Extended Weekend Getaways Magazine

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OHIO

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Table of Contents:

Places to Go Editor - Sheeree Oney Things to Do Editor - Kandy Derden People to See Editor - Lisa Garcia Make Mother’s Day Special

by Stephanie Quilligan Glamping With Your Dog

P. 10 P. 6 P. 7 P. 8 P. 12

by Sarah Miller State Parks Worth Singing About P. 26

By Sarah Miller Maryland State Parks to Enjoy P. 62

By Robin O’Neal Smith United Nations Park in New York P. 66

By Renée Gordon

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The Weekender Extended Magazine is Published by BarnettPRO Graphics and Publishing Corporation P.O. Box 96, Shiloh, OH 44878 Branch office: 1515 W. 3rd, Sedalia, Mo 65301 PHONE; 419-687-0002 Email: info@barnettpro.com Publisher - Michael D. Arnold mike@barnettpro.com Editor-in-chief- Kathy Barnett kathy@barnettpro.com Places to Go Editor: Sheeree Oney Things to Do Editor: Kandy Derden People to See Editor: Lisa Garcia Social Media Editor: Norman Reed Places to Go Team: Duane Duschaene Rebecca Embry Robin Smith Things to Do Team:Geremy Sowash Lisa Brant Samantha Bradley People to See Team: Bethany Cantrell Angie Offenburger Mike Arnold editor@extendedweekendgetaways.com Technical Director - Norman Reed Norm@extendedweekendgetaways.com Visit our Website for event coverage between regular issues at www.ExtendedWeekendGetaways.com Subscriptions are FREE! Submit name and email address HERE and also be entered in our drawing for a FREE weekend getaway!

Copyright 2022 by BarnettPRO Publishing All rights reserved. Reproductions of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher. Advertisements in this publication do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the publishing company.

Cover Photo:

Starved Rock State Park and Lodge is located less than two hours from Chicago near Utica, Illinois and is known for 13 miles of scenic trails through canyons and by waterfalls. See Page 74

Up Close: From the Editor

100 Pages of park fun! Wow! And it’s only a tip of the iceburg.

My first memories of heading to the park is swinging on the gate. It was at our local park with the usual slides, swings, jungle jim, see-saws, and merry-go-round. There was the old-fashion train ride around one loop and storage shed tunnel where the engineer blew the echoing whistle. That was all fun indeed. But my favorite was the swing. Maybe it was because I didn’t have one at home. I did have a swingset in my backyard early on in life. It was the master set, complete with a slide on one side and a ladder with a monkey bar on the other side. It had not one, but two swings and a swinging teeter-totter. Many hours were spent “waxing” that silver metal slide with waxed paper to make our ride go faster. This advice came from my playmate neighbor (who also tied me to a tree while playing cowboys and Indians - then got called into lunch and took off leaving me stranded. But that is another story for another day.) My slide was a whole whopping four feet long, So the thump to the ground came pretty quickly.

Now at our local park away from most of the other attractions was this single, lone gate hooked on to a pole.

There was a foot platform to stand on.

There was a handle bar to hang onto as well while spinning and dangled as I tried to push around faster and faster. Oh, what fun we had on that lovely swing - until it finally broke, disappeared and never returned. The memories have not left, though. And that is the point of my story. Get out and go to the park. It can be a local, regional, state, national, or theme park. It’s the memories made to be treasure that are the most important part of your next extended weekend getaway!

Kathy Barnett, Managing Editor May, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -5-

Things to Do:

By Kandy Derden Things to Do Editor

Snack Mix for a Park Visit Open. Closed.

Up. Down.

Light. Dark.

Does anybody see a pattern here? I do. Several, in fact. I’ll give you a little hint: I’m not focusing on the opposites listed above. No, I’m referring to our household window shades.

They are a never-ending source of disagreement.

Before going any farther, allow me to clarify something: disagreement does not mean conflict or strife.

My husband is sensitive to bright light while I am now at the age where I need really good light to see whatever I’m doing. Therefore, I have a habit of raising the window shades and when I’m not looking, he puts them back down.

He constantly reminds me how they also provide extra insulation and therefore make the temperature more comfortable and the utility bill a bit less.

While I understand and agree with his reasoning, it is still nice to start my day with the symbolic process of facing those closed shades and opening them in order to seize the day!

We live directly across the street from a city park. Anytime we look out the front windows, we see well-maintained spaces for an assortment of activities. There is a baseball field, volleyball court, artwork, a memorial monument, tennis courts, playground, rose garden, a lagoon for fishing, a -6- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

historic child-sized train ride, a swimming pool complete with water slide plus multiple shelter houses for picnics.

Picnic? Did someone say picnic? Sandwiches? Cookout? Fried chicken? Salad? Lemonade?

What’s your favorite picnic food?

A few years ago, I wrote about a recipe which was a huge hit at a picnic. No, I don’t plan to include it here because I found one which is easier, faster, not as messy, has more eye appeal and is more versatile.

KIDDIE CRUNCH MIX 1 c. plain or frosted animal crackers 1 c. bear-shaped crackers (teddy grahams) 1 c. mini pretzels 1 c. salted peanuts 1 c. M & M’s 1 c. yogurt or chocolate covered raisins Combine and store in an airtight container. What could be simpler? There’s no syrup to cook

and drizzle. There’s no melting involved and therefore no cooling and wait time. Just snacking at its finest while on the go.

I always look for recipes which are easily adapted to suit your family’s needs or taste. This one doesn’t disappoint. The little bear crackers come in a variety of flavors, but if you don’t care for those, add goldfish crackers instead. Cashews or almonds (among others) can easily be substituted or added to the peanuts.

Now, let’s talk about M & M’s.

This time of year, the pastel-colored ones would be perfect to give that spring feeling to your outing.

Go ahead, poke around in your kid’s Easter basket. You know they had some in there somewhere. If not, regular colors work too. Skittles are quite colorful and are a bit neater to eat. As for the raisins, go wild! Try dried cherries, or craisins which are available in a variety of flavors.

Oyster crackers are easy for small hands and if you plan to eat it right away, popcorn could even be added along with some caramel bits.

So whip up a batch, toss some in a zipper bag and get out there.

It’s great for taking on road trips or it makes great trail mix. Take your kiddos out for an adventure, starting with your local parks.

They are beautiful this time of year, whether close up or through the window. That is, if the shades are open.

People to See:

By Lisa Garcia People to See Editor

Helio Castroneves

FOUR-TIME INDY 500 WINNER HÉLIO CASTRONEVES SELECTS AMERICAN COACH® LUXURY MOTORHOME This year, 46-year-old race car driver Hélio Castroneves is on a mission to do something no other driver has ever done before— win his fifth Indy 500.

When he’s not training or traveling at 200-plus miles per hour around the track, Castroneves can be found relaxing and preparing for race day in his top-of-the-line, 45-foot American Coach luxury motorhome.

The American Coach brand is part of REV Recreation Group, Inc., a manufacturer of Class A motorhomes, and a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc. Castroneves worked closely with the American Coach team to fully customize the RV to meet his specific needs.

On the exterior, Castroneves’ motorhome boasts a customized finish of glossy black with bold red accents.

On the interior, he moved the location of the kitchen and specified white cabinetry for a fresh, contemporary look. The rest of the coach features modern, teak-style cabinetry. For his daughter and her friends, Castroneves wanted ultra-comfortable custom bunk beds so each bunk has its own TV and an electric shade that can be lowered for privacy.

Other luxury amenities include: massaging captain’s chairs in the cab; heated tile flooring throughout; a full-size, residential stainless-steel refrigerator and special-order quartz countertops in the kitchen; 1½ baths; and a master suite with a king-sized bed, full bath with his-and-her vanities, walk-in waterfall

shower, wardrobe storage, and a stacked washer and dryer conveniently concealed in a closet.

“At the track, my American Coach is my home,” says Castroneves. “It’s where I relax before races and where my family makes their home base when they come to the track. My American Eagle is designed just the way I like it and has everything I need to prepare for race day.”

The stand-out attraction of the American Eagle 45E is its reconfigured kitchen. Like a residential layout, the galley features a center island that houses an induction cooktop and wine chiller, making it the perfect spot for cocktails and appetizers. Across from the gorgeous Cambria quartz-topped island is a convenient bar-style dinette. Above the dinette is a picture window that delivers natural light and an expansive view of the outdoors. The opposite side of the spacious room has a high-end sink, dishwasher that comes standard, and full-sized French-door stainless steel refrigerator.

For more information on the American Eagle 45E from American Coach, visit americancoach.com.

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Things to Do:

Make Mother’s Day Special wi With less than one month to go until Mother’s Day, there is still time to spoil those special mother figures in our lives. Although no getaway will ever truly match our gratitude for all that they do, time away to reconnect and create lasting memories is a great place to start.

Whether she’s a Broadway mom, an adventurous soul or mother nature, below are properties around the country offering magical experiences this Mother’s Day and beyond.

Boston Harbor Hotel

Sofitel, New York

Treat mom to a Broadway show and an overnight stay in Sofitel New York’s uniquely designed Tony Awards Terrace Suite. For the moms who want a little razzle-dazzle this Mother’s Day, a stay in Sofitel New York’s Tony Awards Terrace Suite is just the (Broadway) ticket! Boasting a fabulous terrace with picturesque views of New York City and Tony Award memorabilia— award-winning scripts, a Tony Awards songbook, opening night photos, invitations, and Playbills from 1960, – the Tony Awards Suite can also be booked with tickets to see Broadway’s newest show, The Little Prince, at a 30% discount, now through May 1, 2022.

Special Offer - Including The Little Prince offer above, the hotel also boasts several other special packages for guests here.

The property is available to book for Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 8.

Boston Harbor Hotel

Benchmark Pyramid property Treat the mom in your life to a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Boston Harbor Hotel. Seaside activities for mom include: • Sleep in and then make memories and honor mom with a lavish Mother’s Day Brunch and glass of bubbly paired with harbor views.

Reservations may be booked on the half an hour beginning at 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. $190 per person; $75 for children 5-12. https:// www.bostonharborhotel.com/culinary/mothers-day/ • Stop by the Boston Harbor Hotel’s boutique shop, Home at Rowes Wharf. The team has partnered with Modern Relik to bring a “truly dreamy collection”

of décor and home furnishings to Boston Harbor – the perfect spot to pick out a gift for mom.

• If family adventure is something mom treasures, book the “Kidventures” offer and spend the afternoon at the New England Aquarium and Greenway before heading back to the Boston Harbor Hotel for dinner at Rowes Wharf Sea Grille.

Special Offers • Spring Has Sprung: Stay

By Stephanie Quilligan Assistant Account Executive, Public Relations Mower.com

ith a Weekend Getaway between March 21 through June 19, 2022, and receive a $75 hotel credit per stay for use on hotel dining • Kidventures: Create family memories with this great package including New England Aquarium tickets, Greenway Carousel tickets, and a special treat for the kids.

• Family Vacation Getaway: Spread out on your family vacation. Reserve two rooms and receive a 50% discount on your second room.

of only 90 spas in the world to receive the coveted Forbes Five-Star Award — offers signature services that will help mom rejuvenate and recover from the stresses of everyday life. Mom is invited to relax

by The Spa’s luxurious pool and enjoy complimentary poolside amenities.

• Other outdoor activities for mom to enjoy including horseback riding, tennis, cruising 17-Mile Drive in one of the resort’s complimentary Lexus vehicles and enjoying a love dinner seaside at any of the resort’s outdoor restaurant patios.

Availability to book for Mother’s Day: Yes – rooms are available at The Lodge at Pebble Beach and The Inn at Spanish Bay for Mother’s Day.

gorgeous gardens will prove just as serene.

• For moms looking to connect with fauna as well, a trail ride on horseback at Emerald Springs Adirondack Ranch is just the way to go and offers amazing mountainside views.

• After a day of enjoying a lovely day outdoors, the Spa at Whiteface Lodge offers moms the perfect way to wind down and relax. The Great Outdoors Facial nourishes and rejuvenates the skin while slowing the signs of aging, leaving mom with a perfect youthful glow.

Availability to book for Mother’s Day: Yes – rooms are available to book for Mother’s Day.

Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa

Whiteface Lodge Pebble Beach Resorts Reconnect with Mother Nature Mother’s Day Brunch at eleOutdoor adventures for the this Mother’s Day. Is a little peace ments. Sanctuary Camelback active mom and quiet too much to ask for? Ab- Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & For those moms who crave adventure, but just don’t seem to have much time for it, Pebble Beach Resorts offers mom the chance to get outside and enjoy the perfect weather in multiple ways. Activities for mom to enjoy include: • Kayaking in Stillwater Cove where she is likely to see an array of wildlife, including seals, sea otters, and possibly even whales.

• If mom enjoys the game of golf, she will find no better course than American’s #1 public golf course, Pebble Beach Golf Links.

• The Spa at Pebble Beach – one

solutely not. At Whiteface Lodge, the all-suite luxury resort nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, mom will have the opportunity to retreat from the hustle of everyday life and relax in the fresh mountain air. Relaxing activities include: • A peaceful hike through the mountains to Beaver Meadow Falls or High Falls Gorge. The springtime runoff from the melting snow makes it ideal to see the immense waterfalls at their strongest. For those not keen on hiking, a stroll around Whiteface Lodge’s expansive grounds and

Spa will host a special prix fixe Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The elements three-course Mother’s Day Prix Fixe Menu developed by Chef Samantha Sanz will include a starter, entrée and dessert. Mother’s Day Brunch is priced at $125 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Reservations are required via Pre-Payment of full menu price plus tax and service and can be made by calling 855-230-3525.

Availability to book for Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 8): Yes, there is availability for Mother’s Day.

May, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -9-

Plan Your Extended Wee for Memorial Day

AAA advises travelers on best time to book flights, top destinations and where to stay this Memorial Day With the official start to summer fast approaching, AAA wants travelers to know if they’re planning a Memorial Day getaway, they should start preparing now. AAA Travel booking data shows that reservations for flights, rental cars, cruises and hotels for Memorial Day are up 122% over last year.

“Americans are enthusiastically making their summer travel plans despite record high gas prices this spring,” according to Bevi Powell, senior vice president, AAA East Central. “Travelers are looking for ways to save and are finding that travel advisors are their best resource to help them stretch their travel funds.”

Airfares – Best (and Worst) Time to Book for Memorial Day Recent AAA booking data shows the best time to purchase airfare is about two weeks before Memorial Day with travelers paying an average of $445 per ticket. Those who like a longer planning window will pay slightly more since flights reserved 28 – 60 days ahead of the holiday are coming in at an average of $470 each. Sunday offers the lowest airfare followed by Friday (an average price of $543 and $596, respectively).

AAA advises travelers who are looking for a last-minute deal, by waiting to book the week of Memorial Day, will end up paying almost double – an average of $845 per flight. While Saturday of Memorial Day weekend has typically been the cheapest day to fly, this year it is the most expensive. As expected, Friday is the most popular air travel day and Memorial Day is the lightest.

When looking at the average costs of airfare for each day over Memorial Day weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday) for 2022 compared to 2021, flights are skewing about $160 more this year.

Think Like an Early Bird Travelers who want to get away for Memorial -10- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

Day should start planning now. To maximize time, savings and alleviate stress, AAA recommends working with a trusted travel advisor.

These industry experts have many resources at their disposal to help plan and organize a trip that fits a traveler’s specific needs and budget.

They can easily look at a variety of options and scenarios to find deals and savings not always available to the public. AAA also offers travelers the following advice: • Flexibility is key when it comes to where and when to travel. Fly on off-peak times/days, pick a hidden gem closer to home or opt to stay at an all-inclusive resort with plenty of on-site activities. This limits the need for a rental car and paying a la carte for entertainment and dining.

• Book early for flights, hotels, tours, cruises, and car rentals. Book as early as possible to lock in the best rate and make sure to ask about discounts for pre-paying. This is something else a travel advisor can help navigate.

• Travel with friends and family. Small group travel rose in popularity during the pandemic when many opted to vacation with people in their close circle. Consider taking a group trip to divvy up costs for things like activities

ekend Getaway y TODAY!

By Sheeree Oney Places-to-Go Editor

and, substantially, in the aftermath and accomof the Russia-Ukraine war. This isn’t slowing modations. If down consumer desire to travel, whether by everyone is spread out, a travel advisor can help road, train, or airplane. In fact, a recent AAA manage the logistics. survey found that more than half of respond• Protect your investment. The first step to ents said they had plans to travel this summer, trip planning is to purchase travel insurance. and of those, 42% said they would not considThis provides a safety net should something er changing their plans regardless of the price unexpected happen ahead of or during a trip of gas. Consumers can use the Auto Club App which is another example of how using a travel to find the cheapest gas prices near them, or advisor is beneficial. They can discuss travelers’ AAA’s Gas Price Website to follow the latest specific needs and can easily determine which trends and calculate what they’ll spend on their travel insurance policy makes the most sense. next trip.

Top Destinations include Big Cities and Beaches Travelers are targeting big cities and beaches for their Memorial Day getaways this year.

These are the top five domestic destinations according to AAA bookings for flights, tours, car rentals and hotels: 1. Orlando, FL 2. Seattle, WA 3. Miami, FL 4. Las Vegas, NV 5. Anchorage, AK Gas Prices Aren’t Deterring Many Travelers Consumers have felt the pinch at the pump as gas prices have been on the rise since early 2021 May, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -11-

Things to Do:

Glamping With Your Dog--“No R

H

otels are fine, the fluffy pillows and on-site restaurants have their perks. Yet, what if you could have all the luxuries and room to roam? Glamping affords the luxuries of a hotel with the perks of camping. To put it in dog speak, “Glamping” is the Labradoodle of vacations--a hybrid breed taking the most favored attributes of two vacation options.

What’s more, you don’t need any special equipment, no pup tent, or RV. Glamping with your dog is a treat for both of you. No longer do you have to take your pup on leash to a little grass strip by the parking lot for exercise and relief. You’ll not be fenced in either with the typical bed/tv/ bathroom set up yourself. There’s something liberating about exiting your yurt, cabin or other glamping accommodation and stepping out into fresh air.

Glamping State (Park) of Mind

When it’s time for the next trip, look at the state’s park accommodations–and you won’t have to leave your furry friend behind. If tent camping and primitive cabins aren’t your style, today’s state parks offer naturally comfortable accommodations. While not all state park systems are created equal, some states stand out when it comes to pet-friendly glamping accommodations. Georgia State Parks for example, have some of the finest lodges and cabins. Just -12- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

outside the college town of Athens, Georgia, Fort Yargo’s deluxe cabins offer all the comforts of home with a screened-in porch with rocking chairs, cozy beds, two bathrooms, full kitchen, and an open dining/living room area with a large screen television.

Georgia’s McAllister State Park provides a tropical cottage getaway under Spanish moss and oak trees, under an hour’s drive from Savannah. Again, the set-up

here provides ample room for hot showers, relaxing, and preparing foods to be enjoyed on an elevated screened in porch. Smithgall Woods State Park near Helen, Georgia, has deluxe cabins (some with hot tubs) in the mountains.

Outside of these luxurious cabins and cottages, six of Georgia’s state parks offer yurts, while Unicoi State Park even has wine barrel cabins.

Tennessee State Parks are anoth-

By Sarah Miller

Ruffing It Required” er fine example of glamping options. Stay just outside Nashville, Tennessee, at one of Montgomery Bell State Park’s villas within walking distance to the newly-remodeled lodge and lake. Floorto-ceiling windows and vaulted ceilings give the perfect snapshot for spying birds in the trees. Wake up, pull the shades back, and it’s like sleeping in a forest–only on a comfortable mattress and air conditioning. After a busy day of sightseeing or hiking, you make a snack in the kitchen then build a fire in the outdoor fireplace. A few hours east in Tennessee, another beauty awaits– Falls Creek Falls State Park, with stunning waterfalls and a brand-new luxury lodge, plus sprawling cabins with all the comforts of home.

Other states also have shining state park systems with luxurious lodging options. What’s more, you can find one to fit your needs whether big-city sightseeing is on your agenda, a beach break, or a mountain retreat. These affordable options make glamping with your dog a treat.

National Parks Luxury

Dreaming of camping under a starry sky at one of the national parks in style, Under Canvas has you covered–in a cozy duvet, fluffy pillows, and organic bath products. These safari-like glamping tents are located just a short drive from some of the most popular national parks. From sleeping under the Ponderosa Pines near Mount Rushmore in South Dakota

to dreaming seaside near Acadia National park in Maine–Under Canvas has ten different glamping locations near your favorite national parks. Some tents are pet friendly, and there are even smaller teepee tents for the kids.

AutoCamp is another dog-friendly glamping outfit to check out– Airstreams and luxury tents with endless options for touring and learning. Their pet fee is heftier than Under Canvas’ pet fee, but it’s an excellent option if you’re looking for more amenities. AutoCamp Zion in Utah and Joshua Tree in California, are a few of the locations–they also span to the East Coast as well.

Quick Glamping Guide

New glamping sites are popping up faster than a pop-up camper– you’ll find them at private campgrounds, KOA’s and everywhere in between. Vintage Airstreams, treehouses, hobbit houses, safari tents, etc.–a quick google search can reveal your next glamping adventure. To book the sites we’ve mentioned or for more info, check these natural treasures out.

Georgia State Parks https://gastateparks.org/Cottages Reservations 1-800-864-7275 Tennessee State Parks https://tnstateparks.com/cabins Reservations 1-888-867-2757 Under Canvas https://www.undercanvas.com/ AutoCamp https://autocamp.com/

8 Tips for Glamping with Dogs

Your dog is part of your family, and it’s just not the same without them. Bringing your dog along adds an extra dimension of fun to your vacation. They too will love the new sights, smells, and experiences shared together. Here are some things to do to make your trip even better.

1. Book early, oftentimes there are a limited number of pet-friendly sites.

2. Read the pet policy– possible charges for bringing your dog.

3. Call ahead, ask questions. Are dogs allowed in common areas of the lodge?

Are all the trails dog friendly?

Are there dog friendly restaurants/attractions nearby?

4. Pack a “Doggy Bag”--backpacks for hiking work well.

•harness/leash •towel • water bucket for paws • food • food bowl •water bowl •water bottle •blanket •toys •treats •chews, bones •doggy doo bags• vaccination records • crate or travel carrier • first-aid kit• brush • medications if necessary (should all be current) 5. Give plenty of time for exercise and rest–both on the road and at your destination.

6. Stay on paths to protect yourself and dog from poison ivy, sumac, etc.

7. Respect wildlife, clean up after your dog. Leave your glamping site as you found it.

8. Have a plan for activities that don’t allow dogs.

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Mississippi Riv

LITTLE ROCK – Mississippi River State Park is now taking reservations for the newly renovated Storm Creek Lake Campground. The campground, located within the Storm Creek Lake Recreational Area, includes five camper cabins; 11 AAA campsites with electricity, water, and sewer; three walk-in tent campsites with electricity and group water; and a family-style bathhouse with four units.

“Storm Creek Lake is a special place to many residents in the Delta. It has been a federal recreational area for more than eight decades,” said Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. “The partnership between the U.S. Forest Service and Arkansas State Parks began in 1999 when Mississippi River State Park was created within the St. Francis National Forest. This partnership continues to benefit the community in new ways, as well as supporting forest conservation and preservation.”

The design inspiration for the five camper cabins is the shipping containers often seen making their journey on the Mississippi River. Large windows and a screened-in porch provide an immersive experience, allowing guests a front-row seat to the night sky and forest surrounding the cabins. The camper cabins have a queen bed and bunk beds, dining table, heating and air conditioning, outdoor grill, fire pit and picnic table. The four-unit bathhouse with hot showers, dressing area, sink and toilet is within eyeshot.

“Camper cabins allow our guests to have an affordable camping experience without having to purchase a lot of camping equipment or be experienced campers,” Arkansas State Parks Director Shea Lewis said. “This investment in the park is an investment in the community and the further expansion of recreational opportunities available in the Delta. Our hope is that we continue to attract generation after generation and Arkansas State Parks remain etched in our visitors’ memories as an important part of their lives.”

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Arkansas State Parks originally expanded into the south end of the St. Francis National Forest in 2015. The campground then had 14 primitive campsites, a vault toilet and one shared water source at the campground entrance. Renovations started in early 2020. This recreational area on Crowley’s Ridge with a Works Progress Administration (WPA) era lake now offers visitors a modern camping experience and more outdoor recreation opportunities.

“Arkansas State Parks investing in a new campground will help the park introduce the Storm Creek Lake Recreational Area to a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts,” Mississippi River State Park Superintendent Kristina Root said. “I am honored to have worked on this project from the beginning and look forward to seeing the joy of patrons new and old as they experience this unique place.”

Rowan Construction Services, LLC, of Helena served as general contractor for the project. Pollution Management, Inc. and Wittenberg Delony & Davidson Architects of Little Rock acted as engineering and architecture consultants for project design. The total contracted construction amount for the project was $1,956,608. Funding for construction was made possible by grant awards from the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council.

Mississippi River State Park provides quality access to the St. Francis National Forest and offers visitors endless adventures where the Mississippi River, Crowley’s Ridge, and the Arkansas Delta meet. Visitors can explore everything from hardwood forests to the sandy shores of the Mississippi River while enjoying three lakes, two National Scenic Byways, four hiking trails and three dayuse areas. Interpretive programs include tours

ver State Park

of historic sites, cooking demonstrations, hiking, biking, kayaking and much more. Facilities include 48 campsites spread throughout three different campgrounds (24 AAA, 19 primitives, 1 group primitive), five camper cabins at Storm Creek Lake Recreational Area, bathhouses, pavilions, a visitor center with exhibits and gift shop, a rentable multi-purpose room, boat launches and fishing piers. Boat, kayak, canoe and bicycle rentals are available

For more on Arkansas

> Click Here

Visitors can make reservations online or by calling the park at 870-295-4040.

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Celebrate Mom Along the Shores of NeW Smyrma BeacH

FOR A Seaside Weekend Getaway /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Located along Florida’s Central East Coast, New Smyrna Beach has everything needed to enjoy a special and relaxing Mother’s Day. From rejuvenating spas and shopping to a multitude of dining options, Mom is sure to feel special when gifted a trip to this sunny destination.

Spas: Salty Miss Spa offers a range of treatments, including nail services, lash lifts and eyebrow tinting.

If you aren’t sure what your mom would like, the spa also offers gift cards for her to choose her own ideal treatment.

For a more all-inclusive spa experience, visit The Riverview Spa and Hotel.

This 18-room boutique inn and spa is in close proximity to many of NSB’s best activities and beaches. Additionally, Riverview’s on-site spa offers a wide range of services, from stress elimination massages to facials and more. Mom can also enjoy complimentary breakfast every morning and complimentary wine receptions in the lobby every weekend.

Gifts and Shopping: Pink Flamingo at Petals, an award-winning florist in New Smyrna Beach, has beautiful arrangements for the special mom in your life. From radiant roses and colorful lilies to chocolates, this shop offers many options to craft that perfect gift. Mom can also be gifted a one-of-a-kind shopping spree. Posh Pineapple, -16- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

a trendy boutique gift shop located on historic Canal Street, has everything from unique clothing to home décor and jewelry. While on Canal, take time to explore the many other wonderful shops, restaurants and art galleries that line this charming street.

Dining: NSB is home to many unique, locally-owned restaurants any mom is sure to love. The Crimson House, a local favorite, is a charming restaurant that features live music, abundant outdoor seating and an impressive wine bar.

The Chalice Off Canal, a wine and tapas bar, is another perfect place to spend a relaxing evening. Chalice also sells full bottles of wine to take home and enjoy.

There are so many ways to treat mom this Mother’s Day at New Smyrna Beach, and it is never too soon to start planning. For more information about New Smyrna Beach’s offerings, please visit https://visitnsbfl.com/ About the New Smyrna Beach Area The New Smyrna Beach area includes the communities of New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Oak Hill, Osteen and Port Orange in east Central Florida. New Smyrna Beach is an eclectic mix of old and new; of subtle sophistication and bohemian soul that is as “real” as Florida gets.

It occupies a notable place in history as the second oldest city in Florida, site of the largest single attempt at British colonization in the new world. The city’s barrier island is recognized worldwide for its incredible surf with Surfer magazine recently touting it one of the “Best Surf Towns in America” and National Geographic magazine including it in its “World’s Top 20 Surf Towns.”

Accommodations range from charming bed and breakfast inns to family-size condominium units and oceanfront hotels. Natural attractions include 17 miles of sandy beaches from Ponce de Leon Inlet to Canaveral National Seashore and North America’s most diverse estuary – the Indian River Lagoon.

Two distinct downtowns along Flagler Avenue and Canal Street and connected via the Waterfront Loop welcome

visitors with independent restaurants, unique shops, artisanal coffee shops and art galleries.

For more information, please visit http://www.VisitNSBfl. com or call 386-428-1600. Follow @NewSmyrnaBeach1 on Twitter, Facebook.com/VisitNewSmyrnaBeach or @visitnewsmyrnabeach on Instagram for the latest news. Download the free New Smyrna Beach Mobile App for iPhone and Android to receive this information on-the-go.

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Go, See, Do

Peppa Pig Theme Park

“Peppa Pig Theme Park is Central Florida’s newest and potentially most oink-tastic theme park.

Like its next-door neighbor, Legoland Florida, everything at Peppa Pig Theme Park was designed with preschoolers in mind. The park has a mix of rides and play areas, including a “muddy puddles” splash pad that is, luckily, not as muddy as the puddles from the animated children’s series. The park holds a Certified Autism Center designation and many of the attractions and play areas are wheelchair accessible.

Don’t miss the Treasure Hunt Adventure show.

Playing like pirates is always a fun adventure!

Help Peppa and George search for their treasure by following the map and the clues. They’ll need everyone to join their pirate crew! The show lasts approximately 10 mintures.

The other show presentation is Pepa Pig Comes to Play. During this interactive show, everyone will love singing, dancing, and playing along with Peppa too.

Plan lunch at Miss Rabbit’s Diner on-site. Kiddie favorites are available like mac & cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, or pizza. Adult entrees offer a -18- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

delicious smoked brisket sandwich among other salads, sandwiches, or Caesar wrap. Top it all off with a sweet treat of a mud cup or a muddy puddle milkshake.

Located next door to LegoLand, there is an all-inclusive vacation package available which includes 2-Day 3-Park Tickets to Peppa Pig Theme Park plus LEGOLAND® Florida Theme Park and Water Park.

The stay at an on-sie LEGOLAND Florida hotel is lonly steps away from the new Peppa Pig Theme Park.

Peppa Pig Theme Park opened on Feb. 24, 2022.

The price for each ticket starts at $23.36. Parking is extra.

For tickets or more information, visit https://www. peppapigthemepark.com/florida/

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Go, Do, See

Jekyll Island Did you know Jekyll Island in Georgia is a State Park? I didn’t realize that until a few weeks ago. I was planning a visit there and learned the park was celebrating its 75th Anniversary.

Location

A barrier island off the coast of Georgia, Jekyll Island is located midway between Savannah, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida. It is a little over a 90-minute drive from either location.

The state of Georgia owns the entire island, and they have a law requiring that 65% of the island will remain undeveloped.

So it is the perfect place to head for a relaxing vacation with peace and quiet.

History

Over the years, Jekyll Island was a winter retreat for some of America’s wealthiest and most influential individuals. The Carnegie and Rockefeller families built “cottages” the size of mansions and a grand Clubhouse on the island.

For 56 years, Jekyll Island Club members appreciated Jekyll Island’s mild winters and lush beauty, leaving behind a rich heritage in what is now a National Historic Landmark District, with many homes still intact and revitalized.

In 1947, the State of Georgia purchased the island from the Jekyll -20- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

Photos submitted by the Jekyll Island Authority Island Club through condemnation proceedings for $675,000 which would be about $6.7 million today.

Seven years after the state acquired Jekyll, a drawbridge opened, leading to the opening of the Jekyll Island Causeway. Later in the 50s, Peppermint Land, Jekyll’s first attraction, opened. It was a red and white striped theme park on the oceanfront featuring a low riding roller coaster, go-kart, miniature train, and small Ferris wheel.

In 1961, Aquarama, a nearly

Olympic-sized indoor heated pool, opened.

The club was recognized in 1978 through the historic designation of the Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District.

Facilities were updated and enhanced during a revitalization period during the mid-2000s New hotels brought enhanced accommodations to the island.

More than three million people visit Jekyll Island each year to enjoy the natural beauty and vibrant history.

By Robin O’Neal Smith

d State Park Interesting Facts

Visitors can explore miles of wide barrier island beaches and ● Jekyll Island was the site where the last slave ship landed in dunes lining the edges of the Georgia (and in the nation) in 1858 woodlands where nature and its creatures are in bounty. and pays homage to black histoThe Internationally acclaimed ry with their Wanderer Memory Georgia Sea Turtle Center proTrail. The Mosaic Museum has vides tours of nesting sites, rehamemorabilia from these events/ bilitation facilities, and interactive activities and more. educational facilities. ● The first conference call with Driftwood Beach, which is locatWatson and Bell originated on ed on the north end of the island, Jekyll Island. The call includis a secluded spot off-the-beated President Woodrow Wilson, phoning in from the White House, en-path that provides the perfect and dignitaries from Boston, New backdrop to a quiet breathtaking day at the beach.

York City, and San Francisco.

Guests can also enjoy golfing ● The Federal Reserve Bank was on a variety of courses. Summer created in secret on Jekyll Island.

Waves Water Park is also a source of great fun with numerous water slides, rides, and a giant wave pool.

Enjoy a hands-on Gaterology experience and learn about the American Alligator’s history, biology, and conservation, while demystifying common misconceptions about gators.

Biking, bird watching, fishing, horseback riding on the beach, boating, tennis, and even carriage ● The nationally acclaimed rides are available to enjoy at your Georgia Sea Turtle Center has rehabilitated nearly 4,000 patients leisure.

How to Join In The Celebration and is the only sea turtle educaA great way to join the celebration and rehabilitation enter in tion is to visit the beautiful island Georgia. and enjoy the natural surroundings. It is a lovely place to make Why You Should Visit family memories.

Jekyll still offers a wealth of You are welcome to participate if unique sites to see and activities you are on the island during some to participate in that people of all of their celebration events. ages can enjoy.

● The state-Era celebration exhibit is a part of the rotating exhibition space in the museum, which changes every few months.

This will run through the summer and then switch to a State-era diamond jubilee exhibit, honoring the milestone year. ● A block party in the Beach Village will take place on August 6. ● The 75th Anniversary will be infused in a number of our signature events, including Shrimp & Grits, returning from November 4 to 6, 2022.

Whether you visit for a day or a week, you will love your time on Jekyll Island, and visiting during the 75th Anniversary Year to help them celebrate is an added bonus.

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Go, Do. See:

Family Fun in Henr

From archery to airplanes, Henry County bigs its A-game when it comes to family fun. Set your sights on spring break adventure in Henry County, only 30 minutes south of Atlanta. From archery to airplanes, this easily accessible destination is only a stone’s throw from Atlanta and offers affordable adventure for all ages, whether you’re seeking a weekend or week-long getaway.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love Panola Mountain State Park (2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge). Various hikes provide ample opportunity for communing with Mother Nature.

Elevate the experience with an adventure exploring the canopy above through tree climbing. Exercise buffs will enjoy this strenuous activity which has participants using a rope and a harness to ascend into a large tree where they can climb, swing and test athletic prowess.

Climbers can choose how high they would like to go and even swing to and walk on branches 30-plus feet off the ground. After a long day of outdoor fun, catch some ZZZ’s in the Trees.

Soak in a tranquil night in the canopy as you lay in your “treeboat,” viewing stars through glistening branches.

Rent bicycles from Atlanta Trek (120 West-ridge Parkway, McDonough), which offers rent-als for bikes, mountain bikes and electric bikes. Hit the trails throughout Henry County. Panola Moun-tain also rents bikes. Paved PATH Foundation trails connect to the Monastary of the Holy Spirit and go all the way to the Mall at Stonecrest.

Practice archery here, too. The park offers a static range and a 3D range. BYOE (bring your own equipment) and purchase a pass to practice on your own. Or, if you’re more of a novice, learn archery basics during one of the Park’s regular classes For more information: GastateParks.org/ panolamoun-tain.

Atlanta Motor Speedway (1500 Tara Place, Hampton) offers several opportunities to express your need for speed. Participate in a driving school class and ride along in a real race car or try on a fire suit and take control behind the wheel. Families with -22- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

younger ones in tow will enjoy a behind-thescenes look with an official track tour. These tours include a brief track history, a visit to Petty Garden, a tour of an Atlanta Motor Speedway suite, a sneak peek at the garages and Victory Lane, as well as three laps in the Speedway van around the same 1.54-mile track that stars like Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch race on. Call (770) 707-7970 in advance to schedule your track tour, regardless of the size of your group.

For an activity that is as much fun for the adults as for the kids, don’t miss Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, home to over 1,500 animals with over 100 species represented. This free attraction features exotic animal habitats. Open noon to 3 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. Nature center, playground and picnic area open 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

From two-year-olds to expert riders, BMX lovers

ry County

can practice skills at the Sandy Ridge BMX (1200 Keys Ferry Court, McDonough), open to the public seven days a week. New to the sport or want to improve? Sign up for a clinic to help improve speed and skills like pumping, jumping, passing and cornering. The Park requires an USABMX license as well as proper race gear, including a helmet, long-sleeved shirt, race pants, jeans or shorts with full shin guards. Check the website, www.SandyRidgeBMX.org, or call 678-448-6155 to confirm the course is open, as it closes for races and weather.

Keep the memories fresh with a trip to Southern Belle Farm (1658 Turner Church Road, McDonough). Starting in April (check website for exact dates as U-Pick varies seasonally), families can pick their own perfectly fresh strawberries. On the weekends, the kids will love flying high on the

jumping pillow, climbing aboard the cow train and chugging along the Hayride. Peruse the Country Market, and make selections of seasonal produce, canned goods, jams and jellies.

This unique farm experience wouldn’t be the same without a stop at Mimi’s Kitchen. This bakery serves up mouth-watering treats, like homemade seasonal cobblers, strawberry and peach ice cream and fried pies.

Hot Shots Paintball & Airsoft at Windy Hill Park (100 Ronnie Stewart Drive, McDonough) is the premier paintball and airsoft facility in metro Atlanta. Along with six paintball fields and a 25,000-square-foot airsoft field, it also offers a 150,000-square-foot “Fort Deadwood” Old West-scenario field. It is a great location for birthday parties, corporate events and family reunions. Call 404-797-0850 for special group rates. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday through Friday by appointment for VIP parties.

RC lovers can watch radio-powered races at Henry County Remote Control Racing Track, located at Windy Hill Park (100 Ronnie Stewart Drive, McDonough). If you prefer aeronautical adventure, the Henry County RC Club runs remote-controlled airplanes at the Red Hawk Nature Preserve (143 Henry Parkway, McDonough). Participants must be a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) to fly at Red Hawk, but all are welcome as spectators. Head to the Park from 8 a.m.-noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays, weather-permitting, for the best chance to view. http://www.hcrcr.com/ Visitors can rest easy, choosing from a variety of lodging options, including name brand hotels or sleeping under the stars at one of the beauti-ful campsites in the area. Whether looking for an adventure-packed trip or an easy-going escape, visitors will leave with lasting memories–and full pockets! www.VisitHenryCountyGeorgia.com

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Go, See, Do

Tickfaw State Park

NEAR SPRINGFIELD - Strolling through four ecosystems on over a mile of boardwalks through Tickfaw State Park, visitors can experience the sights and sounds of a cypress/tupelo swamp, a bottomland hardwood forest, a mixed pine/hardwood forest and the Tickfaw River.

Periodically the park site serves the region by detaining floodwaters when winter and spring rains overflow the steep banks of the Tickfaw River.

These periods of occasional flooding offer a unique opportunity to educate visitors on the importance of periodic flooding in the cycle of life that makes wetlands an invaluable habitat and breeding ground for wildlife and fisheries.

At Tickfaw State park, you can go night hiking or listen to the swamp nightlife from the porch of your vacation cabin. Check at the Nature Center for scheduled programs. While there, view the 800-gallon aquarium stocked with fish found in the Tickfaw River. There are displays featuring the animals, history and culture of the area and of Louisiana. Be sure to watch the 8-minute introductory video about the history of the park area.

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Bicycle, stroll or skate the interconnecting park roadways. Bring your canoe or kayak and take a fun-filled trip on this unique section of the Tickfaw River. The Water Playground offers refreshing fun for those not quite adventurous enough to explore the swamps and sloughs.

A gift shop in the Nature Center is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily and offers souvenirs with a local flavor. Four Trails to enjoy are the 1/2 mile Gum Cypress Trail or Pine Hardwood Trail, River Overlook/Bottomland HardwoodTrail – 3/4 mile, and the River Trail - 3 miles.

A Birder’s Guide to Louisiana gives directions to over 100 areas for birding throughout the state, includes maps, Louisiana specialties, and contains beautiful photography and checklists of Louisiana birds and other wildlife. The Guide was produced through a partnership between the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area and the American Birding Association. www.lastate For more on Louisianna parks.com/parkspreserves/tickfawstate-park

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Tupelo National Battlefield Park

By Kathy Barnett Managing Editor Tupelo National Battlefield commemorates the Battle of Tupelo, also known as the Battle of Harrisburg, fought from July 14 to 15, 1864, near Tupelo, Mississippi during the American Civil War. More than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers fought here between the morning of July 14 and the evening of July 15, 1864.

Union forces, including men from the United States Colored Troops, marched into Tupelo, Mississippi.

Disorganized Confederate soldiers fought fiercely but could not overpower the federal troops. Neither side could claim a clear victory, but Union troops had succeeded in their main goal: keeping the Confederates away from Union railroads in Tennessee.

Visitors can learn about the scope and impact of this battle that resulted in more than 2,000 casualties. For the student of the battle, the modern urban streets of Tupelo serve as landmarks that lead you to places where hundreds of men made the ultimate sacrifice.

Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center is located in Tupelo only six miles north of the national battlefield. It is adjacent to the parkway in Tupelo. There is a bookstore, exhibits, a short movie and nature walks. Rangers here can provide a brochure and literature about the battle and help with questions. Nearby, is the northern trailhead of the 6 mile-long Blackland Prairie Trail (a segment of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail). You can walk/hike -26- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

south to the Old Town Overlook site or further south to the Chickasaw Village Site. The visitor center is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. You can reach the Visitor Center at 800-305-7417.

Tupelo is roughly the halfway point If you are traveling the whole Natchez Trace Parkway.

You can enjoy not only a scenic drive but also hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping along the parkway.

A side trip to the undisputed birthplace of Elvis Presley is a must. It is only a few minutes straight east of the National Battlefield on W. Main Street. The two-room house, a visitor center, gift store, and museum all contain memorabilia in connection to Elvis and his music world.

My favorite part was sitting inside the memorial chapel which had been moved to the property. I sat where his mother sat during a church service. I witnessed a video projected on three of the four walls, making it look like the preacher and other members of the congregation were sitting next to me. He learned to sing and play the guitar here. It was where he first stood up and sang in front of an audience. It is an experience you can talk about, but you must physically attend to feel the electricity and connection to the past. This is also the resting place where Elvis’ Bible is stored.

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Places to Go:

Six Flags Frontier City

Take your classroom to new heights May 5 and 6 with an “Outdoor Classroom” at this popular theme park. Student’s and teachers will love the activities planned this year from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Special school rates on admission and meal packages are offered with once-in-a-lifetime experiences on thrilling coasters and live entertainment.

STEAM Engine is coming to Outdoor Classroom this year.

The STEAM Engine is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that partners with communities to bring high quality Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math enrichment and educational programming to Oklahoma youth, families, schools and community organizations. At the STEAM Engine, we help kids, particularly those from populations underrepresented* in STEM, to develop the confidence and skills they need to pursue STEM education and

higher-wage career paths. This creates opportunities to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty while developing a talent pipeline to close the STEM workforce gap in Oklahoma.

It will be a school outing to remember. Grab your spot before anyone else. Kick back, relax, and take credit for the best field trip ever!

The Most Extreme Grad Nite Party on the Planet is scheduled for Friday, May 13th, from 6 p.m.

- midnight. Your Graduation Celebration is at Frontier City Grad Nite! We offer more than any other OKC Grad Nite destination.

With once-in-a-lifetime experiences like thrilling coasters, high energy dance areas, DJs, dinner buffet, and the party doesn’t stop there.

We know safety is a top priority. Exclusive to seniors and chap-

erones, Grad Nite lets your grads celebrate into the night in a safe and controlled environment. As a chaperone you’ll also join in on the fun with complementary tickets, hospitality areas, and snacks.

Featuring thrills and fun: Exclusive Park Hours will be 6 pm to 12AM – seniors and their chaperones only for this event. (not open to the general public) World Class Thrilling Rollercoasters / All-you-can-eat buffet Movies at Fort Frontier Dance Floor and live DJs Grab your spot before anyone else by requesting more information below. Nobody gives you more thrills or better value!

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Go, Do, See...

These three state parks offer nature and a show How about spending the weekend watching a musical? Or, would you rather immerse yourself in the beauty of nature? Imagine doing both. Nothing can compare to lively music and dancing under a canopy of blue sky. Watching a musical in one of these state parks offers the best of both worlds. Sample each destination with local foods, culture, and music in breathtaking natural beauty.

State Parks W By Sarah Miller

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

(806) 655-2181 CANYON - Everything’s bigger in Texas–even the site for TEXAS, the outdoor musical. Palo Duro Canyon, referred to as “The Grand Canyon of the South,” is the second largest canyon in the country. Seating for the show is situated in the base of the canyon, providing amazing acoustics. Now celebrating its 55th year, the family-friendly musical tells the story of Texas in the 1800’s. This lively musical features toe-tapping cowboys and Mexican-inspired dresses that twirl like colorful, festive streamers. Viewers are swept into the spirit of Texas culture and history surrounded by the canyon’s rugged beauty.

As the sun dips behind the natural basin of the Palo Duro Canyon shifting light brings shades of red, orange and smoky purple. Fireworks in the Texas sky sizzle and sparkle, making this a sensational musical experience–a grand finale to remember.

Dinner and a Show

Looking for dinner before the show? A preshow chuckwagon BBQ offers a taste of Texas right there in the park. A casual outdoor dining experience offers heaping portions of three types of meat, sides, dessert, including tea, water, or lemonade.

Where to stay

Dinner and a show, and yes, even accommodations are available at Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

After the show ends, camp in the canyon. The state campground offers tent and RV sites with water and electricity with loads of adventures like hiking, -28- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

mountain biking, and horseback riding. Or, stay in one of a handful of cabins in the canyon rim or the Cow Camp cabins. Yet another option, glamping in the canyon offers a rustic, yet luxurious place to rest your head.

Worth Singing About

Next Stop: Stephen Foster State Park Bardstown, Kentucky.....Turn to Next Page

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These three state parks...Continued Stephen Foster State Park

(502) 349-6542 BARDSTOWN - Amidst lush Kentucky greens, The Stephen Foster Story enchants guests with a musical step back in time. As America’s first great composer, Foster’s songs like “Oh! Susannah!”

“My Old Kentucky Home,” “Camptown Races,” and “Beautiful Dreamer” transport the audience to a different era. Set in the mid-19th century, costumed dapper gentlemen and parasol-toting ladies fill the stage with candy-colored happiness and song. The Stephen Foster Story has been entertaining generations in the great outdoors since 1959.

Stephen Foster State Park

Dinner and a Show

With no restaurant on site at the state park, you’ll find a taste of Kentucky just a short drive away at the historic Talbott Tavern Restaurant and Inn dating back to 1779. Try traditional Kentucky favorites like a bowl of Kentucky Burgoo (hearty stew with meats, veggies and beans), a Hot Brown Sandwich, and Bourbon Bread Pudding for dessert. The menu is filled with regional favorites making it the perfect stop to dine before the show.

Where to Stay

While you can tour Stephen Foster’s My Old Kentucky Home, it’s not open for overnight visitors. Instead, you can camp in Stephen Foster State Park amongst the woods and rolling hills. With 39 RV sites and primitive tent camping, there’s a place for all.

Of course, if you don’t have a camper, many outfits (like Outdoorsy, local RV companies) rent them. While you’re there, try your swing at the park’s PGA Professional 18-hole course, or tour Foster’s mansion and grounds.

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And our last Stop: Peninsula State Park Fish Creek, Wisconsin ...Please turn to Page 99

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Go, Do, See

Denton FarmPark

Let’s get out of the city and head to the farm!

The Denton FarmPark, that is, for the upcoming Malpass Brothers Country & Bluegrass Music Festival. The May 5-7 event will bring a full weekend of great music with a blend of bluegrass, Americana, and country styles the whole family is sure to enjoy.

While the Denton Farmpark hosts several events throughout the year and are open to welcoming more, the park is only open to the public during these events.

They are widely known for their popular Handy Diesel Locomotive brought to the farm in 2006 and restored by staff and volunteers. Other historical farm machinery and equipment are onsite and are a real asset to the annual Southeast Old Threshers Reunion along with the relocation and restoration of several plantation buildings.

Celebrating their 52nd year, The Southeast Old Threshers Reunion has become a national and international event. Visitors from most states and at least one foreign country attends and joins

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in the fun.

“The Southeast Old Threshers Reunion plays a significant part of the Denton area economy and spreads to hotel and restaurant accommodations in Davidson County,” said Brown Loflin, founder, on the history section of the farm website. “Civic, church and charity organizations benefit from the sale of food and refreshments and other activities, and from contributions by their park for services by volunteers.”

Mr. Loflin passed away in 2019 but the Southeast Old Threshers Reunion continues and grows bigger and better every year.

Tractor registration begins June 25-29 and the reunion is scheduled from June 30 to July 4.

Featuring the J. I. Case Heritage Foundation’s 36th Annual Case Expo, you can see thousands of antique tractors, engines, and cars on display! Watch live farming and antique machinery demonstrations, live entertainment, a tractor parade and more Ride the train with a shootout show included. Play tractor games or compete in the tractor

pull. Visit the Heritage Craft Barn for live artistry demonstrations, and shop the Handy Dandy Gift Shop for handmade crafts, souvenirs and gifts! For tickets or more information, visit the website at https://dentonfarmpark.com/

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Places to Go:

Onslow County Onslow County is Full of coastal flavor, family fun and a host of water-related adventures. Whether you prefer naps in the sun or scouring the shoreline for seashells, Onslow County is home to some of the best beaches in North Carolina for families who want more room for staking out the perfect spot for relaxation.

Take a sightseeing cruise with Lady Swan Tours on a 40-foot handicap accessible vessel. The shade top, padded seats and onboard restroom ensure comfort for weddings, sandbar parties, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, anniversaries, family reunions. A shelling and eco-adventure outing awaits aboard Marsh Cruises‘ 22-foot skiff. Reel Livin’ Fishing Charters offers charters and family fun cruises. Net shrimp, crab and marine life to learn about the many amazing ocean creatures.

Inshore, nearshore and offshore fishing are all popular here and plenty of experienced captains and guides make any trip the best it can be.

A crown jewel of the North Carolina coast and Hammocks Beach State Park is Bear Island—a 4-mile-long, undeveloped barrier island accessible by the park’s passenger ferry, private boat or, for true adventurers, by kayak.

A wide unspoiled beach between massive dunes and the ocean, a wealth of unique shell finds, yearround fishing, seasonal swimming and a concession/picnic complex are the rewards, along with overnight camping by reservation. The park’s mainland gateway offers a full-service visitor center and is -34- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

the watercraft launch site. Interpretive programs and extensive exhibits teach about park ecology and wildlife including endangered sea turtles and nesting shorebirds.

The paddling trails of Onslow County are extensive and diverse.

The White Oak River boasts an exciting AA Black Rapids trail teeming with wildlife, including alligator, birds and other Carolina critters. Three marked trails over seven miles at Hammocks Beach State Park navigate through the stunning barrier island estuaries, salt marshes and maritime swamp forests with highlights such as bottlenose dolphin sightings.

One of the largest attractions in Onslow County, Mike’s Farm is a rural farming, shopping, dining and family-friendly getaway.

Events and educational programs throughout the year include a petting zoo, hayrides, seasonal strawberry fields and a pumpkin patch. A festively decorated gift shop showcases candles, unique country gifts and Christmas décor year-round. Watch bakers at work on several varieties of mouth-watering sweet treats including fudge. Mike’s family-style restaurant boasts a Southern dinner Thursday through Sunday nights in a warm, intimate setting.

Onslow County has a wide variety of family-friendly dining, from seafood to pizza and burgers.

Lodging options include oceanfront resorts, quaint downtown inns, classic motels, national brands and one-of-a-kind bed and breakfasts.

Find additional information at www.OnlyInOnslow.com

Spring and summer vacation ban or wilderness? Whether back and leisurely, energetic of both, there’s a perfect vaca Southeastern destinations. T provide great food, fascinatin interesting outdoor advent

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Things to Do:

Aiken State Park

ns: mountains or beach? Ura family’s preference is laidc and thrill-seeking, or a little ation to be found in these 26 These trip-worthy getaways ng finds, plenty of relaxation, tures and room to wander.

The rolling hills of Thoroughbred Country encompasses the town of Aiken, where National Champion horses have a long and storied tradition. Comprised of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell counties, easy-on-the-eyes topography meanders through charming small towns filled with folk art and antique shops, Civil War sites, gardens and plantation homes and state parks, creating the perfect extended weekend getaway.

Enjoy free admission to the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum and learn more about the area’s equestrian heritage. Since 1882, Polo has been played on Whitney Field and today, catch the matches on Sundays from April to mid-June or in the fall from September to mid-November.

Explore authentic Mennonite culture with a visit to God’s Acre Healing Springs in Blackville.

Drink from the artesian well and find education surrounding this group who brought wounded Revolutionary War soldiers here.

Reminders of yesteryear are also present in area antique shops, Civil War sites and plantation homes.

Hit the trails on land or water.

In Aiken State Park visitors can bring canoes or kayaks and glide along the 1.7-mile glistening trail that winds its way down the south fork of the Edisto River. Bamberg County is home to Edisto River Adventures where folks find relaxation floating down the South Fork of the Edisto River via kayak or standup paddleboarding. In Allendale try the Lower Savannah River Alliance Greenway and Trail.

Hopelands Gardens is a 14-acre park filled with lavishly preserved gardens and three reflecting pools.

Bring a picnic lunch and meander the many paths shaded by 100-year-old live oaks. Hitchcock Woods is one of the country’s largest urban forests spanning some 2,100 acres of forestland with 70 miles of various trails. Visitors enter at varying points throughout Aiken offering easy access. Satisfy the history buff at Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site. This 390acre site includes the battlefield, an interpretive trail, memorial grounds and picnic shelter.

Walk the ¾-mile guided trail with interpretive panels scattered along the way or inquire about a ranger-guided tour (in advance) of the well-preserved South Carolina Civil War site. Audubon’s Silver Bluff Sanctuary is a gorgeous 3,400-acre wooded area overlooking the Savannah River with 22 miles of horse and walking trails, 50 acres of lakes and ponds, 100 grassland acres and numerous birds and other wildlife.

Enjoy some of the Palmetto State’s finest cuisine in Thoroughbred Country, Dining runs the continuum from chef-refined and down-home Southern specialties, family restaurants, South Carolina-style barbecue, international cuisine and the unique find of a Mennonite bakery and community. www.tbredcountry.org/

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Places to Go: It’s the perfect spot for families who love lake life and a mountain setting. With its million-dollar mountain views and lakes that seem to spread out forever, it’s the perfect destination for an extended weekend getaway.

Located between Knoxville and Chattanooga, Loudon County is known as the Lakeway to the Smokies with less traffic, beautiful views and a multitude of water and mountain fun. It’s close to the national park and Highway 321 is the most scenic and least congested route to the Smokies.

The Smoky Mountains create a backdrop for kayaking, boating and fishing on Tellico Lake or the Tennessee River. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, stunning sunsets and trademark misty mornings.

Lenoir City and Loudon each have unique boutiques, antiques and dining spots. The The LoCo Drive-In is a big-screen, high-tech version of the old-fashioned outdoor movie theater that can even run movies before the sun sets.

Scenic parks offer trails for hiking and biking. East Lakeshore Trail is a new system of nine trails along the eastern shore of Tellico Lake, already designated as a National Recreational Trail.

Fort Loudoun Lake is a 14,600acre reservoir with 379 miles of shoreline and amazing mountain views.

Start at Fort Loudon Marina in Lenoir City, one of the largest marinas in Tennessee. Float and explore on a pontoon or cast a line for largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie or catfish.

Loudon County has long been -36- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

Loudon County

popular with golfers as the courses here offer challenging rounds in an extraordinary landscape.

Both public and semi-private courses offer golfers excellent quality golf along with a dose of Tennessee hospitality. Each takes advantage of the breathtaking scenery, rolling hills and water features that are part of the terrain.

Enjoy a free tasting at Tennessee Valley Winery, one of the oldest operating family-owned wineries in Tennessee. With more than 20 wine varieties, Tennessee Valley has earned more than 900 national, regional and local awards. Visit to Sweetwater Valley Farm, a working dairy farm and cheese factory. Approximately 400,000 pounds of cheese is produced annually at Sweetwater Valley Farm. Visitors can sample one of the many award-winning cheeses and even see the process through a viewing window.

In Greenback, explore the National Campground and walk through the field where Union General William T. Sherman camped in November of 1863.

Ten years later a camp to “allay the feuds engendered by the late national difficulties” was constructed. This open-air meeting house still hosts an annual fiveday revival every October. While there, stop in at The Greenback Drugstore, a community gathering place since 1923. It’s a popular diner and a great spot for lunch– have a signature grilled Honeybun for dessert.

For more information, visit VisitLoudonCounty.com.

For more on Tennessee

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May, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -37-

Go, Do, See

America’s Coolest Town

S

myth County is known for Southwest Virginia’s highest peaks and most beautiful trails, outstanding state parks, classic downtowns and one-of-a-kind attractions.

At just over two hours north of Asheville and less than a day’s drive from most of the east coast, this region surrounding Interstate 81 offers easy access to a combination of activities that are popular with families who love the outdoors and history. Following are just a few locations and activities that will provide hours of vacation fun and lasting memories.

The charming city of Marion has been called “America’s Coolest Hometown” and its residents are happy to share all it has to offer.

Picturesque streets are lined with local shops, independent restaurants and favorite gathering spots.

The Lincoln Theatre was originally constructed in 1929 as Southwest Virginia’s premiere “movie palace.” This restored beauty is an attraction in itself. The theatre is now also home to “Song of the Mountains,” the award-winning public television series showcasing the music and culture of the Southern Appalachians. Taped here each Saturday, the show attracts visitors from near and far.

The Wayne C. Henderson School of Appalachian Arts was named for the world-renowned guitar instrumentalist and luthier. “The Henderson” preserves, promotes and provides learning experiences rooted in the culture and heritage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Letterpress, painting, pottery classes and many others range from beginner lessons for four or more to once-in-a-lifetime workshops with instruction from Henderson himself.

Museum of the Middle Appalachians is a small but impressive museum offering a timeline of Smyth County’s history, culture and economy “from the ice age to the space age.” The life-size wooly mammoth skeleton and hands-on paleontology dig are -38- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

favorites for kids. Re-live your own childhood and treat yourself and the kids to the retro fun of Park Place Drive-In and Hall’s Skateland.

Next, head for the outdoors. Hungry Mother State Park spans more than 3,000 acres and is one of Virginia’s six original state parks. Its centerpiece 108-acre lake, with its iconic dive tower, is a favorite for swimming, fishing and canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals. The park has cabins, yurts and camp sites for rent, and also offers nature walks and more.

Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountains are some of the wildest and highest mountain terrain in Virginia, found within the nearly 200,000 acres of pristine mountain wilderness of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Smyth County is home to about 42 miles of the Appalachian Trail, which climbs to sun-drenched ridges and alpine forests, wildflower-covered mountain balds and expansive views. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has designated Marion as an official Trail Town for welcoming intrepid thru-hikers. Here’s a link to sections of the AT for family-friendly hikes.

Lodging options here come in a variety of forms, from the historic and elegant General Francis Marion Hotel to the cabins, yurts and campsites of a popular State Park. There are also well-known national hotel chains and one-ofa-kind vacation rentals, like The Lucille or Spenceville Farms. The Smyth County Visitor Center in Chilhowie is an excellent place to start any stay. The center features an interpretive display of the region’s history and culture and has a variety of resources for mapping out family itineraries.

For more information, go to www.VisitSmythCountyVA.com

For more on Virginia

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GLAMPING AND FAYETTEVILLE – Adventures on the Gorge (AOTG) in Southern West Virginia will again offer glamping tents in its Chestnut Ridge campground that opened last summer.

The glamping tents measure 16’ x 20’ and are placed on a concrete pad. They each have two queen beds, bedside tables, dresser, dining table, refrigerator, coffee maker, heating, air conditioning, electricity, lights and Wi-Fi. The secluded 24’x 36’ sites include a fire pit and picnic table. The tents open for the season May 26.

“Our cautious optimism last year was quickly replaced by a firm confirmation as the glamping tents were immediately quite popular with our guests,” said Roger Wilson, CEO of AOTG. “People love the combination of tent camping and luxurious touches as well as packing a suitcase instead of a trunk full of gear.”

The new campground also features group and single tent sites, hassle-free camping and a new bathhouse.

The resort shares a boundary with New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The park encompasses more than 70,000 acres with AOTG perched on the rim of the gorge.

AOTG is renowned for its whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley rivers as well as aerial adventures, land adventures, water adventures and other activities.

Through the years the resort has steadily expanded its guest ameni-

ties to feature restaurants, bars, retail stores, campsites and a variety of cabin accommodations ranging from rustic to luxurious. Several of the cabins have full kitchens and multiple bedrooms as well as campfire rings and picnic tables.

Some cabins also offer hot tubs.

The tent sites are spread out in a heavily wooded area with abundant natural privacy. They feature gravel pads, firepits, grills and picnic tables. Larger sites are available and can be combined to accommodate groups such as youth organizations up to 100.

A new centrally located bathhouse contains six individual bathroom/shower stalls (one is ADA compliant) and two toilet-andsink-only stalls, three washer/dryer sets and outdoor dishwashing sinks.

Much of the resort’s existing Mill Creek campground has been con-

verted to 11 pull-through RV sites with electrical hookups. Water is available for RVs to fill up their tanks, and the resort can direct RV owners to free dump stations conveniently located to area highways. The RV area features two sites measuring 40 feet long, and the other nine range from 60 to 90 feet long.

To reserve a glamping tent, campsite or RV site as well as activities and other accommodations, go online or call 1-855-379-8738.

Named one of the top adventure resorts in the country by U.S. News & World Report, Adventures on the Gorge is located on more than 350 acres along the rim of the majestic New River Gorge near Fayetteville, W.Va. The resort provides an array of outdoor experiences including whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers, aerial adventures, rock climbing, rappelling, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, fishing, mountain biking and hiking. There are also restaurants, bars and shops as well as a small-group conference center. Visitors can choose from a variety of accommodations and vacation packages.

Travelers can find out more about Adventures on the Gorge online, by calling 1-855-379-8738, or connecting on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, TripAdvisor, YouTube, and Vimeo and signing up for AOTG e-newsletter.

For more on West Virginia

>CLICK HERE

May, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -39-

Places to Go: If you want an extended weekend getaway in one of California’s national parks, the time to plan is right now.

Here’s what you need to know

California N

Redwood National Park

In the land of 30-story-high redwoods, two popular sites require advance planning this summer: Fern Canyon’s two-story cliffs covered in ferns and Tall Trees Grove, a cluster of majestic trees growing near Redwood Creek.

To drive to the Fern Canyon trailhead at Gold Bluffs Beach from May 1 to September 30, you must have a free online parking permit, available for booking now. (If you can’t score one, you can still hike to Fern Canyon via the James Irvine Trail, a 10-mile round-trip.) To drive the winding, narrow road to the Tall Trees Grove, you must apply for a free permit online, which grants you access to the grove road’s locked gate.

Lodging and camping options are sprinkled throughout the 50-mile stretch of coast managed by Redwood National and State Parks. Check out lodging options in Crescent City, Eureka, Arcata, Trinidad, or Klamath.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Currently most of Lassen is closed due to heavy snow cover, but the park road typically opens around June 1. Last summer’s Dixie Fire burned 73,000 acres on the park’s eastern side, but many areas near the park’s roads—including Manzanita Lake and much of the Southwest and Butte Lake areas—were unaffected. The park’s most popular sites will be accessible this summer, including Lassen Peak, Bumpass Hell, Sulphur Works, and Manzanita Lake.

Reserve camping cabins or campsites in the park, or book lodgings in Mineral

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or Mill Creek on the park’s south side or Old Station on the north side.

Yosemite National Park

Hoping to savor the majesty of Yosemite’s 3,000-foot-high cliffs, bald granite domes, and sparkling alpine lakes? Know before you go: Day-use reservations are required at all Yosemite entrances from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting May 20 and lasting until September 30. You can book a reservation for summer dates right now; each reservation is valid for three consecutive days. If your preferred dates are already filled, check back seven days before your scheduled trip. Additional passes will be released one week in advance of each summer date.

You don’t need a day-use reservation if

you have lodging or c inside the park, a Half ness backpacking perm into the park in a YAR licensed commercial g If you don’t have re want to drive your ow you can do it before 6 p.m. Reserve lodgings close to the park—Ma Oakhurst, Fish Camp, enjoy fun local activiti for the no-reservation on the Lewis Creek Tr Go for a swim at Rain Groveland. Visit the Y Museum or sip Caber Creek Winery. Walk th Lake in Lee Vining.

National Parks

camping reservations f Dome or wildermit, or if you ride RTS bus or with a guide. eservations and wn car into the park, 6 a.m. or after 4 s in gateway towns ariposa, Groveland, , or Lee Vining—and ies while you wait ns hours: Take a hike rail near Oakhurst. nbow Pool east of Yosemite Climbing rnet at Butterfly he shoreline of Mono

Grant Grove—including the world’s largest, the General Sherman—are open. The Generals Highway between the two parks is open, and the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway to Cedar Grove will open by April 30.

All in-park lodges are expected to reopen by May 1, except for Bearpaw High Sierra Camp (closed for 2022). If you stay in Visalia or Three Rivers, you can ride the Sequoia Shuttle into the park instead of driving ($20 round-trip, service begins May 26). The shuttle drops you off at the Giant Forest Museum, and from there, free shuttles travel to the General Sherman Tree, Crescent Meadow, Moro Rock, and Lodgepole and Wolverton trailheads.

Death Valley National Park

In other Yosemite news, Glacier Point Road will be closed in 2022 due to a major road improvement project. After a twoyear hiatus, the Yosemite Valley shuttle system is operating with free service to 20 stops in the eastern valley. Additionally, Yosemite Hospitality’s popular open-air Valley Floor Tour is running this summer.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

In the wake of 2021’s KNP Complex wildfire, many regions in these side-byside parks have already reopened, including Giant Forest, Grant Grove, and Foothills. You can drive into the park on Highway 180 from Fresno or Highway 198 from Visalia and Three Rivers. Trails to the giant sequoia trees at Giant Forest and

This vast desert park is much hotter than Joshua Tree—115 degrees is common—but even so, Death Valley sees a lot of summer visitors. Rooms fill up fast, so reserve in-park lodgings far in advance at The Oasis at Death Valley or Stovepipe Wells Village. Trails and attractions will be open this summer except for Scotty’s Castle, which remains closed until April 2023.

Hike trails and visit scenic viewpoints in the cooler early morning hours, and don’t miss Furnace Creek’s recently revamped outdoor thermometer, a must for vacation selfies.

For more informaiton on traveling to one of these parks, visit https://www.visitcalifornia.com/

For More Information on California,

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May, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -41-

Places to Go:

Thousand Springs Park Thousand Springs State Park, with its five beautiful units and multiple areas, is a testament to why the area is called the Magic Valley. Visitors can view wagon ruts and bridge abutments at Kelton Trail, explore the magnificent Malad Gorge, access the riding arena at Billingsley Creek, step back in time and tour historic structures at Ritter Island and Bonnieview, take in the scenery at Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve, view Niagara Springs, fish at Crystal Lake. Day use opportunities abound within the units of Thousand Springs State Park.

The Ritter Island/Minnie Miller Farm property was part of the Thousand Springs Preserve purchased by the Nature Conserv-42- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

ancy. It is now part of Thousand Springs State Park. In 1918 Minnie Miller purchased what is now the state park at sheriff’s auction. A successful businesswoman and farmer, Minnie Miller was also concerned about protecting the natural wonders found at Thousand Springs. In 1944 her classic dairy farm was featured in National Geographic magazine as one of the state’s most impressive.

Hundreds attended her annual ice cream social and heard educational and agricultural speakers.

The farm passed to Judge Wallis Ritter in 1954. For the next 31 years Judge Ritter and his heirs fought diversion of the farm’s free flowing springs. In 1986 the Nature Conservancy purchased the farm for $1.2 million and in De-

cember of 2006 the farm with 300 acres including Ritter Island and 2 miles of Middle Snake riverfront passed to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. The original farmstead includes a two-story stone farmhouse, three small cottages, a well-preserved dairy farm, and other farm buildings.

Please note, Ritter Island is closed to the public until Memorial Day. Ritter Island is home to one of the last remaining areas of natural springs in the Thousand Springs complex.

Named after an enterprising Utah woman, Minnie Milner Springs is one of the bigger springs. She built a successful dairy on Ritter Island and became famous for her prize winning herd of Guernsey Cattle. Built in in the early 1900’s, Minnie’s barn is preserved on the island today and is open to the public. You can follow a trail from her old farm to the clear springs that bear’s her daughter’s name.

A two-mile path circles the island and showcases beautiful views of the

Snake River. When the weather is warm, it’s an ideal swimming hole or place to paddle a canoe, kayak, or SUP. For the best route follow the channel below the springs to the Snake River and circle the island in a clockwise direction.

To see another great falls, Lemon Falls, up close there is 1.5 mile trail to Bonnieview. The trail is named for Miller’s daughter and leads to the site of the Payne Lewis Ferry Crossing on the Snake River.

In September, Ritter Island hosts

the popular annual Thousand Springs Festival, featuring arts and crafts, music, and food and drink.

Ritter Island is easily accessible from the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway. Ritter Island is closed until Memorial Day weekend. https://parksandrecreation.idaho. gov/parks/thousand-springs/

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>CLICK HERE May, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -43-

Things to Do:

Hiking The Trails

When someone suggests hiking in the Silver State, do you picture the desert around Las Vegas?

However, some of the West’s most colorful backdrops and photogenic rock formations invite a lakeside ramble or perhaps a 360° high-altitude scramble.

If you are wanting an easy cruise with the kiddos, you have chosen the right state. If you enjoy a scenic waterfall for a photo op, you can find it here. For the more adventurous, discover a peak to bag, or even plan a multi-day thru-hike, the Silver State delights trail-tacklers of every adventure level. Get prepped to step into a hiking-related extended weekend getaway.

fabled Fire Wave.. The stunning red sandstone rock formations which illuminate the valley—especially at sunset—make it appear as though it’s on fire. Entwined among the valley’s red rock wonderland are remnants of prehistoric locals and unparalleled vistas.

Before Valley of Fire became a designated Nevada State Park, a road was built through the valley as part of the Arrowhead Trail to connect Salt Lake City and Los Angeles

Great Basin National Park

This park offers easy to advanced trails leading to alpine lakes, the world’s oldest trees, views of (or from atop) 13,065’ Wheeler Peak, and more. Great Basin is one of the least visited national parks, making your time here even more special. Here, you can hike Nevada’s second tallest peak, only crossing paths with a handful of people or experience the darkest night skies thanks to the park’s remote location.

Valley of Fire State Park

OVERTON - This is Nevada’s oldest and most famous state park offering easy access to ancient rock art and Nat Geo-quality features of sandstone arches and the -44- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

For More on Nevada

>Click here

Places to Go:

Cliffs Amusement Park

www.cliffsamusementpark.com ALBUQUERQUE - This family amusement park offers thrill rides, family classics, Kiddyland and Watermania! You can ride high on the Cliff Hanger or swoop down on the Downdraft.

Try a spin on the Musik Express or experience the thrill of riding on one of the top 25 wooden coaster in the World - the New Mexico Rattler Bring the family for a day full of thrills, laughs, food, and fun. There is a wooden roller coaster, When playtime makes you hungry, there is no need to leave the park. There are several dining establishment right there.

Cabana Grill

Located in WaterMania!, you’ll find delicious loaded fries and cheesy nachos. Served fresh and hot, it’s the perfect southwestern

treat. Be sure to add a drink to make it a combo meal.

All American Cafe

This legendary eating establishment has been serving Cliff ’s guests for over 30 years! We serve chicken sandwiches, burgers, hotdogs, and chicken strips, and refreshing beverages to cool down. Don’t forget to make it a Combo with fries & a drink!

Kiddyland Café

There’s a lot more than fun going on in Kiddyland – there’s also a great little place serving up some delicious snacks to both kids and adults. Get the fun foods that kids love, like nachos, cotton candy, popcorn & fresh squeezed lemonade. Don’t forget to try Dippin’ Dots, you pick your favorite flavor!

Snack Shack

Just south of Guest Services you can find Cliff ’s Snack Shack. If you need to quench your thirst, stop by and grab a fresh squeezed lemonade.

You can also try a delicious churro, a giant pickle, freshly made popcorn or cotton candy.

The Screamin’ Slice

Located by the exit to The New Mexican Rattler, The Screamin’ Slice is the perfect place to tame your hunger. Grab a slice of pizza or a whole pizza, fresh-made and served with your favorite toppings. You’ll also find salads, our tasty Bavarian style pretzels, and variety of Icee flavors.

For more on New Mexico

>Click Here

May, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -45-

Thins to Do:

Celebrating100 With Oregon State Parks celebrating its centennial in 2022, we wanted to round up the many ways the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (of which Oregon State Parks is a part) has connected visitors with the outdoors over the past 100 years — and how they continue doing so today. Here are just a few of the many reasons we love Oregon State Parks.

In addition to having fun, visitors can help beautify state parks through regular volunteer events — with plenty of chances to roll up their sleeves in 2022. This year Oregon State Parks is hosting 100 service projects to celebrate the department’s centennial. So far in 2022, those projects have included trail-building work parties at Silver Falls State Park near Salem and wildlife-corridor improvements at Harris Beach State Park near Brookings. For more ways to get involved, check out Oregon State Parks’ volunteer opportunities. (You can also snag a Centennial T-shirt, mug, beanie, beach towel or other piece of branded merch to support the parks.)

Several other centennial events will take place all year long — but be sure to mark your calendar for a community picnic on June 4, 2022, at Sarah Helmick State Recreation Site to celebrate the very first state park in Oregon.

The Oregon Coast Is Basically One Giant State Park Oregon Gov. Oswald West laid the groundwork for the creation of state parks in Oregon when, in 1913, he signed a bill into law declaring that the Oregon Coast — all 363 magical miles — be declared a public highway. You can still see sections of an old stagecoach road at Hug Point State Recreation Site at low tide today, for example. But the Coast’s rugged nature and almost complete lack of development brought visitors to the region in droves.

Today the entire Oregon Coast remains free and open to the public (though some parks do charge $5 day-use fees). And while various city, county and federal governments oversee parks up and down the coastline, few can match the titanic Oregon State Parks network, which manages roughly 90 park sites along the Oregon Coast and into the Coast Range, from Fort Stevens State Park at the mouth of the Columbia River to Crissey Field State Recreation Site at the state’s southern border.

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0 Years of State Parks

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>Click here May, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -47-

Go, Do, See

Top 10 RV Ex Full-Time RVers share their top 10 experiences: Geothermal Hot Springs, Lone Rock Beach, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, and More

After approximately 18 months of full-time RV life, Kristi Stevens from the Adventurtunity Family says Utah is one of the family’s favorite destinations. In fact, the family of three spent a full four months in the western state and report they still have a long list of things to discover and do.

In 2020, Kristi and her husband, Spencer, quit their corporate jobs, sold their home and most of their possessions, and purchased a Class A, 2017 Holiday Rambler® Vacationer® 36H. Together with their now fiveyear-old son, Kade, the Stevens hit the open road. Along the way, they added another family member—Roku Blu, a golden retriever.

Holiday Rambler is an award-winning RV brand that is part of REV Recreation Group, Inc., a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc. The Holiday Rambler 2022 line features four diesel and three gas motorhomes.

Holiday Rambler has partnered with the Adventurtunity

-48- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

Family to chronicle their experiences as they travel the United States and share their stories on the Holiday Rambler blog.

Top 10 Experiences in Utah

by Kristi Stevens for Holiday Rambler

We often get asked about our favorite place to travel. And, while we have a few, Utah tops our list. So much so that out of twelve months of full-time travel we spent four of them in Utah.

We learned quickly that our deci-

sions would come down to what we were going to have to regretfully skip. Even after four months in Utah, we still have a long list of places to visit.

If you are heading to Utah in the near future, we’re going to help you. First, know there is not a bad season to visit. Winter months are packed with fun. If you love snow and cooler temps, the northern part of the state is where it’s at. In the southern part of the state, you’ll find the mild temps you’re searching for if you don’t like the heat. Summer is pleasant in the north, and yes, a bit warmer in the south, but perfect for swimming, paddling, kayaking, and any other water sport you’re into. With that said, we have rounded up our top 10 favorite experiences and places to visit throughout Utah. We’ve also included a few tips and tricks along the way.

1. Midway

Our Christmas goal was to have snow, so we set out for Park City. We stayed just south of Park

By Monica Baer https://www.herandhimsel.com

xperiences City in a town called Heber City where we fell in love with the neighboring town of Midway. Full of small-town charm, small businesses line the main street with their Swiss motif. Our favorite restaurant there, Café Galleria, has heated snow globes on the patio that you can reserve to enjoy your meal. Not too far from there are two attractions that are hidden gems in this tiny town. One is the Ice Castle, one of the largest man-made ice sculptures in the country. The other is the Crater Swim where you can swim in geothermally heated water inside of a crater. On the opposite side of town, you’ll find cross country skiing and snow tubing. Oh, and there is a famous creamery, too. If you are in the Park City area, take a short break from the slopes and shops to visit Midway. You won’t be sorry.

2. Lone Rock Beach

After spending part of the winter in Park City, we headed south to thaw out and happened to visit Lone Rock Beach on a whim. Located on Lake Powell at the southern Utah/northern Arizona border, Lone Rock Beach is one of the coolest spots to camp. It’s a large sandy beach with crystal blue water and the namesake rock reaching to the sky from the depths of the water. Once you get set up, you can take ATVs and Jeeps off-road, have bonfires, enjoy the water, and meet new people. Our first time there we just had our Wrangler, but we loved it so much we went back several more times and even boondocked with our Vacationer for seven nights!

Whether camping or visiting for the day, it’s a beautiful place so don’t miss it.

3. Zion National Park

One of our favorite national parks to date is Zion. We stayed on the east side of the park for one month and highly recommend staying there for a few reasons.

It’s much more peaceful, less touristy, and closer to other mustsee locations like Bryce Canyon and Kanab, Utah. Within the park, we recommend driving the entire road, pulling off at the turnouts, and exploring the sandstone scenery. If you’re up for it, Angels Landing is an incredible hike and a great workout. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to hike the Narrows, but it’s high on our musttry list and one we recommend checking out.

May, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -49-

RV Experiences - Cont.

4. Bryce Canyon National Park

We made the mistake of waiting to explore Bryce Canyon until the end of our month stay. And on top of that, we thought we could do it in a day. Don’t make our mistakes and plan accordingly. Bryce Canyon National Park absolutely deserves several dedicated days to visit. There are so many hikes to explore, and its terrain is so captivating you need an hour or two just to take it all in. One thing to note is that dogs are not allowed on hiking trails in most national parks in Utah. We made that mistake and brought our pup. Needless to say, we will be returning to properly visit Bryce Canyon and all the beauty it has to offer.

5. Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

We could write a few blog posts on our favorite hidden gem, Kanab, Utah.

Instead, we’re simply going to highlight a few of the most unique places within Kanab that you should visit at some point. One is Coral Pink Sand Dunes. We saw the signs driving down the road and decided to check it out, and we’re so glad we did. Up until that visit, we hadn’t really seen rolling hills of sand. What surprised us the most was that there were trees and vegetation growing in and around the dunes.

Not only was it a beautiful sight, it was fun, too. We rented a wooden sled from the state park station and went sledding down the dunes. Be prepared for a wicked good time and don’t forget to close your mouth on your way down.

6. The Wave

There are only seven wonders in the world, but from where I stand, The Wave could easily be the eighth. Out of all of the places we have been to and seen in the past year, The Wave is one of the most visually stunning and yet surprisingly unknown to many. It’s a sandstone formation created by slow wind and rain erosion, resulting in a flowing rock phenomenon that seems to defy physics. It is technically in Arizona but is only accessible through Utah.

There is a lottery system to hike to The Wave with only 64 permits awarded each day. You can apply online months in advance or show up in person to enter the drawing for the next day. The in-person allotment is up to 16 permits and as many as 300 people could be applying in person each day. It’s not the easiest place to adventure to, but it is absolutely worth it to see this spectacular wonder of nature.

7. White Pocket

Many locals told us, if we weren’t able to obtain a permit for The Wave, we should explore White Pocket. Thankfully we won The Wave lottery and still went to White Pocket. Our advice is to try for The Wave but do White Pocket regardless.

To reach either site, you start out driving along a long wash-boarded dirt and gravel road outside of -50- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

Kanab. The drive to White Pocket is much longer and more difficult. It’s about a 20-mile drive, which takes almost two hours. After the washboard road, you’ll travel on narrow trails and deep sand paths to reach the parking lot. A high clearance 4×4 is a must.

But, once there, you’ll experience another physics-defying sight of tan, pink, and peach hued sandstone that looks as if it was poured across the landscape and shaped with an ice cream scoop. Peppered throughout the area are little water pools, hoodoos created by wind, peaks to climb, and beauty as far as your eyes can see. Make sure you bring plenty of water, food, and tell someone where you are going because you won’t have cell service for most of the drive and time you spend there.

8. Thanksgiving Point

can do, there’s no better place to challenge yourself than on the endless trails of Moab. The Poison Spider and Top of the World trails were among our favorites. If you happen to travel in-season, the national parks tend to fill up quickly so plan on getting to the gate early. You can also go later in the afternoon when people start to leave. Sunset in Arches is amazing and so are the nighttime stars.

10. Moab Skydive

We have to mention Thanksgiving Point because it was such a wonderful and educational experience for Kade. It’s located on the outskirts of Salt Lake City and is a collection of five experiential places.

As a visitor, you are able to purchase tickets to just one or a few of the experiences or buy a hopper pass and visit all five. We went with the hopper pass and made a full day of it. If heading to Thanksgiving Point, we highly recommend doing the experiences in this order: the Museum of Ancient Life; Butterfly Biosphere; Ashton Gardens; Museum of Natural Curiosity; and Farm Country. It’s a blast for kids and adults alike.

9. Moab

We must, of course, mention Moab because it’s 100% a must see. Moab is an absolute gold mine of adventure—from floating the Colorado River to rock climbing, hiking, jeeping, and so much more. It’s also home to Arches and Canyonland National Parks but make sure you take time to explore other areas like Fisher Towers and Corona Arch. Of course, if you have an off-road vehicle and like to see what it

I’m ending with this one because it isn’t for the faint of heart, but it was a thrilling experience. We decided to skydive in Moab on our ninth wedding anniversary and happened to meet up with the husband of another full-time travel couple. If skydiving has ever been a consideration for you, Moab is the place to do it. The price was reasonable, and the views are epic. You could see both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks as well as the La Sal Mountains all while freefalling from 17,000 feet. From start to finish, the experience is about 45 minutes. Be sure to upgrade to the photo/video package so you can relive and share the experience with your friends and family for years to come.

We could go on and on about all the wonders of Utah—from the amazing places we experienced to the many that still occupy our to-do list. Ultimately, if you’re a lover of the outdoor lifestyle, we feel you can’t go wrong in Utah. No matter where you visit, you’re bound to have a wonderful and adventurous time!To learn more about the Adventurtunity Family’s life on the road, visit the Holiday Rambler blog or Instagram page.

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May, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -51-

Wellness Retrea PARK CITY/PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection, an intimate luxury resort outside of Park City, and THE WELL, a complete ecosystem for wellness and holistic health care, are partnering for an exclusive retreat over May 30-June 2, 2022. The Week of WELL will integrate craniosacral therapy and ancient modalities while immersing guests in nature and drawing inspiration from the Lodge’s expansive alpine setting.

Over the course of four days, the immersive experience will uncover best practices in mindfulness, movement, nutrition and medicine with personalized sessions led by visiting masters, such as Craniosacral Therapist and Educator Michelle Stoppi and Plant People Founder Gabe Kennedy.

Designed for wellness seekers looking to dive deeper as well as urban visitors craving a meaningful escape, the Week of WELL is a guide to a more mindful and connected life.

“Fostering connection between each guest and the vast landscape that surrounds us has always been the ethos of The Lodge at Blue Sky,” said Joe Ogdie, general manager, The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection. “The Week of WELL will be a remarkable journey toward physical and energetic alignment that combines our back-to-nature mindset with global practices led by THE WELL.” GREET SUMMER WITH FRESH PERSPECTIVE -52- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

In a perfect union that blends THE WELL’s eastern-meets-western practice and the Lodge’s wild-crafted approach to wellbeing, the retreat will greet summer with a fresh perspective after taking time to cleanse, ground, empower and find grace.

Kicking off with a sacred sage blessing inspired by the native land, the four-day itinerary is complete with movement classes, meditations, trail rides and private meals. Master Practitioner Michelle Stoppi, a licensed craniosacral massage therapist and the leading educator of craniosacral professional continuing education in the U.S., will lead sessions that explore the nervous system and its connection to the Earth’s biomagnetic energetic field in order to overcome stress and achieve peace.

“I am very much looking for-

ward to the magic we will be making with The Lodge at Blue Sky in May,” shared Michelle Stoppi, master practitioner, THE WELL. “This retreat will be a great opportunity for anyone curious to get in tune with their well-being and further expand their consciousness. Whether you are looking to shake up your routine, make adjustments to your health, or learn more about integrative practices in general, the lessons learned during this week are sure to impact your life for years to come.”

Highlights include a nourishing lunch crafted by Gabe Kennedy with Plant People’s regenerative plant and mushroom supplements, a sunrise hike to mountain top yoga and breakfast with Blue Sky’s wellness experts and a six-course dinner in which Executive Chef Galen Zamar-

at Immersed in Nature

ra expresses food as medicine.

Guests will also be able to arrange one-on-one craniosacral sessions with Michelle Stoppi for a more personalized and private healing experience.

When the week concludes, guests will have awakened their inner healer and unearthed a new way to care for their mental, physical and spiritual health.

LUXURY AS NATURE INTENDED Set on a 3,500-acre private working ranch in the Wasatch Mountain Range, The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection is just 35 minutes from Salt Lake City airport but a world away. A special kind of place where nature and luxury work in harmony, it boasts luxurious guest rooms and suites immersed in the landscape, an on-site sustainable farm, a restaurant helmed by James Beard

award-winning Chef Galen, and transformative experiences like horseback riding and a network of onsite hiking trails that will be apart of the Week of WELL. Utah’s no. 1 resort (Travel + Leisure) is a leading wellness destination itself. It is home to Edge Spa—which features a spa menu of all natural body and skincare treatments as well as energy healing and Ayurvedic consultations— and also immersive wellness journeys that can be had across the property—including in-room sleep rituals, equine healing at the Arena, yoga and meditation in the forest and DIY bloom-to-bottle products made at the farm.

For more information or to reserve a spot at the retreat, please visit aubergeresorts.com/bluesky/ experiences/week-of-well.

ABOUT The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection Only 35 minutes from Salt Lake City Airport, The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection is a luxurious contemporary mountain retreat located in Park City, Utah’s Wasatch Mountain Range. Set on 3,500 private acres surrounded by dramatic soaring

peaks, high alpine fields, lush hillsides and a spring-fed creek, the 46-room resort invites guests to reconnect with the natural environment in understated elegance, with organic architecture that showcases the majesty of the land.

Amenities include a collection of immersive outdoor adventures, including hiking, fly fishing, clay shooting, horseback riding and heli-skiing. The Lodge’s restaurant, YUTA, helmed by James Beard Award-Winning Executive Chef Galen Zamarra, serves cuisine created with ingredients sourced from an onsite organic farm. Deeply restorative treatments at The Edge Spa complement Blue Sky’s active outdoor adventures. Experiential opportunities exclusive to Blue Sky include learning about the artisanal whiskey-making at the on-site High West Whiskey distillery, hands-on horsemanship at the 30,000-square-foot indoor equestrian center and up-close animal encounters at Saving Gracie horse rescue sanctuary.

For more information: aubergeresorts.com/bluesky/ Follow The Lodge at Blue Sky on Facebook and Instagram @ BlueSkyAuberge For more information: aubergeresorts.com For more information: the-well. com or follow on Instagram @ thewell.

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Yellowstone Marks

-54- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

s Big Anniversary Celebration CODY– On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant changed the world. On that day, Grant signed the eloquently written “Yellowstone National Park Protection Act,” which stated that a huge corner of Wyoming and narrow slivers of Idaho and Montana would be “hereby reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy or sale…and dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.

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“What an audacious idea it was,” said Ryan Hauck executive director of Cody Yellowstone.

“The very thought of setting aside 2.2 million acres of natural resource-rich land must have seemed outrageous. But a few visionaries convinced Congress and President Grant that it was the right thing to do. And the entire world is fortunate they did.”

Cody Yellowstone is the marketing arm for Park County, Wyoming, which includes the Yellowstone gateway communities of Cody, Meeteetse and Powell, the Shoshone National Forest to the east and a large swath of Yellowstone National Park.

“Yellowstone was preserved to be a ‘pleasuring ground’ for everyone, and 150 years later, it still is,” said Hauck. “I’d call that a huge success and a testament to the scores of people who have dedicated their lives to ensuring that we continue to respect and promote the vision of the park’s founders.”

Both inside and outside Yellowstone, there are endless cultural, nature-based, historic, classic, adventurous, relaxing and just plain fun ways to see and experience this classic American vacation destination this year and beyond.

In honor of Yellowstone’s big anniversary, here are 150 of them

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1. Be awed like painter Thomas Moran by the beauty of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

2. Let someone else do the driving and take a guided tour of Yellowstone National Park.

3. Participate in a Yellowstone National Park ranger program.

4. Watch an eruption of Old Faithful Geyser, but avoid the crowds by visiting early in morning or in the evening.

5. Ditch your city slicker persona and spend a week, fishing, hiking and horseback riding at dude ranch.

6. Experience an old-fashioned Stagecoach Adventure at Roosevelt Lodge.

7. Walk to Artist Point and see the Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.

8. Drive the Beartooth Highway, “the most beautiful drive in America.”

9. Savor an old-fashioned chuckwagon dinner at Roosevelt Lodge in Yellowstone National Park.

10. Drive Yellowstone’s historic “Grand Loop, a 140-mile stretch or road that connects most of the park’s famous sites.

11. Watch the Cody Nite Rodeo and learn why Cody is the Rodeo Capital of the World.

12. Watch the wacky Wild Bunch perform a “gunfight” with a gun safety message.

13. Visit Mud Volcano and learn where the distinctive sulfur aroma comes from.

14. Enjoy a chuckwagon dinner and live music show in Cody.

15. Sing along with cowboy singer Dan Miller.

16. Dine and shop at Canyon Lodge’s 50s-style Canyon Lodge Eatery.

17. Download the TravelStorys app and take a guided walking tour of downtown Cody and learn about its historic buildings and the town’s history.

18. Donate to the park to make sure it will be around in another 150 years.

Cultural sites and enriching activities

19. Learn about “parkitecture” during a free walking tour of Old Faithful Inn. 20. See the 110-year-old Lake Fish Hatchery Historic District, which stocks the park’s lakes and rivers with trout and represents the struggle between the park’s early wildlife conservation efforts and commercial ventures.

21. Learn about early park management at the Albright Visitor Center at Mammoth Hot Springs.

22. See the Lamar Buffalo Ranch, where the park’s near-extinct bison were repopulated and released back into the wild.

23. See the works of the region’s top photographers at Open Range

Images in downtown Cody.

24. View an authentic Nez Perce Tipi at the Plains Indian Museum.

25. View photographer Charles Beldon’s stunning images capturing life on the historic Pitchfork Ranch at Meeteetse Museums.

26. Appreciate the brilliance of sustainable architecture at the Canyon Lodge & Cabins.

27. See The Scout and learn about sculptress Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney at the Whitney Western Art Museum.

28. See a Remington Rifle at the Cody Firearms Museum.

29. View amazing life-sized wildlife sculptures at Mountain Valley Artistry in downtown Cody.

Educational activities

30. Become a Junior Ranger (if you are a kid or kid at heart).

31. Learn about the lives and responsibilities of rangers at the

Museum of the National Park Ranger.

32. Learn about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem at the Draper Natural History Museum.

33. Discover the motivations and machinations of Buffalo Bill Cody as he founded and developed the town that bears his name during an hour-long Cody Trolley Tour.

34. Become a Yellowstone follower and stay informed at #Yellowstone150.

35. Download the Yellowstone National Park app for maps, information and tips for a visit to the park.

36. Watch a saddle-maker create a functional work of art at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

37. Learn about the Westward movement through scenes depicted in the Historic Cody Mural and Museum.

38. Visit Meeteetse Museums

and learn how a dog named Shep and his astute rancher/human discovered a black-footed ferret when the species was thought to be extinct.

39. Understand how to soften your footprint during a visit to Cody Yellowstone.

40. Learn about the last eruption of the Yellowstone volcano 631,000 years ago.

41. See historic bird specimens and learn about the birds of Yellowstone at the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center.

42. Learn about Thomas Molesworth’s contributions to Western design and functional art at By Western Hands.

43. Learn about agriculture in the region during a Powell Agricultural Tour.

44. Learn how fire is good for a forest at the Grant Visitor Center.

45. Learn about the park’s volcanic underbelly at the Canyon May, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -57-

Visitor Education Center.

46. Become a Yellowstone National Park Young Scientist.

47. Complete a Greater Yellowstone scavenger hunt at the Draper Natural History Museum.

48. See a giant model of the Upper Geyser Basin plumbing system at the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center.

49. Calculate an Old Faithful Geyser eruption.

50. Pick up an Adventure Passport and collect stamps along the Expedition Trail in the Draper Natural History Museum.

51. Learn a new hobby during an art class at By Western Hands Museum and Gallery.

Historic sites and history-focused adventures

52. Stroll through Buffalo Bill’s hunting lodge and see artifacts of his life at Pahaska Tepee.

53. Take a guided tour of the Kirwin ghost town.

54. See the historic Roosevelt Arch.

55. See where the Washburn Expedition came up with the idea of a national park at the Madison Information Station 56. Tour Buffalo Bill Dam and Visitor Center, completed in 1910 and once the tallest dam in the world.

57. Travel the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and trace the route of the Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce Indians as they fled from the US Army in 1877.

58. Learn how Buffalo Bill Cody became the most famous man in the world at the Buffalo Bill Museum in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

59. Learn about the history of Cody at the free Cody Heritage Museum.

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at the State of Wyoming Veterans Memorial Park.

61. Visit Meeteetse Museums and see the bank that Butch Cassidy refused to rob.

62. Hike to historic backcountry cabins located throughout the park.

63. See the gravesite of mountain man Jeremiah Johnston at Old Trail Town.

64. See the Army fort at Mammoth Hot Springs where soldiers were stationed before the establishment of the National Park Service.

65. Go antiquing in Meeteetse.

66. See Butch Cassidy’s Hole-inthe-Wall cabin at Old Trail Town.

67. Learn about the guns that won the West at the Cody Firearms Experience.

68. See a famous example of “parkitecture” at the Fishing Bridge Visitor Center and Trail Museum.

69. Tour Heart Mountain WWII Interpretive Center, a WWII Japanese-American Confinement Site.

70. Stroll through history while viewing hundreds of relic guns and other weapons at Cody Dug Up Gun Museum.

71. Take a tour of the historic Double Dee Ranch.

72. See the cabins and artifacts of Wyoming homesteaders at the Homesteader Museum.

73. Learn about a famous Wild West love triangle at Old Trail Town.

74. See the hide coat worn by Buffalo Bill Cody, America’s original reality star, at the Buffalo Bill Museum.

75. Learn about the park at the Norris Geyser Basin Park, which was originally a “trailside museum,” with interpretive exhibits for early automobile visitors.

76. Fire an 1873 Winchester rifle

at Cody Firearms Experience.

Wildlife-watching fun 77. Become familiar with wildlife watching guidelines before any wildlife excursion.

78. Take a guided early-morning wildlife-watching tour in Lamar Valley 79. See young bear cubs, elk calves and wolf pups during a springtime visit.

80. Watch cutthroat trout swim upstream through LeHardy Rapids.

81. Look for moose and other wildlife in Hayden Valley.

82. Look for elk in Wapiti Valley, named after the Native America word for elk.

83. Look for mountain goats on the peaks near the park’s Northeast Gate.

84. Watch the antics of river otters along the Gibbon or Lamar River.

85. Set up your spotting scope and watch for osprey, eagles and other raptors.

86. Experience an Evening Wildlife Encounter.

87. See the elk rut in the fall at Mammoth Hot Springs.

88. See the famous McCullough Peaks Wild Horse Herd, home to wild mustangs descended from horses in Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show.

Outdoor recreation

89. Raft the Shoshone River.

90. Be among the first to park and camp at the newly renovated Fishing Bridge RV Park, reopening in spring 2022.

91. Cast for cutthroat trout in a river or stream.

92. Be a self-contained traveler and camp in backcountry or at a campground in the Shoshone National Forest or Yellowstone

National Park.

93. Cross country ski 19.2 kilometers of groomed trails of the North Fork Nordic Trails system.

94. Take a guided walk and wade fishing trip.

95. Test your Nordic ski skills on the thrilling Brown Creek Trail in the Wood River Valley Ski Touring Park.

96. Experience a day-long pack trip with stops for fishing and photography.

97. Fly above the tree line at the Sleeping Giant Zipline.

98. Have an ATV adventure in the Shoshone National Forest.

99. Enjoy water adventures at the Buffalo Bill State Park.

100. Take a guided pack trip and experience backcountry fishing and camping.

101. Camp at one of the 12 campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park.

102. Go skiing at Sleeping Giant Ski Area.

103. Take a guided float fishing trip.

104. Go snowmobiling into Yellowstone National Park.

105. Cycle the trails around the town of Cody.

106. Bike the Outlaw Trails in the Shoshone National Forest.

107. Take a scenic boat tour in the Bighorn National Recreation Area.

108. Soar above the town of Cody in a powered hang glider.

109. Backpack to the Thorofare, the most remote location in the Lower 48 states.

110. Rent a paddle board and paddle the Buffalo Bill Reservoir.

111. Skateboard in Cody’ Mentock Park.

112. Book outdoor adventures with your personal recreation concierge through Sunlight Sports Outdoor Concierge.

113. Challenge yourself with a hike to Avalanche Peak and be

rewarded with a summit view from more than 10,000 feet above sea level.

114. Take a backcountry horseback ride in the Shoshone National Forest.

115. Rent a kayak and paddle Yellowstone Lake.

116. Go golfing at the Olive Glen Golf and Country Club.

117. Cross country ski to Lonestar Geyser.

118. Go snowmobiling in the Beartooth Mountains and Sunlight Basin.

119. Be enchanted by a hike to Fairy Falls.

120. Climb a frozen waterfall along the Southfork of the Shoshone River with an experienced ice-climbing guide.

121. Explore the rugged Shoshone National Forest by Jeep.

122. Burn some serious calories cross country skiing on the Roller Coaster Trail near the Canyon Rim Visitor Center 123. Cross country ski to Lonestar Geyser and watch a backcountry geyser erupt (if your timing is right) 124. Pack for a serious day in the backcountry and hike the Howard Eaton Trail 125. Pedal the extensive trail system in Beck Lake State Park.

126. Hike the Grand Prismatic Overlook Trail for spectacular views of Grand Prismatic Spring and the Midway Geyster Basin.

127. Walk the Upper Geyser Basin boardwalk.

128. Photograph the starry night skies.

129. Hike the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces.

Relaxing, fun and funky

130. Settle in at an RV park and experience a campfire and Cody Yellowstone’s starry dark skies.

131. Share your fantastic vacation photos on the Cody Yellow-

stone Instagram page.

132. Rent a street-legal UTV and explore Greater Yellowstone in style.

133. Attend the Cody Stampede Rodeo for an unforgettable July 4 getaway.

134. Send a friend an audio postcard with the sounds of howling wolves.

135. View the live webcams around Yellowstone National Park as you plan your classic national park vacation.

136. Attend the Buffalo Bill Art Show & Sale and add a piece of Western fine art to your home.

137. Learn the proper way to throw an axe at the Cody Firearms Experience.

138. Savor a handmade truffle at the Meeteetse Chocolatier.

139. Sip a drink at the famous Irma Hotel bar.

140. Shop for treasures made by local artisans.

141. Find the mistakes in the 1937 map in the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Map Room.

142. Wander the artists galleries along Cody’s Sheridan Avenue.

143. Have a local brew in a downtown Cody brewery.

144. Enjoy an ice cream cone on the deck of Roosevelt Lodge.

145. Putt-putt with the kids at Cody Miniature Golf.

146. Find “Snoopy the Dog” or “Laughing Pig Rock,” strange rock formations that can be viewed on the road to Yellowstone.

147. Listen to music at a free concert in the park.

148. Meditate in a Japanese-Inspired Victory Garden at Heart Mountain WWII Interpretive Center.

149. Savor an old-fashioned picnic in a park picnic area.

150. Go sport shooting at the Cody Shooting Complex.

May, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -59-

Inn at Diamond Cove Places to Go

Tucked away on Great Diamond Island in Casco Bay, The Inn at Diamond Cove opens for the season on May 27, 2022, offering a Maine Island Getaway rich with history and surrounded by natural beauty.

Just a 30- minute ferry ride from Portland’s Old Port district, the Inn is the centerpiece of Diamond Cove, a small private community that was once the site of Fort McKinley. Formerly army barracks, the Inn has been restored with meticulous attention to historic detail preserving its original character. Great Diamond Island is not accessible from the mainland by car and primary modes of transportation are golf carts and bicycles. Visitors arrive by ferry, water taxi, or private boat and have access to a full-service marina.

The Inn at Diamond Cove offers luxury island condominiums including spacious suites with kitchens, a heated swimming pool with hot tub and cabana bar, and recreational amenities including tennis courts, an indoor basket-60- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

ball court, and game room with duckpin bowling, pool table, and arcade games. Guests will also enjoy secluded beaches, miles of hiking trails, kayaking, paddle boarding and other activities perfect for families and couples looking for a summer escape off the beaten path.

Offering rooted coastal cuisine highlighted by spectacular waterfront views, Diamond’s Edge Restaurant is a popular choice for visitors and Portland residents alike for lunch, dinner, and cocktails.

Travelers who want to enjoy great savings, avoid the crowds and get away to a destination rich in history and natural beauty should look no further!

Book by April 15 and get a Third Night Free! For guests making their summer plans, Inn at Diamond Cove is offering a book early incentive: stay 2 nights and get the 3rd night free. Rates starting at $398. Offer based on availability and must be booked by April 15, 2022. Check-ins are available Friday through Tuesday night.

Stay must be three consecutive nights and cannot be combined with other discounts, packages, or offers. Not available for groups of five or more guestrooms. Blackout dates apply.

As a nod to the Inn’s past and to honor the present, Inn at Diamond Cove is offering 15% off for all active and retired military personnel. Package available May 27 - October 9, 2022. 15% off retail pricing. Offer based on availability. This offer applies to all military branches: Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard.

Guest must present credentials upon check in.

Guests will be picked up at the marina in golf carts upon arrival.

Minimum three-night-stay. Long term stays are welcome. For more information or to make reservations, call 207.805.9836 or visit innatdiamondcove.com.

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Blackstone Gateway Park

WORCESTER - Blackstone Gateway Park is located approximately three miles south of the Worcester Downtown Business District on the edge of the Quinsigamond Village neighborhood.

This new riverfront park stands out as a unique urban park in the City providing recreational amenities while maintaining the feel of a forested park surrounded by flowing water and stands of large canopy trees. Be sure to visit during the Fall as well to take in the picturesque foliage!

The park features 3,000 linear feet (about a half-mile) of accessible walking paths, elevated boardwalks and three bridges crossing a section of the Middle River that runs into the headwaters of the Blackstone River, adjacent to McKeon Road. The park also features a brand new visitor center!

Included along the trails and boardwalks are observational platforms, kiosks and interpretive signage providing historical and ecological information about the Blackstone River and the role it played in the history of Worcester and the Blackstone Valley Corridor.

Immerse yourself in nature as you walk the Blackstone Gateway Park boardwalk and trails. Included along the trails and boardwalks are observational platforms, kiosks and interpretive signage providing historical and ecological information about the Blackstone River and the role it played in the history of Worcester and the Blackstone Valley Corridor.

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May, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -61-

Maryland State Parks T Did you know the state of Maryland has 5 state parks? Each one is different, and in total, they cover 97,000 acres. Many of the state parks in the Old Line State are great for all family members. Check out this list of my favorite state parks to visit in Maryland, and you might just find your family’s new favorite place to explore.

1. Tuckahoe State Park

If you love flower gardens, this park is for you. Tuckahoe State Park is home to the five-hundred-acre Adkins Arboretum, a garden and a preserve showcasing more than six hundred native plant species.

Tuckahoe State Park has a 63-acre lake, cabins, and campgrounds.

Fishing, boating, biking, hiking, and horseback riding are popular in this public recreation area along Tuckahoe Creek, located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

2. St. Clement’s Island State Park

If you want to get away from it all, the St. Clement’s Island State Park is a perfect choice. A tiny island in the Potomac River, the state park is only accessible by boat from Coltons Point.

Boat tours to St. Clement’s Island State Park are provided daily, weather permitting, from April through October.

St. Clement’s is the birthplace of the state of Maryland. Check out the huge cross commemorating the settlers who first arrived in Maryland. The 62-acre park has hiking trails and a picnic pavilion. Fishing and hunting are permitted.

Be aware that portajohns are the only restroom facilities on the island, and there are no accessible amenities.

3. Assateague State Park

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Park is the one to visit. Located on Assateague Island, It is Maryland’s only oceanfront state park. The island is shared with Virginia, which owns the lower third.

Another draw for Assateague State Park is the beautiful wild horses that roam the beach. Legend has it the horses descended from survivors of a shipwrecked Spanish galleon off the mid-Atlantic coast.

No fences separate the horses from the public, and they sometimes wander onto beach towels and parking areas. Please don’t attempt to feed or pet the beautiful horses; they are wild and kick and bite.

You can also be fined for being too close to them or bothering them.

Don’t leave food out. The horses often forage through things to find food. So just enjoy their stately beauty.

You can enjoy two miles of gorgeous beach great for swimming, fishing, and surfing on one side of the island and the bay on the other. The bayside is excellent for kayaking and canoeing.

By Robin O’Neal Smith Freelance Travel Writer https://instagram.com/atouchofluxurytravel

The Whole Family Will Enjoy more than 70 enslaved people escape through her selfless and dangerous efforts. Sitting on the trailhead for the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway spanning 125 miles, the 17-acre State Park welcomes you. This year marks the 200th anniversary of her birth, and 2022 is dubbed the “Year of Harriet Tubman.”

4. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park History lovers will enjoy a visit to this state park honoring the life of Harriet Tubman. Known as “Moses of Her People,” she spent her life seeking freedom for herself and other enslaved people.

Experience her world of leading enslaved people to freedom on the Underground Railroad at The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park via exhibits and a self-guided tour in the visitor’s center. It covers her early years as a slave to becoming a leader and liberator. She helped

5.

Seneca Creek State Park

6.

Washington Monument State Park

Do we have any disc golf fans? Seneca Creek State Park is home to a twenty-seven-hole disc golf course.

Located in Gaithersburg, Seneca Creek State Park is a day-use park with boat rentals for use on the beautiful 90-acre Clopper Lake. They do not permit swimming or wading in this lake.

Horseback riding, hiking, and bicycling are available on 50+ miles of trails.

No, we are not in Washington DC. Maryland has their own Washington Monument in Middletown on South Mountain.

This peculiar-looking monument was built in 1827 to honor President George Washington. This Washington Monument is built of rough stone, and when you climb to the top, it provides a spectacular panoramic view of the rural farmlands, rolling hills, and gorgeous mountains.

This historic park is home to the South Mountain State Battlefield. It is where the first major Civil War battle in Maryland was fought.

Washington Monument State Park is a day-use park and has a museum, picnic pavilion, and comfort station.

7.

Calvert Cliffs State Park Let’s go back in time. Calvert Cliffs State Park has impressive twenty million-year-old cliffs and fossils from prehistoric species.

Twenty-four miles of cliffs extending from the Chesapeake Beach to Drum Point on the eastern side of the Calvert Peninsula near Lusby, Maryland, are showcased in the park.

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Experts feel the cliffs were formed when most of the state was covered by shallow water.

When the sea receded, the cliffs were visible.

Other amenities include a sandy beach, hiking trails, fishing, and marshlands. They also have a recycled tire playground for the kids.

Be aware, the park charges a cash-only entry fee.

8.

Rocky Gap State Park

Is lady luck on your side? You can try your luck at the slots or other games when visiting Rocky Gap State Park. The 3,000-acre public recreation area near Cumberland in Allegany County is also home to the privately-owned Rocky Gap Casino located in the park.

There is lots of noise and action inside the casino. Take a few steps, and you are outside on the beautiful deck and patio overlooking the serene Lake Habeeb. You can look across the 243-acre lake and see the visitor center and one of the three beach areas.

Rocky Gap State Park offers a plethora of recreational activities, including camping, boating, fishing, swimming, mountain biking, picnicking, hiking, and more.

Gaming, several restaurants, hotel accommodations, boat rentals, an indoor/outdoor pool, and a spa are part of the casino. They also have live entertainment on select evenings.

9.

ing, hunting, and picnicking can are available at Gunpowder Falls State Park. Cross-country skiing, horseback riding, hiking, and biking can be enjoyed on over 120 miles of trails.

Gunpowder Falls State Park

Maryland’s largest state park, Gunpowder Falls State Park, has 18,000 acres and, you guessed it, some magnificent waterfalls.

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Big and Little Gunpowder Falls are “can’t miss” things to see when you visit.

Strangely enough, Gunpowder Falls State Park is closed on weekends and holidays. So visit this park during the week.

Maryland has a State Park for everyone from the Chesapeake Bay to the ocean to the Underground Railroad. Which park will you choose for your next family adventure?

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People to See:

National Park Service app features Freedom Fighter Harriet Tubman CAPE MAY – Harriet Tubman’s story takes form in a new trip-planning tool through the National Park Service (NPS) app. “Travel with Tubman: Let Harriet Tubman Guide You on the Journey of a Lifetime” highlights 13 sites that most affected Tubman throughout her life, representative of her 13 rescue missions to Maryland.

One of these 13 “sites” is Cape May MAC’s Underground Railroad Trolley Tour, the first stop of which is at South Cape May Meadows Beach.

At the stop, tour-goers hear the story of six freedom seekers in 1860 who braved the Delaware Bay to cross to freedom by boat into New Jersey, guided by the light of the Cape May Lighthouse.

The Cape May MAC/Center for Community Arts (CCA) Underground Railroad Trolley Tour is a Network to Freedom member, a minimum qualification for inclusion in the new app. Over 1,000 individuals have taken the tour since it launched in 2017.

Travel with Tubman launched April 18. It was developed as part of the year-long celebration of the bicentennial of Tubman’s birth. Together with community stewards and partners, the NPS National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program developed this tool to provide visitors with a guide for exploring Tubman’s life and legacy in national parks, National Heritage Areas, and historic sites across the eastern United States.

“It is a humbling experience to trace the footsteps of a hero like Harriet Tubman and reflect on everything she endured and accomplished during her lifetime. Thanks to the collaborative work of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom and its partners, Travel with Tubman can help visitors forge deeper connec-

tions through the power of place,” said NPS Director Chuck Sams. “This trip-planning tool highlights the story of Tubman and her iconic legacy in a new way, bringing to light some of the most significant sites associated with her life.”

Born on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Harriet Tubman developed deep connections to faith, community, and family during her childhood. After she escaped slavery, Tubman felt an obligation to return to her birthplace and assist her family to freedom. She referred to herself as a conductor on the Underground Railroad and utilized her connections with other Underground Railroad activists across the Northeast to lead groups of enslaved people to freedom in Canada. Tubman also traversed the Southeast United States while she served as a scout, spy, and nurse during the American Civil War. “After emancipating herself, Harriet Tubman continued to give back to her community in every way she knew how,” said NPS National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program Manager Diane Miller. “The National Park Service and our partners have a responsibility to come together and share her story with the world – and this tour is a great example of what we can accomplish by working together.”

Travel with Tubman is available online at https:// www.nps.gov/articles/000/travel-with-tubman. htm and best viewed through the free NPS app, downloadable in the iOS App Store and Google Play Store. Users can also download and print “The Conductor,” or create their own guide to lead them on a once in a lifetime road trip. Share your photos from Tubman-related sites and show us how you #TravelWithTubman.

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The United Nations: Ma

Mankind has long dreamt of an organized group that enforces what is beneficial and just, notwithstanding the will of the most powerful. In 15th-century literature that hope was fulfilled with tales of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

George Lucas’ 1977 Star Wars introduced a universe with Jedi who invoked the power of The Force to oppose those who would impose control of the population.

The United Nations is the modern incarnation of these mythical

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{

“Whatever its flaws, the United Nations is still the only institution that brings together all the countries of the world.”

Samantha Power

groups and the factual history of the international organization that currently holds the position as the world’s conscience is worthy of a visit when in New York City.

At the end of The Great War, WWI, the 1919 Treaty of Versailles brought the League of Nations into being. Ratified by 42 nations, the league was created to maintain peace, protect borders and improve post-war living conditions.

Originally successful, it was disbanded in 1946.

President Roosevelt and Prime

}

Minister Churchill declared the creation of the United Nations as a peacekeeping force at the end of WWII in 1945. Twenty-six countries ratified the organization with commitments from additional countries. Headquarters were established in New York with satellite offices in Geneva, Nairobi and Vienna with Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish as the official languages. The International Court of Justice is located at The Hague in the Netherlands. Five main divisions, the

ay the Force Be With You!

By Renée Gordon

General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council and the Secretariat are located in NY. The Security Council’s recommendation and the consent of 2/3 of the General Assembly are necessary for the admission of new countries.

The 17-acre complex was completed in 1951 near the East River.

Inside a perimeter fence the flags of the member nations and the UN Flag are featured, in alphabetical order. The compound is not considered part of the United States but is instead deemed “extraterritorial”.

Tours are offered weekdays between 9 AM and 4:45 PM. All tours are guided and last up to one-hour. Take special note of the blue, gold and green General Assembly Hall. The hall is 165-ft. in length by 115ft. wide. Six members of each delegation are seated facing an elevated podium. The hall also houses interpreters and photography booths and a board used to display the tabulation of votes on various issues. Over it all the United Nation seal, adopted in 1947, is suspended over the rostrum.

One of the most exciting aspects of interior and exterior tours is viewing the permanent United

Nations art collection. The artworks represent the beliefs, ideals and commitment of the organization as exemplified by a variety of artistic genres. Items in the collection are gifts from the member nations. Each nation is allowed to present one gift and they are responsible for its placement.

Highlights of the art collection include: Dag Hammarskjöld was United Nations Secretary-General from 1953-1961. In honor of his dedicat-

ed service a 15-ft. by 12-ft. stained glass window by Marc Chagall was donated in 1964. It symbolizes the ideals of love and peace that he promoted.

Chagall wanted his “window of peace” to be felt as well as seen.

In 1985, on the organization’s 40th anniversary, Nancy Reagan donated The Golden Rule on behalf of the United States. The mosaic, crafted by Venetian artists, replicates a Norman Rockwell painting.

A Security Council entrance wall is adorned with a large copy of Picasso’s Guernica, considered one of the greatest anti-war paintings in the world, Jacqueline de la Baume Dürrbach created the tapestry in 1955. The 11.5-ft. by 25.5-ft. tapestry is on loan from the Rockefeller family.

The United Nations Association of Japan gifted the organization with the Japanese Peace Bell in 1954. Please Turn to Next Page...

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United Nations...

Cont.

It was cast from coins from individuals in 60 countries and is encased in a cypress wood Shinto shrine. The bell is rung on the first day of spring and on September 21st, the opening day of the General Assembly.

On December 4, 1959 The Soviet Union presented a bronze sculpture, Let Us Beat Our Swords into Ploughshares, to the UN. It depicts a man with a hammer in one hand and a sword in the other to represent mankind’s longing for peace by turning weapons of war into peacetime implements.

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Knotted Gun Sculpture by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd. The gun, a .357 Magnum revolver, has a barrel with a knot in it. The official name of the sculpture is Non Violence and the artist created it after the death of his friend John Lennon. The country of Luxembourg gifted it to the United Nations in 1988.

Fifteen years ago the UN General Assembly voted to construct a permanent monument to commemorate the victims of the transatlantic slave trade and enslavement. The design was selected by competition and the chosen architect was Haitian American

Rodney Leon. The Ark of Return was funded by the member states. The monument was dedicated on March 25, 2015, the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. It too is in Visitors’ Plaza.

The sculptural diorama is comprised of three components.

Acknowledge the Tragedy is a three-dimensional map that features the slave trade international routes. Section two, Consider the Legacy, depicts a full-sized African lying prone before a wall inscribed with pictures of a Middle Passage slave ship interior.

The final section, Lest We Forget, contains a triangular pool where visitors are invited to reflect on the slave trade’s legacy, modern racism and prejudice.

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{

“No nation can make itself secure by seeking supremacy over all others. We all share responsibility for each other’s security, and only by working to make each other secure can we hope to achieve lasting security for ourselves.”

Kofi Annan

}

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Go, Do, See

Raystown Lake

By Kathy Barnett, Managing Editor

Raystown Lake has been called the “Crown Jewel of Pennsylvania.” The 8,300-acre, man-made, wilderness lake is deserving of that distinction. Here are a few reasons why: You will get a chance to explore the only two developed areas of Raystown’s 118 miles of shoreline, when starting with the Lake Raystown Resort - an RVC Outdoor Destination. The Resort offers a variety of accommodations from lodge rooms and suites to campsites to pine cabins and beachfront bungalows to make your overnight stay comfortable.

One of the best ways to get a feel for the property is to take a leisurely sunset dinner cruise aboard the Proud Mary Showboat taking in the peaceful scenery.

The next morning, treat the family to a gourmet breakfast overlooking the lake orderd from the Resort’s Marina Cafe.

Return for lunch and try their award-winning Galley Wings or one of their delicious daily specials.

After a hearty breakfast to start the day right, set your gps and travel about 20 minutes north to the actual Raystown Lake Visitor Center located in the Seven Points Recreation Area. Inside the center there is an interactive exhibition area, plus a beautiful view of the lake. Shop for gifts and souvenirs at the Raystown Reflections Gift Shop also located within -72- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

the center. The is a nice variety of handmade, local items offered.

Next, you can choose from a wide variety of outdoor activities. Try a game of disc golf at the Seven Points Disc Golf Course. The Seven Points Recreational Course starts and ends near the Visitor Center and is perfect for families and players of all skill levels! New for this summer will be an added 18 holes for the more experienced players.

Another option is to rent Mountain Bikes available from Rothrock Outfitters for use on Raystown Mountain Bike Skills Park and/or Allegrippis Trails.If you enjoy hiking, walk the 2-mile Greenside Pathway paved with recycled tires. When I visited, I chose to tour Raystown Lake by high-speed pontoon boat with Seven Points Marina. The weather agreed and the lake was quiet and peaceful. Kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards are available from Rothrock Outfitters.

Another visit to the Striped Bass Association hatchery was very educational. Shoreline fishing can be enjoyed but you will need a valid PA. fishing license https://huntfish.pa.gov/)

For More on Pennsylvania

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Go, Do, See

By Kathy Casstevens

How to Plan a Grea

Are you struggling with the work week woes after a long winter? Starved Rock Lodge knows the remedy; to treat yourself to an extended weekend getaway here with us! Just imagine, instead of spending your Sunday dreading another Monday at work, you’re starting your exciting stay at Starved Rock Lodge. Avoid the weekend crowds and carve time for yourself during the week to enjoy all that the only Lodge located in Starved Rock State Park has to offer!

Starved Rock Lodge, located in Oglesby, IL, at the “crossroads of the Midwest” is just a few minutes from the intersection of Interstate 80 and 39. Depending on your arrival time, Sunday Brunch is available in the Main Dining Room from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Reservations are highly recommended.

The Lodge was masterfully built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s. The Great Hall is the hub of this architectural masterpiece which features the largest two-sided fireplace in the Midwest, a restaurant, a bar with outdoor dining, a Café, pool, 69 hotel rooms and 21 cabin rooms.

Over two million visitors per year come to see Starved Rock State Park (a National Historic Landmark) but only a few of them know about the hidden gem at the top of the hill. Starved Rock Lodge has comfy rooms and cabins in the woods. There’s a Café just off the Lobby that has delicious house-made fudge, ice cream as well as breakfast, lunch, snacks, Illinois-made wine and more.

The Lodge Gift Shop has a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs from books, jewelry and beach cover-ups to Starved Rock hats, t-shirts and coffee mugs.

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exploration of Starved Rock. Docents and staff will help you find your way around the park. Park rules, events, activities, and downloadable maps are available on the lodge website.

The main reason visitors come to Starved Rock is to hike the 13 miles of scenic trails which meander through glacier-cut canyons. Seasonal waterfalls (depending on rainfall) can often be found at St. Louis, Wildcat and LaSalle Canyons. The trio of geological beauty is best seen at Council Overhang which is just a few steps away from Ottawa and Kaskaskia Canyons. This remarkable state park is home to a wide variety of wildlife from white-tailed deer to wild turkeys, bald eagles, squirrels and many more animals.

Mother Nature’s display of hundreds of wildflowers is a reason to buy a field guide before you arrive. Learning about the botanical names of Spring Beauties, Bluebells and Spiderwort can be a fun activity for nature enthusiasts of all ages. It takes about 40 minutes to hike the west trails from the Lodge past Aurora, Kickapoo and Sac Canyons on your way to St. Louis Canyon. For longer hikes, take the east trails to Wildcat Canyon (which features two scenic overlooks) or LaSalle Canyon. This is the often referred to as the most scenic canyon in the park (named after the French Explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle).

Waterfall & Canyon Tours run throughout April and May. This tour includes a ride on the Starved Rock Trolley and a hot lunch from our special menu.

Historic Trolley Tours run Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 3-4:30 pm from March through December. Tickets are $15 for adults. Guided hikes are the best way to see the park and learn about its rich history. These outdoor adventures depart from

at Extended Weekend! the Lodge each Saturday and Sunday at 10am. This hike includes a drawstring backpack with lunch.

Reservations are necessary, so please book online or call (815) 220-7386.

In the summer months, the Eagle 1 River Cruises are the most popular outdoor activity. After lunch in the Main Dining Room, guests take a ride on the Starved Rock Trolley through the park to the Lone Point Shelter landing. These leisurely boat rides travel along the Illinois River on the east side of the park where you’ll see Eagle Cliff and the Illinois Lock & Dam from the water.

Outdoor dining on the Veranda is highly recommended for lunch, when weather allows. The panoramic view from the bluff overlooking the Illinois River Valley is photo-worthy. Live music fills the air every Friday night from 8-11pm. Food service is available until 9pm (bar service runs until midnight). The adjacent, air-conditioned Back Door Lounge is a great place to cool off on a warm day or enjoy lunch, dinner, apps and hand-crafted cocktails while you catch up the latest in news and sports. Craft beers on tap are Starved Rock Signature Ale and locally-made Tangled Roots Brewery products among others.

Music lovers who would enjoy a walk down memory lane don’t want to miss the Tribute to the Stars Shows which are matinees offered on Mondays and Tuesdays in the Great Hall. Ticket price includes a hot lunch or dinner buffet. Talented vocalists perform hits made famous by Patsy Cline, Elvis, Tom Jones, Dean Martin and many country music favorites. Ticket prices start at $45 per person.

In addition to guaranteed, priority parking, Lodge guests can relax in the expansive indoor pool which includes a giant lap pool, shallow-depth children’s pool, two saunas and a hot tub.

And of course, a short work-week after an extended weekend getaway with us sweetens the deal even more! To learn more or make reservations for your extended weekend getaway, go to www. starvedrocklodge.com or call (815) 667-4211.

Kathy Casstevens

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Things to Do:

Morel Mushroom Festival At Bro Nicknamed the “Little Smokies” because of the area’s resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains, Brown County encompasses nearly 16,000 acres of rugged hills, ridges and fog-shrouded ravines.

Glaciers from the most recent ice ages stopped short of the “hills o’ Brown,” but their meltwaters helped create the narrow ridges, steep slopes and deep gullies of Brown County State Park. Indiana’s largest park is a traditional fall color hot spot, with nearly 20 miles of tree-lined roads and many scenic vistas overlooking miles of uninterrupted forestland.

The park’s rustic Abe Martin Lodge offers accommodations that include motel rooms, cabins, dining and conference facilities and an indoor water park. Large campgrounds, hiking and mountain biking trails, interpretive services, a saddle barn for guided horse rides and a separate horseman campground with 70 miles of horse trails are some of the things that make Brown County State Park popular year-round.

During the summer, pool hours may change because of weather and staffing. Please contact the property office for exact times before your visit.

The surrounding county and See the rare (and state-endannearby Indiana town of Nashville gered) Yellowwood tree on Trail are famous for their unique shop5. ping, dining, arts and crafts, hisVisit the nature center to see tory, entertainment, and outdoor the rare, state-endangered timber adventure opportunities. rattlesnake.

Jump in the Water Park pool, Top five things to do newly constructed at Abe Martin Climb the 90’ Fire Tower for a Lodge. breath-taking view of the hills o’ Watch a sunrise or sunset from Brown.

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a vista.

Date: Saturday, May 7 Location: Brown County State Park Come out to the park for an exciting day celebrating the beloved morels, with a morel mushroom sale and naturalist talks and programs focused on those amazing

own County State Park

fungi!

9am- 3pm- Forest Floor JewelryArtist in Residence, Amy Greely will explore the often overlooked understory of the forest floor.

Lichen, fungus, ferns, and wildflowers will be observed on the trails and will serve as inspiration for a series of wearable art pieces

to be created, The creation process will be shared with the public via hands-on demonstrations. Stop by the Friends Shelter at the Nature Center anytime between 9am and 3pm! Presented as part of the Arts in the Parks Program.

10am- Forest Floor Hike- As part of our Artist in Residence forest floor jewelry and art program,

join us for this leisure 1 hour hike exploring the forest floor and the amazing plants, animals, fungi, and wildflowers that live in this magical world we so often take for granted.

11:30am- Mushroom Roundup!- This program will be done scavenger hunt style along the Discovery Trail and will give young visitors the chance to find faux Morels. Prizes will be awarded to attendees, meets at Nature Center!

1pm- Morel Mushroom SaleCome on over to the Nature Center for our annual mushroom sale and get your hands on some of those tasty treats. All proceed go to the Friends of Brown County State Park .

2pm- Wild Edibles Hike- Join mushroom and plant guru David Mow as he takes you on an exciting hike all about the wild edibles that can be found right here in or woods. Starting point for this hike is TBA. 6pm-8pm- You Gotta Eat!- Stop by the Country Store in the Family Campground anytime between 6pm and 8pm for a fun and interactive program. Learn how to tie fishing knots, cast a fishing pole, start a campfire, Cook Morels, and make a S’more! This program is presented as part of the Let’s Camp America campaign.

For more information on Indiana

>CLICK HERE May, 2022 ~ ExtendedWeekendGetaways | -79-

Places to Go:

Honey Creek State Park and Resort WATER FUN? AGAIN, YES.

If you are ready to get away for the weekend, Honey Creek Resort is open for the summer season and ready to welcome you to enjoy the most fun destination in Iowa.

Located along the shores of Rathbun Lake in the south-central part of the state, you can rent a pontoon boat, kayak, or stand up paddle board for a scenic cruise (after Memorial Day). Fishing, biking and beach volleyball are also among the favorite activities.

Guests of The Lodge, The Cottages, and RV Park receive several complimentary amenities when choosing accommodations at the resort. There are wristbands for all-day play at the indoor Buccaneer Bay water park each day you stay and access to the outdoor Rathbun Lake Aquapark during the summer season. Try out the 2-store slide for adventure or float -80- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

through the lazy river for relaxation.

There is an activities building with interactive exhibits and naturalist programs that offer guided hikes or themed crafts and games.

And, of course, the most popular of all, there is FREE golf.

Not just one or two, but as many games as you like and have time for. All you have to do is schedule your tee time for the 18-hole championship golf course and a golf cart will be waiting for you.

There is aso a Pro Shop on site.

Lodging is currently available for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night stays through May 18, 2022, going back to full operation seven nights a week beginning May 19, 2022. Please call the Pro Shop at 641-724-1400 to check availability and the best time to visit for multiple games.

You are bound to get hungry,

and Honey Creek Resort has you covered there as well. The Rathbun Lakeshore Grill Restaurant on site has planned a Mother’s Day Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 8. Breakfast and lunch items will be served along with salads, a carving station and desserts. Separate breakfast, kids,’ and lunch and dinner menus are offered throughout the season.

For reservations and more information, visit https://www.honeycreekresort.com/

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Places to Go

Little Jerusalem Badlands

Things can get rocky in northwest Kansas, where the chalky pillars and craggy canyons of Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, Arikaree Breaks and Monument Rocks interrupt the panoramas of plains. These badlands are Kansas’ most dramatic Niobrara chalk formation.

Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park is found along the Western Vistas Historic Byway.

The rugged landscape is just one of the perks of the culturally and visually fascinating route. You can also find traces of ‘wild west’ history, a plethora of fossils and important cultural sites.

Set out from the college town of Hays and its bustling downtown. Just off Interstate-70,

Hays forms the perfect eastern gateway to the region’s untamed vistas.

On your trek across the Great Plains, count on a quiet night’s rest in a restored bank, remote bunkhouse or RV park. Near Wakeeney, a remote 12 miles from town, pull down the two-track lane to the rustic, tin-roofed bunkhouse nestled in the trees. Walk through pastures on this third-generation farm to shale bluffs for fossil and wildflower exploring. At Goodland KOA Journey, Just north of I-70, hook up your RV, stake a tent or rent a basic cabin at this KOA campground. Guests can romp at the swimming pool and kids’ playground while four-legged friends enjoy the campground and nearby dog park.

However, the theme fits this getaway best in Oberlin at the Landmark

Inn. Seven suites in this graciously restored 1886 bank stay true to Victorian roots with 14-foot-tall ceilings and walnut furniture. Two suites also feature fireplaces. Wake to complimentary hot breakfast in the Teller Room Restaurant.

For more information, visit https:// www.travelks.com/

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Go Do See: Places to Go:

Biggest Adventure Park MUSKEGON - When looking for fun things to do, look no further than Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park and WildWater Adventure Waterpark. Only here will you find over 60 rides, slides and attractions.

Your family adventure begins at Camp Snoopy, featuring kids attractions for thrill-seeking guests. Fly high in the air in your very own hot air balloon when you visit Camp Snoopy!

Continue your journey at WildWater Adventure, home to Funnel of Fear, three wave pools, slides of all kinds, and Half Pint Paradise. Then there are seven roller coasters to experience.

From the time you arrive, you’ll see that Michigan’s Adventure is the perfect place for your family fun weekend adven-82- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

ture getaway! Are you ready?

The state’s largest amusement park features the wooden roller-coaster Shivering Timbers and a spectacular water park, WildWater Adventure. There is the Funnel of Fear, three wave pools, body slides, speed slides and more that will thrill you with big splashes and exciting water adventures. Don’t forget about Half Pint Paradise and Beach Party for those smallest family members.

WildWater Adventure is the best Michigan waterpark to visit this summer for family fun.

There truly is something for everyone at Michigan’s Adventure.

When hunger or thirst attacks, there are several dining establishments throughout the park.

All the favorites such as hot

dogs, pizza, turkey legs, and icecream are available as well as a sit-down, full buffet all-you-caneat meal at Boardwalk Buffet.

The thrills at Michigan’s Adventure don’t end with the rides and food! When looking for things to do in Muskegon, check out the special events on this season’s schedule. More will be added as they are confirmed.

The park opens this season on May 27. The Wildwater Adventure opens June 11.

For tickets and more information, visit https://www.miadventure.com/ See you this summer for a splashing good time!

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Voyageurs National Park Voyageurs National Park is uniquely water-based among national parks, its interior accessible only by water. 240 sites designated for houseboats, tent camping or day use dot the shores of four large, island-studded lakes, and dozens of smaller lakes, along the Canadian border. There are roughly 500 islands and 655 miles of shoreline to explore within the park’s more than 200,000 acres.

The park is named after the French Canadian voyageurs— French for “travelers”—who paddled these waterways in large birch bark and cedar canoes in the 17th and early 18th centuries, trapping and transporting pelts of beaver, otter, mink and more.

Today, visitors enter by motorboat, canoe, kayak and sailboat for day trips or camping within the park. But Voyageurs is perhaps best known as Minnesota’s premier destination for houseboat vacations. Imagine a luxurious floating vacation home

moored on your own private bay or island, with a hot tub and a waterslide for the kids, and a motorboat attached for fishing or exploring the park’s extraordinary sights. Houseboats can be rented from businesses just

outside the park.

Tent camping sites are accessible right on the shores of the larger lakes, but there are also hike-in sites on smaller lakes within the vast interior of the Kabetogama Peninsula. The hike-in sites are accessible by way of the park’s trails, the trailheads of which can be reached by boat. Some of the 15 hiking trails are accessible by car on the southern border of the park, but no campsites can be reached without a boat.

For shorter trips, the Kabetogama, Ash River and Rainy Lake visitor centers provide guided boat tours, hikes and canoe excursions into the park. Some boat tours take visitors to the historic Kettle Falls Hotel, which was built in 1913 near a dam between Namakan and Rainy lakes and offers lodging and dining.

Recent projects at Voyageurs include improvements to the Cruiser Lake Trail, which spans the Kabetogama Peninsula, and a new recreational trail by the Rainy Lake Visitor Center.

For more on Minnesota

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Things to Do:

At Six State Par

Just one-hour south of St. Louis at the edge of the beautiful Ozark mountains you will discover Farmington. Surrounded by nine of Missouri’s most scenic state parks, challenging golf courses, an extreme off-road recreation area, hiking trails, and fifteen award winning vineyards and wineries, Farmington is the perfect destination!

The Parkland offers some of the best spots for camping, fishing and hiking in the state. You can enjoy an ATV ride at St Joe State Park and get in a round of disc golf at one of our two nationally recognized disc golf courses. If you prefer some relaxation try the Parkland’s abundance of wineries or fine dining establishments.

Most offer musical entertainment on weekends between April and October. While you’re here don’t forget to check out Farmington’s boutiques and unique shops.

Farmington is the ideal destination to plan your next day trip whether it be with a significant other, family member or group of friends. Don’t miss all that greatness that Farmington can offer!

The following state parks surround the city and offer great locations for camping, fishing, iking, picnicking, and more.

for the number of exposed rock types. Hikers frequent the Whispering Pine Wild Area for its quiet trails with expansive views. Bird watchers flock to the park for its variety of birds. And there are plenty of quiet spaces for people to get away and enjoy the outdoors.

Hawn State Park is one of

St. Joe State Park has two nicely shaded campgrounds. The campground you use is dependent on what type of recreational equipment you have. Before making a reservation, look at the chart below to determine which campground is right for your

the loveliest parks in a system full of lovely parks. Clear, sand-bottomed streams, wild areas ripe with orchids and awe-inspiring views combine to make Hawn a place that Missourians treasure.

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St. Francois State Park

offers basic and electric campsites and a special-use camping area.

For a little extra space, try one of the park’s family campsites. There is a backpack camp for hikers on the Pike Run Trail.

The forested ridges and cool hollows of St. Francois State Park offer visitors a retreat from everyday life. Three hiking trails, including one that allows equestrian access, wind through the forested hills and glades of the Coonville Creek Wild Area. Easy access to the Big River makes St. Francois State Park ideal for canoeing and floating and the many shaded picnicsites and two covered shelters make the park perfect for family gatherings. Overnight guests can choose from more than 100 campsites, in campgrounds with modern restrooms, hot showers, and laundry facilities.

needs. For a little extra space, try a family campsite. You can access any of the park’s four lakes via a gravel boat ramp. The boat ramps are open year-round. Man-powered boats and boats with electric trolling motors are allowed on the lakes. Cool off on hot summer days at one of the park’s two excellent swimming beaches.

At Elephant Rocks State Park, Imagine giant granite rocks

rks Near Farmington

Francois Mountains, one of the most rugged and scenic areas of the state. Almost 1.5 billion years ago, volcanic eruptions of hot ash settled and cooled to form rhyolite. Erosion has left only the roots of these mountains behind, now dotted by oak-hickory forest and rocky glades. Taum Sauk Mountain literally stands above others as the highest point in Missouri, rising to 1,772 feet. An easy walk leads visitors to the top. From there, the moderately rugged three-mile Mina Sauk Falls Trail continues to the tallest wet-weather waterfall in Missouri.

standing end-to-end like a train of circus elephants. That’s what you’ll find. Hot magma cooled forming coarsely crystalline red granite, which later weathered into huge, rounded boulders.

Standing atop a granite outcrop, one of the largest elephant rocks, Dumbo, tops the scales at a whopping 680 tons! A second spur brings visitors to a point overlooking an old quarry site. This red granite, first commercially quarried in the late 1800s, has been

used as building material and as paving blocks for the St. Louis levee and downtown streets.

Today, “Missouri Red” granite is cut and polished mainly for use as monuments. Thirty picnic sites allow visitors to rest and have a cool drink among the stone pachyderms. Come see for yourself why Elephant Rocks State Park is a place you’ll never forget!

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is located in the St.

Petroglyphs, quaint hiking shelters and incredible Ozark overlooks define the Washington State Park experience. Easy access to the Big River makes the park great for swimming or fishing and the park’s three hiking trails address every type of hike, from easy strolls to power hikes.

Buildings constructed by African-American Civilian Conservation Corps stonemasons complement the park and add to its sense of history. You can rent canoes, rafts, kayaks and tubes. Cool off in the park’s swimming pool!

Big River offers you opportunities to catch a wide variety of fish, from catfish and crappie to large and smallmouth bass. Two playgrounds and an amphitheater are located in the campground area. and several picnic shelters.

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Places to go:

The Ball Park

OMAHA - The NCAA Men’s College World Series is scheduled to take place June 16-27 at the Charles Schwab Field.

Opening Celebration Day will take place all day June 16.

Two Men’s College World Series games are then continued daily at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. from Friday, June 17 through Sunday/Monday, June 26/27 .

The granddaddy of them all is the NCAA Men’s College World Series. In Omaha since 1950, the MCWS is one of the longest-running sporting traditions in the country. This 10day event every June features fan festivals, street vendors, live music, lots of food and the best college baseball in the country.

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Secure the best seats in Charles Schwab Field Omaha and enjoy the full MCWS experience with the NCAA’s official ticket and hospitality packages. Fan Experience packages include benefits like private ballpark entry and in-venue hospitality including tailgate fare within an air-conditioned lounge. Packages can include a three-night stay downtown.

Single-game reserved seats prices will range from $10 to $65 (+ fees) depending on the game and seat location. Mobile ticket reservations are $45-65, depending on location of seat-

ing and which games you choose tottend.

Visit https://cwsomaha.com/ for more informaiton. The Advance Sale will take place on NCAA. com/MCWSTickets through Ticketmaster. According to the website, season tickets have already sold out.

Mark your calendars and start planning with family and friends to join us for the next Division I Baseball Championship. Sign up today to start receiving special ticket notifications and event information.

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Go, Do, See...

Hocking hills state Park

By Kathy Barnett Managing Editor

Located in southeastern Ohio, the Hocking Hills State Park has received national and international acclaim as being one of the top parks to visit any time of year. Open and with breathtaking scenery in every season, the park features towering cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and deep, gorges for hikers and nature lovers to enjoy. Every time you visit, you are sure to see something different with new photo opportunities everywhere. Visitors can look forward to views of wildflowers springing up from the forest floor, peeking at new wildlife, and listening to the birds overhead.

If you aren’t really into hiking and still want to witness the scenic beauty, a horseback ride is an alternative solution Being so wideknown for the popular hiking trails and scenery, many have also found the area to be a stress-reducing and simple relaxing destination as well. The new trend is a “Spa Weekend,” according to Karen Raymore, Hocking Hills executive director.

“There are actually spas you can go to (like Sauna Pods) and you feel like you are still outdoors,” she said. “The enclosed spa spaces have floorto-ceiling windows that look out over the forests of Hocking Hills. You can view the scenery through huge windows. It’s breathtaking,” Raymore added.

Another one to be sure and take time to experience is The Hocking Hills Serenity Salt Cave in Logan.

It is Logan’s only salt cave. The floor of the space is

Photos by Norman Reed

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covered with Himalayan salt, and the walls are lined with salt boulders. Visitors are invited to spend 45 minutes in the relaxing space, and breath in the healing salt air. According to a press release from Explore Hocking Hills, “The salt’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help heal a variety of respiratory, skin and emotional conditions. It is particularly useful for those who suffer from allergies, asthma, snoring, chronic sinus and bronchitis, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, eczema, psoriasis, acne, stress, anxiety, fatigue and other ailments.”

Another unique and relaxing activity is offered through High Rock Adventures. It’s Nature Therapy experience takes visitors on a three-hour tour of the forest that is designed to help you feel more connected with nature. Based on the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing, the experience is said to help manage anxiety, depression and burnout; quiet the mind; and lower blood pressure.

Natural Remedies Massage in Lancaster offers its signature couples massage and yoga. There is also a float tank therapy and an infared sauna available.

On Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. the naturalist on duty will present a special fishing program at rose lake. All gear will be provided.

From noon to 3 p.m. you can participate in a bird watching scavenger hunt.

Again, the options are endless at Hocking Hills State Park. So plan your next extended weekend getaway there today! See ya there.

For more information be sure to visit online at https://www.explorehockinghills.com/

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Places to Go:

Mohican State Park

Mohican State Park and Forest are home to our many recreational trails, including the only IMBA EPIC mountain biking trail in Ohio.

Whether hiking, biking, or by horseback, the Mohican trails are full of scenic views and yearround beauty. Nearby Malabar Farm is one of Ohio’s most unique and interesting State Parks.

Home of Pulitzer Prize winning author, screenwriter, and conservationist Louis Bromfield, Malabar Farm State Park is a true working farm.

We are proud to be home of the Mohican, a state scenic river, that runs along the Wally Road Scenic Byway. Known to be “Ohio’s Largest Recreational Complex”, the Wally is the heart of our famous camping and canoeing industry.

Visit downtown historic Loudonville and stop in the unique specialty shops or take a day trip to Amish Country where you can tour an Amish home and farm. Walk the shopped-lined main streets and be sure to stop and enjoy some baked goods! Visit our area museums or take in a movie or a play in Loudonville’s historic Ohio Theatre. Listen to live entertainment at one of our many local wineries.

Whether you choose to stay a week or a weekend, Mohican Country is home to many family-owned and award-winning accommodations. From rustic to royal, there are cabins, cottages, treehouses, a state park lodge and even a castle ready to welcome you.

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It doesn’t matter if you are exploring the outdoors at one of our State Parks, sipping our local wines or enjoying the day on the river, each day is another chance to find yourself in a really great place, making memories that last a lifetime!

Scheduled Events

June 4-Summer Beach Festival | Pleasant Hill Lake Park June 11-International Wine Festival at the Mill Fundraiser | Wolf Creek Grist Mill & Museum July 2-21 Annual Classic Car Show | Downtown Loudonville July 1-2-Antique Festival | Downtown Loudonville July 4th-Fireworks | Downtown Loudonville July 15-17- Christmas in July & Fireworks | Pleasant Hill Lake Park Plan to stay for the week or weekend. With more than 4,000 campsites, private cabins, a castle, state park lodge, historic bed and breakfasts, and more, there is a place that will welcome the overnight visitors to make it the home away from home. Take a stroll through downtown Loudonville for shopping and dining. There is plenty of room to discover the best of Mohican. Visit DiscoverMohican.com for more information.

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STEUBEN - For Outdoor Enthusiasts, Jefferson County offers bike paths, hiking trails, swimming, boating, fishing, camping, golfing, and tennis in some beautiful venues, including Austin Lake Park & Campground, located near Toronto, and Friendship Park, located near Smithfield.

Austin Lake RV Park and Campground meanders through the valley alongside Town Fork Creek. Our spacious level lots offer ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Many happy hours have been spent exploring the gentle flowing water of the creek.

Overnight sites are located apart from seasonal campsites.

Water sports and swimming are definitely a favorite activity in our 80-acre lake with a sandy beach.

A big attraction is Austin Lake’s famous Wibit inflatable Obstacle Course. All sites are pet friendly.

Swimming, Sandy Beach, Jumping Tower

Three Fishing Ponds (catch & release) Pollywog Pond Creek Exploring Hayrides Bingo Planned Activities Sand Piles Galore Playgrounds Galore Hiking Trails Walking / Biking throughout Basketball Sand Volleyball Picnic Grounds Regular Schedule Hayride: 7:00pm – Every Saturday night (weather permitting).

Stand beside road to be picked up.

Bingo: 7:00pm – Every Saturday night (unless there are other activities scheduled), Pavilion Pancake Breakfast: Bring table service & cups Many improvements have been

added recently, online reservations, pontoon boat rentals, bumper boats, inflatables in swimming area and a camp store to name a few.

William & Marsha Cable; Austin & Dawn Cable, children Gage, Leila; Ariana & Mike Novak and Courtney Cable welcomes you to Austin Lake and a great outdoor experience. They continue to offer the best in camping and family recreation in the Ohio Valley and were recognized by USA TODAY as being one of the “Top Urban Campgrounds in the United States in 2014”.

For camping reservations or more information, visit https://austinlakepark.com/

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Things to Do:

By Kathy Barnett Managing Editor Located on the Mogadore Reservoir, Countryside Campground is the #1 choice for fun and relaxation on an extended weekend camping excursion in Ohio.

It is closest campground to Akron with 95 sites offering water, sewer, and electricity. If you aren’t a regular camper or do not yet have your own tent or RV, onsite trailer rentals are available.

Sites are available and accomodate RVs, pull through campers, tent camping. and cabins on a weekly, monthly and seasonal sites basis.

Pets if on a leash are welcome.

This is a great option for first times to learn just how much fun camping can be before investing in your chosen tent, camper or RV If you want to camp and enjoy this park but don’t have an RV they have you covered. A full suite of rental RVs and cabins/cottages are available. But make your reserva-

tions now as spaces are filling fast.

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Time to Go Camping offering house of fun and relaxation. Other activities include fishing, hiking, putt-putt golf, a playground, and many extra planned activities on the calendar.

Start the day with a brisk walk on the Buckeye Trail of the Mogadore Reservoir and then relax by the pool or cool off in the refreshing waters. The campground has lake access to the reservoir.

Some of the best features (required for me to exist) include internet access, wifi, and cablehook up. This is something not every campgrounds offers.

Other amenities include a dog run, camp store, LP Gas, laundry, planned activities, swimming pool, fishing, boating, and games For those that prefer to camp out but want to sleep in, “Rustic Cabins” are the answer! The cozy one room cabins will sleep (4) people on two double beds. The

cabin rental comes with a picnic table, BBQ gas grill, fire ring, and outdoor sink. There is a table and chairs inside along with electric.

The cabins are conveniently located close to the camp restrooms and showers.

You and your family and friends can experience the joys of camping close to nature and have all the amenities of the park nearby.

The maximum number of pets allowed per site is two. No vicious breeds are allowed, however, so it is wiser to leave aggressive dogs at home. There is a pet policy that must be followed.

The park is open for reservations. Season dates are normally May 1 – Oct 23. Regular rates start at $35 per night for tents and $45 for RVs with discounts by the week or monthly rental.

Rustic cabin rental start at $55.

For more information or to make reservations, visit http://countrysidecampgrounds.com.

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Places to Go:

African Safari Wildlife Park

PORT CLINTON - African Safari Wildlife Park has just opened a brand new playground and picnic area for the 2022 season! The new playground is located in the Walk-Thru Safari between the Camel Ride Station and the Kangaroo/Wallaby Exhibit.

The Park continues its lifelong Mission of providing Guests with an interactive animal experience while promoting the appreciation of wildlife. We are excited to enhance this space that all Guests can enjoy together.

Currently the Park is in its Spring Operational Season and is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with the last car admitted at 4PM. The Park begins its regular Summer Season on May 27th, 2022. The start of Summer Season means all animals will be out on exhibit, Educational Animal Programs, Activities, and the Safari Cafe are open and running daily through September 5, 2022. Summer Hours are 9 AM to 7 PM with the last car admitted at 6 PM. African Safari Wildlife Park has been a family-owned Zoo and Safari Park, as well as a staple in their community for over 50 years. The Park is proud to offer visitors the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with hundreds of exotic animals while also promoting conservation and an appreciation of wildlife.

African Safari Wildlife Park has partnered with Wendy’s® in the Greater Toledo area, Ohio and Adrian and Tecumseh, MI for discounts on WILD summer fun!

At participating restaurants April 25th to June 4th, scan the QR Code to purchase discounted tickets to Afri-

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can Safari Wildlife Park! Discounted tickets are available for Weekdays (Monday - Friday) and Weekends (Saturdays - Sundays) and can be used for a one day admission, for any age, until December 4, 2022.

Be sure to check out African Safari’s special Facebook Giveaway on Thursday May 12 and June 2 for a chance to win a $20 Wendy’s gift card and a 6 Person VIP Pass to the Park!

The best time to visit African Safari is Memorial Day - Labor Day. This is when Park is fully operational Open Daily, Monday - Sunday, Rain or Shine, 10AM - 5PM with the last car admitted at 4PM until May 28. For schedule of hours visit www.AfricanSafariWildlifePark.com

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Things to Do:

T

A Summer Play Li for all. Special events are schedule throughout the year, including field trips for classrooms and youth groups. While there, be sure to experience the Ohio Whitetail Deer Hall of Fame. www.DeerassicClassic. com Finally, take a leisurely stroll with your family or an invigorating 12-mile bike ride enjoying the solitude and beauty along the Great Guernsey Trail. This paved, low-grade path offers an unforgettable natural setting as you disappear into the serene woods. Travel over three bridges; stop for an ice cream cone; or make it a great workout. www.guernseycountycdc.com For more information, contact the Cambridge/Guernsey County VCB office at 627 Wheeling Avenue, Suite 200 in downtown Cambridge, call 740-432-2022, email info@visitguernseycounty.com, or visit VisitGuernseyCounty.com.

“Your summer “play list” should include more than great music. It should include memorable adventures with family and friends.”

he landscape of Southeast Ohio, specifically Guernsey County, threads together an amazing tapestry of forested hills, open meadows, misty valleys and clear streams.

It is home to some of Ohio’s largest lakes and state parks, not to mention an international wildlife center and more.

You’re summer play list should begin with Salt Fork State Park, Ohio’s largest state park. It is only a 15-minute drive from downtown Cambridge. The park boasts 17,229-acres with 14 scenic hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate. It also has the largest inland beach in the state (there’s nearly 3,000 acres of water), a four-star golf course, a mini-golf course, 200+ campsites and the Salt Fork Lodge, which itself has 53 cabins and 148 rooms (and yes, it’s overlooking the lake at just the right point). http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/ saltfork Another perfect spot to explore is Seneca Lake. Thirteen miles southeast of Cambridge, Seneca Lake is Ohio’s third largest inland waterway, and it has all the lake activities you might expect: fishing for bluegills and bass, boating, waterskiing, swimming and camping. And for hikers, a portion of the Buckeye Trail runs through the park. Brand new this year at the marina is a new 500 foot seawall and a new deck that extends the pleasure of outdoor dining. https://senecapark. mwcd.org/ The area is also home to The -96- | ExtendedWeekendGetaways ~ May, 2022

Wilds, one of the largest and most innovative wildlife conservation centers in the world. Visitors may board a guided safari tour to see and learn about endangered species living in open-range habitats.

Horseback, fishing and zipline safaris are also available. www.

TheWilds.org If you’re seeking family fun and games, Rocky Fork Recreation has 850 acres of outdoor opportunities including paintball, guided horseback rides, canoeing, hiking trails, mini-golf, disc-golf, pizza-sub shop and more. It is open seven days a week and year-round. http://rockyforkranchresort.com.

Deerassic Park Education Center’s brand new Welcome Center is a one-of-a-kind facility that is sure to be a favorite for visitors of all ages. The center has packed as much Ohio native wildlife information as possible into this brand new, 5,400 square foot space. Every display has been designed and built to be hands-on, interactive, informative and fun

ist for Southeast Ohio

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Places to Go:

Dinosaur Park

RAPID CITY - Life-size dinosaurs scattered throughout a park that you can climb on and take photos with. Dinosaur Park is a must-visit roadside attraction in The Mount Rushmore State.

The park pays tribute to the five dinosaur fossils from the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous that were found along the ridge.

Dinosaur Park is located on a ridge of sandstone that encircles the Black Hills. Along this ridge dinosaurs of the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous have been found. Not far from the park dinosaur footprints have been found.

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views and look to the east you can see the South Dakota Badlands. Most rocks of the Badlands are too young to have dinosaurs preserved, but fossil mammals are superbly represented. To the west and north of the Black Hills, dinosaurs have been found in great abundance in the basins of Wyoming and on the Northern Great Plains.

As you stand atop of Dinosaur Park, take a moment to appreciate the spectacular 100-mile views.

To the east, the sharply eroded buttes, pinnacles and spires of Badlands National Park are visible. Look to the west and see the granite peaks and ponderosa pine-clad mountains that make

up the Black Hills National Forest.

The park is open 9-5 this month and 9-8 in June and July. Admission is free.

Rapid City shines as the epicenter of the Black Hills and Badlands’ legendary vacation activities. This bustling city is nestled among the ponderosa pine of the Black Hills National Forest and is surrounded by six outstanding national parks and monuments.

For more information, visit www. blackhillsbadlands.com/

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Peninsula State Park

FISH CREEK - Jutting into Lake Michigan, Peninsula State Park hugs Fish Creek Harbor. Rocky bluffs frame rolling sapphire waves. Not far from the coast, waves of laughter fill the Northern Sky Theater in Peninsula State Park where families are treated to Wisconsin-style musicals and plays. Most are written and composed by locals and often have a theme that celebrates the state’s heritage whether it be a humorous musical about the “Wisconsin Cheeseheads” or a romping comedy about the founding of the state. This summer, “Love Stings” takes the audience to a wedding on a Door County Wisconsin bee farm in the 1960’s. Music, laughter, and misunderstandings buzz with breezes off the lake. Another outdoor show, “Fishing for the Moon,” is a musical comedy set in rural Wisconsin after the Civil War. As these northwoods comedies unfold, the sun sets– the lights go out and stars dance overhead in the dark north Wisconsin sky.

Dinner and a Show

Adjacent to the Peninsula State Park is the perfect spot to gather foods for a Wisconsin-style picnic– Fish Creek Market, a classic general store that’s been in business for over 125 years. Stock up on Door County local meats, fish, cheeses, wines, beers, and

cherries. Local, fresh, and charming are the words to describe this grab-and-go location. Another way to get a taste of Door County is to attend one of several outdoor fish fries. Dessert? Try a cherry pie or custard near the bustling lakeside downtown.

Where to Stay

Peninsula State Park boasts a whopping five campgrounds that offer a little something different for everyone. While one has a sandy swimming beach, another provides opportunities for boating. The five campgrounds have a total of 468 family sites and three group campsites for tent camping. Along with the summer theater, take time to bike, kayak, or play a round of golf on an 18-hole golf course. Make time to visit Eagle Bluff Lighthouse for an aerial view of Green Bay.

About the Author: Sarah Miller is a freelance writer currently located in Toledo, OH and has had several national publications as well as her own site: http://sarahmiller2.contently.com/

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