Experiences
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The Boat House- Lambertville, NJ
The Boat House in Lambertville may just be the coziest cocktail lounge ever. At just over 400 square feet, it’s a compact two story space, filled with character. and charm. A civilized socializing spot, cocktails are king here, with some serious mixologists behind the bar. With the feel of a comfortable clubhouse, it’s authentic vintage vibe transcends its 1980 origin.
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Fort Worth Stockyards- FW, TX
Located just a few miles north of downtown Fort Worth, the Stockyards National Historic District is a living reminder of the American West. Granted, a sanitized, tourist friendly version, but one with enough authenticity to be interesting. Although Fort Worth was long a stop along the fabled Chisolm Trail, which moved Texas cattle up to Kansas for distribution, the Stockyards District was a product of the westward expansion of railroads in the late 1800s. With the arrival of service to Fort Worth in 1876, the city became a major shipping point for livestock. By the end of the century, several meat packing plants, including Armour and Swift, were established near…
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The Shawshank Trail- Mansfield, OH
I would be remiss if I didn’t follow up my post about The Ohio State Reformatory with an entry regarding The Shawshank Trail. Even as someone who has seen The Shawshank Redemption an obscene number of times, I never knew it was filmed in Ohio. I suppose if I thought about it at all, I would have placed it in Maine. It was written by Stephen King after all. But no, it was filmed for the most part on location in Central Ohio, and you can still visit many of the filming locations. Although a few are far flung, most are an easy drive from the reformatory. After the prison…
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Cherry Blossom Festival- Washington, D.C.
Without a doubt, Washington is at it’s most beautiful in the spring. Down at the tidal basin, it doesn’t get much better than those fleeting few weeks in March or April when the cherry blossoms bloom, and the entire area is transformed into a pale pink dream. Some years are better than others; harsh weather and high winds can destroy the delicate blossoms. But, when the weather cooperates, the experience is downright heavenly. The idea of cherry trees around the tidal basin predates the official planting by almost 25 years; during her first trip to Japan, National Geographic board member Eliza Scidmore encountered the trees, and was moved by their…
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Danube Cruise- Melk, Austria
To be clear, I am not speaking of the Danube cruises advertised on PBS, prior to Downton Abbey. I am sure those are wonderful if you are in your twilight years, and need travel to be made as easy as possible. However, having been at museums when those groups arrive en masse, I can attest it is a disruptive nightmare, from which you can only beat a hasty retreat. So, no, not that. Thankfully, there is a wonderful 2.5 hour cruise, which you can conveniently book through the railroad. Same sights, no crowded chaos. Perfect. Start your adventure in Vienna, taking an early train to Melk. When you purchase your…
