Destinations

Weber House and Garden: Tour a Storybook House and English Garden

Connie Attractions & Events, Illinois , , , , , 0 Comment
Weber House and Garden: Tour a Storybook House and English Garden

From the moment you approach the Weber House and Garden arched gateway, surrounded by shrubbery and flowering plants, you know you’re in for a special treat. A button on a call box instructs you to “press to speak.” That’s to get the attention of Ted Weber, who most likely is toiling on the two-acre garden that surrounds the Streator, Illinois, Storybook house. Ted will lead you on a tour through the garden and house and entertain you with stories and conversation throughout the tour.

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

Connie Attractions & Events, Kansas , , , 2 Comments
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?

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John Deere Historic Site: Birthplace of the First Steel Plow

Connie Attractions & Events, Illinois , 0 Comment
John Deere Historic Site: Birthplace of the First Steel Plow

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.

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Herbert Hoover National Historic Site: Birthplace and Museum

Connie Attractions & Events, History, Iowa , , , 0 Comment
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site: Birthplace and Museum

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.

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