Sunny day on Alabama’s gulf coast.
Landmarks
Historical Landmarks
Bellingrath Home and Gardens
Located south of Mobile, Alabama is a very nice place to stroll through a beautiful garden.
Old Mill Park, North Little Rock, Arkansas
Watch “3D Video- Old Mill Park, North Little Rock, Arkansas” on YouTube
Nebraska to Missouri
After you cross into Iowa from Omaha, Nebraska at Exit 4 there is a great shopping center to stop and have lunch. There are about 12 restaurants there with a variety of choices. This was my selection:
Iowa and northern Missouri looked like the picture below:
Here is a tip I learned from all of my travels; Michael’s has clean restrooms. Who woildn’t mind taking a break at Michaels?
Memphis, Tennessee
What is there to do in Memphis, Tennessee that doesn’t involve music, where you can take picture and be outside on a summer day? After many web searches, I found it! The Memphis Botanical Gardens.
This place was huge, several different gardens, lots of plants, and plenty of photos opportunities. And, it was hot, but very quiet and relaxing. There is plenty to see in the gardens.
Branson, Missouri
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.
Precious Moments Chapel
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
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
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
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.
