Things to Do in Wallace, Idaho

The City of Wallace in Idaho’s panhandle might be one of the most interesting small towns I have ever visited.  I later read; it is rated the Best Small Town in Idaho by Discoverer. 

History of Wallace

The City of Wallace was founded in 1886 (sort of) by Colonel R Wallace, a civil war veteran. I say sort of because Wallace and Richard Lockey bought Sioux half-breed scrip from a bank to purchase an 80-acre townsite.  The scrip entitles the owner to claim unoccupied and unsurveyed public lands.  Wallace filed an application to secure the townsite with the General Land Office, but the GLO denied it due to the scrip being reported as lost.

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Things to Do in Lander

Lander is a small city located in West central Wyoming near the Wind River Mountain range and less than three hours from Jackson.  The city of Lander is an outdoor mecca. In fact, many state and federal organizations as well as private and non-profit outdoor organizations such as National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Wyoming Outdoor Council, the Wyoming office of the Nature Conservancy, the Wyoming Wildlife Federation keep their offices in Lander.

While Lander is internationally known in the climbing community, I believe this city of 7,500 has been flying under the radar when it comes to attracting other outdoor enthusiasts.  In ten years, I expect it will be the next Moab for summer adventures.

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tammany trace trailhead in covington

Things to Do in Covington

The quaint town of Covington, Louisiana is part of the Greater New Orleans metropolitan area.  I only visited for a day as I made my way back from Florida to Texas and wished I had scheduled more time to stay, as the city of 11,500 is quite charming.

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walter anderson museum

Things to Do in Ocean Springs

After visiting Gulf Shores, Alabama, we continued west toward Texas, albeit slowly.  We made a stop at the Mississippi Visitors Center.  I asked the lady working at the counter, who was a hoot, to name her favorite small towns.  Oceans Springs was the first she mentioned, and she raved about it.  So, after Annie and I took our token state sign picture (dressed for a lobster boil), we made Oceans Springs our next stop.

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fort morgan

The Quieter Side of Gulf Shores

Gulf Shores is the southernmost settlement in Alabama.  Located just west of Pensacola, Florida, the resort town with a population of 12,000 attracts many tourists, especially during spring break.  For some reason, I expected a quainter city, so I was surprised by all high rises which lined the beach and the amusement park.  That said, during the 24 hours I visited Gulf Shores, I didn’t even make it to the built-up area. 

RELAX!
food trucks in seaside

Seaside and The Truman Show

On the recommendation of a friend, during my yearlong roadtrip across the USA 11 years ago, I visited Watercolor and Seaside in the Florida panhandle.  On my shortened journey this year (due to some challenges with VANgo and changing my travel priorities to horses), I made Seaside my last stop in Florida upon my return home from Texas.

Last time I visited the area, I hiked with the dogs in Grayton Beach State Park, strolled the beach, and enjoyed lunch at the Shrimp Shack.  This time, since I learned that a histamine intolerance is causing my migraines and eating seafood is out of the question, I made my tour about The Truman Show, a movie which came out in 1998.

TAKE THE TOUR!
Annie and me on sanibel island

Things to Do on Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island is located off the west coast of Florida near Fort Myers.    The 15 by 5 mile island is best known for its seashells and the “Sanibel Stoop” (bent at the waist collecting shells).

Sanibel offers all the modern conveniences without all the modern high rises.  Buildings may only be as tall as the highest tree, approximately three stories.

By car, the island is accessed via the Sanibel Causeway for a $6 toll.  The road extends through Sanibel to Captiva Island.

Given the Captiva Island beaches are not dog friendly and Annie, my Doberman, is my sidekick, I didn’t make it to Captiva, though I had plenty to do for a day in Sanibel.

ISLAND HOP!

Top Things to Do in Mount Dora

Mount Dora is a city of 13,000 located in central Florida northwest of Orlando.  Restaurants, cute shops, galleries, wineries, and more line the quaint historic downtown.  Mount Dora is known for its arts and antiques and holds many festivals.

Stay at the Lakeside Inn

When visiting, definitely stay at the Lakeside Inn located on Lake Mount Dora on the edge of the historic district.  Built in 1883, Lakeside Inn is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Florida.  It has hosted many dignitaries and celebrities, including President Calvin Coolidge and Lady Grace Coolidge.

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Things to Do in New York City in December

I’ve been to NYC many times…spring, fall, summer, winter.  But despite the sometimes cold temperatures, I love New York City in December.  I prefer going toward the beginning of December as it is after the Thanksgiving rush and before Christmas vacation for many. Consequently, I can enjoy the shows, dinner, and Christmas decorations among slightly lighter holiday crowds.

This December of 2021, my friend Tina and I were quite lucky.  We spent three full days in New York and completely missed the Omicron spike and resulting shutdowns.  Aside from enjoying savory dinners and seeing plenty of musicals, below are some things we did while visiting New York City in December.

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Hell’s Kitchen: NYC Pre Theatre Dining

While NYC has much to offer, one of my favorite things to do while visiting the city is to go out to eat for dinner and to see the Broadway shows.  In order to do both in the same night, it is easiest to make a dinner reservation in the Theatre District or in Hell’s Kitchen prior to the musical. 

Both the Theatre District and Hell’s Kitchen may be found on NYC’s Midtown West Side which ranges from 34th to 59th Streets and between 5th and 12th Avenues. The Theatre District covers 41st to 54th Streets between 6th and 8th Avenues, and Hell’s Kitchen can be found to the West of 8th, near the Theatre District.

Below are a few delicious restaurants in the Manhattan’s Midtown:

EAT OUT!