The Historical Simon Kenton Inn in Springfield, Ohio

7 May 202122 September 2024

Growing up in Springfield, I was well aware of several historical names associated with my town. From George Rogers Clark to Shawnee chief, Tecumseh, one name stands out in the history of our city, Simon Kenton.

Friend to Daniel Boone, Kenton traveled to Ohio from Virginia and settled on 50,000 acres of land between today’s Springfield and Urbana. Building a cabin on the outskirts of Springfield, his former property is now the Simon Kenton Inn and was the first white settlement in the state.

As a result of financial hardship, Simon would lose the land, passing it down to the McCord family in the early 1800s. In 1828, the land was divided into parcels and sold. The Hunt family, having made their wealth in textiles, moved from Princeton, NJ and settled on land they had purchased from the McCords.

Katie had taken my reservation and kindly greeted me when I arrived. I decided to visit on Wine Wednesday with $1 off glasses of wine and found a great wine that would pair nicely with my meal. I ordered the High Note, a Malbec with cassis and raspberry fruit flavors with a touch of chocolate and sweet spice. Reservations are highly recommended for Fridays and Saturdays, where waits can take up to thirty minutes.

The Inn offers live music on certain weeknights and weekends. Enjoying the music and the beautifully restored historic home, I was introduced to current owner, Theresa Siejack. Energetic and passionate about her new adventure, Theresa was eager to talk about Simon Kenton Inn and her life experiences that led her here.

The house had been empty for three years. There were lots of potholes on the road and many trees were down. There was only one lit candle in the window.

Because of the holidays, Theresa was unable to go inside of the home until mid-January but as soon as she was able to visit, she made an offer within 10 minutes. At the time of purchase, the housing market was doing well and she was able to secure the money for the purchase. With no inspection, she purchased this dilapidated old house on four acres for 250,000. She had a vision, becoming the third owner of this property.

Originally from Baltimore, Theresa’s parents died when she was young and she was raised by her grandparents until they too passed. Brought up in foster homes, she would marry young and join the Air Force as a flight nurse. She retired after thirty years and one day, realizing she wanted to run a bed and breakfast.

With plans to stay in Ohio, she found her first opportunity in South Charleston and later decided that she wanted to make a home in Clark County. Driving on the outskirts of Springfield with a friend on a cold and rainy day in December, Theresa noticed that the property was for sale.

My meal had arrived and it was absolutely delicious selecting the pistachio crusted salmon and cheesy risotto.

I was happy to continue our conversation as Theresa detailed the defining moment when she knew she had to purchase this beautiful place. She explained that in between the process of signing the papers and meeting for the official close, she would drive up to the property to watch the sunset and enjoy the view from atop of the hill. One morning, she noticed a woman on the property who was throwing feathers in the air as if conducting a ritual of some sort. Theresa went to meet with this mysterious woman. What the woman would say, was a foretelling of Theresa’s ownership of Simon Kenton Inn.

This woman stated that Theresa was going to be the next owner of the house, just as the spirits had told her. She mentioned Simon Kenton’s Indian name and explained that she, herself, was a descendent of the Shawnee. Theresa knew that this was the confirmation she needed and thanked Barbara for her visit. They would become long friends and Barbara would be able to provide additional information about the property and its role in the lives of the Kenton and Hunt families. Barbara was also instrumental in developing the logo.

Theresa mentioned that when she cleared the attic of the home, she found wooden crates with the name Ischy Hunt, who was part of the Hunt family. They were most likely used to carry their belongings for the east all the way out to this area in Ohio.

The property had a barn towards the back, but it was falling apart and she felt it could potentially be a hazard as children liked to go back to check it out. She had it imploded and the remains were buried in the spot where it once stood. During construction, Theresa lived above the kitchen and there were loft rooms above the laundry as well.

In 2005, the property underwent a 1.1 million dollar renovation and an expansion was added in 2009. A breezeway was later built to connect the two.

Recently the Inn hosted a Craft Beer and Wine event during their anniversary where 160 people attended. With 52 wines and 27 craft beers from 7 Ohio wineries and 12 Ohio breweries, the event was a huge success.

The inn is also a popular wedding venue with a large, covered seating area, gorgeous setting for photographs and overnight accommodations.

Theresa has big plans for Simon Kenton Inn to include further expansion and more events. I’m looking forward to seeing what she has in store for this, beautiful, historic place where the spirit of the Indians still roam.

Have you visited Simon Kenton Inn? Did you enjoy a meal here? 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 dinner and discussion with Theresa at Simon Kenton Inn and wishing you many Happy Travels.

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

What to Do and What to See:

Simon Kenton Inn
4690 Urbana Road
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone: 937 399 9950

Where to Stay:

Simon Kenton Inn
4690 Urbana Road
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone: 937 399 9950

Where to Eat:

Simon Kenton Inn
4690 Urbana Road
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone: 937 399 9950

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

Cade’s Cove, Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

29 October 202022 September 2024

I found myself mesmerized by the playful shadows fading in and out upon the Smoky Mountains. Surrounded by clouds, the rolling hills were dense with firs and oaks, rising up in the distance from the valley of Cades Cove. I decided to take an early morning drive along the 11-mile loop, one way auto tour to visit this informative living history museum. Picking up the brochure, I began my adventure at the Orientation Shelter and followed the road heading west.

A cove is defined as a flat valley that exists between mountains or ridges. A perfect location for settlers coming from the east, Cade’s Cove provided the ideal terrain for farming and raising cattle. Today, there are over 80 structures that contribute to the historical perspective of life in the Great Smoky Mountains. Dating back to the early 19^th century where the population totaled 685, these buildings include homesteads and outbuildings, churches, barns and an early grist mill.

Dating back to the early 1820s, the John Oliver cabin is the oldest log home in Cades Cove and the first homestead on the tour. Made from trees within the vicinity, the home has an upper and lower level that housed their Cadlarge family.

Organized in June of 1827, Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church was the meeting place for early settlers until the time of the Civil War. Crossing into its entrance, there was a group of visitors singing hymns towards the front. Several pews were occupied with onlookers enjoying the entertainment. I took my place on one of the benches and closed my eyes for a moment to listen to the sweet sound echo off of the wooden logs.

A quick stop at the Methodist Church provided me the opportunity to examine several epitaphs dating back to the late 1800s with names familiar to the area. It was here where I located the headstone of John Oliver and his wife Eurena Frazier Oliver who are noted as the first permanent white settlers of Cade’s Cove.

A group of Baptists that believed in the emphasis of Missionary work, started a church in 1839 called the Missionary Baptist Church. The congregation shut its doors in 1944.

Once an Indian trail, Cooper Road Trail is a popular hiking path for visitors to Cade’s Cove. Named after Joe Cooper, the road was a direct route to nearby Marysville.

Elijah Oliver left Cade’s Cove during the Civil War but made his home here once he returned. There are several buildings on the property to include the dog-trot style cabin with the detached kitchen, springhouse, smokehouse, corn crib, a chicken coop and a barn. Oliver later added the “stranger room”, an addition to the front porch for overnight guests.

Approximately halfway through the driving tour is the Cable Mill Historic Area & Visitor’s Center, the perfect place to experience the everyday life of the Smoky Mountain settler. Starting out at the center, I pick up additional information about the area and check out a couple of books and guides.

The blacksmith shop was once owned by Tipton Oliver and was brought to this site from another location in the park. The blacksmith held an important position within the community creating farm-related items for the local residents. With the use of hot coals and fire, the iron was shaped into tools, bits, chains and axes.

In addition to homes, the barn was one of the most important structures on the frontier because they provided shelter for the animals during the winter season. The cantilever configuration left half of the barn open as storage space for farm equipment and animals, while the opposite end was enclosed.

Following the wooden flume along the path, I notice the mill which was once owned by John Cable one of the area’s original settlers who purchased this land in the 1860s. Soon after purchasing the land, he built the water-powered grist mill and sash sawmill around 1870. The grist mill uses circular stones that crush grains to create meal while the sawmill cuts into the logs which were used for building homes. Demonstrations of the grist mill take place here and visitors can purchase a small bag of grain.

A short distance from the mill, is the smokehouse where the meat from the hogs were cured by using smoke or salt. The meat was stored here until it was time for the next hog was butchered.

The corn crib was a structure with cracks in between the logs to ensure that the corn would stay dry. Consumed by both animals and man, corn was an important staple for the local residents. They could grind it down to make bread or use it in their stills to produce moonshine.

The bridge-like structure within the distance of the corn crib was actually barn. The load of hay could be brought up to the drive through so that the hay could be unloaded by two men speeding up the process of delivering the load.

Several important structures sit on land that was parceled out by the state of Tennessee once known as “Kate’s Cove”, named for the wife of Cherokee Chief Abrams.

The Gregg Cable House is known as the first frame house to have been in the area making it one of the greatest landmarks in Cade’s Cove. Many of the homes during this time period were not only homes but places of business as well.

Due to its location on a lush valley, surrounded by mountains, it is a wonderful place to see deer, making it one of the most popular destinations within the park.

Leeson Gregg built this house in 1879 on land that he had purchased from John P. Cable, who also provided him the lumber. The home included the main open-style living quarters with a fireplace as well as three room upstairs. A porch and kitchen were added later. Looking up at the ceiling, I couldn’t help but notice a couple of bats, which had me running out of the building as soon as possible.

In addition to the Becky Cable House, there are two additional important sites located on this land which includes Don Lawson’s cabin….

…and the Tipton Cabin.

The “Cove”, once a hunting ground for the Cherokee, is located in a valley surrounded by spectacular mountains and an abundance of wildlife. Living history demonstrations add an added educational aspect from spring through fall. Cade’s Cove is the perfect location for hiking, biking or taking a scenic drive and learning about the history of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Have you visited Cade’s Cove? Did you drive, bike or walk through the park? 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 adventure at Cade’s Cove and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Cade’s Cove
Cade’s Cove Loop Road
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 436 1200

Where to Stay:

Firefly Chalet
Highway 321 North
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Website: www.vrbo.com

Where to Eat:

Bennett’s Bar-B-Que
2910 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
Telephone: 865 429 2200

What to Eat:

Barbecue

What to Read:

Cade’s Cove, by Nann Wilson
Cade’s Cove: A Personal History, by William Wayne Oliver
Cade’s Cove: The Dream of the Smoky Mountain by Rose Houlk

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

Nashville’s Belle Meade Plantation and Winery

22 September 201919 September 2024

A visit to Belle Meade Plantation was on the top of my list when my sister and I arrived in Nashville for a long weekend. In addition to all of the music-related attractions, we were also interested in some of the local historical sites and learned that Belle Meade was not only a plantation, but a winery and restaurant.

In the heart of the south, the grounds of this gorgeous estate are beautifully maintained and the home in pristine condition. Belle Meade’s exhibits are educational providing a detailed account of the plantation’s former owners, their everyday lives and an overview of their wide range of businesses.

I loved the simple, yet modern architecture of the home. The shuttered windows and classical columns are elements of a Greek revival façade. Under John Harding’s ownership in the early 1800’s, he grew the farm to include a blacksmith, a grist mill, saw mill and later a cotton gin.

Harding would later break into the industry of horse racing and breeding thoroughbreds. It was a home of high standing that entertained the likes of President Grover Cleveland and General Grant.

Strolling the grounds was a relaxing detour from the nightlife of Nashville’s Music Row. We had arrived early enough where we were the only visitors on the estate and embraced our own love for horses.

John’s son William took over the plantation in 1839 and continued in the business of horses, but it was in the early 1900s that the plantation would fall on hard times.

Belle Meade became famous for its thoroughbreds. In addition to racing, Belle Meade provided sire services and had many successful studs. The Enquirer (1880-1889) and Bonnie Scotland’s (1873-1879) bloodlines continue to dominate horse racing today after many generations. The Enquirer was named after Cincinnati’s newspaper and has been buried here at the plantation.

Belle Meade was, at one time, the largest plantation in the South. The Smokehouse, one of the 10 buildings that remains on the property, smoked approximately 20,000 pounds of pork each year.

The Gardener’s House and Greenhouse was one of the original buildings on the estate, a part of the Belle Meade plantation, circa 1890. The building was used as a private residence for the gardener and a location to store tools for gardening and to plant seeds for food and flowers.

The dairy supplied a variety of products such as cream, cheese, fresh milk and close to 250 pounds of butter each week.

Four generations of the Harding-Jackson families were buried in this mausoleum, designed by Nashville architect, Adolphus Heiman. Once the property was sold to Judge Jacob McGavock Dickinson, the family remains were moved to Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Belle Meade was known to have one of the largest populations of slaves who resided on its premises. After the Civil War, some of the freed slaves stayed on at the mansion to assist in the everyday tasks of keeping the plantation in business. A replica of the two room cabin offers an insight to the life of the slaves and history of slavery around the area.

In 1892, a large carriage house and stables were built at Belle Meade. The building was used to store and display the family’s carriage collection. Depending on the type of transportation, carriages would be selected for every day use such as trips into town or for special occasions when traveling to high-end social events. A 16 passenger double-decker carriage was available for a large group traveling with the family.

Visitors can explore Belle Meade Plantation on a self-guided tour or by guided tour of costumed guides for an additional cost. Specialty excursions such as Culinary Tours and, Progressive Plantation Tours can also be booked through Belle Meade.

At the end of the tour we decided to check out the restaurant’s menu, then wandered the gift shop and indulged in a free wine tasting.

The Winery at Belle Meade Plantation opened in November of 2009 producing wines from local muscadine grapes and blackberries. They offer an assortment of wines and wine-related products that are unique and native to Nashville. My absolute favorite was the Red Muscadine.

Just as John Harding had intended, Belle Meade continues to offer its visitors an assortment of quality products and services. The long time tradition of hospitality remains an integral part of the plantation as it had so many years ago.

Have you already visited the Belle Meade Plantation? I would love to hear about your experience if your would kindly leave a message below! Happy Travels!!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Belle Meade Plantation
5025 Harding Pike
Nashville, TN 37205
Telephone: 615 356 0501

Admission Fee: Mansion Tour Admission (lasts 45 minutes): $24 for adults, $20 for seniors 65+, Youth ages 6 – 18; Children 5 and under are free. Grounds Tour only: $15 for adults and $10 for youth; Segway Guided Tours: $35 for adults; Wine and Food Pairing is $35 per person; Private Tasting from $50 per person; The Battle of Nashville Tour which includes three battle sites starts at $48 per person and the one hour Journey to Jubilee Tour starts at $24 per person.
Hours: Daily from 9AM to 5PM with the exception of some holidays. Tours begin at 9:30 and the last tour of the day begins at 4PM. Belle Meade Plantation is closed on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The Harding House, the on-site restaurant, provides seasonal hours, so refer to the website to confirm the hours of operation.
Amenities: Tour guides, restaurant, winery, wine tastings, self-guided tours.
Scenic View: The grounds are absolutely astounding and provide scenic views throughout the property.
Length of Visit: 3 hours to include the mansion tour, ground tour and winery tasting
Tips for Your Visit: The Journey to Jubilee tour is highly recommended which takes you through the slave exhibit. On the grounds tour you will have access to all of the out buildings as well as the previous gravesite of the owners. The winery makes a great muscadine and we enjoyed the wine tasting following our tour.

Where to Stay:

Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville
310 4th Avenue, South
Nashville, TN 37201
Telephone: 615 277 5000

Where to Eat:

The Harding House at Belle Meade Plantation
5025 Harding Pike
Nashville, TN 37205
Telephone: 615 356 0096

I can’t remember the last time I had homemade meatloaf, and when I learned that it was the house specialty, I couldn’t wait to dig into some southern comfort food! I also saved room for their bread pudding.

What to Eat:

Nashville Hot Chicken: Spicy chicken
Meat and Three: A meat and three sides

What to Read:

Because You’re Mine, by Rea Frey
A Murder in Music City, by Michael Bishop
All We Ever Wanted, by Emily Giffin

Photo Guide for Nashville:

Downtown Broadway
Opryland Hotel
I Believe in Nashville mural
Ryman Auditorium
The Parthenon at Centennial Park
Draper James Building
John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

Lighting Up Michigan’s Shores!

7 May 201918 September 2024

Since Michigan has the most lighthouses than any other state in the US, it only made sense to check out a few while we were on vacation. We couldn’t wait to explore The Holland Michigan Lighthouse, Grand Traverse Lighthouse and Old Mission Point Lighthouse.

We made a stop in Holland, Michigan which was the perfect detour on our way to the vacation rental in Traverse City. We strolled the beach and walked the pier while enjoying a cool breeze coming from the lake. We felt renewed after having driven four hours from Ohio watching the sailboats navigate the channel while passing by the lighthouse.

The Holland Harbor Light is known as Big Red by the locals. The lighthouse provides warning to ships and boats as they near the channel. The placard nearby provides an interesting overview of how the Dutch persevered in completing the channel by digging the waterway themselves when government funds ran dry. Access to the lighthouse is limited and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from the middle of the morning to sunset.

Later in the week, I chose to visit The Grand Traverse Lighthouse on Leelanau Peninsula. It was a rainy day and the landscape was exceptionally green. To reach the lighthouse, I had to first pay a fee to enter Leelanau State Park before continuing the coastal drive to the tip of the peninsula.

The lighthouse that stands today was built in the late 1850s. To enter, there is an additional fee in addition to the cost to access the state park. Visitors can reach the top of the lighthouse for spectacular views of Lake Michigan.

Closest to where we were staying, Mission Point Lighthouse is about a 15 minute drive from downtown Traverse City. As we entered Lighthouse Park, we found the parking lot and made our way toward the light with a quick stop at Hessler’s Log Cabin with plans to explore the house on our way back.

What makes Mission Point Light so unique is that it is located along the 45^th parallel which is halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. According to experts, because of its location, this part of the state is optimal for growing grapes which is why Michigan also produces wine. The placard listed a few other locations along the 45^th parallel to include Bordeaux which is famous for its wine production in France.

Built in the late 1850s, the Hessler Log Cabin was once the home of Joseph and Mary Hessler. In the 1950s and 60s, it later became housing for local cherry pickers. The cabin was moved here so that visitors to the lighthouse could learn more about the lives of the first settlers on this peninsula.

Taking the scenic route of M-37, we looked forward to the beautiful drive back to Traverse City. We passed vineyards and cherry orchards before browsing the Old Mission General Store. We had such a great time visiting the Mission Point Lighthouse, but everyone was ready for a stop in Traverse City to order more of their amazing Grand Traverse Pie.

Are there certain attractions that interest you when you vacation? Are you a fan of lighthouses? I would love to hear about additional places to visit, so kindly leave a message in the comments section below!! Many thanks for reading about my trip to the lighthouses near Grand Traverse, Michigan! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Holland Lighthouse (Big Red Lighthouse)
2215 Ottawa Beach Road
Holland, MI 49423
Telephone: 800 506 1299

Grand Traverse Lighthouse
15500 Lighthouse Point Road
Northpoint, MI 49670
Telephone: 231 386 7195

Old Mission Point Lighthouse
20500 Center Road
Traverse City, MI 49686
Telephone: 231 223 7324

Restaurant Recommendation:

Grand Traverse Pie Company
525 West Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
Telephone: 231 922 7437

The perfect stop for soup, sandwiches, salads and of course pie!

The Fog Signal Building, Grand Traverse Lighthouse,1899

Beautiful view of Lake Michigan from the grounds of the Grand Traverse Lighthouse

Another view of the Old Mission Lighthouse, Michigan

Looking out from the Old Mission Lighthouse, Michigan

Inside the Hessler Cabin, Michigan

Yellowstone National Park: Mammoth Sights and Loyal Attractions

6 October 201817 September 2024

As I continued to explore Yellowstone, I drove north of the park. Departing the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, the perimeter drive brought me to the areas of Canyon Village, Mount Washburn and Tower Fall where I finally reached Mammoth Hot Springs for the night.

It was early evening and the light penetrated through the trees leaving unwieldy shadows becoming visible within the clearing. A large bull elk and his harem were feasting on lush grass within the square. Soon, a crowd began to form taking selfies with the gang and the bull elk clearly became a little agitated. It was at this time a park ranger pulled up to break up the crowd. She explained that visitors should maintain a safe distance between themselves and the elk and if anyone could not adhere to these rules, they could face fines and jail time. The crowd scattered and I decided to continue north towards the town of Gardiner in hopes of viewing more wildlife.

Only five miles away from the North Entrance and the town of Gardiner, I decided at the last minute to drive through the entryway made famous by the dedication of President Theodore Roosevelt. This land, set aside “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people”, became the first national park created for the county.

The hot springs are one of the most popular attractions in Yellowstone National Park and laden with a variety of geological features. A succession of boardwalks allows visitors access to the sulfuric smoke and bubbling pots, where fearless elk and local wildlife seemed oblivious to their beauty.

Sunset was quickly approaching and I had one last stop on my itinerary for the day which was Geyser Country where I would be spending the night. There was a somewhat of a delay while a wandering, rugged bison appeared on the roadside heading towards traffic. He definitely had the right of way as if he felt a safety in his passage, knowing he was of high regard and protected here.

The lodge at Yellowstone was a grand sight with the vintage cars parked along its entryway. The rustic exterior was the perfect setting for viewing Old Faithful and exploring the nearby geothermal attractions of Geyser Country. I was most certain that it would have been a royal experience to stay at the lodge, but I was happy to have rented a cabin just around the corner. It was the perfect size and space for my one night stay, so after checking in, I unloaded my car and made my way to the most iconic and loyal geyser within the park, Old Faithful. A wonderful way to end my day.

What was your experience at Yellowstone National Park? Did you hike, check out the attractions and admire the wildlife of the park? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my day in Yellowstone! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Yellowstone National Park
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7381

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 Yellowstone National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Yellowstone 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 Yellowstone 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 and llama packing, 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: Take in the view of Grand Prismatic Spring from the Overlook off of the Fairy Falls Trailhead. For the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, you can see this beautiful waterfall from several locations offering different views of the falls: Brink of Lower Falls, Lookout Point, Uncle Tom’s Trail and Artist Point. Check out the stadium seating at Old Faithful for a front row seat of this geyser that erupts every 35 to 120 minutes. The park’s Twitter account, @GeyserNPS, the Geyser Activity Page on their website or the Geyser App lists the predicted times for Old Faithful.
Length of Visit: Three days is recommended to see all of the attractions at Yellowstone.
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. Summer is the busiest time for the park you may find road construction and traffic.

Where to Stay:

I was fortunate enough to stay at one of the lodges at Yellowstone. I absolutely loved staying at the park and have Melba Coleman to thank for assisting me in my reservation.

Where to Eat:

Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room
Yellowstone Park, WY 82190
Telephone: 307 344 7311

For a light lunch, I ordered the charcuterie plate which included meats, cheeses, olives, walnuts and whole grain crackers. It was the perfect location to enjoy the park sitting by a large viewing window, mesmerized by the spectacular view.

The Exit Sign as Leave the Park Towards Gardiner, Montana

Cabin at Yellowstone National Park

Inside my Cabin at Yellowstone National Park

The somewhat dormant Old Faithful at Sunset

Wandering Walden Pond

22 December 201716 September 2024

Concord is a charming literary village established in 1635. It is most known as the town that incited the American Revolution with the “shot that was heard round the world.” With its steeped history in combat, Concord’s Walden Pond is the antithesis of war. A muse of Henry David Thoreau, the lake stands to represent the simple life of the author who spent over two years here living off the land. Building a cabin close to the lake, Thoreau was drawn to the simple things in life and immersed himself in the surrounding nature.

Strolling the trail that followed the perimeter of the pond, I stopped to enjoy the playful chipmunks and rabbits scurrying along the path and chasing each other among the forest of maples and pine.

I could hear the crunching of dried leaves and the crackling of slender branches beneath me as I explored Thoreau’s solitary refuge. Walden Pond was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962 and a replica of Henry David’s cabin was reconstructed at a location near the current parking lot of this 335 acre state park and recreation area.

In addition to hiking the pond, visitors can swim, canoe, fish and cross country ski during the winter months. Walden Pond would soon become a popular vacation destination after Henry David Thoreau’s book was published. This area had previously served as an excursion park in the late 1860s. Visitors would be able to swim, swing, boat, play baseball, bike and run. Concession stands, dining halls, bathhouses and a baseball diamond stood on this site until it burned in 1902.

Henry David Thoreau was born in Concord in 1817. After graduating from Concord Academy, he went on to pursue his education at Harvard. Interested in ornithology, the study of birds, it is no wonder that Thoreau pursued the natural beauty of Walden Pond. While he was also interested in Greek mythology and British ballads, he returned to his hometown of Concord to teach school. Influenced by writers such as Hawthorne, Alcott, Fuller, Thoreau wanted to become a writer as well. His friendship with Emerson and death of his brother would lead Henry David to Walden Pond to journal about his experience and later publish his famous manuscript.

About a quarter of a way along the hike, there were a series of stones that marked the original site of Thoreau’s one bedroom cabin. Several quotes from the author are on display as well as a marker which identifies the site of his original home.

Much like many of the other famous writer’s of his time, Thoreau became involved in many political manners and had even helped runaway slaves cross into the border of Canada. This led Thoreau to write the essay Fit, which brought him international fame.

Prior to Thoreau’s stay at Walden Pond, the Fitchburg Railroad was built to bring hundreds of visitors to the site. I had wandered off of the well-hiked trail to check out the train tracks that seemed to expand endlessly into infinity. I had expected a train or two to pass by yet there was no activity along the tracks. I imagined the incoming of visitors loading and unloading in a nearby spot and was disappointed that I did not see a single train.

By the time I had reached the end of the trail, I knew exactly how Thoreau could fall in love with this place. From the abundance of wildlife to the time of solace, a side trip to Walden Pond was well worth the visit.

Have you visited Walden Pond State Reservation? Did you experience Thoreau’s love for the area? I would love to hear about your time at the park if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for checking out my post about Walden Pond and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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What to See and What to Do:

Walden Pond State Reservation
915 Walden Street
Concord, MA 07142
Telephone: 978 369 3254

Where to Stay:

Concord’s Colonial Inn
48 Monument Square
Concord, MA 01742
Telephone: 978 369 9200

Where to Eat:

The Liberty at Concord’s Colonial Inn
48 Monument Square
Concord, MA 01742
Telephone: 978 369 9200

I couldn’t help myself and decided to make it a seafood night. I started with the clam chowder and then ordered the Lobster Roll which was overloaded with delicious Maine lobster and served with Truffle fries. There was so much food that I did not have room for dessert, but if I had the chance, I would have ordered the Flourless Chocolate Cake.

What to Eat: