Merry Christmas from Midwest Wanderer
Attractions & Events
Hashknife Pony Express: Keeping History Alive
Dressed in traditional cowboy gear, they sit astride their horses at the ready. At 8 a.m. the Hashknife Pony Express riders are off, galloping from the Holbrook, Arizona, Post Office down the 200 mile trail, handing the mailbag off rider to rider. By 4:45 p.m. the mail makes it to Payson and by noon two days later it reaches Scottsdale, its final destination. Then the celebration begins.
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in U.S. Long Cuts. We are merging U.S. Long Cuts with Midwest Wanderer, adding a “Beyond the Midwest” menu option. Read more
Pabst Mansion Restoration: A Continuous Work in Progress
Two years after construction began in 1890, the Frederick Pabst family moved into their home, one of the finest and the last of the great mansions built on what was then Milwaukee’s Grand Avenue. The home almost didn’t survive to see its 100th birthday, but thanks to its next owners and the perseverance of a concerned preservation group, the mansion and many of its original furnishings were saved. We toured the Pabst Mansion in November when it was all decked out in its holiday finery. Read more
Downtown Hampton: Unique Shops in a Rural Iowa Setting
Exploring downtown areas is one of my favorite things to do in a small town. This past fall, while we were on the Franklin County, Iowa, Harvest Tour, we had an opportunity to check out downtown Hampton, the Franklin County seat. Hampton’s town square, anchored by a stately old courthouse, is surrounded by small, independent shops and cafes, where you are often greeted by the shop owners themselves. Read more
Channel Islands National Park Adventure
Off the coast of Southern California sit five islands that make up the Channel Islands National Park. The only way to get there is by private boat or by the park’s concessionaire boat service, Island Packers. We took a day trip to Santa Cruz Island, a little more than an hour away by boat. What we found once we reached the island was a whole different world from the busy California coast.
Chicagoland Popcorn: Over 250 Popcorn Flavors
If I was allowed only one snack food for the rest of my life, I would choose cheese popcorn, gourmet style. I can’t pass up a specialty popcorn store without going in for at least a small bag, so I was thrilled to find Chicagoland Popcorn in Merrillville, Indiana. Read more