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
After a long afternoon tied up in Southern California freeway traffic, we arrived at the Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach in Oxnard, with little time to spare before we had to rush out for dinner. There would be no time right now to enjoy the beach at the only all-suite beachfront resort in Southern California. However, I was thrilled to find two bathrooms in our suite. We could both freshen up at the same time without tripping over each other.
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
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.
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
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.
It was a little chilly on the evening we dined at the Waterside Restaurant. However, we had been in California for several days and had yet to dine alfresco, so we requested patio seating. We wanted to experience the full ambiance of dining seaside before we started traveling inland, and the Waterside Restaurant & Wine Bar was the place to do it. The view of the fishing boats docked in the Channel Islands Harbor, the sound of lapping waves and the aroma of salty sea air was the perfect setting. Our host seated us adjacent to the fire pit and set an overhead heater next to our table to ensure we’d stay warm enough while we dined. That thoughtful gesture was the beginning of a lovely dining experience.
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
