Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo, Abilene KS: Experience the Wild West

Last summer we visited Old Abilene Town in Abilene, Kansas, as part of a media event. That evening, our hosts treated us to a cattle drive featuring Texas Longhorn cattle, a ride on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad, and a museum tour. In the museum we learned about Wild Bill Hickok’s time in Abilene. So, we were excited when we were also invited to attend the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo, where we could see real cowboys and cowgirls in competitive action.

The Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo is an annual event, named multiple times as one of the top five professional outdoor rodeos in America. What was the rodeo like?

New! Black History Trail in Richmond/Wayne County, Indiana

Connie Attractions & Events, History, Indiana, Road Trips June 19, 2023June 19, 2023Black History Trail, Richmond Indiana Black History Trail, things to do in Richmond Indiana 1 Comment

Richmond/Wayne County, Indiana, has unveiled a brand-new Black History Trail.

John Deere Historic Site: Birthplace of the First Steel Plow

Connie Attractions & Events, Illinois May 13, 2023May 13, 2023Illinois attractions, John Deere Historic Site 0 Comment

You’re probably familiar with John Deere. The name conjures up images of bright green tractors and farm implements. Or maybe the logo of a yellow leaping deer on a green background. The huge company all began with a single, simple plow crafted by John Deere, a blacksmith. The John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour, Illinois, tells the story of both John Deere the man and John Deere the company.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site: Birthplace and Museum

Connie Attractions & Events, History, Iowa May 1, 2023May 1, 2023Herbert Hoover, Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, Iowa attractions 0 Comment

Heading west on I-80 toward Iowa City, we noticed a sign at the West Branch exit for the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Hmm… side trip? Let’s do it! So, that afternoon on our return trip we did just that.

This national historic site, honoring the 31st president of the United States, is home to a visitor center, several buildings from Hoover’s childhood—either original or reproduction—and the grave site of President and Mrs. Hoover. Not part of the national historic site but on the same property is the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum.

Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art: Mad Potter Collection and More

Connie Attractions & Events, Mississippi April 5, 2023April 5, 2023Art Museum on Mississippi Gulf Coast, Best things to do in Biloxi, George Ohr, Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art 0 Comment

Some people called him eccentric. Others claimed he was downright crazy. George Ohr was a talented potter. But with his brash mannerisms and mustache so long he tied it together behind his head, he became known as “The Mad Potter.” Today, along the Gulf Coast in Biloxi, Mississippi, Ohr has an entire art museum named for him, the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art.

Gulf Coast Gator Ranch: Exploring the Swamp in an Airboat

Connie Attractions & Events, Destinations, Mississippi January 23, 2023January 27, 2024airboat rides in mississippi, airboat swamp tours mississippi, alligator farm mississippi, alligator swamp tours in Mississippi, gator farm in mississippi, Gulf Coast Gator Ranch mississippi, Moss Point MS gator farm, swamp tours mississippi gulf coast 0 Comment

Last winter we spent several weeks exploring the Alabama and Mississippi Gulf Coast. During our stay, our daughter Tricia flew down to join us for a few days. She had just one request: a swamp tour in an airboat. We found exactly that at the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Airboat Swamp Tours in Moss Point, Mississippi.