Escape at the Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia, Missouri
While we were hosted by the Hotel Bothwell during our visit to Sedalia. All thoughts and opinions are our own and 100% truthful. For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.
T and I have driven through Northern Missouri several times on our way to Branson without ever thinking to stop. Then, we got the opportunity to visit Sedalia, MO and escape to the Hotel Bothwell and now, we love us some Northern Missouri!
The History of the Hotel Bothwell
The Hotel Bothwell opened in June of 1927 and was built by John Bothwell and cost $500,000, which is the equivalent to 3.4 million dollars today! At it’s beginning it was home to 109 rooms. However, it’s not always been a hotel. In 1988 it was sold and was converted into an assisted living facility as well as sitting empty from 1993 until 1999. In 1999, it was purchased and renovated and then reopened.
Continue “Escape at the Hotel Bothwell in Sedalia, Missouri”The Princess Grill & Pizzeria: Good Food & Rich History
Places that serve good food with a historic touch are A+ in my book! As a history nerd (this was actually my major in college), I love visiting places rich in history and the Princess Grill & Pizzeria in Iowa Falls, IA offers both history and good food!
The History of the Princess
The Princess originally opened in 1915 by Greek immigrants. However, tragedy struck on Christmas Day of 1934 when the business was completely destroyed by fire. The owners rebuilt and reopened it on July 1st of 1935. The Princess you see now is just as it was in 1935. This includes the 25 foot soda fountain!
Continue “The Princess Grill & Pizzeria: Good Food & Rich History”5 “Don’t Miss” Things To Do in South Dakota
South Dakota is one of the most visited vacation spots for families and others in the United States. The list of places to visit and attractions to see is endless, but after our family vacation there several years ago, we have 5 attractions that are “don’t miss”.
Badlands National Park Scenic Loop
Charles City, IA: Restaurants, Shopping, & Culture
Regardless of what season you visit Charles City, Iowa, you’ll find so much to do…from history to art, delicious eats, and more!
Charles City Restaurants
When bloggers gather, you can almost guarantee that there will be food. Lots and lots of delicious food! These Charles City restaurants didn’t disappoint either! This community offers several selections of delicious restaurants and food establishments
Continue “Charles City, IA: Restaurants, Shopping, & Culture”2018 Trips & Adventures
I love reflecting each year on all the trips and adventures we’ve taken at the end of the year. When people ask me which one was my favorite, it’s usually so hard to choose one and 2018 is no different! We were so blessed to be hosting in amazing places like New Ulm, MN; Mankato, MN; Kansas City, KS; and Red Cedar Lodge in Charles City, IA! Truthfully, they are all my favorites for many different reason! But, this isn’t about me, this is about which trips you guys loved the most in the past year, so here we go!
The Top 5 Things to Do in New Ulm, MN
Of all the places we visited this year, I think New Ulm suprised us the most! This quaint community is rich in history and culture but also provides a sense of entertainment! A visit to the historic Harkin Store, the Hermann Monument, and German Park is a great way to start your weekend! But, make sure to tour Schell’s Brewery and stop by and see our friends at Morgan Creek Winery!
The Best Iowa Restaurants
I love traveling all over the Midwest and the country, but at the end of the day, Iowa holds my heart and I love talking about all the great places to visit and eat here in the heartland! It only seemed right to do a round-up of the places that my fellow bloggers and myself think are the best restaurants!
Continue “2018 Trips & Adventures”A Weekend in Mankato, MN: 5 Must Do’s
Need a weekend away? Head to Mankato, Minnesota for good food, natural beauties, art, and more! It’s a trip you won’t forget!
Spend the Holidays in Charles City, Iowa
If you’re looking for somewhere to get into the Christmas spirit this year, spend the holidays in Charles City, Iowa.
There’s something about Christmas in the City, or town, or small rural village! Really, there is something so special about Christmas and all that it entails! And this year, if you’re feeling less than jolly, I highly recommend spending the holidays in Charles City, Iowa.
Spending 36 hours in Charles City in December, it’s hard not to get into the holiday spirit. There are several ways to enjoy the holidays in North Central Iowa!
Continue “Spend the Holidays in Charles City, Iowa”3 Historic Stops in New Ulm, Minnesota
I love history and I love exploring history while traveling! And these 3 historical stops in New Ulm, Minnesota, have been some of my favorite. Exploring the history of an area is a great way to find out about an area! New Ulm is full of lots of history and fun community to explore! Here are my three favorite historical stops in New Ulm.
The Harkin Store
The 4 Best Things About Visiting Hansen’s Dairy
When I asked the boys if they were up for an adventure to Hansen’s Dairy , they immediately jumped on the opportunity strictly due to chocolate milk and ice cream! What we found was so much more!
I spent 4-5 years of my childhood growing up on a dairy farm! My dad worked for a local farmer and so I was raised helping feed the bottle calves, herding the cows into the milking barn, and playing in the feed bunkers! It was a great way to be raised! As I was searching for something to do with the boys that was close to home, I came across Hansen’s Dairy just outside Hudson, IA. This seemed like the perfect opportunity for us. I love cows and the boys love dairy products, so it’s a win-win!
What was awesome about Hansen’s Dairy? Well, we’ve summed it up into our 4 favorite things about Hansen’s Dairy.
Continue “The 4 Best Things About Visiting Hansen’s Dairy”3 Hidden Gems in Branson, MO
We like to think we’re experts now when visiting Branson, MO and finding these hidden gems is no different! Branson is full of bright lights and show signs that appeal visually to a person! You can’t help but feel a bit of Vegas as you drive down Historic Hwy 76 and see all the flashing, bright lights! But, it’s one of the many things we think makes Branson so magical! (And if you want to get the best view of them, you have to take a spin on the Branson Ferris Wheel at night!
But, once you spend more time here, you’ll find that there is so much more than the bright lights like these 3 Hidden Gems in Branson!
Visiting Branson Over & Over
In the past three 3 years, we’ve visited Branson 4 times. When you visit one place that many times in a short period, you have to start looking for new things to do! Yes, we love many things and have certain things we “have” to do like eating at Danna’s Burger & BBQ Shop, the Branson Ferris Wheel, and getting a frozen treat at Andy’s! (And this is just a few of them!) But, when we recently visited we searched out some new things and now we have to share these 3 Hidden Gems in Branson with you!
Veterans Memorial Museum
For the past couple visits, I’ve been wanting to visit the Veterans Memorial Museum, but I guessed it wasn’t very boy-friendly, so I’ve waited! My step-dad is a veteran and was with us on this trip, so it seemed like the perfect stop! When you arrive at the museum, you are instantly greeted by an amazing sculpture that has a soldier from World War II from each state! It’s amazing how detailed a sculptor and creator can get statues such as these! Emotion can be read all over their faces!
Inside you’ll find a rather extensive collection of memorabilia from World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, & even the Persian Gulf wars. Some of the personal stories included in the museum along with artifacts are beyond touching! The thing that moved me the most was a hall in which the names of every soldier killed in action during these wars were listed! It was so impactful that I couldn’t stay long. I will forever be grateful for every man and woman who has served our armed forces and especially those who gave their lives.
Continue “3 Hidden Gems in Branson, MO”