Amazing Adventure on the plains of South Dakota

By V. Lori Hedges

At the beginning of our road trip, I said there are three staples that you need for the journey: traveling music, snacks, and a flexible travel plan. I guess Day Six of our epic road trip was our day to exercise flexibility.

The day began with us driving the four blocks from our hotel to Wall Drug for breakfast. If you’ve never been to Wall Drug, I can only describe it as a touristy destination filled with old west memorabilia mixed with souvenir baubles to create a massive sensory overload, and yet it still manages to be a fun place to stop. Just to warn you though, Wall Drug can be an expensive visit. Our pretty standard breakfast fare ended up being the most expensive breakfast I’ve ever paid for anywhere.

Despite that, after eating way too much, we perused the shops and exhibits, picking up a few new squished pennies to commemorate our visit. In one building we came face-to-face with a roaring animatronic T-rex, and in the “backyard” we took turns posing on various old-timey sets: a covered wagon, a jackalope, a miniature Mount Rushmore.

Then it was time to head out to our main destination for the day: Wounded Knee. With Google Maps leading the way, we set out on the hour and a half drive down a state highway. We hadn’t traveled too many miles when the highway suddenly turned into a gravel road. The farther we drove, the more remote it became, but what a beautiful drive!

For several miles the road was bordered by fields of sunflowers. In the distance we could see the Badlands while in the foreground prairie grass carpeted the fields. Every few miles we would pass a field full of prairie dog holes, with prairie dogs scampering around busily doing whatever it is that prairie dogs do. Periodically, we’d pass a sign that indicated we had entered or exited the Badlands National Park or the Badlands National Grasslands.

Suddenly we came over a rise and around a bend and in the fields and roadway in front of us was a large herd of bison roaming free. Those magnificent animals strolled back and forth across the road, unconcerned that they were holding up five or six cars who were waiting to pass through.

**The paved highway soon turned into gravel and led us to meet these wonderful creatures.**

It was an amazing sight to see. We pulled over and hurriedly snapped photos from the safety of our vehicle. We inched our way through gaps in the herd, all the while listening to their grunts and snorts. Some of the bison were napping in the nearby fields or taking dust baths as they rolled around in the dirt. Calves played with other calves or nursed from their mothers. Others continually meandered back and forth across the road as if they couldn’t decide which side was better. One old male seemed frustrated that some of the others were ignoring his directions and his snorts became increasingly louder. I imagined how the same scene would have looked hundreds of years ago when there were a hundred times that many bison grazing on the plains.

What a treat it was to see those animals roaming wild and free. It honestly was one of my favorite experiences of the trip. (Just a reminder though: If you ever find yourself face-to-face with a bison, STAY IN YOUR CAR! They are large and powerful creatures that can very easily end you. Every year people die trying to take a photo with these animals. They are wild and unpredictable, and they are fast. Use a telephoto lens and shoot from your vehicle.)

After easing our way through the crowd of bison, we continued on our way. The scenery in that area of the country is just breathtaking. Photos can’t do it justice. It must be seen in person. After about 35 minutes of driving, we came to the entry gate of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation on which Wounded Knee is located.

We were stopped by a very courteous young Lakota man who informed us that we would be unable to enter the reservation that day because of Covid-19 protocols. I knew that some reservations had suffered large outbreaks of Covid and had received little help from the government, but I never thought about the fact that they would need to close off access to Wounded Knee. He explained that to limit Covid spread, only individuals that had official business on the reservation could enter. “I’m sorry,” the young guard said, “but I’m going to have to turn you around.”

We thanked him for his kindness and wished him well and then did a U-turn and started back toward Wall. It was disappointing not to be able to pay our respects to the hundreds of natives who died at Wounded Knee, but it was more respectful to help protect them from their current death threat. Besides, I told my sister, if we hadn’t made the trip, we would never have seen the magnificent herd of bison. As far as I was concerned, the day trip was a complete success!

T-Rex at Wall Drug.

More about Wall Drug.

Party of Bison: These big guys were totally unconcerned about us!

All Photos and videos are the property of V. Lori Hedges and may not be used without permission.

Gunslingers, Bank Robbers and Train Bandits, oh my!

By V. Lori Hedges

Have you ever wondered about the fascination people have with outlaws? People like Dillinger, Billy the kid, and Butch Cassidy not only are remembered long after their deaths, but they are admired, and in some locations, they are actually celebrated.

On this Destination Investigation Road Trip, we visited several sites that were all about remembering and celebrating the lives of some very famous outlaws and gunfighters: Bonnie and Clyde, Jesse James, Wild Bill Hickok, and Calamity Jane.

Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow

During our stay at a very nice Motel 6 in Stuart, Iowa, we found out that the town’s claim to fame is that Bonnie and Clyde’s last bank robbery happened just up the street. So, we went to check out the former bank that is now the home of a hair salon.

While we were there taking pictures, a woman stopped and welcomed us to her town. She then told us that not only did the Barrows rob the Stuart bank, back up the interstate about four miles in the town of Dexter is the site where the Barrow gang was ambushed by law enforcement.

So, we backtracked to Dexter, where we drove out into the countryside to the location of the former Dexfield Park.

The former Dexfield Park, the site of the shootout with the Barrow Gang.

In the early 1900s, the park was a gathering place for a thriving community, and it even had an Olympic-sized swimming pool for use by the public. Today the area is grown up with only a roadside pull off and two granite markers to commemorate the park and the shootout.

After stopping for a couple photos, we headed back into the little town of Dexter for breakfast at the Dexter Café. While there, we met fellow diners, Harold and Doris Feller, who invited us to the Dexter Museum next door.

If you want to know the history of Dexter and its brush with Bonnie and Clyde, this is the place to go, and the Fellers are the people to talk to.

Harold’s family has a direct connection with the Barrows as it was his grandfather’s car that Clyde stole when they made their escape from the shootout. He said Clyde promised they would be reimbursed for their trouble, and in 2015, Clyde’s nephew, Buddy Barrow, came to Dexter. He made good on Clyde’s promise by presenting Harold with a $100 bill.

The museum is filled with photos, memorabilia, and newspaper clippings about the Barrows’ visits to the area and their crime spree across the country. Although the museum is very small, you could spend hours poring over the hundreds of items in the exhibits. However, the museum is not just about Bonnie and Clyde.

Dexter’s other claim to fame is President Harry S. Truman’s 1948 visit to the town. According to Doris, Truman arrived by train for the national plowing match. She said the women of the town cooked dinner for the presidential delegate.

“They made fried chicken and mashed potatoes and gravy,” Doris said, adding they also served fresh vegetables from local gardens.

In the showcase dedicated to the Truman visit is a tablecloth signed by the president and napkins used at the event.

Dexter and Stuart are both tiny Iowa towns, but they are worth a stop. The people are friendly and happy to share their communities’ history. If you want to know more about the Dexter Museum, check out its Facebook page: Memories of Dexter-The Original One-Horse Town.

Jesse James

Before leaving Dexter, Harold told us if we were interested in outlaws, Jesse James made his presence known not far from Dexter. Not far up the interstate in Adair, Iowa, you can find a memorial commemorating the first train robbery in the west. Of course, we had to see that! Off we went on a short drive through the countryside to a little roadside display next to a piece of unconnected train rails.

A plaque, erected by the Rock Island Railroad in 1954, designates it as the, “Site of the first train robbery in the West, committed by the notorious Jesse James and his gang of outlaws. July 21, 1873.” Another sign tells the whole story of the great train robbery.

According to the sign, the James gang was after a train shipment of $75,000 in gold that was being shipped east. To stop the train, the men disconnected two rails on a curve near Adair. When the train came through, it caused the track to jerk out of place, plunging the train engine into a ditch where it overturned, killing the engineer and fireman and injuring several passengers.

However, when the bandits forced the guard to open the train’s safe, they found only $2,000 in currency. After robbing the passengers to add to the haul, they only gained about $3,000 total.

After the train heist, the gang escaped to Missouri and split up. A $10,000 reward was offered by the governor of Missouri for the capture of Jesse James, dead or alive.

Wild Bill Hickok

Toward the end of our westward journey, we pulled into the town of Deadwood, S.D., a town that has hosted more of its share of cowboys, prospectors, prostitutes, and gunslingers. The most famous of those was Wild Bill Hickok.

Born James Butler Hickok, Wild Bill was a master marksman. He was involved in several gunfights during his lifetime, and he served as sheriff of Hays City, Kansas, and marshal of Abilene, Kansas. Hickok was turned into a legendary gunslinger through accounts of his exploits being retold in the Harper’s New Monthly Magazine.

Besides being a skilled gunman, Hickok was also an avid poker player and became a regular at the tables at the Nuttal & Mann Saloon in Deadwood. On Aug. 1, 1876, Hickok won quite a bit of money from Jack McCall, who was a less skilled player. The next evening, Hickok was involved in another game when McCall walked up behind him and fatally shot him in the back of the head. The poker hand that Hickok was holding when he was killed – a pair of black eights and a pair of black aces – became known as “the dead man’s hand.”

The location of the Nuttal & Mann Saloon, 624 Lower Main St., Deadwood, is now known as Wild Bill’s Bar and Trading Post, original location of Saloon No. 10, although the original building was destroyed by fire. There is another bar called the Saloon No. 10, located at 657 Main St., Deadwood, that claims to have the chair that Hickok was sitting in when he was shot. The two businesses are not related.

I have been interested in the stories of gunfighters and lawmen of the old west since my first trip into cowboy country at age 13. My sister is particularly interested in the stories about Wild Bill. Because of that, visiting Hickok’s grave was on the list of places to go. Hickok is buried in Mount Moriah Cemetery in Deadwood. Next to his grave is another notorious wild west figure: Calamity Jane.

Calamity Jane

Born Martha Jane Cannary, Calamity Jane was a renowned sharpshooter and frontierswoman. Her life story is a mixture of fact and fiction, some of which will probably remain a mystery.

During her life, it has been reported that she served as an army scout and explorer but had also worked as a dance-hall girl and possibly was a prostitute for a short time. She was known to have preferred wearing men’s clothing and is most often pictured that way.

There have been some claims that Jane was involved with Wild Bill and may have actually married him and had a child with him, but there is no evidence to substantiate the claim.

There are also may stories of Jane’s heroic activities, including once saving a stagecoach from an Indian attack and another time, serving as a nurse during a smallpox epidemic.

Calamity Jane died Aug. 1, 1903, and was laid to rest next to Wild Bill. Some say she asked to be buried next to him, while others say she was buried there as a “posthumous joke” on Hickok.

***

Visiting Mount Moriah Cemetery and standing at the sites of the train heist and bank robbery really brings the stories from history to life. Somehow, it is easier to picture those navigating the hardships of the old west in the 1800s when you are walking the streets that they walked.

They were real people and not just characters in a magazine or in a movie. If you get the opportunity to travel near these sites, take the time to stop and take it all in. Let these sites make the ghosts from the past real again.

Video at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Deadwood, SD

Video at the location of Bonnie and Clyde’s last bank robbery.

At the Dexter Museum.

All video and photos, except the portraits of Jesse James, Bonnie and Clyde, Wild Bill, and Calamity Jane, are the property of V. Lori Hedges and may not be used without permission.

Road Trip Investigation: The World’s Largest Truck Stop

By V. Lori Hedges

Our first real Destination Investigation of our road trip loomed ahead early on our second day on the road.

The World’s Largest Truck Stop? How big could it be? Should we stop and check it out? Each successive billboard promised us a great adventure if we just took the 284 Exit on I-80 West.

So off we went, and boy we were not disappointed. The sprawling facility that is the Iowa 80 Truck Stop has so many services offered that you could spend hours and possibly days there. It is simply massive.

Established in 1964, the Iowa 80 Truck Stop is not just for truckers. Truckers, travelers, and locals can find just about anything they need somewhere on site. Of course, there is a gas station, but there is also a charging station for those who have electric vehicles. Need a haircut? No problem! There is a barber shop right in the building. Back hurting? Stop in to see the on-site chiropractor.

Then there is the convenience store, a gift shop, a dental office, a dog groomer, a laundry facility, a library, a movie theater, private showers, a truck service center, a truck parking lot, a super truck showroom, workout rooms and a driver’s den. Maybe you just want a bite to eat. Iowa 80 Truck Stop has you covered. There are nine restaurants, with two open 24 hours.

There are also dozens of fun touristy murals and exhibits with which to interact.

If that is not enough for you, right across the parking lot is the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum. Admission is free, but a donation is appreciated. The museum houses hundreds of antique trucks, vintage toys, and gas station memorabilia.

You will find everything imaginable having to do with trucking at the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum.

From some of the first delivery trucks to specialty vehicles, like the 1930 Ford A Snowmobile, the museum has hundreds of antique trucks. This place is just plain cool even if you are not a car or truck person.

If you’d like to learn more about the Iowa 80 Truck Stop or the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum, check out their websites, and stop by if you find yourself traveling down Interstate 80 near the 284 Exit.

http://iowa80truckstop.com and http://www.Iowa80truckingmuseum.com

All photos and videos are the property of V. Lori Hedges, and may not be used without permission.

Destination Investigations Road Trip

Join us for an epic road trip!

By V. Lori Hedges

An epic road trip should not be rushed. The journey is the destination. You need a few staples as you set out: traveling music – several playlists to act as the score for your unfolding story, snacks and drinks to tide you over between meals, and a very flexible game plan.

This summer my sister and I are embarking on a 10-day road trip that has been decades in the making. As kids, we traveled this route many times on our annual visit to our grandparents’ house. Each year our mother would take us west, and we would see and experience many historical and interesting places (many times the same places multiple times over the years).

But there were always roadside attractions that called out to our young interests. Mom, however, did not share our enthusiasm for some of the touristy places we wanted to see, so they were passed by year after year.

Not this time though. Our farthest planned point west is Devil’s Tower, Wyoming. Between home and there anything is game.

A sign advertising “the world’s largest (fill in the blank)” – if it sounds fun, we’re stopping! And we’re taking you with us!

So, join us as we share our adventures in our Destination Investigation Road Trip!

To continue, click on Road Trip Investigation The World’s Largest Truck Stop.

Fort Pulaski: Discover this lesser known, but vital garrison in Civil War history

By V. Lori Hedges

Two years ago, my family and I enjoyed a short trip to Savannah and Tybee Island, Georgia. Both areas were so beautiful and rich in history that we vowed to return as soon as we could. This summer we made good on that vow. This time, however, we had seven glorious days to spend enjoying this beautiful place, with lots of time for exploring or for doing nothing at all.

Fort Pulaski, located on Cockspur Island within sight of Tybee Island, was one place we couldn’t fit into our tight schedule last time, so we moved it to the top of our list of places to visit. My sister and I took advantage of a couple of sunny hours (before a rain storm moved in) to head over to the fort to expand our knowledge of southern history.

My family and I are very into history and visiting historical sites. But, despite the fact we have visited many historic sites, I was unprepared for how this place made me feel. Built in the early 1800s, the garrison’s 7-1/2-foot walls are constructed of giant slabs of stone and around 25 million bricks. According to park literature, most of the structure was built by slaves borrowed from nearby rice plantations. Although it happened almost 200 years ago, I felt pity for the laborers who had to work and sweat in the oppressive heat to build those massive walls.

The fort was originally built as a part of a campaign to secure the U.S. coastline from foreign threats. However, when neighboring South Carolina seceded from the United States and the union army was able to secure Fort Sumter in Charlestown, Georgia’s governor ordered the state’s militia to seize Fort Pulaski for the state. Later when Georgia seceded, it became a Confederate strong hold. What happened a year later is still recorded by the cannon projectiles imbedded in the outside walls.

Visitors tour the underground chambers located inside and under the walls of Fort Pulaski.

Under the cover of night, the Union Army positioned rifled cannons in strategic locations across the water on Tybee Island. Because they didn’t know the Union was equipped with this new cannon technology, the Confederate soldiers thought they were safe and secure from the Union threat. Surely cannon couldn’t reach the walls from that far away, they thought, musing that if a cannon ball did happen to hit the fort, it would do little damage.

The battle lasted 30 short hours. The mighty garrison was no match for the rifled cannons and their capability to fire from far greater distances than traditional cannons. With massive holes blown in its side, Fort Pulaski was forced to surrender to the Union Army. For the rest of the Civil War, Fort Pulaski was a Union strong hold that allowed the United States to control the shipment of goods up the Savannah River. It also served as a prison for captured Confederate soldiers where many died of disease and starvation.

38872315_10156557806678936_6757832020337885184_n — The prison where many Confederate soldiers lived and died.

Today Fort Pulaski stands proudly as one of our National Historic Monuments – a portal to the past – allowing visitors a chance to learn about what life was like on Cockspur Island in the 1800s.

As we meandered around within the walls of the fort, I could almost see the military personnel keeping watch along the upper walls while others tended to the massive cannons and other tasks around the interior. On Saturday’s, costumed reenactors populate the fort to give visitors an even more authentic experience as they go through the ceremony of firing several of the cannons on the garrison wall.

But even if you visit on a weekday, you just might meet a soldier in uniform. Since dozens of southern soldiers who were imprisoned there also died there, it is not surprising that people claim to see and hear their ghosts throughout the fort – even in the middle of the day.

Besides the fort itself, there are trails surrounding the garrison which allow visitors to explore the island’s plants and wildlife. And, although you can’t cross to it, there is a trail that takes you to a great vantage point to view the Cockspur Island lighthouse. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to take advantage of those offerings as about the time we finished our tour of the fort, the downpour arrived.

There is so much to learn here. The national park service has provided dozens of detailed plaques explaining how each area was used. There is also a wonderful short film in the welcome center about the battle between the Confederate and Union armies. As I walked around the fort, I couldn’t help but feel that the walls themselves were saturated with deep emotions: hope, deep despair, happiness, fear, pride, weariness … So much has happened here.

Fort Pulaski is such an interesting place. If you’re traveling near Tybee Island, I recommend you set aside a couple hours to wander around this historical gem. Admission is very inexpensive: $7 per adult. If you’re on vacation, this will probably be one of the least expensive, but most enriching experiences of your trip. I hope you find it to be as engaging as we did.

All photos are the property of V. Lori Hedges, and may not be used without permission.

Traveling with Teens

Planning a family vacation is always a difficult task. How much can you spend? Where will you stay? How will you get “X” number of people to the destination? Those are questions that must be answered for just about any trip, but when teenagers are a part of the equation, the struggle increases with each teen added to the mix.

A vacation with teenagers is an active venture. They rarely are happy just spending a week lounging in a beach chair around a pool while reading a good novel. They want to be doing things and seeing things. This causes a challenge for families that have a mixture of ages. Often parents are just looking for a relaxing holiday. Younger kids often are fine with days splashing in a pool or playing on a playground. Teenagers, however, want to go, go, go. Finding that sweet spot where everyone is happy is tough.

Here are two quick and easy solutions if you are planning a vacation with your teenagers:

Take a cruise. There are several cruise lines that really cater to families with children and teens. Look for cruises that offer kid camps for the younger children – they will be kept busy doing all kinds of crafts, recreation, and sciency stuff – and teen-oriented activities – they will be kept busy doing all types of physically-challenging activities, such as learning to surf in the surf pool or participating in an improv show. Meanwhile, parents are left to do or not do whatever they want, guaranteeing that everyone will get the vacation of their dreams.
Look at all-inclusive resorts for families. These resorts, like family cruises, specialize in activities for a variety of ages, keeping the teens and children entertained and parents relaxed.

But what if you don’t want a cookie-cutter vacation. What if you’re looking for something more adventurous and unique? There are a few things you need to consider as you make your plans:

What are the ages of the people going on the vacation?
How many people are in the party?
What are the interests – music, sports, hobbies – of each person going on the trip?
How active is each person and what is their fitness level?
What kind of location does each person prefer? Beach? Mountains? City? Country?
What kind of weather does each person prefer? Cold? Hot?
Are they adventurous or more reserved?
How are you traveling? Driving? Flying? Train?
How far away can you go?
How much can you spend?

All of the answers to these questions will help you to determine where you’ll go and what you’ll do on your trip. My husband and I have six sons. Two are working adults, two are college students, and two are high school sophomores. Having a two- or three-year gap between the boys has made planning vacations a real challenge in the past. When the oldest two boys were around 9 to 11 in age, the youngest were just babies, and a lot of activities were hard to do with babies in tow. When the older kids were teens, they didn’t want to participate in the “baby stuff” that was appropriate for their elementary age brothers.

It was very frustrating. It is equally frustrating now. My oldest four boys are over 21, which opens up a lot of options for us, but the youngest two are 16, which eliminates many of those options again. Despite these problems, we have managed to take some pretty spectacular trips the past couple of years. So where do you start?

First of all, just know that one or more of your children (no matter their age) are going to indicate they don’t want to go and do whatever you are planning. That’s okay. Proceed. They don’t know, really, that they are going to have a good time. My boys always think my ideas for trips are “boring,” but they always come away saying, “Thanks, Mom, I had a great time.” The trick is to plan a trip that has a balance between intellectual growth, physical activity and relaxation.

A Balance of intellectual stimulation, physical activity and relaxation is the key to a successful vacation when traveling with teenagers.

18295_10153128597543936_2780497983906634094_n — Everyone will learn something if you pick a museum about your teen’s favorite subject.

426528_10151499419743936_727487930_n — Hiking, bicycling, or boogey boarding are all good activities to burn off some of your teen’s abundance of energy.

Make sure you plan time to just relax and unwind.

So armed with the information from the questions above and an overall budget for your trip, start by making a list of three cities or locations that sound promising. When we were searching for our summer vacation destination, I picked Washington D.C., Savannah, Ga., and Miami, Fla. Right off the bat, I eliminated Miami since we were driving, and we didn’t want to spend the entirety of the trip in a van.

I knew Washington D.C. is a happening city so that is where I began my research, with my first internet search being “Things to Do in Washington D.C.” I made a list of places and activities I thought would interest various family members who were going on the trip and included the admission prices of each activity. Then I began plotting an itinerary to see what was feasible to do in the time we had allotted. (Washington D.C. has so much to do, much of which is free.) Then we had a short family meeting to discuss the options for activities if we went with a D.C. trip.

We had pretty much settled on D.C. and had even booked our hotel rooms through Booking.com which offers the “pay-when-you-stay” option. However, in order to stay within our budget, we had to book a hotel in Manassas, Va., which meant a lot of driving through D.C. traffic. We looked at taking the train into the city at least one time, which sounded kind of fun, but that was pretty expensive with six people in the group. By the time we crunched the numbers, D.C. had grown way out of our comfort zone as far as budgeting was concerned.

Also, the trip was leaning heavy on intellectual growth, but I figured all the walking from one attraction to another would provide enough physical activity for balance. However, I was concerned that there was not enough down time for those of us who needed some relaxation included in the itinerary. So it was back to the drawing board, with another round of research.

Then I started researching options in Savannah and Tybee Island in Georgia, and things just started to fall together. It didn’t take long to determine that this was the perfect destination for my family. There was something for everyone: sightseeing, activities, and beach time. At the end of the trip, everyone agreed that Savannah and Tybee Island were amazing destinations for our group. (See my stories on those two destinations in my blog listings.)

Now the family wants to celebrate the holidays with a trip instead of the traditional gift-giving routine, so I’m back to researching. My oldest son has requested beach time, so southern coastal destinations are the main focus. This time we have 10 or 11 people in our group so it’s going to be an even bigger challenge to please everyone, but I feel confident that my method will again result in a successful vacation!

***

What vacation destination has been your family’s favorite? Also, if you have any suggestions for a Christmas vacation destination (with beaches), I’d like to hear from you. Share in the comments below!

All photos are the property of V. Lori Hedges and may not be used without permission.

Tybee Island, Georgia

There is just nothing like anticipating a trip to a place you’ve never experienced before. You pour over travel sites, looking for places to tour, places to eat, and (of course) nice places to stay. This is going to be the best vacation ever!

And, if you throw in a couple days at the beach… I’m almost in orbit thinking about it! There is just something about sitting in a beach chair under an umbrella, sipping a cool drink while listening and watching the waves crash onto the sand that brings you a sense of bliss.

So when I was planning our family vacation this summer, the beach was on my mind… a lot. We considered other places – Washington D.C., New York City, the Alamo – but when it came down to it, we just wanted a beach. The other hitch? This end of summer trip had to be done on a serious budget (with six people going). Driving the many hours to Florida sounded brutal and not a great way to start a vacation, so I started looking at alternate beachside destinations.

Also, when you travel with teens, you have to plan a lot of activities. Beach lounging is just not going to do it for them, at least not for a whole week. There has to be a variety of things to do and see. My eyes finally settled on Savannah, Georgia.

If you’ve never been to Savannah, start planning a trip right now! It has everything you could want in a vacation destination. It has museums. It has parks. It has sports activities. It has beautiful historic sites. It has wonderful cuisine. And – it has one of the best beaches ever: Tybee Island Beach.

While Tybee Island and Savannah were recently pounded by Hurricane Hermine, officials say damage was minimal, and they’ll be back in full swing by Labor Day weekend (which we just celebrated). So go ahead and start making your plans.

During our Georgia trip, we spent two of our five Savannah vacation days on Tybee Island Beach. Our favorite place was under the big pier where we could sit in the shade near the water’s edge and enjoy the ocean breeze without scorching our skin – and the shade was free. You can rent chairs and umbrellas from nearby vendors, but this allowed us to spread out a bit with room for all six of us in the shade.

The beach is monitored most of the day by certified life guards who very effectively enforce the rules of the beach. One rule I especially appreciated was no going out farther than about 50 yards from the water’s edge. The waves are big. Teenage boys often think they’re invincible. However, this time I didn’t have to be the bad guy – the enforcer was a life guard. That simple fact made my days at the beach all the more enjoyable since I didn’t have that battle to fight.

Tybee Island beach is a beautiful, very clean beach. They are very serious about keeping it clean too. The quickest way to be ejected from this beach is to litter! Also, there is plenty of room to play, run and sun bathe. Both days we were there, the attendance was moderate. We never had a problem finding a place to sit, and both days we were able to stake claim to a spot under the pier. Setting up near the pier has the added benefits of being near a restroom and the concession stands, where you can purchase everything from a margarita to tasty eats.

If you leave the beach and walk one street inland, you can find a wide variety of restaurants offering everything from the expected seafood fare to pizza. We tried two different places – Spanky’s Beachside, located at 1605 Strand, and Sting Ray’s, located at 1403 Butler Ave.

Spanky’s was recommended to us by a family member who formerly lived in the Savannah area (Thanks Bev!). The wait was a bit lengthy, which is a good sign the food is good, and we did get to the restaurant right at the beginning of the dinner rush, so I guess we should have expected a bit of a wait. Spanky’s menu offers a variety of entrees at reasonable prices, with the most expensive item being the large Neptune Platter for $25.50, and you get to choose three seafood items which are served with a potato and salad! Spanky’s also offered a children’s menu (although we’re past that) and a full-service bar. For more information, check out www.spankysbeachside.com.

The second restaurant was chosen by my seafood fanatic son, Michael, who was mesmerized by Sting Ray’s offering of seafood by the pound. The inside tables were filled so we were seated on the patio which is cooled by dozens of oscillating fans.

I found Sting Rays to be a typical tourist restaurant, with okay food but nothing amazingly memorable. Our family also thought the wait staff was rather unfriendly as they behaved as if we were an imposition. The next time we go to Tybee Island, we will look for a restaurant that is more local oriented.

Active Touring

While frolicking in the waves and lounging on the beach is fun, there is more to see on Tybee Island than the sandy beach. On our second day on the island we decided to take in a couple of the historic sites. At the top of our list was the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum.

Get ready for a workout if climbing to the top of the lighthouse is on your agenda. You will hike up 178 spiraling steps, but you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the coastline. On the day we made the climb, the temperatures were in the 90s, so we were really sweating by the time we reached the top! Just a note: take your camera, but you’ll have to leave your camera bag or large purse locked in your car as they are not allowed because of the narrow staircase.

Surrounding the lighthouse are the various buildings used by the light keepers over the past 130 years, and all are included on the tour, giving you a glimpse into what it was like to be the guardian of the coastline.

After learning all about the lighthouse history, we skipped across the street to the museum to get a glimpse into life on Tybee during the early 1900s. Two of our favorite exhibits were the “swimsuits through the years” and the street carnival memorabilia, but the museum covers everything from military history to pirates! The combined tours took several hours, but all three of my sons said it was a thumbs-up experience.

Tybee Island Rating

There is so much to do and see on this little island, and I’m fully aware that we barely scratched the surface. It’s a place that will call you back summer after summer and still surprise you every time.

Until this trip, I always thought of Florida when considering stateside beach communities, but now I know about this little Georgia jewel. Before our trip had even ended, the whole family decided that Tybee Island will definitely be in our future vacation plans. See you there!

Coming up: A glimpse at Savannah, Ga.

All photos are the property of V. Lori Hedges and may not be used without permission.

Historic Downtown Madison, Indiana – Part 1

When you live in a historic town like I do, it is often really easy to overlook the jewel of a destination in your own backyard. So I’m kicking off my adventures in travel blogging with a series on my hometown of Madison, Indiana.

Madison is a beautiful little town located on the Ohio River about halfway between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Louisville, Kentucky. It is essentially divided into two parts: The hilltop, where you can find your usual chain restaurants, Walmart, hotels and other businesses, and the downtown historic district. Also, when we say “downtown,” we actually mean DOWNtown as you have to drive down one of the four hills into the Ohio River Valley.

Madison is the perfect vacation destination for just about everyone. It has history, outdoor attractions, art, theater, nightlife, a variety of food experiences and shopping. So whether you are a family with active children, a honeymooning couple, or retirees, there is plenty to do and see in Madison!

Historic Sites Galore!

Madison’s main destination draw is its abundance of historic museum properties. Visitors often compare Madison to other beautiful historic cities, like Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina. The whole downtown is considered a historic district, and sprinkled from one end to the other are museum properties which are open to the public. Here are two sites to wet your interest:

Lanier Mansion State Historic Site

The Lanier Mansion State Historic Site is Madison’s pride and joy, and it’s constantly evolving. Over the past couple decades it has been the location of several archeological digs which has resulted in the restoration of the home’s original gardens and out buildings. So if you’ve been there before, it’s worth a trip back to see all the new things that have been discovered!

The Hours: The Lanier Mansion State Historic Site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 pm.

Lanier Mansion Visitor Center is open:
- Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday – Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- The site is closed on some major holidays.

Admission:

Indiana State Museum members receive FREE membership and a 10 percent discount in the gift shop.

Purchase tour tickets at the Lanier-Madison Visitor Center. Guided tours start at the top of the hour between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., except noon. The final tour of the day begins at 4 p.m.

Adults: $10
Seniors*: $8
Children*: $5
Children under 3: FREE
*Seniors: Ages 60 and older, Child: Ages 3 through 17

For more information on the Lanier Mansion or its builder, Attorney and financier J.F.D. Lanier, visit: http://www.indianamuseum.org/lanier-mansion-and-state-historic-site

Dr. Hutching’s Office

Back to the 1800s …

You feel as if you’ve stepped back into the 1800’s when you walk into the office of Dr. William Hutchings.

Dr. Hutchings practiced medicine from this small two story house from 1882 to 1903. Upon his death, the building was closed up as if he had simply stepped out on a house call. It remained shuttered until it was rediscovered and gifted to Historic Madison Inc. in the 1970s.

Children, as well as adults, will enjoy learning what it was like to be a doctor before the twentieth century. Get ready for a few surprises!

Reconnect with Nature!

If you’re the active type, there are plenty of options for you in Madison. From hiking to swimming to biking to boating, each day can be a new adventure in fitness and fun.

Hiking

Madison boasts several mild to challenging hiking trails, with one of the most popular being the Heritage Trail. Beginning in downtown Madison, the trail features several branches of varying difficulty. One branch follows the famous Madison Railroad Incline through the railroad cuts to the hilltop. For more information about the Heritage Trail visit http://www.heritagetrailconservancy.com/

Madison Railroad Cuts and Incline

Swimming

It’s hot!

Don’t have a pool at your hotel? No worries! Head on down to Madison’s historic Crystal Beach Swimming Pool! It’s open daily from Noon until 8 p.m. from late May through August.

The half-moon-shaped pool is ideal for families with small children as it slopes from an easy ankle deep edge to about seven feet at the deepest. The pool is fully staffed with life guards.

Other amenities offered at Crystal Beach include the historic bath house shower and dressing facilities, a concession stand, picnic areas, and a lighted basketball court.

Admission is $4, but season passes can be purchased for $50. For more information, visit http://www.madison-in.gov

More Fun in the Sun:

Boating

Got a boat? The mighty Ohio River is waiting for you! The Madison boat ramp is conveniently located on Vaughn Drive at the end of West Street.

If you don’t have a boat of your own, we have another exciting option for you: Take a spin on the Rockin’ Thunder jet boat ride! Scream down the Ohio River in the only New Zealand jet boat ride in the Midwest. It’s sure to get your adrenaline going!

For more information, visit http://www.rockinthunder.com/

Golf

Grab your clubs and head out for a few rounds. In Madison,there are several golfing options:

Sunrise Golf Course – located on the hilltop on Michigan Road (18 holes)

Cozy Acres – located on Old State Road 62 (a nine hole, par 3 course)

River Chase Golf Course – located on the west end of downtown Madison, off Main Street (9 hole)

Camping

The city of Madison offers camping facilities east of the bridge on Vaughn Drive.

Camping fees are $25 per night or $150 per week. An attendant is on duty daily.

For more information, call 812-265-8333 or visit http://www.madison-in.gov and click on the campground link.

Come back soon for Part 2!

There is so much to do and see in Madison that I could never fit it into one entry, and these just skim the surface. We’re not even touching on Clifty Falls State Park – that’s a topic all its own. And the festivals – I can’t wait to tell you about those!

In Part 2, we’ll check out some of the great restaurants and pubs, both downtown and on the hilltop. See you soon!

All photos are the property of V. Lori Hedges and may not be used without permission.

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