Alexandria, Virginia

Around the beginning of March, my wife and I took a trip to Washington D.C. it was a work trip for her. But, we decided to tack on a couple of days for ourselves. So, instead of spending money on each other for Valentines day, we used the money to go to Alexandria, Virginia. This photo essay is about Alexandria. I will do one on D.C. later on. We really loved Alexandria.

Alexandria Virginia is one of the oldest towns in the country. It is about 20 minutes from D.C., and is where a lot of history took place.  Robert E. Lee, John L. Lewis, and Jim Morrison lived in Alexandria.

Alexandria is right on the Potomac River, and has a beautiful river front. It is home to the largest working art museum in America, located inside an old torpedo factory.

Old Town Alexandria is full of history. Every where you turn there's a plaque on an old brick wall talking about who did what in this building. We ran across the home of Robert E. Lee, John L. Lewis, and Gadsby's Tavern which has served dinner since 1770, and served most of the founding fathers. The historic district is full of art museums, restaurants, and shops of all kinds. The seafood was delightful.

We went to George Washington's Mount Vernon, which was where the General has his working farm. It was a wonderful place.

This is the back of the General's house. When you arrive, you purchase a ticket to tour the house. Then, they move you through it and you end up outside here in the back yard. This porch is lined with rocking chairs that overlook the Potomac.

This is the view from the porch. The government has purchased all the land on the other side of the river, in order to ensure that the view remains exactly as Washington would have seen it.

This is Washington's Tomb. I was surprised, because compared to Lincoln's Tomb. Washington's is very modest.

After you see Washington's Tomb, you can go down another path, through this arched entry, that leads to where the enslaved people who worked the farm, were buried on a hillside. There was no marker until research was done to find where they were. It's hard to reconcile the fact that the father of our country who fought for freedom, and helped create the Constitution, had slaves and buried them in an unmarked grave, like they were old mules. But, I guess that a lot of rich powerful people have buried poor workers in unmarked graves throughout history, regardless of skin color. Why should he be any different? Some people sit in luxury, while others suffer and die to keep them there. That happens today, as much as it did back then.

This is the sculpture that is in the visitor's center where you first come in, and buy your ticket.

This is the wharf at the bottom of the hill below the house. It sits on the Potomac. Washington had a pretty good spread. He loved farming, and put every part of his land to that use. It's a pretty awesome farm.

This is the mill where the grain was threshed out. Washington spent time designing it to make sure it served his needs.

While in Alexandria, we also visited Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey house.

We try to find Frank Lloyd Wright houses every place we travel. This one is one of my favorites.

This is the view from our hotel in the morning over the Potomac. We stayed at the Hotel Indigo, right down on the river in Old Town. The art, shops, and restaurants are all in walking distance and the river front was right behind the building. It was delightful.

Alexandria, Virginia, has something for everyone, and we will be going back if able. We like the idea of spending our money on travel instead of wasting it on getting presents for holidays. If you calculate how much you spend on presents, going out to eat, and all of that it's a pretty good chunk. Then, if you spend some time trying to figure out how to make your money stretch, it's easy to travel more.  You only live once. That pretty piece of jewelry will sit in a box, long after you are in a box. Go live life.

Mermec Caverns: Stanton, MO

Meramec Caverns

     Meramec Caverns is a natural wonder that exists in the Ozark Mountains west of St. Louis, Mo. It is claimed that the outlaw Jesse James hid out in these caverns after he did a train robbery. It can be seen how this place would be an excellent location to hide out in.

      

     The caves are stunning and have been shown in several movies. They have also served as a possible fallout shelter in case of a nuclear war.

     

      My wife and I traveled here recently and stayed at the hotel in Meramec State Park, which is named after the Meramec River. We practically had the hotel and the park to ourselves. It was delightful. The caverns also have a hotel and campground right on the banks of the river, but we felt drawn to go a bit further down the road to stay at the Park, so we could do some hiking as well as visiting the caverns.

      

     Our room at the Meramec Park Hotel had a balcony with a stunning view of the forested mountains behind us. It was incredibly peaceful, and we enjoyed the solitude.

      

     We hiked a couple of nature trails in the park that went into the hills, and down by the river. They were well maintained and lovely.

      

     We went out to eat, and we like trying to find local places to dine. There were all the normal places, like McDonalds, but very few local eateries. We did find a place on the interstate called the Du Kum Inn, which was delicious and brought many hours of infantile pleasure as I made fun of the name. They claimed to have the best fried chicken in Missouri, and they might be right.

      

     The caverns are a favorite spot for bus loads of kids going on field trips. But, luckily we got there early enough to go on a great tour that was minus the racket. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. We had a few kids on our tour and he answered every single question they had, with patience and humor.

       Meramac Caverns is a great road trip location. It can be a day trip. An overnight get away or just part of a long distance trip. I will definitely go back. There were several trails I did not get to hike.

      

Opera House Bistro: Red Bud, IL.

Opera House Bistro


     I traveled to Fort de Chartres, near Prairie Du Rocher, Illinois to attend a Trade Fair that depicted period costume and items for sale that were common in the Illinois country from the 1750’s to 1790’s. Fort de Chartres is a beautiful reproduction of an actual old fort. The original stone fort was built by the French in 1753; it replaced several previous wooden forts. The current structure was rebuilt section by section over the years, and was made a National Historic Landmark in 1960.
      
     The weather was a bit chilly, but continued to warm as the day went on. Normally, I try to dress up in period costume for these events, but this time I didn’t. There were about 20-25 traders, selling their wares, and I checked out all of them trying to find new items to add to my personae, or neat do dads for the home, camp or outdoor life. I ended up buying a French Voyageurs knit cap, a scarf, and an old time looking map that I plan to frame and hang on the wall. The map details 1700-1800’s French America from St. Louis down to a little past St. Genevieve on the Missouri side, and depicting Cahokia, down to Old Kaskaskia on the Illinois side. I love maps.
      
     After leaving the event I decided to travel over to Baldwin Lake, near Baldwin, Illinois. I had seen that there was a trail there inside of the Kaskaskia River Wildlife Refuge. I like trying new places to hike and I wanted to find the trail head so I could come back and hike when it was less muddy.
      
     On the way to Lake Baldwin, I passed through Red Bud, Illinois; where I saw they had done a lot of work to their downtown area. There were several good looking places to eat, so I decided to stop and have lunch. First, I checked out an organic health food store called ‘The Healthy Nut” on Main Street. I’m always pleased to see these types of stores popping up.
      
     Next, I walked across the street to the Opera House Bistro. When I entered I noticed that it was very clean and well done. I walked in and found a place to sit along a wall in a kind of half booth/half table section, and started reading a book. When you’re dining alone, it helps to read a book. This time I was reading “Tales and Trails of Illinois” a history book by Stu Fliege.
      
     The waitress came quickly and took my order. Lamb Gyro with fries and warm German Potato Salad. If you read many of my restaurant reviews you’ll find I always try the potato salad. I sat reading and listening to the music that was playing. It was some modern pop music that was very easy to listen to and reminded me of a girl I knew, and how I wished she was there with me. Isn’t it strange how music and smells can transport us through time and space, bringing back memories?
      
     The food was excellent, and I decided to order desert, which I don’t normally do because I’m trying to be healthier. But, when you’re dining in a classy place it makes you want to splurge and live a little. The desert was called “The Whatchamacallit” and it was a crunchy brownie with ice cream, fudge and sprinkles.  It was quite good, and brought a smile to my face.
     
      After eating I paid the bill which was very reasonable and went up stairs to the museum; where an older gentleman took me around room by room showing me the things of a by-gone era. Normally, I don’t like guided tours; I don’t like feeling as though I’m being forced to talk to somebody. I prefer to do my business and leave. But, the guy did an excellent job. He was very knowledgeable and I was glad to have him along on my walk through.
      
     After leaving the Bistro I drove up to Baldwin Lake. Actually, I missed my turn just past the power plant and went all the way to the next town, New Athens.  I asked for directions, which I’m not too proud to do, and went back to where I should have been. Only to discover that the trail I wanted to hike was closed. I looked for a Ranger, but he was mowing, so I decided to mark this trail off my list because the sign looked pretty permanent.
      
     Overall, it was a great day and a great meal at the Opera House Bistro. I will put it on my list as a place to visit in the future.

New Harmony, Indiana

New Harmony, Indiana

     My wife and I recently took a trip to New Harmony, Indiana. It’s one of our favorite places, and it is the place we were originally going to get married. We planned to escape away, and get it done, at a place we love, and a place that is part of our new life. But, we had some family considerations. Anyway, we got married on November 2, 2019 and decided to take an overnight trip to New Harmony, during the Thanksgiving weekend.

      

     On the drive over from Southern Illinois, when we were about 10 miles from New Harmony, I suddenly remembered that we did not bring our box fan. We cannot sleep without the big box fan roaring. We hoped and prayed there was someplace we could get a fan. When we entered town we found a Dollar General. After searching every aisle we discovered they did not have any fans. But, when we were checking out, I asked the cashier about it, in the off chance they might have one, and they did. She went into the back and returned with a fan. She said it was the last one. So, we bought the fan and some snacks. God saved us from a very grumpy morning, in New Harmony. The fan worked great, and we slept very well.

      

     We love small trips, as a way to escape and relax. This trip was wonderful, and was a mini honeymoon for us. Small trips are also within the budget of any average family if they really want to escape to somewhere.

      

     We stayed at the New Harmony Inn. The room was perfect.  The price was $75.00 for one night, for 2 people. After checking in we went around town and shopped several of the local down town stores. We looked at a couple of art galleries there as well. Then, we ate at The Yellow Tavern. The food was excellent, and was around $20.00 for lunch. We had fried mushrooms and a ’12 pizza.

      

     After lunch we continued, strolling through town till we came to the New Harmony Library, which has a museum on the second floor full of all kinds of interesting things. The building is beautiful. We strolled around checking out the other sites of the town. There was a musical group playing at the New Harmony Theater. The tickets were $25.00 a piece. We did not go. The theater is very active throughout the year.

      

     We then went and looked at the Roofless Church, which is where we thought about getting married at. It was commissioned by Jane Blaffer Owen, founder of the Robert Lee Blaffer Foundation. Legend says that, she was a very spiritual person, and loved the utopian vibe of New Harmony, but her husband was not. He did not want her to build the church, but she did anyway. So, on the day she was opening the church she had a very reverent service going, while her husband hired a circus Calliope to play and circle the church during the service to irritate her.

      

     New Harmony was created by George Rapp and a group of Germans who awaited the Second Coming of Christ. They left persecution in Germany, and first settled in Pennsylvania, then moved to this place called Harmonie. They lived in a communal fashion, farming, eating, and being celibate (at least when folks were watching) they were successful, but decided to move back to Pennsylvania.

     

      So, they sold Harmonie to a European Utopian visionary, named Robert Owen. He wanted to create a perfect society. Owen came to Harmonie, by the Wabash river in a keel boat named “Boatload of Knowledge” it was full of experts who wanted to be a part of Owen’s experiment. Robert Owen started life in great poverty in Wales, but rose to wealth. He believed in better conditions for workers, and lifting people out of poverty. He started implementing his ideas in Harmonie. But, he was unable to keep control of who could come to the town and set up shop. This led to the destruction of his system. In later years New Harmony became the first to have a kindergarten, a free public school system, and first free public library system. (Tales and Trails of Illinois, Stu Flierge, pgs 40-49, University of Illinois Press)

      

     After our stroll, we went and worked out at the fitness center, then swam in the pool. Then, after cleaning up, we went and had dinner at the Inn’s restaurant, The Red Geranium. We had salad, grilled shrimp, Bulgur and Vegetable soup, and Fish and Chips. It was around $40.00, and was delicious. After dinner we went back to the room, watched TV, and went to bed.

      

     The next morning we got up and walked in the mist to work out, and see more sites. We went down to the Atheneum, and the Wabash River. We took pictures of the old bridge that used to cross from Illinois, into Indiana but has been left by the state to virtually rot. Not sure which state, but I would be willing to bet. We then walked down to the boat ramp and up to the Granary.

      

     After our walk we cleaned up and loaded to leave. Then we had brunch at the Red Geranium. Stacy my wife had New England Crab Cake Benedict, which was yummy, and I had the standard breakfast, of eggs, biscuits, potatoes, and pancakes. It came to around $35.00 and was wonderful.

      

      The entire trip, not counting the snacks, gas, fan and souvenirs, cost around $170.00 round up to $200. A low cost escape that would be great for Valentine’s Day