CASINOS, MOTORCYCLES AND Wild Wild West Hot Spots

Casinos, motorcycles, and Wild West Road Trip

Deadwood, South Dakota

In 1876, prospectors stumbled upon gold in a gulch of dead trees in South Dakota’s Black Hills. The original encampment ballooned into a Wild West town of outlaws and gunslingers—and fortune seekers. Legends like Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok once called Deadwood home. Deadwood was once on the verge of becoming a ghost town, but the legalization of limited-wage gambling revived it. Now, visitors can tap into that Wild West history at casinos and museums, or enjoy modern-day amenities like spas, concerts, and breweries. Walk the historic streets, which have retained their gold rush-era charm, stopping in saloons and restaurants. Shop for souvenirs, try your hand at poker, or see where the HBO series was filmed.

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Wyoming’s capital city still brings to mind scenes of cowboys, rodeos, and the Wild West. The town is home to the world’s largest rodeo, Cheyenne Frontier Days, plus an array of other events like the Wild West Air Show. It’s also a hub for outdoor activities like camping, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Visitors can learn the history of the area at museums like the Wyoming State Museum and the Nelson Museum of the West, or look at rodeo memorabilia at the Old West Museum. The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is another must-see, with its 6,800 square foot conservatory—three greenhouses with tropical plants and cacti. Railroad enthusiasts will feel at home at America’s “Railroad Capital,” with sites like the Big Boy Steam Engine and Cheyenne Depot.

Nacogdoches, Texas

Nacogdoches claims the title of “the oldest town in Texas.” This east Texas town is known as the “garden capital of Texas,” with an array of pocket parks, green spaces, and trails. Historic sites like the DurstTaylor Historic House and Gardens, a circa 1835 wood-frame house, and the Millard’s Crossing Historic Village, made up of original 19th century structures, carry on the town’s garden legacy. Check out the outdoor concerts, held at Festival Park downtown, and visit the Caddoan Mounds State Historic Site, where Caddoan Mound Builders developed striking earthworks. The town is also home to an impressive collection of wineries, breweries, and distilleries, including producers of locally distilled bourbon.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Home to the Harley Davidson headquarters, Milwaukee is a motorcycle lover’s dream. The city boasts the Harley-Davidson Museum is an American museum located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin celebrating the history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Visitors can learn about the company’s scrappy origins, and track its growth to becoming a worldwide brand. Interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and a striking collection of motorcycles are just a few of the highlights. Elsewhere in Milwaukee, explore public art, topnotch dining and imbibing, golf, architecture, and nightlife. There are also plenty of opportunities to get out on the water, from sightseeing boat cruises on Lake Michigan to strolling the Milwaukee RiverWalk and kayaking to the docks outside Lakefront Brewery. And speaking of beer, the home of Miller Brewing knows a thing or two about suds. Visit the historic Pabst Mansion, take a brewery tour, or drink your way through the city’s collection of old-school bars. The luxury Potawatomi Hotel & Casino is your destination for the best gaming in town.

Find yourself next to the water ASHLAND, WI

Nestled on the South Shore of Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay, the City of Ashland boasts a unique mix of historic charm and modern convenience. Ashland is a great start point for both the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and southern Ashland County, home to Copper Falls State Park, Saint Peters Dome and Morgan Falls.

This historic city spreads out along U.S. Hwy. 2, embracing the shore of Chequamegon Bay and the greatest of the Great Lakes; Lake Superior. Ashland offers endless waterfront activities; hiking & biking, boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing and camping. There are several beaches that offer a view of the pristine waters of the big blue lake. The Lake Superior Waterfront Trail is a continuous trail linking Maslowski Beach on the west to Bayview Park & Beach on the east. You’ll find an actual diving board on the newly renovated pier at Bayview Park & Beach. Maslowski Beach and Prentice Park on the west side of Ashland are known for their natural Spring Water from Artesian Wells. The Artesian wells are a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike. Ashland is home to a fullservice 140 slip Marina, conveniently located in the center of Ashland. The Ashland Oredock jets out nearly 1/8 of a mile located along the waterfront trail. Its easy access makes for a great spot to birdwatch, walk, bicycle ride, run, fish, or picnic. Attractions in Ashland include: Beautiful Murals that depict the history of this over 150-year-old city. Ashland is the “Historic Mural Capital of Wisconsin”, a title that brings tourists from all over to visit and see these life size murals painted by two artists on the sides of historic brownstone buildings in an 8-block historic downtown business district. Along with the historic murals are two community murals located at the Chequamegon Food Co-op and in the tunnel that runs under Highway 2 connecting the beautiful Ashland Lakefront trail to the Historic Downtown.

Ashland’s Restaurants are all locally owned and operated. Whitefish is the favorite fish found in the Chequamegon Bay and several fish to table restaurants such as the Chequamegon Grille, Deepwater Grille, and 2nd Street Bistro offer whitefish and other farm fresh entrées. Burger Barn is known for their excellent burgers, and also Cheese Curds from Wisconsin. Ashland has 5 pizza parlors and three of them originate from the same family. All with a little different twist! El Charro boasts authentic Mexican, and the New China Restaurant is an authentic Chinese restaurant with a lovely outdoor dining area. Family restaurants include the Breakwater Restaurant with beautiful views of the Ashland Lighthouse, and the Ashland Family Restaurant. If fresh bakery and fresh bread is on your list of favorites, the Ashland Baking Company is well known in the region for their fresh baked breads and exquisite desserts. Many gluten-free options. You’ll even find an authentic chocolatier at Gabriele’s German Cookies and Chocolates located on main street. River Rock Inn & Bait Shop

has an incredible selection of freshly caught fish and smoked fish from Lake Superior. Southshore Brewery, attached to the Deepwater Grille, is our local micro-brewery specializing in American Pale Ale, and Nut Brown Ale along with seasonal favorites! The Tastes of Wisconsin bring all sorts of tastes from Wisconsin from wine, to homemade bratwurst and sausage to excellent choices of cheeses, spices, and fresh meat.

Ashland is a welcoming community with a diverse inventory of lodging options available from mom and pops to full-service luxury.

Ashland is a four-season destination with a plethora of day trips that can be taken including the Apostle Islands and Madeline Island to the North and Copper Falls State Park to the south and all sorts of beautiful scenery in between.

Please visit our website to order a visitor guide, mural brochure, waterfalls brochure, or any number of other free information pieces we have to offer.

Welcome to Ashland! Where you’ll find yourself next to the water! For more info go to VisitAshland.com

Rouge

The story of Baton Rouge’s culinary scene stretches back as far as anyone can remember. From old-time treaBaton sures to new fusion restaurants, one thing is for sure - when good food comes to town, the locals know it.

The Chicken Shack - 1935

Known around town as the home of “the perfect fried chicken”, The Chicken Shack opened its doors back in 1935 and remains Baton Rouge’s oldest restaurant. With delicious fried chicken served alongside some of the best homestyle sides you’ve ever had, a lunchtime trip to Chicken Shack is sure to satisfy your crispy-chicken craving.

Louie’s Cafe - 1941

Locals have flocked to Louie’s Cafe for the last 80 years in search of legendary hash browns and hangover cures. The familiar facade sits just outside of LSU’s North gates, welcoming patrons 24 hours a day. A word to the wise, get there before 11 am to make sure you get some of those iconic biscuits.

Dearman’s - 1958

In a time where fusion restaurants and recipe reinventions are more popular than ever before, Dearman’s Soda Shop is charmingly suspended in a bygone era. No frills, no fluff, just a good, old-fashioned diner burger. Complete with shakes, malts, floats and fresh, hand-cut fries, dining at Dearman’s is a delicious step back in time to the decade when it first opened.

Pinetta’s - 1962

Nestled next to a bookstore nearly the same age, Pinetta’s European restaurant is an unassuming, often undiscovered hidden gem of the Baton Rouge food scene. Known for its magical, mysterious red sauce recipe, Pinetta’s has housed romantic date nights and celebratory dinners in its intimate, warm atmosphere for more than 60 years.

Mike Anderson’s Seafood - 1975

There’s not much more synonymous with Baton Rouge seafood than Mike Anderson’s. The once famed LSU tiger opened up his kitchen, serving traditional, authentic Louisiana seafood to the masses with recipes beloved by locals and visitors alike.

The Chimes - 1983

When you’re in Baton Rouge and on the hunt for good Southern grub, look no further than The Chimes. This iconic eatery has become one of the most popular stops for those making the pilgrimage to the Red Stick, with fresh seafood and Louisiana classics on the menu all year ‘round. The Chimes also understands that good food and good beer go hand-in-hand, as craft beer from around the world flows through their 77 taps.

Raising Cane’s - 1996

No one knows if it’s the sauce, the chicken or just the vibe but it’s a fact, Raising Cane’s just tastes better in Baton Rouge. The original Cane’s started slingin’ chicken fingers back in 1996 right off of LSU’s campus. Whatever you like in your box combo, your favorite chickenfinger chain has never hit quite like it does in the Capital City.

Zippy’s - 2001

A fast-casual, Tex-mex tradition since 2001, Zippy’s is known for their lively, open-air patio and 2-for-1 frozen margs - redneck or regular. Zippy’s is a great place to grab a quick bite and a drink as they continue to pour the same margaritas and melted cheese as they have for the last 20 years.

Rocca Pizzeria - 2018

Rocca Pizzeria serves up handtossed, wood-fired pizza that’s true to its Neapolitan tradition. A taste of authentic Naples, Italy right in the heart of Baton Rouge, the oldworld techniques of the Rocca kitchen mirror what you would find across the Atlantic - right down to the oven. With local, farm-fresh ingredients atop its iconic thin crust, your first evening at Rocca is new and exciting, yet also warm and familiar.

Government Taco - 2020

Rounding out 10 decades worth of dining, we end our trip at Government Taco. Originally concepted inside of a local food hall, this punny taco joint has been pleasing palates since they opened their doors last year. Topped with everything from mac-and-cheese to sugar-cane glazed carrots and more, Government Taco serves tacos by the tray that are as unique as they are delicious.

Discover SPRINGFIELD, MO

Sampling local beer, wine, and spirits is fun and rewarding in the Missouri Ozarks thanks to a program developed by the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Ozarks Tap and Pour Craft Beverage Tour provides opportunities for patrons to check in digitally at participating breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Once participants have checked in at a minimum of 10 locations, they’re eligible to receive a free commemorative T-shirt!

Launched in 2018, the program is a popular activity for locals and tourists in southwest Missouri.

This year, about 20 businesses from Springfield and the surrounding area are participating in the program. Each is locally owned and provides unique beverages and flavors, including tried and true favorites and seasonal blends. The craft beverage tour is just one of many reasons people enjoy exploring Springfield and the Ozarks. The CVB is also launching the Ozarks Coffee Tour this fall and people who fulfill the requirements and check in at participating coffee shops will be eligible to receive a free commemorative mug.

The city is home to the first and largest Bass Pro Shops store in the world, an outdoor shopping mecca visited by more than 4 million people annually. Adjacent to the store is the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium. This world-class, award-winning wildlife experience provides up-close views of live animals and fish along with hundreds of displays showcasing creatures from all over the world. The area’s attractions also include Springfield Cardinals AA baseball, Dickerson Park Zoo, Fantastic Caverns - the only cave in North America you can ride through, Smallin Civil War Cave, Wild Animal Safari, history and art museums, a strong performing and visual arts community, and many others.

A trip to Springfield isn’t complete without sampling some of the amazing chef-owned restaurants found throughout the city. In downtown Springfield alone, more than 50 restaurants offer everything from handcrafted sushi to succulent steaks and everything in between. Cuisine from all over the world is available, such as Greek, Peruvian, Italian, Argentinian, Lebanese, and others.

Along with all the international flair, the city offers its own take on food. Springfield’s signature dish is

Springfield-style cashew chicken. The distinctive blend of fried chicken, covered in oyster sauce, green onions and cashews is found on menus all over the country. The family that created it back in 1963 still operates a restaurant - Leong’s Asian Diner - and serves the original recipe daily.

Another iconic restaurant is Red’s Giant Hamburg, a restaurant that originally was on old Route 66 in Springfield and became known as the first restaurant with a drive-through window. While the original Red’s is gone, a new Red’s showcases the original menu and retro decor, making it a must-see when you’re looking to experience some old-style Americana.

Outside the city, the Ozarks is filled with charming small communities along with all the music shows and activities in Branson, just a few miles south of Springfield. Surrounding the city, visitors can explore lush forests, rivers, and lakes that provide ample opportunities for fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

That’s just a small sample of all there is to see and do in the Springfield area. Learn more and request a free Springfield Guide at SpringfieldMO. org or call the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-678-8767.