Attractions & Events Archives

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 100^th 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

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

Albanese Candy: Gummi and Chocolate Factory Outlet

Being the candy lover that I am, you would think I’d know about a huge candy company only an hour away from where I live, in an area I frequent often. However, even though Albanese has been making candy since 1983, I only discovered the company this year. Albanese Candy produces high-quality chocolates in their Merrillville, Indiana, factory, as well as award-winning gummi candies. You can buy all of their candies in the outlet store adjacent to the factory.

After you’ve toured the California coast along Monterey Bay, visited the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium, shopped along Cannery Row and dined on Fisherman’s Wharf, take a drive inland a few miles to the Salinas Valley. Salinas Valley stretches a hundred miles north to south, sandwiched between the Santa Lucia and Gabilan mountain ranges. Fields of lettuce lay before you—neat rows of romaine, red leaf, green leaf and iceberg. Bright red, luscious strawberries dot other fields, or you may see celery, spinach or asparagus. You’re also bound to come across farm workers hand picking the produce and packing it right in the field. You’ve entered America’s “salad bowl,” where farmers grow over 40 vegetables and fruits, including over 80 percent of America’s lettuce. The best way to see the valley and to learn about how America’s produce is grown is on an agricultural tour with Ag Venture Tours.

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.

Midwest Wanderer explores history, nature, and culture through road trips along scenic and historic U.S. highways, byways and trails

Attractions & Events

Pabst Mansion Restoration: A Continuous Work in Progress

Downtown Hampton: Unique Shops in a Rural Iowa Setting

Channel Islands National Park Adventure

Chicagoland Popcorn: Over 250 Popcorn Flavors

Albanese Candy: Gummi and Chocolate Factory Outlet

Ag Venture Tours: See America’s Salad Bowl