Making Friends with the Early Ohio Settlers at Sauder Village, Part 1

24 October 20233 May 2025

Celebrating forty years as Ohio’s Largest Living History Destination, Sauder Village is an amazing replica of a small town dating between 1803 to the 1920s. From the Natives and Newcomers Exhibit to the Pioneer Settlement, there are close to forty buildings that will transport you back to a simple life on the prairie.

Arriving in Archbold, the Welcome Center was my first stop to purchase my ticket and pick up a map to plan out my day. This expansive center includes a café, gift shop, restrooms and the Greenburg Gallery.

Crossing the threshold, I was immediately transported into another place and time. There were several shops, exhibits and eateries on the Village Green. Surrounded by a small community of historical homes, I began my self-guided tour at Erie’s Farm Shop, “where it all began.”

Erie Sauder felt it was important that people would have a place to visit where they could learn about pioneer life and experience it for themselves. It was his vision that led to the development of Sauder Village.

Since 1976, thousands of visitors have explored this living museum where costumed volunteers reenact the pioneer days and local artisans preserve their amazing craft. Keeping history alive at Sauder Village is a great way to appreciate the challenges and hard work of those who first settled this area.

Erie’s Farm Shop, where 16-year old Erie Sauder began his woodworking company, displays some of his original tools and replicas.

Each building is clearly numbered and guides in period costumes are available to answer any questions.

Sauder’s Cabinet Shop contained more woodworking tools. Having once owned a Sauder bookcase, I was interested in learning about his craft. I learned that Sauder had expanded their products to include church pews in the 1930s.

The Basket Shop was located next door to the cabinet shop where I watched creative craftsmen assemble baskets of all shapes and sizes. The final products were available for purchase in their store.

Exiting the Basket Shop I arrived at the Roth Barbershop which was set up as it would have been in the early 20^th century. Children giggled as they sat in the barber’s chair begging for a hair cut. Playfully, the attendant declined their wish but set out to explain all of the interesting barber’s tools used for a cut and a shave. While she had their attention, she told us that the men were not permitted to sit in the barber’s chair while chewing their snuff. They had to put it on a shelf were it would stay until the barber services were completed and then they could pick it up and put it back in their lip. The children asked so many questions and it was fun to see them so engaged.

One of the most fascinating stops o my tour was the Tinsmith’s Shop. I was amazed by all of the products that were created here. From candle holders to chandeliers, the extensive collection included a fabulous selection of household items as well as tools and decorative pieces.

At the Black Swamp Cooperage, I learned that the local craftsman who made the barrels and buckets was called the Cooper. There is a beautiful display of these items that have been handcrafted by experienced woodworkers that one can purchase from the workshop. I love the contrast and design of the wood on these buckets and barrels and was hoping to find a cutting board.

At Anna’s Spinning Shop, a spinner showed our group how to make yarn. Using various types of wools, she explained how first, the wool must be combed and washed before the spinning process could begin. She also told us that the craftsman could control the size of each strand by how tight he pulled the wool as the wheel spun the fibers into string. Children as young as 3 years old would help in the process of making yarn and it was usually their job to comb the wool. From the start of creating the yarn to the knitting of a sweater, the process could take anywhere from six to twelve months.

Stepping into the herb shop, my eyes were immediately drawn to the ceiling where bundles of herbs hung from the rafters. Herbs were not only used for cooking, but for other medicinal purposes, decorating needs and to freshen their homes. It smelled fantastic as I steeped inside to look over the herbs and spices they offered for sale.

Feeling a bit underdressed entering St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, I was greeted with a smile by the organist. She was eager to play a song on the organ. Once a local German Lutheran church, it was once a place of worship for Black Swamp families in the 1900s. Equipped with church pews, a pulpit and an authentic pipe organ, the acoustics were perfect for a rendition of Amazing Grace on the 100 year pump organ.

I explored the sites surrounding the Village Green and looking back into the circle, I realized how much I had learned about the first settlers that arrived in Fulton County. Next stop, the Elmira Depot.

The Elmira Depot was an original train stop along the Wabash Railway just a couple of miles from Archbold. Passengers could ride the Wabash Cannonball on the Detroit – St. Louis route starting in 1949. The depot was in use until It was brought to Sauder Village in 1968 and this is definitely one of the highlights of the park.

Inside, kids had a blast weighing themselves on the scale used to weigh goods transported by train.

I entered through the door opposite of the scales into the administrative office. Passengers could purchase their tickets while assistants sent telegraphs and carried out secretarial tasks.

My favorite part of the depot was the Baggage Room where objects that were transported on the railways were on display. Shipping routes were published on a large map while a placard displayed the American Morse Code. I watched a group of children try their hand at sending a telegraph using the morse code chart above the machine. Most of them opted to tap out their names and were having a great time pretending to send messages from one station to the next.

Just a few feet away I explored Dr. McGuffin’s Office. I was reminded of how far we’ve come from the medical care that was available back in the late 1800s. Sometimes the doctor would not only have to help the local people who were sick, he may have also had to act as the local dentist by pulling a tooth or make house calls to tend to an injured horse. He had a very important job within the community and was a well-respected figure.

I was impressed with the medical instruments encased in cabinets and the medicines and herbal remedies that were sitting on the shelf. The doctor was also in charge of prescribing medication which would have been kept on the premises. From his office, he could administer the treatment or make house calls.

The next building on my Sauder Village map is the District 16 Schoolhouse which was an original one-room school house where children attended school. The teacher played an important role, not only in the teaching of the children, but attending to additional duties. Some of these responsibilities included chopping firewood for the stove or ensuring that there was plenty of water in the bucket from which the children would drink throughout the day. Children that attended rural schools were only required to complete an 8^th grade education and the ages of the school children could range from ages 6 years to 21.

With so many levels of education coming together in one room, it must have been a challenge for the teacher not to mention giving each student the attention they deserved.

I was nearly halfway through the list of historical buildings when I happened upon the Stella Leona Chocolates & Coffee shop. It was a welcome sight to enjoy a café mocha and the milk chocolate shavings. I was tempted to try one of their delicious chocolates, but decided to wait until after lunch. With a little energy boost, I was ready to tackle the remaining sites.

For those that love to quilt, the Threads of Tradition Quilt Shop should be on the top of your list. I was able to find out anything and everything I have ever wanted to know about quilting. There are over 3500 bolts of fabric, patterns, instructional books, gifts and hand quilting demonstrations….every quilter’s dream.

Not far from the Quilt Shop is Lauder’s General Store. This place is a museum in itself with so many products that were popular in the 19^th and 20^th centuries as well as those items that even interest kids today. I took a walk down memory lane checking out past toys that I remembered as a child. In some ways it reminded me of the mercantile in Little House on the Prairie but with a focus more on toys, dolls, and its candy collection. I could have easily spent hours in this store.

I quickly passed by the The W.O. Taylor Printing Office on my way to visit Burlington Glass Works. The building was closed for the day, but it was once the newspaper office of Archbold in the early 20^th century. It would have been fun to see the printing presses and possibly some historical newspapers.

I overheard that the glass maker, Mark Matthews had just fired up his oven and was preparing to create one of his internationally acclaimed glass products. When I arrived, the glass was heating up so I decided to stay. Within minutes he began to manipulate the glass that would later be used to create some of his fascinating, colorful marbles.

I was surprised at the length of the process, so I did not to see the final masterpiece, but I am sure it was spectacular. Inside of his studio, he displayed many of his works which were available for sale.

My last stop before heading out towards the perimeter of the village was the Broom Shop.

It was entertaining and educational to watch the talented broom maker create a decorative broom. There was a large selection of brooms for sale and it took some time for me to made a selection. I have often heard that handmade brooms work amazingly well when sweeping floors and was happy to have purchased one.

Exiting the ship, I realized I was close to the parking lot, so I took my new broom to the car and would start my tour again at the 1920s Grime Homestead. I couldn’t wait to explore the rest of this amazing village.

Please note that this is Part 1 of my visit due to the extent of the amazing opportunities to learn about the historical sites. Check out Part 2 and Part 3 to read about the second half of my exploration of Sauder Village.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Sauder Village? What was your favorite place to visit or activity while you were here? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sauder Village Living History and Farm
221611 OH-2
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 419 446 2541

Admission Fee: Adults: $24; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $18; Children, Ages 3 and under: Free; Seniors 60 and over: $22. person is permitted. 2-day Admission: Adults, $38; Students, Ages 4 – 16: $26; Valid for 2 consecutive days, non-transferable. AAA Discount: $2
Hours: Spring (May 3 – 27): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 3:30PM; Saturday 10AM to 4PM; Summer (May 31 – September 2): Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10AM to 5PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Fall Hours (September 6 – October 8); Open Wednesday to Friday from 10AM to 3:30PM and Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Length of the Tour: From 2 hours to 2 days.
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes as you walk through time visiting historical buildings. Download the map ahead of time and plan your day. There are several classes and demonstrations that you won’t want to miss. While there are several small shops to visit, make plans to eat at the Barn Restaurant for down-home cooking.

Where to Stay:

Sauder Heritage Inn
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

If you are traveling by RV, make reservations at the Sauder Village Campground.

Where to Eat:

The Barn Restaurant
22611 State Route 2
PO Box 235
Archbold, OH 43502
Telephone: 800 590 9755

Select the buffet or order from the menu loaded with down-home recipes.

What to Eat:

Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
Soups and Salads
Fried Chicken
Roast Beef Dinners

What to Read:

Heritage of the Black Swamp, by Cynthia Covert Harger

Photo Guide to Sauder Village

Visit Sauder Village in the spring for newborn baby animals

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

A Fall Day at Hale Farm & Village, Part 1

2 October 202122 September 2024

Fall in Ohio is magnificent for watching the leaves change, so I decided to take a road trip to Hale Farm & Village to enjoy the scenic fall leaves and to learn more about farm live in the early 19^th century. The farm is a historical property within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and was previously owned by of Jonathan Hale. The addition of 30+ structures had been added over the years to complete the village which is locally known as Wheatfield.

I purchased my ticket at the Welcome Center, gathered some additional information about the grounds and exited the back of the main farmhouse. Vendors were selling large pumpkins to visitors who would decorate them for the fall season. Young children happily shared what they would be wearing for Halloween while their parents sorted through large boxes of watermelon.

From the moment I stepped outside of the farm house, I could smell the tempting aroma of kettle corn made by volunteers who were raising money for local charities. A young man wearing gloves stirred the popcorn in a large vat to keep it from burning while a young lady waited for a batch to cool down before placing the popped corn in plastic bags. There was a line of visitors waiting to purchase a bag or two.

Following the map, I started my walk towards the left, stopping at a large, red barn. I shuffled through the damp leaves towards the John McAlonan Carriage Manufactory exhibit where several antique carriages were on display. The posted placard explained that the four carriages were called cabriolets with fold-down tops and were manufactured by the George J. Warden & Company from Cleveland, Ohio. Named after England’s Queen Victoria, the convertibles were popular after the 1870s.

The white single story Sugar House was the next stop on my tour of Hale Village. Entering through the side door was Josie, a period dressed attendant who was showing visitors how to make small candles. Using a thick string, she was dipping one of the ends into the hot wax, sitting over an open fire and gently draping them over a string to cool. Each candle was available for purchase at $1 per piece and proceeds would be donated towards the upkeep of the Village and Farm.

The Sugar House was built by the Hale family at the start of the 20^th century. Charles Oviatt Hale continued his grandfather’s tradition of collecting sap to produce nearly 200 gallons of maple syrup from the 20 acres of maple trees surrounding the farm. Today the farm uses modern technology to continue this tradition using a wood burning parallel flow evaporator to process the sap into syrup each February.

On my way to the quaint log cabin home of the Hales, I passed an empty lean-to. Overgrown with grass and in need of repair, it may have provided shelter for some of the family’s farm equipment. Nearby, in the open field, I couldn’t help but notice a middle aged man with a saucepan on his head. A crowd had gathered around him as he discussed the importance of conservation and said he was willing to plant some apple trees on the property as the children giggled at his “hat”.

Passing an overrun garden with weeds and dead plants, I arrived at the one room log cabin sitting beneath a maple tree.

In the corner sat a twin-sized bed that had been made up with a feather mattress and an animal hide. A long side table had been placed to the right of a 12-paned window lighting up the space with natural light. While many homes of its time would have left the dirt floors, this home’s wooden floors were perfect for keeping out forest animals and rodents.

A large, well-used fireplace had been built to the far right of the home and with evidence of smoke damage to the stones. The stonework was absolutely perfect, built to the top of the roof. The hand-cut logs were stacked on top of each other with a thick layer of clay in between could be seen from the inside while the outside was reinforced with tar. The nearby outhouse resembled the log cabin and sat a few feet from the family home.

Nearby was a fence surrounding a large pasture with a noticeable tree line in the distance. Approaching the fence, I was searching for farm animals as I strolled towards the red barn, one of several barns on the property. I was happy to see a muscular, chocolate brown steer giving me hope that I would see some additional barnyard animals.

Jonathan Hale moved to Ohio from Connecticut in 1810 and settled in Bath Township. A few months later, his wife and three children arrived, moving into a log cabin built by a local squatter. Several years later, Hale completed the green shutter, three-story brick home around 1825 and lovingly referred to it as “Old Brick”. The Hale home is considered to be the second brick house built in the Cuyahoga Valley.

The first floor was a large open space that included a great room, kitchen and dining area. The second floor acted as a formal space used for special occasions such as a parlor and formal dining room. The third floor was originally set up with six small bedrooms but later converted into fewer large bedrooms.

When Jonathan’s son Andrew married in the 1830’s, he built a small home across from the Jonathan Hale estate. Later, Andrew’s home was moved and attached to the original Hale home, labeling it the “South Wing”. To store coal to heat the home as well as additional supplies, the family added a “North Wing” to the structure.

My last stop before exploring the additional structures at Wheatfield, was the old gray barn where I found several chickens, adorable sheep and cute little pigs. It was the highlight of my visit but I was also excited to learn more about 19th century farm life in Cuyahoga County, but who can resist spending just a few more minutes with my new furry farm friends.

Have you visited Hale Farm & Village? Did you attend one of its many amazing events? 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 fun, educational experience at Hale Farm & Village and wishing you many amazing travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Hale Farm & Village
2686 Oak Hill Road
PO Box 296
Bath, Ohio 44210
Telephone: 330 666 3711

Admission Fee: $15 for adults ages 13 & up; $8 for children ages 3 – 12; WRHS members, active military and children under the age of 2 and younger are free
Hours: Daily from 10AM to 5PM with the exception of holidays. Check the website before your visit as there may be special events and a change in hours depending on the season.
Amenities: Period actors, historical sites for self-guided experiences, the Marketplace to purchase beverages and snacks, free parking, restrooms
Scenic View: The farm animals, historical buildings
Length of Visit: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable clothes because there is a lot of walking. Your ticket is valid all day, so you can leave and come back to explore the park.

Where to Stay;

The Ohio Motel
2248 N. Cleveland Massillon Road
Bath, OH 44333
Telephone: 330 659 9999

Where to Eat:

Ken Stewart’s Tre Belle
1911 N. Cleveland Massillon Road
Bath, OH 44333
Telephone: 330 666 9990

What to Read:

The Jonathan Hale Farm, by John Horton and Herman Vail
Edith Hale: A Village Story, by Thrace Talmon

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

Deadwood, South Dakota: “No Law at All” for the Outlaws

20 October 201816 September 2024

“No law at all in Deadwood? Is it true?” According to the HBO television series, Deadwood, this was the state of the infamous town, east of the Mississippi. Set in the late 1870s, this gold mining town of the American West was known for its whiskey, women and western wranglers. This popular show, airing in 2004, fascinated me with its depiction of the Gold Rush and life in a western town. While gun fights and debauchery brought noteriety to Deadwood, Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane would serve as its main characters.

The US gave this land to the Lakota Indians, by means of the 1851 Treaty of Laramie in an effort to resolve disputes between the Indian tribes and the US Government. Once it was discovered that gold was in the hills of the Great Sioux Reservation, prospectors invaded the land ignoring the terms of the agreement. This resulted in war between the Sioux Indians and the settlers in 1866 and a major conflict continued between the two.

Deadwood continued to grow as a prospectors camp and was eventually established as a city in 1876. A city that once thrived on prostitution, gambling and the excessive consumption of alcohol, Deadwood’s popularity as a tourist stop was based on its preservation of historical buildings as well as its colorful past.

With the lack of law enforcement, Deadwood was known for its high rate of crime, including homicide. Its most notorious murder is that of Wild Bill Hickok by Jack “Crooked Nose” McCall, living under the alias of Bill Sutherland.

The story begins with Hickok playing a game of poker in the Nuttal & Mann’s Saloon (today’s Saloon Number 10) when McCall, who had lost a fair amount of money to Hickok the night before, shot Hickok from behind. It was said that Hickok was holding a pair of black aces and eights, which has become to be known as the Dead Man’s hand.

Saloon Number 10 displays the chair where Wild Bill Hickok was shot as well as other historical memorabilia.

McCall attempted to escape the law, but was apprehended, He was later sentenced to death in a second trial. At the age of 24 years old, he was hanged on March 1, 1877. Today, the Masonic Temple in Deadwood hosts reenactments of the Trial of Jack McCall during the summer months.

After spending the night at Comfort Inn Gulches of Fun, I awoke early in the morning with one last stop at the Mount Moriah Cemetery. Located on the outskirts of the historical downtown, the burial ground maintains the grave sites of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Known as Hickok’s girlfriend, Martha Jane Burke, was an outlaw in her own right. Their resting place is a short uphill walk from the cemetery’s entrance.

A further jaunt towards the edge of the cemetery is a stunning scenic view of the city of Deadwood. According to Loretta, the friendly historian at the Welcome Center, Deadwood is very much the same as it was in the 1880s. She also mentioned that the series Deadwood is very true to its historical portrayal of the city as it was during the time of the Gold Rush. A once thriving city with upwards to around 5,000 residents, today it is a quiet, somewhat laid-back town, quite different to its former reputation. That is, until the shootout reinactments begin and you’re taken back to the Deadwood of Wild Bill Hickok.

Have you visited Deadwood or other Wild West sites? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post about Deadwood and I wish you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Mount Moriah Cemetery
10 Mt. Moriah Drive
Deadwood, SD 57732
Telephone: 605 722 0837

Admission Fee: There is a $2 admission fee for Mt. Moriah Cemetery
Hours: Open daily from 8AM to 6PM
Amenities: The park provides a map that identifies the celebrity graves and other significant locations.
Scenic View: Towards the back of the cemetery is an amazing view of the downtown of Deadwood.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear proper footwear for walking. The cemetery is a sacred place and should be treated with respect.

The Trial of Jack McCall
Telephone: 800 344 8826

Saloon No. 10
657 Main Street
Deadwood, SD 57732
Telephone: 800 952 9398

Admission Fee: There is no fee to enter the saloon.
Hours: Open daily from 8AM to 2AM
Amenities: Historical site, restaurant, bar, gambling, entertainment and souvenir shop
Scenic View: See the location where Wild Bill Hickok was killed by Jack McCall and scan the walls for western memorabilia.
Length of Visit: 1 hour or more depending on if you want to play blackjack and the slots
Tips for Your Visit: When visiting Deadwood, a stop at Saloon Number 10 is a must! Be prepared for a wild enactment of the shooting of Wild Bill Hickok. Cigar smoking is permitted in the bar, so there are times when this may deter non-smokers.

Where to Stay:

Comfort Inn Gulches of Fun
225 Cliff Street
Deadwood, SD 57732
Telephone: 605 578 7550

Where to Eat:

Gem Steakhouse & Saloon at The Mineral Palace
601 Main Street
Deadwood, SD 57732
Telephone: 605 578 2036

It had been awhile since I had seen Buffalo on a menu so I ordered the Buffalo Salisbury which included a 12-ounce ground Buffalo patty served with mushroom gravy and mashed potatoes.

Deadwood Social Club Restaurant at Saloon No. 10
657 Main Street
Deadwood, SD 57732
Telephone: 800 952 9398

I decided to dine here before leaving Deadwood continuing my trek out west. It was a beautiful evening to enjoy the rooftop patio with its twinkling lights strung about against the growing darkness of dusk. I ordered the 8 oz. Filet Mignon, medium rare with a Crab Hollandaise topping. The other option which I really wanted to try was the Crab & Pork Belly Carbonara which included the crispy pork belly, snow crab, peas, red bell peppers, fettuccine in a rich cream sauce. The prices were exceptionally reasonable and the flavors of my steak and crab topping was extraordinary.

What to Eat:

Buffalo
Chislic – chunks of mutton on a stick (kabob)
Chokecherries – an ancient cherry used to make wine, jam, butter and syrup
Honey
Hot Beef Sandwiches
Indian Fry Bread
Indian Tacos
Kolache – a polish pastry
Kuchen – German cake
Lefse – sweet bread made of potatoes of Norwegian-American origin
Pasties – hand pies
Rhubarb pie
Steak
Zebra Donuts – marbled chocolate and vanilla donuts

What to Read:

Deadwood’s Al Swearingen, by Jerry L. Bryant & Barbara Fifer
Deadwood, by Pete Dexter
Saloon No. 10 in Deadwood, South Dakota, by GentleSeas

Movies/TV Shows Based in Deadwood:

HBO Television Series: Deadwood

Photo Guide for South Dakota:

The Badlands
Custer State Park’s Annual Roundup
Wild Horse Sanctuary
Wildlife Loop at Custer State Park
Sunflower Fields
Spearfish Canyon
Falls Park

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

Grave Site of Calamity Jane

The Trial of Jack McCall

Road Trip on the Bighorn Scenic Byway

1 September 201816 September 2024

Are you a fan of road trips? I absolutely love the energy that comes from driving the open road. I’m also guilty of stopping by every Welcome Center for a few brochures and pulling over to check out the “Scenic View” for a few photos.

I was ready to tackle the 58 mile drive known as the Bighorn Scenic Byway. Met with waterfalls, canyons, forests and open fields, my heart began to race as I traveled west into unexplored territory. There is a freedom of taking to the highway and exploring the pure beauty of the Western United States.

The weather was perfect for taking the route along US 14, flanked by Powder River and Big Horn basins. I was heading towards Greybull and had mapped out a few stops along the way checking out some recommended points of interest.

Without any stops, my drive time would have taken about an hour, but the scenery was so spectacular, I couldn’t resist frequent stops to take photos. While the detours added an hour to my trip, I was certain I would reach my hotel before nightfall. Shortly into my drive I approached the Bighorn Basin looking west where I could see the Yellowstone Plateau in the distance. If I had more time, I would have loved to have spent more time to camp, fish or even pick up a hike or two.

The highway passed a wide range of geological formations and landscapes. As I drove through a small section of the scenic byway, I could see there had been a recent fire. From mountain tops to meadows, there were craggy rock outcroppings that added to the fascinating roadside scenery.

The red rocks seemed to increase the further I drove. Roadside signs along the way documented the elevation as I began to reach the crest of the Bighorn Mountains. Posted signs warned me of falling rocks and wildlife crossing the road.

The mountains in the distance took on a shade of royal blue against the subtle earth tones of the rocks. The drive brought me through a thick forest. Random openings through the trees allowed me a short glimpse of the afternoon landscape. The branches and leaves were a great protection from the sun, casting shadows on the road ahead of me.

The valleys began to open up ahead so I stopped at a scenic overpass to stretch out my legs. As soon as I exited the car, I quickly noticed a doe in the tall grass. She ignored me as she went about eating the grass at the edge of the roadway. Not at all aware that I was there, with her white tail flitting about to swat flies, she headed down the steep slope gently with each step. I slowly followed her for a few feet and in the short distance from where she was standing, there was a buck and a smaller deer at his side. I smiled to myself and was incredibly thankful for another unexpected surprise along my journey.

The road continued to climb and in the distance was a large rock-like structure known as Copman’s Tomb. Copman was an explorer who loved spending time in Shell Canyon and had wished for his ashes to be scattered over the mountain when he died. Having reached an elevation of 8,875 feet, I finally approached Shell Canyon Falls. Here I had planned to visit the interpretive trail and hike the falls.

I parked the car and left a small donation at the trailhead. It was a welcome sight to stretch my legs and enjoy a quiet hike. Shell Falls was a short walk from the parking lot and I could hear the sound of the water crashing against the rocks long before reaching the viewing platform. As I approached the 120-foot plunge, the mist refreshed my skin from the heat of the sun.

Although the Bighorn Scenic Byway had come to an end, there was an endless number of spectacular sights from this point until I reached my final destination. So as the day drew to a close, the sun’s reflection made the reds a bit redder and the oranges a radiant glow. It was a wonderful end to a perfect day of travel and I would be ready to start tomorrow morning, once again hitting the open road.

Were you ever surprised by nature while traveling a scenic drive? I would love to hear about your experience! Kindly provide a summary in the comments below so that I can hear about your adventure! Many thanks for reading about my adventurous drive out West! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

Shell Falls and Canyon is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, mid-May through mid-September. For more information, visit the website at https://www.wyomingtourism.org/travel-resources/detail/Shell-Falls-Wayside-Bighorn-National-Forest/7957.

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

Shells Canyon

The Moon Appearing over Bighorn Canyon Scenic Byway

More of Shell’s Canyon

Beautiful geological features at dusk

Exiting the Bighorn Canyon Scenic Byway

Rock formation from the sideview mirror

Arlington National Cemetery, A Tribute to US Veterans

26 June 201431 August 2024

With the approaching Memorial Day holiday in sight, what better way to honor the brave Americans who have served our country and fought to protect our freedom than to plan a visit to Arlington National Cemetery?

Located in Arlington, Virginia, across from the Potomac River, Arlington National Cemetery has been the final resting place for American War heroes since the Revolutionary War. Spanning over 612 acres, the site is a beautiful and serene location that reminds us of the lives that were given for America’s freedom…a nation where we are provided the opportunity for “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”.

The endless rows of white headstones represent over 300,000 brave Americans who fought for the united cause of independence. The numbers will continue to rise until we are no longer at war. We have our military to thank for making our country what it is today, totally open to worship in the manner in which we choose and to voice our opinions for ideals for which we support.

One of the most important events at the Arlington National Cemetery is the Changing of the Guard which takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. At every hour, on the hour, this ceremony takes place to pay due respect to all soldiers who have died during a time of American conflict. In front of the tomb there are also graves of unknown veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam, identified by white marble slabs that are prominent among the brick foundation.

Once the officer salutes the unknown soldier retiring from his post, another sentinel takes his or her position at the tomb. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of the weather.

During my visit, there were several young children who seemed interested in the service and began discussing the recent ceremony with the officer on duty. I was deeply moved by their curiosity and impressed with the questions they were asking.

Among one of the most visited graves at Arlington National Cemetery is that of former President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. At the request of his wife, Jacqueline, Kennedy was provided a final resting place on the Arlington National Cemetery grounds. It was also her wish that an eternal flame be lit to mark his grave. On November 25, 1963 at 3PM, the services began for her husband’s funeral.

Nearly 30 years later, in 1994, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis would be laid to rest beside her husband, her infant son, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy and their unnamed stillborn daughter.

Robert F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy’s brother is also buried in the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, next to his brother. A presidential candidate, Robert Kennedy was assassinated in 1968 as he left the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Robert’s body was brought to Arlington National Cemetery from New York City by train to his final resting place.

There are a number of monuments and memorials throughout the National Cemetery that are significant. They are a reminder of many who died during times of war, near and abroad, and for those that gave their lives in service to the United States. For a full list of monuments, visit the Arlington Cemetery’s website. Some of the more notable memorials include the Civil War Unknowns, PanAm Flight 103, Pentagon Group Burial Marker, Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial (shown) and the Spanish-American War Monument.

While leaving the cemetery, I could hear the faint sound of military taps being played in the distance. I paused for a moment of respect as my eyes filled with tears and feeling grateful for these American soldiers. It is important that I never forget….never forget that freedom isn’t free, because in the end, someone has given their life so that I could live in one of the greatest countries of the world. I should never take that for granted.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery? What was the most significant aspect of your visit? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading my post about Arlington National Cemetery! Happy Travels!

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What to See and What to Do:

Arlington National Cemetery
Address: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211
Phone: 877.907.8585
Hours: Open 365 days per year
Cost: Free, except for guided tours*

How to Get There:

Take the Washington DC area’s MetroRail’s Blue Line to the Arlington National Cemetery Station.
MetroBus stop on Memorial Avenue

*Arlington National Cemetery has partnered with Arlington Cemetery Tours, Inc. as the only provider of tour bus services within the cemetery. $12 for adults; $6 for children; $9 for seniors and free for military personnel in uniform and disabled with valid handicap placard. (Please visit the Cemetery’s website to confirm admission fees).

The Welcome Center is located at the entrance to the cemetery and is open daily from 8AM to 7PM from April 1^st to September 30^th and closes at 5PM from October 1^st to March 31^st. It is closed on December 25^th.

You will find a number of resources at the Welcome Center as well as a bookstore. Here you can find maps, kiosks and information services as well as restrooms and water fountains. Extensive exhibits and displays document the history of the cemetery, from its beginnings as a gravesite in the backyard of Robert E. Lee’s home, Arlington House, to the formal designation of the land as a national cemetery.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Garden Inn Arlington/Courthouse Plaza
1333 N. Court House Road
Arlington, VA 22201
Toll Free Number: 866 538 1314

Hotels in the Arlington area can be quite expensive, so if you can stay in close proximity to the Cemetery and take the Metro, I highly suggest it!

Where to Eat:

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill
2424 Wilson Road
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone Number: 703 528 3030 (for reservations) or use Open Table

If you visit during a warm, sunny day, this rooftop restaurant is fabulous, located in the Clarendon area of Washington DC/Arlington area. They have an outstanding weekend brunch menu!

What to Eat:

Fried Eggplant at Peter Chang
Smoky Barbecue at Rocklands
Chinese Hot Pot at Mala Tang
Spanish plates at Ser
Peruvian dishes at El Pollo Rico
Russian and Uzbek cuisine at Rus Uz
Filipino food at Bistro 1521
Best Wine Bar is Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro
For sweets its Buzz Bakeshop

Photo Guide for Washington DC:

Arlington Cemetery
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Gravesites of John F. Kennedy and Jackie Onassis
Air Force Memorial
Netherlands Carillon