Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center Tupelo Mississippi 2023

Here is a quick look inside of the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center in Tupelo Mississippi!

The Horse and His Boy at the Ark Encounter January 2024

One of the coolest theatrical experiences we have ever had happened recently at the Ark Encounter.  They hosted an unbelievable production of "The Horse and His Boy" based on the CS Lewis book.  I am hoping more productions like this come though the area.

Mammoth Onyx Cave and Hidden River Cave in Kentucky Brochure 1930s

I picked up some old cave brochures recently.....  I am not sure exactly when this was printed, but most of the other items in the lot I found came from the mid 30s!  That seems about right for this one too.

I love this sort of thing, and I was thrilled to find promotional material on Hidden River Cave and Mammoth Onyx Cave dating back nine decades!

 

Spencer becomes a Junior Ranger at Mammoth Cave 2024

My young friend Spencer got his Junior Ranger Badge at Mammoth Cave!

"Down In The Darkness: The Shadowy History of America's Haunted Mines, Tunnels and Caverns" by Troy Taylor

Troy Taylor has written a ton of books....  and I have read several.  He is known for specializing in ghost/haunting type volumes and that is a genre I read.  One (of the many) things I appreciate about his books is that you are getting a lot for your money.  His books are thorough.

"Down in the Darkness" is a packed 200 pages.  No double spacing to make the book appear bigger or anything.  You are getting a lot of reading in that 200 pages.

You're getting a lot of information too.  This book is divided into 4 chapters, covering mines, caves, mysterious sites, and tunnels.  I would generically call this a fun book on various mines and caves.

Troy covers some of my favorites like Mammoth Cave and the legend of Floyd Collins.  He brings up the Bell Witch Cave (he has written a fairly complete volume on that legendary cave too, by the way).  Being from Illinois himself, he obviously includes Cave-In-Rock, in the southern part of the state, and he brings attention to that site's connection's to the Natchez Trace and the mysterious Crenshaw House.

I took notes while reading this one, as Taylor brought up some new caves/mines that I might try to check out on a future road trip, and he gave some nuggets of information that I will have to research more later!

I also enjoyed reading about Troy's personal adventures through some mysterious places in St. Louis and Utah.

This was just a fun book to read, and not the kind of book you would skim through.  If you like reading about caves, ghosts or mysterious places, this is just a really enjoyable volume.
 

Walloon Lake Michigan

Here is a quick look at Walloon Lake Michigan!

Mears Michigan 2023

Heres a quick look at Mears Michigan!

Petoskey Brewing Company Michigan 2023

We loved having a meal at Petoskey Brewing Company while driving through Michigan!

Petoskey Michigan

Check out Petoskey Michigan!  One of my favorite towns anywhere!

French Lick Scenic Railroad Train (stationary) Indiana Dec 2023

 

I put up a short video of us driving by the Train in French Lick Indiana.

French Lick Springs Hotel Indiana Dec 2023

Of course, while we were in the French Lick/West Baden Springs area, we stopped at the French Lick Springs Hotel!

I have mentioned it many times before.....  but this is a wonderful and historic hotel, and it is walking distance from the also legendary West Baden Springs Hotel!

West Baden Springs Hotel Indiana Dec 2023

I have mentioned it here many times before- West Baden Springs Hotel is one of my favorite places on the planet.  Here is a quick video from my most recent visit!

French Lick and West Baden Springs Indiana December 2023

I have gone on and on about my love for French Lick Indiana, and the surrounding area.  Here is a video from my most recent visit.  More to come.

Ludington Michigan 2023

here is a quick visit to Ludington Michigan in 2023!

House of Flavors Ludington Michigan 2023

House of Flavors in Ludington Michigan.  Great food, great value, great atmosphere.  This IS easily one of my favorite places to eat at anywhere.  'nuf said.

Crosley Field Cincinnati Ohio postcard

 I found this great old postcard recently, showing old Crosley Field in Cincinnati Ohio.  It is unused and undated.  It is a bit more vibrant than the other similar postcard I just posted.

Crosley Field, Cincinnati Ohio

This postcard went through the mail in 1944 from Newport Kentucky to Huntington, West Virginia.  the sender is a soldier at Fort Thomas, waiting to get his uniform and shots.

Proud Hound Coffee Cincinnati Ohio 2023

Check out Proud Hound Coffee in Cincinnati!  

Lobby, Union Terminal, Cincinnati Ohio- Old Postcard

 I found this beautiful old postcard of the murals inside of Union Terminal in Cincinnati recently.  It is unused and undated.

Ohio Caverns Postcards

 Both of these great old unused postcards showing Ohio Caverns have identical backs.  The back of each says-

Largest and most beautiful of all Ohio Caves.  Its exquisite crystal-white stalactite and stalagmite formations are nowhere to be found in greater profusion or artistic settings.  Thousands visiting Ohio Caverns acclaim it "The Most Colorful Cave in the Country."  It is a veritable subterranean para
dise, spectacular beyond description.  Located on State Route 275, near West Liberty, Ohio.

Factory 52 Norwood Ohio 2023

An old playing card factory is being transformed into a very cool mixed purpose destination near Cincinnati!  

Bird's Eye View of Cincinnati, Ohio

This unused postcard shows a nice old scene of Cincinnati, with Union Terminal.