Hiking East Fork State Park in Clermont County, Ohio

18 March 202020 September 2024

I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I was lost on the Steven Newman Trail at East Fork State Park. I finally gave up and returned a couple of days later to hike one of the mountain bike trails. Here are some of my favorite photos from visiting East Fork State Park.

Day 1

Day 2

Visiting East Fork State Park in the early spring was a quiet experience as the summer are the park’s busiest time of the year. For more information about East Fork State Park, visit their website at East Fork State Park (ohiodnr.gov).

Have you visited East Fork State Park? Do you have a favorite trail that you would like to share? If so, please leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for browsing some of my favorite photos from my visit to East Fork State Park and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth af Fluff Bakery in Athens, Ohio

11 March 202022 September 2024

Strolling past Fluff Bakery in Uptown Athens, a sweet smell of sugar and chocolate chips was escaping the door each time it had opened. I had just eaten lunch with my niece and nephew and they loved the idea of stopping for dessert.

Opened in 2010, Fluff Bakery offers cookies and cakes as well as sandwiches, salads and local craft brews. I couldn’t pass up the decadent chocolate cupcake with chocolate icing, chunks of chocolate and chocolate syrup while the kids selected a large chocolate chip cookie and red velvet whoopie pie.

We took a seat at one of the tables and it didn’t seem long until we had finished our baked goods, so I asked them if they wanted to pick up something for the next day, and of course, we chose a more selections to have after lunch. With a few more days in town, we may have decide to stop by Fluff Bakery for lunch.

Have you visited Fluff Bakery in Athens? What did you order? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my stop at Fluff Bakery and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Fluff Bakery
8 N. Court Street
Athens, OH 45701
Telephone: 740 249 4286

Little Fish Brewing Co., Athens, Ohio

4 March 202020 September 2024

While visiting family in Athens, one of my favorite breweries to visit is Little Fish Brewing Co. Opening the summer of 2015, the owners Jimmy Stockwell and Sean White focused on their mission to create beers from Ohio-grown ingredients. The following year, their “Barrel-Aged Woodthrush” won the 2016 World Beer Cup Gold Medal in the Belgian- and French-style Ale category.

In addition to their craft beers, I love the atmosphere of Little Fish as soon as I walk through the door. The wrap-around bar is large enough to seat about twenty-five with a gigantic chalkboard that lists all of their available beers.

Inside, there are board games for families and friends to play as well as decks of cards for Euchre tournaments or a friendly game of Rummy.

Outside are several picnic tables a large outdoor space for cornhole tournaments or a children’s game of tag.

My favorite craft brews are the Woodthrush and Our Lightest Beer, but there may be a new selection each time I visit. I’m always happy to try the new brews to add to my list of favorites.

When Little Fish first opened, they brought in food trucks so their customers could order food. Today, the breweries in Dayton and Athens have kitchens, run by Becky Clark. In addition to the brewery’s awards over the years, Clark was nominated as a James Beard Award Winning Chef (Best Chef) in the Great Lakes Region for her work with Little Fish. Just another reason why this brewery is so amazing.

Have you been to Little Fish Brewing Co. in Athens, Ohio? Which craft beer did you like best? Many thanks for reading about my visit to this award winning brewery and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Little Fish Brewing Co.
8675 Armitage Road
Athens, OH 45701
Telephone: 740 447 5011

Where to Eat:

Little Fish Brewing Co.
8675 Armitage Road
Athens, OH 45701
Telephone: 740 447 5011

Where to Drink:

Little Fish Brewing Co.
8675 Armitage Road
Athens, OH 45701
Telephone: 740 447 5011

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House in Springfield, Ohio

26 February 202020 September 2024

Updated September 13, 2024

Frank Lloyd Wright is credited with designing over four hundred homes, commercial buildings and other works to include The Westcott House located in Springfield, Ohio. An architect with a vision beyond his time, Mr. Wright’s designs and influence have made him one of the most famous architects in the world. The Prairie-style home was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for Burton and Orpha Westcott, completed in 1908. After many years of decline, the home was purchased by The Westcott House Foundation in 2000 and a $5.8 million dollar renovation ensued. From the restoration to the home’s structure and architecture, the foundation has also focused on bringing back the furniture and restoring the gardens during the time of the Westcotts. The masterpiece was opened to the public for tours beginning in 2005.

As visitors enter the museum through a side entrance from Greenmount Street, they will find a gift shop as well as a small cinema in the area of the home that was once the garage. The Visitor’s Center displays various items that showcase the architectural designs of Frank Lloyd Wright and are available for purchase. The tour was led by docent Mary Ellen who provided a thorough overview of The Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright as well as the Westcott family.

Having moved from Richmond, Indiana, Burton Westcott became a prominent resident of Springfield due to his successful career in the automobile industry. It would be his wife, Orpha, having come upon the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, who would commission him to design and build their home. Jeanne, the oldest of the two Westcott children, lived here until her marriage to Richard Rodgers. John, born in Springfield in 1903, would live in Italy to attend Montessori School for his education and return home until his parent’s passing in the 1920s. At the time of Orpha’s untimely, tragic death, Burton’s automobile business was in decline. His attempt to save the failing venture would be unsuccessful and lead to a decline in his health resulting in his death in 1926.

The Westcott House is considered one of Wright’s most significant homes as it was designed after Wright’s visit to Japan. There are various features in the residence from its furniture to the light fixtures that suggest this Japanese influence. With a total of sixteen rooms, the home was built to accommodate the Westcott’s love of entertaining. From its exceptional living room and fireplace to its exquisite dining area, the blueprint also included a reception space for receiving their guests.

Throughout the home, Wright’s emphasis on drawing one’s eye to a horizontal perspective is exhibited by the skylight and dining room. From the stonework to the fireplace to the chimney, there is beauty in Wright’s use of organic architecture referred to as Wright’s First Golden Age, a style which ran from around 1893 to 1910. Wright’s Prairie-style construction of the Walcott House is very similar to the Robie House in Chicago.

There are so many exciting aspects of The Westcott that one finds intriguing to include the use of cantilevered overhangs applied to the low-pitched roof of this home. From the French doors that lead to the pergola to the wrap around windows, Wright consistently incorporates the use of natural light and nature to the interior of his architecture and designs as seen in the earth tones and textures exhibited throughout the home.

Wright had a love for the dramatic. While the living spaces were more modest, it was the public, entertaining spaces that were the focal point of the home and the most fascinating. Built in bookcases, seating around the fireplace and a buffet are some of the features of The Westcott House that showcase his incredible talent. The design of the dining room table is also somewhat intriguing. At each corner, Wright included a tower-like lighting structure to increase illumination to the room.

The tour ended in the garden of the home where the metal works and awnings of the exterior could be explored. The gardens are beautiful in the spring and summer when the flowers are in bloom. It would have been a perfect outdoor space for the Westcott children.

A visit to The Westcott House includes a guided tour of the public spaces of the home such as the library, the family room and the dining room. The private living quarters include the kitchen and pantry, the maids’ rooms, Burton and Orpha’s bedrooms, closet space and powder rooms as well as the rooms of John and Jeanne, the Westcott Children.

The Westcott House is located in Springfield, Ohio on the corner of Greenmount Avenue and High Street. You can find the location on your GPS by entering 85 South Greenmount Avenue, Springfield, OH 45504. There is plenty of visitor parking on Greenmount.

Have you visited one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s properties? I would love to hear about your experience, so leave a message in the comments section below. Happy Travels!

If you would like more information about Frank Lloyd Wright, you can also check out artsy.net/artist/frank-lloyd-wright.

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

The Westcott House
85 S. Greenmount Ave.
Springfield, OH 45505
Telephone: 937 327 9291

Admission Fee: Adults: $18 and $15 for Seniors. Free for school groups and Westcott Members.
Hours: Museum: Tuesday through Saturday from 11AM to 5PM; Sunday from 1PM to 5PM. Closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Guided Tours: This Frank Lloyd Wright home requires a guided tour to explore the property: January – March: Tuesday to Friday at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM; Saturday at 11AM, 12PM, 1PM, 2PM, 3PM and 4PM; Sunday at 1PM, 2PM, 3PM and 4PM From April – December: Tuesday to Saturday at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM; Sunday at 1PM and 3PM
Amenities: Bookstore and gift shop, guided tours, video presentation
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Photography is NOT permitted inside of The Westcott House.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Marriott Springfield
100 S. Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone: 937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Heart of Country Gift Shoppe and Teaberries Cafe
1600 E. Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH 45505
Telephone: 937 325 3030

I could spend hours strolling the Heart of Country Shoppe, but when I visit, I can’t wait to have lunch at Teaberries. I always start my lunch with a piece of yummy, moist orange bread. Known for their wide varieties of chicken salad sandwiches, I always revert to the House Favorite, the Midwest Delight, served on a butter croissant. If you have room, try their homemade carrot cake or peanut butter pie.

More favorite Springfield eateries:

Schuler’s Donuts: Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
Simon Kenton Inn: This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue. With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
Guerra’s Krazy Tacos: One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
Salato Deli: I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
Le Torte Dolci Bakery; Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
Mike & Rosie’s Deli: This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Where to Drink:

Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company: Springfield’s only brewery, Mother Stewart’s showcases nine craft beers produced onsite.

What to Read:

The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
Springfield, Ohio: A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
Still Standing: A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:

Hartman Rock Garden
Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
Heritage Center of Clark County
Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs
Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio

Packing Outside of the Box

19 February 202020 September 2024

Packing for vacation can be a daunting task. I have made countless checklists (by vacation type and temperature) and taken many precautions when it comes to my luggage. I am always on the lookout for ways to ease the packing process and ensuring that my belongings reach their final destination. Here are some of the tips I use to take the stress out of packing.

As baggage fees increase, it may be more economical to send clothes ahead of time using priority mail, especially if you think that you will go over the weight limit or will have an additional bag. You can also send things home through priority mail as well, but if you are returning from a trip outside of your country, make sure that you do not put valuables, medicine or items that you may need shortly after you have arrived to your destination or back home.

Have you ever thought of donating some of your items to charity? Check into local agencies that may take used clothing and toiletries that have not yet been used. This will lighten the load of your luggage coming back home, and you will be helping a good cause.

If traveling with a companion, you may be able to keep the weight of your luggage down by dividing items that you can share. These items can include toiletries, electronics, or less frequently used items, for example, first aid kits, shampoo/conditioner, or curling iron. Of course the extent of “sharing” may depend on how close you are to that person. Only you can make a decision whether or not to bring your own toothbrush.

Take photos of the your luggage, along with your passport and other important documentation. Although items may have shifted during travel and your luggage may have been inspected, you can be assured that what you packed remains in your possession.

Finally, consider buying items at your local destination rather than packing them on your trip. From clothes to toiletries to duty free liquor, you will have an opportunity not only to buy items that you need for the week, but a souvenir of your trip.

Undoubtedly there are a variety of great tips for packing whether traveling domestically or internationally. Putting them into practice will help reduce stress and start your vacation in the right direction.

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

Grand Tetons: Mormon Row, Snake River and Jackson Hole

12 February 202020 September 2024

Heading north towards the Snake River Overlook, I had several places I wanted to visit along the way, starting with the Chapel of the Transfiguration. This small church, sitting at the base of the Grand Tetons, draws visitors with its beautiful views. From the window behind the altar, a picturesque scene provides an unobstructed panorama of the Grand Tetons. I imagine I would have been distracted by this picturesque scene while attending church here, but then again, it would always be a reminder of God’s beautiful creation.

Located in the park’s Moose area, the Chapel of the Transfiguration is an Episcopal Church located just inside of the South Entrance. Erected in 1925, this congregation an active community providing services for both Episcopalians as well as Eucharists during the summer season.

Traveling north, I found a short detour that led me to Mormon Row. During the summer months, this area is one of the best places to see bison and small herds of pronghorn antelope. It is the perfect backdrop for photographing the farm structures that were once home to Mormon settlers in the early 1900s.

At the last minute, I decided to take the one-mile gravel road to Lower Schwabacher Landing, once used as a starting point for rafting trips. Here, artists once painted some of the most familiar sites of the Teton Range and remains a perfect picnic spot to enjoy the view of the peaks.

I finally reached my afternoon destination. Made famous by world-renowned, photographer, Ansel Adams, the view of Snake River is spectacular. I can clearly see why photographing the overlook has become an obsession for photographers. I spent a few moments imagining myself as an early explorer, witnessing this view for the first time, but needed to start making my way towards Rendevous Mountain at Jackson Hole.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is more popular with skiers during the wintertime, but during the summer a gondola ride up to Rendezvous Mountain is irresistible. The Bridger Gondola provides breathtaking views of the resort below taking only 9 minutes to reach a climb of over 9,000 feet.

The gentle hum of the gondola is therapeutic as the climb continues upwards affording unobstructed sights of Teton Village below. Open only from 4:30PM to 9PM during off-season hours, there is a snack shop and restaurant for taking in the views. It is a perfect time to reflect on all that I experienced here in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone. I am already looking forward to a future visit where I have promised myself to hike more, explore more and make it another trip to remember.

What are some of your most memorable visits to Grand Teton? What would you add to your itinerary on your next visit? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my adventure to Grand Tetons National Park! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Grand Teton National Park
PO Box 170
Moose, WY 83012
Telephone: 307 739 3399

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $35; Motorcycle: $30 and Hiker/Biker: $20 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Grand Teton National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Grand Teton National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Check out their website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Refer to the Grand Teton National Park website for the operating hours of the Visitor Centers.
Amenities: camping, hiking, boating, skiing, biking, bird watching, climbing and mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
Scenic View: Scenic drives throughout the park include the Teton Park Road, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive and Signal Mountain Summit Road.
Length of Visit: To maximize your visit to Grand Teton National Park one would need at least a couple of days to experience all that the park provides.
Tips for Your Visit: The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate. Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies. When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park. For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Signal Mountain is perfect for sunsets.

Chapel of the Transfiguration
Grand Teton National Park
Chapel of the Transfiguration Road
Moose, Wyoming 83001
Telephone: 307 733 2603

Admission Fee: Free
Hours: Besides the church services, the hours of operation are not posted. I arrived at 9AM during the weekday and it was unlocked.
Scenic View: Gorgeous view of the Grand Tetons from the large picture window
Length of Time to Spend Here: Less than an hour.
Tips for Your Visit: The Chapel of the Transfiguration is an active congregation and church services are offered on Sundays at 8AM and 10PM during the summer season. The church played a major role in the movie, Spencer’s Mountain, featuring Henry Fonda and Maureen O’Hara.

Mormon Row
Grand Teton National Park
Located outside of Moose Junction
Moose, Wyoming 83001

Lower Schwabacher Landing
Grand Teton National Park
Moose, Wyoming 83001

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Tram Address:
3265 West Village Drive
Teton Village, Wyoming 83025
Telephone: 307 733 2292

Admission Fee: Free; Additional charge for tram tickets ($35 for round trip access; $84 to ride all summer)
Hours: Open daily from 9 – 5; Refer to the website for winter/ski hours
Amenities: Tram/Lift tickets, Grand Adventure Pass, Bike Rentals, Paragliding, Kids Summer Camps, Daycare, Lodging, Spa, Vacation Rentals, Restaurant (at the base of the mountain and at the top). Great for hiking, biking and skiing!
Scenic View: Gorgeous view of the Grand Tetons and the surrounding area from the top of the lift
Length of Time to Spend Here: Varies depending on activities
Tips for Your Visit: Tram/Lift tickets are free after 5PM. Be prepared for the elevation as it may cause some shortness of breath. Some shops and restaurants at the top of the lift close at 5, but there are restaurants at the base of the resort as well. Piste was opened until 9PM during the summer.

Note: The information I have provided does not include the winter season as I visited during the summer. Visit the resort’s website for more information regarding ski packages, etc. https://www.jacksonhole.com/

Where to Stay:

Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
3385 Cody Lane
Teton Village, WY 83025
Telephone: 307 201 6066

Where to Eat:

The Deck @ Piste
Rendezvous Mountain
Jackson Hole, Wyoming 83025
Telephone: 307 732 3177

I ordered the Southern Belle made from White Wine with Orange and Passion Fruit. In addition, I had a glass of Henry Estate Pinot Noir to accompany my House Meatballs and Fries.

For more information about Grand Teton National Park, visit the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm.

Cody, Wyoming: More Than a Gateway to Yellowstone

5 February 202020 September 2024

Arriving in Cody, I made plans to spend the night and allowed only enough time for a quick stop on my schedule. Having entered the town so late, I wanted to find a place for a quick dinner and settle down for a restful night of sleep. I planned to wake early for the complimentary breakfast and start my journey towards Yellowstone.

I had expected fast food restaurants and steakhouses before finding Juniper: Bar + Market + Bistro. I ordered the Columbus Tapas Plate and a glass of wine. The small plate was the perfect size with samples of manchego cheese, chorizo sausage, camembert cheese honey drizzle served with pickled vegetables and garlic crostini.

I woke earlier than I had expected, so with a couple of extra hours, I set out to explore the charming cowboy town of Cody before heading west towards Yellowstone.

Cody is the eastern gateway into Yellowstone National Park. It is named after William Frederick Cody, famously known as Buffalo Bill. At first glance, Cody looks like your typical western town with its mountains in the distance and sparse surroundings, but its historic roots run deep.

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West Museum is comprised of five museums and an extensive research library that preserves the exciting history of America’s Wild Wild West. Starting towards the back, I located the Buffalo Bill Museum to learn more about this interesting icon of the American Old West.

Born in 1846 in the town of Le Claire, Iowa Territory of the United States, William Frederick Cody would later earn the nickname “Buffalo Bill” by the age of 21 while supplying buffalo meat to the railroad workers out west. He fought in the Civil War alongside the Union soldiers and battled the Indians in sixteen of the American Indian Wars. Known for his sharpshooting skills, Cody was featured in a story by writer Ned Buntline of the New York Weekly based on Cody’s wild adventures. Buntline invited Buffalo Bill to perform in The Scouts of the Prairie, the original Wild West show and Cody would eventually produce his own show, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West, which would make him world-famous.

Exiting the Buffalo Bill display, I entered the Plains Indian Museum for the opportunity to study the culture and history of an Indian tribe that had created some of the most beautiful artwork. What began as a collection of Cheyenne and Lakota costumes from the Buffalo Wild West show, has expanded with donations from private collections covering two hundred years of history. The museum houses one of the country’s “largest and finest collections of Plains Indian art and artifacts” with over 6,000 items.

The annual Plains Indian Museum Powwow is sponsored by the museum where dancers from all over North America take part in this celebration of Native American culture. A competitive dance competition includes several dance categories where various age groups compete to win prizes. North American Indian tribes sell arts and crafts such as authentic beadwork, pottery, paintings and sculptures.

In addition to the Buffalo Bill and Plains Indian Museums, the Center of the West features the Whitney Western Art Museum, Cody Firearms Museum, the Draper Natural History Museum and the McCracken Research Library.

I found The Station in Cody for a lovely cappuccino before strolling through the Old Trail Town, a restored Wild Wild West settlement on the original town site of Cody, Wyoming. With nearly 25 buildings to explore, many of these authentic structures were carefully disassembled from their remote locations in Montana and Wyoming and reassembled at Old Trail Town to create a town reminiscent to a small village on the old frontier. On display are a total of eleven cabins, two stores, a schoolhouse, post office, livery barn, blacksmith shop, museum, carpenter shop, granary, commissary and saloon.

One of the most popular sites at Old Trail Town is the “original cabins used by Old West outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and a Wyoming saloon frequented by Cassidy’s Hole-in-the-Wall Gang.” Butch Cassidy (Robert Leroy Parker), a notorious Wild West outlaw known for committing train and bank robberies. His sidekick Sundance Kid (Harry Alonzo Longabaugh), Harry’s wife Etta Place and Cassidy decided to flee the United States to Argentina to escape the pressure of law enforcement. Although Cassidy’s death is documented as November 7, 1908, several acquaintances of Butch Cassidy claim that he returned back to the United States. The search continues for the remains of Butch Cassidy when a recent DNA test was conducted in 2017 on human remains in Goodsprings, Nevada.

In addition to the homesteads erected within the Old Trail Town are graves which were also relocated to this site. The most recognized gravesite is that of Jeremiah “Liver Eating” Johnston, who was portrayed by Robert Redford in the 1972 film Jeremiah Johnson. Johnson’s nickname, based on legend, states that Johnson was married to a woman from the Flathead American Indian tribe who was killed by a young Crow Indian. To avenge her death, Johnson claimed to have scalped 300 Crow Indians and then ate their livers. From that point forward, the name stuck and Johnson was feared by all.

By afternoon, I was ready to begin my drive to Yellowstone National Park and realized that I would have missed the great hidden gems of Cody had I not decided to stay for the morning to visit the museums.

The drive out of Cody was absolutely gorgeous, surrounded by Rattlesnake and Cedar mountains. It was no doubt that I was in cowboy country when I passed by the Cody Stampede Park.

The city of Cody sponsors a weekly rodeo over the summer months and I had just missed the last performance of the year. The most famous of all rodeos taking place in Cody is the Cody Stampede. I learned from the front desk associate that some of the top cowboys in the country come to compete during the Stampede.

Cody is appropriately known as the “Rodeo Capital of the World”, which has been hosting the annual rodeo for nearly 100 years and is known as the longest running professional rodeo.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Cody and felt that my experience gave me a clear understanding about the early Western years and life during the Gold Rush. For now, I am eager to make my way into Yellowstone after a couple of days of long drives, but I am happy that I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the history of Cody and cowboys.

Have you had the privilege of staying in Cody, Wyoming? Do you have any recommendations for my future stay? If so, I would love to hear about them if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for your suggestions and I wish you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Buffalo Bill Center of the West
720 Sheridan Avenue
Cody, WY 82414
Telephone: 307 587 4771

Admission Fee: $19.50 per adult, Children 6 – 17: $13, Children 5 and under: Free, Students (18 & older with valid student ID): $18, Senior Rate (65 and older): $18.50; Free admission for active duty military personnel and their families. Save 50 cents per ticket by ordering online at www.centerofthewest.org . Admission price includes entry to the museum for two consecutive days. Members of the Center enjoy free admission. Group rates are available for commercial motor coach tours and other organized groups by calling 307 578 4114.
Hours: Open daily from 8AM to 6PM from May 1 – September 15; 8AM to 5PM from September 16 – October 31; 10AM to 5PM in November; 10AM to 5PM from December to February (Thursday – Sunday only); 10AM to 5PM from March to April; Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
Amenities: Small gift shop, research library, cafeteria, outdoor playground
Entrance Locations: The Main Entrance is located in the center of the building which leads to the Admissions Desk. A South Entrance leads into the Draper Natural History Museum
Length of the Tour: To explore all of the exhibits, I recommend 4 to 5 hours.
Tips for Your Visit: Each museum is well done and informative. Ensure you have plenty of time to visit as much of the museums as possible so you will not be disappointed. I wished I would have spent more time here.

Old Trail Town
1831 Demaris Drive
Cody, WY 82414
Telephone 307 587 5302

Admission Fee: $9 per adult, Children 6 – 12: $5, Children 5 and under: Free, Senior Rate (65 and older): $8.00; Admission price for self-guided tour. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more by calling 307 587 5302.
Hours: Open daily from 8AM to 7PM from May 15 – September 30
Amenities: Small gift shop
Length of the Tour: 1 – 2 hours

Cody Stampede Rodeo
519 West Yellowstone Avenue
Cody, WY 82414
Telephone: 307 587 5155

Admission Fee: Cody Night Rodeo: $20 per adult, Children 7 – 12: $10, Children 6 and under: Free; Group rates are available by contacting the Ticket Office at 307 587 5155. Stampede: $20 for the first three nights; $25 for the fourth night; Xtreme Bulls tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.
Hours: Gates open at 7PM, while the rodeo starts at 8PM.
Transportation: Cody Stampede offers visitors the opportunity to ride the Cody Nite Rodeo bus. Contact Mike Smith at Cody Cowboy Stages by phone at 307 272 5573 or by email at codytransportation@yahoo.com.
Amenities: Concession stands that serve hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches, nachos, etc., No outside food or drinks permitted. Small gift shop
Length of the Rodeo: 1.5 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: The rodeo will continue as scheduled, rain or shine. You may need to bring a raincoat.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Always check with the venue or the site’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Where to Stay:

Comfort Inn at Buffalo Bill Village
1601 Sheridan Avenue
Cody, WY
Phone: 307.587.5556

Where to Eat:

Juniper: Bar + Market + Bistro
1128 12^th Street
Cody, WY 82414
Phone: 307.587.4472

I am a superfan of wine bars and charcuterie plates, so when I noticed Juniper: Bar + Market + Bistro, I knew this is where I was going to stop for a quick bite to eat and a glass of wine. I ordered the “Columbus” small plate, befitting as I am from Columbus, Ohio and love manchego cheese! The plate included manchego cheese, camembert cheese honey drizzle, chorizo sausage (yum!) served with pickled vegetables and garlic crostini!

The Station
919 16th Street
Cody, WY 82414
Telephone: 307 578 6661
Website: https://www.codycoffee.com/the-station

I ordered a mocha with an extra shot of espresso.

What to Eat:

Buffalo
Chicken Fried Steak
Chuck wagon-style meal cooked over a flame
Elk
Fry Bread – puffy taco base usually used for taco salads
Old Fashioned Soda from Annie’s Soda Saloon and Cafe in Cody
Pig Candy – sweet spiced bacon
Prime Rib
Rocky Mountain Oysters – calf testicles
Soda Bread discovered by the American Indians which is a mix of soda and flour
Wyomatoes – gourmet tomatoes with a sweet taste
Wyoming Whiskey

What to Read:

Cody (Then and Now), by Lynn Johnson Houze
A River Runs Through It, by Norman Maclean
Colter’s Run, by Stephen Gough

Photo Guide for Cody, WY:

Medicine Wheel National Historic Landmark
Castle Gardens near Riverton, WY
Old Trail Town
Yellowstone National Park

The Canyons at Park City, Utah

29 January 202020 September 2024

It has been close to fifteen years since the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. I remembered watching the events and seeing the majestic mountains in the background as talented competitors vied for gold medals. When my best friend Melissa called to invite me for a weekend ski vacation to Park City, I couldn’t turn down the opportunity.

Melissa met me at the airport late at night and we made the drive to a friend’s house in Heber City. It was my first visit to the area so I was looking forward to morning to check out my surroundings. We drove back to the house and enjoyed dinner before sitting around the fire to catch up with dear friends and introduce ourselves to new ones.

Waking early the next morning, I headed upstairs towards the living area and porch where we spent the evening. The back of the house was nothing but windows and the gorgeous landscape was untouched from last night’s snowfall. When the sun shone, the snow on the trees sparkled like a glittering wonderland.

Plows had cleared the additional snow fall and all of us were super excited to hit the slopes. After breakfast, we dressed up in our ski gear and headed into the four-wheel drive to head down the mountain. Making our descent, I could not believe the sprawling views of the blue mountains and intermittent glimpses of town.

On our first day in Park City, we skied Canyons Resort. This ski resort originally opened in 1968 under the name Park City West and was one of three alpine resorts located in Park City. During our visit, Canyons was considered the largest ski and snowboarding center in the state of Utah.

We had over 4,000 acres available to us for skiing and just under 20 chairlifts for reaching the trails. With close to 200 ski runs, there were plenty of novice trails that I could enjoy while meeting up with my friends later at the bottom for some hot chocolate or a couple of drinks.

I started out skiing the Meadows and the Upper Mainline until I felt comfortable graduating to the green runs. It was so much fun watching some of the children taking lessons and I have to admit I heard a couple of tips or two! I spent most of my time on the Dreamcatcher lift while my friends went off to try more challenging trails.

What a great day to be skiing with friends!

I was finally feeling comfortable enough to hit some of the easier blue runs, so I headed over to Copper Head, White Pine, Pinecone, Panorama and Backstreet. By the end of the day, I was pretty exhausted, but it was a great feeling!

I later learned from my friends, that the slopes at Canyons were a bit icy, so everyone felt the runs were somewhat challenging. I have never skied out west and was told that the snow conditions were usually more powder than ice. I was just happy to be there!

The Canyons are now Canyons Village at Park City located at 4000 Canyons Resort Drive, Park City, Utah 84098. Check out their website for up-to-date lift and trail conditions as well as lift tickets, ski and snowboarding lessons and vacation deals at http://www.parkcitymountain.com/.

Are you an avid skier or a novice? Have you skied the Canyons in Park City? I would love to hear about your experience in the comments section below! Happy Travels!

More Beautiful Ski Photos!

On the Ski Lift

A More Difficult Slope

Skiers on the Ski Lift

A Tour of Salt Lake City Before Heading Back Home

22 January 202020 September 2024

I had such an amazing ski vacation in Park City and was sad to be leaving Utah. Heading out early in the morning, I had a late afternoon flight which left me with a couple of hours to explore Salt Lake City.

It would have been the perfect weather for another day of skiing.

The scenery took on a whole new vantage point when driving through the base of the mountains. The height of the surrounding mountains shaded me from the brightness of the sun as I continued my journey towards Salt Lake City.

The winding roads added to the interesting dimension of our travels as I slithered quietly at the base of the mountains, careful of oncoming traffic.

As I approached the outskirts of Salt Lake and entered the city proper, I noticed that the view had a strong industrial foreshadow with the majestic mountains towering in the distance. The sun was out warming me up in the cold until I exited the car and felt the bitterness of the January freeze.

As I crossed over several railroad tracks and train stops, the city’s public transportation seemed to add to the industrial aura of the town. The environment seemed as cold as the weather as empty streets enhanced the feeling of driving through an abandoned town. I was curious to explore some of the area attractions, yet knew that I have a limited amount of time before driving to the airport.

On the western side of Salt Lake City was the Union Pacific Railroad Depot. It was built in the early 1900s and was once a working train station. The tracks serviced various train transportation companies up until 1999 when it was moved to the Salt Lake City International Hub. In 2006, the location reopened as an entertainment venue, called The Depot and was available for restaurants and office space. It is located at South Temple at 400 West one the western side of Salt Lake City.

It was not long until I decided to escape from the cold to see the city’s Grand America Hotel, one of the Salt Lake’s historic spas and hotels in the downtown area. The courtyard was absent of visitors as a thick layer of ice covers the water feature and had transformed the fountain into a frozen popsicle.

The gorgeous floral arrangement displayed the opulence and grandeur of the hotel.

The beautiful chandeliers hung magically from the ceiling providing a secondary light source to the sun’s natural brilliance from the outdoors.

Salt Lake City’s Courthouse was located at 450 South State Street. It is open from 8AM to 5PM Monday through Friday. For more information about the courthouse, contact their website at www,utcourts.gov.

The Salt Lake City and County Building was topped with a statue of Columbia. It rose over 250 feet from the ground. The statue of Justice stood in the foreground.

The Mormon Temple commands attention as one of the most sought out attractions in Salt Lake City, Sitting upon ten acres known as the Temple Square, the temple was open to the public on April 5^th, 1893. Its famous design has become an icon of the Mormon faith with its beautiful spires and symbolic statues.

Salt Lake City’s Mormon Temple is the largest in the United States (most square feet) and is located at 50 West North Temple Street. From the east side there is a spectacular view of the three towers with the Angel Moroni in the center.

It is obvious that the Mormon faith is a central figure to the city of Salt Lake. There is so much history about the settlement of Salt Lake City, the life of Joseph Smith and the founding of the Mormon religion.

Have you had the opportunity to spend time in Salt Lake City, Utah? What did you do? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my short visit to Salt Lake! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

A Statue of Joseph Smith outside of the Church of the Latter Day Saints/Mormon Temple.

The Angel Moroni acts as both the “messenger of the restoration of the gospel and a herald of the Second Coming.”

Another view of the fountain and courtyard

A view of the Courtyard and Fountain from inside on a higher level

A beautiful mural in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah

Ski Trip to Utah! An Evening on Main Street, Park City

19 January 202020 September 2024

After a day of skiing, we decided to visit Park City’s Main Street. Our first stop was the No Name Saloon & Grill, which was the town’s oldest and most popular hangout, having first opened in 1903.

As we walked into the warm, cozy restaurant, it was a great reprieve from the cold outdoors. It felt as if we had just entered a remote cabin in the wilderness. A variety of backwoods memorabilia was hanging from the ceiling and posted to the walls. From the antler chandeliers to the pulley controlled ceiling fan, it was definitely a relaxing way to enjoy our evening.

After kicking back a few beers and some spicy chicken wings, we decided to take a quick ride on the Park City shuttle. Park City offers a free trolley for public transit that transports visitors and residents to the ski resorts as well as other districts in the vicinity. It was a welcome attraction for getting around and reduced the stress of trying to find a parking spot in this popular location.

The No Name Saloon & Grill is located at 447 Main Street, Park City, Utah 84060 and is open daily from 10AM to 2AM. Visit their website at www.nonamesaloon.net.

For more information about the Park City Transit System and additional things to do while visiting Park City, check out the Park City website at www.visitparkcity.com.

Do you have a favorite ski location? What are some of the added attractions that you enjoy after a day of skiing? I would love to hear about your ski adventures in the comments below! Happy Travels!

Snow shoes hanging up in the No Name Saloon

More No Name Saloon Memorabilia