Road Trips!

East Liverpool, Ohio: Lou Holtz Hall of Fame

2011-10-11T20:54:00.002-04:00

When it comes to the area around East Liverpool, Lou Holtz is definitely "the man." He coached Notre Dame to a national championship in college football, had a long coaching career in the sport, and is still working as a commentator on ESPN.

Around 1996, East Liverpool decided that some sort of museum to honor Holtz was a bright idea. Holtz said he'd only go along with it if others were honored as well. Within a few years, the Lou Holtz Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame was created.

Here's a view from the balcony. You can guess that it used to be a bank building in downtown East Liverpool; I believe the purchase price was a dollar. It opened in 1999. I'd say more than half of the main room is dedicated to Holtz. There is a display for other local products who have made good over the years. They also honor a national figure once a year now. Recent selections are John Boehner and Jerome Bettis, two people rarely seen in the same sentence. Lou is a little conservative politically -- OK, a lot conservative.

The building also holds the death mask of gangster Pretty Boy Floyd, as he was shot and killed in East Liverpool. Downstairs there is a nifty train set with a replica of the area. We had a very nice visit from a helpful tour guide. It's pretty obvious that East Liverpool is thrilled about Lou's success, and that he didn't forget his roots.

Chester, West Virginia: World's Largest Teapot

2011-10-11T20:43:00.002-04:00

It's Chester's top tourist destination!

For those crossing over from the Ohio side on the main bridge on U.S. Route 30 East, take the first exit. Once you reach the main road, go right -- under the highway. On the other side, by the on-ramp to go back over the bridge, is the world's largest teapot.

According to the official history, this started out as a giant root beer barrel (an ad for Hires), became a restaurant, and eventually turned into a tourist attraction when the city bought it. Supposedly Hampton Hotels supplied the money to fix it up in 2007.

After you snap the photo of it, you dodge a little traffic to cross the street and stop at the bait store/mini-mart. That's where you can find a post card of it. Mrs. Road Trips went in to buy one, and the woman in front of her bought a supply of chewing tobacco. You don't see women chewing much in Buffalo.

Newell, West Virginia: Homer Laughlin China Co.

2011-10-11T20:31:00.003-04:00

It always fun to watch stuff get made. This factory gives you that opportunity.

It's the Homer Laughlin China Company in Newell, only a few miles from the very top of West Virginia. That's one of the legendary companies in its field in the world. There are several plants operating, and this one features a factory outlet and tours.

The tours are free but require a reservation. About eight people can take a walk through the factory at once, led by a guide. There is some automation involved, but it's surprising just how much manpower goes into the creation of a dish or bowl. At the end of the tour, visitors are guided into a room with some historic pieces and shown a video on the company. As they leave, they get a commemorative dish marking their visit.

Pictures aren't allowed on the tour, and you should know that it is rather noisy. It's like a factory in there! Seriously, though, it was hard to hear the tour guide at times. I'm not sure how to solve that problem. At least the workers were friendly to the tourists.

There are people who love Fiesta dishes, collecting as much of it as possible. Some models are worth quite a bit as a result. There was an article by the front door on a man who proposed to his wife in the factory, such was her love for the stuff. The company even made up a special plate for the happy couple.

By the way, be sure to take a look across the Ohio River from the parking lot when visiting. The cliffs on the Ohio side are quite striking.

East Liverpool, Ohio: Point of Beginning

2011-10-11T20:14:00.003-04:00

You can argue that "the West" starts here.

It's a marker on the state line for Ohio and Pennsylvania, located on the north shore of the Ohio River. Back in 1785, the newly born United States didn't know much about what the lands west of Pennsylvania were like. Some surveying needed to be done. Thomas Hutchins got to work and figured out the point where Pennsylvania stopped. The mapping of the rest of the country, then, essentially began from that point. For the relatively complete story, click on this fine article from the East Liverpool Historical Society.

To be accurate, the original marker was down by the shore of the Ohio, and is believed to be underwater at this point. It was moved due north in order to improve access to it. You can find it right on Harvey St. along State Route 39 in Ohio; it changes route identification once the road goes into Pennsylvania. It's a few minutes from downtown East Liverpool.

American history pops up in some odd places.

Moundsville, West Virginia: Marx Toy Museum

2011-10-11T19:57:00.003-04:00

Did you ever think you'd see one of your childhood toys in a museum? Me neither.

This is the place to find one of them. The Marx Toy Museum pays tribute to the glory days of one of America's leading toy manufacturers. The company was a leader in the industry, thanks to the good work of Louis Marx. If you grew up in the 1950's and 1960's, you probably remember the television commercials ... closing with "By Marx!"

The company didn't adapt well to changes in the industry, apparently. Also, it sounds like Marx's family wasn't a natural at the business. Marx Toys went through a variety of takeovers, buyouts, etc. and finally went out of business.

However, the spirit lives on at this museum. The Moundsville area was the headquarters for the company, although it also had a plant in Erie, Pa. Some of the toys have been saved and are on display. The place is filled with toy soldiers, service stations, Western gear, etc. A couple of DVDs are available to show visitors the history of the company, samples, prototypes and commercials.

Happily, the Rock 'em - Sock 'em Robots have a place of honor as you walk in. I must have had the toy at age 12 or so, and my friends and I would pound each other. Blocks got knocked off regularly, but sure enough we could pop them right back on again.

Moundsville, West Virginia: Grave Creek Mound State Park

2011-10-11T18:49:00.003-04:00

To be silly, the Adenas are the people that put the mounds in Moundsville.

This Native group were around 2,000 to 3,000 years ago or so, and had the habit of cremating their dead and putting them in giant mounds. Now, these people had no wheels or horses, so you'd have to think a lot of work was done by hand.

A mound survived, a couple of miles at most from the Ohio River. It's now a state park, and visitors can walk up the 62 feet of stairs -- you'd better be in shape -- and walk around the top. From there they can see the surrounding area, including a nice view through some trees of the bridge to Ohio.

There is a museum in the complex, which along with a Native history lesson also includes some tributes to a couple of regional industries and local history. It's a one-stop lesson, I guess.

More information can be found here.

Moundsville, West Virginia: State Penitentiary

2011-10-11T18:39:00.003-04:00

Let's get something straight right away -- the prison has been closed since 1995. So visitors aren't going to wind up in the Big House for 6 to 10 years by mistake.

The West Virginia State Penitentiary covers 11 acres in downtown Moundsville, a slight odd place for a prison. It was known for its punishing rules and overcrowded conditions. Roadside America said it was like every prison movie you've ever seen, which is perhaps why it was closed.

Then, it had a second life as a tourist attraction. Tours are held throughout the day. The most popular part is probably the electric chair. In fact, post cards of the chair are on sale across the street.

If you want a look at what life was like in the Big House, this is the place to go.

New Vrindaban, West Virginia: Prabhupada's Palace of Gold

2011-10-11T18:19:00.005-04:00

Every so often on this site comes a destination that almost defies description. Welcome to another one.

This is said to be the only holy location for Hindus outside of India. It's not exactly where you would be looking either. Prabhupada's Palace of Gold is outside Moundsville, West Virginia, about 15 miles from Wheeling. You follow the sign off of Route 250 for about four miles down a winding road (you might see a Hare Krishna representative along the way), and then ... the palace appears.

Srila Prabhupada came to America from Calcutta in 1965. His followers decided to build him a palace, but he died before it was finished. They finished it anyway, and later added a temple.

The palace is a wide building that comes in layers or tiers and is ornately decorated (pictured). Tours are available, although there is a fee. Immediately surrounding the palace are a rose garden and a fountain. It's all well maintained and peaceful, and there's not a power line in sight.

Go down the hill, and the fun really begins. There's a large elephant statue by the parking lot, a couple of replica bulls a few steps away. Then there's the nice pond with a walking path around it. At a second pond, there are two 30-foot figures, each with an arm raised to the heavens. In the other direction is the temple and what looks like some dorms. Visitors can stay at either the lodge or in cottages, and there is food available.

Just when you think you have seen it all, the Palace of Gold turns up.

Sago, West Virginia: Sago Mine Disaster Monument

2011-10-11T15:58:00.004-04:00

Those outside of West Virginia might remember what happened in Sago in January 2006. An explosion in the coal mine there trapped 13 miners for nearly two days. Only one came out alive.

Residents raised money and had this monument constructed just off Sago Road in Sago, WV. It's near the end of a church parking lot. The sculpture is designed to honor all miners, and not just the 12 that died.

The memorial was dedicated in August 2006; read about that here. The mine closed in 2007.

Buckhannon, West Virginia: Randy Brown Memorial Chapel

2011-10-11T15:51:00.006-04:00

There is often a reason for roadside attractions. The catch is that you have to get out of the car and find them out.

This small chapel is located on Route 20 a few miles south of downtown Buckhannon. It's on the southeast corner at Sago Road, surrounded by a small park. Those who enter discover that Randy Brown was a child who died around the age of 8. His family decided to honor him in this manner. The surrounding area is called Children's Memorial Park.

By the way, the Sago Mine Disaster Monument is about three miles down Sago Road.

Richwood, West Virginia: Cranberry Glades Botanical Area

2011-10-11T15:30:00.004-04:00

I'll get to the story of the picture, which is an unusual one for this blog, in a minute.

Just off Route 219 in West Virginia is a designated highland scenic highway. I don't know who has the job of driving around and picking out such roads, but I guess someone has to do it. Route 150 eventually leads into Route 39, and there are some overlooks along the way.

Along the way, a side road takes you to the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area. This for the most part is a swamp. However, there's a boardwalk that goes into the area to allow close observation of the interesting ecological area. The bogs are high enough to that different types of plant grow there than would be expected in West Virginia.

There is a nature center right at the intersection of 150 and 39. Naturally, it was closed on a Wednesday in October so we were out of luck there.

As for the picture, the white plant shown is called cotton grass. I got down on the boardwalk so that I could take the picture from a low angle, with the fall foliage in the distant background. The result came out pretty well, even if it is not my usual shot of a building. Click on it to see a slightly larger image.

Slaty Fork, West Virginia: Sharp's Kissing Bridge

2011-10-11T15:13:00.005-04:00

Here's that bridge to nowhere that Sarah Palin talked about a while back. OK, maybe not, but at least no federal dollars were spent on this covered bridge in 2005.

Ken Gibson's uncle, Dave Sharp, always wanted to own a red covered bridge. I guess Dave thought it was romantic. So Ken built one, right off Route 219. The bridge crosses a very small stream, and leads to a field on the other side. Therefore, driving across is not a great idea.

A better plan is to park the car at the post office just north of the bridge, and walk over to it. Some pictures are hung there, including some wedding shots. Bring a friend along so you can share a quick smooch.

By the way, there's a treat if you keep going down Route 219 south. There's a barn on the west side near the general store, and someone has put up a stuffed farmer handing from the edge of the second-floor door. Plus there is a ladder nearby but too far away to be of much help. You can find a picture of it here. I've never seen takemytrip.com before, but it sounds like I should look around.

Cass, West Virginia: Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

2011-10-11T15:01:00.003-04:00

This picture reveals a big secret about the Cass Scenic Railroad. The engine pushes the passenger cars out of the station, and doesn't pull it.

West Virginia has all sorts of rail lines, particularly in the mountains where raw materials were collected. Some of them are collecting dust, so it's a good idea to use them as a tourist attraction in some cases. Cass is located just south of Green Bank in the mountains.

The railroad has two different tours -- one lasts 90 minutes and the other goes 4.5 hours. The season runs from May to the end of October, with the prices going up in September for those who want to see the change in tree colors.

And back at the station, there is a place to eat, a souvenir store, and a couple of historial museums. They will help kill the time until the train arrives. Complete information is at the company website. You really have to love old railroads to want to spend 4.5 hours around one, but if you qualify this is worth your time.

All aboard!

Green Bank, West Virginia: Science Center

2011-10-10T12:14:00.004-04:00

You may have heard of the radio telescope here, but it's tough to imagine the area until you visit. The telescope checks in at 17 million pounds, making it the largest object on earth that can move. It is visible from some distance away when driving in from the north.

The complex has a few historical devices used in astronomy elsewhere on the grounds. There are also dorms there as well as a visitors' center. By the way, the federal government has set up a "quiet zone" around the complex, which limits electronic communication in that area (cell phones, television and radio signals, etc.).

A few tips:

1. The best spot to get a picture of the big telescope is from the visitors' center, but the glass will get in the way. Go outside, and trees block the view. Speaking of cameras, digital cameras are not allowed near the main telescope. They might ruin some data.

2. The facility is open daily during the summer and Thursday through Monday in the other seasons. Make sure you try to go when the place is fully open. We arrived on a Wednesday and missed the tour. Darn -- and it's not as if Green Bank is right off the main road. Visitors can walk around the grounds, at least, so it's still worth a stop.

Elkins, West Virginia: Minnehaha statue

2011-10-10T12:02:00.004-04:00

If you owned a store called Hiawatha's, your first choice for a statue outside probably would be one of Hiawatha. The second would be one of Minnehaha, his wife.

In the case of a store in Elkins, West Virginia, the second choice won. On the corner of U.S. 33 and 219 is the store selling Indian handmade jewelry and gifts, and Minnehaha stands guard in the parking lot. Since those two routes are at the major intersection of those entering from the east, north, or south, it's a good location ... and many travelers get to see Minnehaha as they pass by.

Davis, West Virginia: Canaan Valley State Park

2011-10-10T11:50:00.003-04:00

Canaan Valley State Park is a 6,000-acre area in the Allegheny Mountains, the highest valley of its size east of the Rockies. It seems more like a resort area than a classic sightseers park, although it's easy to look around.

The resort and conference center have access to skiing, golf, hiking, cross-country skiing, etc. Tennis is also an option, although -- by the looks of the picture -- some deer will get to play the next time the courts are open.

In October of 2011, a large renovation program seemed to be taking place to the center. It ought to be quite nice when finished.

Davis, West Virginia: Blackwater Falls State Park

2011-10-10T11:39:00.004-04:00

Blackwater Falls is one of the highlights of any trip to the mountain areas of West Virginia. It's surrounded by a state part of the same name. There's a parking area near a "trading post." Visitors can walk down the more than 100 steps to get to the falls themselves.

Once they get there, they'll immediately notice the tea-colored water than drops six stories into the river below. According to the official website, the "black" water is a result of tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles.

There is a lodge and restaurant in the park, plus the usual facilities for fishing, boating, camping and hiking.

Silver Lake, West Virginia; Smallest Mailing Office

2011-10-10T00:32:00.004-04:00

Here's the first thing you need to know: The smallest church in 48 states is right next to the smallest mailing office, just off Route 219 in West Virginia near the Maryland border.

The second: After plenty of looking around, it's tough to tell what town the structures are in. The church is said to be in Horse Show Run, while the mailing office next door bills itself on the front wall as being in Silver Lake.

Whatever. Let's focus on the mailing office, which is different than a post office. Basically, people leave mail there, and someone sends it on its way in the U.S. Postal Service. There is not anyone working there.

But someone sure has a sense of humor. Check out the sign that greets you when you walk in the door. I was tempted to mail a post card to myself from there, just to see how long it would take to get home.

Horse Shoe Run, West Virginia: Our Lady of the Pines

2011-10-10T00:22:00.003-04:00

It's just south of the Maryland border on Route 219 in West Virginia. Blink and you might miss it, although there's a second entrance just down the road.

It, in this case, is Our Lady of the Pines. It is billed as the smallest church in 48 states. Roadside America raises the fair question as to whether the sign went up before 1959, or if there are smaller churches in two other states. The church was finished in 1958.

In any event, the church seats about 12, perhaps a bit uncomfortably. It has all of the usual bells and whistles associated with a church. It seems perfect for a very small wedding; there is even a picnic area close by.

For pictures of what it looks like from the inside, click here.

Shanksville, Pennsylvania: Flight 93 Memorial

2011-10-10T00:05:00.002-04:00

This was our second visit to the spot where Flight 93 crashed on Sept. 11, 2001. It might not be the last.

We visited a short time after the tragedy, driving through some back and dirt roads to arrive at a viewing spot that almost seemed homemade and thrown up very quickly. It still carried a great deal of emotion with it for anyone who visited.

Years later, the National Park Service has been working on a permanent tribute. The land between the crash site and U.S. Route 30 has been purchased and bulldozed into shape. A road winds to a parking area, which borders some kiosks and a small pavilion. Phase one formally opened on Sept. 11, 2011. (See the NPS site here.)

From there, visitors take a five-minute walk to the crash site. You see the wall above, with each portion marked with the name of a passenger who died in the incident. It's more reflective than emotional, but that's fine. It works pretty well.

Plans are in the works to add a visitors' center a short distance from the site, and to add trees along a new walkway. They are trying to raise money for the project.

Jennerstown, Pennsylvania: Statues

2011-10-09T23:56:00.002-04:00

If you are heading down Route 219 in Pennsylvania while on the way to seeing the Flight 93 Memorial, you are a wrong turn away from seeing a curiosity.

Those who leave Route 219's expressway at Route 30 should go east to the memorial. But if they go west for a few hundred yards at most, they'll see a pair of statues that would seem to have no connection to each other. One is a praying mantis, which is nine feet tall. It's been around since the mid-1960's, although it has taken some hits from vandals along the way.

Next to it is a statue honoring the bicycle built for two. This is said to be 17 feet high and a tribute to the bike trails in the area. The Lincoln Highway had a "Roadside Giants" project, and this was part of it.

By the way, those who head east from the intersection might see a mural honoring the Highway. There's no warning, so keep an eye out for it.

Somerset, Pennsylvania: Quecreek Mine Rescue Site Memorial

2011-10-09T22:02:00.004-04:00

Back in 2002, 18 miners in the Somerset area accidentally broke through into a flooded mine. Nine of them were trapped.

An massive rescue effort immediately followed. Crews on the surface had to figure out where exactly the miners were, and then they had to figure out a way to help them. Once the location was determined, a small hole was drilled down by the trapped miners to pump air into the area and keep the water out. Then a larger hole was drilled, and the men were carried, one by one, to the surface.

The good part is, all nine survived. The entry spot into the mine was 1.5 miles from where the workers were rescued (after 77 or so hours of being trapped), as they were pulled up on a farm off Route 985. Bill and Lori Arnold, the farm's owners, embraced the concept of a tribute to miners who survived and the workers who tirelessly enabled them to be rescued. This nice little park, just off the road, is that tribute. Besides the area pictured here, the tunnels are marked, and trees have been planted nearby. The farm house had added a bit of a museum to mark the event, and fundraising is taking place to make it better and perhaps move it to a public location.

The place is easy to find -- it's north of exit 110 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Follow Route 601 North, which turns into Route 985. There are signs along the way.

The area needed a bit of a boost, since Flight 93 crashed a dozen or so miles away from this spot in 2001. It's nice that the event is remembered this way.

Somerset, Pennsylvania: Breeding Ranch Tribute

2011-10-09T01:00:00.003-04:00

For those who expect to see a 12-foot replica of an elephant in a restaurant parking lot, they'd love Somerset.

Apparently this was put up as a tribute to the town's elephant breeding ranch a couple of years ago. It got moved to, of all places, an Eat 'N Park right near the entrance to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Get off at Exit 110, head down the access road, and you can't miss it at Center and Pleasant. There's a little plaque about the history of the site of the restaurant, which has little to do with the display.

Kinzua State Park, Pennsylvania: Kinzua Sky Walk

2011-10-09T00:40:00.003-04:00

The Kinzua Bridge used to be quite a tourist attraction. It was a railroad bridge that crossed the Kinzua Gorge. Passengers in the 19th century thought it was the closest thing to flying possible.

Eventually the bridge fell out of use, but the land became a state park. People, like me, visited it just to gawk at the construction involved. People were blocked from walking on it, but they could still marvel at it.

Then came 2003, as a tornado hit the area. The old bridge couldn't handle the winds at that point, so most of it tumbled into the gorge. That put an idea in someone's head. Why not firm up the part of the bridge that survived?

The state did exactly that, and the Kinzua Sky Walk was officially opened in 2011. Visitors can now walk on the top of the bridge shown here. There are even a few windows on the floor so that people can see what's below. The view of the gorge is great; the best part is seeing the destroyed portions of the bridge still on the ground. This picture was taken from the edge of the gorge.

Kinzua State Park is located east of Mount Jewett; look for a sign heading north off of Route 6, and another sign to the Sky Walk.

Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania: Mural

2011-10-09T00:28:00.004-04:00

For those headed to Kinzua State Park from the west, driving through Mount Jewett is part of the journey. They might notice on a building just north of Route 6 in the center of town a large mural. The catch is that you'll only notice it from the West. The mural is four stories high and was finished in 2004.

Kong Ho designed the mural, which recreates part of the town's history. You might notice the Swedish influence; Mount Jewett has a Swedish festival in August. Ho is an assistant professor of art at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, not too far away.

Great Valley, New York: Little White Church in the Dell

2011-10-09T00:18:00.004-04:00

If you need a place of reflection after a day of recreation in nearby Ellicottville, and don't mind tight quarters, the Little White Church in the Dell is the place for you.

This is a mighty small chapel, said to be six feet by 10 feet. It is in someone's front yard, and the owners obviously liked the idea of visitors dropping by for some peace. Yes, there is an altar inside.

Head south on Route 219 from Ellicottville, and head east on State Route 98. It's about half a mile down the road on the south side.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Statue of the Fonz

2011-06-23T00:44:00.004-04:00

He's one of Milwaukee's most famous residents, if fictional characters count.

"He" is the Fonz, Henry Winkler's character in the television series "Happy Days." The show was set in Milwaukee, and the Fonz became a memorable figure within a couple of years.

But how to honor him? The city fathers decided a statue on the Riverwalk would be appropriate. It went up in 2008, with much the show's cast attending the dedication. So the Fonz's image is there to welcome visitors, 24 hours a day.

How to get there? Head for the intersection of Wells Street and the Riverwalk. It's on the east side of the river, south of Wells.

The one catch might be that the statue doesn't look like it is in a particularly busy or prosperous section of the Riverwalk. Commercial development seems a little spotty in the region. But, you gotta start somwhere.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Lakefront Brewery

2011-06-23T00:30:00.003-04:00

Now THIS is what a brewery tour should be like.

Lakefront Brewery is rather tough to find, as it is tucked under a bridge along the river north of downtown. Therefore, you should get good directions first. And then get there.

First off, upon paying for the tour each customer receives four tokens each good for a six-ounce glass of beer. What's more, you are encouraged to get one before the tour even starts. Everyone, therefore, is in a good mood right from the start.

The guide plays her role nicely, with plenty of funny lines along the way. Most play up the angle that Lakefront Brewery is the little guy. Miller and Budweiser lose more beer in spillage than Lakefront brews in a given time period. There is some explanation of the brewing process, which is welcome. The building used to pull streetcars around the city, but had been empty when it was taken over by the brewers.

Along the way, this exhibit is shown. When Bernie Brewer slid into a big beer stein after a homer in County Stadium, this was the target. The stein didn't make the move into Miller Park (can't imagine why), so it has found a home in the brewery.

The tour concludes with everyone singing the initial verses to the Laverne and Shirley theme song. Then visitors head out to the sidewalk outside the brewery, where more taps await them.

If that weren't enough for $7, tourists receive a coupon good for another beer at local restaurants if redeemed by 6 p.m. that day. They also can trade in their paper cup used during their visit for a pint glass. During our visit, we talked to a native who didn't bother with the tour any more -- he just liked to come down to the brewery and sip on his beers.

This all works well; it's great -- and tasty -- public relations. Why would you go anywhere else?

Madison, Wisconsin: Monona Terrace

2011-06-23T00:14:00.004-04:00

The good people of Wisconsin really took their time with this one.

Frank Lloyd Wright came up with the idea to design a "convention center" in 1938. It got built about 59 years later. Heck, Wright himself died in 1959.

The idea was to connect the lakefront to the state capitol. This picture was taken from the observation deck of the capitol. You can see a fountain in the middle, and there's a nice patio on the roof. Inside, there is plenty of rooms for meetings, receptions, etc. When we were there, a public radio program was being broadcast.

The picture isn't the best of the facility, of course. We probably needed to go out on to the water and look back to get the full impact of the building. Nice to see the place done, though.

Madison, Wisconsin: State Capitol

2011-06-23T00:02:00.003-04:00

The summer of 2011 was a very odd time to visit the State Capitol building in Madison.

Where did all the protesters go?

The building was the center of attention during the months before that, what with the fight between Governor Walker and Democrats in the State Senate and the neighborhood filled with angry workers. The area became almost familiar through television.

A budget was passed shortly before our visit, and the only people in the surrounding streets this Saturday were customers for the farmers' market. It was a peaceful mob.

The Capitol is an impressive building even when not filled with angry people. After a rebuilding from a fire that was completed in 1917, the "new" structure is said to be closer to the U.S. Capitol than another state's center of government. The building is located on top of a hill between two lakes in downtown Madison. The facility has four main areas (executive, Senate, Assembly, Supreme Court) with a common meeting area under the dome.

Tours are available throughout the week, and are pretty interesting. Visitors do get to actually sit in the Senate chamber, which is odd considering the angry confrontations from that area shown on the news shortly before that. And the tour includes a visit to the observation deck, which has a nice view of downtown Madison and the University of Wisconsin.

But if you do visit, don't bring any tomatoes. Leave that to the legislators.

Madison, Wisconsin: Ella's Deli

2011-06-22T14:53:00.003-04:00

You want a nice, quiet meal? Go elsewhere. Ella's is for the child in you.

This deli east of the State Capitol in Madison is quite an attraction. The sign of the front lawn and the merry-go-round next pictured to the right might be your first sign that this is not a typical deli.

Inside, picture a baby's playpen gone berserk, and you'll get the idea. There's all sorts of toys in the building, with training running near the ceiling. Many of the tables have particular themes, such as one devoted to the Packers. Supposedly, when the owners get a new toy, they don't take out anything -- they just add to the collection.

As for the food, it's a big menu and certainly suitable. The ice cream list certainly got rave reviews from the public.

I think it's fair to say kids will love the place. Even the big ones.

Middleton, Wisconsin: National Mustard Museum

2011-06-22T14:36:00.004-04:00

Barry Levenson was the Assistant Attorney General of the State of Wisconsin in 1986. He also was a devoted Boston Red Sox fan. You might remember the World Series of that year, which didn't go well for the Red Sox. Levenson decided he needed some fun in his life.

So he quit his job and opened the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, near Madison.

One word of advice: go.

This place is amazingly witty, bursting with cleverness. The downstairs area is a not-for-profit organization legally, relying on the donations of visitors. There's a video on the subject called "MustardPiece Theatre." Sample mustard jars from brands throughout the world are on shelves. There's a trivia game about mustard. And an oversized stuffed French's mustard mascot that perfect for silly pictures.

Upstairs, you can buy a lot of different mustard, and can try them first at the Mustard Bar. Then there's the gift shop, filled with stuff actually buying. A sweatshirt devoted to Poupon U.? Check. The post cards are so clever, you'll want to buy a dozen.

Levenson happened to be in the building when we were there, and he's funny and gracious.

You might get some odd looks if you tell people that a mustard museum was a highlight of a vacation. But it will be.

Spring Green, Wisconsin: Taliesin

2011-06-22T14:23:00.002-04:00

If you like Frank Lloyd Wright, then a trip to his house in Wisconsin obviously makes sense a tourist attraction.

Wright always struck us as more of an artist than an architect. As he put it, he had a choice between arrogance and false modesty, and he took the former. But there's no double his work was distinctive, almost museum-like.

To be fair, this is pricey stuff. As of 2011, the house tour costs $47, and the full tour is $52. That's not Disneyland, but still rather expensive. So we passed on it. But those who like Wright's work seem to think it was worth it. Check out the reviews for proof. Reservations are suggested.

By the way, there's a visitors' center across the road from the actual home, which is nicely done. We didn't have the guts to sneak down the private road to take a picture of the house, so this shot of the entrance will have to do.

Spring Green, Wisconsin: House on the Rock

2011-06-22T14:03:00.006-04:00

Alex Jordan wanted to be an architect, so he applies to study under Frank Lloyd Wright's studio just down the street. Jordan was eventually told that he wasn't good enough to design a chicken coop and told to get lost.

Jordan went down the street, found a plot of land that included a big rock, and started building. And building. And collecting.

The result is "The House on the Rock," a rather peculiar tourist attraction in Spring Green. Words fail us in trying to come up with a description of the place.

There are three separate tours in the facility. The first is of the house itself, which has some odd touches that feel a little like a Wright project. The rocks on the mountain are part of the architecture, and the ceilings are low. It is unusual.

The most striking part of the house certainly is "the Infinity Room." This extends out from the rock into space. You can see a picture of it here, taken from a scenic viewpoint on the road to it. Even though visitors can't walk all the way to the end -- there's a barrier about halfway out -- they can go for enough to get dizzy in some cases.

Jordan opened up the facility to visitors and sold tickets, and people flocked to it. Naturally, he started plowing the profits into buying, um, stuff. The collections make up Tours Two and Three. The centerpiece is the world's largest carousel, which is great fun to watch. There are all sorts of other things here, such as guns and dollhouses and replica whales and a Streets of Yesterday display. On and on it goes. You just never know what's around the next corner.

There are no rhymes and little reason to the layout, and the effect is to make the late Mr. Jordan come off as, um, odd. This reminded us of Northlandz in Flemington, New Jersey, only bigger. Oh, there are some nice gardens on the grounds, and a building that offers insight into Jordan's life.

We thought tours one and two were the most interesting, while number three wasn't really worth the time. Your opinion may differ. The price for two tours isn't much different than for three, so if you make the effort to get there you might as well go for the Full Jordan.

P.S. The facility also runs an Inn and a Resort, complete with golf. We heard good things about the Resort and mixed reviews for the Inn.

Spring Green, Wisconsin: Military Park

2011-06-22T13:57:00.003-04:00

Attractions can pop up in unexpected places. Like this one.

We were driving from Wisconsin Dells to Spring Green in Wisconsin. As we approached our destination, in the middle of farm land, we came across this just off the road near the airport. So we stopped.

As you can see, it contains a helicopter, tank and airplane. It's something of a tribute to our military forces, which is nice. But if you look carefully, you can see a farm house in the background. It's a little jarring.

We couldn't find any more information on the place, but there's stuff like this out there for the curious.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin: Mt. Olympus

2011-06-22T13:35:00.003-04:00

Wisconsin Dells gets more tourists than any other part of the state. It's tough to figure out why until you actually get there.

It's Las Vegas for kids.

There are all sorts of attractions for the younger set -- miniature golf, bowling, chain restaurants, magic shows, and water parks. Lots of water parks.

One of the biggest attractions, especially in terms of advertising dollars spent, is Mt. Olympus. It's hard to avoid the signage approaching the area.

Mt. Olympus has six roller-coasters and some water slides. We particularly liked the coaster that goes under the body of a Trojan horse.

The facility has taken an unusual approach to housing. There is a hotel right on the grounds called Hotel Rome, pictured here. Those really are rooms facing out of the Colisseum replica. But Mt. Olympus also purchased some mom-and-pop hotels (and there are lots of them) in the neighborhood, no doubt to give the consumer a few more options when it comes to pricing.

We didn't stop and visit the park, due to a lack of time and interest in the main attractions. Still, as a service we checked the reviews for the place. While the rides seem to be fine, the rest of the place -- especially the hotels -- doesn't rate too well with the public. Customer service doesn't seem to be a priority, and security is an issue.

By the sounds of it, the park may be worth a visit if you like this sort of thing, but there are better places to stay.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin: Top Secret

2011-06-22T11:25:00.004-04:00

Sometimes you have to make decisions while on vacation, and we made a good one here.

We saw a brochure for an attraction called "Top Secret," and the description was quite vague. Then we pulled into the parking lot for a look. The premise is that aliens picked up the White House and dropped it upside down in Wisconsin Dells. So, we took a picture of the place, and moved on.

It took some digging to figure out what was going on. Essentially, this is a fun house. Some of the rooms are said to be built upside down, so there are artifacts stuck to the ceiling, etc. We don't like fun houses, so we moved on.

Good idea. Upon returning home, we looked up the reviews for the place. Here they are. I think it's fair to say the paying customers generally weren't impressed. Ouch.

If you do go, don't say you weren't warned.

Baraboo, Wisconsin: Circus World

2011-06-22T10:58:00.003-04:00

Vacations are supposed to be fun, right? And what makes you feel more like you've gotten away from it all than a circus?

No wonder Circus World in Baraboo is a popular attraction. It used to be the winter home of the Ringling Brothers circus, before the merger with Barnum and Bailey in 1922. You can still see some structures from that period.

John Kelley, the lawyer for the Ringlings, wanted to preserve some of the history from the period of the great railroad circuses, so he started Circus World. There are indeed circus acts put on during the course of the day. A particular favorite were the trained dogs, or if you prefer, "David Rosaire and his Perky Pekes." There are acrobats, clowns, horses, etc. as well.

But that's not all. This is said to be the largest collection of circus wagons in the world, and there's no reason to doubt it -- see the picture above. It's really a nice tribute to a past era.

The signage to get to Circus World can be a little unclear, so you might want to go on line to the website get clear directions. But if you simply drive into to the town, you'll find it by the river eventually. It's only 10 minutes from Wisconsin Dells, so there's a nice base of kids who should be ready and willing to go.

Ripon, Wisconsin: Little White Schoolhouse

2011-06-22T10:42:00.004-04:00

Here? The Republican Party started here?

That's right. The Grand Old Party has a birthdate -- March 20, 1854. The debate about slavery was raging at that point, and the Whig Party had essentially gone out of business. Alvan Bovay had moved to Ripon from New York, where he was a friend of newspaper publisher Horace Greeley. The Kansas-Nebraska bill had extended slavery into new locations, and Bovay had had enough. Some ex-Whigs and Free-Soil party members got together to see if they could come up with something better. Bovay suggested the name "Republican" and it went over pretty well and was adopted. Bovay wrote Greeley, and the fuse was lit.

In quick succession, the Republicans had a state meeting in July of 1854 in Michigan. Then the first national convention followed in 1856 in Pittsburgh. You could probably argue that our system is designed for two strong parties, and the vacuum had to be filled somehow. Even so, it was filled by an idea that started here in Ripon.

The hosting Little White Schoolhouse is located right in the middle of downtown, having been transported a few blocks before landing in its current spot in 1951. There are a few exhibits on the walls, and replicas of schoolbooks from the past are placed on the benches.

The facility is not heated, so you'd better show up between May and October when it is open. There's a most friendly woman who works inside that is more than happy to go over the history of the place. She even seemed appreciative when we pointed out that Greeley's name was misspelled on a blackboard in the front of the schoolhouse. (Note: His name also is spelled incorrectly once in the official brochure. Tsk, tsk.)

You don't have to be a Republican to enjoy a short visit to the place if you are in the area.

Green Bay, Wisconsin: Packers' Hall of Fame

2011-06-22T10:29:00.004-04:00

Need a crash course in the history of the Green Bay Packers? Come to think of it, there might not be many people in that exact situation. But if there are, this is the place to visit.

The Packers moved their Hall into Lambeau Field when the atrium was built, and they did a first-class job in every sense. The exhibits are well done, and there is plenty of history and artifacts on display. You can visit a replica of Vince Lombardi's desk, and even pose for a picture in his chair.

As you'd expect, the greatest players in Green Bay history get plenty of space. Only the Bears have more people in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, so there's plenty to talk about.

You might be surprised to know that this facility outdraws the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Then again, it's a better attraction. The place in Canton, which could use a lot more room, could take some tips from its counterpart in Green Bay.

Green Bay, Wisconsin: Lambeau Field

2011-06-22T10:23:00.005-04:00

You might be surprised to know that an atrium is the biggest attraction of any visit to Lambeau Field.

This addition to the fabled stadium was added around 2003, and it is spectacular. The Green Bay Packers really did a nice job with the atrium, which serves many purposes. The team's executive offices are there, as are a restaurant and bar. Down below are the team's facilities, which really are state of the art. And naturally, there is a huge souvenir stand. If you want anything with the Packers' logo on it, this is the place to visit. Our personal favorite was a woman's purse shaped like a football and decked out in green and gold. The cost was a little more than $100.

What's more, the addition has helped turn the stadium into a revenue producer. Tours are given of the building year-round, and Lambeau hosts something like 600 events per year.

Even if you are lukewarm about football, this is worth a stop.

Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin

2011-06-22T10:10:00.006-04:00

There's been a theft! Someone has taken the apostrophe out of his town's name!

It still is a pretty place anyway, in spite of the high crime rate. Baileys Harbor is on the Lake Michigan side of Door County. That's the relatively undeveloped side of the peninsula, although you wouldn't confuse any place on the strip of land with downtown Chicago.

According to the brochure, Captain Justice Bailey needed to get away from a storm on Lake Michigan in 1848 and landed in the harbor that now has his name. Before anyone knew it, people decided to say and settle in the area. A lighthouse went up in 1852.

There are some hotels and restaurants in the town, as well as a few other businesses. In fact, there's a "general store" of sorts on the waterfront that seems to have everything you could possibly need during a stay there. Just up the road from the waterfront is Kangaroo Lake, a pretty body of water that isn't too deep but good for some water sports like kayaking. It all looked pretty peaceful during our visit.

Sister Bay, Wisconsin: Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant

2011-06-22T01:11:00.006-04:00

This is one of Door County's most famous tourist attractions ... most of the time.

Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant and Butik is well known for its roof. Its roof? Yup. Because it is made out of grass. And sheep spend days grazing on the roof. You can cruise down Highway 42 (North Bay Shore Road) and see them.

Except, when we happened to be visiting. The friendly staff told us that reseeding of the roof was taking place, so the goats had to stay away for a few days. Darn, darn, darn.

Luckily, there's a goatcam attached to the restaurant's website. So we can check up on the goats whenever we want, and so can you.

The restaurant has all sorts of Swedish food on the menu -- it even has a fish boil on weekends -- and the gift shop is filled with items of that nature. It's perfect for someone who is even 1/500th Swedish (the author qualifies).

Peninsula State Park, Wisconsin

2011-06-22T01:02:00.004-04:00

Door County in Wisconsin practically becomes a suburb of Chicago in the summer, as many flock to take advantage of the cool lake breezes. There isn't a great deal of infrastructure in Peninsula State Park, as it's mostly designed for hiking, biking, boating, fishing, camping, etc. There's also a golf course in the grounds.

What's surprising about this area is that there's not a great deal of public access to the waterfront, as much of it seems to be in private hands. So it's nice to see that something like seven miles of coastline was preserved in this park.

The views of Green Bay, like the one above from Swen's Bluff on Skyline Drive, are particularly nice on a good summer day. Eagle Tower also is in that category if you are willing to climb a few flights of stairs.

Egg Harbor, Wisconsin: 45th parallel marker

2011-06-22T00:50:00.004-04:00

In theory, there are all sorts of places that could mark the spot that is theoretically halfway between the equator and the North Pole. After all, the 45th parallel goes around the world.

Few places actually do it, but Egg Harbor is one of them. (I've been to another in Nova Scotia.) It's right off Route 42 in Door County, the Cape Cod of Wisconsin. Pull off the side of the road, and you'll get a quick lesson in geography. For example, the distance between the two points on the globe isn't quite even, as the poles are flattened -- so the equator is 12 miles closer.

As you can see in the link here, there's another marker a few miles to the east.

Namur, Wisconsin: Belgian Settlement Marker

2011-06-22T00:39:00.004-04:00

Some drivers pull off the road when they see a sign for an historical marker, and I'm one of them.

While on the way to Door County, Wisconsin, drivers will see such a sign. They'll head down a side street, make a couple of turns, and be greeted with the nice display in Namur shown in the picture here.

I can't say I knew a whole lot about Belgian immigration to the United States, but seeing Brussels on a map of Wisconsin alerted me to the possibilities. There's a church and cemetery right behind the spot, that has been designated as National Historic Landmark.

More information can be found here.

East Otto, New York: Griffis Sculpture Park

2010-10-12T19:49:00.005-04:00

When a sunny, warm, autumn day arrives in Western New York -- particularly on the weekend -- many residents hop in their cars and head for the hills. That would mean south into so-called "Ski Country." One of their favorite destinations is Griffis Sculpture Park, shown in full color here.

This was started by Larry Griffis Jr. in 1966, and has carved out a nice little niche. It's located in East Otto, touching on Ashford Hollow, just off Route 219 (look for the sign pointing west) south of Buffalo and north of Ellicottville. Since its inception, the amount of work in the park has 250 pieces.

There are two sections to the park. The Rohr Hill area is perhaps the most well-known one. It has large sculptures just off the road, leading visitors eventually into the woods. Then there's the Mill Valley Road Site, which is not far from the Rohr Hill area and has more space.

The above picture is of "The Bathers," located in the Mill Valley area. If you look closely to the left, it looks like someone is pushing one of the swimmers into the water; I cropped out the rest of the person doing the "pushing."

It's $5 to tour the park; collection is done on the honor system with a box at Mill Valley. You can learn more about the place here.

Cavendish, Vermont: Phineas Gage Plaque

2010-08-19T10:42:00.005-04:00

Every town has a claim to fame, as we've discovered on this blog. Cavendish, Vermont, has an odd one.

It's about a guy who had a 13-pound rod go through his head, and he lived to tell about it.

Phineas Gage was working on a railroad line in 1848 when disaster struck. A rod went under eye, into the brain, and out the top of his skull. He was not only alive, but never lost consciousness. Gage lived until 1860, although his personality was changed.

Cavendish "celebrated" the 150th anniversary of the event in 1998 with a plaque at Route 131 and S. Pleasant Street. It has a timeline of events. By the way, although the plaque is vague on the subject, doctors did remove the rod.

Railroad workers of America -- be careful on the job!

Hillsboro, New Hampshire: Franklin Pierce Homestead

2010-08-19T00:49:00.003-04:00

Future President Franklin Pierce was born in Hillsboro, New Hampshire. The place he was actually born was a little shack that fell apart and is now under water (nicely named Franklin Pierce Lake). Little Franklin moved into the family homestead after a few weeks, which was under construction at the time.

Franklin's dad, Benjamin, was a rich guy who was at one point Governor of New Hampshire, so Franklin followed in those footsteps and surpassed Dad. It's a nice house, right on the turnpike way back when, with plenty of room for guests. The house doesn't get much public support, so it's a battle to keep the place looking good, but the staff is friendly and enthusiastic. Our tour guide was a real character, a woman who doubles as a snowboard instructor.

Franklin Pierce might be our most anonymous President. He was in office from 1853 to 1857. He wasn't even renominated by his own party, and the forgettable James Buchanan took his place. When I mentioned to the guide that no one was going to do a good job of President in 1853-1857 because of the upcoming Civil War, she seemed relieved that someone noticed.

Every little boy can be President. Even in Hillsboro.

Goshen, New York: Historic Track

2010-08-19T00:43:00.004-04:00

The harness races in Goshen started in 1838, and they are still taking place today. The half-mile track still hosts some workouts by area horses, which can be seen by visitors to the adjacent Hall of Fame.

If you turn up in Goshen in the correct week, though, you can see racing. In midsummer a week of racing is held. The grandstand, which looks as if it holds a few hundred people, no doubt turn out to see the action. There's no betting, but there is a hand-powered scoreboard in the infield.

It really does feel like the 19th century while walking on the grounds. Which, no doubt, is the idea.

Goshen, New York; Harness Racing Hall of Fame and Museum

2010-08-19T00:35:00.003-04:00

If you want to take a trip back to the 19th century and its genteel world of harness racing, Goshen is the place to go. It's a pretty old town just off Route 17 in the Catskills. It's all the place where harness racing started in America.

Thus, it was a natural place for the Hall of Fame to go. Better yet, it's free.

There are a couple of floors of exhibits in the building. The highlight is a 3-D ride that takes visitors on a simulated trip around a track in a race. It's nicely done. There are also opportunities to pose for pictures and participate in interactive exhibits. Oh, there's the usual material by Hall of Fame standards. Who knew Hambletonian was an actual horse?

Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania: Raymondskill Falls

2010-08-19T00:28:00.004-04:00

According to the story, the federal government at one time planned a dam for the Delaware River. The flood plane was projected to submerge much of the area where New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania meet, so houses and property were purchased. Then, the dam was never built.

And so the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area was created. Here's one of the highlights, a waterfall that is only four feet shorter than Niagara Falls. Of course, there's a lot less water going down it -- especially in a dry August -- but it's still pretty and worth a stop if you are in the area. It's just off Route 209, a few minutes from Milford.

Milford, Pennsylvania: The Columns

2010-08-19T00:17:00.005-04:00

Welcome to the biggest (well, "most unusual" would be a better description) tourist attraction in Milford, Pennsylvania. It's a flag with Abraham Lincoln's blood on it.

OK, it's not Mount Rushmore. It seems when Lincoln was shot, somebody grabbed something, anything, to cradle the President's injured head. A flag qualified. Lincoln went across the street shortly after that, and the flag fell into private hands. Then it was donated to the Pike County Historical Society, which has it right off the entrance.

The museum goes through two floors, and has the usual variety of local history on display. Baseball fans might remember Smokey Joe Wood, who was a star pitcher for the Boston Red Sox about 95 years ago until he blew out his arm. There are some nice clippings about this native son.

The museum is at 608 Broad St. in Milford, right in the midst of the major commercial district of the village.

Bethel, New York: The Museum at Bethel Woods

2010-08-18T23:57:00.005-04:00

Face it. If you are of a certain age, you want to see the spot where the famous Woodstock rock concert was held in 1969.

Up until a few years ago, you could go to the spot where the concert was held in pretty much its natural state. It was easy to picture the natural amphitheater formed by the rolling farmlands in the Catskills. (Note to those who have forgotten: Woodstock, N.Y., was the original host town for the show, but it was moved to Bethel relatively late in the process.) A plaque was placed by the corner where the stage was.

However, in the past few years, the landscape has changed. The Bethel Woods Center for the Arts has gone up on the top of the hill. The highlight is the museum, which is said to mark the Sixties and Woodstock, but it's mostly there for the concert. The picture is of the non-museum part of the facility, used for small concerts, dinners, fund-raisers, etc. Very nice.

The museum has the usual assortment of memorabilia posted, with plenty of audio/visual displays. There's even space for those attending to write down or record some memories of the famous weekend. I think you could argue that the museum romanticise the concert a bit, and I thought it was a little pricey at $13 in 2010 dollars. But it's still worth a visit, especially if you wore out the record or watched the movie ... which you should have done by now.

One footnote: The gift shop has very few items with the name of Woodstock, due to licensing issues. You can buy all sorts of stuff with "Bethel 1969" on it, but it's not the same.

Meanwhile, the grounds have been developed. There is a concert facility that can hold 15,000 people, and some good-sized acts play there in the summer. That must be fun for some of the acts involved.

Gold Hill, Nevada

2010-07-14T20:57:00.002-04:00

Gold Hill is even closer to the place where the Comstock silver lode was discovered in the 19th century. Virginia City was the main drag of the time, but Gold Hill lingers. It's mostly known now as a stop for the V & T Railroad, but there is a restaurant there. The railroad depot is one of the few buildings that has more or less made it into the 21st century. You can see evidence of the mining in the top half of the picture.

Virginia City, Nevada: V and T Railroad

2010-07-14T20:45:00.004-04:00

All aboard!

The V&T Railroad is something of a throwback. One train goes from Virginia City to Gold Hill and back, a 4-mile round trip. There's a real steam engine pulling the two passenger cars (one open, one closed) along. It takes about 35 minutes for the whole trip, which is about right, since that gives a nice way to see the countryside as it looks today. Riders even get to go through a tunnel. One warning: you might run into some outlaws who are robbing money (and making bad jokes) for charity, so bring a couple of extra singles along for the ride.

The short run has been so popular that the railroad has added a train to Carson City. That one takes 90 minutes or so one way, and makes a couple of runs today.

Virginia City, Nevada

2010-07-14T20:10:00.003-04:00

Virginia City used to be one of the richest places in America.

Around 1859, vast stocks of gold and silver were found in the region, which is southeast of Reno. The United States couldn't get it out of the ground fast enough; they needed the money to pay for the Civil War. Lots of people made some serious money through the minerals, and Virginia City became one of the richest places in America.

For a while. And then the gold and silver ran out, and almost everyone left.

After a little work, Virginia City came back to life as a National Historic Site. It's the nation's largest such place, in fact. The buildings along the main drag have been fixed up, and the wood sidewalks remain in place. Yes, you can buy a t-shirt in every fourth store and a beer in every third, but it's still an interesting place for a walk.

There are a few other buildings in the town, and the view to the east goes for something like 100 miles on a nice day. It's worth a stop if you are in the neighborhood.

South Lake Tahoe, California: Heavenly Ski Resort

2010-07-03T12:00:00.003-04:00

The Heavenly Ski Resort features a most unusual gondola. The bottom is located right in the middle of a shopping district, only a couple of blocks from Lake Tahoe and just off the main road. When you board the gondola, you seem to go straight up, and up, at times, until you reach the first stop.

That's the observation desk, and the view of the lake and surrounding mountains is breathtaking. You can take all the time you want to look around, take pictures, visit the usual gift shop, etc.

Then it is on to the base camp of the ski resort. There's a big sign that says California to the right, Nevada to the left, as the resort crosses the state line. A restaurant is located up there as well, but frankly it seems like it would be a better place for lunch in the winter, when there's a ton of activity, than in June.

It's hard to imagine a better place to ski, although Squaw Valley is just as nice, and those of us with weak ankles can enjoy the sites as well.

Carson City, Nevada: Nevada State Museum

2010-07-03T11:50:00.004-04:00

The State of Nevada is a couple of hundred years behind the East Coast when it comes to history in one sense, forgetting the Native stories for a moment. So you'd expect that a state history museum would be smaller for that reason.

Still, Nevada has done a nice job with its facility, which has seen a couple of additions over the years. The big attraction is that it is the former home of a U.S. Mint. There are tributes to wildlife, mining, Native life, and gambling.

The museum is looked a few blocks from the State Capitol. It may be small, but it's well put together.

Carson City, Nevada: The State Capitol

2010-07-03T11:40:00.004-04:00

The State Capitol of Nevada dates back to 1871. It's been fixed up a few times since then, including a $6 million remodeling in 1981, and it's still pretty nice.

The building used to house all three branches of state government, but the legislature and judiciary now have their own buildings within the campus of downtown Carson City. (It's a nice layout, by the way. Someone did a good job of planning.) The Capitol mostly houses the executive branch, as the Governor has an office there. You can even stop in and pick up the Gov's business card if you are so inclined.

Portraits of former Governors are hung on the walls of the building, and visitors can see the old legislative and judical chambers.

By the way, the Nevada legislature by law can only meet every other year for a maximum of 120 days. Sounds like a good way to keep them from doing much mischief ... particularly if you live in the state of New York.

Kirkwood, California: Caples Lake

2010-07-02T15:28:00.003-04:00

For those visiting Carson Pass for that "top of the world" feeling, a few more miles of travel down Route 88 to the West offers a reward. It's a view of Caples Lake, another body of water filled with the deep blue color of snowmelt.

If you want to do some cross-country skiing or hiking, this should keep you occupied. There is a resort along the shore of the lake called, cleverly, "Caples Lake Resort."

Alpine County, California: Carson Pass

2010-07-02T15:19:00.004-04:00

Head south out of Lake Tahoe, and you'll find all the open space and scenery you could ever want. There are only a couple of people per square mile in this area, according to the tour book, and that's easy to believe.

Carson Pass is the way through the mountains toward the coast on Route 88. It's 8,673 feet above sea level. The area has a visitors' center, open in the summer (meaning we missed it), and a small momument to Kit Carson.

As the picture shows, there's a lot of snow up there ... even in June. Looks like you can only hike up there for only a few months a year.

Lake Tahoe, California: Emerald Bay

2010-07-02T14:59:00.003-04:00

The drive to this spot on the southwest corner of Lake Tahoe is a little scary. It's a two-lane road, with no guardrails and big drop-offs on either side. But, it's really worth it.

Emerald Bay is one of the few inlets in Lake Tahoe, carved out by glaciers so that it just missed being a separate lake of its own. Inspiration Point overlooks the bay from the south side. As you can guess by the photo, it's one of the most popular places in the area.

Here's a friendly tip -- go here either early in the day or late in the day. There isn't much parking in the vicinity, and the lots can fill up quickly. You'll want to take your time enjoying the scenery.

Lake Tahoe, California: Taylor Creek

2010-07-02T14:52:00.004-04:00

Care to learn about the Lake Tahoe environment? This is the place to stop. The United States Forest Service has a visitor center right off the main road, complete with information about the area.

Then, people are invited to take a walk on a short, gentle hiking trail nearby. By the way, it can get a little soggy along the way, so dress appropriately. But you get to see sights like the ones pictured here.

The Stream Profile Chamber allows visitors to look at Taylor Creek from something like a cross-section; you can see the fish in the water, etc. Check out the hours of operation before you go, though; we just missed it.

Lake Tahoe, California: Tallac Historic Site

2010-07-02T14:45:00.004-04:00

Ah, the Roaring Twenties -- when the wealthy knew how to spend their money.

At least that was the case at the Tallac Historic Site, located on the south side of Lake Tahoe. It's actually a collection of 28 buildings spread out over 150 acres. Visitors can take tours of the larger houses for a small fee. But if you show up after hours, you still can peek inside the windows and strong the grounds.

The highlight, as you might expect, comes near the water's edge. The view of Lake Tahoe is terrific. And you don't have to be a member of the Jet Set to enjoy it.

Squaw Valley, California

2010-07-02T12:01:00.003-04:00

Squaw Valley is best known as the host of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Fifty years later, it's a huge ski complex. Emphasis on huge. How about 4,000 acres of skiing area? No wonder there's a guarantee that you won't have to wait more than 10 minutes to get on your slope.

The valley itself is filled with housing of all sorts and stores. It's become something of a year-round destination, although when we were there in June it seemed a little sleepy. (The golf course looked pretty empty.) Can't imagine what it would be like in January, though. It has to be one of the great places around for skiing, if only to look out on Lake Tahoe from the top of the hill.

There's not too much left of the Olympic facilities. The Olympic Village is now the main administrative center. A small museum to honor the Games is located on top of the mountain (it's in the building where the gondola stops).

If you do visit in the summer, be sure to check the Web site to see what's open. The gondola ride is worthwhile for the fine views, but the dates of operation vary.

This is expensive territory, but definitely worth at least a short visit.

Lake Tahoe, Nevada: Memorial Point

2010-07-02T11:43:00.005-04:00

Lake Tahoe is famous for its big rocks. Pick up a travel book or tourist literature, and you'll see some. The casual photographer wonders, "How do I get a shot of them?"

This is the place. Memorial Point is located on the northeast side of the lake, not too far from Incline Village. There's a little visitors area just off the road, with trails going around the area from there.

Supposedly little snow accumulates here, so it is open year-round. It's free. And you can take pictures like this. Obviously, worth a stop.

Lake Tahoe, Nevada: Logan Shoals Vista

2010-07-02T11:36:00.003-04:00

This spot is located right off U.S. 50, before the roadIt heads east to go to Carson City. The vista is easy to explore and offers some good views of the area, so it's worth a stop.

Besides, almost anyone can take a great picture of the region from here. As you can see.

Lake Tahoe, Nevada: Cave Rock

2010-07-02T11:27:00.003-04:00

Cave Rock is something of a landmark in Lake Tahoe. It's located on the east shore, a few miles north of South Lake Tahoe/Stateline. The rock is visible from the lake, as we discovered on a cruise.

What's more, you can drive through it. There are a couple of tunnels for traffic on U.S. Route 50, and the view is always impressive when you come out. It's a little tough to get close to it, but perhaps you can see it better if you click on the picture to blow it up.

South Lake Tahoe, California: Tahoe Queen

2010-07-02T11:15:00.002-04:00

When they are visiting Lake Tahoe, most people like the idea of getting some perspective on where exactly they are. It's tough to do that from the road that rings the lake.

Therefore, cruises are a popular attraction there. The Tahoe Queen is a big paddleboat that runs out of South Lake Tahoe. There are a few different offerings. We took the 2.5-hour trip (that lasted three hours when we had trouble docking) to Emerald Bay, and there are dinner cruises as well. (Check out the tourist literature to see other cruises in the area; you might want something smaller.)

This is a big boat with three levels for passengers. That gives kids some space to run around. What's more, you get a different perspective from the top as opposed to being right at water level on the bottom. There is some overpriced food and drink available for purchase. Some cruises can be a little dull, but this was one of the good ones and is worth your time.

Lake Tahoe, California: Vikingsholm Castle

2010-07-02T11:04:00.002-04:00

There's nothing like waterfront property.

This nice little summer home is located in Emerald Bay State Park, on the west shore (near the south end) of Lake Tahoe. It was built in 1929, and used materials that were mostly from the region. The house isn't far from Lake Tahoe's only island; the owner used to run shuttle boats for guests over to it. Then everyone would sit in a teahouse, built on the highest point of the island, and talk about, um, the weather.

You have to be in pretty good shape to get here. Visitors park above the house off the main looping road and walk down to the house. Then when they are done, they have to go back up ... and it's pretty steep. The picture above was taken from a boat in the bay.

Truckee, California: Donner Lake

2010-06-29T16:44:00.003-04:00

Sometimes, it's easy to stumble on a not-so-well-known scenic moment.

Such was the case here. We visited Donner Memorial State Park to learn about the Donner Party, and went down the road to look at the lake that was on a map. There Donner Lake appear. It resembled a mini-Lake Tahoe, with a deep blue color due to the snowmelt that feeds it.

The lake is located only a few miles from Donner Pass -- you can coast to Sacramento from there, we're told -- and has all sorts of beautiful houses on the shore and in the hills looking down upon it. We talked to a resident who retired there, and he couldn't be happier -- says he plows his driveway after the six snowstorms a year, and otherwise enjoys the view year-round.

Truckee, California: Pioneer Monument

2010-06-29T16:28:00.004-04:00

Back in the winter of 1846-47, the Donner Party was attempting to finish a crossing of the North American continent. The problem is that they made a lot of mistakes along the way, mostly in the form of delays.

Therefore, when winter's full fury arrived, the Party was in the Sierra Nevada mountains and not in, say, downtown San Francisco. The group built cabins and did the best they could, but it was a bad time to be in that part of the world. The snow piled up and piled up. When one member of the group died, the others had to practice cannibalism in order to survive -- which is what most people remember about the story.

Help arrived in February or so, as 48 of 87 made it to safety in California. The Donner Party probably would be surprised to see a state park named after it (particularly since state parks really didn't exist then). The monument is designed to be a tribute to all those who crossed the mountains in those pioneer times.

The area has a visitors' center, which has an old but useful film about the Donner Party. And it's a short walk on a trail to see where a couple of the cabins weren.

Truckee, California

2010-06-29T16:00:00.003-04:00

Truckee is located just west of the California/Nevada boundary, and just off Interstate 80. It's probably the biggest commercial area in that part of the country, but it has a little twist.

Part of the old downtown has been preserved and turned into an historic district. You can walk along the main street and feel a little like you are back in the 1800's. That's fitting for a town that started as a railroad stop once the Transcontinental Railroad was built

The town has done a good job of fixing up the area, making it a good place to stop for lunch and look around for an hour or two. Pictured above it the Truckee Hotel. I'm told that the jail (technically, the Old Truckee Jail Museum) located in the district is worth a visit.

Reno, Nevada: Aces Ballpark

2010-06-29T15:45:00.005-04:00

Reno may not be a big-league city, but it's a Triple-A city ... if we're talking baseball. And the new stadium reflects that.

Reno has a great ballpark in the middle of downtown, a mere two blocks from the National Bowling Stadium and some major casinos. It opened in 2009, and hosts the Aces -- an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. We particularly liked the garbage cans that had team batting helmets on top of them.

Attached to the stadium is a nice restaurant that overlooks the playing field. It looks like a great place to sip a drink and watch the action. One tip -- if you are visiting the restaurant for lunch when the team isn't playing, save yourself a few dollars and park a few blocks away. There's a bit of a tariff to park across the street from the place.

Reno, Nevada: National Bowling Stadium

2010-06-29T15:35:00.004-04:00

I have been to bowling heaven. You don't have to die to get there, just visit Reno.

The National Bowling Stadium is located in downtown Reno, only a couple of blocks from the famous sign pictured elsewhere on this site.

It's huge. No, really. It takes up a full city block. There are dozens and dozens of lanes (78, all told), and enough seats to hold a few thousand spectators. And the pro shop! It's bigger than some high school gymnasiums. You can buy all sorts of gifts in the place; we stocked up on key chains for friends.

The Reno Web site says there's nothing like it in the world. No reason to doubt that claim.

The picture shown here is that of a sculpture of a family getting ready to bowl. I believe there was a note on tourist literature that it was the most photographed sculpture in Reno; not sure what is second. It was donated by the Brunswick Corp.

Reno frequently hosts bowling tournaments. When we landed at the airport, we were stunned by the number of bowling balls that came out at the baggage claim area.

You'll never look at your local lanes the same way after seeing this place.

Reno, Nevada

2010-06-29T15:20:00.003-04:00

Reno's most famous attraction is a sign.

That may sound a little odd, but it's true. The Reno Arch over Virginia Street downtown in practically an icon -- particularly when it's lit up at night. This was taken during the day, of course, but it's still impressive. At least I remembered to take a picture of this one, as opposed to my visit to Las Vegas.

Downtown Reno is something of a mixed bag. It has a few huge casino complexes; you can see The Virginian in the background here. There are a few pawn shops and businesses along the lines in the neighborhood as well. It reminded me a bit of "old Las Vegas," meaning the part that doesn't have the Strip. The city fathers of Reno are obviously trying hard to make it all work.

Pyramid Lake, Nevada

2010-06-29T15:06:00.004-04:00

You've heard of Lake Tahoe, of course. But where does Lake Tahoe drain?

Why, Pyramid Lake, of course. It's about 30 miles northeast of Reno. The Truckee River comes out of Lake Tahoe and heads for Pyramid Lake. There, the water stops flowing. The water is a stark contrast to the rest of the area, which is quite brown and stark -- beautiful, in its own way.

The lake gets its name from a pyramid-shaped rock on the east side of the lake. There's no easy way to get up to it, unless you like to do some hiking, but it's easy to see when you are on the west side. The picture above was taken in Sutcliffe, a village that looks like the center of activity in the area. In the foreground is an interesting rock formation; check with your local geologist for information on that one -- fun to look at, though.

The lake is surrounded by the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, and it looks like outdoor activites (boating, fishing, etc.) are the major attraction. It makes for an interesting morning side-trip if you want to get away from the green of Lake Tahoe or the casinos of Reno.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Forbes Field

2009-10-23T13:26:00.005-04:00

Forbes Field was home to the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1909 to 1971. Then it was torn down as the Pirates headed to Three Rivers Stadium downtown. While Three Rivers is already gone and hardly missed, Forbes Field is still a pleasant memory to many.

Maybe that's why parts of the place are still visible to the public. Part of the outfield wall has been saved. It sits in Schenley Park, adjoining the University of Pittsburgh. Every October 13, people gather and listen to a recording of Game Seven of the World Series, ended by Bill Mazeroski's dramatic walk-off home run.

Home plate was saved as well, and it can be found in Posvar Hall across the street from the wall. However, it's not exactly where it was when the ball park was standing. Supposedly, home plate rested where a women's restroom is now. The display spot in the hall is a bit more, um, tourist-friendly. There's a nice autographed picture of Mazeroski nearby. It's all worth a look for baseball fans.

North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania: Big Mac Museum

2009-10-23T13:20:00.003-04:00

Mmmmmm.

I'm sure I don't have to tell you folks that the Big Mac was invented in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Such an event deserves to be remember, and this one is ... but not in Uniontown, but in North Huntington.

The Big Mac Museum is part of a McDonald's on U.S. 30 just West of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. There are a variety of kiosks and exhibits dedicated to the Big Mac, including packaging and pictures. The big thrill, though, comes when entering the kids' area. The Big Mac pictured above is waiting for you.

While you can order a Big Mac there, no one seems to have a problem about someone stopping by to look around.

Gallitzen, Pennsylvania: Gallitzen Tunnels Park

2009-10-23T12:52:00.003-04:00

It's tough not to hear about railroads when visiting Southcentral Pennsylvania. Every town likes to connect itself with the history involved, and that includes Gallitzin.

The town is located a little bit West of Altoona, off U.S. 22. Right in the middle of it is Gallitzin Tunnels Park. You take a walk on an overpass and see the tunnel that is still used by the Norfolk Southern. To its left is the remains of another tunnel, now out of use.

Adjoining the park is a restored caboose and some informational signs. Across the street is a small museum and gift shop. The workers there really are happy to see visitors; be sure to sign the guest book to let people (meaning those who keep track of attendance for funding purposes) know you were there.

Altoona, Pennsylvania: Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark

2009-10-23T12:41:00.004-04:00

As railroad curves go, this is a pretty interesting one.

The railroad industry had a problem in the 1850's -- how should get it an east-west line in Pennsylvania? The terrain was rather rugged. Engineers eventually came up with an elegant solution. They filled in some of the gaps in the landscape, and then built a rail line that made a sweeping curve of about 220 degrees as it slowly climbed up hill and out to the West.

It worked. In fact, it became one of the busiest train spots in the country. The site has been guarded during wartime (from the Civil War to World War II).

The facility is now a tourist attraction and a national landmark. Located just to the west of Altoona, railroad enthusiasts can drop by for as long as they want and watch the trains go by. Give it an hour, and you'll see a few -- sometimes two at once. Such as is shown in the picture above. There's also a museum at the bottom of the hill.

Farmington, Pennsylvania: Braddock's Grave

2009-10-23T12:27:00.004-04:00

British Major General Edward Braddock led his nation's forces against the French in the French and Indian War in the 1750's. An American named George Washington was one of his top assistants.

Braddock was killed in Southwestern Pennsylvania. He was buried under the road that his own men had constructed, so that the French wouldn't do unspeakable things to the body. General Washington officiated at the ceremony.

The burial site eventually was dug up in 1804, and his remains were moved nearby. The road eventually became U.S. 40, and a monument was placed in Braddock's honor. It's considered part of Fort Necessity, which is from that era and is just down the highway.

Erie, Pennsylvania: Bicentennial Tower

2009-08-18T23:20:00.003-04:00

If you had to guess which bicentennial, you'd probably be wrong.

Erie's waterfront lookout was built for the 200th birthday of the city in 1996, and not the 200th birthday of the country in 1976. It was a good idea either way.

The tower is at the end of State Street and it's tough to miss when driving down the waterfront. There are a couple of observation towers. We would have taken some pictures the day we were there, but the area was closed off for a fireworks show scheduled for that night. Darn. You can see the Perry Monument at Presque Isle if you look carefully (might help to click on the picture to see a larger image at the lower left).

The area around the tower has a hotel, some shops, marina, etc. It's a clean, functional, people-friendly area. That serves as a nice contrast to other parts of the Erie waterfront, which has surprisingly few areas for public access. So at least they are trying.

Erie, Pennsylvania: Presque Isle State Park

2009-08-18T23:11:00.003-04:00

Presque Isle is, according to the travel book, French for "almost an island." Fair enough. It's a long peninsula that extends southwest to northeast into Lake Erie.

No matter what you call it, it's a great spot. There are seven miles of beaches, and lots of trails. When we went on a hot Sunday morning in August, it seemed like all of Erie was either going for a bicycle ride or enjoying the beach. There's a marathon held each year here that has to be the flattest course in the business.

Pictured here is the Perry Monument. Commodore Oliver Perry kept his fleet in the protected waters here during the War of 1812. Then he guided the ships out and headed down the Lake, where he won a big battle over the British around Put-in-Bay, Ohio. The Commodore got a monument there and here for his trouble.

And don't go looking for Presque Isle Downs and Casino in the park. It's on the other side of Interstate 90, a few miles away.

Oil City, Pennsylvania: McClintock #1

2009-08-18T22:59:00.003-04:00

Consistency is a virtue, even in oil wells. Maybe, particularly in oil wells.

Say hello to McClintock #1 of Oil City, Pennsylvania. It's still pulling up oil, about 150 years after it first hit a gusher.

It takes a sharp eye to find it. It is just off Pennsylvania State Highway #8 a couple of miles north of Oil City. There is a small sign along the road. Visitors go around an industrial building, cross some railroad tracks, and seek the parking lot to the right. It's a very short walk from there to the well.

Apparently oil from the well can be purchased at the Drake Well Museum in Titusville. There's a museum in downtown Oil City, which obviously has seen some tough times economically. So you should take a look around the city and spend a few tourism dollars there.

Titusville, Pennsylvania: Drake Well

2009-08-16T23:51:00.005-04:00

A revolution of sorts started right here in 1859. It also made a bunch of guys in the Middle East really happy many, many years later.

This is the spot around Titusville, Pennsylvania (NW part of the state) where Colonel Edwin Drake established the first commercially successful oil well. The stuff was on the land and in the water in the region, and Drake decided it might be worthwhile to drill several dozen feet down to see if he could hit something. Drake was lucky -- another spot would have missed the reserve -- but he hit a gusher.

I supposed someone would have discovered the stuff somewhere eventually, but it's still fun to stand on that very spot. A park has been established on the property that runs by Oil Creek. There's a museum with a video that explains everything in 15 minutes, some history of the region, plenty of oil drilling devices from the past, even some picnic grounds.

The oil strike caused many people to move into the region in the 1860's, and millions of barrels were pulled from the ground and shipped to refineries in Pittsburgh. Once we figured out the internal combustion engine, well, America would have a whole different look in the 20th century.

Sometimes it's nice to take a look at where we came from, even if Titusville is a little out of the way for most.

(P.S. If you are in the area, you might have an interest in a nearby town called Pithole. A classic oil boomtown, it started from nothing around 1860, went to 15,000 in population within a few years, and then went back to zero as the oil ran out. There is a small museum there, so those that like ghost towns might want to made the sidetrip.)

Queenston, Ontario: Brock's Monument

2009-06-30T20:17:00.003-04:00

Are you sick of going to historical markers in which the Americans are the good guys?

This is your place.

Brock's Monument towers 185 feet over the countryside on top of a hill in Queenston, Ontario, just north of Niagara Falls and near the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge. It's a tribute to Major General Isaac Brock, a British military leader who died during a battle in the area during the War of 1812.

The Americans had crossed the river in October 1812 in an effort to gain a little ground in British territory. The Brits came fighting back and threw the evil Americans back into the sea ... well, they did force a retreat to the U.S.

The monument went up in the 1850's. You can climb to the top if you want, but there is a charge of a few dollars.

Damn yankees.

Niagara Falls, Ontario: Floral Clock

2009-06-30T20:10:00.004-04:00

It's a little difficult to get people to stop at an area by a power plant. However, the good folks at Ontario Hydro came up with a solution. "We'll build a big floral clock," someone must have said.

Well, 59 years later and counting, it's still here.

Niagara Parks now runs the area, complete with a snack bar and rest rooms nearby. It's one big clock, the second-largest of its kind supposedly. The design is redone every year, and it is surrounded by a "water garden" which is nice as well.

You wouldn't want to make a special trip to Niagara Falls just for this, but it's a nice 10-minute stop on the bus route.

Niagara Falls, Ontario: Whitewater Walk

2009-06-30T17:21:00.003-04:00

Shhh.

Don't tell anyone about this attraction. Not many people seem to know about it.

It's the Whitewalk Walk. Tourists get in line for a little line to go down 70 meters in an elevator. Then they walk about that same distance through a tunnel. They come out right next to the gorge, a bit down river from the Falls and the Whirlpool Bridge.

As you can see, this is just past the Whirlpool Bridge. The rapids are class 6, as nasty as they come. The Whitewalk Walk has a boardwalk that goes along the river for about a quarter-mile. It's been open in one form or another since 1876, although the tunnels have been around merely since 1935.

The area sells a package of attractions, and this is one of them. Bring your camera.

Buffalo, New York: Pan-Am Building

2009-05-29T00:41:00.003-04:00

The Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society has its main headquarters here, on Nottingham Court. The Pan-Am Building was constructed for the 1901 Pan-American Exposition. When the expo ended, practically everything was torn down. This is not because of sorrow over the McKinley assassination, although no one was too happy about that. It was a matter that the facility was designed for that.

However, the New York State building was a permanent structure, and that's where the Historical Society is today. You can see it pictured here, with Mirror Lake in front of the building. The entrance to the facility is actually on the other side, and the best view probably comes on the adjoining expressway -- which comes at 50 miles per hour. But, you might be able to pick out the statue on the patio. That's Abe Lincoln, with a good view of the lake.

The building has some permanent exhibits, including a street of shops and a display of Buffalo-made products, and some temporary ones. The staff does some good work; the celebration of the centennial of the Pan-Am Exhibition was particular well done and well-received.

The Society obviously isn't overflowing with money. The main building isn't air conditioned, for example, which makes some summer visits problematic. But it does the best it can, and deserves public support.

Buffalo, New York; Naval and Military Park

2009-05-29T00:31:00.003-04:00

You might be wondering what a couple of battleships are doing on the Buffalo waterfront.

Well, you never know if Canada might be tempted to attack.

Seriously, Buffalo has the only inland naval park in the country. Shown are the U.S.S. Little Rock (the big one in back) and the U.S.S. Sullivans. The U.S.S. Croaker, a submarine, is also there.

The area also has some planes, tanks and other equipment on display as well as some memorabilia. But the boats are the big attractions, and the tours of them are self-guided.

Buffalo, New York: Broadway Market

2009-05-29T00:16:00.004-04:00

Every big city used to have a huge market, filled with vendors selling fresh food. Buffalo was no exception, as the Broadway Market has been around in one form or another for more than 120 years. It was the center of commerce in the Broadway-Fillmore area of Buffalo for decades. The latest building went up in 1956, and takes up just about all of a city block when you include a parking garage on levels two and three.

You can probably guess the problem. The clientele went through a couple of generations and moved away, and the new residents had an ever-decreasing attachment to the place. That's led to lots of studies, some government funding and some empty space.

Yes, the Broadway Market is a Buffalo tradition ... one week a year, just before Easter. People go to pick up goods, including the ever-popular butter lamb. But what does the Market do in the other 51 weeks? They are still working on that.

One quick story about the picture. The lane in front of the Market, on the far side of the street, is reserved for taxis, at least according to a sign. I didn't see many customers there on a May afternoon, let alone taxis. Are they saving the lane for the one-week-a-year burst, or is it left over from bygone days?

Buffalo, New York: Central Terminal

2009-05-29T00:05:00.005-04:00

The Central Terminal and Buffalo have had an odd relationship over the years.

The structure was built in the late 1920's, and is one of the youngest of the grand old railroad terminals, relatively speaking. The art deco style remains a classic. The terminal was quite busy in the Thirties, as Buffalo was second only to Chicago in rail traffic.

The problem, of course, is that airplanes were on their way in. And railroads thought they were in the railroad business, when they were actually in the transportation business. A slow decline in the business took place after World War II, and eventually the facility closed in the late 1970's.

That left Buffalo with a grand old building that no one knew what to do with. Over the years, practically everything of value has been stripped from the building by vandals. However, the structure remains, waiting for a chance at rebirth. In 2009 there was talk of high-speed rail between Buffalo and Albany, with the Central Terminal a focal point for redevelopment.

We'll see. In the meantime, it still looks good.

Buffalo, New York: McKinley Assassination Site

2009-05-28T23:56:00.002-04:00

President William McKinley visited the Pan-Am Exhibition in Buffalo on September 6, 1901. He decided to greet patrons at the Temple of Music on the grounds. Bad idea.

McKinley was shot by Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist. McKinley lingered for a while and might have survived had the medical technology of the day been a bit better. But the President died on Sept. 14.

It's been argued that Buffalo never quite got over the shame of that day, although other cities seemed to recover from such actions. The city erected a huge memorial downtown by City Hall in Niagara Square.

The actual site of the act is a different story. The public literally tore the Temple of Music apart, taking home souvenirs. When the Exposition ended later in 1901, the grounds were developed.

However, the actual spot of the shooting is marked on an island on a residential street in North Buffalo. And this is what it looks like.

Grand Canyon, Arizona: Angel's Window

2009-04-12T23:17:00.001-04:00

Sometimes, words just get in the way.

Grand Canyon, Arizona: Bright Angel Point

2009-04-12T23:15:00.002-04:00

Doesn't take long to guess where you are, does it? To be specific, it's the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. This is the less-visited and less-developed side, and the views are said to be a little different. Maybe so, but the north side was just fine. This is near the lodge.

Just to repeat what everyone else says, try to stay in the lodge or cabin. The experience is much better, and it's a long drive to housing otherwise. Of course, you'll have to plan several months in advance at the least in order to get a room.

Grand Canyon, Arizona: Sunrise

2009-04-12T23:13:00.001-04:00

Perhaps if you have friends like we have, who have been to the Grand Canyon, you'll get advice about what to see there. Several of our friends said seeing a sunrise at the Canyon was must viewing. So we got up at 5 a.m., walked a couple of hundred feet to the edge by the lodge, and waited 45 minutes.

Here's one of the pictures from that early-morning session. It's certainly pretty, but we had a split decision about whether it was getting up two hours ahead of time to see it. Meaning, half of our travel party was thrilled, the other half could have waited until after breakfast.

Monument Valley, Arizona

2009-04-12T23:11:00.002-04:00

One look at the landscape, and you know exactly where you are: Monument Valley. The monoliths stick out of the ground like skyscrapers, except with more character. The site has been used for countless commercials and more than a few movies. John Ford, in fact, directed enough films here that the above site was named after him.

You can drive around the dusty rounds in a car, but it's better to sign up for a tour with one of the Native guides. There are a variety of tours, but the simple one probably works best unless you are very interested in the traditional Navaho life.

Monument Valley is located west of the Four Corners on the Arizona-Utah border. The road from Four Corners to Monument Valley is one of the loneliest in America; be sure to drive it during daylight hours. Alcoholism is a problem in the region and there are empty liquor bottles on the roadside. It's a little too easy for some intoxicated driver to wander off his or her lane.

Visiting Monument Valley is almost a spiritual experience. I haven't compiled a list of my 10 favorite places in America, but this would make it if I did.

Beverly Hills, California: Walking Tour

2009-04-12T23:09:00.000-04:00

If you do find yourself in Beverly Hills, you should take a walk down a few residential streets. There aren't many places like it.

Many of the houses could only be called unique, like the one above with a roof that is positively wave-like. I'd bet there's some history attached to this house, as in Groucho Marx lived here in the 1930's or something. There are guidebooks for such facts, but it's a nice place for a stroll even without one.