NOTICE: After visiting Helen Keller's birthplace today, Jane is spending her night in an area without internet access. It's been a busy five days, so Jane's taking an early rest! She will post about her visit to the Natchez Trace in the morning.
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ALSO: Jane will reach Kansas City on August 30. This is her last predetermined stop until she arrives at Glacier National Park; and almost half of the United States still stands between her and that destination.
It is up to you to direct Jane: WEST or NORTH?
This decision will determine which major landmarks and parks she will hit during the remainder of her trek across America.
She could go west to Colorado, then north to Wyoming (this means skipping Sun Valley, Idaho).
Or she could head north toward South Dakota (possibilities from here include Black Hills, S.D. and Sun Valley).
If you have a specific stop that you want to suggest Jane should visit, make sure and vote for that general route--and then comment here with the details of the location. You might see it on the voting ticket down the line!
Don't forget to participate in the daily vote!
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
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10 comments:
Go west, young lady. Natchez, Miss. is worth a look. Or tell us about the WalMart HQ corner of N.W. Arkansas, where many suppliers now have offices.
Okay, this is selfish on my part, but I've never road-tripped through South Dakota, so I'm intrigued. Even Rachel Ray did a trip to South Dakota and tried out some great places to eat (and one had home-made honey ice cream). Also, a stop in Chicago is always a lot of fun--sightseeing and foodwise. If you're there Sept. 10-12 (I'm sure you'll be off-schedule if you are), but if you are, I'll treat you to the bone-in filet mignon at the Chop House in Chicago. My son goes to Northwestern in Evanston and I see something new everytime I go up there with him. The trolley tour in Chicago is fantastic and I've already put in my bid for "Wicked." Tickets are available on a few websites if not at the box office.
Independence, Missouri, the 4th largest city in the State and home of President Harry Truman, would be an amazing addition to your travel itinerary.
Known as "Queen City of the Trails", it is the beginning of the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe Trails. Be sure and stop at the National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific to see acutal wagons and trail diaries. The Chicago & Alton Depot is also located there. Across the street is the Bingham-Waggon Estate that overlooks the Santa Fe Trail. Behind the Estate are actual wagon swails (ruts) that were left by the thousands of pioneers that began their travels in Independence.
The Historic Independence Square, just a few blocks north, is one of my favorites haunts for shopping and eating. It has eight great restaurants and wonderful shops. Don't forget dessert at Clintons Soda Fountain where Truman had his first job.
The Truman Presidential Museum & Library/Truman Home and Community of Christ (COC) Temple were recently voted by the Kansas City Star readers as two of the top seven KC metro wonders. The Temple is also located close to COC Auditorium housing the Children's Peace Pavilon. Across the street is the newly renovated Mormon Visitors Center.
A final stop to end your day would be the Vaile Mansion. One of the best examples of Victorian architecture, it was featured on the television program "America's Castles".
Kansas City offers wonderful experiences for fun, shopping, eating and museums. But make sure add Independence to your midwest adventure!
Hi Jane!
I would like to invite you to visit the most spectacular place for kids and families in Kansas City.
This whimsical environment is Kaleidoscope, and it's an art studio where children get the opportunity to make their own creations with paper, ribbon, melted crayons, and tons of bright and shiny recycled material provided by Hallmark.
Kaleidoscope offers Independent Art Sessions for ages 5 - 12 where children get to explore under-the-sea world and outer space, and family sessions where children of all ages get to create!
Best part, Kaleidoscope is FREE to the community as a public service provided by Hallmark. We're located at Crown Center in Kansas City at Hallmark headquarters.
Feel free to visit our website www.hallmarkkaleidoscope.com to learn more!
Thanks for your consideration and happy travels.
If she goes NORTH, she can visit one-of-a-kind attractions in the Black Hills(home to
Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Devils Tower National Monument, Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Historic DEADWOOD where the entire town is on the National Historic Registry and Rapid City the home of Presidents) and then go to Wyoming, Yellowstone and then to Sun Valley. This route is spectacular/interesting/educational and media worthy!
Wow, Jane! You should head north through the Black Hills of South Dakota... fabulous sites and beautiful scenery! Plus... the natives are very hospitable.
Hope to see you at the Spearfish, SD Visitor Center!
Cheers,
Lisa Langer, Exec. Director
Spearfish Chamber & CVB
605-642-2626
www.visitspearfish.travel
Whoops, forgot to mention...Your map is missing the best route WEST throught the Black Hills. It might help Jane if you'd add the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore National Memorial to the map so that she can find her way! Hope to see Jane in the hills.
A little northern exposure never hurt. The Black Hills are a best-kept secret even with all the hype surrounding Mt. Rushmore. The attractions and parks are great, but the true colors are found in places like Rochford, SD where you can have a beer for $2.00 in the Moonshine Gulch Saloon and there are no billboards in sight. People are truly friendlier in SD.
Hi Jane,
SATW member Beverly Hurley here. While in Kansas City, make sure you stay at Southmoreland on the Plaza Urban Inn, the city's luxury B&B. The 1913 Colonial Revival mansion is one block from the famed Country Club Plaza district. Twelve guest rooms and a luxury suite are named and themed after famous Kansas Citians - Satchel Paige, William Rockhill Nelson, Russell Stover, etc. The Inn serves a gourmet breakfast, wine and hors d'ouevres at check-in and hot beverages and cookies at bedtime. If you are there on a Saturday morning, check out their barbecue breakfast. It's the only place in KC where you can get Kansas City's favorite food group for the morning meal. More details are at www.southmoreland.com. Have a great trip.
Beverly Hurley
SATW Associate
Jane, Go North to South Dakota - Paha Sapa (the Black Hills). You'll be in Big Bagel Country...Black Hills Bagels! Real cowboys eat bagels. Look for the cowboy ridin high on a bagel as you head to Mt. Rushmore.
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