Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Day Two on the Great River Road
Great River Road to Clarksville (1 hour drive from Hannibal)
Louisiana, Missouri
About 30 miles south of Hannibal, the first residence was built in 1817. The streets are lined with beautiful antebellum homes, many of which are listed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places. Louisiana is one of three of the communities that form the “50 Miles ofArt”.
Website:
http://louisiana-mo.com/aboutlouisiana.html
Phone:
573.754.5921
Calendar:
http://louisiana-mo.com/calendarofevents.html
Village of the Blue Rose
Half way between Louisiana, Mo and Clarksville, the Village of the Blue Rose is situated with a panoramic view of the Mississippi. This is a wonderful community that is nonprofit and nondenominational where adults with developmental disabilities live, learn and work. Be sure to visit the Flea Market Barn and the Red Barn Antique and Collective shop. Well worth the visit.
Website:
http://www.villagebluerose.org/Default.html
Phone:
573.242.3539
Calendar:
http://www.villagebluerose.org/Events/Calendar.html
Clarksville
Located on Hwy 79, The Great River Road, you will pass through some of the most scenic areas along the Mississippi. Along the way the are a number of sites to be seen.
Website:
http://www.clarksvillemo.us/home.html
Phone:
573-242-3336
Directions:
http://www.clarksvillemo.us/location.html
Louisiana, Missouri
About 30 miles south of Hannibal, the first residence was built in 1817. The streets are lined with beautiful antebellum homes, many of which are listed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places. Louisiana is one of three of the communities that form the “50 Miles ofArt”.
Website:
http://louisiana-mo.com/aboutlouisiana.html
Phone:
573.754.5921
Calendar:
http://louisiana-mo.com/calendarofevents.html
Village of the Blue Rose
Half way between Louisiana, Mo and Clarksville, the Village of the Blue Rose is situated with a panoramic view of the Mississippi. This is a wonderful community that is nonprofit and nondenominational where adults with developmental disabilities live, learn and work. Be sure to visit the Flea Market Barn and the Red Barn Antique and Collective shop. Well worth the visit.
Website:
http://www.villagebluerose.org/Default.html
Phone:
573.242.3539
Calendar:
http://www.villagebluerose.org/Events/Calendar.html
Clarksville
Located on Hwy 79, The Great River Road, you will pass through some of the most scenic areas along the Mississippi. Along the way the are a number of sites to be seen.
Website:
http://www.clarksvillemo.us/home.html
Phone:
573-242-3336
Directions:
http://www.clarksvillemo.us/location.html
Monday, September 6, 2010
Hannibal Missouri Day One
Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn and Becky Thatcher are alive, well and living along the shores of the Mississippi River. There is more to see than just Mark Twain, however; how about crossing the Mississippi on a ferry, seeing one of the largest congregations of eagles (and eagle watchers) or just enjoy following that “Lazy River” “The Big Muddy” the Mississippi.
Day One
Hannibal
Wander the streets of Hannibal and enjoy the peace of small town USA. You can browse the antique stores and find pieces of machinery that will make you ask “I wonder what this was for”, watch the barge traffic plying its way up and down the river or take a river ride with dinner thrown in.
Website: http://www.visithannibal.com/
Phone: 1-573-221-2477
Food:
The Woodside Restaurant at Garth Mansion
Two of Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain to the literary world) childhood friends grew up in this mansion. It has been converted to a bed and breakfast and has a beautiful dining room with a great menu.
Website:
http://www.garthmansion.com/index.html
Phone:
888-427-8409
Address:
11069 New London Road
Hannibal, Mo. 63401
(I strongly recommend calling for directions. It can be hard to find but well worth the effort.)
Hours:
Sunday – Saturday
Mark Twain Riverboat (1 hour)
See the Mississippi like it was meant to be seen….in the middle of the river. The one hour cruise includes a commentary on the rivers history, some of the legends that surround the river and of course the sites.
Website:
http://www.marktwainriverboat.com/index.html
Phone:
573-221-3222
Address:
Center Street Landing
Hannibal, Mo. 63401
Hours:
http://www.marktwainriverboat.com/cruise.html
Day One
Hannibal
Wander the streets of Hannibal and enjoy the peace of small town USA. You can browse the antique stores and find pieces of machinery that will make you ask “I wonder what this was for”, watch the barge traffic plying its way up and down the river or take a river ride with dinner thrown in.
Website: http://www.visithannibal.com/
Phone: 1-573-221-2477
Food:
The Woodside Restaurant at Garth Mansion
Two of Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain to the literary world) childhood friends grew up in this mansion. It has been converted to a bed and breakfast and has a beautiful dining room with a great menu.
Website:
http://www.garthmansion.com/index.html
Phone:
888-427-8409
Address:
11069 New London Road
Hannibal, Mo. 63401
(I strongly recommend calling for directions. It can be hard to find but well worth the effort.)
Hours:
Sunday – Saturday
Mark Twain Riverboat (1 hour)
See the Mississippi like it was meant to be seen….in the middle of the river. The one hour cruise includes a commentary on the rivers history, some of the legends that surround the river and of course the sites.
Website:
http://www.marktwainriverboat.com/index.html
Phone:
573-221-3222
Address:
Center Street Landing
Hannibal, Mo. 63401
Hours:
http://www.marktwainriverboat.com/cruise.html
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
10 Things To Do Before The Hurricane Hits
These are just a few things that I learned when I went through my first hurricane. At the time, I didn't give a thought to the fact that the electric could be out for 10 days solid.
1.) Get cash from the ATM or bank. If phone lines go down, you aren't going to be able to use your debit card, credit card or cash checks as everything is based on being approved through a phone line.
2.) Fill up your vehicles before the storm hits. Once again, if the electric goes out, unless the gas station has a generator, you aren't going to be able to use the pumps.
3.) Be prepared to NOT have phone contact with anyone. This includes using your cell phone as it relies on a local tower.
4.) Have plenty of drinking water stocked up.
5.) It doesn't hurt to have a small chainsaw on hand. At least you should be able to take care of any small trees that have been upturned during the storm.
6.) Make sure any batteries for flashlights, lanterns, etc. are fresh. Don't want to be stumbling around in the dark because the batteries are dead.
7.) Have a battery operated radio on hand (with fresh batteries of course). Hopefully, there will be radio reception for news and information.
8.) Plan on eating canned food for a period of time. Unless you have a propane refrigerator (like they have in RV's) you aren't going to want to open the fridge until the electric comes back on.
9.) If you have a gas stove top, you won't have to eat all your meals at room temperature; but if you have an electric stove top, you are going to be out of luck. (This includes microwaves, of course, since they also depend on electricity.)
10.) Make sure that you have stocked up on groceries to get you through the electrical outage. Again, all of the checkout lanes depend on electric to ring up the sale, open the cash drawer, etc. (And we all know what t is like to ask for a clerk to make change without the computer to tell them how much to give back, don't we?)
One last suggestion for you. Before the hurricane gets there, pack up and go visit someone inland that isn't in an area prone to tornadoes. Would hate to see you go from the frying pan into the fire.
1.) Get cash from the ATM or bank. If phone lines go down, you aren't going to be able to use your debit card, credit card or cash checks as everything is based on being approved through a phone line.
2.) Fill up your vehicles before the storm hits. Once again, if the electric goes out, unless the gas station has a generator, you aren't going to be able to use the pumps.
3.) Be prepared to NOT have phone contact with anyone. This includes using your cell phone as it relies on a local tower.
4.) Have plenty of drinking water stocked up.
5.) It doesn't hurt to have a small chainsaw on hand. At least you should be able to take care of any small trees that have been upturned during the storm.
6.) Make sure any batteries for flashlights, lanterns, etc. are fresh. Don't want to be stumbling around in the dark because the batteries are dead.
7.) Have a battery operated radio on hand (with fresh batteries of course). Hopefully, there will be radio reception for news and information.
8.) Plan on eating canned food for a period of time. Unless you have a propane refrigerator (like they have in RV's) you aren't going to want to open the fridge until the electric comes back on.
9.) If you have a gas stove top, you won't have to eat all your meals at room temperature; but if you have an electric stove top, you are going to be out of luck. (This includes microwaves, of course, since they also depend on electricity.)
10.) Make sure that you have stocked up on groceries to get you through the electrical outage. Again, all of the checkout lanes depend on electric to ring up the sale, open the cash drawer, etc. (And we all know what t is like to ask for a clerk to make change without the computer to tell them how much to give back, don't we?)
One last suggestion for you. Before the hurricane gets there, pack up and go visit someone inland that isn't in an area prone to tornadoes. Would hate to see you go from the frying pan into the fire.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Lafayette Louisiana Heart of Cajun Country
Zydeco, crawfish and good times. If you want to know what else Louisisana is all about besides the craziness of the French Quarter in New Orleans, plan a visit to Lafayette.
Tour 1
Breaux Bridges (2 hours)
A delightfully charming town that is quickly becoming a suburb of Lafayette. Visit the antique shops and call ahead to get a reservation at
Café des Amis
An internationally recognized eclectic,artistic neighborhood restaurant located in a national historic register building.
140 E. Bridge St.
337-332-5273
Open Tuesday - Sunday
Vermillionville (1 – 1 1/2 hours for the tour, 3 hours for the music)
300 Fisher Road
Lafayette, LA 70508
Phone: (337)233-4077
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10 am to 4 pm (call for Holiday hours)
Admission: $8 adult
$6.50 Seniors
$5.00 Students ( 6 to 18)
Tour 2
Avery Island
Tabasco Factory (1 hours)
Jungle Gardens (4 hours)
Admission: $8.00 Adults
$5.00 for children 12 and under
Phone: 337-365-8173
Hours:
Admission: $1.00 toll to enter the island
Tour 3
Atchafalaya Experience
Are you like me and think the swamps are beautiful? How about taking a tour to see what it is all about?
Boat trips into the swamps featuring nature. Designed for photographers, birders & nature lovers. Featured on 36 national and foreign TV shows, many newspapers, travel books and guides.
337-261-5150
Tour 1
Breaux Bridges (2 hours)
A delightfully charming town that is quickly becoming a suburb of Lafayette. Visit the antique shops and call ahead to get a reservation at
Café des Amis
An internationally recognized eclectic,artistic neighborhood restaurant located in a national historic register building.
140 E. Bridge St.
337-332-5273
Open Tuesday - Sunday
Vermillionville (1 – 1 1/2 hours for the tour, 3 hours for the music)
300 Fisher Road
Lafayette, LA 70508
Phone: (337)233-4077
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10 am to 4 pm (call for Holiday hours)
Admission: $8 adult
$6.50 Seniors
$5.00 Students ( 6 to 18)
Tour 2
Avery Island
Tabasco Factory (1 hours)
Jungle Gardens (4 hours)
Admission: $8.00 Adults
$5.00 for children 12 and under
Phone: 337-365-8173
Hours:
Admission: $1.00 toll to enter the island
Tour 3
Atchafalaya Experience
Are you like me and think the swamps are beautiful? How about taking a tour to see what it is all about?
Boat trips into the swamps featuring nature. Designed for photographers, birders & nature lovers. Featured on 36 national and foreign TV shows, many newspapers, travel books and guides.
337-261-5150
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Listen to the President and Visit Panama City Beach Florida
Sitting midway of the Panhandle of Florida, Panama City Beach, Florida has a lot to offer. Everyone knows about the Arcades, Mini Golf and Amusement attractions, but what else is there to do? Here's a start to your planning
Day 1
Museum of Man in the Sea – http://maninthesea.org/
Lunch Salty Sue's – http://www.saltysues.com/Menu.html
Gulf World – http://www.gulfworldmarinepark.com/
Pier Park – http://www.panamacitybeachonline.com/PierPark/
Dinner and a Movie
Day 2
Golf – http://www.signalhillgolfcourse.com/
Historic St. Andrews – http://www.historicalstandrews.com/stAndrews_florida.html
St. Andrews is located in Panama City, Florida. Nesseled between Panama City Beach and Panama City, it is home to many fishing vessels, little shops, and local restaurants serving up the local fare.
Lunch – Uncle Ernie's – http://uncleerniesbayfrontgrill.com/
Uncle Ernie’s is an experience that is sure to have you coming back again and again. Our restaurant was designed with you in mind. We offer fine dining in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. You’re able to enjoy live music, indoor or outdoor views along the water with a view of Bay County’s most beautiful sunset.
St. Andrews State Park – http://www.floridastateparks.org/standrews/
Well known for its sugar white sands and emerald green waters, this former military reservation has over one-and-a-half miles of beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and Grand Lagoon. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing. Two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp provide ample fishing opportunities for anglers. Two nature trails wind through a rich diversity of coastal plant communities - a splendid opportunity for bird-watching. Those wanting to relax can sunbathe on the beach or enjoy a leisurely lunch under the shade of a picnic pavilion.
Dinner – Boondocks – http://www.boondockspcb.com/the-menu.html
Day 3
Downtown Panama City – http://www.panamacitydowntown.com/Default.aspx?tabid=2189
Visual Arts Center – http://vac.org.cn/home.html
Panama City is recognized as one of America's 100 Best Small Art Towns and the Visual Arts Center has a unique responsibility to the community to maintain its status as a cultural arts leader in Northwest Florida. With the help of a dedicated staff and volunteers, we strive to meet this goal each year.
Lunch – Somethin's Cookin – http://www.somethinscookin.com/
Shell Island – http://www.captandersonsmarina.com/shell-island-dolphin-tours/
Come cruise with us on the glass bottom Capt. Anderson III for a family adventure you are sure to love. Relax as you cruise down Grand Lagoon to St. Andrews Bay headed for Shell Island. Spend an hour of fun on the island then head out to watch the dolphins play. A Shell Island family tradition for 51 years.
Dinner – Hammerhead Fred's http://www.hammerheadfreds.com/menu/specialties.html
Day 1
Museum of Man in the Sea – http://maninthesea.org/
Owned by the Institute of Diving, the Man in the Sea Museum showcases the progress of underwater technology, from the earliest days of diving to the most modern underwater habitats.
Gulf World – http://www.gulfworldmarinepark.com/
Come to Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, Florida, and see live shows featuring dolphins, sea lions and tropical birds. Explore fascinating exhibits showcasing penguins, flamingos, sharks, otters, alligators, sea turtles, iguana and much more. Make reservations today to Swim with a Dolphin, become a Trainer for a Day, attend Dolphin Day Camp or Snooze with the Sea Life!
Pier Park – http://www.panamacitybeachonline.com/PierPark/
Dinner and a Movie
Day 2
Golf – http://www.signalhillgolfcourse.com/
Historic St. Andrews – http://www.historicalstandrews.com/stAndrews_florida.html
St. Andrews is located in Panama City, Florida. Nesseled between Panama City Beach and Panama City, it is home to many fishing vessels, little shops, and local restaurants serving up the local fare.
Lunch – Uncle Ernie's – http://uncleerniesbayfrontgrill.com/
Uncle Ernie’s is an experience that is sure to have you coming back again and again. Our restaurant was designed with you in mind. We offer fine dining in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. You’re able to enjoy live music, indoor or outdoor views along the water with a view of Bay County’s most beautiful sunset.
St. Andrews State Park – http://www.floridastateparks.org/standrews/
Well known for its sugar white sands and emerald green waters, this former military reservation has over one-and-a-half miles of beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and Grand Lagoon. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing. Two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp provide ample fishing opportunities for anglers. Two nature trails wind through a rich diversity of coastal plant communities - a splendid opportunity for bird-watching. Those wanting to relax can sunbathe on the beach or enjoy a leisurely lunch under the shade of a picnic pavilion.
Dinner – Boondocks – http://www.boondockspcb.com/the-menu.html
Day 3
Downtown Panama City – http://www.panamacitydowntown.com/Default.aspx?tabid=2189
Visual Arts Center – http://vac.org.cn/home.html
Panama City is recognized as one of America's 100 Best Small Art Towns and the Visual Arts Center has a unique responsibility to the community to maintain its status as a cultural arts leader in Northwest Florida. With the help of a dedicated staff and volunteers, we strive to meet this goal each year.
Lunch – Somethin's Cookin – http://www.somethinscookin.com/
Shell Island – http://www.captandersonsmarina.com/shell-island-dolphin-tours/
Come cruise with us on the glass bottom Capt. Anderson III for a family adventure you are sure to love. Relax as you cruise down Grand Lagoon to St. Andrews Bay headed for Shell Island. Spend an hour of fun on the island then head out to watch the dolphins play. A Shell Island family tradition for 51 years.
Dinner – Hammerhead Fred's http://www.hammerheadfreds.com/menu/specialties.html
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Enchanted by the Land of Enchantment
Traveling through New Mexico can be like any other trip on a major highway, or like me you can select the side roads to see what the state is all about. Hopefully, you will give one or two of these a try.
East/West I-40
Albuquerque
Stand on the corner of Route 66 and Route 66 and ask passersby if they know why Route 66 crosses itself. (Central and 4th) http://www.legendsofamerica.com/66-facts.html
Visit the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Wonderful art gallery, performance center and wonderful hosts. http://www.nhccnm.org/
Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. On the weekends they have dance exhibitions. Lots of information to be soaked in. http://www.indianpueblo.org/
Petroglyph National Monument. Fascinating petroglyphs that are quite visible. Beautiful view of the city from the top of the Mesa. http://www.nps.gov/petr/index.htm
Grants
Take the side road to visit "Graffitti Rock" (our name for it) aka El Morro. Fascinating. Try to take the hike to the top to visit the ruins. http://www.nps.gov/elmo/index.htm
Acoma Pueblo/Sky City
A trip back in time. Well worth the side trip. http://acomaskycity.org/
North/South I-25
Santa Fe
Have to go to the Market in Old Town. Be prepared to barter but be fair. http://bit.ly/9yvw8T
Take a side trip to Santurio de Chamayo. Very peaceful. relaxing, interesting even if you don't believe in the healing dirt. http://www.elsantuariodechimayo.us/
Taos
Have to check out the art galleries. http://taoswebb.com/
Take a tour of Taos Pueblo. http://www.taospueblo.com/visiting.php
East/West I-40
Albuquerque
Stand on the corner of Route 66 and Route 66 and ask passersby if they know why Route 66 crosses itself. (Central and 4th) http://www.legendsofamerica.com/66-facts.html
Visit the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Wonderful art gallery, performance center and wonderful hosts. http://www.nhccnm.org/
Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. On the weekends they have dance exhibitions. Lots of information to be soaked in. http://www.indianpueblo.org/
Petroglyph National Monument. Fascinating petroglyphs that are quite visible. Beautiful view of the city from the top of the Mesa. http://www.nps.gov/petr/index.htm
Grants
Take the side road to visit "Graffitti Rock" (our name for it) aka El Morro. Fascinating. Try to take the hike to the top to visit the ruins. http://www.nps.gov/elmo/index.htm
Acoma Pueblo/Sky City
A trip back in time. Well worth the side trip. http://acomaskycity.org/
North/South I-25
Santa Fe
Have to go to the Market in Old Town. Be prepared to barter but be fair. http://bit.ly/9yvw8T
Take a side trip to Santurio de Chamayo. Very peaceful. relaxing, interesting even if you don't believe in the healing dirt. http://www.elsantuariodechimayo.us/
Taos
Have to check out the art galleries. http://taoswebb.com/
Take a tour of Taos Pueblo. http://www.taospueblo.com/visiting.php
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