road trip

The Six Grandfathers

| Chris

I rolled into the Black Hills on Memorial Day weekend ready for the usual tourist checklist… photos, elk jerky, and at least one moment of patriotic nod.

Mount Rushmore has a way of surprising you. Beneath the crowds and the gift shops, the place carries a story that’s way older and way deeper than the granite portraits. I’ve paid more attention in its history this time around, more than in my past visits.

Before it was Mount Rushmore, the Lakotas of the Sioux Nation called the peak The Six Grandfathers. I didn’t know that before. It’s a sacred place representing the four cardinal directions: North, South, East, West, then Father Sky above, and Mother Earth below. Standing there, you can still feel that sense of scale and reverence.

The mountain didn’t get its current name until the late 1800s, when a New York lawyer named Charles Rushmore casually asked what the peak was called and someone jokingly replied, “I guess we’ll name it after you.” And somehow, it stuck! Quite anti-climactic, if you ask me.

Then came Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor with a flair for the dramatic and a vision big enough to require dynamite. He and hundreds of workers spent 14 years (1927-1941) blasting and carving the mountain into the iconic faces of America’s Fab Four: George, Tommy, Teddy, and Abe. No one lost their life during the project, which feels like a miracle considering the amount of explosives involved.

Walking the Presidential Trail, I found myself bouncing between admiration for the artistry and curiosity about the complicated history beneath it. The land was promised to the Sioux Nation in the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty, then taken back when gold was discovered. That tension still echoes through the Black Hills today.

But even with all that weight, the experience isn’t somber. It’s reflective, yes, but also full of families, laughter, and people from everywhere trying to get the perfect composition.

Great trip, indeed! A perfect blend of history, scenery, and road trip energy. But from now on, I’ll fondly be referring to this place as the Six Grandfathers.

Pit Stop in KC

| Chris

On our way home from Branson, my wife and I carved out a single day to explore a little bit of Kansas City. Why not? It’s on the way. And even in that short window, the city delivered plenty!

Our first stop was Union Station, the kind of building that makes you slow down whether you planned to or not. Soaring ceilings, massive stone arches, and a lobby that feels like it was built to impress travelers from every era.

It’s part museum, part event space and part living piece of history. The building is still one of the most photogenic spots in the city.

The model trains were especially amusing and captivating as they chugged along their intricate tracks, weaving through beautifully crafted landscapes and miniature towns that sparked the imagination.

From there, we hopped onto the RideKC Streetcar, which is free (a rare and beautiful word in travel) and glides through the heart of downtown. It’s an easy way to get a quick sense of the city without dealing with parking or traffic. We rode it up to the City Market, one of the oldest public markets in the Midwest.

I’ve actually been to KC before but it was my first time seeing the Union Station inside and riding the streetcar. Great visit! Until next time!

Ozark Mountain Escapade

| Chris

A quick dash to Branson, MO has its own kind of charm, especially when winding out of Bentonville on that roller‑coaster stretch of Ozark highway. That alone was quite an experience!

With only a single day to spare, we made a beeline for Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve, one of the crown jewels of the Branson area. We drove a golf cart to sight-see.

Perched high above Table Rock Lake, it’s part nature preserve and part museum complex. Everything is polished, scenic, and designed to make you stop and stare. Between the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, the sweeping views, and the cave‑filled golf cart trail, it’s basically a highlight reel of the region’s natural beauty and deep history.

Oh, I should mention driving through a cave. They have a cocktail bar inside! I thought that was a hoot!

After soaking in the views, we headed into town for a totally different vibe at Branson Landing. This waterfront shopping and entertainment district sits along Lake Taneycomo and feels like Branson’s modern, lively side. There are restaurants, shops, and a boardwalk that’s perfect for strolling.

Branson may be famous for its shows and family attractions (which we unfortunately didn’t have time for) but even a quick trip delivers plenty of scenery, history, and fun.

Wandering Bentonville

| Chris

My wife and I attended a wedding in Bentonville, Arkansas a few days ago. And since I have not been on this side of the world, I thought it would be great to sight-see a little bit as well. We had three days to spend, so here are some places we visited…

Walking from where we parked to the Bentonville Square, I couldn’t help but notice these two things… a building decked with butterflies. How cool! And then there’s this vintage Airstream food truck that provides free meals to the community.

Okay, first stop… the Walmart Museum on the Bentonville Square. Sam Walton’s original five‑and‑dime store still sits, frozen in time like a retail time capsule. It is Americana and part of American history.

I’m kicking myself for not taking more photos of the museum and the square. Oh well…

Next up was the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden. A Victorian‑era mansion turned museum, surrounded by peaceful gardens that make you forget you’re in the middle of town. It’s the kind of place where you wander slowly, admire the architecture and step into the 1800s… with air conditioning.

I am utterly captivated by old technology and the exquisite artistry that went into their design. These are just a couple things I saw inside the mansion. Again, kicking myself for not taking more photos.

Then we headed to The Momentary. This contemporary art space was built inside a former cheese factory. Right now it’s featuring National Geographic artists, which means the galleries are full of jaw‑dropping photography and immersive visuals.

The next day, we walked through Compton Gardens & Arboretum. It’s a shady, peaceful trail system honoring Dr. Neil Compton, the conservationist who helped save the Buffalo River. Lots of trees, sculptures, and the kind of quiet that resets your brain.

Then came the Museum of Native American History. This place is a gem! Free to enter and packed with artifacts spanning thousands of years. Arrowheads, tools, clothing, pottery… it’s a deep, respectful look at the cultures that shaped the region long before Bentonville was Bentonville.

On our last day in Bentonville, it was time soak in the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. I’ve been excited about this one since before we began our trip. If Bentonville has a crown jewel, this is it. The building itself is a piece of art! It’s tucked into the woods like it grew there.

Inside, you get everything from colonial portraits to modern installations.

Of interesting note is this painting of GW from 1797 titled “George Washington (The Constable Hamilton Portrait).” It once belonged to Alexander Hamilton (yes, that one!) and reflects the friendship among the nation’s leading citizens.

Wait… does this image look familiar? Pull out a one-dollar bill and look at the photo. This painting helped establish an image of the first president as a powerful leader.

And then outside there are trails and sculptures. They make it feel like a nature walk with bonus masterpieces.

And finally, the Bachman‑Wilson House. A fully reconstructed Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian home, moved piece‑by‑piece from New Jersey to Arkansas. Minimalist, geometric, and somehow both futuristic and retro at the same time.

At the end of it all, we’d walked miles, seen centuries of history, and confirmed that Bentonville is way more than a corporate hometown. It’s a full‑blown cultural hub, one that sneaks up on you in the best way.

Cowtown Adventure

| Chris

It was the last day of my whirlwind Texas road trip and Fort Worth was the last stop. So the choice was obvious. The Stockyards. Walking through its brick-paved streets felt like stepping back in time. Once the hub of cattle drives and livestock trading in the late 1800s, the Stockyards became the beating heart of the Texas cattle industry. By the early 20th century, it was one of the largest livestock markets in the world, shaping Fort Worth’s identity as “Cowtown.”

Today, the history lingers in every detail: the longhorn cattle drive down Exchange Avenue, the old pens turned into shops and restaurants, and the aroma of barbecue drifting through the air. I wandered past saloons and rustic storefronts, imagining the bustle of cowhands and traders who once filled these streets.

Though my visit was brief, the Stockyards offered a vivid snapshot of Texas heritage—equal parts living museum and lively entertainment district. One day was enough to feel the grit, charm, and enduring spirit of Fort Worth.

Dallas in a Day

| Chris

I spent a day in Dallas exploring some of its most historic and thought‑provoking spots. My first stop was the Dallas County Courthouse, a striking red sandstone building known as the “Old Red.” Its castle‑like towers made it feel more like a landmark than just a courthouse, and it set the tone for the day.

From there, I walked over to the JFK Memorial Plaza, a simple yet powerful monument. The stark concrete walls created a quiet space for reflection, honoring President Kennedy’s legacy in a way that felt both solemn and timeless.

Nearby was Dealey Plaza, the site forever tied to history. Standing there, surrounded by the familiar landmarks, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the events that unfolded in 1963. Just steps away, the Grassy Knoll offered another perspective—one of those places you’ve heard about countless times, but seeing it in person makes the story more real.

I did not go inside the Sixth Floor Museum as time didn’t permit. It is housed in the former Texas School Book Depository. It was deeply sobering and emotional even to just view it from the ground.

To balance the heaviness of the day, I headed to the Reunion Tower, one of Dallas’s most recognizable landmarks. From its observation deck, the city stretched out in every direction, a reminder of Dallas’s modern energy alongside its historic past.

I wrapped up the trip by hopping on a tour bus through downtown, a quick but fun way to take in the city’s highlights. Skyscrapers, bustling streets, and pockets of art and culture rolled by, giving me a snapshot of Dallas in motion.

It was a short trip, but each stop added a layer of understanding. Dallas offered not just sights, but stories, reminders of how places can hold memory and meaning long after the moment has passed.

Woke up in Waco

| Chris

Driving north from Houston, I thought I’d spend a day and wander around Waco. Why not? I’ve never been before. Well, it turned out to be a perfect little adventure!

First stop was Cottonland Castle, a quirky old stone mansion tucked into a neighborhood. It felt like stumbling across a piece of Europe right in Texas.

From there, I headed to the Dr. Pepper Museum, where the history of the soda came alive in vintage ads, old bottling equipment, and of course, a cold Dr. Pepper at the end.

Next, the Silos at Magnolia. The place was buzzing with energy! Food trucks, shops and families milling around. I grabbed a snack, soaked in the atmosphere, and admired how the place blends rustic charm with modern flair.

Later, I stumbled on to Indian Spring Park, where the Waco Suspension Bridge stretched gracefully across the Brazos River. Nearby, the “Branding the Brazos” Sculpture stood tall, a striking tribute to the cattle drives that shaped Texas history.

By the end of the day, I felt like I’d touched a little bit of everything. History, culture, and local flavor, all wrapped up in one quick little trip.

A Day in Galveston Island

| Chris

With only a single day to spend in Galveston, I wasted no time and headed straight for the historic seaport. The old docks felt alive with stories, and a boat ride gave me a chance to see the harbor from the water. As we glided past the SS Selma shipwreck, I couldn’t help but imagine the storms that had left their mark, reminders of both fragility and resilience.

Back on land, I drove the island from the Northeastern tip all the way down past Galveston State Park, watching it unfold in contrasts. Busy piers, quiet neighborhoods, stretches of sand where the horizon seemed endless. The gulf side was wide open, the waves steady, and the air thick with the rhythm of the coast.

Dinner was seafood, fresh and simple. As the sun lowered, I walked along the beach, toes sinking into the sand, the sound of waves steady and soothing.

It was just one day, but it felt complete. History, sea, and shore woven together into a memory worth keeping.

Houston, we are fine

| Chris

With limited time in Houston, I knew I had to make every moment count. The sprawling Texas metropolis stretched out before me, and I needed a strategy to capture its essence in just a few hours.

I started my adventure aboard one of Houston’s iconic double-decker buses, climbing to the open-air upper level where the warm Texas breeze swept past as we rolled through downtown. From my elevated perch, I watched the city’s impressive skyline unfold—gleaming glass towers reflecting the afternoon sun, historic buildings nestled between modern skyscrapers, and the bustling streets below teeming with life. The narrated tour painted vivid pictures of Houston’s oil boom history, its diverse neighborhoods, and its transformation into America’s fourth-largest city.

After circling through the heart of downtown, I hopped off at the Downtown Aquarium, a surprising oasis in the urban landscape. Inside, I wandered through underwater tunnels surrounded by sharks gliding overhead, watched playful sea otters tumble through their habitat, and marveled at the vibrant tropical fish darting through coral reefs. The aquarium offered a refreshing pause from the city’s energy—a moment of tranquility before my final destination.

The real highlight awaited me south of the city: NASA’s Space Center Houston. As I drove down, anticipation built with every mile. Walking through the complex, I stood beneath actual spacecraft that had journeyed beyond Earth’s atmosphere, touched a moon rock that had traveled 240,000 miles, and toured the historic Mission Control room where “Houston, we have a problem” became part of our cultural lexicon. The experience was humbling and inspiring—a reminder of human ingenuity and our endless curiosity about the cosmos.

Though my time in Houston was brief, the city left a lasting impression: a place where Southern hospitality meets space-age innovation, where you can explore ocean depths and cosmic heights all in just a couple of days.