Historical Landmarks
My favorite place to walk in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is the Cohn Arboretum. There are walking paths, trees and more trees, bamboo, a pond, grapevines, and lots of flowers. It is usually not busy, except when the workers are there. It is well maintained and peaceful. It is also on the way to the my No. 3 spot, so I usually catch both on the same day.
This is Baton Rouge, so remember wherever you go; your bug spray and water. However, pests have never seemed to be a problem here.
The current Louisiana State Capital building was built during the depression era to create jobs by Governor Huey P. Long. Long was later shot and killed inside the building.
It is the tallest capital building in the United States. The observation tower is located on the 24th floor and the elevator go to the 30th floor.
The view of the Mississippi River shows you just how mighty it is. LSU”s tiger stadium can be seen from the tower.
Before you plan your visit, keep in mind that I don’t think that the government wants you to visit downtown Baton Rouge. Security is so tight around the capital building you can no longer park near it. Almost every other parking spot is 2 hour paid parking unless you want to park in a garage and walk. Be prepare to have your possessions scanned and walk through a metal detector.
Traffic in Baton Rouge is horrendous and don’t even attempt to cross the bridge during the hours surrounding rush the hours.
Sunny day on Alabama’s gulf coast.
Located south of Mobile, Alabama is a very nice place to stroll through a beautiful garden.
Watch “3D Video- Old Mill Park, North Little Rock, Arkansas” on YouTube
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
