJq2ioDVPKmjzZ4SCM4ySZE/s2049/01cfca6960947a2d75abd124e73543bf7c9486f540.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8RRv31gfsZAAobSOwlSEmCY3eDIsrfMwajhPJbUXkwNBasLPWbBfH3r1WIfkT7LbwbV1G8KuJXYyN2PtI0ftZz6r8eCiU3maqGKh7fZtEpLsXRtpqzozGDRzIIMlyTE5NEV4dipJvFjg8iE_5J_aPoAgEz6ULXaC4aUSeJq2ioDVPKmjzZ4SCM4ySZE/s320/01cfca6960947a2d75abd124e73543bf7c9486f540.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This trip was very different from any other, even though I
had been to Carmel, Indiana, before. This was my very first trip with Teddy.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Although Teddy was born and came to me during the pandemic,
he was definitely not a puppy I got because of COVID isolation. I had planned
for two years to get a yorkie. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout-key="-fb+5w+4e-db+86" data-ad-slot="8655757789" style="display: block;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I had grown up with a dog and realized soon after we got him
I was allergic. I had to avoid dogs for years. Then, a friend came to stay with
me for a few weeks and I realized that I didn’t have a problem with the hair
(and no dander) of the breed. I prepared financially to get and support a full
bred Yorkie. He came home with me in August, 2020.<br /><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Teddy is more than a companion. I’ve also trained him as a service
dog. He can bring me things, such as pills, glasses, and my inhaler. He also
senses drops in my blood sugar and blood pressure. Last, but certainly not
least, he comes to comfort me when I’m upset or having breathing issues. <o:p></o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrHBFJaNVQXL2zEV0c4aiSonwS1aK6vCNLGctVu57tkG6iLgrGh7vB7NWBG_rSApv8ri8IIIinw4a10swAVNa9WEbpp55FJXJxDo-1nvWjw8b8MSnQO3t9P30GHsxSvnP052c8MfG2israjole2tr6fvnd5ZZWdC6QVuKc0dDZT9juFlWc-Mtso2e9PQ/s2001/Home2SuitesKitchenCarmelIN111721.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2001" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrHBFJaNVQXL2zEV0c4aiSonwS1aK6vCNLGctVu57tkG6iLgrGh7vB7NWBG_rSApv8ri8IIIinw4a10swAVNa9WEbpp55FJXJxDo-1nvWjw8b8MSnQO3t9P30GHsxSvnP052c8MfG2israjole2tr6fvnd5ZZWdC6QVuKc0dDZT9juFlWc-Mtso2e9PQ/s320/Home2SuitesKitchenCarmelIN111721.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<p class="MsoNormal">The pandemic definitely slowed down one of the most
important parts of his training – taking him to public places. He had been to
Rural King and a few local restaurants, and I was ready to take him on my trip
to Carmel. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I picked up my friend, Jaimee, along the way. She lives in
nearby Indianapolis. There was a travel showcase there for journalists to check
out all the places to go in Indiana. I was on my scooter with Teddy on my lap. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3g9FSjn798SkO5fb_0AgyJErwG4tLSNUGFQALp6Q82rpZYFFko8ZEjBBpr5NH3NWHI6gifPaFf-6g2SctU5-rTSFA3QM8vCw31tf6IrOGrWFdHsU1nx2w75zGkkulWyEQKYBwhxs8APsP6VCbtH4HZb9_wS1Rt1kTWfPj0vMpiF7TkFi6PlIE2FcCE-g/s1562/PeaceWaterWineryCarmelIN111721%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1562" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3g9FSjn798SkO5fb_0AgyJErwG4tLSNUGFQALp6Q82rpZYFFko8ZEjBBpr5NH3NWHI6gifPaFf-6g2SctU5-rTSFA3QM8vCw31tf6IrOGrWFdHsU1nx2w75zGkkulWyEQKYBwhxs8APsP6VCbtH4HZb9_wS1Rt1kTWfPj0vMpiF7TkFi6PlIE2FcCE-g/s320/PeaceWaterWineryCarmelIN111721%20(2).jpg" width="307" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Teddy wasn’t used to all the crowds at first, but Jaimee
took him outside a few times so he wouldn’t disturb anyone. We made it through,
and I collected information on places I’m still working on getting to. Indiana
is filled with towns, large and small, that are hidden treasures.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From there we headed to Carmel, about a half hour away. One
of the reasons we chose to stay there is because it’s very pet friendly.
Service dogs are allowed everywhere, but since this was Teddy’s first getaway, I
felt that he wasn’t trained enough to go into places that aren’t pet friendly. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwwBgODOBG721rHOTxihePEbBGdiYkGyDy-UecwfWq9L-vIL7F4dGuqJRwMxn6IhlfmHOcQU0gC5L7CYuEBGuak0X6OAinTOu6XphZ2V1znnyVGXeS6Nc_TcrrYZrVx8M_XaSudCL42DKpcR7ssEqGW6iry0fekaR1MK9PGqOp3vqThrV73ycSS-H9LA/s1500/PeaceWaterWineryCharityWallCarmelIN111721.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkwwBgODOBG721rHOTxihePEbBGdiYkGyDy-UecwfWq9L-vIL7F4dGuqJRwMxn6IhlfmHOcQU0gC5L7CYuEBGuak0X6OAinTOu6XphZ2V1znnyVGXeS6Nc_TcrrYZrVx8M_XaSudCL42DKpcR7ssEqGW6iry0fekaR1MK9PGqOp3vqThrV73ycSS-H9LA/s320/PeaceWaterWineryCharityWallCarmelIN111721.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We stayed at <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/indcrht-home2-suites-carmel-indianapolis/">Home2
Suites</a> near downtown. It was my first experience in one of these properties
even though I have stayed at Hilton’s other brands a lot. It was a good choice.
The room was extremely large and had a very well-equipped kitchen. There was also
a couch for Teddy to get comfortable on. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout-key="-fb+5w+4e-db+86" data-ad-slot="8655757789" style="display: block;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After we got our things settled in and I had a chance to put
my feet up for a while, we went to Carmel’s <a href="https://www.peacewaterwinery.com/about">Peace Water Winery</a>. This is
an unusual place for a few reasons. First, they consider themselves “Indiana’s
Napa Valley Winery.” All the grapes come from California for the Peace Water
wines. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The second thing that makes this place so special really
impressed me. They donate 50% of their net profits to charities, some local,
and some worldwide. You can see exactly where on their charity wall, located at
the winery. They have three different locations. All are in the Indianapolis area.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApbs5-9wdDgYSv1oV9UQeKh0vcUIc0Xi7C4er1bkzggmx2FS2otjPuaEk9yFSCajZUtbLIHkNum9d5hsPn6In4w5szpHCFvoWkRMmmdxaO6wMWx7GOlaVPyFDGrHMIF-DkLioJqnoJVs9OTnEUa8xnqdiJ2EDMPCcjHOFwgGJa-oYD366atOLfr1XTvk/s2001/PeaceWaterWineryTastingCarmelIN111721.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2001" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApbs5-9wdDgYSv1oV9UQeKh0vcUIc0Xi7C4er1bkzggmx2FS2otjPuaEk9yFSCajZUtbLIHkNum9d5hsPn6In4w5szpHCFvoWkRMmmdxaO6wMWx7GOlaVPyFDGrHMIF-DkLioJqnoJVs9OTnEUa8xnqdiJ2EDMPCcjHOFwgGJa-oYD366atOLfr1XTvk/s320/PeaceWaterWineryTastingCarmelIN111721.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>We sampled some wine, and I settled on Wishful White, a
blend, as my favorite. Teddy was comfortable in this dog-friendly atmosphere,
and we decided to do as we saw others and order some food from <a href="https://www.muldoons.net/">Muldoon’s</a> down the street to go with the
wine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><p class="MsoNormal">The selection on the menu was pretty big and I settled on
the New York Reuben with sweet potato fries, while Jaimee had a burger. There
was a fudge covered cheesecake for dessert. Teddy had a few fries to go with
his dog food. Like me, he prefers the sweet potato ones.</p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtCxU6ztmqAx46VkkeCZnnUbP7HxpN_Jb99kiIIOEWMF_jn0zEUiUHUsLlNTcNkz_GKQ53_VURt4DhdOREMZh1FbL9O8GJW_98NOD5e-J0OGETY-rydaxQlpAJGrColP5WmwjzZ-BTbpozo6yNyRTsPEklAi2N0QS2LZDfYfo2Q5aZa0PMNgGtNhx7UM/s1500/MuldoonsBurger111721CarmelIN.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1443" data-original-width="1500" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtCxU6ztmqAx46VkkeCZnnUbP7HxpN_Jb99kiIIOEWMF_jn0zEUiUHUsLlNTcNkz_GKQ53_VURt4DhdOREMZh1FbL9O8GJW_98NOD5e-J0OGETY-rydaxQlpAJGrColP5WmwjzZ-BTbpozo6yNyRTsPEklAi2N0QS2LZDfYfo2Q5aZa0PMNgGtNhx7UM/s320/MuldoonsBurger111721CarmelIN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">We headed back to Home2 Suites down the road. It was time to
rest up for day two of Teddy’s first trip, which included a dog park and the Christkindlmarkt.
We were hoping he was tired enough to sleep through the night in a strange place.</p><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzL1CH5aNSzUclXmOHzeoV_HZT2Arcb7vJzEUp-V-y6P90EAzY3-rn91awmFrIq1en7GQVBv8DRgtDTZxZS4WVn3spjD0fzoqRRC-ljWEqz9w_FxqWQ37t_WnnyigfU8MSO2aRzVTz0L7sqPe4PCS7JZALC6H9XkH6bW0lE3iX4_7ZX5yDHlHdEAvZdlA/s2049/Home2SuitesTeddyCarmelIN111821.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzL1CH5aNSzUclXmOHzeoV_HZT2Arcb7vJzEUp-V-y6P90EAzY3-rn91awmFrIq1en7GQVBv8DRgtDTZxZS4WVn3spjD0fzoqRRC-ljWEqz9w_FxqWQ37t_WnnyigfU8MSO2aRzVTz0L7sqPe4PCS7JZALC6H9XkH6bW0lE3iX4_7ZX5yDHlHdEAvZdlA/s320/Home2SuitesTeddyCarmelIN111821.jpg" width="240" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="background: white; color: #191919; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I was hosted on this trip, but opinions are my
own. </span></i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout-key="-fb+5w+4e-db+86" data-ad-slot="8655757789" style="display: block;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><br /><p></p>
Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0Carmel, IN, USA39.978371 -86.118043511.668137163821157 -121.2742935 68.288604836178848 -50.9617935tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-77324113412137571252023-10-13T17:07:00.003-05:002023-10-13T17:18:29.793-05:0024 Hours on Navy Pier in Chicago<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmow0_lHmXVwi5Wij3vK5Xvfq5YIk0SNz6LEpA07RL_48A_IetH-KUXo6wYXVfWrkL-ahUalgxbRlHp65WXeveitT14jYnrgGsF_jZ4njsl1NMw6jY70qf83iYR5sWklRw3a89V7c6BuQLJAzf0fgJTw0DwonWVXIGoKYs1e-wwbxmztXbrpfAmVZiEVw/s1500/NavyPierSkylineChicago091621.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmow0_lHmXVwi5Wij3vK5Xvfq5YIk0SNz6LEpA07RL_48A_IetH-KUXo6wYXVfWrkL-ahUalgxbRlHp65WXeveitT14jYnrgGsF_jZ4njsl1NMw6jY70qf83iYR5sWklRw3a89V7c6BuQLJAzf0fgJTw0DwonWVXIGoKYs1e-wwbxmztXbrpfAmVZiEVw/s320/NavyPierSkylineChicago091621.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">Since I’ve been traveling in a wheelchair or mobility
scooter the last few years, I have not gone many places alone. I decided to go
for it when I was invited to spend a day – and night – at Navy Pier in Chicago.</p>
I have been to Navy Pier many times, but was never able to
stay there until <a href="https://capitaloneshopping.com/s/hilton.com/coupon" rel="" target="_blank">Sable, a Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton</a>, was built. I always
wondered why there wasn’t a hotel there, and after spending time scooting my
way around the property and the pier, I can attest that it’s a fun and unique
experience.<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf-I6PRBlHyg2MP1nvFeX6jfXDNlBrQJwC__lzlcFdGQn3lyg6HS6_NEvJUtcrwxx5o4EmQ9NRbYENo2IhRly4IMw4K4VF5LG7EluwtnkJPoHfYu8qBhzXB_T7VX8inoBGaA0pJylKEeRt6YRxUwWCc7pI9e60t1Xm97JFJjbdKJQk0PmmN6wQXtXfLc/s1500/SableHotelViewFromRoomNavyPierChicago091521%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhf-I6PRBlHyg2MP1nvFeX6jfXDNlBrQJwC__lzlcFdGQn3lyg6HS6_NEvJUtcrwxx5o4EmQ9NRbYENo2IhRly4IMw4K4VF5LG7EluwtnkJPoHfYu8qBhzXB_T7VX8inoBGaA0pJylKEeRt6YRxUwWCc7pI9e60t1Xm97JFJjbdKJQk0PmmN6wQXtXfLc/s320/SableHotelViewFromRoomNavyPierChicago091521%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">The hotel is at the end of the pier and the entrance is
right next to one of the parking lots. It was easy to park my van and take my
scooter right into the modern lobby. Once inside you’ll be surprised at just
how big it is, with a Kisbi Coffee and the Lirica Restaurant close to the
entrance. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<!--wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as-->
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-slot="1141385692" data-full-width-responsive="true" style="display: block;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It did take me a little while to figure out how to get to
the elevator to my room, but once inside, I found my biggest draw to this hotel
– the windows. Every room has floor to ceiling views of the blue water of Lake
Michigan and the Chicago Skyline. <o:p></o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6wG5Dx-jF42_jIdnbunaOSiiDzMByWKX9CieGBvX03INJC4bBFDLaZd3hWd3vcEJN51mBMV9p6aJHa9xv44rZW-5KmZ4mhRevQH5zKofk1k4G7q9K_jgv6YUdpURYOR5KkqHp8IteL8vMvqDbhScprJnUp_JuHhxCbjP6Qw-gslG4P4aWtnU1pjtVz8/s1500/SableHotelLiricaPassionFruitVanillaMojitoChipsAndDipNavyPierChicago091521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6wG5Dx-jF42_jIdnbunaOSiiDzMByWKX9CieGBvX03INJC4bBFDLaZd3hWd3vcEJN51mBMV9p6aJHa9xv44rZW-5KmZ4mhRevQH5zKofk1k4G7q9K_jgv6YUdpURYOR5KkqHp8IteL8vMvqDbhScprJnUp_JuHhxCbjP6Qw-gslG4P4aWtnU1pjtVz8/s320/SableHotelLiricaPassionFruitVanillaMojitoChipsAndDipNavyPierChicago091521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">If it wasn’t for that famous skyline I could have just as
easily been on a Caribbean Island. That view can bring a sense of relaxation, a
touch of romance, or the beginning of a family enjoyment of Navy Pier.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I didn’t have too much time to stare out the window before my reservation at Lirica for dinner. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a comfortable, but classic, restaurant at Sable Hotel at Navy Pier. The menu is modern Latin.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsOncPWvrjEoU6XfWsK-CIGC_2A0difOOTKmHoiTK07o2-cjKmb_9fZHmvBur51yQsDVzvvOt1ppgN7GXiVgrOn1tYVZIVBEMIkunEloUZNiqDEHZP8QsEFhyphenhyphen419meytSMaldT9YAKEnSX7i2LUQwkGVdecOPacPuB6kpNBR494rAVlcREsbhOKY3rTo/s1811/SableHotelLiricaCauliflowerSaladShortRibsNavyPierChicago091521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1811" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsOncPWvrjEoU6XfWsK-CIGC_2A0difOOTKmHoiTK07o2-cjKmb_9fZHmvBur51yQsDVzvvOt1ppgN7GXiVgrOn1tYVZIVBEMIkunEloUZNiqDEHZP8QsEFhyphenhyphen419meytSMaldT9YAKEnSX7i2LUQwkGVdecOPacPuB6kpNBR494rAVlcREsbhOKY3rTo/s320/SableHotelLiricaCauliflowerSaladShortRibsNavyPierChicago091521.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I started with one of their many mojitos, the house special
Passion Fruit Vanilla. It was fantastic and not too sweet. It was the perfect
accompaniment to their house guacamole, arbol salsa, and chips.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p>
<div data-vi-partner-id=P00102580 data-vi-widget-ref=W-1c1d88d5-4ae0-4aa9-85b7-7bfe896d01a9 ></div>
<script async src="https://www.viator.com/orion/partner/widget.js"></script></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For a main course, I had the braised short ribs, served in a
mushroom, garlic, and wine sauce. On the waiter’s recommendation I added in a
side of roasted potatoes, which came with an aioli sauce for dipping, and a
warm cauliflower salad. It all went ideally with a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcCVRuf1GY5c9Nl03lBDSu7FZyozMIx2A3ku1WVF50-Nbk2NK_nwvAq7OV_9JUcMVf3Yoe2qGuUI_-mOsp_423aaTuzDghupdgcfGkbUsnxG7HoRW5ljdRKNVNxj2EtvNAMZP2-RfxoMt4oCvIBrSGsBO0WEIuYM6aXYjKgjhUc_M_atLUcOtRsJqKwg/s2001/SableHotelSableOffshoreCocktailsAndIceCreamNavyPierChicago091521%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2001" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcCVRuf1GY5c9Nl03lBDSu7FZyozMIx2A3ku1WVF50-Nbk2NK_nwvAq7OV_9JUcMVf3Yoe2qGuUI_-mOsp_423aaTuzDghupdgcfGkbUsnxG7HoRW5ljdRKNVNxj2EtvNAMZP2-RfxoMt4oCvIBrSGsBO0WEIuYM6aXYjKgjhUc_M_atLUcOtRsJqKwg/s320/SableHotelSableOffshoreCocktailsAndIceCreamNavyPierChicago091521%20(2).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I wasn’t anxious to leave the food, but I was excited to
check out Offshore at Sable, the rooftop venue at the hotel. Fortunately, I had
reservations because this place, as huge as it is, fills up. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PXA8SQeHJQfHGCIhdyKwIfDYgswZ-BNOB8BL-KedrHOIGXYz6extwhSgY-YmDkXXaaTNiYVGevIpnfzKd6ygMEC6dW-W_PqmNqdk3eba1GC7il6lPKv1Z8ZPpkTkyIDk7eHdFsYowrS6ld-9pyXFVBBUwQmYbuyUPTOhes-k-5mGw4huShGkR_Czm1o/s1500/SableHotelSableOffshoreCoupleWithSunSettingNavyPierChicago091521%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PXA8SQeHJQfHGCIhdyKwIfDYgswZ-BNOB8BL-KedrHOIGXYz6extwhSgY-YmDkXXaaTNiYVGevIpnfzKd6ygMEC6dW-W_PqmNqdk3eba1GC7il6lPKv1Z8ZPpkTkyIDk7eHdFsYowrS6ld-9pyXFVBBUwQmYbuyUPTOhes-k-5mGw4huShGkR_Czm1o/s320/SableHotelSableOffshoreCoupleWithSunSettingNavyPierChicago091521%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I was immediately taken with the open-air indoor area, with
tables all around a large bar. I had asked for a table outside so I could see
if the sunsets here were as breathtaking as I had heard. I was not disappointed
as I sampled an ice cream sundae and tried one of the many cocktails on the
menu. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was an easy ride back to my hotel room on my scooter and
I was more than ready for sleep.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrkENmaRHE7cwgo2kBQ4ebEwsaP8PTN_gYOeqfx_yYspQ123D3rfxV9onIW8-ULIwHe0AwrQ7Sqk5sSMXNVqsyZjrggXvoc6pzim8R6gjuG6SCC-AFWtJZMQCbTnZUdoIa2YB2ZYM4cF8bWThfUl3gOIhOvOrVJKg-2J-mnKS513OxTW49HrAUuXJ-UA/s2001/SableHotelLiricaRicottaBlueberryPancakesNavyPierChicago091621.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2001" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrkENmaRHE7cwgo2kBQ4ebEwsaP8PTN_gYOeqfx_yYspQ123D3rfxV9onIW8-ULIwHe0AwrQ7Sqk5sSMXNVqsyZjrggXvoc6pzim8R6gjuG6SCC-AFWtJZMQCbTnZUdoIa2YB2ZYM4cF8bWThfUl3gOIhOvOrVJKg-2J-mnKS513OxTW49HrAUuXJ-UA/s320/SableHotelLiricaRicottaBlueberryPancakesNavyPierChicago091621.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the morning, I headed back to Lirica Restaurant. This
time I sat outside and did some people watching on Navy Pier. The Blueberry
Ricotta Pancakes were as good as the food I had the night before. When I
finished most of the large portion and my coffee, I decided to do some
exploring. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rhoDUGNjpurmozUC_l73S8XG4V_ykafPskoJaAnJWUSzAOYT6G7c1l60dUIV4jwPWHG0fcOVqvq3RKDoX5-M1eeSq0eI_q2ASA8GnQHEcXI_S6e1NzsXL3QhA4SOqiy31y1ONNRB_oi9MWXvidjgHNeAnqr_rBuLPJl2zI5kVO-Cion5_zUy9_QjZ8A/s1500/NavyPierFerrisWheelAndSkylineChicago091621.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1500" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rhoDUGNjpurmozUC_l73S8XG4V_ykafPskoJaAnJWUSzAOYT6G7c1l60dUIV4jwPWHG0fcOVqvq3RKDoX5-M1eeSq0eI_q2ASA8GnQHEcXI_S6e1NzsXL3QhA4SOqiy31y1ONNRB_oi9MWXvidjgHNeAnqr_rBuLPJl2zI5kVO-Cion5_zUy9_QjZ8A/s320/NavyPierFerrisWheelAndSkylineChicago091621.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">It’s hard not to love Navy Pier. There’s just no other city
that has the views and activities like this. I went all the way to the
beginning where the 13-acre Polk’s Brothers Park, is one of the newer gathering
places. Indoors, I noticed that the Kilwin’s Fudge was added to the food
options since my last visit. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<!--wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as-->
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-slot="1141385692" data-full-width-responsive="true" style="display: block;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I had done the Centennial Wheel not long before, so I
skipped it on this trip. I did notice a new addition to the ever-changing
interactive exhibits and caught a sign about the latest music series. There was
also the start of the Halloween preparations, which was always followed by the
beginning of the set up for Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier, held every holiday
season. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The one thing I have yet to do at <a href="https://navypier.org/" target="_blank">Navy Pier</a> is take one of
the boat rides. The sunset cruise has been on my list of Chicago things to do. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9J6KvxfoizL3jBLic0FqR0u1PWOvBlD-86Y0UibeFUsrqPDLWSN7BmH1LmQfXF9fFjZhWXP2JTUGofTO18nKgtou4Xy7ABJMwLq7an-rzoA4zv9YFIw6GMhZcQgu_3I1nK-g4K1YyKIgimuIw7PHu_fcbt9YKysBANeeEacemHfo1lRNVAA7ywl_jFI/s1645/SableHotelViewFromRoomNavyPierChicago091521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1645" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9J6KvxfoizL3jBLic0FqR0u1PWOvBlD-86Y0UibeFUsrqPDLWSN7BmH1LmQfXF9fFjZhWXP2JTUGofTO18nKgtou4Xy7ABJMwLq7an-rzoA4zv9YFIw6GMhZcQgu_3I1nK-g4K1YyKIgimuIw7PHu_fcbt9YKysBANeeEacemHfo1lRNVAA7ywl_jFI/s320/SableHotelViewFromRoomNavyPierChicago091521.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Maybe next time. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<!--wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as-->
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-slot="1141385692" data-full-width-responsive="true" style="display: block;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #191919; font-size: 10.5pt;">I was hosted on this trip, but opinions are my
own. </span></i><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA41.8918633 -87.605094413.581629463821152 -122.7613444 70.20209713617885 -52.4488444tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-38579249723713568572023-09-30T15:04:00.104-05:002023-10-01T16:00:24.325-05:00A Special Spa and More Wine & Food in the Wisconsin Dells<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObigd3JHrcrEB6e-XBR2U7XfpNSb5r_tvcDR19fY7mkoLF8n9Pu-NpoYj8x0SHR6eHnJGE2L8oFeLI8LhW6Iu4z9cMtGrKUp46c8m8mhqMY2pZuF5oaRw73_PIMPFR3Mw2H71-yPPgxwVBJ0TPtkwo9VPvu2uMLeCe96F80bYbW4w0HK-oAiHK9lcn-Y/s1500/Sundara%20Cambrian%20Oasis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1500" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObigd3JHrcrEB6e-XBR2U7XfpNSb5r_tvcDR19fY7mkoLF8n9Pu-NpoYj8x0SHR6eHnJGE2L8oFeLI8LhW6Iu4z9cMtGrKUp46c8m8mhqMY2pZuF5oaRw73_PIMPFR3Mw2H71-yPPgxwVBJ0TPtkwo9VPvu2uMLeCe96F80bYbW4w0HK-oAiHK9lcn-Y/s320/Sundara%20Cambrian%20Oasis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Laurie and I woke up at The Vue in
Wisconsin Dells excited for our spa day. First, we went to a local favorite, Stuff’s
Restaurant, for a breakfast of eggs, corned beef hash, pancakes, and French
Toast. It was obvious why there were so many people in there.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8GUPwEQ2uELB4tPdwDxjAuecc28bYZWzwYDWh7VbqjcwU3cwJzx-SzTNL5vOfYVFSg6kSAfaxzjWsf8iZHeV_6VpEjHsNjUvg2Xfzn38ddnyN7_3n0PwH4z9oe4t_P8GJ10DJqwfYhC8IIq66ES7vH7pNx-CBCet9lhbaoz31XVoTarf9kNrXGR9sUI/s2000/StuffsRestaurantFrenchToastBaconWisconsinDellsWI300822.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8GUPwEQ2uELB4tPdwDxjAuecc28bYZWzwYDWh7VbqjcwU3cwJzx-SzTNL5vOfYVFSg6kSAfaxzjWsf8iZHeV_6VpEjHsNjUvg2Xfzn38ddnyN7_3n0PwH4z9oe4t_P8GJ10DJqwfYhC8IIq66ES7vH7pNx-CBCet9lhbaoz31XVoTarf9kNrXGR9sUI/s320/StuffsRestaurantFrenchToastBaconWisconsinDellsWI300822.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I had heard many good things about
the award winning <a href="https://www.sundaraspa.com/">Sundara Inn & Spa</a>,
but it exceeded my expectations. This was the ultimate grown up escape in
Wisconsin Dells. I have been to a lot of spas, but nothing like this.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpthFWoa4p5UIUUKXyu0aXMSpeZOHPrr5jRQw2ZGmiJIMn7-EDhtHhl_OUZ9nOFHdsk3KBCYc4sJKx9mVrgr94EXF-TvTEYoWKUC-lOMud2k0h-D1FKDF9R6sAkenKy32_F2_HiDLg6zOydNXAeDW81yrL-sADbkcw4BM7YybJAynjmHL35uwKanKwOPg/s1500/SundaraInnAndSpaCouplesRoomWisconsinDellsWI030822%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpthFWoa4p5UIUUKXyu0aXMSpeZOHPrr5jRQw2ZGmiJIMn7-EDhtHhl_OUZ9nOFHdsk3KBCYc4sJKx9mVrgr94EXF-TvTEYoWKUC-lOMud2k0h-D1FKDF9R6sAkenKy32_F2_HiDLg6zOydNXAeDW81yrL-sADbkcw4BM7YybJAynjmHL35uwKanKwOPg/s320/SundaraInnAndSpaCouplesRoomWisconsinDellsWI030822%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">What I love most about Sundara is the ability to have a full day (or even days) with plenty of relaxation and wellness to do – without getting charged for every little thing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p><div> </div><p></p>
<div><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<!--wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as-->
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-slot="1141385692" data-full-width-responsive="true" style="display: block;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">There is, of course, a large menu of treatments who can purchase, but it’s all the other amenities that you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere else. They can be added on for one extra fee.Included in the fee are unlimited
wellness classes, indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools, tranquil spaces, and the
Purifying Bath Ritual. With the one charge, you get to spend an entire day
enjoying it all.</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oVP3OH4i63nyRE4F_bLrADX-9FYTLKcoJPFsvCTRcj7O1X1_a5zGAYAykuxQET3Vabax3E1xWom1-dPX5hQlprPPSfFiKqXM5LEklFuAtesbn-BxyTxg81XlZfB_03nh9xvfRrI7Zdz-Gm7mEP0P4_D8Kiwz92lN5AgqAw3l-LOvO9y31b0DbMFGD2I/s1500/SundaraInnAndSpaPoolWisconsinDellsWI030822.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oVP3OH4i63nyRE4F_bLrADX-9FYTLKcoJPFsvCTRcj7O1X1_a5zGAYAykuxQET3Vabax3E1xWom1-dPX5hQlprPPSfFiKqXM5LEklFuAtesbn-BxyTxg81XlZfB_03nh9xvfRrI7Zdz-Gm7mEP0P4_D8Kiwz92lN5AgqAw3l-LOvO9y31b0DbMFGD2I/s320/SundaraInnAndSpaPoolWisconsinDellsWI030822.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We arranged our day at the cave-like
indoor pool and whirlpools, where we had a healthy lunch from their Nava Restaurant
and mocktails at the swim-up bar. We then spent some time refreshing our breath
in the Salt Room, and then did a meditation session.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div><div data-vi-partner-id="P00102580" data-vi-widget-ref="W-55b85ba1-a2ed-415e-b400-d75a2ad521da"></div>
<script async="" src="https://www.viator.com/orion/partner/widget.js"></script>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Laurie and I also did the bath
ritual: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Exfoliation with their provided
scrub in the rainfall shower;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">A squirt of their special mist
before heading into the steam room;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">And a rinse before hitting the hot
tub filled with essential oils.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">We decided to skip the cold plunge
pool.</p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlMHrz_jzT3Z52XstKTmcAJzmmAjpN-OD-udTQB7fjNKKFq6gRgq0BMTzavoY2TvXv7az9dKsIb-v59Ls97m_HMyeI7NElSbQM4yhaDCnIurWahTRZSNbgbfDOeumurJSJD1u5vJ9P9EPVbIRr00FVYiCM8lDEPPXf6jORkfx0diWiDS_tjp_zLoNsko/s1870/FawnCreekWineryBottlesWisconsinDellsWI030822.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1870" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlMHrz_jzT3Z52XstKTmcAJzmmAjpN-OD-udTQB7fjNKKFq6gRgq0BMTzavoY2TvXv7az9dKsIb-v59Ls97m_HMyeI7NElSbQM4yhaDCnIurWahTRZSNbgbfDOeumurJSJD1u5vJ9P9EPVbIRr00FVYiCM8lDEPPXf6jORkfx0diWiDS_tjp_zLoNsko/s320/FawnCreekWineryBottlesWisconsinDellsWI030822.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>Before we left, I had a chance to
tour some of the accommodations. I loved the large suites in the main building,
where you can take the elevator in your comfy robe right down to the spa. For those
who want even more space there are villas and Woodland retreats. <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1K_unOyiscH_jgeLbD_hh5M2I7DPqXOBzBg9eellPl8zly34c_zsu_qer5ORdN426Pu7I9jgfMDGntKUe0eTJtE2v_Qz5qWq-nfLL3XMoXOE6cB31mgEGNf_KjK5mM4OUsffdbcScZQs6Vg92nei-GBNcbC5RdHLVmSvUTT70Ixe9mfhyphenhyphenfGhrzTAPcc/s1875/LakeCitySocialMenuAndMuleWisconsinDellsWI030822.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1K_unOyiscH_jgeLbD_hh5M2I7DPqXOBzBg9eellPl8zly34c_zsu_qer5ORdN426Pu7I9jgfMDGntKUe0eTJtE2v_Qz5qWq-nfLL3XMoXOE6cB31mgEGNf_KjK5mM4OUsffdbcScZQs6Vg92nei-GBNcbC5RdHLVmSvUTT70Ixe9mfhyphenhyphenfGhrzTAPcc/s320/LakeCitySocialMenuAndMuleWisconsinDellsWI030822.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br />After spending most of the day at
the spa, we headed to Fawn Creek Winery. This place has unusually mixed fruit
wines, such as Just Peachy, peach and chardonnay, and Black Ber-y, blackberry and
Merlot. There were more combinations and they change seasonally. I thought they
were all pretty tasty. It was like having a variety of sangrias in bottles. <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p></p>
<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<!-- wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756"
data-ad-slot="1141385692"
data-ad-format="auto"
data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
<br />
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 394.65pt;"><span style="color: #44546a; mso-themecolor: text2;">Dinner was at <a href="https://www.lakecitysocialwi.com/">Lake City Social</a>. I had a veggie
burger and Mule, while Laurie had a Rueben and beer. We really liked the food
and drink there. </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECnmuIxyRGAfvOpixi7DCcR_mqsLn0ZDQGTqXYaovjsMTnOuakVZisisFKvzTrswzRtkrZ9QrZHa9XlIV35iXtMo6O3Lx9e6hEFL6vYn6-oxnhtPqke61-xc-CDoLhPEIhcfX48d5oQhypp-jZg1cCnI_lrqF-8rFk2KSEMFhj4yjKhhd55XWsNB8lxQ/s1875/LakeCitySocialRubeunWisconsinDellsWI030822.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECnmuIxyRGAfvOpixi7DCcR_mqsLn0ZDQGTqXYaovjsMTnOuakVZisisFKvzTrswzRtkrZ9QrZHa9XlIV35iXtMo6O3Lx9e6hEFL6vYn6-oxnhtPqke61-xc-CDoLhPEIhcfX48d5oQhypp-jZg1cCnI_lrqF-8rFk2KSEMFhj4yjKhhd55XWsNB8lxQ/s320/LakeCitySocialRubeunWisconsinDellsWI030822.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We were exhausted from a long day,
even though it had been filled with relaxation. We went back to The Vue hotel for one more night. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivttIPjSaoQMw_KK_HjvUZviVeFFbj044eX8Hy7sKKeWN9X4HDl-zSA7sT_sYd6WcY-UfvQufn8BTcEHHR_BsLuiIw0KBteWb5RlpKO2TvGoI3Chyphenhyphen12kS2QEf3MK3b24GXQ8Q0aqNosy74Tk5z_S-zAjw-w90DBOk2qAxoknB2-pvbe4rmp30qhXbBPn8/s2000/PaulBunyanBreakfastDonutWisconsinDellsWI030922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivttIPjSaoQMw_KK_HjvUZviVeFFbj044eX8Hy7sKKeWN9X4HDl-zSA7sT_sYd6WcY-UfvQufn8BTcEHHR_BsLuiIw0KBteWb5RlpKO2TvGoI3Chyphenhyphen12kS2QEf3MK3b24GXQ8Q0aqNosy74Tk5z_S-zAjw-w90DBOk2qAxoknB2-pvbe4rmp30qhXbBPn8/s320/PaulBunyanBreakfastDonutWisconsinDellsWI030922.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">In the morning, we went to Paul
Bunyan, a well-known restaurant I had been to on my previous trips to Wisconsin
Dells. The warm donuts were as good as ever and their breakfast was filling. It
is unlimited, but we couldn’t eat any more than they brought us the first time.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbf4I5yxK0AhFQoDDVXJkdqpmEb0VlUxOk19Q8ETG_WBtklXhjeNlZtLIcm-w_9O_cixv9OJIO41EHN7Qz9n_bbYLAiH0KnHZXXucLgGhDj8-bxJ-aZ4o6YLWM15lSpgbnAaLnEWqLyPKkrOIyt6EzNpSLInbK0FUPfyW1BrvNofMrT7T59I9uZW_juI/s1875/PaulBunyanBreakfastWisconsinDellsWI030922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbf4I5yxK0AhFQoDDVXJkdqpmEb0VlUxOk19Q8ETG_WBtklXhjeNlZtLIcm-w_9O_cixv9OJIO41EHN7Qz9n_bbYLAiH0KnHZXXucLgGhDj8-bxJ-aZ4o6YLWM15lSpgbnAaLnEWqLyPKkrOIyt6EzNpSLInbK0FUPfyW1BrvNofMrT7T59I9uZW_juI/s320/PaulBunyanBreakfastWisconsinDellsWI030922.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Before we left the Wisconsin Dells,
we took a ride through the downtown. It was a fun trip and interesting to get
to experience some of the adult things the region has outside of the. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p> <i>Note: Sundara Spa does not allow photography. Photos are courtesy of the spa. </i></o:p></p>
Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0Wisconsin Dells, WI, USA43.6274794 -89.770957915.317245563821153 -124.9272079 71.937713236178837 -54.6147079tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-28699642662804444212023-09-15T18:01:00.005-05:002023-09-15T18:13:10.148-05:00A Different Look of The Wisconsin Dells<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqC34Xw0KAPgP7akRqomnpDMT63vj-ZXKoBdMiezYGbQjyLSQhiPd47j4QlYWjl4_5_lSHQjyGjIAKiaUQ1iTfNQXHqFmCISneHnERjzCaSxZe1qh2zFGRAmJWJiyw3Kt_ZN7j7X3-QMD-8Y2Lh9qd_F_9jMWnjNizBh8UoxW_zYop8NuxzY6v6fLJesg/s2000/WollersheimWineryBarrelsWiscosninDellsWI030722.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqC34Xw0KAPgP7akRqomnpDMT63vj-ZXKoBdMiezYGbQjyLSQhiPd47j4QlYWjl4_5_lSHQjyGjIAKiaUQ1iTfNQXHqFmCISneHnERjzCaSxZe1qh2zFGRAmJWJiyw3Kt_ZN7j7X3-QMD-8Y2Lh9qd_F_9jMWnjNizBh8UoxW_zYop8NuxzY6v6fLJesg/s320/WollersheimWineryBarrelsWiscosninDellsWI030722.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />I have been to
the Wisconsin Dells three times. The first two were family trips to resorts, <a href="http://www.wineandspiritstravel.com/2015/02/my-first-wisconsin-dells-waterpark.html?m=1">Chula
Vista</a> and Kalahari. The third trip, the most recent, was totally different.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaP9xIVtdlnkkWjw8xcgspeCRzufzLTR8JGEJVSqmTSA2wbCIe4FmwUI5YCKsAENLETT0i5tuuOGFsgYP9g3c26Y0GYITadWR6ztNfBpVOU46dAz_s__1mwXfyL6fyeIR4TOkUORhwXFeKJz1ggGs5DPy9jlEUo_c58P2N4-xdnLpQLkamKOoP1Tc12T4/s2000/WollersheimWineryWinesWiscosninDellsWI030722.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaP9xIVtdlnkkWjw8xcgspeCRzufzLTR8JGEJVSqmTSA2wbCIe4FmwUI5YCKsAENLETT0i5tuuOGFsgYP9g3c26Y0GYITadWR6ztNfBpVOU46dAz_s__1mwXfyL6fyeIR4TOkUORhwXFeKJz1ggGs5DPy9jlEUo_c58P2N4-xdnLpQLkamKOoP1Tc12T4/s320/WollersheimWineryWinesWiscosninDellsWI030722.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>This was a
girls’ getaway with my friend Laurie. We were enticed by <a href="https://www.wisdells.com/">Wisconsin Dells tourism</a> to check out the
adult side of the area. This included a spa that was receiving national attention
and the emergence of The Dells as a wine region.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EJGPzAXvckMOf7kxiWGDoWLnX7BNoSCJ8aKZIx4qm2zVrLH4150L7euFmDmpfO9elkhvHi0jQG6VhKB5d72EihG3oOPfDwljaGbFZmk2kRJzlWKVRiEhElqqNICBvQHZYtpa3K0riUFmpMAnK8dRKi8R64q2WGZsBOIqGfnsQ-XTdTQQMI7pmJ9ynWY/s2000/WollersheimDistilleryWiscosninDellsWI030722.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EJGPzAXvckMOf7kxiWGDoWLnX7BNoSCJ8aKZIx4qm2zVrLH4150L7euFmDmpfO9elkhvHi0jQG6VhKB5d72EihG3oOPfDwljaGbFZmk2kRJzlWKVRiEhElqqNICBvQHZYtpa3K0riUFmpMAnK8dRKi8R64q2WGZsBOIqGfnsQ-XTdTQQMI7pmJ9ynWY/s320/WollersheimDistilleryWiscosninDellsWI030722.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">It started at <a href="https://www.wollersheim.com/">Wollersheim</a>, the most impressive winery
I’ve seen in the Midwest. This is not a place where you walk in, try a few wines,
and go home. Wollersheim is 70 manicured acres to enjoy - before, after, or during
the wine.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnivTXdZbeFryNLCNQ0qfCeoe6RsnX3UUsTDI1ksYEbd9Z0wSQ9pTY_FOsCS-eheYWa61qYg59VTSlMbfZh_OqCcG4Wt17tkcU35MbLLJ6aBJeyHU3tRVQ4Z-Xz7LJY9Bt6XPUP7l9Qq-pRqWrSq8N-Wb7QIjyFp9wifHfwxTqwRUk9oBy5sfFFftYYlg/s1875/WollersheimWineryApplesAndCreamDistilleryWiscosninDellsWI030722.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnivTXdZbeFryNLCNQ0qfCeoe6RsnX3UUsTDI1ksYEbd9Z0wSQ9pTY_FOsCS-eheYWa61qYg59VTSlMbfZh_OqCcG4Wt17tkcU35MbLLJ6aBJeyHU3tRVQ4Z-Xz7LJY9Bt6XPUP7l9Qq-pRqWrSq8N-Wb7QIjyFp9wifHfwxTqwRUk9oBy5sfFFftYYlg/s320/WollersheimWineryApplesAndCreamDistilleryWiscosninDellsWI030722.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Their wine selection
is huge, and we tasted quite a few, settling on the Prairie Pink, Eagle White
Dry Riesling, and Domaine du Sac, a red wine, as favorites. We also had a tasty
lunch, the highlight of which was the Gobbler Sandwich.</p><p></p>
<div><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<!--wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as-->
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-slot="1141385692" data-full-width-responsive="true" style="display: block;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">Bistro
offerings come prepared boxed to take outside and enjoy the grounds with a
picnic. They also have the wine ready to bring. If you don’t want a full
bottle, you can purchase canned wine or small bottles for portability.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNxHK6Gyb6UrKx-ZN_IYDDjNWbxwRD9IsdT-myL3BLKK1muYJceI3c_W_qPSxx8rDpnwxX1-E-zD3Rd3v-1ITcsubTpqo8nJ0wyEbwkwkrM3je5WV3je7RTUySPLddDSr3-VVfJF2umqaQpgOZMF8ySfoa0Mh_EQ_nFrPfSTOwxzMEJPlRRYkSoptqMg/s1500/BalancedRockWineryInsideWisconsinDellsWI030822.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidNxHK6Gyb6UrKx-ZN_IYDDjNWbxwRD9IsdT-myL3BLKK1muYJceI3c_W_qPSxx8rDpnwxX1-E-zD3Rd3v-1ITcsubTpqo8nJ0wyEbwkwkrM3je5WV3je7RTUySPLddDSr3-VVfJF2umqaQpgOZMF8ySfoa0Mh_EQ_nFrPfSTOwxzMEJPlRRYkSoptqMg/s320/BalancedRockWineryInsideWisconsinDellsWI030822.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Wollersheim
also has a distillery. They produce whiskey, bourbon, and brandies. You can try
the spirits straight or taste them in a selection of handcrafted cocktails.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DKsaQKqmlLss-OY2ZROI6UPcFuYnpZTB2ybRHR9sXVhaib6sIUGtwqiZ4o-6xBbWAWbVBI0dgjdn900Hvq_JtkYjs1EJ24TV2u2Q44n-BVH-zi4gLlKTge7-h2o1kUDVyqi-mg7V4xbyZclO3SQ81eBX6ITOAQDbDzV5QdnQDbeTLmzVZcb1SpUCf78/s2000/BalancedRockWinerHummusPlatterWisconsinDellsWI030822%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DKsaQKqmlLss-OY2ZROI6UPcFuYnpZTB2ybRHR9sXVhaib6sIUGtwqiZ4o-6xBbWAWbVBI0dgjdn900Hvq_JtkYjs1EJ24TV2u2Q44n-BVH-zi4gLlKTge7-h2o1kUDVyqi-mg7V4xbyZclO3SQ81eBX6ITOAQDbDzV5QdnQDbeTLmzVZcb1SpUCf78/s320/BalancedRockWinerHummusPlatterWisconsinDellsWI030822%20(2).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
We then drove
to the other side of The Dells to <a href="https://www.balancedrockwinery.com/">Balanced
Rock Winery</a> in Baraboo. This spot was very different from the previous,
with an open, modern building and a large piece of land. There’s a big patio
and plenty of space for outdoor concerts and a driving range.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<!--wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as-->
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-slot="1141385692" data-full-width-responsive="true" style="display: block;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_JXmZlMecYbPO5oc68wfOFqJKQfCNw8j9rHk04keTbpWZXpnQya3_-JM-C9n-1buY7Op0I0_Wr5Pu0RnMb9UpfdBjnrCd7qsuMFgVHDL-7Pjvv8OVv5oCKhmYhtPcSX0z25DQT3koYrPfFv8HUyP8o99PQDVKhNgdqPIzsvkyszcqLqXY_mS9Jpx5jc/s1500/DevilsLakeState%20ParkWisconsinDellsWI030822%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_JXmZlMecYbPO5oc68wfOFqJKQfCNw8j9rHk04keTbpWZXpnQya3_-JM-C9n-1buY7Op0I0_Wr5Pu0RnMb9UpfdBjnrCd7qsuMFgVHDL-7Pjvv8OVv5oCKhmYhtPcSX0z25DQT3koYrPfFv8HUyP8o99PQDVKhNgdqPIzsvkyszcqLqXY_mS9Jpx5jc/s320/DevilsLakeState%20ParkWisconsinDellsWI030822%20(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>We tried a lot
of wines and liked the Seyval, with a touch of apple sweetness, and the
Frontenac Fris, an orange wine that is a little sweeter, were the ones we liked
best.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">We were a
little hungry and thought we’d order a snack to have with our wine. The hummus plate
was the best I ever had. It was too much to finish and we hated to leave it. It
also matched well with the Rock Rose.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8cXdG3xfgjhm-e9O65Pq2I8JvZybZF3JX776PxJq9OMknx4go4i5Kq9NY_7T1_fXR2HUeiG1l3Dow3eN8gBJA9jKiceip1lkDjyFrpMTZUrz3Ay8zVCYPL6lVKcI6vaM-QxQqpkU6wCRsTx3NWoyrb8KxU5MNKoruUx3V41bPfglvwYrcoqYCyX5sh0/s1875/TheVueRestaurantChickenWisconsinDellsWI030722.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8cXdG3xfgjhm-e9O65Pq2I8JvZybZF3JX776PxJq9OMknx4go4i5Kq9NY_7T1_fXR2HUeiG1l3Dow3eN8gBJA9jKiceip1lkDjyFrpMTZUrz3Ay8zVCYPL6lVKcI6vaM-QxQqpkU6wCRsTx3NWoyrb8KxU5MNKoruUx3V41bPfglvwYrcoqYCyX5sh0/s320/TheVueRestaurantChickenWisconsinDellsWI030722.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p>While at
Balanced Rock, we found out we were just a mile from Wisconsin’s most popular
state park. Devil’s Lake has beautiful scenery that reminds me a bit of the <a href="http://www.wineandspiritstravel.com/2018/08/">Upper Penisula in Michigan</a>
with the large bluffs. It’s filled with year-round activity, including rock climbing,
boating, fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><br />After the park,
we drove to our hotel for the trip. The Vue is far from the huge resorts I was
used to in the Wisconsin Dells. It is a boutique hotel in downtown. That makes
it a lot more appropriate for two grown women not interested in water parks or
roller coasters. The Vue is also on the waterfront and loaded with views of the
Wisconsin River.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OuDiKZG0vyXT8JMOBHwtgCQRuA_jDXMOsein3zFFv2M_evl3VpL7JeKyUGa20Zu2Sc2tAXgNNJedZGbxA8tr_weyk3tPzGR0rqXeQsw0k5ddz1wJYkOTRsSmwbbpfSKYO4xegUZ18L0yUYxjo_xMe4l0OzUhnfIGfFMAJdbwYkcGQ4tgs36Kw--UkDU/s1500/TheVueViewFromRoomWisconsinDellsWI030722%20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OuDiKZG0vyXT8JMOBHwtgCQRuA_jDXMOsein3zFFv2M_evl3VpL7JeKyUGa20Zu2Sc2tAXgNNJedZGbxA8tr_weyk3tPzGR0rqXeQsw0k5ddz1wJYkOTRsSmwbbpfSKYO4xegUZ18L0yUYxjo_xMe4l0OzUhnfIGfFMAJdbwYkcGQ4tgs36Kw--UkDU/s320/TheVueViewFromRoomWisconsinDellsWI030722%20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">The Boathouse restaurant
at The Vue offers indoor and outdoor dining. They are open for breakfast,
lunch, and dinner and offer plenty of comfort food and an interesting cocktail
menu. I had the fettucine alfredo and Laurie did the fried chicken. We followed
with a S’more Hot Chocolate Cake. We loved watching the sunset during dinner.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZCT4a_BCGsFvNcT9Q14lYQfeqQhyuvt9Ippw8y_LP1kuK9tsu4j4SU4Gn4k3hboSwj5ZvrOJNCsNxkZBFZONq3qIqRmtli5B0otK7oZ3uxjf1VdQhwRY1khtg6rK7qa6RkMcmxdIk_hCk_M5TctHDmBJA6Ypt91I4tiDB5YGdmtKsiUwwyZArvqQxBY/s2000/TheVueRestaurantSmoresHotChocolateCakeWisconsinDellsWI030722.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZCT4a_BCGsFvNcT9Q14lYQfeqQhyuvt9Ippw8y_LP1kuK9tsu4j4SU4Gn4k3hboSwj5ZvrOJNCsNxkZBFZONq3qIqRmtli5B0otK7oZ3uxjf1VdQhwRY1khtg6rK7qa6RkMcmxdIk_hCk_M5TctHDmBJA6Ypt91I4tiDB5YGdmtKsiUwwyZArvqQxBY/s320/TheVueRestaurantSmoresHotChocolateCakeWisconsinDellsWI030722.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">We were done
for the night and happy to just be able to walk back to our room. We were
excited to be spending most of the next day at Sundara Spa.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<!--wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as-->
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-slot="1141385692" data-full-width-responsive="true" style="display: block;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></div>
<i>I was hosted on this trip, but opinions are my own.<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> </i>
</div>Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0Wisconsin Dells, WI, USA43.6274794 -89.770957915.317245563821153 -124.9272079 71.937713236178837 -54.6147079tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-23641354559056917832023-08-13T18:23:00.009-05:002023-08-13T18:39:05.388-05:00Lots to Update!<p>It’s been a crazy year trying to organize my work life and
my health. I got tired (as I’m sure my readers have) of apologizing for not
getting things done. It was time to streamline and not attempt to do more than
I physically can, only to apologize when I don’t get it done!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been doing this blog for 14 years. I haven’t continued
the way I’d like to and it’s not because I don’t consider it a priority. I’m
only able to work part time now and I need to make sure I earn money during those
hours.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I no longer want this blog to suffer so I’ve given up my
time in the others, the most notable of which is <a href="http://www.spiritstraveler.com/">Spiritstraveler</a>. That column was all
about products I discovered. The problem was that it took a lot of time and
earned very little money.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<!-- wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756"
data-ad-slot="1141385692"
data-ad-format="auto"
data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I will still be doing some product reports, but it will only
be on things I’m really interested in and you’ll see them floated here, on my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/marciafrost/">Pinterest</a>, and in my social media
(@Spiritstraveler on everything). I will not be updating the Spiritstraveler
blog.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I want to be able to spend more time on this blog in
addition to paid stories on publications. (You can see those on the side of this
page, under “Other Stories by Marcia,” or at my <a href="https://linktr.ee/MarciaFrost">Linktree</a>.) I’m also building up my <a href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCK5RnE_9qZvajkB1moBBlgA">YouTube
channel</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The other thing I’ve been working on to try to monetize this
blog are partnerships. These are only products I believe in and have a tie-in
to travel. If they are things you could use, I’d appreciate your support:<br /><br /><br /><b>World Is Wide Keepsakes<br /><br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeGeMleCZA8sUZVD8YoqR-x5yyeyxvC3iNGXnNrCU5cb-lCUgTDAEIlgwKFfeO-Wuq4u9B_Yf4Lr2UxLC517nzjRgxZtZ9IlMM6aajMZ2cfIscLbinYlKDNFZ0vGnI1wsJuZOXHBo2iFiEMLNExiK2qWVtgH1nrw1Qza43SRwYnYNrS40Qg1L3PsoG0w/s563/2957f3ba5dc5236096d0aa1b7884a98f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="563" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeGeMleCZA8sUZVD8YoqR-x5yyeyxvC3iNGXnNrCU5cb-lCUgTDAEIlgwKFfeO-Wuq4u9B_Yf4Lr2UxLC517nzjRgxZtZ9IlMM6aajMZ2cfIscLbinYlKDNFZ0vGnI1wsJuZOXHBo2iFiEMLNExiK2qWVtgH1nrw1Qza43SRwYnYNrS40Qg1L3PsoG0w/s320/2957f3ba5dc5236096d0aa1b7884a98f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Kristie creates beautiful handmade travel products at very reasonable
prices. Here’s <a href="https://www.worldiswide.com/store/">the website</a>. If
you use my code at checkout (<b><span face=""Tahoma",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">BAMF10)</span></b>,
we both get 10%.<br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Amazon Influencers Page</b> (I’ll be updating this page regularly)<br />These are <a href="https://www.amazon.com/shop/spiritstraveler">all things I love</a>,
from travel gear to beauty products to pet products.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BX8CW9V?asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.1BTOP2SED5P0T&linkCode=li2&tag=spiritstraveler-20&linkId=81c58003b6f94313fc3b6ac2edbd640d&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_il" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B08BX8CW9V&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=spiritstraveler-20&language=en_US" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=spiritstraveler-20&language=en_US&l=li2&o=1&a=B08BX8CW9V" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" /></o:p></p>
<br>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Viator<br /></b>This tour company has inexpensive tours everywhere. Click on
the link and search before your next trip.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div data-banner-height="250" data-banner-language="en" data-banner-selection="banner1" data-banner-width="300" data-id="viator-banner" data-partner-id="P00102580" data-url="https://www.viator.com/"></div>
<script async="" src="https://partners.vtrcdn.com/static/scripts/banners/banners.js"></script><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>Accessible Go<br /></b>For accessible travel (something I know a lot about these
days), Accessible Go can hook you up with everything from hotels to wheelchair
vans. <a href="https://accessiblego.refr.cc/marciafrost">Click on this link</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<br>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Buy Me A Coffee</b><br>
Or, if you want to see more blogs here and you don’t want to
order products, you can always click and <a href="https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MarciaFrost">Buy Me A Coffee</a>.<br />
<script type="text/javascript" src="https://cdnjs.buymeacoffee.com/1.0.0/button.prod.min.js" data-name="bmc-button" data-slug="MarciaFrost" data-color="#db8d1f" data-emoji="" data-font="Cookie" data-text="Buy me a coffee" data-outline-color="#000000" data-font-color="#000000" data-coffee-color="#FFDD00" ></script><br /><br />
I have lots of fun stories coming up from the Midwest to
Seattle and my bucket list 50th state: Alaska! I’ll be heading on the
Royal Princess in less than two weeks. <br>
<br>
It will be a bit before I have the blogs
up while I get publication stories done, and prepare for two surgeries, but you
can follow my journey in real time @Spiritstraveler on Twitter, Threads, Instagram
& YouTube.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Best,<br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Marcia</i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<!-- wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756"
data-ad-slot="1141385692"
data-ad-format="auto"
data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-27089979439354997672023-07-13T17:48:00.000-05:002023-07-13T17:48:02.108-05:00My Thoughts as I Disembark the American Queen Steamboat Cruise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsq1kskRY2saGWqgZ22_KI4gxrSc2SULv3JRGIRR1xCsl7cIHxLAhUuimQMoD3OmY9wyKgCuP77ndfDU_9BsLytXEgjGmiAQdcdqouoTG8nLpGRD7fuJr5NAH4U102ORhswH8qkliEyixYXjBt-7EDqbj_v-7ifm3_lbWLecJWl5jzVR9KtX3Vv-8Kfo/s1500/AmericanQueenDockedInAlton090522%20(8).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1500" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsq1kskRY2saGWqgZ22_KI4gxrSc2SULv3JRGIRR1xCsl7cIHxLAhUuimQMoD3OmY9wyKgCuP77ndfDU_9BsLytXEgjGmiAQdcdqouoTG8nLpGRD7fuJr5NAH4U102ORhswH8qkliEyixYXjBt-7EDqbj_v-7ifm3_lbWLecJWl5jzVR9KtX3Vv-8Kfo/s320/AmericanQueenDockedInAlton090522%20(8).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It had been a wonderful trip heading north on the Mississippi
River. The American Queen Steamboat experience was like no other cruise either
Lynn or I had previously experienced.<br /><br />We were all packed to go and it was much easier than usual
because we had my van waiting at St. Louis Airport. After a leisurely breakfast, we were able to just hang
shopping bags on my scooter and head out without worrying about going through
security and getting on a plane.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EVNmJWO_H4jn9rZNc2y_PYJAslfBqx3AavyeDZJidIOiq1vKSNrS4fFB3IT2aBvPHiU1PtWgwqW3zT4HcSIXcK9x-okG86nSM4zpd1Ekn7aiB2LitsWzPDgGxTQlj-mrVTscBU8FIUnD5tiypZqfHFnTp2Y5tqk2bvJ138Klr3wLwdlrBkeeG80M_hQ/s1500/AmericanQueenDiningRoom090522.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EVNmJWO_H4jn9rZNc2y_PYJAslfBqx3AavyeDZJidIOiq1vKSNrS4fFB3IT2aBvPHiU1PtWgwqW3zT4HcSIXcK9x-okG86nSM4zpd1Ekn7aiB2LitsWzPDgGxTQlj-mrVTscBU8FIUnD5tiypZqfHFnTp2Y5tqk2bvJ138Klr3wLwdlrBkeeG80M_hQ/s320/AmericanQueenDiningRoom090522.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The other thing that was nice was not having to go through a
huge cruise terminal or deal with customs. We had a leisurely breakfast, walked
off the boat, and got on the bus to the airport.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A big thank you to America Queen Voyages for hosting us on
this adventure. Lynn and I had a great time on this cruise. Here’s a break down
of more detailed opinions:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div data-vi-partner-id="P00102580" data-vi-widget-ref="W-55b85ba1-a2ed-415e-b400-d75a2ad521da"></div>
<script async="" src="https://www.viator.com/orion/partner/widget.js"></script>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>The Boat<o:p></o:p></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Elegant is probably my best description for the American
Queen. The boat definitely makes you feel like you are back in the 19<sup>th</sup>
century and expect to see Mark Twain walking down the hallway. There are more
public spaces than you’d expect on a cruise for up to 400 people so you can
always find a spot where you don’t feel crowded.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0C0PjQh9F6pV9GfwS9sioec2iq-AbjcGnB9V758nh2XD1k5sJ6eJ8TDV9M5HtR7R9lgjFpf64MI1z9W457IR-vUjfzVM0F8UIUnXLqA58OA5MRExOG-zq-WXf7fPgEHym6MKiHsl89ILNaY5OjrYm_x5jXDb8IuQsY-F0D4_tIlAe-LiONMHHSIyfbdQ/s1500/AmericanQueenScenery090422%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0C0PjQh9F6pV9GfwS9sioec2iq-AbjcGnB9V758nh2XD1k5sJ6eJ8TDV9M5HtR7R9lgjFpf64MI1z9W457IR-vUjfzVM0F8UIUnXLqA58OA5MRExOG-zq-WXf7fPgEHym6MKiHsl89ILNaY5OjrYm_x5jXDb8IuQsY-F0D4_tIlAe-LiONMHHSIyfbdQ/s320/AmericanQueenScenery090422%20(4).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>The Cabins<o:p></o:p></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We were in an accessible Junior Suite. I had some issues
getting my scooter in and out with the lip in the doorway, but they came and
put a ramp in so it made things much easier. The room itself was nothing like
any other cruise I’ve been on. The furniture was antique and the room looked a
bit old, but the bathroom was huge and modern. It also had a tub, which is always
a big plus for me.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwqOh7iN9q0saaieBOKCAReXGuE3Cgt6VZShhOV3Uf4nKa_yvcbX7xuqW8kBRqzwRhucPKxQVXwMkLJb6tK_kVOhthX5_P4Kcjkd3l0_e1Pbr6_DQEFVk8Y83fxXPUTXkqPMte0XBkpgfvBjfphvRbTivyABw5rlyZzsw-AdSsHfRMPI0VQIPpo8TPtM/s2210/AmericanQueenLobsterDinner083122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2210" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJwqOh7iN9q0saaieBOKCAReXGuE3Cgt6VZShhOV3Uf4nKa_yvcbX7xuqW8kBRqzwRhucPKxQVXwMkLJb6tK_kVOhthX5_P4Kcjkd3l0_e1Pbr6_DQEFVk8Y83fxXPUTXkqPMte0XBkpgfvBjfphvRbTivyABw5rlyZzsw-AdSsHfRMPI0VQIPpo8TPtM/s320/AmericanQueenLobsterDinner083122.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>The Food<o:p></o:p></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are only two restaurants on the American Queen. The
front porch has snacks (ice cream, cookies) all day and a small buffet
breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The main dining room is where we ate almost all
our meals. I’ve lost count of how many cruises I’ve been on and I’ve never had
such consistently outstanding food. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<!--wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as-->
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-slot="1141385692" data-full-width-responsive="true" style="display: block;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We had so many over-the-top delicious dishes I couldn’t even
list them. The desserts were equally fantastic. Even though Lynn and I are
allergic and couldn’t take advantage, the lobster available at every dinner was
a huge draw to many people. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>The Entertainment<o:p></o:p></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I often skip shows on cruises because they are long and don’t
grab my attention. The American Queen shows were less than an hour and we
really enjoyed them. There was just one we didn’t love, but that’s certainly
not something to complain about. The Broadway show was the best.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqRz-yjZq9cGqS4F8VN5uMpHLOtMmy3Q5_y-QLr1rq5tr3jvmBF038q2BBmwgqmraR8tVShoS2A1cgtaYK2jGD1V5KlFx_LRQ4oD9wkpem7Slhgj189unfivBTQWozg7k3UfBeWHmdkjV9IlDoq5UQhxwA4J1mLr2JWaF5hDPnGAHmMvlROFzuve9a0s/s1500/AmericanQueen70sShowYMCA090422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1413" data-original-width="1500" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqRz-yjZq9cGqS4F8VN5uMpHLOtMmy3Q5_y-QLr1rq5tr3jvmBF038q2BBmwgqmraR8tVShoS2A1cgtaYK2jGD1V5KlFx_LRQ4oD9wkpem7Slhgj189unfivBTQWozg7k3UfBeWHmdkjV9IlDoq5UQhxwA4J1mLr2JWaF5hDPnGAHmMvlROFzuve9a0s/s320/AmericanQueen70sShowYMCA090422.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>The Itinerary<o:p></o:p></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The low level of the Mississippi River kept us from two
ports (one was changed for something else). It was still a good itinerary, giving
us the opportunity to explore five states in the Midwest. How often can you do
that in a week?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfn7oc_e3pzzrLNzAnJdKSnFQH4kozfqgAWB9hYevmog9O7YA8sHvuFbBt6XyKTFqOLgZDlLm2sKI-YLYQe5wu6idAoiyCgQzIep4dmqGXSMioRw1CdELVDQNnCSwoSbarcKxnELT5lfWS-TPy_PdLIgZVegoxYalNe3Ag-5TArNs49U-Ayf5lUvRYAk/s1787/AmericanQueenEmbarkationRedWingMN082922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1787" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfn7oc_e3pzzrLNzAnJdKSnFQH4kozfqgAWB9hYevmog9O7YA8sHvuFbBt6XyKTFqOLgZDlLm2sKI-YLYQe5wu6idAoiyCgQzIep4dmqGXSMioRw1CdELVDQNnCSwoSbarcKxnELT5lfWS-TPy_PdLIgZVegoxYalNe3Ag-5TArNs49U-Ayf5lUvRYAk/s320/AmericanQueenEmbarkationRedWingMN082922.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Embarkation<o:p></o:p></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is the one thing I have to say American Queen Voyages
could do better on. Honestly, the embarkation to the ship was fine. The problem
was that they had us check-in at the hotel in the morning. That was a mess.
There were no ship personnel there and information was either lacking or wrong.
It took hours.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We were all able to walk onto the ship with no problem, BUT
once there nearly everyone had issues with reservations, rooms, excursions,
etc. because no one at the hotel could help with them. A lot of things (like
dinner times) could have been done on computer or the phone before we arrived,
and a table of actual AQV personnel at the boat would not have slowed down embarkation
very much.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2V970n2Q7lZQt2HP09ss1H67bwBT4-12WX8DUKfMmaE-er6ibrQB-E082VyEyUGn4n2ric5C28GdzvwaTtaXdwLdqb275Ma5GP4DZjDHKMBYsZPFKEFL_GCB9-bwX-JG4lZaLp3poB5Zqq1EQyrDXKoGnpxEKNN8KbrwRkvX_3ypG6dJ_Ut5Avj7ciTs/s1500/AmericanQueenScenery090422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2V970n2Q7lZQt2HP09ss1H67bwBT4-12WX8DUKfMmaE-er6ibrQB-E082VyEyUGn4n2ric5C28GdzvwaTtaXdwLdqb275Ma5GP4DZjDHKMBYsZPFKEFL_GCB9-bwX-JG4lZaLp3poB5Zqq1EQyrDXKoGnpxEKNN8KbrwRkvX_3ypG6dJ_Ut5Avj7ciTs/s320/AmericanQueenScenery090422.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Final Thoughts<o:p></o:p></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Would I do this cruise again? Absolutely, though I’d rather
first check out another itinerary, such as the Lower Mississippi. I especially
loved the size of this boat. Having only 300 people on board made everything we
did much simpler. It also makes a trip so much better when you have everything
included. All drinks, food, and hop on, hop off tours were included in the
cruise fare. <o:p></o:p></p>
<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<!-- wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756"
data-ad-slot="1141385692"
data-ad-format="auto"
data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
<i>I was hosted by American Queen on this voyage, but opinions are my own.
</i>
Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0Mississippi River, United States38.334904740477363 -92.21139142634433510.024670904298517 -127.36764142634433 66.645138576656208 -57.055141426344335tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-23343947664538115032023-06-25T15:01:00.000-05:002023-06-25T15:01:10.615-05:00Back to Hannibal with the American Queen<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8PtDJu7_xaRhpAsq6BBqIi0DgRwBJvlCWaUFB-hCnevWMhxurxr27GlLJJGK6uoFsbnEoZ6BnzCEuz0PT5jgyGXJ3pNNnzaQo80AUsbxFQF_-wskz-kFDp4TYYRMQPv9pwUjBz-38LyNzlptGfapZ2mnEtSlvBJWjh1S-CUzZRGIPfhtP00O0afbTFI/s1500/AmericanQueenScenery090422%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8PtDJu7_xaRhpAsq6BBqIi0DgRwBJvlCWaUFB-hCnevWMhxurxr27GlLJJGK6uoFsbnEoZ6BnzCEuz0PT5jgyGXJ3pNNnzaQo80AUsbxFQF_-wskz-kFDp4TYYRMQPv9pwUjBz-38LyNzlptGfapZ2mnEtSlvBJWjh1S-CUzZRGIPfhtP00O0afbTFI/s320/AmericanQueenScenery090422%20(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The next stop for my friend Lynn and I on the American Queen Steamboat was a town I had visited before – Hannibal, Missouri. <p></p>
<p>The last time I was in Hannibal, it was very educational and a lot of fun. I was anxious to show the town to Lynn. Hannibal was once a lumbering town and starting point of the Pony Express, but its claim to fame is as the former home of author Mark Twain.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9hY6tfyyvMvdt7nWK2UCw0INIvmGxFCHytIaYHm7aVSHMrr7w4eXGeu0pHj3aTDiIyejkL4e4Ov3C0S5cFXyAkJfhAA2ejprVvAYMTmjYixjAE7drliyacc00fTDzoaBjNr1jiiikA6DRXlsdHNiwWdbK1-qnL-WkzB_TvAZ2Faa0tYaUAlhY3OmR0g/s1500/AmericanQueenMarkTwainBoyhoodHomeHannibalMO090422%20(13).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK9hY6tfyyvMvdt7nWK2UCw0INIvmGxFCHytIaYHm7aVSHMrr7w4eXGeu0pHj3aTDiIyejkL4e4Ov3C0S5cFXyAkJfhAA2ejprVvAYMTmjYixjAE7drliyacc00fTDzoaBjNr1jiiikA6DRXlsdHNiwWdbK1-qnL-WkzB_TvAZ2Faa0tYaUAlhY3OmR0g/s320/AmericanQueenMarkTwainBoyhoodHomeHannibalMO090422%20(13).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The city displays its legacy everywhere and Tom Sawyer and Becky Thacher are celebrated throughout. It all starts at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home &amp; Museum Complex. It was where we got off on the Hop on, Hop off bus American Queen Voyages provided at every port. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1h5voaMK3qi22k4qHJII1RplOXXZaIiCCK314vEqp29axm84Iewpx6DXfQWC-p1M2iX_VHCnX7OPwbrfySWyyXREynjpqHus8ZwbsqKv1g8_YXgAQGlfB4vjbcoGYG4Df3V5DBKNKcYJb9GIuOsxt27z5nDsySoq5n1YGjY85pxpCxZOjvwiudV_sFz4/s1500/AmericanQueenMarkTwainBoyhoodHomeHannibalMO090422%20(12).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1500" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1h5voaMK3qi22k4qHJII1RplOXXZaIiCCK314vEqp29axm84Iewpx6DXfQWC-p1M2iX_VHCnX7OPwbrfySWyyXREynjpqHus8ZwbsqKv1g8_YXgAQGlfB4vjbcoGYG4Df3V5DBKNKcYJb9GIuOsxt27z5nDsySoq5n1YGjY85pxpCxZOjvwiudV_sFz4/s320/AmericanQueenMarkTwainBoyhoodHomeHannibalMO090422%20(12).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p>We went through the Mark Twain Boyhood Home. I had been here before, but there is so much to learn and take in about the author and his books I felt like I learned a few things I missed the first time. There is also a lot to learn about the time period. There was a class structure as well as the ending of slavery. </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<!--wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as-->
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-slot="1141385692" data-full-width-responsive="true" style="display: block;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</p>
<p>Included in this area is the Interpretive Center, Becky Thacher House, Huckleberry Finn House, J.M. Clemens Justice of the Peace Office, Grant’s Drugstore, and the Tom and Huck Statue. It would take hours to go through it all and take in all the details, but we only had four hours in total in Hanibal. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb1y0JT5ILVI6m9XCPpp3gsa0B0RJHAqpcVKwPHlzETsiL9di2da-D2oxs20ttm4cGpDbGvI0v6dbRKJu5-64mKMLpslC3G6N_VKzA5ZL9I6VTL8QmmEOggdpBLVLdh4XBxGoGMWmlfEtGxYwhR2xJ4lDJu2mP4sX5qB76GAUjbUjBzvDLhwHjF1zhhA/s2288/AmericanQueenMarkTwainMuseumHannibalMO90422.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2288" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRb1y0JT5ILVI6m9XCPpp3gsa0B0RJHAqpcVKwPHlzETsiL9di2da-D2oxs20ttm4cGpDbGvI0v6dbRKJu5-64mKMLpslC3G6N_VKzA5ZL9I6VTL8QmmEOggdpBLVLdh4XBxGoGMWmlfEtGxYwhR2xJ4lDJu2mP4sX5qB76GAUjbUjBzvDLhwHjF1zhhA/s320/AmericanQueenMarkTwainMuseumHannibalMO90422.jpg" width="210" /></a></div><p></p>
<p>We next went down to the Hannibal History Museum and Mark Twain Museum Gallery, which I most remembered for all the historical Norman Rockwell covers of The Saturday Evening Post. There were other pieces of art depicting Twain and his work. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzTjdUzhdnIi-1P1IvU51nlMIuLls1xYOGUjUFY-TbaHZisAW_wrNNucBq7GQw_hhPlaSHNV9vWmIC54byn3GRiC6tsPjrw85eJgRhfUSWVRx9_J7MJSYaWVsAXdYKwlbwSaEXizMsTSG3WbUf2svDcgaiNBaeiNdjs74tzN-uIgEh-SFHq6jTxqEE00/s1500/AmericanQueenCaveHollowWineryHannibalMO90422.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzTjdUzhdnIi-1P1IvU51nlMIuLls1xYOGUjUFY-TbaHZisAW_wrNNucBq7GQw_hhPlaSHNV9vWmIC54byn3GRiC6tsPjrw85eJgRhfUSWVRx9_J7MJSYaWVsAXdYKwlbwSaEXizMsTSG3WbUf2svDcgaiNBaeiNdjs74tzN-uIgEh-SFHq6jTxqEE00/s320/AmericanQueenCaveHollowWineryHannibalMO90422.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p>Back on the bus, we passed the Trinity Episcopal Church before heading to Cave Hollow West Winery and Mark Twain Cave. I was happy to return to the winery as I had enjoyed their wine last time I was here. They have a nice outside picnic area, but it was a bit chilly to go outside this time. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LhwsS_3Rb-8eT65kYEI-fsB3xGbsx40LT01JHJGN8jJ_lWF8Zi8DeTKsEPp9r6lEgiuarZpecZukdNASmvhHh7r_7-tY6BGPycMvLpa5kX05GBdixc0GK41scV7kLSMvoiQrtvps54cWvr4Qer6Czcq-02KybgFM90o1iQz67upvDX4daLvUuhQVZV8/s1708/AmericanQueenLunchNutellaMouse90422.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1708" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LhwsS_3Rb-8eT65kYEI-fsB3xGbsx40LT01JHJGN8jJ_lWF8Zi8DeTKsEPp9r6lEgiuarZpecZukdNASmvhHh7r_7-tY6BGPycMvLpa5kX05GBdixc0GK41scV7kLSMvoiQrtvps54cWvr4Qer6Czcq-02KybgFM90o1iQz67upvDX4daLvUuhQVZV8/s320/AmericanQueenLunchNutellaMouse90422.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><p>Before we knew it, we had to head back to the boat. We were hungry and went straight to lunch, where we had a little of everything from the buffet, followed by a delicious Nutella Mousse dessert. </p>
<p><br /></p>
<p><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<!--wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as-->
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-slot="1141385692" data-full-width-responsive="true" style="display: block;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</p>
<p>Most afternoons passengers were resting, but they usually had events such as Bingo. In keeping with the theme of the day, there was a matinee show of A Conversation with Mark Twain, with Lewis Hankins.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWfoTZ-F8JaszzDllARpTY5CCdNB7LYjsrnbgFTrSOwSgf7wZVQgo0wA74l6BTbIbZ63r2g5or0IqZIPzyBvBOcnPrss9ZOM8bi_SUlPtt_5Woc4-jUDRvJmn7X6RZrAq82Qxo1m3g5LI-lIpGZmHv--njuRtfErCv83y6q3NS8cBThaSlAUIoHH1szk/s2107/AmericanQueenDinner090422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2107" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWfoTZ-F8JaszzDllARpTY5CCdNB7LYjsrnbgFTrSOwSgf7wZVQgo0wA74l6BTbIbZ63r2g5or0IqZIPzyBvBOcnPrss9ZOM8bi_SUlPtt_5Woc4-jUDRvJmn7X6RZrAq82Qxo1m3g5LI-lIpGZmHv--njuRtfErCv83y6q3NS8cBThaSlAUIoHH1szk/s320/AmericanQueenDinner090422.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><p>We got dressed up for dinner. It was preceded by the Captain’s Farewell Reception. They were serving champagne and I took a glass with me to dinner. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6oIxtpw68P6Bi-tAfDl3Gxr3JVVNlETq4oszwiwhNEAas3p55WwrF7JBp_Qbw1FJFg5UojYwF_x3Y1poAurqUv-_zr6SqqHszTAEoS6fn1NTIL80BFhpctt5ko3Fvon8Snik9qzCZRvN1EUc7Yu5K0o21bBYBw3xIj8LZnmgAq2aEWF50wBL0OOh_7E/s1663/AmericanQueenDinnerStuffedPoblano090422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1663" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC6oIxtpw68P6Bi-tAfDl3Gxr3JVVNlETq4oszwiwhNEAas3p55WwrF7JBp_Qbw1FJFg5UojYwF_x3Y1poAurqUv-_zr6SqqHszTAEoS6fn1NTIL80BFhpctt5ko3Fvon8Snik9qzCZRvN1EUc7Yu5K0o21bBYBw3xIj8LZnmgAq2aEWF50wBL0OOh_7E/s320/AmericanQueenDinnerStuffedPoblano090422.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><p>They were serving Prime Rib and Lynn really enjoyed it. I was equally thrilled with my Stuffed Poblano. Dessert was bread pudding and cheesecake. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxjwNJUCgeBe3hJD_xVJXFqpNGEsJw2aDCG12-zRonytS_MqTHHgDtyhQmHOUSRlnCdQDyEWKzm79P_8tMR-HbGO7XlaI08LwAIooFXQ05EUPcLdQWVEqxgIOsSfmWUA-UDeot2c9u5OoFAaIcuan3K4DP-ORHHYiDYaRJ1udNBbCCCEYwDuLbTweTjw/s1500/AmericanQueenScenery090422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxjwNJUCgeBe3hJD_xVJXFqpNGEsJw2aDCG12-zRonytS_MqTHHgDtyhQmHOUSRlnCdQDyEWKzm79P_8tMR-HbGO7XlaI08LwAIooFXQ05EUPcLdQWVEqxgIOsSfmWUA-UDeot2c9u5OoFAaIcuan3K4DP-ORHHYiDYaRJ1udNBbCCCEYwDuLbTweTjw/s320/AmericanQueenScenery090422.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was my last evening to enjoy the scenery and I took advantage, going around the boat and soaking in the Mississippi River before I joined Lynn for the show. </p>
<p><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<!--wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as-->
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-slot="1141385692" data-full-width-responsive="true" style="display: block;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</p>
<br /><p>We enjoyed our final show on the American Queen. It was “Singing in The 70s” and featured many of the TV themes of the years. We then had our last nightcap in the Engine Room Bar to the music of Jay and Will. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjH3bvAnV-fw2G1YBuLT8ZKchuCAnSNsL3OV4ySzzGWUTforWpx-UVX9uSQAE9fKDCemIlmQZfhJv8-ExgJf2gwegJJI5mmb6q3bDiaCKZt3gX_rhXESjXmv3MlmVgKUr3gRW4ecvNsZgmApvNEKEpN7JMzWFfyWrCo6w1Uu87ZSCKHSKJxWIPadIUSw/s1778/AmericanQueenLastShow090422%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjH3bvAnV-fw2G1YBuLT8ZKchuCAnSNsL3OV4ySzzGWUTforWpx-UVX9uSQAE9fKDCemIlmQZfhJv8-ExgJf2gwegJJI5mmb6q3bDiaCKZt3gX_rhXESjXmv3MlmVgKUr3gRW4ecvNsZgmApvNEKEpN7JMzWFfyWrCo6w1Uu87ZSCKHSKJxWIPadIUSw/s320/AmericanQueenLastShow090422%20(2).jpg" width="270" /></a></div><p></p><p>In the morning, we would be heading off the boat for the last time. </p><p><br /></p>
<p><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<!--wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as-->
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-slot="1141385692" data-full-width-responsive="true" style="display: block;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</p>
<p>I was hosted by American Queen on this voyage, but opinions are my own. </p>Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0Hannibal, MO 63401, USA39.7083789 -91.3584815999999911.398145063821154 -126.51473159999999 68.018612736178852 -56.20223159999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-61990546663603120152023-06-04T14:49:00.009-05:002023-06-24T12:38:30.044-05:00Quick Stop in Burlington & Highlights of the American Queen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXIgsEf0hRRL-HofkvTJz9BlezI4WOEXmjznFJPatVSEUGl3YL8M25qQdoBM05t4GtHBtt4_pPqGdbc6hKh3A7zx7w2S0BVRi_BnlWQ5wDS6oPi6F2ovb9ajk6SJP03PY39n0RxmyA7DGvk4ANPZsGwMl_9ZccBwnl9IDttfxhxeevuAXUDqAU-Kb/s2464/AmericanQueenMarciaAndLynnInEngineRoom090422.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2464" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXIgsEf0hRRL-HofkvTJz9BlezI4WOEXmjznFJPatVSEUGl3YL8M25qQdoBM05t4GtHBtt4_pPqGdbc6hKh3A7zx7w2S0BVRi_BnlWQ5wDS6oPi6F2ovb9ajk6SJP03PY39n0RxmyA7DGvk4ANPZsGwMl_9ZccBwnl9IDttfxhxeevuAXUDqAU-Kb/s320/AmericanQueenMarciaAndLynnInEngineRoom090422.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">My friend, Lynn, and I continued down the Mississippi River
on the <a href="https://www.aqvoyages.com/" target="_blank">American Queen</a> to our last stop in Iowa. We only had half a day in
Burlington so we were up early to have a quick breakfast and get started on exploring.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQ11JzHftaEAi3ANGKJczUi4ywHhqfb6zEHwFABNFopneqAz75J3c977OpOLUqCN3rbni8Ssokl3wfz_zgkLz2O_gCdR9-i2TIcrrO09qOOL1ZpKa-lxF_XY_quf9BwkUKI71pdar4aIcvpyClQx4roAy0_A4N3xOSc-Pwq5rLZZ16PJOBDZf9XNV/s1500/AmericanQueenPortOfBurlingtonIowa090322.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="1500" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQ11JzHftaEAi3ANGKJczUi4ywHhqfb6zEHwFABNFopneqAz75J3c977OpOLUqCN3rbni8Ssokl3wfz_zgkLz2O_gCdR9-i2TIcrrO09qOOL1ZpKa-lxF_XY_quf9BwkUKI71pdar4aIcvpyClQx4roAy0_A4N3xOSc-Pwq5rLZZ16PJOBDZf9XNV/s320/AmericanQueenPortOfBurlingtonIowa090322.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />President Thomas Jefferson sent Lt. Zebulon Pike to explore
the Mississippi River in 1803. When saw the bluffs of Burlington, he placed an
American flag above them, and recommended construction of a fort. It was easy
to see why this town needed to be a stop on the river.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZx_GQPqObiU2qTOHp_OmI21iogAngSzfM-bYJrdSKekoDaBofMTSF7d02rf6J6n7dvoeYkkiff8cA7B1y8byPtfFd_6z-HWrpLpQ4JUoFM6TKJmm8t0yKjJRYDxqwxPcdzSuS2EKjce8FiaVaMSkMAVkW4dpIwCIiJK81O28MF1e3oPSpR7ER7vhb/s1500/AmericanQueenMosqiitoParkBurlingtonIowa090322%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1500" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZx_GQPqObiU2qTOHp_OmI21iogAngSzfM-bYJrdSKekoDaBofMTSF7d02rf6J6n7dvoeYkkiff8cA7B1y8byPtfFd_6z-HWrpLpQ4JUoFM6TKJmm8t0yKjJRYDxqwxPcdzSuS2EKjce8FiaVaMSkMAVkW4dpIwCIiJK81O28MF1e3oPSpR7ER7vhb/s320/AmericanQueenMosqiitoParkBurlingtonIowa090322%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>At one point this city was considered part of Wisconsin, but
it earned its place in Iowa and downtown buildings on the National Register of
Historic places. Before we got on the hop-on, hop-off bus, we had a preview of more
of what the city had to offer.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2aVufkUD86LI0_0fmFx-Ah_xsIphtSAg1vzYqPBOkjRI3445PxlFbagXGAO_X5iaHa78Li0VffRLtuYMp_Rf2G7Nvx7OKblvNkSMsIWcEijYysihqz_nkI7nYm-IhSqCQnbXGfNlz5Mo19Ge0_OBUeKUavZ0x7nJJ-Qxf_AexaRDI9s3lVG2oa3R/s1933/AmericanQueenADowntownBurlingtonIowa090322.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1933" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2aVufkUD86LI0_0fmFx-Ah_xsIphtSAg1vzYqPBOkjRI3445PxlFbagXGAO_X5iaHa78Li0VffRLtuYMp_Rf2G7Nvx7OKblvNkSMsIWcEijYysihqz_nkI7nYm-IhSqCQnbXGfNlz5Mo19Ge0_OBUeKUavZ0x7nJJ-Qxf_AexaRDI9s3lVG2oa3R/s320/AmericanQueenADowntownBurlingtonIowa090322.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>The Port of <a href="https://www.greaterburlington.com/convention-and-visitors-bureau/" target="_blank">Burlington</a> Welcome Center was by far the most advanced
port we had been to on this trip. It was filled with items made in the city as
well as the state of Iowa. There was even a tasting of Lindon Wines and plenty
of brochures and maps of places to visit.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<!-- wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756"
data-ad-slot="1141385692"
data-ad-format="auto"
data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5oz8pdbSLHXMIJiDF2dQCGU0O-mEQA5Xce2fkgJo16gnRprAApBZekJUY2Ic0iXsC3MU6znC2wUHukHaFCYe5dOHPiN6jBE-gLAFbUGSmJJQipxlftWfKHIfHeHqZ7dm33MkHiKIhw31Xg_DnzSdw03uRr7iBfiKNSu5FEylgn3gS-4qiAVcMKp4/s1572/AmericanQueenGemShopBurlingtonIowa090322.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1572" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif5oz8pdbSLHXMIJiDF2dQCGU0O-mEQA5Xce2fkgJo16gnRprAApBZekJUY2Ic0iXsC3MU6znC2wUHukHaFCYe5dOHPiN6jBE-gLAFbUGSmJJQipxlftWfKHIfHeHqZ7dm33MkHiKIhw31Xg_DnzSdw03uRr7iBfiKNSu5FEylgn3gS-4qiAVcMKp4/s320/AmericanQueenGemShopBurlingtonIowa090322.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">The bus stopped at the Des Moines Heritage Center and
Mosquito Park, which gives you a good look at the bluffs Lt. Pike was intrigued
by. Next was the Garrett-Phelps House Museum, a home on the hill built by an
early merchant who has a ballroom on the third floor that later became the
first Protestant Hospital.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9Tjksy7D2coAeXSC3FDAVEXNx5ZQ1YK5pa2Zzr3Jq9SH8S6FpF4URSY6hYmffxLl_GP8324SsCg3jFJ9ur8ZEJeoeYi-wZDKAPdsRhQANFekAe91VjuVqhW91BaW3cX1BVozwcFR9K-Y7J_iEaU1VXbf-Hi4NI6c96_-lOmf2Fzp_9FziCp4TJZX/s2667/AmericanQueenArtMuseumBurlingtonIowa090322.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9Tjksy7D2coAeXSC3FDAVEXNx5ZQ1YK5pa2Zzr3Jq9SH8S6FpF4URSY6hYmffxLl_GP8324SsCg3jFJ9ur8ZEJeoeYi-wZDKAPdsRhQANFekAe91VjuVqhW91BaW3cX1BVozwcFR9K-Y7J_iEaU1VXbf-Hi4NI6c96_-lOmf2Fzp_9FziCp4TJZX/s320/AmericanQueenArtMuseumBurlingtonIowa090322.jpg" width="180" /></a></div> <br />There was a stop that I got off to only take a look. I wasn’t
taking a chance on my scooter going down Snake Alley, the most crooked street
in the United States!<br /><o:p><br /></o:p>We did spend time at the next stop to see some of the other downtown
sites in Burlington, which included the grand Capitol Theater and the Art Center
of Burlington, which highlighted a lot of local artisans.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OlQMps7jh8js32xpYL7Gm2izDRYtClOSOu2rdAgfV4CMM0szJrcTLXjvxyUgkHASuJtNdzACF3j2OgFXILp23Q-_6bMzBjBJedLT-ygsX3YjDNDps4sUaNvhklQrmL4DYsWs1masdMupl54UaIKM2wnObaSxX7vOpLwyGiqytm9rB4tIJzCgBvRL/s1500/AmericanQueenJrSuite521FromOutside090322.%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OlQMps7jh8js32xpYL7Gm2izDRYtClOSOu2rdAgfV4CMM0szJrcTLXjvxyUgkHASuJtNdzACF3j2OgFXILp23Q-_6bMzBjBJedLT-ygsX3YjDNDps4sUaNvhklQrmL4DYsWs1masdMupl54UaIKM2wnObaSxX7vOpLwyGiqytm9rB4tIJzCgBvRL/s320/AmericanQueenJrSuite521FromOutside090322.%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Before heading back to the ship, we also made a quick visit
to the Burlington Gem shop. Unfortunately, there was a lot of construction
downtown and it was difficult to navigate with my scooter.<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOgF78gPahAxqheetgVhTZrOoREa-YiLCdphaFg_bupEDOhQP04DUyIVfPqxyfeDZBQ5zL5gVTXyaTDCzzoe3vJ9aab6ONg0TJDmqus13VaDuKRWjSYzfsGMEpCq2Udz12doSSr1ZY3AvgycClfd_T6NSBA-4N-Ex2uRLuqTFfOpAdQ9wICN_02xE/s2667/AmericanQueenDinner090322%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqOgF78gPahAxqheetgVhTZrOoREa-YiLCdphaFg_bupEDOhQP04DUyIVfPqxyfeDZBQ5zL5gVTXyaTDCzzoe3vJ9aab6ONg0TJDmqus13VaDuKRWjSYzfsGMEpCq2Udz12doSSr1ZY3AvgycClfd_T6NSBA-4N-Ex2uRLuqTFfOpAdQ9wICN_02xE/s320/AmericanQueenDinner090322%20(2).jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br />We arrived at lunch a little late and weren’t happy with the
dessert choices left so we went to the Front Porch Café for lattes and ice
cream. As with all other food and drinks on the boat, these were always complimentary.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-slot="7893828501" style="display: block; text-align: center;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></o:p></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>It was then time to go back to our cabin to rest, shower,
and get dressed for dinner. We had the routine down and it worked well for us. <o:p></o:p>We were in the John Wesley Powell Junior Suite. Powell was a soldier and a geologist. He was also a professor at nearby Illinois Wesleyan University.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxttJxX24L1RyxBeRbqeETx5DObT_CwFL5HlK3R2eQLauE4vvzOJDKeI4jpRj1cBZqb03NliQ7eSQrmYo_yHoH74zkPIb5xBRpjPcwFQTS4d4JfQkvHTwuGFU_xOn_ab9r_UuKSNQWDuqha9v_Y5QbdpaXOMrR_yw32I65EXA_oCWjnLovuBeKEUH/s1998/AmericanQueenChocolateFudgeCake090322.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1998" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxttJxX24L1RyxBeRbqeETx5DObT_CwFL5HlK3R2eQLauE4vvzOJDKeI4jpRj1cBZqb03NliQ7eSQrmYo_yHoH74zkPIb5xBRpjPcwFQTS4d4JfQkvHTwuGFU_xOn_ab9r_UuKSNQWDuqha9v_Y5QbdpaXOMrR_yw32I65EXA_oCWjnLovuBeKEUH/s320/AmericanQueenChocolateFudgeCake090322.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><o:p> </o:p><br /><br />It was not your usual cruise suite. It was smaller than
suites I’ve had and decorated differently. The American Queen reflects the
steamboat period, with antique furnishings. Only the bathroom was modern (and very
big).<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDg9Zk4OMu4lpVZpsIKdHp8mxiXehC_U_hyf7hYuKEMLWxgXmOnih-gnLrTEMgWcOCLnH4fiSusizqFVM3LienRvPJzVjnnQv3KuMF6Q2yYYM3s2l0ZwuDEFX5D-mLWyW3E5c1-A__2f_7ESTP6wylc0tb2UeXt5Z7c5DizsNd_vmAzet3HluKWyVE/s1824/AmericanQueenDinnerCremeBrulee090322.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1824" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDg9Zk4OMu4lpVZpsIKdHp8mxiXehC_U_hyf7hYuKEMLWxgXmOnih-gnLrTEMgWcOCLnH4fiSusizqFVM3LienRvPJzVjnnQv3KuMF6Q2yYYM3s2l0ZwuDEFX5D-mLWyW3E5c1-A__2f_7ESTP6wylc0tb2UeXt5Z7c5DizsNd_vmAzet3HluKWyVE/s320/AmericanQueenDinnerCremeBrulee090322.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the food on the
American Queen is the best I’ve ever had on a cruise ship, and I’ve been on dozens.
Nearly every single dish was done carefully to perfection and presented
beautifully.<o:p></o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdZMg8Fr8RoQdlTg_y3kVDK4nvmh2lZYykjPr6_YudgJzpETVcZbbYGEMFeUHDdeKdEI9QON4VnICqYdAHWQB58UaLcq_8A8BpHNzTN6n-wo_DhXGf7IQC36SfYL1SBSIDit-enDe3vcLHJMg9LJ4SpcQT0S1LyEp2Enjy8eXaBW1ylhlkFCoehq7/s1500/AmericanQueenSunset090322.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCdZMg8Fr8RoQdlTg_y3kVDK4nvmh2lZYykjPr6_YudgJzpETVcZbbYGEMFeUHDdeKdEI9QON4VnICqYdAHWQB58UaLcq_8A8BpHNzTN6n-wo_DhXGf7IQC36SfYL1SBSIDit-enDe3vcLHJMg9LJ4SpcQT0S1LyEp2Enjy8eXaBW1ylhlkFCoehq7/s320/AmericanQueenSunset090322.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>After dinner, I did what had become another habit, I went out to the deck to watch the sunset over the Mississippi. It was different every night. I always find sunsets to be very relaxing.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>I met Lynn outside the balcony entrance to the show. It was pianist
Gary Peterson performing a variety of music. We then finished the night at the
Engine Room Bar with a nightcap before heading back to the cabin.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQx6cA8xLaRaofgx_YiMjRKw8Wrn4ks_KsEVDR1s9MKsSvlAFl20jXN4zgdr2XzCetss7Qc5Df6nbPVjkAPXPjlzaKbtIpZycskKHx_0mPR2AQKdzVt3xVgeuU-9rjRaKl_jFVyQpQNxYYjhN1lvF1XNL0PIZHZFJYXgIbD3wx38HLlAVJQjEouGe/s1500/AmericanQueenShow090322.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQx6cA8xLaRaofgx_YiMjRKw8Wrn4ks_KsEVDR1s9MKsSvlAFl20jXN4zgdr2XzCetss7Qc5Df6nbPVjkAPXPjlzaKbtIpZycskKHx_0mPR2AQKdzVt3xVgeuU-9rjRaKl_jFVyQpQNxYYjhN1lvF1XNL0PIZHZFJYXgIbD3wx38HLlAVJQjEouGe/s320/AmericanQueenShow090322.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>We would be heading to a place I’d been to and loved,
Hannibal, Missouri, the next day.</p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>I am beginning
to expand </i></b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/5291531274105457939/363991355937688451" target="_blank"><b><i>my YouTube Channel</i></b></a><b><i>.<br />
Subscribe to see my past videos and many more to come.</i></b> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-slot="7893828501" style="display: block; text-align: center;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #191919; font-size: 10.5pt;">I was hosted by American Queen on this voyage, but opinions
are my own. </span></i><o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0Burlington, IA, USA40.8076529 -91.112890124.376860003482168 -108.6910151 57.238445796517837 -73.5347651tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-3639913559376884512023-05-16T16:05:00.006-05:002023-05-27T16:21:45.558-05:002 for One: LeClaire and Clinton from the American Queen<p>After an unexpected day on the river, we had a busy day on
and off the <a href="https://www.aqvoyages.com/vessels/american-queen/">American
Queen</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWl9Wt_0kq2RLoR5CS0r_qGna4WJZgMRiTH6z5SqYmNcQjeqSAiy8gUjV5KeWRd7zUzQeAq_fVA3BKEjc22jBCI9HXsSMOZSpRwBeuyRWqzv-tJQQYbvvkdHAlZb8b7sqULfPiz4mH9SrDiSz3qWRQJk4tl4LQGjRQdJw0tN9Y40JEH-h3ih4Iy8J/s2120/AmericanQueenBreakfast090222.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2120" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPWl9Wt_0kq2RLoR5CS0r_qGna4WJZgMRiTH6z5SqYmNcQjeqSAiy8gUjV5KeWRd7zUzQeAq_fVA3BKEjc22jBCI9HXsSMOZSpRwBeuyRWqzv-tJQQYbvvkdHAlZb8b7sqULfPiz4mH9SrDiSz3qWRQJk4tl4LQGjRQdJw0tN9Y40JEH-h3ih4Iy8J/s320/AmericanQueenBreakfast090222.jpg" width="226" /></a></p><p><br />
I got up early and went to breakfast in the dining room. It
looked like another picture-perfect day and I sat by the window for my pancake
breakfast. My friend Lynn joined me in a little while and then we headed off
the boat to <a href="https://www.clintoniowatourism.com/">Clinton, Iowa</a>.<br /><br />The low water levels on the Mississippi had kept us from Dubuque
the previous day and had changed the Bettendorf stop to Clinton on this way. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwC1by2BgPN_W_zcLHJ__SchuJUPuEnPwbCVNVEY_uw5hGlpA4xCGggIS10sdZSvId0md7Db-fKj6pgOZb8rgEhuSnKP2FQJIyrcgWQHyOzwAs0J4zIJl4oH11nHES7cJxPTBLnBqvmczVk19Uf3oxW10iR8jxKO09WOdQcMqtD3WBZRW2fNqC_yqh/s2037/AmericanQueenBreakfast090222%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2037" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwC1by2BgPN_W_zcLHJ__SchuJUPuEnPwbCVNVEY_uw5hGlpA4xCGggIS10sdZSvId0md7Db-fKj6pgOZb8rgEhuSnKP2FQJIyrcgWQHyOzwAs0J4zIJl4oH11nHES7cJxPTBLnBqvmczVk19Uf3oxW10iR8jxKO09WOdQcMqtD3WBZRW2fNqC_yqh/s320/AmericanQueenBreakfast090222%20(2).jpg" width="236" /></a></p><p>
I had made arrangements to visit <a href="https://www.visitleclaire.com/">Le Claire</a> from our stop in Dubuque.
It took some reorganizing, especially since the Clinton stop was shorter than
Dubuque, but I was able to keep that appointment.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJBfk1jFNaSxV6-Hmy4gvbNGm3CH4e4nwWiq5JBdR3CG06HzBqwGinLSSHtu-TfKRyGrNQhviRGUQPq7DOXOOD_11ZvGk6L91AStQxPYSTVFVmcuzwxmN7zEaZ8mDZ8yMC2l6gvriFB7Zn7IQVGS8caNkCTuU3BIR2v_NNpljbH9Cq4LMyKeCXKET/s1500/AmericanQueenDockedClintonIowa090222%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="1500" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJBfk1jFNaSxV6-Hmy4gvbNGm3CH4e4nwWiq5JBdR3CG06HzBqwGinLSSHtu-TfKRyGrNQhviRGUQPq7DOXOOD_11ZvGk6L91AStQxPYSTVFVmcuzwxmN7zEaZ8mDZ8yMC2l6gvriFB7Zn7IQVGS8caNkCTuU3BIR2v_NNpljbH9Cq4LMyKeCXKET/s320/AmericanQueenDockedClintonIowa090222%20(3).jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /></p><p>I still wanted to see some of Clinton, so I took my scooter
around the scenic waterfront and a bit of the town. I saw the Veterans Memorial
and lighthouse in a town that once had more millionaires than anywhere else in
Iowa.</p><p>Lynn met me at the curb in front of the ship, where Bob
Schiffe, Executive Director of the <a href="http://buffalobillmuseumleclaire.com/">Buffalo Bill Museum</a>, was waiting
to drive us to Le Claire.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PU1vXdBDjOJ4_YCaqmAc1gxENzwBaqsAskGw-dDlVM0q6PCPq89eSIIL1cYqD4_uxrBKGFQSqudXQgC-_VTXIEuhX7kOga-OjTid70Gm-OXS0VyjQERE-i9ko41XSBIG1Nvkc_kCQ4FJB6SAQ3Q-Ifje9fPSUU_AxGCmoZOMLOjcCmKZvDMKBEuP/s1500/AmericanQueenBuffaloBillMuseumEntranceLeClaireIowa090222.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1163" data-original-width="1500" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PU1vXdBDjOJ4_YCaqmAc1gxENzwBaqsAskGw-dDlVM0q6PCPq89eSIIL1cYqD4_uxrBKGFQSqudXQgC-_VTXIEuhX7kOga-OjTid70Gm-OXS0VyjQERE-i9ko41XSBIG1Nvkc_kCQ4FJB6SAQ3Q-Ifje9fPSUU_AxGCmoZOMLOjcCmKZvDMKBEuP/s320/AmericanQueenBuffaloBillMuseumEntranceLeClaireIowa090222.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />
The Buffalo Bill Museum was the highlight of the town and it
did not disappoint. Although Buffalo Bill, aka William F. Cody, spent most of
his life in Colorado, he was born on his family’s homestead in Le Claire in 1846.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlsLV7u1UrIjbMpkkdQSgL1_dY4RH_6CM1uUXAZhzdLdBpBZyMpHmvBJ6N4KZ0CNZTmXM6bMW1-nbFETll61KFRX-9uCmgXq76lGdQ_fvd_lNvfA5QXDj9vy2gI8RnxdhLNrkzRG2nXDOQCdKOVKs2kRsvbwAwBeY6l3W6pxyDhEAHCmAPyegC1rT/s1778/AmericanQueenBuffaloBillMuseumLeClaireIowa090222%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1778" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlsLV7u1UrIjbMpkkdQSgL1_dY4RH_6CM1uUXAZhzdLdBpBZyMpHmvBJ6N4KZ0CNZTmXM6bMW1-nbFETll61KFRX-9uCmgXq76lGdQ_fvd_lNvfA5QXDj9vy2gI8RnxdhLNrkzRG2nXDOQCdKOVKs2kRsvbwAwBeY6l3W6pxyDhEAHCmAPyegC1rT/s320/AmericanQueenBuffaloBillMuseumLeClaireIowa090222%20(3).jpg" width="270" /></a><br /><br />
The museum offered many details and artifacts of the man who
was a Border Scout during the Civil War and earned his nickname from all the
buffalo he killed to supply meat to the Kansas Pacific Railroad. He would later
go on to start and star in the Wild, Wild West Show.<br /><br />
<br />
<script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-slot="7893828501" style="display: block; text-align: center;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
<br />
Although most of the museum is dedicated to Buffalo Bill, it
also offers history of Le Claire, the River Pilots that fought the strong
rapids on the Mississippi in this area, and other famous natives, including
inventor James J. Ryan III (seatbelts), Musician Cecile Fletcher, and <i>American Pickers </i>Mike Wolf.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXRrAhypTKlKY8BSd3jAPxYL-ms6tniGKHto9kbbmeS3LrOevHUX7-O2coA1HV5UdrrcTE4r97FlmF3qBiTyIDaO_UaFveRcen4_81rYTPTW9A7JPJ7Jh0W8vtKHapC6MJ-LjIxp-bkqyE-8n1yUqkCeQsQulDpHJMePs2_G5th8ztGg8yP1SWYGM/s1500/AmericanQueenBuffaloBillMuseumLeClaireIowa090222%20(20).jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXRrAhypTKlKY8BSd3jAPxYL-ms6tniGKHto9kbbmeS3LrOevHUX7-O2coA1HV5UdrrcTE4r97FlmF3qBiTyIDaO_UaFveRcen4_81rYTPTW9A7JPJ7Jh0W8vtKHapC6MJ-LjIxp-bkqyE-8n1yUqkCeQsQulDpHJMePs2_G5th8ztGg8yP1SWYGM/s320/AmericanQueenBuffaloBillMuseumLeClaireIowa090222%20(20).jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p>I wish we had more time to explore the downtown restaurants,
bars, and shops in Le Claire. Before leaving, I couldn’t resist stopping at The
<a href="https://shamelesschocoholic.com/">Shameless Chocoholic</a> to pick up
a few goodies, including their signature White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake
Truffle. We also made a quick stop at Mississippi River Distilling.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtc8QO9Z8xIuyY3Ul6fEsgumeTc0E3pUwX_XQLeJcQsIBYDSXEafvergoGfP8x4n8eL-a8uQ3yW2MB0xAl3QCtuqUvwNVGvwXBJZ7yBEmUy0doz_16bk1llWUKFd15g2gGkaZ3V50QSx2zB92JdPlz2PleKqhfDEvFY-pLNR3chI_kaY_4-1bYuWvG/s1500/AmericanQueenDockedClintonIowa090222.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1500" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtc8QO9Z8xIuyY3Ul6fEsgumeTc0E3pUwX_XQLeJcQsIBYDSXEafvergoGfP8x4n8eL-a8uQ3yW2MB0xAl3QCtuqUvwNVGvwXBJZ7yBEmUy0doz_16bk1llWUKFd15g2gGkaZ3V50QSx2zB92JdPlz2PleKqhfDEvFY-pLNR3chI_kaY_4-1bYuWvG/s320/AmericanQueenDockedClintonIowa090222.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />
Bob took us back to the boat in time for lunch in the dining
room. We spoke to some guests who stayed in Clinton and were able to go to the
Windmill Cultural Center, Sawmill Museum, and George M Curtis Mansion on the complimentary
hop on, hop off bus the cruise line provides at each stop.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbSZEwXPOPcugG1MKAChG7C62ZzDjnrx-KfvlccmpQzgQit7P2cNdV3KNMVJ0fBmzW56PfeDgOR48l70Mgc-C_eJu5WHpUJBB0Jt5LzRlXXmJsR5aMHgqt4CFmIUHpje98iA0_HXCW_tCbaZ69NrEyU8xJr81J9dQdrZY0v4nyhWD6ptbzkNUEmNX/s1500/AmericanQueenLunchBuffet09022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1421" data-original-width="1500" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbSZEwXPOPcugG1MKAChG7C62ZzDjnrx-KfvlccmpQzgQit7P2cNdV3KNMVJ0fBmzW56PfeDgOR48l70Mgc-C_eJu5WHpUJBB0Jt5LzRlXXmJsR5aMHgqt4CFmIUHpje98iA0_HXCW_tCbaZ69NrEyU8xJr81J9dQdrZY0v4nyhWD6ptbzkNUEmNX/s320/AmericanQueenLunchBuffet09022.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br />
Breakfast and lunch in the J.M. White Dining Room is a
combination of table service and buffet. There are a few menu items (different
each day) you can get delivered to your table and a nice spread (also changing
each day) on the buffet. I usually had something from each.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9QCfwlqm5XBW01D4wwf6Ne3QZ642W7WLjUXXA0byffa6Ga2v0vArxszqIOwt_M_mO1Wfnf-WQfWbfQhXTmSJdfAsFMEiCtAOWFlVDIBjGkgXOGxvCqB6X51ep1louZoAQf_BAC0maeI_FbmFdcDy8XJz-4M_6g0pfoHSdhzpN93EnKizXiOtX9-y/s1500/AmericanQueenWaterfrontClintonIowa090222%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1500" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9QCfwlqm5XBW01D4wwf6Ne3QZ642W7WLjUXXA0byffa6Ga2v0vArxszqIOwt_M_mO1Wfnf-WQfWbfQhXTmSJdfAsFMEiCtAOWFlVDIBjGkgXOGxvCqB6X51ep1louZoAQf_BAC0maeI_FbmFdcDy8XJz-4M_6g0pfoHSdhzpN93EnKizXiOtX9-y/s320/AmericanQueenWaterfrontClintonIowa090222%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I chose a little of everything for this lunch too. We went
upstairs after for the traditional Calliope Sail Away but chose to go back and
rest and shower before dinner, foregoing the activities of Match Game,
Riverside Chat with Riverloarian Frank, and
Jazz in the afternoon.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupcuWKb4mlQjQQnUd2MuTTs_MBhrxs81aRqsvMOMeTujVIVg_4-QbfBL_hp9VC0AbcwtllCz6ha45nz0ZoA_cbIwEOMRsUW33WMkfQ4ZAt6nn_kIvESkBD_TtBc7l56qoi9KboKIcFsITpJnTPgFpwgeKT-uciou8qHXpTWiuXXa9O2Rpzl4v2aER/s1815/AmericanQueenPolenta090322.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1815" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgupcuWKb4mlQjQQnUd2MuTTs_MBhrxs81aRqsvMOMeTujVIVg_4-QbfBL_hp9VC0AbcwtllCz6ha45nz0ZoA_cbIwEOMRsUW33WMkfQ4ZAt6nn_kIvESkBD_TtBc7l56qoi9KboKIcFsITpJnTPgFpwgeKT-uciou8qHXpTWiuXXa9O2Rpzl4v2aER/s320/AmericanQueenPolenta090322.jpg" width="271" /></a><br /><br />
We made it to the cocktail hour and music before dinner. The
food never let us down on the American Queen and my favorite part of this
dinner was the short rib & polenta main course.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ilMdtDTflrc" width="320" youtube-src-id="ilMdtDTflrc"></iframe><br /><br />
I liked all of the shows on the cruise, but this was the
night of my favorite show, Curtain’s Up, Sounds of Broadway. The performances
of top Broadway shows, in full costume, were outstanding.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eG5jjP3-hdg" width="320" youtube-src-id="eG5jjP3-hdg"></iframe><br /><br />After the show and our nightly ritual of a little music and
a nightcap in the Engine Room Bar, we headed back to our cabin to get a good
night’s rest for the next day on our <a href="https://www.aqvoyages.com/">American
Queen Voyage</a>.<p></p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>I am beginning to expand <a href="https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCK5RnE_9qZvajkB1moBBlgA/videos" target="_blank">my YouTube Channel</a>.<br />Subscribe to see my past videos and many more to come.</b></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-slot="7893828501" style="display: block; text-align: center;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.86px; text-align: start;">I was hosted by American Queen on this voyage, but opinions are my own. </i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0Clinton, IA, USA41.8444735 -90.188737913.534239663821154 -125.3449879 70.154707336178845 -55.032487900000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-10100511583463564292023-04-29T18:15:00.011-05:002023-06-24T12:41:47.791-05:00Unexpected Ship Day on the America Queen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KmW3mlcALOaFnXOuQImUHkjHtIgU4T-_AzDCfNJQdmo448WBcMu2m95sXOoPlxWuf4I1N9KEWPgCaiOzc0zMB56TQuK_Okagt7DtCliqKS_bdFv_sVBO4X6IiQ7PoyiDAqn8JwX-PcwYIyn_KLjJPXiE6Mop_pTSCA-V8ZELvg4GjYPhpo0F5_jt/s2667/AmericanQueenSailing090122%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KmW3mlcALOaFnXOuQImUHkjHtIgU4T-_AzDCfNJQdmo448WBcMu2m95sXOoPlxWuf4I1N9KEWPgCaiOzc0zMB56TQuK_Okagt7DtCliqKS_bdFv_sVBO4X6IiQ7PoyiDAqn8JwX-PcwYIyn_KLjJPXiE6Mop_pTSCA-V8ZELvg4GjYPhpo0F5_jt/s320/AmericanQueenSailing090122%20(4).jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br />With the Mississippi River still running low from the lack
of rain, we ended up with a day without a port. As much as I wished we hadn’t
missed Dubuque, it was nice to have some time to rest and enjoy my <a href="https://www.aqvoyages.com/" target="_blank">American QueenVoyage</a>.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1w56Z5Lm3Ie-l6soHb_4tXeqgGKyF6fFuBGIjfLqe-CaARSuQzHWfgEvJX3BbyL1zf7MgsKHDjhl3ESATZggHdwVhuPLICvtl1cpywQw_wUqFltsdJlZoETHfjV9n0zk-8rCDtwEhlom_3t_CTPMfcVKdeZdG6EZeyIBGdzrTjUnS3NYz8rwNVF3/s1960/AmericanQueenRoomServiceBreakfast090122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1w56Z5Lm3Ie-l6soHb_4tXeqgGKyF6fFuBGIjfLqe-CaARSuQzHWfgEvJX3BbyL1zf7MgsKHDjhl3ESATZggHdwVhuPLICvtl1cpywQw_wUqFltsdJlZoETHfjV9n0zk-8rCDtwEhlom_3t_CTPMfcVKdeZdG6EZeyIBGdzrTjUnS3NYz8rwNVF3/s320/AmericanQueenRoomServiceBreakfast090122.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I have always liked small cruises and I think I like them
even more now that I travel in a scooter. It doesn’t take long to find your way
around and the elevators hardly have a wait.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBuUna3uHK3wDHNlDqlbUn-G7T2uNLVDNit0_pEZW5C9TjPbBvfKAsvjyO9Hk4lBT2HmzUcs3dZUQBzCv8SSiRbKoZ6Fz8oRj_ENpvgN-flZCQ-W8coIIpQ-_s6X2fnGcbswnCcUU8G5oSJSRCXI3s_VSs7UakrK3cS7RDnF2C_TXp2ouS8F8_hbj/s2160/AmericanQueenRiverViewBar090122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBuUna3uHK3wDHNlDqlbUn-G7T2uNLVDNit0_pEZW5C9TjPbBvfKAsvjyO9Hk4lBT2HmzUcs3dZUQBzCv8SSiRbKoZ6Fz8oRj_ENpvgN-flZCQ-W8coIIpQ-_s6X2fnGcbswnCcUU8G5oSJSRCXI3s_VSs7UakrK3cS7RDnF2C_TXp2ouS8F8_hbj/s320/AmericanQueenRiverViewBar090122.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Lynn and I took our time in the morning with a room service
breakfast. It was a day full of exploring what the boat had to offer.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHz3AFoaTXVrN3XjCq9QRhAZ0TAEkGiY43nwC7fKvUOQ0RgksiDxMWjyxgCDgoQwWQoaLQZOv522fIO4i-8VRfSWdg1M1jCHt_hqN89j65RYkQQgsHfn0eeM2_veduZFwxTgVX4oCFJH3Woy3YmPUa-GabVfUuJpLqMSBLqzvJPz0eqhCzCfgDg1NN/s1500/AmericanQueenSailing090122%20(9).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHz3AFoaTXVrN3XjCq9QRhAZ0TAEkGiY43nwC7fKvUOQ0RgksiDxMWjyxgCDgoQwWQoaLQZOv522fIO4i-8VRfSWdg1M1jCHt_hqN89j65RYkQQgsHfn0eeM2_veduZFwxTgVX4oCFJH3Woy3YmPUa-GabVfUuJpLqMSBLqzvJPz0eqhCzCfgDg1NN/s320/AmericanQueenSailing090122%20(9).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I went around the ship from the outside first. It was
interesting to see the calm Mississippi river and its small islands as we went
through. A steamboat goes a lot slower than a cruise ship and you get to really
take in the scenery. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-slot="7893828501" style="display: block; text-align: center;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</o:p></p>
<br />
<p class="MsoNormal">The weather was about 70 and there was plenty of shade around the boat. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I settled in for awhile in a rocking chair on the Porch of the Riverview Bar and watched the Mississippi go by.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglC73RFv-zEKD0i7NxfSlVa50HmAJhqFaw6oqgrxBWYgGYFUVLFwdo37uqS9e32pRXLFm0FQrVzAdt4nadVIjWvFRKYoBiM9SC82ZpJA0Q7Pl_ZplQvXGBO-SrqVV45DBC1wUm5Y0p47rTQ4QzrhNdyo29PAXaYbk6jHy0w6f8Hzw4eocOJ-lNIMdN/s1500/AmericanQueenMarkTwainGallery090122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1500" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglC73RFv-zEKD0i7NxfSlVa50HmAJhqFaw6oqgrxBWYgGYFUVLFwdo37uqS9e32pRXLFm0FQrVzAdt4nadVIjWvFRKYoBiM9SC82ZpJA0Q7Pl_ZplQvXGBO-SrqVV45DBC1wUm5Y0p47rTQ4QzrhNdyo29PAXaYbk6jHy0w6f8Hzw4eocOJ-lNIMdN/s320/AmericanQueenMarkTwainGallery090122.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">After lunch, I went through the inside of the boat. This is
where you can truly see that this is an old-fashioned steamboat. The furnishings
in the Ladies Parlor, Mark Twain Gallery, and Gentlemen’s Card Room were
antiques, yet comfortable. Had this been a longer cruise with more days at sea,
I would have spent more time in them.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEthZXxPmsfRxistodFL5sC8At7_isRDZ055tw0GIWvOPt_dFM6-BA8I-Qf-Ql5zi0CbCD5VzU0TjrHBNAu2330GvClGSX7fGERlXE4NSlyhOx9axBngcd_77Jh3Z8WjvF5PZSLXGETIC8bfNjY2DT4clWoJuEmbAAjR1S_FeC0vccEexjeHaDoIMu/s1500/AmericanQueenLadiesParlor090122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEthZXxPmsfRxistodFL5sC8At7_isRDZ055tw0GIWvOPt_dFM6-BA8I-Qf-Ql5zi0CbCD5VzU0TjrHBNAu2330GvClGSX7fGERlXE4NSlyhOx9axBngcd_77Jh3Z8WjvF5PZSLXGETIC8bfNjY2DT4clWoJuEmbAAjR1S_FeC0vccEexjeHaDoIMu/s320/AmericanQueenLadiesParlor090122.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I stopped along the way for an ice cream sundae, another of
the complimentary offerings available any time. It was at the Front Porch Café.
They also had specialty and regular coffees. As well as fresh baked cookies.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6KBOll9Sz-xjPITsVISP6hJeBjE7-gv9FQB-rZkJx8HDcjzRgt2dRn9gDCshPrc-8UhvFN6EaNvzrV5iaiX3zAErcWM53VG53yqhHh9EmKLMN6oydk6tCXOrUVUygjkXSVe2Ao09JcNUsiVfSOe_NdXKdpUw_morg39cn2q00f7OXIzIKI2I1VUV/s2114/AmericanQueenDinnerSpringRolls090122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2114" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6KBOll9Sz-xjPITsVISP6hJeBjE7-gv9FQB-rZkJx8HDcjzRgt2dRn9gDCshPrc-8UhvFN6EaNvzrV5iaiX3zAErcWM53VG53yqhHh9EmKLMN6oydk6tCXOrUVUygjkXSVe2Ao09JcNUsiVfSOe_NdXKdpUw_morg39cn2q00f7OXIzIKI2I1VUV/s320/AmericanQueenDinnerSpringRolls090122.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After some rest in the room, Lynn and I went to the main
dining room for dinner. It was another delicious meal. We started with the Spring
Rolls, and had a Seasonal Salad, filled with fruit.</div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplhlICyxL7YX35Oipy-GefIkGB8vbr-A4Qk-k2Uye-YxenYw0QP8KKFg3QIFxgBiXrXOML1Vtk3YffYRRipJDOOiQMHP-3HYcloU1z1piRpA_YSM45ChN8F94Y3OiIP6SrUdVbAK9omK7z8spfjwcQh1th2MCbOBqT5xM4F21xRJ7POtn1zvKcNKB/s1953/AmericanQueenEggplantParmesan090122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1953" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplhlICyxL7YX35Oipy-GefIkGB8vbr-A4Qk-k2Uye-YxenYw0QP8KKFg3QIFxgBiXrXOML1Vtk3YffYRRipJDOOiQMHP-3HYcloU1z1piRpA_YSM45ChN8F94Y3OiIP6SrUdVbAK9omK7z8spfjwcQh1th2MCbOBqT5xM4F21xRJ7POtn1zvKcNKB/s320/AmericanQueenEggplantParmesan090122.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The main course was my favorite dish, Eggplant Parmigiana.
It was done a little differently than I’m used to, as a stack rather than
casserole, but was fantastic. Dessert was Carrot Cake for me and Chocolate Chip
Bread Pudding for Lynn.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAX1YMCkCOzqhPvp21jjNA_p4I7H4RzlinA1rrshJuT2VuKFLIXoUSEcJiqtW8Wn_4S4a0LWrQIXy59GQCYyfW9YN0TZqAgyLkO8C0QBHhal7qhlJUEfncypXfWsTQONDYp0CbxUrPhmwxJtI860xpiKJWfVFtIwoMGGWhGlDGfrpvoG-KVLZdmF7m/s1500/AmericanQueenDinnerCarrotC090122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="1500" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAX1YMCkCOzqhPvp21jjNA_p4I7H4RzlinA1rrshJuT2VuKFLIXoUSEcJiqtW8Wn_4S4a0LWrQIXy59GQCYyfW9YN0TZqAgyLkO8C0QBHhal7qhlJUEfncypXfWsTQONDYp0CbxUrPhmwxJtI860xpiKJWfVFtIwoMGGWhGlDGfrpvoG-KVLZdmF7m/s320/AmericanQueenDinnerCarrotC090122.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The view of Iowa from the boat in the evening was beautiful
and I took time to enjoy it before meeting back up with Lynn to see the show. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgdrCM8uImpDMc8Cx8nkvcqgSoTZ0ptnLoyXR2LW5IdduZcYWmueCGL0CapplIv_VVGTv06WFtq1SKFOXZnUyRxFa7VfMLFgfVWcsZEJ7_Rh8s3OUBsIGAi4p9PsmzFr3zBa9U3ZJMGkOjlBstNE2vSlUMI-3XRl7a0mvKfBJsmKYMHkNwiHi3m5J/s1500/AmericanQueenOpenVerandaAtNightInClinton090122%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="991" data-original-width="1500" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgdrCM8uImpDMc8Cx8nkvcqgSoTZ0ptnLoyXR2LW5IdduZcYWmueCGL0CapplIv_VVGTv06WFtq1SKFOXZnUyRxFa7VfMLFgfVWcsZEJ7_Rh8s3OUBsIGAi4p9PsmzFr3zBa9U3ZJMGkOjlBstNE2vSlUMI-3XRl7a0mvKfBJsmKYMHkNwiHi3m5J/s320/AmericanQueenOpenVerandaAtNightInClinton090122%20(4).jpg" width="320" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I had seen this show before with a different actor. One of
the wonderful things about it was that each show is different. Peter Lebron did
Mark Twain in Hannibal this night, reading from the author’s stories and
telling a tale about his life. It was really good and gave a glimpse into Hannibal, which we
would be visiting in two days. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TgMpeERp-NMVJ6NTFxD3WXSBY1sdfACljIs7j2qQK2WoPkQJx1ZZCk7xzW7EaYNBL5B57IIfPNsaxmq0NNVPpv8NLS93FK5-HCqvqSGjjEoUKHEzjrez4vPBOiYblr1FaGe20yoX_TxgYdl9MiHBZNeaBxdmR7_M7-u033M32-Vsb38LnAiIqiu9/s1644/AmericanQueenMarkTwainShow090122%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1644" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TgMpeERp-NMVJ6NTFxD3WXSBY1sdfACljIs7j2qQK2WoPkQJx1ZZCk7xzW7EaYNBL5B57IIfPNsaxmq0NNVPpv8NLS93FK5-HCqvqSGjjEoUKHEzjrez4vPBOiYblr1FaGe20yoX_TxgYdl9MiHBZNeaBxdmR7_M7-u033M32-Vsb38LnAiIqiu9/s320/AmericanQueenMarkTwainShow090122%20(4).jpg" width="292" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">As much as I enjoyed the day on the American Queen, I was
ready to get up in the morning and explore Burlington, Iowa. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>I was hosted by American Queen on this voyage, but opinions are my own. </i></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<!-- wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756"
data-ad-slot="1141385692"
data-ad-format="auto"
data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-23219116274409292752023-04-15T15:00:00.006-05:002023-06-24T12:48:41.322-05:00Discovering La Crosse from the America Queen<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXYoVjBVxJkLLhUd-SKAp8DCluho1JvsNvO-1aK5jJTc756ns9T2Ghy8dmvDQbti_N-vrGO3UdyEimaEbZhDYKtUg8BuEkQozmPqefbEexTLoNEQoV1bsN4BQtVbRryDGXhJBoUmdwpbSOWP_M6_a4wUslMS4VrsVx6JtCvMn1z0H88WFm0RuX-m0/s2525/AmericanQueenRiversideInternationalFriendshipGardenLaCrosseWI083122%20(6).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2525" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEXYoVjBVxJkLLhUd-SKAp8DCluho1JvsNvO-1aK5jJTc756ns9T2Ghy8dmvDQbti_N-vrGO3UdyEimaEbZhDYKtUg8BuEkQozmPqefbEexTLoNEQoV1bsN4BQtVbRryDGXhJBoUmdwpbSOWP_M6_a4wUslMS4VrsVx6JtCvMn1z0H88WFm0RuX-m0/s320/AmericanQueenRiversideInternationalFriendshipGardenLaCrosseWI083122%20(6).jpg" width="190" /></a></div><br />Lynn and I woke up to another beautiful day on the
Mississippi River. We had lucked out with this late summer weather in the
Midwest.<br /><br />
We were ready to explore La Crosse, Wisconsin, after having
breakfast and lattes at the Front Porch Café on the American Queen. I loved
being on a small boat. There was never a wait for the elevator and we never saw
a crowd anywhere. It made traveling in a scooter so much easier.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKcf9zRrspxGYXkkbiJ44eOni8uzxsvzpc1wOdyFqLB7LMCKetsnvIEgmgdrH6vwCZ_J-bbQZnwGugYQGe8bHZSW7zXizQv54E9hbE0hQ9RJsG0_VaqQ1byo6WH85JrGA27mWtUA4ILRGISLJdPR7AkgcGcRfyNbtwipYrRNJTpHwdQ5V63xuJdxl/s1500/AmericanQueenPierLaCrosseWI083122%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKcf9zRrspxGYXkkbiJ44eOni8uzxsvzpc1wOdyFqLB7LMCKetsnvIEgmgdrH6vwCZ_J-bbQZnwGugYQGe8bHZSW7zXizQv54E9hbE0hQ9RJsG0_VaqQ1byo6WH85JrGA27mWtUA4ILRGISLJdPR7AkgcGcRfyNbtwipYrRNJTpHwdQ5V63xuJdxl/s320/AmericanQueenPierLaCrosseWI083122%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>This was the first time in La Crosse for both of us. We didn’t know much about it, but were ready to learn.<br /><br />The pier was welcoming, with beautiful sculptures and manicured grass and flowers. We got onto the hop on, hop off tour bus, complimentary to all American Queen guests. The bus guides, including Tour Director Lucy from our ship, told us about La Crosse.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeua2lXsb7a1ZL8ffEftgDME3OuP_mgLqv6ywTY0vnXk3Uko35SvasoeU6UXWG19KFt3zzI4Zv1G2TmqjDSJNOE4UsBOQiSU1OBSQmywtq_ESHiP2hMV3LTbjqRpOFUlOZQHoX4Z59Olq2TNqBVrzZvObMymykgjgfFhP4i0ZoGFqg_ypML-MTV03/s1500/AmericanQueenStateRoomSignLaCrosseWI083122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1500" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeua2lXsb7a1ZL8ffEftgDME3OuP_mgLqv6ywTY0vnXk3Uko35SvasoeU6UXWG19KFt3zzI4Zv1G2TmqjDSJNOE4UsBOQiSU1OBSQmywtq_ESHiP2hMV3LTbjqRpOFUlOZQHoX4Z59Olq2TNqBVrzZvObMymykgjgfFhP4i0ZoGFqg_ypML-MTV03/s320/AmericanQueenStateRoomSignLaCrosseWI083122.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
When settlers came over to the U.S., this land was already
occupied by Native Americans, specifically the Sioux, Ojibwa, and Ho-Chunk
tribes. It became one of Wisconsin’s largest cities by the second half of the
19<sup>th</sup> century.<br /><br />
<p><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<!-- wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756"
data-ad-slot="1141385692"
data-ad-format="auto"
data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></p>
La Crosse is a popular tourist and day trip destination
these days. It’s actually the owner of a Guiness Book of Records accolade for
the most bars on one street, 3<sup>rd</sup> Street. The town has also had over
20 breweries through the years.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgPIop62jd0njPYGa4lr-gyWg3N_hCObfKyyzQ8MOO3pXDg7qewDfO7z0ckvgexziTjhEh4hobDT0SK06sYl4Avx93JjOq0LTGwwJ2wHKBfzI3tz68wvKvXvursvtk_zev4ntYdB_GDx673x6R3HIDvRFiXHHx0MEBl7QXtvx3hoBcfdJ0apU4CrV/s2273/AmericanQueenRiversideInternationalFriendshipGardenLaCrosseWI083122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2273" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhgPIop62jd0njPYGa4lr-gyWg3N_hCObfKyyzQ8MOO3pXDg7qewDfO7z0ckvgexziTjhEh4hobDT0SK06sYl4Avx93JjOq0LTGwwJ2wHKBfzI3tz68wvKvXvursvtk_zev4ntYdB_GDx673x6R3HIDvRFiXHHx0MEBl7QXtvx3hoBcfdJ0apU4CrV/s320/AmericanQueenRiversideInternationalFriendshipGardenLaCrosseWI083122.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><p><br />We decided to get off at the International Friendship Garden
and it was a good choice. It was made up of many different gardens, each
designated to a different country, with plants, flowers, and distinct touches
about that country.</p><p><br />
<script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-slot="7893828501" style="display: block; text-align: center;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
<br />
The International Garden also leads to the entrance of the
Marsh Trails, an extensive development of walking and hiking routes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWNtQtFLypBIj3gIy3l1fFEo5ArNcIWtJeVxNOUYK6PaF2myXk22hifAj1U7XTszvQdNzJjHkwhVzihXjHxPjYIElUfwpovIAn99GQ1Z1-uIqn-18YxpgzI2NrTh5hLK0CKONS7fk8qd7oU7c2BFV5WBaSNOGgf5i91UexAGbYO8UaEdOQJh7z1vb/s1800/AmericanQueenRiversideInternationalFriendshipGardenLaCrosseWI083122%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWNtQtFLypBIj3gIy3l1fFEo5ArNcIWtJeVxNOUYK6PaF2myXk22hifAj1U7XTszvQdNzJjHkwhVzihXjHxPjYIElUfwpovIAn99GQ1Z1-uIqn-18YxpgzI2NrTh5hLK0CKONS7fk8qd7oU7c2BFV5WBaSNOGgf5i91UexAGbYO8UaEdOQJh7z1vb/s320/AmericanQueenRiversideInternationalFriendshipGardenLaCrosseWI083122%20(2).jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal">I was pretty tired from the sun when we got back on the bus
and we decided to stay on and do the tour around La Crosse from there. We
passed the La Crosse Heritage Center, which has artifacts and detailed information
about the town’s history. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another stop was the Dahl Automotive Museum, which houses
Ford vehicles from five generations. The passengers who got back on the bus
said they really enjoyed it. We also learned that La Crosse has a Children’s
Museum and the 4-star Charmant Hotel, which was built in a former candy
factory.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7fDCiWdt0026iVoe_w7MOmwJT6pRvQ43is9KkEQXsGeNkfqP5Ua-IobG0vb-2yld6Ya0xUihuAQnfUAoj8eJvo7mgQYeZNvefhZHpwon5zw3taxa9jA7P5DW6IGGFcDXNlFJ-Hn93V0gpVxU6hH2e9jPZwXwwPSHV39bCc_T8kyAdvgh30zNRSoL/s1991/AmericanQueenRiversideInternationalFriendshipGardenLaCrosseWI083122%20(5).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1991" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7fDCiWdt0026iVoe_w7MOmwJT6pRvQ43is9KkEQXsGeNkfqP5Ua-IobG0vb-2yld6Ya0xUihuAQnfUAoj8eJvo7mgQYeZNvefhZHpwon5zw3taxa9jA7P5DW6IGGFcDXNlFJ-Hn93V0gpVxU6hH2e9jPZwXwwPSHV39bCc_T8kyAdvgh30zNRSoL/s320/AmericanQueenRiversideInternationalFriendshipGardenLaCrosseWI083122%20(5).jpg" width="241" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We were back on the ship in time for lunch. The food once
again didn’t disappoint as I had an unforgettable Mushroom Walnut Veggie burger.</p>
<p><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<!-- wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756"
data-ad-slot="1141385692"
data-ad-format="auto"
data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After a nap, shower, and change of clothing, we were back in
the dining room again, this time for dinner. Our tablemates enjoyed lobster
again (it is available every night on the American Queen).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi708T-XHfuBBEShFQntaV9xtssxuRL7m9K2jPz2ub-EeJ3AgYp9lzy6GRRi_zrakDvf15cPzoeDqSMpTREDd8q31MzeiXJZgPgUigrr0eDUGD68LPHdxCXIhF7hsgs_WHFT_5boTBGiZWqv6sIukdTmvpDCxOFwbVNt5h_88CKCkZVSLIs8c6E4pxA/s2255/AmericanQueenLobsterDinner083122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2255" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi708T-XHfuBBEShFQntaV9xtssxuRL7m9K2jPz2ub-EeJ3AgYp9lzy6GRRi_zrakDvf15cPzoeDqSMpTREDd8q31MzeiXJZgPgUigrr0eDUGD68LPHdxCXIhF7hsgs_WHFT_5boTBGiZWqv6sIukdTmvpDCxOFwbVNt5h_88CKCkZVSLIs8c6E4pxA/s320/AmericanQueenLobsterDinner083122.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Lynn and I, who are both allergic, tried not to show our
disappointment, but we did have wonderful pasta, with a creative potato pancake
appetizer. For dessert, it was a Blueberry Bundt Cake for her and Bananas
Foster for me.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After dinner, I took a walk out to the open veranda and
watched the sunset on the Mississippi before the evening’s show. We made a
brief stop after to the Engine Room bar for Rock Music with Jay and Will.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVT4gdi0JsqOWzEim8nXX4p70GZ1_aLqyIMY2S8sUHtCEN63xF75ceFlMdnq35wCbKjmoQauw4QI_c7EKj4ki100eIU48rFxb6uffS2JF_87F3qjokmxg_SewbcUFY0M1AyLXBmf7CriM99rpbJJSBJPh4Fr66qYYBhDtBmxm-FPINrstM4peiWDsg/s1500/AmericanQueenSunsetOnMississippi083122%20(4).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVT4gdi0JsqOWzEim8nXX4p70GZ1_aLqyIMY2S8sUHtCEN63xF75ceFlMdnq35wCbKjmoQauw4QI_c7EKj4ki100eIU48rFxb6uffS2JF_87F3qjokmxg_SewbcUFY0M1AyLXBmf7CriM99rpbJJSBJPh4Fr66qYYBhDtBmxm-FPINrstM4peiWDsg/s320/AmericanQueenSunsetOnMississippi083122%20(4).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We got back to our room and decided to put in a room service
order for the morning’s breakfast. We had an early start for our day in Dubuque,
Iowa. At least that’s what we thought at the time.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<!-- wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756"
data-ad-slot="1141385692"
data-ad-format="auto"
data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>I was hosted by American Queen on this voyage, but opinions are my own. </i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><br />Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-62391698457311055282023-03-24T16:30:00.009-05:002023-06-24T12:52:07.686-05:00Arriving in Red Wing on the American Queen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8OsEniTJSppCZ5XzCljAP4bejAv6bbF-txrvLqfG3WI089ysKg6F59TGcCz9rIqwlIlTWd9RSualyruigyECy-EUrTeZTdQco1HvtGJOflmkUSd_rzXfdxd-iOyx_bBD4UuhWdOW5YgtlAQtMwxmEstoJ_fUunGHL-VNYJBIvMFHo_g-byzRkGfz/s1500/AmericanQueenRedWingMN083022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1500" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL8OsEniTJSppCZ5XzCljAP4bejAv6bbF-txrvLqfG3WI089ysKg6F59TGcCz9rIqwlIlTWd9RSualyruigyECy-EUrTeZTdQco1HvtGJOflmkUSd_rzXfdxd-iOyx_bBD4UuhWdOW5YgtlAQtMwxmEstoJ_fUunGHL-VNYJBIvMFHo_g-byzRkGfz/s320/AmericanQueenRedWingMN083022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>My friend Lynn and I slept well on our first night on the
<a href="https://www.aqvoyages.com/" target="_blank">American Queen</a>. We had a full day a head of us and we started with a quick
breakfast at the Front Porch Café. One of the complimentary amenities of the
cruise line was unlimited specialty coffees and we took full advantage
preparing our lattes to taste with our eggs and pastries.<br /><o:p><br /></o:p>The American Queen is all about conservation. Everyone was
given a water bottle and there were water filling stations on every floor. There
were no plastic water bottles available.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyetRdIaLTzi5z5-8bk_ytmvZJI3j45Hfy1pJqTj7hss3OFtzHxJCam9pVXa-ItPegbLYJT3zkiG9pgaoZ9nsm2kwMXW9ZLu6KvnH5orS1fcV3sGRya_l69Kcbc3C-ROJAhIi7HYkAi0yYus3ulZDlQamUntM57Iy4Cp3PcqtvFSzuna3Q5npaddu/s1500/AmericanQueenRedWingPotteryMuseumMN083022%20(18).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1500" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglyetRdIaLTzi5z5-8bk_ytmvZJI3j45Hfy1pJqTj7hss3OFtzHxJCam9pVXa-ItPegbLYJT3zkiG9pgaoZ9nsm2kwMXW9ZLu6KvnH5orS1fcV3sGRya_l69Kcbc3C-ROJAhIi7HYkAi0yYus3ulZDlQamUntM57Iy4Cp3PcqtvFSzuna3Q5npaddu/s320/AmericanQueenRedWingPotteryMuseumMN083022%20(18).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another thing available to all passengers at no charge were
the hop on, hop off bus tours at every stop. It was nice to have the freedom to
explore, with transportation that included taking my scooter on the bus, a
guide telling us about the towns and attractions, and all admission fees paid
by the American Queen Voyages.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<!-- wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756"
data-ad-slot="1141385692"
data-ad-format="auto"
data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our first experience with the tours was in <a href="https://redwing.org/" target="_blank">Red Wing</a>. I had
never been to this Minnesota town before and I was looking forward to checking
it out. It’s known mostly for pottery and shoes. Am off combination, but it
worked for the town.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSr6y-NhdJV89IZ5zC-7GR7qi9wepJkQhe6sJtuKItH8rcCnFJLDty47pv6B-YwZQtOfiaNH8MkZ3cXbozKLUOmJp4hpgtl0t-o_jXP3YSfnmy3RqvudAwqrCjXUlQEipIfBRGi2TLKfAMUOYsc7BM4iHcg5CD2tzweUJl4AC1lJs25u2XyBaobGhU/s1500/AmericanQueenRedWingPotteryMuseumMN083022%20(15).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1500" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSr6y-NhdJV89IZ5zC-7GR7qi9wepJkQhe6sJtuKItH8rcCnFJLDty47pv6B-YwZQtOfiaNH8MkZ3cXbozKLUOmJp4hpgtl0t-o_jXP3YSfnmy3RqvudAwqrCjXUlQEipIfBRGi2TLKfAMUOYsc7BM4iHcg5CD2tzweUJl4AC1lJs25u2XyBaobGhU/s320/AmericanQueenRedWingPotteryMuseumMN083022%20(15).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The tour guide told us about the stops available to us, as
well as other places within walking distance of the bus stops. She also told us
about Red Wing’s scenic bluff, houseboats, and fishing in Pottery Pond Park.
The town is also filled with historic houses, including the TB Shelton Mansion.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We had limited time and decided to skip the Military and
Marine Museums, but some veterans in our group enjoyed them. It was a beautiful
day around 70 degrees, with no rain in
sight so we were ready to do some walking. Well, Lynn was walking and I was on my
scooter.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzJNhrte3SRNtmc5hCzer0LzezFDY8UHwxPDPT4X4OQ3G-HcSpo7BgOQh4HtP0FaR6Ved98YteTSAFFaxL4YpNJNVJ4OD0GwBCX-A0DHsHCdDCDLI8njcxLTZ3O5nV6mktbszjimryzS5X0USwjllX4Z46MaHIRvYYLGm836fhQOBSMgdgHPsMRwC/s1500/AmericanQueenRedWingShoeFactoryMN083022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1432" data-original-width="1500" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzJNhrte3SRNtmc5hCzer0LzezFDY8UHwxPDPT4X4OQ3G-HcSpo7BgOQh4HtP0FaR6Ved98YteTSAFFaxL4YpNJNVJ4OD0GwBCX-A0DHsHCdDCDLI8njcxLTZ3O5nV6mktbszjimryzS5X0USwjllX4Z46MaHIRvYYLGm836fhQOBSMgdgHPsMRwC/s320/AmericanQueenRedWingShoeFactoryMN083022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our first stop was the pottery museum. We watched a
demonstration of basic pottery making and heard about the history of this art
and how it brought a lot of income into Red Wing. We also saw many examples of
the pottery made there, from simple dishes to more complex and colorful
designs.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-slot="9071642794" style="display: block; text-align: center;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We got back on the bus to the downtown area. There were lots of shops and some restaurants. I was drawn to Red Wing Confectionary, where the owner was actually making chocolates in the back of the store. I had a Café Mocha and bought some treats to bring home to Mom.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig20PPviHZw2oyf3hIKU-WbqaMLjgHCmcSquIzJCsl-G8B-r2Gl7SeeX1eUfzpN8QmM3mvBCzF-woK3FtxImxEZ5EevwFkf6JYyiPgFYK6BubGrQAFzBy3dLmV11LTrvhcr1UfsQ_waSxo-2wXJ0KDM1sE_lVljD4CbUImGT7sXsfuzp6fSC5aMPnX/s1500/AmericanQueenRedWingPierMN083022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="1500" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig20PPviHZw2oyf3hIKU-WbqaMLjgHCmcSquIzJCsl-G8B-r2Gl7SeeX1eUfzpN8QmM3mvBCzF-woK3FtxImxEZ5EevwFkf6JYyiPgFYK6BubGrQAFzBy3dLmV11LTrvhcr1UfsQ_waSxo-2wXJ0KDM1sE_lVljD4CbUImGT7sXsfuzp6fSC5aMPnX/s320/AmericanQueenRedWingPierMN083022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">After the candy store, we went to the bus stop by Red Wing
Shoes Museum. We missed the world’s largest boot (638 ½). We did have enough
time to go to the Red Wing Arts Cebter in the old train depot. They had some locally
made jewelry and beautiful scarfs.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We were back on the American Queen in time for lunch in the
dining room. Lunch each day was a choice of buffet or sit down. Many chose to
do a little of each, as did we. We had the first of many creative salads, this
one with blueberries and feta cheese.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyw7Ucr84F62-USV3Pb7Ol10_nkYY0Mj9ZUpbrnUaVcsjNVFinlvel2PgRciVHcTvx0SU10QUlO1Qs_AWqmYy5ZfnDf5ZgXh8DMQr-a3cqGb9evqKLpfvY04Ib4eax8cmHkiM5cdTvza2Twtj78tp7NRc1gdTVqEwkHJIhIs8yMijwaYigzdgRj2A/s1573/AmericanQueenLunchSalad083022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1573" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyw7Ucr84F62-USV3Pb7Ol10_nkYY0Mj9ZUpbrnUaVcsjNVFinlvel2PgRciVHcTvx0SU10QUlO1Qs_AWqmYy5ZfnDf5ZgXh8DMQr-a3cqGb9evqKLpfvY04Ib4eax8cmHkiM5cdTvza2Twtj78tp7NRc1gdTVqEwkHJIhIs8yMijwaYigzdgRj2A/s320/AmericanQueenLunchSalad083022.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For a main course, I had a Thanksgiving meal, which I love
anytime of year. There was blueberry cheesecake for dessert.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After lunch and some work, I took a nap before showering and
dressing for dinner. I don’t have a chance to get dressed up too often and I
liked it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsjxsA42Px4ALLgUi8CQw2Q6usYo3s52P8R8UhCP1TneMLCrtyh36IfV2TL7SYSy9w31q9AOIxnvcGVdforjFNGYOg9bgnALLqm-fyJumkoFdURk6GWlQL18-_OFWyr2bNYdwdHoaviKHz6vlNopXJ3SazENVsmpWHHTUhBGyo6XYoAgGyzPzAiQy/s1832/AmericanQueenDinnerPorkChop083022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1832" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsjxsA42Px4ALLgUi8CQw2Q6usYo3s52P8R8UhCP1TneMLCrtyh36IfV2TL7SYSy9w31q9AOIxnvcGVdforjFNGYOg9bgnALLqm-fyJumkoFdURk6GWlQL18-_OFWyr2bNYdwdHoaviKHz6vlNopXJ3SazENVsmpWHHTUhBGyo6XYoAgGyzPzAiQy/s320/AmericanQueenDinnerPorkChop083022.jpg" width="262" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dinner did not disappoint. I started with a Spring Mix
Bouquet, had a very tender pork chop with fresh vegetables, and chose the pecan
pie for dessert. There was a waiter ready to pour more complimentary wine at
all times.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The show was “Southern Celebration” and the music and
dancing was quite good. We really liked the balcony seats to stretch out in.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zaExsVbr1toOKDvd9CDxp4xn-qOxx6m_OC8XvUnqUT5n9a76gz7jfUE2VwZrgfFdldU3s8EEX10H_hVe5QJIyR--dHKt-8yR07KDe3kYIdVNBGG7CyvT6t4RmdpQxYY-p_sa1i6BuGenkEsRBojIaQuQKr5d1UkWq308o2P2EUT7S_YL51db1mSZ/s1624/AmericanQueenShow083022%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1624" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zaExsVbr1toOKDvd9CDxp4xn-qOxx6m_OC8XvUnqUT5n9a76gz7jfUE2VwZrgfFdldU3s8EEX10H_hVe5QJIyR--dHKt-8yR07KDe3kYIdVNBGG7CyvT6t4RmdpQxYY-p_sa1i6BuGenkEsRBojIaQuQKr5d1UkWq308o2P2EUT7S_YL51db1mSZ/s320/AmericanQueenShow083022%20(1).jpg" width="296" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Before we turned in, we had a nightcap in the Engine Room
bar, where there was music and dancing each night. We didn’t stay long before
heading back to our suite on the <a href="https://www.aqvoyages.com/" target="_blank">American Queen</a> to get ready for the next day in La Crosse, Wisconsin.</p>
<p><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<!-- wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756"
data-ad-slot="1141385692"
data-ad-format="auto"
data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>I was hosted by American Queen on this voyage, but opinions are my own. </i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-69370662219947194562023-02-18T18:36:00.007-06:002023-07-13T15:39:56.737-05:00Mall of America Tour and American Queen Embarkation <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2027" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_owDuOURfkxKiqVY_DYWdYkmWAaZF107XIU2LSS6LkQZRkfmIlXZN8tG2eHwrLwBo0zDvO8dgjkS0aZrz5xxQae92cENr4A-YlZwlcBY1L3Sua_Imoz3Gn2ihfUA1Fs7OORbdYp6-QM2sBX5JTKzM_2pOd9afzV-F1MKRxXPl9PFIGCrbziWxWMp/s320/AmericanQueenFrontPorchCafeRedWing08302.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="MsoNormal">My friend, Lynn, and I had a good night’s sleep at the
<a href="https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-bloomington-mall-of-america" target="_blank">Radison Blu Mall of America</a>, but we knew we had a very full day ahead.<br /><br />It started with breakfast in the hotel’s conference room
with the other passengers to be on our American Queen voyage. Everyone was
friendly and we were all excited to be embarking on this journey in the
afternoon.</p>
<p><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<!--wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as-->
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-slot="1141385692" data-full-width-responsive="true" style="display: block;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="text-align: left;">River cruises work differently than ocean liners when it
comes to check-in. Since there is no cruise port for everyone to gather in and
check-in, it’s done in the hotel. This was pretty much the only thing in our weeklong
trip that was disorganized. They used temporary workers in the port and we
would later learn that most of the information we were given was wrong.<br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkC8_rF7nAorrRQbCs0ky2xABBKwk5_NAGYmWXB9yOcfQ9fF5Pu5FLx1OqBR7uofhT69hJzK6Lu0IE2N2aXZzCAsSltUanjEiboC0KP7fsRLNVOX-Z9VI36yhWQ0r7Jmlp79OpGrM-2HVh6zIiWduB5YboGakyyyykjS7KkFW8HcbUELJK9U912XcT/s2731/MallOfAmericaNickelodeonFerrisWheel083022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2731" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkC8_rF7nAorrRQbCs0ky2xABBKwk5_NAGYmWXB9yOcfQ9fF5Pu5FLx1OqBR7uofhT69hJzK6Lu0IE2N2aXZzCAsSltUanjEiboC0KP7fsRLNVOX-Z9VI36yhWQ0r7Jmlp79OpGrM-2HVh6zIiWduB5YboGakyyyykjS7KkFW8HcbUELJK9U912XcT/s320/MallOfAmericaNickelodeonFerrisWheel083022.jpg" width="180" /></a></div></div><p class="MsoNormal">Everyone tried to keep their cool and figured they’d
straighten things (like dinner seatings and excursions) on the ship.<br /><br />When I found out I would have a free day in the <a href="https://www.viator.com/Minneapolis-Saint-Paul/d22209-ttd?pid=P00102580&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector" target="_blank">Minneapolis </a>area I wanted to finally visit Paisley Park, Prince’s former home. I thought it would work out, but it just got to hectic to try to make it back in time to get on the bus to the ship.</p><p class="MsoNormal">We decided instead to take an in-depth tour of the <a href="https://www.mallofamerica.com/" target="_blank">Mall of America</a> and have a little time left to relax.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnL2oZYu8hSs8KjJNZ0259_L1UzieZmIkFh30uOto1zcJgRyiQA4_SPgsnOmbqsigPQ9VZcS3Mxg793-Twiu4AdLEjDoXAGE1K61gIr7Wh9qupjCB4CtqdEYoigFFAESXcwl4quUOGgg49qW3jyUfUiTbxwuZ1syS9QV4qucsUNCMwry7oDcRTwpPv/s2731/MallOfAmericaNickelodeonLynnAtM&M083022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2731" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnL2oZYu8hSs8KjJNZ0259_L1UzieZmIkFh30uOto1zcJgRyiQA4_SPgsnOmbqsigPQ9VZcS3Mxg793-Twiu4AdLEjDoXAGE1K61gIr7Wh9qupjCB4CtqdEYoigFFAESXcwl4quUOGgg49qW3jyUfUiTbxwuZ1syS9QV4qucsUNCMwry7oDcRTwpPv/s320/MallOfAmericaNickelodeonLynnAtM&M083022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Dan Jasper, Vice President of Communications for MOA, was
our guide. He had recently begun doing these behind-the-scenes tours. Even though
I had previously visited the mall, I realized there was a lot I didn’t know.<br /><br />
<script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-slot="7893828501" style="display: block; text-align: center;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
The spot the <a href="https://www.viator.com/Minnesota-attractions/Mall-of-America/d22206-a15432?pid=P00102580&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector" target="_blank">Mall of America</a> is on was originally the
Metropolitan sports stadium. There are still metal plates in within Nickelodeon
Universe still acknowledging the original baseball and football teams.<br /><br />
Since I was last here, the mall housed the Patriots and the
Eagles for the 2018 Super Bowl, with one team staying at the Radisson Blu and
the other at the JW Marriott.<br /><br />
</p><div data-vi-partner-id="P00102580" data-vi-widget-ref="W-e3fb99c6-fd23-4279-a0ce-7349743358ba"></div>
<script async="" src="https://www.viator.com/orion/partner/widget.js"></script><br />
A couple of new spots had opened up, including the M&Ms
store and the Crayola Experience. There had also been a three month shut down
for covid of the stores, and five months for the attractions. This led to the opening of the Community
Commons, a spot where local shops would get three months free rent to try to
get their business back. It has been successful as eight of these stores are
now up full time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC74HlFgl2cDq-6CDTkLNFEdlDgtuwTRoeYIqvHIvlUPQF4lNyTozmUumuhsiT5q_uov4_gR4aEWaiZ_0fqOrTQD0f52axBPB4JS-_GI_xk2hv8Fd6G6ENLz-xntNl9faxE37oKUHBsRa9tHBa9Uvd-jgaytWpNTrgzShxtBFLTIdMC0nKekDKn6gG/s2731/MallOfAmericaXMasDisplayDanJasper083022%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2731" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC74HlFgl2cDq-6CDTkLNFEdlDgtuwTRoeYIqvHIvlUPQF4lNyTozmUumuhsiT5q_uov4_gR4aEWaiZ_0fqOrTQD0f52axBPB4JS-_GI_xk2hv8Fd6G6ENLz-xntNl9faxE37oKUHBsRa9tHBa9Uvd-jgaytWpNTrgzShxtBFLTIdMC0nKekDKn6gG/s320/MallOfAmericaXMasDisplayDanJasper083022%20(3).jpg" width="320" /></a><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">We learned that the mall has been home to more than 10,000 weddings,
has the Guiness World Record for the World’s Largest Cupcake, has given away
5,205 bicycles, and made the World’s Largest Gingerbread for a nursing home
benefit.<br /><br />Before we finished the tour, we were able to go into the
warehouse and see the upcoming Christmas displays. Lynn and I even sat in Santa’s
chair.</p></div><p class="MsoNormal">Dan mentioned Fly Over America to us and I remembered how
much I enjoyed it. We decided to go and enjoyed the feeling of flying through
the wide-open spaces of the United States, including the Grand Canyon and
Niagara Falls.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtmFXQsLjtuW272r0-2-BjmTgGoIlPxXKESW-YaiO3J7nmbLPOvJzkmFnh2SmHisnT5IblfNop4mNY7e94ClwuoUE10AzGovU92aD6HIMAuSNQTJmDyRhdJMYu-fkeY3ZUeU2Mw6g5X4c4VL5K3VnX9r1Zm1zolbCx2BcpcyII_n4VUMh--iwPLXF/s1728/AmericanQueenEmbarkationRedWing083022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="1720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtmFXQsLjtuW272r0-2-BjmTgGoIlPxXKESW-YaiO3J7nmbLPOvJzkmFnh2SmHisnT5IblfNop4mNY7e94ClwuoUE10AzGovU92aD6HIMAuSNQTJmDyRhdJMYu-fkeY3ZUeU2Mw6g5X4c4VL5K3VnX9r1Zm1zolbCx2BcpcyII_n4VUMh--iwPLXF/s320/AmericanQueenEmbarkationRedWing083022.jpg" width="319" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal">We had time for more Minnesota Wild Rice Soup and Popovers
at the FireLake Grill before getting on the bus to Red Wing. The bus, which we’d
be using for excursions at ports, was equipped to take my mobility scooter.<br /><br />It was an absolute pleasure getting on a small ship. With only
about 300 passengers on the <a href="https://www.aqvoyages.com/" target="_blank">American Queen</a>, getting on the ship there were no lines and our room was
waiting.<br /><br />We had a Junior Suite and it was a combination of old
antique and a brand new, very large, bathroom with a tub. It was one of many
accessible cabins on the boat.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZYNxYxvvMTSdFlhT8ebNDM3_N7mhoabbKoUVT2vJLyw9C-lnEJHZ69vBJN5eTHoFG9J5WpewDUqGYUr03q11tn3gJODGBOiSyagTcZxgQOPpjeMHMN43SHaN8ocMqbSbhr4IY6h7-MxSaDeWKH6ORp8LyoiGzINNlnaSf2vLEnYA1V_NhuQXr_be/s2731/AmericanQueenSittingOutsideRoomRedWing03022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2731" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZYNxYxvvMTSdFlhT8ebNDM3_N7mhoabbKoUVT2vJLyw9C-lnEJHZ69vBJN5eTHoFG9J5WpewDUqGYUr03q11tn3gJODGBOiSyagTcZxgQOPpjeMHMN43SHaN8ocMqbSbhr4IY6h7-MxSaDeWKH6ORp8LyoiGzINNlnaSf2vLEnYA1V_NhuQXr_be/s320/AmericanQueenSittingOutsideRoomRedWing03022.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">The Coast Guard Muster Drill was short since there were so
few passengers. Before we knew it, we were at the Front Porch Café sipping
champagne.<br /><br />A cocktail hour with music was held in front of the dining
room every evening. Cocktails, wine, and beer were complimentary throughout the
cruise.<br /><br />This would be the only night there was confusion at the
dining room entrance as it seemed that no one (including us) liked their dinner
assignments. It would have been so much simpler to just ask people when they booked
their cruise.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4b0jCWnL7_pvaW8J5bYJ0f5g5MEc4U5GyYtfuoDMYxN_qyFPEb5Xmasnls12t7Co7n8I1M5txDn_asQBEm-AmGiJ4enS8secFYGOgPLQyovXjIIWirWruxX9KsJw8URttOu3UTxaC38suMweClThF7SgDMdrOeqZGZbq7MyNmUuan7GroGypUGSfy/s2731/AmericanQueenGrandSaloon083122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2731" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4b0jCWnL7_pvaW8J5bYJ0f5g5MEc4U5GyYtfuoDMYxN_qyFPEb5Xmasnls12t7Co7n8I1M5txDn_asQBEm-AmGiJ4enS8secFYGOgPLQyovXjIIWirWruxX9KsJw8URttOu3UTxaC38suMweClThF7SgDMdrOeqZGZbq7MyNmUuan7GroGypUGSfy/s320/AmericanQueenGrandSaloon083122.jpg" width="180" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We decided to eat at the buffet at the Front Porch, which
had Prime Rib every night. The Maitre’d did a great job of getting the dinner
seatings straightened by the next night.<br />
</p><p><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<!--wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as-->
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-slot="1141385692" data-full-width-responsive="true" style="display: block;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></p>
Every night after dinner there was an orientation telling us
about the port we would be going to the next day. <br /><br />American Queen Voyages includes a hop on, hop
off bus at every port. They also pay for admissions at every stop on the bus. Additional tours are available at a reasonable cost if you want to see or do
something more specific.We would be staying put in Red Wing the next day.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLTh1w2EK4W_GlNcyJ9Y4ELEmGBM2XiqJkG_1PIACMn11JASPcS7toBhbIO4BEj_5Wk4uAuLpfEFJaIXn93z9Ca5d_RJ9S2ar4do6_qLNM3dn--3uNupyd9KZxU0KFEMYxrnvzUWs9Q_PRb66hn8auXqfCBx3e3RAdcCVNExazMCZw8wdll84NNoQ/s2048/AmericanQueenRedWing08302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1963" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLTh1w2EK4W_GlNcyJ9Y4ELEmGBM2XiqJkG_1PIACMn11JASPcS7toBhbIO4BEj_5Wk4uAuLpfEFJaIXn93z9Ca5d_RJ9S2ar4do6_qLNM3dn--3uNupyd9KZxU0KFEMYxrnvzUWs9Q_PRb66hn8auXqfCBx3e3RAdcCVNExazMCZw8wdll84NNoQ/s320/AmericanQueenRedWing08302.jpg" width="307" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><br /></span>The orientation was held in the same place as the Grand
Salon, a spectacular theater that reminds you of the days of Mark Twain or
Abraham Lincoln. Since we were in a suite, we had balcony seats reserved each
night.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The show on the first night was a welcome by Cruise Director
Alex Bernhardt and a performance by his team. They were quite impressive.<br /><br />It had been a very long day and we were ready to retire for
the night right after the show. There would be plenty more time to explore the American
Queen.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_owDuOURfkxKiqVY_DYWdYkmWAaZF107XIU2LSS6LkQZRkfmIlXZN8tG2eHwrLwBo0zDvO8dgjkS0aZrz5xxQae92cENr4A-YlZwlcBY1L3Sua_Imoz3Gn2ihfUA1Fs7OORbdYp6-QM2sBX5JTKzM_2pOd9afzV-F1MKRxXPl9PFIGCrbziWxWMp/s2027/AmericanQueenFrontPorchCafeRedWing08302.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;">
<p><script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<!--wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as-->
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="auto" data-ad-slot="1141385692" data-full-width-responsive="true" style="display: block;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i>I was hosted by American Queen on this voyage, but opinions are my own. </i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br style="color: black;" /></div></a>Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0Minneapolis, MN, USA44.977753 -93.265010816.667519163821154 -128.4212608 73.287986836178845 -58.1087608tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-57199919338451771042023-02-01T18:38:00.008-06:002023-06-24T12:59:56.345-05:00Heading to the American Queen on the Mississippi <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiyjgVmIJ270CPX5zojVFUs1UBtWzXekQprb0fu73k3pyEH3eMFARoEF8-jm5USSRGQ8runr7YQ_tH6fl2xdi_xzye0m1GxMShlUNoitlfRd0skqRgOXk6COq-4otRptDzhNXPHWaBEaMun5niEeFIqPImTzDZeHIcNVzhiNeUA_ct_jGq1q_s2KI/s2133/AmericanQueenDockedInAlton090522%20(8).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2133" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiyjgVmIJ270CPX5zojVFUs1UBtWzXekQprb0fu73k3pyEH3eMFARoEF8-jm5USSRGQ8runr7YQ_tH6fl2xdi_xzye0m1GxMShlUNoitlfRd0skqRgOXk6COq-4otRptDzhNXPHWaBEaMun5niEeFIqPImTzDZeHIcNVzhiNeUA_ct_jGq1q_s2KI/s320/AmericanQueenDockedInAlton090522%20(8).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Like most of the world, I haven’t
taken any big trips the last few years. Getting on an airplane or a cruise ship
has not seemed like a good idea for someone who is immunocompromised. An
opportunity came up that made me rethink this.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.aqvoyages.com/" target="_blank">American Queen Voyages</a> is not your
usual cruise line. The majority of their cruises are wholly within the United
States (a few stop in Canada). Their ships are all small and they have four
riverboats with wide open areas so you are not ever waiting on lines for food
or disembarking with thousands of people.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_bqgnkrwFN-ZImVaARC_N6qAabch53pHRX53HL-cpmkft9yilS0pg80TFR0dTJ6RJZyxPcWv12OGnoxpVt2zV6JuhQTNlrsxcywJdJGDZsmot8xQ-YjFB23nnBYjuys54HI84hzpvOnztPPliIoQh6RggscgUu4q76lvVArt54fmnXzCc7VDvCpe/s1440/MallOfAmericaRadissonUpperLobby082922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1440" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_bqgnkrwFN-ZImVaARC_N6qAabch53pHRX53HL-cpmkft9yilS0pg80TFR0dTJ6RJZyxPcWv12OGnoxpVt2zV6JuhQTNlrsxcywJdJGDZsmot8xQ-YjFB23nnBYjuys54HI84hzpvOnztPPliIoQh6RggscgUu4q76lvVArt54fmnXzCc7VDvCpe/s320/MallOfAmericaRadissonUpperLobby082922.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I was offered a cruise that was
entirely in the Midwest, so if there were any health issues, I could be home
within a few hours drive. I have to confess that it was also nice to not have
to worry about tropical storms and rough waters as we would only be on the
Mississippi and Illinois Rivers.<br /><br />
<p><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<!-- wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756"
data-ad-slot="1141385692"
data-ad-format="auto"
data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></p>
The ship I was heading to is the America Queen, christened
by godmother Priscilla Presley in 1995, and refurbished 12 years later. It’s
the largest of the AQV ships. Despite having only 213 staterooms, it’s
considered the biggest steamboat built.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSuZwR6oy_i-tMy2_s8l_G5sLT1r3Xrk9fMxHvEu0M1O6GCCm6Aj4i6fuf_-fPyTrKRZG9-vGb6zoBrBfoz109WGfT-GQRu5Okzr3AOWE7Xv1xg8A8MIC9Rn63NhOiEPMXK5s0QnaLP5UpMFaZZyvB26f9U-eMAIHbW3seqId5L_2UUNlEIFiE2ab/s2731/MallOfAmericaRadissonBluRoomWelcome082922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2731" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSuZwR6oy_i-tMy2_s8l_G5sLT1r3Xrk9fMxHvEu0M1O6GCCm6Aj4i6fuf_-fPyTrKRZG9-vGb6zoBrBfoz109WGfT-GQRu5Okzr3AOWE7Xv1xg8A8MIC9Rn63NhOiEPMXK5s0QnaLP5UpMFaZZyvB26f9U-eMAIHbW3seqId5L_2UUNlEIFiE2ab/s320/MallOfAmericaRadissonBluRoomWelcome082922.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p>My cruise would take me from Red Wing, Minnesota, to Alton,
Illinois, stopping in five different states. I asked my friend, Lynn, to
accompany me. She is one of my favorite travel companions, whom I’ve known over
30 years. We have traveled together to four countries and throughout the U.S.</p><p><br />Lynn came to Champaign two days before the trip so we could
get ready for our first adventure since before the pandemic. We were driving to
St. Louis, leaving my van at the airport, and flying to <a href="https://www.viator.com/Minneapolis-Saint-Paul/d22209-ttd?pid=P00102580&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector" target="_blank">Minneapolis </a>the next
day. We’d then head one way down the Mississippi on the boat.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xKBlbB_kr5qDcRrjjGmZhJT5Y_3S2xe27TJvZWAdD5Hmvm34rLOv9g7IYtToJlEKMygw0dAAsD64KATNk_toAKvMWiexmEBKa2uP4QIZSUOeUAtEFkAwiFIGYmst7zNQjHy3P3dqnta1lEDL2hYKkKbG227mjz4UD8_Z7LsS6AKio7K4EFdynqyo/s1955/MallOfAmericaRadissonFireLake082922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1955" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xKBlbB_kr5qDcRrjjGmZhJT5Y_3S2xe27TJvZWAdD5Hmvm34rLOv9g7IYtToJlEKMygw0dAAsD64KATNk_toAKvMWiexmEBKa2uP4QIZSUOeUAtEFkAwiFIGYmst7zNQjHy3P3dqnta1lEDL2hYKkKbG227mjz4UD8_Z7LsS6AKio7K4EFdynqyo/s320/MallOfAmericaRadissonFireLake082922.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
<p>American Queen Voyages includes an overnight hotel stay the
night before the cruise to make sure everyone is there and not feeling rushed.</p><br />
<script async="" crossorigin="anonymous" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout="in-article" data-ad-slot="7893828501" style="display: block; text-align: center;"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
We were early arriving in St. Louis and decided to stop at a
favorite barbecue spot for lunch. <a href="https://www.pappyssmokehouse.com/" target="_blank">Pappy’s Smokehouse</a>. This popular spot has
been named “Best BBQ in Missouri” by <i>Southern Living </i>and “Best Ribs in
America” by the Food Network. We didn’t have the ribs, but the brisket was as
good as I remembered.<div><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLLuctxlLgwM2JQvORTIbVPDzPRvR61HGzeJccQ9LcTciKlbQ3kO6Xy18YJWsIt5y7Uhv_nd-Gzz7T3JM8G8glDO_yPytkJ_gzIeIcT_yNzDfElsD16TDf9wH5mcDO941veRun78_tSBJfIdY-2IhZV-9CGRZnbT_Q0OIFd5ZrxMKt9tncqntnQd2/s1536/MallOfAmericaRadissonFireLakeWildRiceSoup082922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1379" data-original-width="1536" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLLuctxlLgwM2JQvORTIbVPDzPRvR61HGzeJccQ9LcTciKlbQ3kO6Xy18YJWsIt5y7Uhv_nd-Gzz7T3JM8G8glDO_yPytkJ_gzIeIcT_yNzDfElsD16TDf9wH5mcDO941veRun78_tSBJfIdY-2IhZV-9CGRZnbT_Q0OIFd5ZrxMKt9tncqntnQd2/s320/MallOfAmericaRadissonFireLakeWildRiceSoup082922.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>T
he flight to Minneapolis was short and uneventful. It took
us much longer to find the bus to the <a href="https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-bloomington-mall-of-america" target="_blank">Radisson Blu Mall of America</a> in nearby Bloomington. I had
actually stayed here the last time I was in the area and looking forward to
returning.<br /><br />The hotel was as modern and comfortable as I remembered. Our
room had everything we needed, including welcome snacks, but it had been many
hours since that brisket sandwich and we were hungry.<br /><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64kQCfs48W3vEyZQU6bwm7L6tnWrA3FQqcjjUtG84ISNGWGyNr8DC24ylKjDvwphAACkZYCMo1S2ZejgI4c8FZkNXB6Eq3xON83wfsAeqZI35bEDcYViRNDe8JQADlxlFCJwTsdbc-MzCq9jHQAzRsdLI0eBxpgnrgak5uULB_VkiIbtx-9H8teHy/s2731/MallOfAmericaRadissonBluFireLakePopovers082922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="2731" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64kQCfs48W3vEyZQU6bwm7L6tnWrA3FQqcjjUtG84ISNGWGyNr8DC24ylKjDvwphAACkZYCMo1S2ZejgI4c8FZkNXB6Eq3xON83wfsAeqZI35bEDcYViRNDe8JQADlxlFCJwTsdbc-MzCq9jHQAzRsdLI0eBxpgnrgak5uULB_VkiIbtx-9H8teHy/s320/MallOfAmericaRadissonBluFireLakePopovers082922.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>
Unfortunately, the hotel restaurant,
<a href="https://www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-bloomington-mall-of-america" target="_blank">Firelake Grill House</a>, having some staffing issues
and we had a wait. The manager warned us the service that night was overwhelmed,
but we found them to be polite and we didn’t wait long.<br /><br />I knew right away what I wanted to start: Minnesota Wild
Rice Soup. I had discovered it on one of my first trips to the state and made
it a habit every time since. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCiAvALKp6lCw2qR0oL-edzwnbln4wviYLZjT7o9msXenWFhxoSKT0_RyXQ0cikRUIP00RScsmVaRERuKR25PyK1AmhaGNpKzJ43Mh7bDX7M5K4OQyNxoVBZg6fCbH8h0bgasA37UnkUrzNTiH_Y6vwBT0ZiK1-3hNyDjtYP0eUjUSOK26pgTCC4I/s1336/MallOfAmericaRadissonBluFireLakeHeirloomSalad082922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1336" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcCiAvALKp6lCw2qR0oL-edzwnbln4wviYLZjT7o9msXenWFhxoSKT0_RyXQ0cikRUIP00RScsmVaRERuKR25PyK1AmhaGNpKzJ43Mh7bDX7M5K4OQyNxoVBZg6fCbH8h0bgasA37UnkUrzNTiH_Y6vwBT0ZiK1-3hNyDjtYP0eUjUSOK26pgTCC4I/s320/MallOfAmericaRadissonBluFireLakeHeirloomSalad082922.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><p>I ordered a large bowl and Firelake’s version was
excellent, and it went perfectly with their warm out of the oven popovers —
another treat I rarely get. I finished off my meal with tomatoes & burrata,
while Lynn had the Mushroom Gnudi.<br /><br />I also tried the hotel’s own tequila, which was smooth and
semi-sweet. It was also all I needed to be ready for bed after a long day. We
had another one coming, with a private behind the scenes tour of the Mall of
America in the morning, and the beginning of our journey on the America Queen
Steamboat in the afternoon.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHZjUETgYiuftjHF7EscnVeNALHBOXRwi3MPxeV-b6XxNQXdxapfvvUFmSFMTn_7Sx7phvr5HiuD9WkWPYxFETwPTqo4hWO5G33mXwtju3m_Cydi1rj0WlDEztHtgTsuecXv1Xq7R8TcOUxWPOYQVBv1uj8JEuy5H0JPGjg3klLJq4RhsTYRG6CQE/s2731/MallOfAmericaRadissonFireLakeTequila082922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2731" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHZjUETgYiuftjHF7EscnVeNALHBOXRwi3MPxeV-b6XxNQXdxapfvvUFmSFMTn_7Sx7phvr5HiuD9WkWPYxFETwPTqo4hWO5G33mXwtju3m_Cydi1rj0WlDEztHtgTsuecXv1Xq7R8TcOUxWPOYQVBv1uj8JEuy5H0JPGjg3klLJq4RhsTYRG6CQE/s320/MallOfAmericaRadissonFireLakeTequila082922.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br />
<p><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<!-- wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756"
data-ad-slot="1141385692"
data-ad-format="auto"
data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></p>
<p><br />#Hosted</p><br /></div>Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com060 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425, USA44.8548651 -93.242214816.544631263821152 -128.3984648 73.16509893617885 -58.0859648tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-4979090533433452612022-04-07T11:08:00.008-05:002023-06-24T13:07:49.966-05:00Last Day Exploring Wildlife Prairie Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGykivNduRbk1x4lPV5xrdGliLa2Fu5ymYWWj0XIFYfGyuwVg5cWHbf7IdYkdAGmr8rQi2gxgJu13d1653j5RN7BQrdjWNCst9n57D52W7miOgJTn8kvwpE9KSfKCj8FTzh0mplUpMWYAs3c5JxHbMlYmNO0Nb1_QkIAnGwxS7PHu70IWPCzHIMJC/s2049/WildlifePrairieParkBanquetHallHannaCityIL070920%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="2049" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGykivNduRbk1x4lPV5xrdGliLa2Fu5ymYWWj0XIFYfGyuwVg5cWHbf7IdYkdAGmr8rQi2gxgJu13d1653j5RN7BQrdjWNCst9n57D52W7miOgJTn8kvwpE9KSfKCj8FTzh0mplUpMWYAs3c5JxHbMlYmNO0Nb1_QkIAnGwxS7PHu70IWPCzHIMJC/s320/WildlifePrairieParkBanquetHallHannaCityIL070920%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>My friend Joan and I had been enjoying <a href="http://www.wineandspiritstravel.com/2021/09/wine-and-wildlife-in-cenhttp:/www.wineandspiritstravel.com/2021/09/wine-and-wildlife-in-central-illinois.htmltral-illinois.html">Wildlife
Prairie Park</a>, just outside of Peoria, Illinois. It was a perfect
post-pandemic trip with lots of space in the open air.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Brad Windsor, Volunteer Coordinator, and Sam Himegarner,
Director of Hospitality, picked us up in the morning for another tour. The property
is so big we still hadn’t seen it all between the <a href="http://www.wineandspiritstravel.com/2021/08/a-wildlife-oasis-in-illinois-you-can.html">first
day tour</a> and our previous day exploration.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiun6_H9zyjCImrhdq-iBi2Eb8I6NXB02D5ifk13bt0PE4dlbduhRPieh1egq273r_0dY3BsUbypHlrObSFUyLSIURgEhEXt476EWegSsQyWzHG5bhApX4suzoceg_t3XVU_Go6mOslkpeaP9gRGhkmsXt48YefalfhXrDKmkFqluloJ3iB4ewUZMsV/s2049/WildlifePrairieParkMikeTheBisonHannaCityIL070920%20(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1537" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiun6_H9zyjCImrhdq-iBi2Eb8I6NXB02D5ifk13bt0PE4dlbduhRPieh1egq273r_0dY3BsUbypHlrObSFUyLSIURgEhEXt476EWegSsQyWzHG5bhApX4suzoceg_t3XVU_Go6mOslkpeaP9gRGhkmsXt48YefalfhXrDKmkFqluloJ3iB4ewUZMsV/s320/WildlifePrairieParkMikeTheBisonHannaCityIL070920%20(4).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our first stop was to see Mike the bison. The 19-yer-old
was once a movie star and now shares his home with Elsa the elk.</p>
<p><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<!-- wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756"
data-ad-slot="1141385692"
data-ad-format="auto"
data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></P>
<p class="MsoNormal">We took a look at the banquet hall. It can hold up to 200
people and the ability to both have a moonrise and sunrise over an open patio makes
it an ideal wedding location.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHm8jqFN5Qi4OVE0QQ46_uvfW8SYgFAbRolXIlRqfX-anpV8swDN55ed-mFP9dizT2qVMIk7yxQ4_SEmYlWHHVKz4XTa8z5s1qdHhYcQuUeve0t5w3MvkUJQUO_uIqJJwSYRHUStS3RML3bF--vWwFHsWAd6bIyLKivhB1wZVpfsMpLYH0qNop-4Il/s2048/WildlifePrairieParkHazelsOverlookHazelsHillHannaCityIL070720%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHm8jqFN5Qi4OVE0QQ46_uvfW8SYgFAbRolXIlRqfX-anpV8swDN55ed-mFP9dizT2qVMIk7yxQ4_SEmYlWHHVKz4XTa8z5s1qdHhYcQuUeve0t5w3MvkUJQUO_uIqJJwSYRHUStS3RML3bF--vWwFHsWAd6bIyLKivhB1wZVpfsMpLYH0qNop-4Il/s320/WildlifePrairieParkHazelsOverlookHazelsHillHannaCityIL070720%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">I was impressed with Hazel’s Overlook. Beyond the spectacular
views is Native American folklore plaques dedicated to Hazel Rutherford. She
and her husband Bill were major benefactors of the park.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I was also happy to see the park is set up for accessibility
in many areas. I was able to take my scooter on some of the trails and walkways.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SUCkDzN4e_mSHCJff8JmeQCY6uvHg4YDfREMVe7r3dLcOCIrjvY9c-LnzKrgrjR1c8L18LVXhBfVS_1FXkPOMxh5XO7BJp6xef74perzhd76DjRV5727Jrkwmzg7yn3fJgUHmzdfGK_T6OmQIVyO9MVHpEs6pB7uMj1bfCLvjNOu10cG6zH7f6qV/s2048/WildlifePrairieParkSculptureGardenGroundHogHannaCityIL070820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SUCkDzN4e_mSHCJff8JmeQCY6uvHg4YDfREMVe7r3dLcOCIrjvY9c-LnzKrgrjR1c8L18LVXhBfVS_1FXkPOMxh5XO7BJp6xef74perzhd76DjRV5727Jrkwmzg7yn3fJgUHmzdfGK_T6OmQIVyO9MVHpEs6pB7uMj1bfCLvjNOu10cG6zH7f6qV/s320/WildlifePrairieParkSculptureGardenGroundHogHannaCityIL070820.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<p class="MsoNormal"><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block; text-align:center;"
data-ad-layout="in-article"
data-ad-format="fluid"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756"
data-ad-slot="7893828501"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wildlife Prairie Park also has a Sculpture Garden. It is
dedicated to blind children, who can “feel” sculptures to size of the actual
animal. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The park also has a Touch Cabin that
St. Jude Children’s Hospital set up for children with heart issues.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We also saw the Pioneer section, which has an original cabin
and the actual one room schoolhouse used until 1959. Nearby there is a
butterfly habitat which is worth a stop.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cxcXXOOkaNOxu0y9lMtK3qRENu2eHt9mxsIC1jhqO6681rmo6I_fV_c_B17nSvItAEnPFw_M3U6yyDpvx-BgAc-JSq2A6b0MpBYYmm_F_9WpGnSDjdhvjsX3eHj_Qag0AEbclzEvn7IMfR4OZvInHJFQEO971xYzWIDcyQxPUqd7Y-i5C7e545Az/s2049/WildlifePrairieParkPioneerSchoolHouseHannaCityIL070920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1537" data-original-width="2049" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cxcXXOOkaNOxu0y9lMtK3qRENu2eHt9mxsIC1jhqO6681rmo6I_fV_c_B17nSvItAEnPFw_M3U6yyDpvx-BgAc-JSq2A6b0MpBYYmm_F_9WpGnSDjdhvjsX3eHj_Qag0AEbclzEvn7IMfR4OZvInHJFQEO971xYzWIDcyQxPUqd7Y-i5C7e545Az/s320/WildlifePrairieParkPioneerSchoolHouseHannaCityIL070920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">The park is a great place for locals to spend the day whenever
they want, with a family membership of only $85 a year. Visitors from out of
town should consider the accommodations for a few days, or even a week. You won’t
get bored. They even have special events, including a Halloween Scary Park, throughout
the year.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Joan and I bid farewell and headed into our Legacy Cabin to
pack up. We were going to miss the new, spacious accommodation with a sunrise
facing the bison pasture from the patio. It was fully furnished, including a
modern kitchen.</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxT3fj9KVAsNJ_nz5QEpFkqwK2x7qrF9kMCM3PkhSUDuHfA0WXLv2elU6G0c2UHE0VXMvU4Qcg1yTV_N-fO8H8Bn-S-UrvkmF5G0KCD7QwxiOKd6nSdqT-mrbGkiKbt4pgXVqwMySa32lRZUkII9IksE9UEyn0qOXmrnITxmstEdDDuvyoG768UF5/s2049/TrefzgersBakeryInsidePeoriaHeightsIL070920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="1537" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxT3fj9KVAsNJ_nz5QEpFkqwK2x7qrF9kMCM3PkhSUDuHfA0WXLv2elU6G0c2UHE0VXMvU4Qcg1yTV_N-fO8H8Bn-S-UrvkmF5G0KCD7QwxiOKd6nSdqT-mrbGkiKbt4pgXVqwMySa32lRZUkII9IksE9UEyn0qOXmrnITxmstEdDDuvyoG768UF5/s320/TrefzgersBakeryInsidePeoriaHeightsIL070920.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Before heading home we stopped at <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.trefzgersbakery.com/" target="_blank">Trefzger’s Bakery</a>, which has been making baked goods in
Peoria for over 150 years. It didn’t not disappoint. It was really hard to choose
what to get, but finally decided on a quiche, a raspberry cheese danish, their
famous Thumbprint cookies, and a cinnamon bread that was perhaps the best I’ve
ever had. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<!-- wineandspiritstravel_main_Blog1_1x1_as -->
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756"
data-ad-slot="1141385692"
data-ad-format="auto"
data-full-width-responsive="true"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></P><br />Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0Hanna City, IL 61536, USA40.6917043 -89.795106112.381470463821152 -124.9513561 69.001938136178836 -54.6388561tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-55727220146863259732022-02-10T15:06:00.002-06:002023-02-18T16:57:00.341-06:00Welcome To Travel in 2022<p><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 11pt; text-size-adjust: auto;">Happy New Year! The last few years have been different for everyone around the world. This is especially true for those in the travel industry. I’ve stayed pretty close to home.</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 11pt; text-size-adjust: auto;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;">I do not travel as much as I used to anyway. I’m now looking for more accessible locations and needed to be cautious since I have autoimmune issues. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><img alt="Teddy" height="300" src="https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1RytZZJWPTA5j9vlPzOsCLOz9EKsltWub" width="271" /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;">I’ve been using the time at home to train Teddy, so there will be a lot of pet friendly trips in the future! I’ll be catching up on previous travel soon. With everything I’ve learned since getting my first dog since I was a child, I decided to write a book. <i>12 Things You Must Know About Raising A Puppy </i>will be out this spring. It’s filled with tips, stories, and hope. I’ll be posting when it’s out.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;">As for 2022 travel, I have some fun stuff coming up, including a very unusual cruise. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;">If you’d like to know more about my health issues, read through my <i><a href="https://marcia-41118.medium.com/" style="color: #954f72;">Medium</a> </i>page (there are some interesting travel stories there too).<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;">Best,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><i>Marcia<o:p></o:p></i></b></p>
<p><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block; text-align:center;"
data-ad-layout="in-article"
data-ad-format="fluid"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756"
data-ad-slot="7893828501"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></p>Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-31548008173615217752021-09-28T16:58:00.005-05:002023-02-18T16:55:07.176-06:00Wine and Wildlife in Central Illinois<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9F4XUr9cW9k/YVOMJXMdCfI/AAAAAAAAL4w/3z1gp4Xq9JkMac3ygeYZu8XAM-ky37vogCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/WildlifePrairieParkTrainRideThroughForestHannaCityIL070820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9F4XUr9cW9k/YVOMJXMdCfI/AAAAAAAAL4w/3z1gp4Xq9JkMac3ygeYZu8XAM-ky37vogCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/WildlifePrairieParkTrainRideThroughForestHannaCityIL070820.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />The bison didn’t come out to greet me while I had my morning
coffee on the patio, but there was definitely a sense of peacefulness to start
my day with. <p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aN0NI7YPUP0/YVOMPTWROrI/AAAAAAAAL40/QfV0AhLhNso_M5mccowqe5XLFekowK9OgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/WildlifePrairieParkLegacyCabinPatioHannaCityIL070820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aN0NI7YPUP0/YVOMPTWROrI/AAAAAAAAL40/QfV0AhLhNso_M5mccowqe5XLFekowK9OgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/WildlifePrairieParkLegacyCabinPatioHannaCityIL070820.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My friend Joan and I were staying at this hidden gem in
Central Illinois. Not only did we get to enjoy this enormous scenic part, but
it was filled with (mostly contained) wildlife and we had a brand-new cabin to
stay in where the bison roamed in <a href="https://wildlifeprairiepark.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wildlife Prairie Park</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpjgJiNi_Kk/YVOMW2wNeRI/AAAAAAAAL44/jbWsLBj95MoR2bRcTzAOHiDHkwWsebpTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/WildlifePrairieParkLongHornMomBabyHannaCityIL070820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1500" height="227" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpjgJiNi_Kk/YVOMW2wNeRI/AAAAAAAAL44/jbWsLBj95MoR2bRcTzAOHiDHkwWsebpTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/WildlifePrairieParkLongHornMomBabyHannaCityIL070820.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After breakfast and coffee, we took the car down to the main
entrance and boarded the train. It’s a great way to get acquainted with the park.
You’ll get a basic overview from the conductor as you pass through the
highlights. </p><p class="MsoNormal">There is also a stop at the Pioneer area and butterfly habitat. You
can get off to explore and pick up a train later to go back to the station. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qjZJ3DkIMVI/YVOMcJB_P5I/AAAAAAAAL5A/IqOsgXYHmDgqIAPzdpaxFaNDs0bbi6PQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/WildlifePrairieParkVisitorsCenterHannaCityIL070820%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="1500" height="245" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qjZJ3DkIMVI/YVOMcJB_P5I/AAAAAAAAL5A/IqOsgXYHmDgqIAPzdpaxFaNDs0bbi6PQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/WildlifePrairieParkVisitorsCenterHannaCityIL070820%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We met with Brad and Sam at the Visitors Center. It’s worth
a stop as there’s a lot of information on the area, from how it figures into
the history of American Agriculture to charts of the fish you can find in the
area. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">After a walk through the trail to check out some of the
animals, we got into the jeep for a tour of the other accommodations the park
has.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aEsi4UNyFZw/YVON1fG7OWI/AAAAAAAAL5U/ZGvuWMrnDQ4dNZayMlPeMAFXbX8A0ID-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/WildlifePrairieParkPrairieStableSuitesOutsideHannaCityIL070920%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aEsi4UNyFZw/YVON1fG7OWI/AAAAAAAAL5U/ZGvuWMrnDQ4dNZayMlPeMAFXbX8A0ID-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/WildlifePrairieParkPrairieStableSuitesOutsideHannaCityIL070920%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Tent campers are welcome at <a href="https://wildlifeprairiepark.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wildlife Prairie Park</a>, but you
may want to think twice about roughing it once you see all the unique
accommodations.</p><p class="MsoNormal">The Cabooses are perfect for families, especially younger kid. They were created from actual train cars and have bunk beds in them. </p><p class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-19l9xOqEA6E/YVON-tqYZpI/AAAAAAAAL5c/1H2We774mA8uShE2zGuSjblNUQCSQzpFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/WildlifePrairieParkCottageViewHannaCityIL070920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-19l9xOqEA6E/YVON-tqYZpI/AAAAAAAAL5c/1H2We774mA8uShE2zGuSjblNUQCSQzpFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/WildlifePrairieParkCottageViewHannaCityIL070920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">There are Prairie Stable suites with patios that have two small bedrooms in them. Just outside, picnic tables are a great place for groups to meet, as is the recreation center.</p><p class="MsoNormal">In the same area are the cottages. I really liked the way these converted grain bins, with kitchenettes, faced the lake, making them ideal for kayakers and fishermen. Firepits and grills are also outside in front of the lake.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxb1D7gyouE/YVOOQHWqfRI/AAAAAAAAL5w/NnUWoueV9R8gdaGbvZpiGrYbNKWmskllACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/WildlifePrairieParkCaboosesHannaCityIL070720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxb1D7gyouE/YVOOQHWqfRI/AAAAAAAAL5w/NnUWoueV9R8gdaGbvZpiGrYbNKWmskllACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/WildlifePrairieParkCaboosesHannaCityIL070720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From there we headed to <a href="https://kickapoocreekwinery.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kickapoo Creek Winery</a> which is just a few miles away from the park.<o:p></o:p></p><div>The tasting room is spread out and welcoming, and the grounds are just beautiful, making them ideal for weddings and other events. They also participate in Harvest Hosts, a group that list wineries that allow for RV parking.</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIU5RnlY8VA/YVOOd6Jgn6I/AAAAAAAAL50/jlHtZyF1bUYeZLM61gXvA9cRlrVZ6fvXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/KickapooCreekWineryMenuTastingEdwardsIL070820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIU5RnlY8VA/YVOOd6Jgn6I/AAAAAAAAL50/jlHtZyF1bUYeZLM61gXvA9cRlrVZ6fvXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/KickapooCreekWineryMenuTastingEdwardsIL070820.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">The wines here are also worth the trip. The Rose Blush was our favorite, strawberry and cherry flavored, and not overly sweet. The Sun Kiss was also terrific, and my friend Joan, more of a red lover than I am, went home with a bottle of the St. Croix.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>I couldn’t resist the Chocolate Raspberry, which has strong notes of my favorite treat.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>
<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block; text-align:center;"
data-ad-layout="in-article"
data-ad-format="fluid"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756"
data-ad-slot="7893828501"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJQ7vLSsCY8/YVOOiir3MgI/AAAAAAAAL58/waGrwP9jjf4c6sIqX7F7uLnuAWSuJPmvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1706/KickapooCreekWineryGardenOutsideBanquetHallEdwardsIL070820%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1706" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJQ7vLSsCY8/YVOOiir3MgI/AAAAAAAAL58/waGrwP9jjf4c6sIqX7F7uLnuAWSuJPmvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/KickapooCreekWineryGardenOutsideBanquetHallEdwardsIL070820%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal">Kickapoo Creek Winery also serves food and the menu is wide
ranged. After sharing a spinach artichoke dip, I had a Turkey Rueben while Joan
had the Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich (served with a sesame ginger mayo). They were
both delicious. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ngf6NyiV-tQ/YVOOm0-1bGI/AAAAAAAAL6I/UOUrq1kbbLEOL5_xXxjc7VEnoEBaqVsfwCPcBGAYYCw/s1771/KickapooCreekWineryPecanBourbonPiePeanutButterCheesecakeEdwardsIL070820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1771" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ngf6NyiV-tQ/YVOOm0-1bGI/AAAAAAAAL6I/UOUrq1kbbLEOL5_xXxjc7VEnoEBaqVsfwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/KickapooCreekWineryPecanBourbonPiePeanutButterCheesecakeEdwardsIL070820.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For dessert, we shared a Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake and
Pecan Bourbon Pie, both of which were delicious. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We headed back to Wildlife Prairie Park for some rest on our patio. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YzspH9FUrhg/YVOPnzHMLxI/AAAAAAAAL6c/tcohE-cxjE8cHhxZ9bX70Fp25R8IqYY7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/WildlifePrairieParkMikesKnotJustRibsHannaCityIL070820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="1500" height="236" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YzspH9FUrhg/YVOPnzHMLxI/AAAAAAAAL6c/tcohE-cxjE8cHhxZ9bX70Fp25R8IqYY7wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/WildlifePrairieParkMikesKnotJustRibsHannaCityIL070820.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Before we had left for the winery, we met with Mike of the <a href="http://mikesknotjustribs.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mike’s Knot Just Ribs food truck</a>, which parks by the Visitors Center. We took back a ton of barbecue for dinner.</p><p class="MsoNormal">We were still pretty full from lunch, but we did taste some amazing
ribs, pulled pork nachos, coleslaw, beans, and macaroni & cheese. There were
plenty of leftovers.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UMoHOS3BTY4/YVOPxSW1w9I/AAAAAAAAL6g/gPRz_AUEQxMJ9P-5QWQ0GnRy383-wJ8ZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/MikesKnotJustRibRibsBeansMacNCheeseColeSalwHannaCityIL070820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UMoHOS3BTY4/YVOPxSW1w9I/AAAAAAAAL6g/gPRz_AUEQxMJ9P-5QWQ0GnRy383-wJ8ZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/MikesKnotJustRibRibsBeansMacNCheeseColeSalwHannaCityIL070820.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal">It didn’t take long before we were both exhausted from the day
and headed to our bedrooms. We had a little more time the next day to see more
of <a href="https://wildlifeprairiepark.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wildlife Prairie Park</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0Hanna City, IL 61536, USA40.6917043 -89.795106112.381470463821152 -124.9513561 69.001938136178836 -54.6388561tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-14101104203208156792021-08-12T12:48:00.003-05:002023-02-18T16:52:53.866-06:00A Wildlife Oasis in Illinois You Can Stay At<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wMKh4sRHBE/YRVboYeD54I/AAAAAAAAL3w/w3kq_o02gI41KqjLQRHf87czDY2CxpnIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/WildlifePrairieParkTurtleLakeHannaCityIL070720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wMKh4sRHBE/YRVboYeD54I/AAAAAAAAL3w/w3kq_o02gI41KqjLQRHf87czDY2CxpnIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/WildlifePrairieParkTurtleLakeHannaCityIL070720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It wasn’t easy to make the decision to go on my first trip
after the pandemic started. I am high risk and had been good about sheltering
at home and only staying around people within my <a href="https://marcia-41118.medium.com/why-we-need-pods-74a10aa9b8e?source=your_stories_page-------------------------------------" target="_blank">pod</a>. I hadn’t even seen my
family, with the exception of a few, short, outdoor visits with my mom, who
lives nearby in an assisted living.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I was definitely ready to get out for a bit and, when
researching outdoor activities in the outskirts of Peoria (I was going there to
see my puppy, who wasn’t quite ready to go home), I came across the perfect
place for a safe getaway.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYNKGPJXxrc/YRVbmvxu5RI/AAAAAAAAL3k/E065sTvXeZAwaE_dIjcfjKDEpufAf0CGQCPcBGAYYCw/s1500/WildlifePrairieParkLegacyCabinKitchenHannaCityIL070720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYNKGPJXxrc/YRVbmvxu5RI/AAAAAAAAL3k/E065sTvXeZAwaE_dIjcfjKDEpufAf0CGQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/WildlifePrairieParkLegacyCabinKitchenHannaCityIL070720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://wildlifeprairiepark.org/" target="_blank">Wildlife Prairie Park</a> is in Hanna City, Illinois, about three
hours from Chicago. It’s a tremendous 1,800 acres that offers a ton of outdoor
activities for all ages and abilities. It also happens to have an unusual
selection of accommodations,</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My friend, Joan, and I met with Brad Windsor, Volunteer
Coordinator, and Sam Himegarner, Director of Hospitality, at our accommodation
for the next two nights. We were one of the first to stay in a new Legacy Cabin.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhNTCJExCz4/YRVbn65IHuI/AAAAAAAAL4A/xDY9BUEV1foUczN-t5QFqDIeUmfVHRfFwCPcBGAYYCw/s1500/WildlifePrairieParkLegacyCabinLivingRoomHannaCityIL070720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EhNTCJExCz4/YRVbn65IHuI/AAAAAAAAL4A/xDY9BUEV1foUczN-t5QFqDIeUmfVHRfFwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/WildlifePrairieParkLegacyCabinLivingRoomHannaCityIL070720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">The cabins have everything needed, for a family to stay for
a few days, or even a week. There’s a full kitchen, large living room (with
flat screen cable tv), two bedrooms, and a full bathroom. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The most special thing about the cabin is the backyard. You can
sit on your patio and sip coffee in the morning, or barbecue on the grill in
the evening, while watching the bison and elk roam in the pasture.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hMereTRAKGA/YRVbmSiatQI/AAAAAAAAL30/-FGY5zHgCQ8gCvzHex9vZiZ8rjO8YlTVwCPcBGAYYCw/s1500/WildlifePrairieParkLegacyCabinBedroomOneQueenSizedHannaCityIL070720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hMereTRAKGA/YRVbmSiatQI/AAAAAAAAL30/-FGY5zHgCQ8gCvzHex9vZiZ8rjO8YlTVwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/WildlifePrairieParkLegacyCabinBedroomOneQueenSizedHannaCityIL070720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">It’s hard to believe the park has been open since 1978 and
it’s not better known.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Brad and Sam took us around in a jeep to get acquainted with
the surroundings, which we would explore more over the next two days.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-365Y7VNbIoc/YRVblxxigmI/AAAAAAAAL4A/IHDpi6HiFBk5c_C0DCzAqTkPkufx6R7pgCPcBGAYYCw/s1500/WildlifePrairieParkLegacyCabinBedroom2BunkbedsHannaCityIL070720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-365Y7VNbIoc/YRVblxxigmI/AAAAAAAAL4A/IHDpi6HiFBk5c_C0DCzAqTkPkufx6R7pgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/WildlifePrairieParkLegacyCabinBedroom2BunkbedsHannaCityIL070720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">The park has five lakes, most of which you can kayak and/or
fish at. There are hiking trails that are accessible (I brought my medical scooter)
and others that are for the more experienced.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There’s also disc golf, mountain
biking, a 30-foot sliding board, an Adventure Trek behind the scenes tour, and,
of course, lots of wildlife.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p>
<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4576044564844756"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle"
style="display:block; text-align:center;"
data-ad-layout="in-article"
data-ad-format="fluid"
data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756"
data-ad-slot="7893828501"></ins>
<script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">They try to keep it to wildlife indigenous to the Midwest.
Among them are Longhorn bulls, a black bear, bison, elk, owls, eagles, and a
groundhog, Gerdie. Brad pointed out that Gerdie has a better record at
predicting the weather than Punxsutawney Phil does.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7yRLMJRg96A/YRVbk1O2ziI/AAAAAAAAL34/-tTXGGeGC-s_7f_xv9NiuEh33eP6TzlHgCPcBGAYYCw/s1508/WildlifePrairieParkEasternScreechOwlHannaCityIL070820%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1508" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7yRLMJRg96A/YRVbk1O2ziI/AAAAAAAAL34/-tTXGGeGC-s_7f_xv9NiuEh33eP6TzlHgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/WildlifePrairieParkEasternScreechOwlHannaCityIL070820%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">We ended the tour with plans to get together the next day
and check out some of the specific areas of the park. Joan and I decided to
head to downtown Hanna City and find someplace to eat.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I had read online about <a href="https://www.gilssupperclub.com/">Gil’s Supper Club</a> and it sounded
like a good place for some comfort food. I was right.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h5XXqYOmenM/YRVbk2T-ciI/AAAAAAAAL4E/U134p4ms540Cp6i85hTjy3v81FCHixxiQCPcBGAYYCw/s1500/GilsSupperClubFriedChickenHannaCityIL070720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h5XXqYOmenM/YRVbk2T-ciI/AAAAAAAAL4E/U134p4ms540Cp6i85hTjy3v81FCHixxiQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/GilsSupperClubFriedChickenHannaCityIL070720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">Gil’s has outdoor and indoor (bench) seating and a very big
menu. I rarely eat fried food, but when they told me the chicken had its own fryer,
it sounded quite good. It was and the portion was huge. I only ate about half,
saving it with the rest of my potato and coleslaw.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Joan had the fried shrimp, which she said was delicious. The
menu also includes chicken and seafood combos, pork chops, tenderloin, burgers,
and more. Even the kids’ menu has a varied selection.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNvArEUcxxI/YRVbk4L7xQI/AAAAAAAAL30/jrohp5bFeVELesHLQbyWkrto3iSbj6lUwCPcBGAYYCw/s1500/GilsSupperClubFriedShrimpHannaCityIL070720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNvArEUcxxI/YRVbk4L7xQI/AAAAAAAAL30/jrohp5bFeVELesHLQbyWkrto3iSbj6lUwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/GilsSupperClubFriedShrimpHannaCityIL070720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">We went back to the <a href="https://wildlifeprairiepark.org/" target="_blank">Wildlife Prairie Park</a> and relaxed in the
cabin before bedtime. We had a big day of exploring, and a visit to Kickapoo Creek
Winery, coming up.</p><p></p>Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0Hanna City, IL 61536, USA40.6917043 -89.795106112.381470463821152 -124.9513561 69.001938136178836 -54.6388561tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291531274105457939.post-90453029017314660972021-02-12T12:36:00.002-06:002021-02-12T12:36:24.653-06:00Celebrating Romance is Different This Year<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ybSbYxe0Hos/YCW-XY8P78I/AAAAAAAALpM/g1gBeQou07wqxckHFIMQNS2kPAPpuZTOACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/SanctuaryOnCamelbackNirvanaTorchSunset042717.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ybSbYxe0Hos/YCW-XY8P78I/AAAAAAAALpM/g1gBeQou07wqxckHFIMQNS2kPAPpuZTOACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/SanctuaryOnCamelbackNirvanaTorchSunset042717.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Sanctuary at Camelback</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal">I know it’s been a while. I think it’s pretty obvious that I
haven’t been doing much traveling. Like everyone else in the world, I’ve mostly
been sheltering in place.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I did manage to get in two short, socially distant trips over the
past six months that I will be posting soon. In the meantime, I thought I’d do
a roundup of some ideas for those looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Romance deserves more than one day a year. February is the month
that you’ll see most of the deals for it. That’s not different in this crazy
time. What is different is the options to do things from a distance – if you’d
like.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here are some ideas from places I have been to and enjoyed.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Stay healthy. Wear your masks. I hope we’ll all be hitting the
road in the near future.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i>Marcia Frost</i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><br /></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Heart-Shaped Chocolate Cake? Of course!</b></div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkqXqkCyirM/YCbGDhc6FuI/AAAAAAAALpk/36qy6c6etFAIzaTQn8Mn1QoaaxDrij7NwCLcBGAsYHQ/s520/PortillosCake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="520" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DkqXqkCyirM/YCbGDhc6FuI/AAAAAAAALpk/36qy6c6etFAIzaTQn8Mn1QoaaxDrij7NwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PortillosCake.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></b><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">The chocolate cake at Portillo’s is one of my favorites ever. In
honor of Valentine’s Day,, they always have a heart-shaped one available. This
year, they are partnering with No Kid Hungry to donate $5 for every cake sold.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you are in Illinois, you can pick up a cake at Portillo’s or
have it delivered from one of your local services (i.e. <a href="https://www.grubhub.com/referral/1c669ee0-5960-11e8-9bd5-0da56f320788" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grubhub</a>, <a href="https://drd.sh/T1JqTb/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Door Dash</a>).
You can also order from <a href="https://www.portillos.com/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">their website</a> to be shipped anywhere in the country.<br /><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Free Concerts <br /><br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWcxdWVgxJA/YCbHG24Sl8I/AAAAAAAALps/7OqVRM6AqdgiWkThhFzwij-8Efoah3qfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/NickelbackRavinia081319-2BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="1500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWcxdWVgxJA/YCbHG24Sl8I/AAAAAAAALps/7OqVRM6AqdgiWkThhFzwij-8Efoah3qfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/NickelbackRavinia081319-2BL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>Nickelback at Ravinia</i><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ravinia Festival is normally three months of concerts in a relaxing
Chicagoland atmosphere. Like many other events, they’ve had to adapt die to the
pandemic.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Chicagoland’s loss is the world’s gain as Ravinia Festival is
broadcasting a concert series on <a href="http://WFMT.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WFMT.com</a>. The shows will continue through
March 11<sup>th</sup>, on Thursday nights.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Don’t forget the donuts<br /><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5z6NxHOvJyk/YCbHhk7UIQI/AAAAAAAALp4/FCyvBrcOV9c6n2mJRYlaYlyzxnOhYW-LACLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/StansDonutsHolidayDonutsChicagoIL120119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5z6NxHOvJyk/YCbHhk7UIQI/AAAAAAAALp4/FCyvBrcOV9c6n2mJRYlaYlyzxnOhYW-LACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/StansDonutsHolidayDonutsChicagoIL120119.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Stan’s Donuts always gets creative with flavors for holidays and
Valentine’s Day is mo different. My mouth is watering just thinking About how
good their Peanut Butter Pocket is!<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For February, they are
offering Beignet, Birthday Cake, and Lemon Pistachio. You can also order Stan’s
Donuts for nationwide shipping <a href="https://stansdonuts.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">through their website.</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<script async="" src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
<ins class="adsbygoogle" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4576044564844756" data-ad-format="fluid" data-ad-layout-key="-ef+6k-30-ac+ty" data-ad-slot="7060155885" style="display: block;"></ins><script>
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
</script><br /></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>We Love <i>Friends<br /><br /></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EGxhQ00keuI/YCbIP4x5TiI/AAAAAAAALqA/OPpMJV5giY8gqUmDxBXHXd6KgGxVWociQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/CentralPerkChicagoIL113019%2B%252815%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EGxhQ00keuI/YCbIP4x5TiI/AAAAAAAALqA/OPpMJV5giY8gqUmDxBXHXd6KgGxVWociQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/CentralPerkChicagoIL113019%2B%252815%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br /></b><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On my last trip before Covid-19 hit the U.S, I was in Chicago. One
of the things we did was to visit the Friends anniversary celebration at the
AT&T store. It was a fun experience for any fan of the show, and we are.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Friends Experience is coming back to Chicago, as well as New
York. It will once again include displays with actual pieces from the sets, as
well as interact opportunities. <a href="https://www.friendstheexperience.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Visit the website for details</a>.<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><br />A Romantic Inn<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFaCfUB629Y/YCbJJxskGiI/AAAAAAAALqQ/agBtGJ9bz_cc6Ma5Y9xr9x7j_K-j33C3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/HotelSaugatuckLobbySaugatuckMI072718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFaCfUB629Y/YCbJJxskGiI/AAAAAAAALqQ/agBtGJ9bz_cc6Ma5Y9xr9x7j_K-j33C3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/HotelSaugatuckLobbySaugatuckMI072718.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">If you are ready to get away, Hotel Saugatuck in Michigan is a
great place for romance. My stay was too short, but long enough to enjoy the
spacious suite with jacuzzi, homemade dessert brought to our room in the
evening, and delicious breakfast delivered in the morning.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you are looking for the ultimate romantic getaway, check out
the <a href="https://www.thehotelsaugatuck.com/special-addons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hotel Saugatuck Proposal Package</a>. It’s available through March 31<sup>st</sup>. They have rooms at the inn as well as cottages. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Head to Titletown<br /><br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AP0y1fZWsHU/YCbJi7pWJoI/AAAAAAAALqc/gm3gJNkdXwspLl1kUMfEAzcrRZyv6zzBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/LodgeKohlerLobbyGreenBayWI010518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AP0y1fZWsHU/YCbJi7pWJoI/AAAAAAAALqc/gm3gJNkdXwspLl1kUMfEAzcrRZyv6zzBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/LodgeKohlerLobbyGreenBayWI010518.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>Lodge Kohler Lobby</i><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Green Bay, Wisconsin, is not only home to the Packers, it’s the
location of <a href="https://www.titletown.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Titletown</a>, an outdoor complex of fun. From ice skating to tubing
(free February 18<sup>th</sup>), you can bring your children or relive your
childhood.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">You can stay right there at <a href="https://www.lodgekohler.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lodge Kohler</a>, which has a full-service
spa and full-service spa and two great
restaurants, Taverne in the Sky with its farm to table food and great views, and the Leaps and Bounds Café (try the
popovers).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Something Warmer<br /><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKJ6biBKBNw/YCbKJhEMrFI/AAAAAAAALqk/bq3A54KxuHo4aWc9vuA9aV103OA6M3b2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s750/01b145e6d6f00021a2271c9782faabaeb8cb3d0a35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKJ6biBKBNw/YCbKJhEMrFI/AAAAAAAALqk/bq3A54KxuHo4aWc9vuA9aV103OA6M3b2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/01b145e6d6f00021a2271c9782faabaeb8cb3d0a35.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><br />I’ve been to Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain in Arizona twice. The
scenery is stunning and the spa is filled with unique and rejuvenating
procedures. The resort also offers plenty of private casitas so you can easily socially
distance.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With the warmer weather you can also find your own space at the
pool, on the tennis court, or hiking. Check out <a href="https://www.sanctuaryoncamelback.com/special-offers/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">all the specials they arecurrently running</a>. </p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Spiritstravelerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04028533408793557558noreply@blogger.com0