Byways Rivers & Lakes 2017

Featuring North America’s Leading Travel Destinations

Rivers & Lakes 2017 New Orleans Paddle Wheeler Tour Green Bay, the Packers & More Fredericksburg & the Texas Hill Country Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park Fischer & Wieser, A Texas Success Story Glorious Cruising on the Great Lakes Blue Bank Resort & Reelfoot Lake Discovery Park of America

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Byways Magazine

ŠCopyright 2017 by Byways, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be duplicated in any form without express written permission of the publisher.

For more than 34 years, Byways has been covering the leading destinations along the highways and byways of North America. Some of the most well-known, and least known, destinations to discover in the United States and Canada.

Byways is published in three versions. They is the Turn-Key edition on the web for viewing on Computers, Android, iOS (iPhone and iPad). There is an Apple App Store edition. There is also a Byways Magazine Channel in Apple News.

For advertising rates, editorial deadlines, or to place advertising insertions, contact: Byways Magazine 502-785-4875 http://bywaysmagazine.com

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PREVIEW

By Steve Kirchner, Editor & Publisher

ivers & Lakes is the theme of this character, public policy and continuing legacy of the issue of Byways. Join us as 36th president of the United States.

Gillespie County is also one of the top peach-producMary Charlebois travels to New ing counties in Texas, and we enjoyed learning about the Orleans and cruises the Mississippi business success story of Fischer & Wieser. For a real River on the Paddle Wheeler Creole treat, click on the video interview with founder Mark Queen. Enjoy the Creole Queen’s Wieser.

Historical River Cruise, which takes You can’t have a more glorious experience than cruisyou deep into New Orleans’ history, the Mississippi ing on the Great Lakes, and Pat Woods takes us on that River, Creole-Cajun food and New Orleans jazz. journey.

From Toronto to Chicago on the Victory 1, It’s said that a visit to New Orleans isn’t complete cruising 5 Great Lakes, with port calls in Niagara Falls, without a river cruise.

Cleveland, Windsor, Cleveland, Sault Ste. Marie, Detroit From the Mississippi to the Fox River in Wisconsin, and Mackinac Island. Pat says the Great Lakes area we visit Green Bay. Named after its green tinted bay off melds rugged wilderness and pristine maritime scenery. of Lake Michigan, it’s really the Fox River that is mostPort cities boast superb cultural institutions, while port ly responsible for Green Bay’s legacy. towns offer strong historic Green Bay is Wisconsin’s oldest appeal.

At every port the ship settlement. From beaver pelts for was met by clean comfortEuropean hat makers in the 1600s to able motorcoaches and seathe invention of the world’s first soned local tour guides who splinter-free toilet paper in the knew the area well.

1900s, local entrepreneurs used the In his column, Bill Graves area’s waterways to grow the comtakes us to Lake Superior munities. and the Apostle Islands.

Bill But it is the storied history of the says considering the immenGreen Bay Packers which accounts sity of Lake Superior, 360 for the city’s nickname of Titletown miles across, it has few USA. islands. Here off Bayfield Luckenbach, in the Texas Hill Country Green Bay is the smallest city in are the 22 Apostle Islands.

America with a National Football Our final stop takes us to northwestern Tennessee, to League franchise. Founded in 1919, the 13-time discover Blue Bank Resort at Reelfoot Lake, and National champion Packers are the only NFL Team to be Discovery Park. owned by its fans. And the community is known as Reelfoot Lake dates from a cataclysmic event, the Titletown.

New Madrid earthquake that occurred in DecemberFrom Wisconsin we travel to the Hill Country of Texas. Fredericksburg was founded in 1846 by German January 1811-12 in New Madrid, Missouri. Just 8 miles settlers that continue to influence the small town Texas from the Mississippi, the river spilled over and created community and provide a unique blend of Texan hospi- Reelfoot Lake. Today Reelfoot Lake is a paradise for tality and German tradition. With more than 150 shops, those who love the outdoors. And there’s no better place boutiques and art galleries lining historic Main Street, to enjoy it than Blue Bank Resort.

Discovery Park of America’s mission is to enhance the Fredericksburg is a premier shopping destination. Great educational experience of children and adults and to food and wonderful dining is a fixture in Fredericksburg inspire them to see beyond their current level of knowlwith more than 80 restaurants.

The National Museum of the Pacific War, dedicated to edge. It is a unique blend of history and technology, sciall who served in the Pacific during World War II, also ence and fun.

In What’s Happening we visit the Louisville Slugger pays homage to hometown favorite Navy Admiral Museum & Factory to learn about the history of baseball, Chester W. Nimitz. and how this company came to make its most famous The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is bats. nearby along the Pedernales River, and is the premier We hope you enjoy this issue of Byways. location to experience the environment that shaped the Byways • 4

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Volume 34, Issue No. 4 2017

Features

On the cover. Donald Driver, the Green Bay Packers’ all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards, is honored in front of Titletown Brewing Co. For more on Rivers & Lakes destinations, turn to page 8.

Rivers & Lakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Soak Up New Orleans with a Paddle Wheeler Tour. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Green Bay, the Packers & More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Fredericksburg & the Texas Hill Country: Texas Heart, German Soul. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Fischer & Wieser, A Texas Success Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Glorious Cruising on the Great Lakes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Visiting Bayfield, Wisconsin and the Apostle Islands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Blue Bank Resort & Reelfoot Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Discovery Park of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Departments

Byways Instant Connect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Byways Preview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Traveling the Highways & Byways with Bill Graves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

What’s Happening

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Coming in future issues of Byways ..... Great American Roads, Top North American Tour Destinations, Great American Railroads and much more!

Next Up: Lombard Street in San Francisco is known as the crookedest street in the world. Learn more about Great American Roads in the next issue of Byways.

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Soak-up New Orleans With a Paddle Wheeler Tour

By Mary Charlebois

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he steam calliope begins to play. A steam whistle blows three piercing blasts. Water begins to churn with the paddle wheel’s rotation. A grand old dame moves away from the dock, and into the mighty Mississippi.

A riverboat is the best way to see New Orleans and the Mississippi River. While the world’s fourth largest river rolls by, inside there’s sumptuous food, tasty beverages, comfy seating and blessed air conditioning. Outside on deck, you’ve got the same, just switch out ‘blessed air conditioning’ with sweet Mississippi River breezes.

Inside or out, the scenery is absorbing. Shrimp boats, huge ships, modern city, historic parks, working docks, busy wharfs, and wildlife. All with a backdrop of giant 8 • Byways

cranes, looking a bit like science fiction praying mantis loading and unloading container ships to and from destinations around the globe. A visit to New Orleans isn’t complete without a river cruise.

Paddle wheeler Creole Queen is one of New Orleans most beloved river boats. Styled after an 1850s era paddle wheeler, she has plush Victorian interiors and wrought iron trimmed exteriors. Fuel efficient diesel/electric engines, a 24-foot diameter paddle wheel, plenty of deck railing, relaxing seating, safety first attitude, and top-notch customer service make for a wonderful cruise.

On the history tour, New Orleans jazz sets a spirited mood, as the Creole Queen slips away from the dock. As you sail downriver, a historian chronicles the colorful

Rivers & Lakes 2017

Cruising on the Mississippi River with New Orleans in background. Photos courtesy Mary Charlebois.

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and sometimes bloody history of New Orleans. The Twice daily the paddle wheeler journeys down the Creole Queen’s Historical River Cruise takes you deep Mississippi to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and into New Orleans’ history, the Mississippi River, Creole- the Chalmette Battlefield. At the battlefield, a one-hour Cajun food and New Orleans jazz. shore excursion can be taken on your own or with a Park Welcome to Needles, where Historic Route 66 and the Colorado River meet in California.

Best Western Colorado River Inn

Free Hot Breakfast @Juicy’s Famous River Cafe Right Next Door!

2731 W. Broadway (Route 66) (760) 326-4552 Needles, California 92363 www.coloradoriverinn.com

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Ranger. Cooling beverages are available at the bar and a buffet lunch can be included if you like.

The Creole Queen Mississippi River Dinner Cruise is a lively and romantic way to dance and cruise the night away.

A jazz band plays while you enjoy cocktails, dancing,

Cruising the Mississippi River.

and a Creole-Cajun buffet of New Orleans cuisine.

Gumbo, jambalaya, red rice and beans, cornbread, and bread pudding with whiskey sauce, or some of the many dishes created to satisfy every palette.

After dinner, some dancing and a stroll on deck is in order. The dinner cruise is an elegant and traditional way

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The Jester at the Creole Queen.

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The Creole Queen docked in New Orleans.

Photos courtesy Mary Charlebois.

to spend an evening in New Orleans.

Seasonal cruises aboard Creole Queen are a must for a New Orleans holiday visit. Live music, entertainment, festive meals and holiday gaiety are produced for each celebration. Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, are always on the schedule.

Paddle wheeler Creole Queen boards at her dock in the River Walk area, along the Mississippi. You can purchase tickets at the ticket kiosk in front of the Queen’s dock or by phoning 800-445-4109. Creole Queen has staff to assist with group tours and celebrations, including an on-staff wedding consultant.

Before or after your cruise explore the River Walk. It’s filled with music, art, parks, an aquarium, festival grounds, hotels, bars, eateries and shopping – something for everyone.

About the Author: Mary Charlebois, also known as MaryGo, is a freelance writer, photographer, and videographer. Her daily beat is Mendocino County and San Francisco. She lives in Fort Bragg, Mendocino County, California. Mary is a Journalist member of ITWPA. See her work at https://wheremarygos.com.

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The Fox River in downtown Green Bay, Wisconsin.

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Green Bay, The Packers & More

By Stephen M. Kirchner

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A tour group on the field at Lambeau Field.

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s the smallest city in the United States to host a National Football League franchise, we assumed that was the story as we headed north to Green Bay, Wisconsin.

We knew there was a bay off of Lake Michigan, and that it might have a green tint.

After a week in Green Bay, we discovered we were partly right, and mostly wrong.

We discovered there is a bay, it does have a green tint, but it is the Fox River that is mostly responsible for Green Bay’s legacy.

And we learned that the Green Bay Packers story is not just about the history of the team on the field, but the story of its unique ownership arrangement that should be the model of every professional sports team in America.

Located at the mouth of the Fox River, one of the largest northward-flowing rivers in the United States, and named for the green-tinted streaks that stripe its bay in springtime, Green Bay is the oldest city in Wisconsin.

In addition to a rich football tradition, “Titletown” is home to a lively waterfront district, breweries, cheese tastings, unique shopping, great local dining and more!

The Fox River 16 • Byways

Geographers divide the Fox into two distinct sections, the Upper Fox River, flowing from central Wisconsin into Lake Winnebago, and the Lower Fox River, flowing from Lake Winnebago north and east to Lake Michigan.

Together, the two sections give the Fox River a length of 182 miles.

Along the banks is a chain of cities and villages, including Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, Appleton, Little Chute, Kimberly, Combined Locks, and Kaukauna.

Except for Oshkosh, located on the Upper Fox River near Lake Winnebago, these cities and villages identify as the Fox Cities.

Further north along the Lower Fox River, from its outlet from Lake Winnebago and before its mouth at Lake Michigan, are the cities of De Pere and Green Bay, and the villages of Ashwaubenon and Allouez.

Two of these cities have international reputations.

Green Bay for its powerhouse professional football team with 13 world championships, and Oshkosh for its international experimental air show, the largest in the world.

Titletown USA

Green Bay is Wisconsin’s oldest settlement. From beaver pelts for European hat makers in the 1600s to the invention of the world’s first splinter-free toilet paper in

the 1900s, local entrepreneurs used the area’s waterways to grow the communities’ prosperity. Green Bay was, and continues to be, a major shipping center. The city’s largest employers remain the paper and shipping industries.

But it is the storied history of the Green Bay Packers which accounts for the city’s nickname of Titletown USA. Green Bay is the smallest city in America with a National Football League franchise. Founded in 1919, the 13-time National champion Packers are the only NFL Team to be owned by its fans. And the community is known as Titletown.

With a population of about 100,000, Green Bay fills 80,000-seat Lambeau Field each game, and there’s another 80,000+ on the waiting list for season tickets.

Each year only about 72 season tickets become available, because most season ticket holders provide for the the passing of their season tickets on to family members in their wills. The team has season ticket holders in all 50 states!

Packers Heritage Trail

Climb aboard for the Packers Heritage Trail Trolley Tour—travel back in time before 13 World Championships, multiple MVP’s, and a waiting list for game tickets.

Stops include the City Stadium (home to the Green Bay Packers from 1925 to 1956), the Neville Public Museum for “Touchdown,” an exhibit featuring exclusive items on loan from the Packers Hall of Fame and

The city is named after Green Bay, a bay off of Lake Michigan.

other stops along the new Packers Heritage Trail. It’s a self-guided walking tour that weaves two compelling stories — one about the rich, colorful and improbable history of the storied Green Bay Packers — the other about the people of Green Bay and how their undying devotion to their beloved football team pulled it through years of financial struggle and ensured its survival.

And because its fans own the team, it’s unlikely there will ever be a Green Bay Packer billionaire owner threatening to move to a larger television market unless the city builds a new stadium. This is a sore spot and black eye for the National Football League that no less than three long-time NFL cities have experienced just within the past 24 months, leaving millions of long time NFL The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame is located inside Lambeau Field.

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season ticket holders and fans high and dry without a franchise.

Experience Packers Training Camp

Green Bay Packers Training Camp is unique to any other NFL franchise — practices in July and August are open to the public and “railbirds” arrive early to get a bleacher seat or place their lawn chairs next to the playing field.

Young Packers fans line up anxiously waiting for players to choose a bike to ride to practice. This may be the best reason to go to training camp. Ray Nitschke Field (where the Packers practice) is located across the street from Lambeau Field (which houses most Young Packers fans line up anxiously waiting for players to things Packers including the locker choose a bike to ride to practice. Byways photos. rooms). In order to get there the players have to cross the parking lot and then go Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Depot. As you enjoy another half block or so. A long time ago the local kids your beer, take some time to look around the building starting showing up outside the locker room doors with and remember the railroad depot’s rich history. their bikes, offering the players a ride. Slowly this Voted one of USA Today’s 10 Best Brewpubs in the became a tradition. Today it's sacred. nation, this local favorite dining spot features creative cuisine – Titletown cheese curds, Wisconsin brat platter, Lambeau Field Champions Tour spicy elk burger, drunk mac & cheese pizza, Jam “beer” You can feel the spirit and energy of the Green Bay laya and much more! Sample their ales, golds, lagers, Packers during a tour of their state-of-the-art home turf IPAs and pilsners. that is legendary Lambeau Field.

Discover the incredible history of the Green Bay Packers: start at the “indoor field” of the Lambeau Field Atrium; head up to the exclusive Club Level for a look at the Legends Club; travel through the players’ tunnel to end up on the edge of the field to cheer “Go Pack Go!” Experience the newly renovated Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, the updated facility located in the dynamic atrium entrance of Lambeau Field. Ninety years of riveting history and pure Packers adrenaline fill the two-story space with exciting exhibits including four Super Bowl trophies!

Get your game gear at the new Packers Pro Shop— meander 21,500 square feet of Packers apparel and memorabilia featuring “Packers gear for tiny quarterbacks, linebackers and cheerleaders,” as well as for adults; “furniture and fridges for those Packers basements; a wall of hats — 36 linear feet of headgear; jerseys; and photos of Packers history everywhere.”

For more information, visit: www.packers.com

Brewery tour and beer tasting

Wisconsin is well-known for its beer, and Green Bay’s micro-breweries have their own distinct flavors. No less than six micro-breweries are operating as the craft beer industry has flourished in Green Bay. Visit Titletown Brewing Company Tap Room, a hip local favorite located within the renovated historic 18 • Byways

roller coaster. Entrance and parking are free and most ride tickets are still only 25 cents!

For more information, visit: www.greenbaywi.gov/baybeach

Automobile Gallery

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Founder Red Lewis of the Automobile Gallery.

Appreciate the automobile as art.

View over 40 automobiles on display, spanning almost a century of automobile history. Featuring over 18,000 square feet of event and gallery space with stateof-the-art audio/visual technology. www.theautomobilegallery.org

Downtown

Downtown is hoppin’ during Wednesday’s Farmer’s Market on Broadway—the second largest in the State of Wisconsin!

Take home a locally made goodie, try a craft brew, or enjoy the live music.

Wine Tours For more information, please visit: Locally-grown cold-hardy grapes supply some of the www.onbroadway.org/farmersmarket finest family-owned wineries in northeastern Wisconsin.

Be sure to sneak a peek of the Waterboard Warriors Each winery in the region has its own unique appeal.

Some are located in historic buildings, and others have Summer Water Ski Show, taking place every Wednesday scenic vineyards to stroll. Whether it’s a Cabernet, a in the summer along downtown Green Bay’s waterfront.

For more information, please visit: Riesling or a specialty “ice” wine, the selection is www.waterboardwarriors.org impressive.

For more information, visit: www.titletownbrewing.com

Cruise the Fox River

Enjoy an evening “margarita cruise” along the Fox River. Climb aboard the River Tyme, a newly renovated, 55-foot Riverboat and float along the Fox River. The boat departs from DePere, WI , one of the most charming riverfront communities in the Green Bay area.

For more information, visit: www.foxrivertours.com

Have Some Fun

Act like a kid again at the vintage Bay Beach Amusement Park. Located along the bay of Green Bay, the ninth oldest continuously operating amusement park in the U.S. has been entertaining visitors for more than 100 years. Choose from the park’s 18 attractions, including the Zippin Pippin, a replica of Elvis Presley’s favorite

The Oneida Nation

Just a few miles from downtown Green Bay is the Oneida Nation. Visit the Oneida Nation Museum and experience the proud heritage of the Oneida, or People of the Standing Stone.

The annual Pow Wow, held during the Fourth of July weekend, greets participants and onlookers with the flourish of color and powerful tribal music.

Located near Lambeau Field is the outdoor living history tribute, twenty-four granite and steel pictorial monuments pay homage to the history and culture of the Oneida Nation and Green Bay football.

No visitor to the Oneida Nation is complete without a stop at the Oneida Casino. Test your luck in the 850-seat high stakes bingo parlor, or spin one of the 3,000 slot machines. Enjoy Vegas-style table games at one of Wisconsin’s most popular casinos. www.exploreoneida.com To learn more about Green Bay, visit https://www.greenbay.com

Wednesday Farmers Market.

About the Author: Stephen M. Kirchner has been the Editor & Publisher of Byways Magazine for the past 34 years. He is based in Louisville, Kentucky.

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Fredericksburg & the Texas Hill Country: Texas Heart, German Soul.

Wildseed Farms Wildflower, the largest wild seed producer in the U.S. Photo courtesy Marc Bennett.

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View from Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.

Photo courtesy Steve Rawls.

ocated in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg was founded in 1846 by German settlers that continue to influence the small town Texas community and provide a unique blend of Texan hospitality and German tradition.

The town is approximately one hour by car northwest of San Antonio, home of the Alamo and the River Walk, and 1.5 hours west of Austin, the state capital.

Fredericksburg is quickly becoming well-known for award-winning wine. In fact, the Texas Hill Country was designated one of the Ten Best Wine Travel Destinations in 2014 by Wine Enthusiast.

With more than 40 wineries and tasting rooms in the Fredericksburg area, numerous wine tour companies, and special wine events like the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival, Fredericksburg is truly located in the heart of Texas Wine Country.

Gillespie County is also one of the top peach-producing counties in Texas, and from mid-May through early August town is filled with roadside stands selling peaches and other seasonal produce.

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Fredericksburg is also home to Wildseed Farms, the largest working wildflower farm in the United States and a destination of many wildflower enthusiasts.

Enchanted Rock, the second largest granite dome in the United States and a designated International Dark Sky Park, is located just outside of Fredericksburg and offers miles of

A wine tasting tour on the 290 Wine Road.

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More than 150 shops on Main Street.

Photo courtesy Julia Ermlich.

hiking trails, rock climbing and a 360° view of the Texas Hill Country from the top of the Summit Trail.

With more than 150 shops, boutiques and art galleries lining historic Main Street, Fredericksburg is also a premier shopping destination, offering the best of home decor, western wear, fine art, kitchen wares, linens, antiques and more. On the third weekend of every month, Fredericksburg Trade Days returns with more than 450 vendors in seven barns and acres of shopping opportunities, along with great eats and live music in the Biergarten.

Great food and wonderful dining is a fixture in Fredericksburg with more than 80 restaurants that feature everything from regional Hill Country cuisine to German and Bavarian, to Tex-Mex and Italian.

With more than 700 historically significant structures preserved in the Fredericksburg historic district including the Vereins Kirche and Pioneer Museum, history surrounds the city. The Vereins Kirche, Fredericksburg’s most iconic structure and a well-known landmark of the city, originally served as Fredericksburg’s school, church, community hall, and even its fort. One of Fredericksburg’s signature historic features is the Sunday House, a small home built by German settlers.

Typically families would live in rural areas, but use their Sunday Houses when they came into town to get supplies, conduct business and attend church.

The Pioneer Museum Complex, owned by the Gillespie County Historical Society, provides a glimpse

Admiral Chester W. Nimitz’s grandfather’s hotel is part of the six-acre grounds of the National Museum of the Pacific War. Byways photo.

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Octoberfest is one of many festivals held in Fredericksburg each year. Photo courtesy Robbyn Dodd.

of early life in Fredericksburg through historic homes, a log cabin, an authentic Sunday House, a school house and more. In addition, the Pioneer Museum hosts livinghistory demonstrations throughout the year giving visitors a first-hand look at the early German traditions in

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Fredericksburg.

The National Museum of the Pacific War, dedicated to all who served in the Pacific during World War II, also pays homage to hometown favorite Navy Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. The six-acre museum grounds

The museum is the only institution in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the Pacific Theater in World War II. Photo courtesy Marc Bennett.

include the George Bush Gallery, a Japanese Garden of Peace, Memorial Courtyard, as well as the Pacific Combat Zone. The Pacific Combat Zone recently underwent an $8 million renovation.

In addition to historic attractions, Fredericksburg is always brimming with activity from more than 350 special events, concerts and festivals held annually. Typical Fredericksburg events and activities include Oktoberfest, live music at Luckenbach Texas, Fredericksburg’s Fourth of July Parade, summer horse

Vereins Kirche at Marktplatz. Photo courtesy Steve Rawls.

racing, the Hill Country Food Truck Festival, the Stonewall Peach JAMboree, First Friday Art Walk, the Gillespie County Fair and more.

Fredericksburg has over 1,100 hotel and motel rooms, more than 900 bed and breakfasts/guesthouses, and several RV parks and campsites ready to welcome travelers with plenty of warm Texan hospitality.

To plan a trip to Fredericksburg and the Texas Hill Country, or request a free visitor information packet, visit www.VisitFredericksburgTX.com.

4th of July Parade on Main Street.

Photo courtesy Claire McCormack.

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Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

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yndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is the premier location to experience the environment that shaped the character, public policy and continuing legacy of the 36th president of the United States.

The National Park Service is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the lands and structures, donated entirely by the Johnson family, that are associated with the life and heritage of Lyndon B. Johnson.

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The LBJ Ranch was the Texas White House during Johnson’s Presidency.

Byways photo.

The park, comprising approximately 675 acres, provides a variety of opportunities to experience the local and regional context that greatly influenced the last frontier president. There are two park districts, one in Johnson City (32 miles east of Fredericksburg) and one near Stonewall (16 miles east of Fredericksburg).

In Johnson City are the National Historical Park Visitor Center and headquarters; Lyndon Johnson’s boy-

The Pedernales River on the LBJ Ranch.

Photo courtesy Cynthia Dorminey.

LBJ’s office at the Texas White House.

Photo courtesy Ron Sprouse.

The Visitor Center is open seven days a week from 8:45 am until 5pm, and Boyhood Home tours are offered from 9 am until 4:30pm. The Johnson Settlement is open from dawn until dusk, and Withers & Spauldings from 9am to 4pm every day.

The LBJ Ranch is available by self-guided vehicle tours only, unless arriving on a commercial motorcoach.

Visitors in their own vehicles should stop at LBJ State Park and Historic Site, 16 miles east of Fredericksburg on U.S. Highway 290 to pick up the necessary driving permit and a map and CD that interprets the ranch.

There is no charge to tour the ranch, which is open from 9am to 4:30pm. Ranger-guided tours of the Texas White House – the home of President Johnson and a center of political activity for more than 20 years – are offered seven days a week, with the first tour beginning at 10am.

Tour tickets are available on a first come, first served basis in the airplane hangar, at a cost of $3.00 per person.

Several special events occur throughout the year. Visit https://www.nps.gov/lyjo/index.htm or phone 830868-7128, ext. 231 for general information about the park, its programs and events.

For more information on the Lyndon B. Johnson State and National Historical Parks, to book your stay in Fredericksburg and Gillespie County, or to receive a free Fredericksburg visitor information guide: www.VisitFredericksburgTX.com.

hood home, where he lived from the age of 5; the Johnson Settlement, his paternal grandparents’ homestead and cattle ranching center; and Withers & Spauldings, an exhibit space in an original general store building that displays the many ways President Johnson gave back to Johnson City, his hometown.

Near Stonewall is the LBJ Ranch, including the “Texas White House,” the Johnson’s home on the ranch; the Junction School, site of young Lyndon’s first formal education; his reconstructed birthplace; his paternal grandparents’ farmhouse; the family cemetery where he and Mrs. Johnson are interred; the airplane hangar, now a visitor exhibit space; and the Ranch show barn, focal point of the working Hereford cattle ranch.

The ranch flows along the Pedernales River, which is a tributary of the Colorado River, and is approximately 106 miles long. The river has a close association with the Texas Hill Country, tied to the history of the region and emblematic of its geography.

Along its route it flows over numerous rugged limestone escarpments as it winds eastward, passing along the south side of the ranch of President Lyndon B. Johnson, who grew up in nearby Stonewall, south of the river.

All activities in Johnson City— Visitor Center exhibits and films, ranger-guided tours of the Boyhood Home, the nature trails and buildings located in the Johnson Settlement, and Withers & Spauldings—are free of Air Force 1 1/2 which LBJ flew to the charge. ranch as President. Byways photo.

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Gillespie County Peaches, photo courtesy Trish Rawls.

Harvesting Tradition

n 1928, Joseph and Estella Wieser bought 60 acres of land on the southern edge of Fredericksburg, Texas, planted a peach orchard and put down roots in a very Texan way: think big, work hard and never compromise.

Nestled in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, that dedicated commitment has fortified a family business for four decades, with son Mark Wieser carrying on his parents’ passion for gourmet eating the way nature intended.

In 1969, Mark founded Fischer & Wieser’s Das Peach Haus® as a roadside fruit stand, built from the logs of an 1870 German log cabin purchased for $150 (especially meaningful given the family’s German heritage), and quickly became the place to go for the best locally harvested preserves and sauces Texas has to offer.

Harvesting Talent

Fast forward a decade and out in the verdant peach orchard, one of Mark Wieser’s students, Case Fischer, was harvesting summer peaches and growing a passion for the process of farming and preserving.

Case developed such a love for the business that he went on to study Food Technology and Food & Fiber Marketing at Texas A&M University and returned home to become Mark’s business partner, full of vision, knowledge, and new strategies to grow the business and inspire culinary adventures everywhere.

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Fischer & Wieser, A Texas Success Story Case later developed The Original Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce®, the company’s flagship product, winning the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade prestigious award for Outstanding New Best Seller in 1997.

Today Mark Wieser is Chairman of the Board and Case Fischer is President and CEO of this thriving international business and the #1 gourmet food company in Texas. And it all started in the Hill Country peach orchard.

Harvesting Inspiration

There are always new ways of doing things, but at Fischer & Wieser they never compromise quality. With Estella Wieser’s first recipe for peach preserves still in production, it’s easy to stay focused on all natural, farmfresh goodness that creates the most flavorful and authentic gourmet pantry items.

That’s what you get when two feisty German families feel in their heart of hearts that if you’re honest and have a quality product, people will keep coming back for more.

Today Fischer & Wieser is located in a historic warehouse just a few blocks off Fredericksburg’s Main Street with a well-stocked showroom for easy shopping; or for those wanting to step back in history, there’s always the picturesque Fischer & Wieser Das Peach Haus®.

Still in its original location, Fischer & Wieser’s his-

toric roadside fruit stand offers as many as 70 awardwinning products that have inspired culinary adventures from coast to coast and around the world. These versatile products can now be found at the new Fischer & Wieser store, right on Main Street in Fredericksburg where daily samplings of Fischer & Wieser’s tantalizing cooking sauces, salsas, jams, jellies, appetizers, pasta sauces and so much more inspire the culinary adventures of each visitor.

Cooking School

Deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, learn to cook, learn to taste, learn to share and learn to laugh – it’s all part of Fischer & Wieser’s new Culinary Adventure Cooking School.

Each two-hour class features a four-course lunch, brunch or dinner with wines from the Hill Country (now America’s second most visited viticultural region, after only Napa Valley), and each opens a window onto one of their dazzling Texas cuisines.

The flavorful journey also includes notes on local history and culture, techniques from chefs and grandmothers, tips on Fredericksburg wineries and restaurants, and no shortage of wisdom about food, wine and life.

A typical two-hour cooking class — whether devoted to German, Tuscan, New Orleans, Caribbean or any other world cuisine, blends demonstration and storytelling

with hands-on kitchen experience as desired by the students. Regular classes are a full and satisfying meal: four courses prepared and served with white and red wine.

Questions are always welcome, and answers are given within the context of a fun leisure experience — a true culinary adventure.

If you can’t come visit, look for Fischer & Wieser’s products at fine gourmet, natural, and grocery stores across the United States, including Kroger, Safeway and Costco.

Or to purchase on-line, visit https://www.jelly.com

Click for

Video

Chairman and founder Mark Wieser.

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Fischer & Weiser Culinary Cooking School.

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Victory 1 cruise ship docked at beautiful Mackinac Island, Michigan. Photo courtesy Pat Woods.

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Glorious Cruising on the Great Lakes

By Pat Woods

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G

uests from the Victory cruise ship can bypass the line and be seated immediately! the swanky dining room hostess announced. Husband Rob and I felt privileged to dine at the world-famous Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan.

While pondering summer cruise options, I discovered Victory Cruiselines’ Great Lakes 10-day itinerary which embarked in Toronto and disembarked in Chicago. The Great Lakes area melds rugged wilderness and pristine maritime scenery. Port cities boast superb cultural institutions, while port towns offer strong historic appeal. At every port the ship was met by clean comfortable buses and seasoned local tour guides who knew the area well.

Niagara Falls

At the beautiful Niagara Falls region, Ontario tour guides and drivers warmly greeted us. We enjoyed a tour, wine tasting and lunch at Chateau de Charmes Winery where we learned how ice wines are produced. In pretty Niagara-on-the-Lakes, we had time to explore the shops and galleries.

In mid-afternoon motorcoaches took us to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. After photo ops from a 32 • Byways

Exterior of world-famous Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan.

Photos courtesy Pat Woods.

cliff above the falls, we walked down to the base area, where we donned red plastic ponchos before boarding a Hornblower boat for a thrilling ride up close to the misty falls.

Cleveland

The next port was Cleveland. Well versed trolley drivers provided comprehensive tours covering history, industrial and medical development, education, parks and philanthropists. A highlight was a docent talk in the historic Wade Chapel in Lake View Park Cemetery.

Designed by Louis Tiffany, the chapel was donated by Jeptha Wade, founder of Western Union Telegraph.

Victory guests who visited Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the afternoon gave it high reviews.

Windsor

While docked in Windsor, Ontario some guests visited historic Fort Maldin, while others crossed the river to tour the Detroit Art Institute. The afternoon excursion to the amazing Henry Ford Museum of Innovation was a popular choice. The extensive array of exhibits included presidential vehicles, railroads, farm and industry

machinery, American furniture and much more.

During a full day crossing Lake Huron, we enjoyed the first of three themed High Teas and a fascinating bridge tour. An on-board lecturer discussed Great Lakes ship wrecks and ended with Gordon Lightfoot’s haunting

“Edmund Fitzgerald” recording.

On a sunny June day, Victory 1 twice transited the famous Soo Locks and did a graceful turnaround in Lake Superior. Guests visited the museum ship Valley Camp as well as an aviation site on the Canadian side. It was thrilling to watch gigantic cargo freighters passing in the channels.

Mackinac Island Finale

Working barges maintain the locks that raise or lower ships between different water levels.

The grand finale of our cruise was an all-day visit to historic Mackinac Island where automobiles are shunned in favor of horse-drawn carriages, wagons, bicycles and walking. Victory guests enjoyed an island tour in larger carriages pulled by two- or three-horse teams. Carriage drivers told us in summer the island employs six veterinarians for 500 horses. In contrast, one doctor serves 500 permanent island residents.

A highlight was watching a cannon and rifle shooting demonstration by historic interpreters at Fort Mackinac.

Located at the island’s highest point, the restored fort proved to be an ideal photo op. Because we had previously visited the island, we skipped the dozens of fudge and gift shops.

A much anticipated treat was Sunday Buffet brunch at Hornblower excursion boats take visitors up close to misty Niagara Falls.

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the Grand Hotel which boasts the world’s longest porch.

The long and lavish buffet exceeded expectations for both quality and quantity of food and service. Built in 1890, the massive structure was completed in a record 93 days.

Numerous movies including “Somewhere in Time” starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour were set in the Grand. The hotel itself is a tourist attraction, surrounded by massive beds of fragrant colorful spring flowers. We enjoyed climbing the stairs to the cupola, the hotel’s highest vantage point, as well as the art gallery and extensive grounds with fountains, swimming pool and a golf course.

Life Onboard

Throughout the cruise Victory 1 rode smoothly in the waters of all five Great Lakes.

Tasty meals with lush desserts prepared by seasoned chefs were well received. The wait staff was experienced, well-trained, and attentive to guests’ special requests. Free-flow34 • Byways

The world’s longest porch on Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan.

Photos courtesy Pat Woods.

ing alcohol was served with lunch, dinner and cocktail hours. The first-deck dining room was large enough to accommodate all guests in one seating, a definite plus.

Open seating encouraged mingling with guests from throughout the U.S., Canada and Australia.

Breakfast was a buffet with some hot items made fresh upon request. Lunch offered soup, salad, and a choice of Delectable desserts at Victory 1 themed High Tea.

three hot entrees or a burger.

Dinner was comprised of soup, salad and meat, fish or vegetarian entrees. Steak, chicken breast or salmon were always available.

An alternate dining venue on an outdoor deck, Cliff Rock Bar & Grille featured hot lava rock cooking at 800 degrees.

Guests had the option of cookA docent demos auto ing their own entrees.

Reservations required. assembly at Henry Ford A definite plus, Victory 1 has Museum, Detroit. an elevator serving decks 1 through 4. The vessel can accommodate 202 guests, most of whom are well-traveled retirees. There are no formal nights. Guests are Learn more about future cruise itineraries and prices advised to bring comfortable walking shoes, jackets, rain from www.victorycruiselines.com, 1-888-907-2636 or gear and their own toiletries. Hand/body soap and sham- your travel agent. poo are provided.

Shore excursions, meals, tours and most alcoholic beverages are included in cruise fares, but the ship does not About the Author. An avid cruiser and provide transfers. At a special lobster dinner, we bid a widely published Arizona-based travel reluctant farewell to our new friends. We left with cherwriter, Pat Woods encourages her readers ished memories of green vistas, cool lake breezes and to SKI (spend the kids’ inheritance) on a diverse port adventures. cruise.

W

Terrific Toronto

ith less than a day in Toronto before boarding a Great lakes cruise on the Victory 1, we moved quickly. From Terminal 1 at the airport, we took the clean, comfortable UP Express train to downtown ($6 Canadian senior rate).

Thirty minutes later we arrived at the downtown Union Station. www.UPexpress.com, 1-416-8693300.

We stayed at the contemporary Westin Harbour Castle (www.westintoronto, 1-416-361-7585). From our 32nd floor North tower room overlooking Lake Ontario, we watched boat traffic and changing weather patterns. When I called Guest Services, Oileil Fisher quickly delivered an extra luggage stand, decaf coffee and even a microwave to heat a therapy device.

After a long travel day, we appreciated the large indoor pool, hot tub and fitness center. Our room was quiet, and the “heavenly” bed lived up to its name. I awoke relaxed and refreshed.

We enjoyed a 2-hour narrated City Sightseeing tours (1-416-410-0536)

before boarding our ship.

The hotel is very close to Tim Horton’s and a Greek eatery with excellent carryout. From this convenient downtown waterfront location, guests can walk to City Sightseeing tours, Union Station, plus a bevy of attractions. Hint: Request a North Tower room.

Toronto skyline shot from the Victory 1 cruise ship.

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L

Traveling the Highways & Byways with Bill Graves ake Superior, which we share with Canada, is the largest freshwater lake in the world – covering 31,700 square miles.

It contains half of the water held by all five of the Great Lakes. If its water were to spill out, all of it, everybody in North, Central and South America would be in

water over their ankles.

Dave Strzok is telling me this as we look out at the lake, today whipped raw by gale-force winds. We are safely out of the weather behind the glass doors of the Bayfield Maritime Museum. He is the director here and a life-long resident of this area, the lake’s south shore in northern Wisconsin.

“Considering the immensity of Lake Superior, 360 miles across, it has few islands. What there are, are here off Bayfield, the 22 Apostle Islands. In 1970 a portion

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Visiting Bayfield, Wisconsin and the Apostle Islands

of our shoreline and 20 of those islands were designated as a National Lake Shoreline. So it’s now part of the National Park Service, 43,000 island-acres, spread over 600 square miles of Lake Superior.”

From where we stood, we could see the car-ferry, bucking white-capped waves, plowing its way to Madeline Island. It’s normally a 20-minute run. But Dave doubted it would keep on schedule today.

The largest of the Apostles, Madeline Island is not included in the park as it was populated long before the park was created. It has both state and town parks with lake-access campgrounds.

Anchored close in to one of the islands, we could see a giant ore carrier, riding low in the water. It was obviously loaded with iron ore taken on probably in Duluth.

He was bound for the locks at Sault St. Marie, Michigan, and then on to one of the steel plants in the lower lakes.

Dave said, “It’s rare to see one of those guys seeking shelter in the lee of one of the islands. The lake must be really rough. I am told it costs $10,000 an hour to keep

Lake Superior coastline.

Photo courtesy Bill Graves.

one of those guys sitting idle. Since the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975, if they err, it’s now on the side of caution.”

In an earlier time the islands gave up sandstone and timber used for construction as far away as New York.

But now the islands are protected, with access limited.

They are forested with Wisconsin hardwoods and conifers aging from 30 to 300 years.

Their population includes black bears, whitetail deer, red foxes and coyotes. This mix changes in the winter when the animals walk on the ice back and forth to the

Dave Strzok

mainland. In the summer, bears often swim to other islands, especially when wild berries are in season.

“By virtue of being insular, with few people traipsing around out there, these islands must be as close to their natural state as any place in the country,” I said. Dave agreed, saying, “The big thing is kayaking here in the summer. People paddle around those islands. The water is so clear you can see rocks the size of houses 20 feet down.”

I walked down First Street to have lunch at Gruenke’s, a place that has changed little since it opened here in 1940. The jute box still plays 78 rpm records. I knew most of the songs. I played Your Cheatin’ Heart by Hank Williams at least twice.

In 1940, Gruenke’s made local culinary history when they put whitefish livers on the menu. They’re still there, “deep fried or sautéed with green peppers and onions.” I had them as an appetizer. And I’ll do it again next time I’m here.

About the author: After seeing much of the world as a career naval officer, Bill Graves decided, after he retired, to take a closer look at the United States. He has been roaming the country for 20 years, much of it in a motorhome with his dog

Rusty. He lives in Rancho Palos Verdes, California and is the author of On the Back Roads, Discovering Small Towns. of America.

He can be reached at Roadscribe@aol.com.

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Blue Bank Resort at Reelfoot Lake

By Stephen M. Kirchner

Named after a mythical Indian chief, Reelfoot Lake in Northwestern Tennessee today looks much like it did just after its formation. It is one of the most beautiful natural phenomenon in the upper South. Byways photo.

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M

y first thought was that talking to Michael Hayes, owner of Blue Bank Resort, about tour packaging was odd. This is a hunting and fishing resort, and I can’t recall too many opportunities for packaged tours in this market.

But the resort has been packaging hunting and fishing excursions to northwestern Tennessee for years, for individuals, small groups and even corporate events.

“We used to spend $150,000 a year on print advertising and marketing,” Hayes says. “But that’s all gone now.”

Today, they spend $100,000 a year on social media, and the results have been beyond anything imaginable.

Hayes pulled out his iPhone and opened his Facebook page showing nearly 200,000 followers.

And these are all identified as hunting and fishing enthusiasts in the resort’s prime markets of Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Minnesota.

A Cataclysmic Event

Reelfoot Lake dates from a cataclysmic event, the New Madrid earthquake that occurred in December January 1811-12 in New Madrid, Missouri. This series of tremors is still the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in the United States. Pioneers reported the ground rolled like a blanket, and in the upheaval Reelfoot Lake was created in the extreme northwestern corner of Tennessee.

One of the the tremors opened a fissure between the 40 • Byways

Guests don’t have to travel far to get to their boats at Blue Bank Resort. Byways photo.

Mississippi River, just 8 miles away, and a lowland swamp nearby, and the waters rushed in. When the earthquake stopped and the fissure closed, the lake had

Fishing right from the resort. No boat needed! Byways photo.

been created. Named after a mythical Indian chief, Best Fishing Reelfoot Lake today looks much like it did just after its Reelfoot Lake is also a paradise for those who love the formation. It is one of the greatest, most beautiful natu- outdoors. Reelfoot’s wealth of bluegill, bass, crappie ral phenomenon in the upper South. and catfish attracks anglers from all over mid-America.

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The pool and spa at Blue Bank Resort. Byways photo.

Field & Stream magazine named Reelfoot one of the top bass lakes in the United States.

Reelfoot Lake has been a premier crappie fishing destination for over 200 years and is the largest natural fish hatchery in the United States.

I asked a resort guest from the Dayton area of Ohio why he was fishing at Reelfoot Lake.

“We found the resort on the internet,” he said, “and it looked good, so we decided to give it a try. We’ve been coming back twice a year ever since.”

And no wonder!

He was fishing from the bank right in front of the resort. “Don’t you need a boat?” I asked.

In 60 seconds he had reeled in a mid-size bluegill.

“Fish are everywhere here,” he said, “out in a boat or on the shore. Makes no difference.”

10,000 Lakes?

But wait, Minnesota has 10,000 lakes. Why travel to Tennessee to fish?

Mike’s son Michael, who runs the resort with his father, had an easy explanation.

“Our fishing season is up and running in February, March, April and May, and their fishing season is just 42 • Byways

getting started in May. It’s all about the weather.”

After May the fishing season slows, and the Resort is in a unique location to open new markets.

In fact, Blue Bank Resort is open 365 days a year, and now the resort is branching out in other directions that are of interest to individuals and groups alike.

Butterflies and Bird Watching

Blue Bank Resort recently finished the addition of its newest attraction, its Butterfly Garden. There is now a half-mile walking trail that circles the grounds at Blue Bank Resort.

The trail goes through the Reelfoot Lake Butterfly Garden and Blue Bank’s vegetable, herb and spice garden. The garden has thousands of flowers. The largest section of the garden contains butterfly weed (milk weed) which is planted with the sole purpose of attracting the Monarch Butterfly.

Reelfoot Lake is also a world-class duck hunting destination, and it’s also becoming a world-class bird watching destination. Figuring out how to expand and grow these two distinct and contradictory markets is a challenge for Blue Bank Resort, and for Mike Hayes.

Blue Bank Resort is located in the I-69 Corridor, an

You can practically take your boat to your room at Blue Bank Resort. Byways photo.

interstate that only exists in fits and spurts in Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee. But completion from the Canadian border to the Mexican border is expected in a couple years. And it will open this area to many new opportunities and visitors.

It’s also located just 20 minutes from Discovery Park of America, a major attraction that promises to bring thousands of new visitors to the area. www.bluebankresort.com. Or call 1-877-258-3226.

About the Author.

Stephen M. Kirchner has been editor and publisher of Byways Magazine for 34 years.

He is based in Louisville, KY.

Fishhouse Restaurant

You won’t go hungry at Blue Bank Resort. The Fishhouse Restaurant features fresh fish and seafood, steaks and pork, and salads and sandwiches.

We enjoyed the grilled shrimp (right) and blackened salmon (top), but the Fisherman’s platter was tempting.

Fried catfish is a local favorite.

Portions are plentiful, but leave room for dessert (right). You won’t be sorry!

You have the option of eating inside the restaurant or outside under the umbrellas. Or have an entire meal sent to your room.

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Discovery Park of America

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A unique blend of history and technology, science and fun, Discovery Park has become one of Tennessee’s top attractions. Byways photo.

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Dinosaur fossils greet visitors in the multi-story atrium. Byways photo.

ocated in rural northwestern Tennessee is one of the most impressive educational museums we’ve visited.

Designed for both adults and children, Discovery Park of America’s mission is to enhance the educational experience of children and adults and to inspire them to see beyond their current level of knowledge.

It is a unique blend of history and technology, science and fun.

The museum is located in Union City, TN, just a few miles from the Mississippi River and 20 minutes from Reelfoot Lake.

Kirkland Foundation

Discovery Park of America would not exist without the support of the Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Foundation, its principal benefactor. The Kirklands are long-time supporters of education in the area. Their foundation has donated approximately $80 million to the creation of Discovery Park and has created a program of $2-3 million continuing support after opening for operational support and expansion.

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Discovery Center

The centerpiece of Discovery Park is Discovery Center, a 100,000-square-foot building showcasing ten exhibit galleries: Children’s Exploration, Energy, Enlightenment, Military, Native Americans, Natural History, Regional History, Science/Space/Technology, and Transportation. In addition, a Special Exhibit Gallery features traveling exhibits.

Discovery Center’s multi-story atriums are filled with exhibits that invite visitors to open their minds to a

John Deere exhibit in the Barn.

Byways photo.

greater understanding and appreciation of our world…past, present and future.

Highlights include: • A theater simulation of the 1811-12 earthquakes that shaped the land in this region as well as a planetary tour in the starship theater.

• 20,000-gallon aquarium revealing the underwater life of Reelfoot Lake.

• 60-foot replica of a human body with a 30-foot slide.

• Dinosaurs, fossils, Native American artifacts, military equipment, vintage automobiles, and dozens more hands-on experiences for children.

Discovery Center also includes a Grand Hall with space for meetings and social events for groups of approximately 300 people, as well as a Tower Room that accommodates about 70 people.

A craftsman repairing a chair in the Settlement. Byways photo.

The Children’s Discovery Garden is located on the north side of the property, just over the bridge to the right and it is over 23,000 square feet of space where children Children’s Discovery Garden can learn, explore, romp, and play.

Children’s Discovery Garden is one of the biggest “This has been the number one request that we have improvements we have made,” Discovery Park CEO Jim gotten from our visitors,” Rippy explained. “The Rippy said.

Military aircraft and vehicles are featured at Discovery Park.

Byways photo.

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The Settlement features buildings and landscapes representing a typical early 1800s small community. Byways photo.

Children’s Discovery Garden is attracting new visitors, increasing memberships, and providing additional space for children to learn and engage, while giving members an additional reason to visit the park more often during the year,” he added.

Outside Attractions

Discovery Park’s 50-acre site offers visitors a variety of experiences.

Highlights include: • A water feature that bisects the site, flowing north to south. Originating at the circa 1800s gristmill, the water feature includes waterfalls and bridges as well as extensive landscaping.

• Japanese, European and American gardens allow visitors to connect with nature and learn about plants and flowers from around the world.

• Log cabins, farm buildings and equipment, and family items providing a glimpse into rural life in the 1800s.

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The Settlement

The Settlement, located in the northwest part of Discovery Park, features buildings and landscapes representing a typical early 1800s small community. It includes:

The Barn features agricultural and automobile exhibits. Byways photo.

• A 150-year old dog-trot log cabin shows what farm homes would have been during this time.

• A log farm house features Union City’s own version of the Sleeping Beauty legend and another log cabin demonstrates how a doctor would have lived and practiced in this time.

• A 100-year old church as well as a train station with a locomotive and various cars.

to talk with a visitor who spent the night at Reelfoot Lake and the day in Union City.”

Pre-registration of two weeks is required to receive the group discount. Call the Marketing Department by phone at 731-885-5455 or email mbondurant@discoveryparkofamerica.com

To learn more about Discovery Park of America and upcoming educational and entertaining events, visit the “People are beginning to make Union City, Reelfoot website at www.discoveryparkofamerica.com Lake and this community a destination,” Jim Rippy says.

“It is not unusual to talk with visitors who spent the night at a local hotel and bought a two-day pass to the park; or F-11, flown by the Navy’s Blue Angels from 1957 - 1969.

Now on display at Discovery Park. Byways photo.

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Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

50 • Byways

This Big Bat is the world’s largest baseball bat. Made of steel, it weighs 68,000 pounds and towers 120 feet into the sky. The Big Bat is an exact-scale replica of Babe Ruth's 34-inch Louisville Slugger bat. Photo courtesy www.kentuckytourism.com.

I

n 1842, J. Frederick Hillerich emigrated with his family from Germany to Baltimore, Maryland. They moved to Louisville in 1856, where J. Fred started a woodworking shop. By 1864 J.F. Hillerich, Job Turning, was in business and filled orders for everything from spindles to shutters to steamboat interiors. The eldest son, John Andrew “Bud” Hillerich, was born in Louisville in 1866.

The business thrived and by 1875 the little woodworking shop employed about 20 people. In 1880, Bud became an apprentice in his father’s shop. Young Bud also played amateur baseball, and made his own baseball bats along with bats for several of his teammates.

There is debate over the origins of the carpentry shop’s first bat for a professional player, but Bud most certainly played the key role in getting his father’s business involved with what would become the company’s signature item.

Browning break his bat and offered to make a new one at the woodworking shop. According to the story, in the next game Browning got three hits with the bat Bud made.

Oh, Pete Browning’s nickname was, “The Louisville Slugger.”

The Hillerich’s baseball bat business grew. The name “Louisville Slugger” became their registered trademark in 1894, and Bud joined his father as a partner in 1897.

Enter The Flying Dutchman

The success of the growing bat company took another leap in 1905 when Honus “The Flying Dutchman’ Wagner, a superstar shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates, signed a contract as the first player ever to endorse a bat.

g n i n e p p a H s ’ t a Wh

His autograph was also the first to be used on a bat and the first time a professional athlete endorsed an athletic product.

According to company legend, the first pro bat was created by 17-year-old Bud for Pete Browning in WWII After making equipment for the troops during World 1884. Browning was a star player on Louisville’s major War I, Hillerich & Bradsby Co. served the country durleague team, the Eclipse. One spring afternoon, Bud ing World War II by producing over a million M-1 carskipped out of work to watch the Eclipse play. He saw

Full size replicas of famous players are featured in the Museum. A fan stands with Jackie Robinson.

Byways photo.

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bine gunstocks, track pins for tanks, and billy clubs for the armed forces. H&B also continued to make baseball and softball bats for the troops. Like many industries, H&B’s WWII effort was the first time women worked in the factory.

After the war, baseball carried on as the country’s passionate pastime, and Louisville Slugger bats dominated as the stick of choice for the greatest players in the game.

Since that first contract with Honus Wagner in 1905, generations of legends have swung Louisville slugger bats, including: Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Hank Aaron, George Brett, Ken Griffey Jr, and Derek Jeter.

H&B’s wood bat business branched out into aluminum bats in 1970, and moved its factory just over the Ohio River to Southern Indiana from 1970 to 1995.

In 1996, Hillerich & Bradsby Co. moved into new headquarters at 800 West Main Street, about seven blocks from the original carpentry shop.

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is one of Louisville’s most popular attractions. The world-famous facility is hard to miss, just look for The Big Bat, the world’s largest baseball bat, delighting guests as they enter. To date, more than 4-million people have enjoyed the museum and factory tour experience at this location.

52 • Byways

The history of baseball is depicted at the museum. Byways photo.

Hank Aaron at the Museum.

Photo courtesy Louisville Slugger Museum.

H&B’s current President and CEO, John A. Hillerich IV, is the great-grandson of Bud Hillerich, the baseball fan who introduced the family business to baseball back in the 1800s.

In 2015, Wilson Sporting Goods bought the Louisville Slugger brand from H&B, which still owns Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory and the production facility.

Exclusively for Wilson now, H&B continues to produce Louisville Slugger bats in Louisville.

Museum Tour

2,000 to 5,000 wooden bats for professional and recreational players, and an additional 4,000 to 5,000 mini bats.

Big League baseball players order on average 100-120 bats a year. They receive these for free, in return for endorsement contracts.

The factory is almost 100 percent computerized, and the dimensions of each player’s bat are stored in the computer. Their bats can be turned out in a matter of minutes when a order is placed.

A visit to the factory today is very different from a tour of the factory 20 years ago when the floor was a beehive of activity as employees worked at lathes turning out bats. Today those jobs are all done by machines driven by computer. For more information, visit: https://www.sluggermuseum.com Louisville Slugger bats.

Photo courtesy www.kentuckytourism..com.

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory celebrates the extraordinary role Louisville Slugger baseball bats have played in the sport’s past, present, and future.

From the forest to the field, you’ll follow the timber that’s turned into hard hitting history.

Galleries are filled with remarkable memorabilia and entertaining interactive exhibits. Staff hear it from its guests all the time, “You don’t have to be a big baseball fan to enjoy Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.”

There’s something fun here for everyone.

Factory Tour

A highlight of a visit is a guided tour through the factory where Louisville Slugger bats are crafted with the same pride that started in 1884.

Watch the wood chips fly as you walk right through the heart of the production line. Every step of the way, you’ll encounter each step in the bat-making process.

Smell the wood, see the sizzling brand, hear great stories, and witness history-in-the-making. After the tour, everyone gets a FREE miniature Louisville Slugger bat.

The Louisville Slugger Today

More than 1.8 million wooden bats leave the Louisville Slugger factory every year, including wooden mini bats.

The bats are made from billets, and the factory receives billets in batches of 5,000 to 8,000. A billet is French for trunk of a tree.

Each day the Louisville Slugger factory turns out

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Byways is published bi-monthly by Byways, Inc. and distributed electronically throughout North America.

Byways is emailed to more than 4000 tour operators /Travel Trade through the Internet. Subscriptions are complimentary. An iPad & iPhone version is available for consumers in iTunes in the App Store. An Android browser version is available at www.issuu.com/byways.

Byways’ distribution includes motorcoach companies, tour operators, selected travel agents, bank travel managers, school band and athletic planners, meeting planners and the travel trade. For advertising rates, editorial deadlines, or to place advertising insertions, contact: Byways Magazine at 502-785-4875. ©Copyright 2017 by Byways, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be duplicated in any form without express written permission of the publisher.

Editor and Publisher Stephen M. Kirchner

Advertising Director 502-785-4875

Internet bywaysmagazine.com byways@motorcoach.com Byways on Facebook Byways on Twitter

Advertisers Index Best Western Colorado River Inn, California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Brenham/Washington County, Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Colorado Springs Tourism, Colorado. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Dish Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Dutchess Tourism, New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Randolph County, West Virginia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau, Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Silverado Casino/Franklin Hotel, South Dakota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Springfield Tourism, Kentucky. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

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55 • Byways