Branson, Missouri

August 23, 2017August 23, 2017 / Sarah Collins / Leave a comment

I spent less than 24 hours in Branson, Missouri. It was a stop as I headed south. Even though, I did not see any shows I did see some interesting items.

The first stop was the wax museum. Why is Jeannie so interesting? I just spent the last nine months with the TV tuned to I Dream of Jeannie to keep the morning news from ruining the day.

I did find some interesting items at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not.

The fountain at the Branson Landing were entertaining. A relaxing ending to a busy day.

Krispy Kreme Donuts!!!! Notice the sign that indicated HOT Donuts. As soon as I walked in the door the worker handed me a HOT donuts. That was the best donut that I have eaten in the past decade.

Solar Eclipse 2017

August 22, 2017 / Sarah Collins / 1 Comment

I do not take any direct pictures of the sun during the Solar Eclipse. There were plenty of professional people taking some great pictures. But, here are a few I took of the sky. I did take a 360 video during the event. You can view it on YouTube at 360 Eclipse Video.

Cloudy Day

August 17, 2017August 17, 2017 / Sarah Collins / 2 Comments

As I was walking, I noticed how beautiful the sky was on this cloudy day.

Beef Jerky Outlet

August 6, 2017August 6, 2017 / Sarah Collins / 1 Comment

When you traveling down the highway, and it time for a stop, when you notice a place named “Beef Jerky Outlet” you have your stopping location. Yes, they have beef jerky and plenty of other items.

Seasoning all the way from Ville Platte, Louisiana.

And, other hot stuff.

Items directly from a garden, some covered in chocolate.

But, I loved the shirts!

I wonder if they deliver. It must to hard on McDonalds with this place being so close. 🙂

Pickle Gap Village

August 2, 2017 / Sarah Collins / Leave a comment

Pickle Gap Village is located somewhere is Arkansas, near Conway I believe. I had to stop there because of the name. It was enjoyable and entertaining.

With a name like Pickle Gap, you would expect to find pickles every where. Alas, pickle were only found in one barrel. But, other interesting items were found.

Pickle Gap had a little play area and goats. Please wash you hands after petting the goats.

Precious Moments Chapel

August 1, 2017August 1, 2017 / Sarah Collins / Leave a comment

If you are ever near Carthage, MO, a stop at the Precious Moments Chapel is worth the visit.

Samuel J. Butcher the creator of the Precious Moment figurines journeyed through the United State in search for a location to place the chapel. Once he found Carthage, MO, he knew, with the rolling hills, water stream, and caves, it would be a perfect location for the chapel.

Most of the painting were down at his home in the Philippines and brought to the Chapel via an UHaul.

Samuel Butcher painted the ceiling laying on a scaffold.

After his son Phillip died, he dedicated a room in the Chapel to Phillip.

This is a playhouse for his grandchildren.

Arbor Lodge State Historical Park

June 20, 2017 / Sarah Collins / Leave a comment

Located at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park is the home of J. Sterling Morton, who is the founded Arbor Day. The home features furniture and art work that is original to the home. It also has an original Tiffany Window that take 15 men to open it.

J. Sterling Morton is the father of Joy Morton who founded the Morton Salt Company.

Arbor Day Farms

June 19, 2017 / Sarah Collins / Leave a comment

I finally got to visit Arbor Day Farms. It has been on my stop list during previous travel adventures, but something always happened and I had to readjust my plans. Now, my only regret is that I was not able to spend more time here. A few hours does not allow you to explore the entire area.

Arbor Day Farms is the birthplace of Arbor Day. Julius Sterling Morton moved to Nebraska in 1954 and decided to start planting trees.

The Archway

June 15, 2017 / Sarah Collins / Leave a comment

Along I-80, in about the middle of Nebraska, crossing the Interstate, erected high, stands the Archway.

Inside the Archway is a museum that covers the history of the Great Plains of Nebraska. From the settlers, to building of the interstate, through today’s modern history.

Outside on the west side, is a maze that resembles a fort. It probably depicts Fort Kearney, which is only a few miles away.

Across the bridge there are sculptures of bison and walking trails that will take you to Kearney or the Fort Kearney State Historical Park.

Art Show

June 13, 2017 / Sarah Collins / Leave a comment

I attended the Art Show of some very talented students from the Hall County area of Grand Island, NE. The event was held at the Sturh Museum. These are just a few of the hundreds items on display. Their parents and teachers should be proud.