The Gumbel Building from 1904 Okay, we stayed at a Hampton Inn, in Kansas City. I barely want to admit that. But I'm a lot more okay with staying at a chain hotel, when I know that a building was saved from demolition. The Fancy Stuff At first glance the 6-story, corner building did not really impress me. But apparently, The Gumbel Building was Kansas City's first large commercial office building, of reinforced concrete. The concrete building didn't thrill me, until I paused to look high up. There were some mighty fancy eagles, near the top of that old Gumbel building. Entrance on Walnut Street Our valet guy patiently waited for us to gather our things. Then I paused to look up at the old light fixtures before we headed inside. That would be the last reminder, that we were staying in a 114 year old building. Sleek Lobby The lobby felt bright and modern. The stairs led down to a very nice fitness room, that I had all to myself the next morning. Sitting Area and Bar The bar area was actually very pleasant. However, Don and I ordered a drink little later and the young guy tending bar, had the TV turned to an obnoxious reality show. The blasting sounds of a drunken beach festival, filled the lovely lounge area. New Touches Our check-in seemed to take forever, so I had lots of time for eye wandering. Even though I love authentic-old, I did think the renovations were pleasing. I'm guessing the pillars may have been a part of the original office space, but I'll bet they never reflected light as they do today. 6th Floor Room I asked nicely, for a room with a view. We were sent to a 4th floor room that had a view of a roof parking lot. It also had a mysterious stinky odor. When I tried to brighten the room, I discovered 3 lamps had no bulbs. I suddenly had 3 excuses for a room change. Our room on the 6th floor was better. The rolling bathroom door was a little wonky, but everything else was good. Out the Window It wasn't the world's best view, but I could see the eagle, when I looked to the side! That kind of delighted me. And we had a comfy chaise lounge with a mini-desk. The bed was luxurious and the bedside tables had pull-out extensions, for those who have lots of travel clutter, like me. Nighttime Our weather was lousy, but we were still able to travel on foot, to many places from our hotel. The valet guy was good about letting us know which areas were safe for walking. And I loved coming back after dark and seeing the building lit up. Morning There was a complimentary breakfast spread, that was decent enough. There were newspapers available and good seating options and I loved the large windows. I was a little surprised when one of the staff members broke into song. Is this a Hampton Inn thing? She sang us a welcome song, which must have taken a lot of guts, since the "audience" seemed kind of sleepy and cranky. Her voice was good and I wonder if we were supposed to tip for that? What's Notable? We stayed in a modern hotel, housed in an historic building. It was clean and fresh, but there was little character to the place. I tried to appreciate the old details, like the century-old eagles. I attempted to relax in the modern decor. But there wasn't much that stood out, to help me remember my stay.
Maybe I'll try to remember the American eagles, perched outside our room. I love a hotel with an animal memory!
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Excelsior Springs, Missouri Don and I arrived at this rambling, limestone hotel on a gloomy, damp September afternoon. I knew little about the hotel as we approached, except that it had been a luxurious health resort about a century ago. Open in 1912 I had read some cranky traveler reviews before our arrival, so my expectations weren't high. But as we walked towards the building I was excited. The price was right, the retro roof sign was welcoming and the rounded structure in front, pleased me. I'm often easy to please. Outside Lounging Before we even stepped inside I was already checking out the porch seating. Don and I love a hotel with good outdoor lounging space, especially when storms are headed our way. Lobby Honestly, I should not read hotel reviews. What were those people complaining about in their write-ups? The lobby looked fine to me, after its 20-million-dollar renovation in 2011. The Old Stuff Modern light fixtures spiffed the place up, but I was glad to see lots of reminders of the past. The old cash register, the marble stairs, the classic, tile floors... Fireplace & Piano The brick and limestone fireplace looked extra cozy. Too bad the weather was still warm and muggy. And too bad we didn't have a pianist to fill the lobby with a little music. Too bad there was no in-house orchestra, like the hotel had back in the day. A Car on the Floor Also in the lobby, we had a car, sitting right on the old tile. I'm not sure if that's the kind of car Al Capone would have driven, but he was a frequent hotel guest and often hosted illegal gambling parties. Upgrade to the 5th Floor Don and I had reserved a room at the cheapest rate of about $100. We were a little surprised when the woman checking us in, casually mentioned she was upgrading us to a 5th Floor Royal Experience Suite. Our elevator opened to a pleasant lounge area and then we headed down another hall, to our suite. I'm still not sure what we did to deserve the bonus! Room 500 -The Roosevelt Suite What a giddy surprise to step into a sprawling suite, when we'd been expecting a room. I will admit, the carpet was a bit worn and the decor felt a little dated, but Don and I weren't complaining a bit. And to think FDR stayed in this room, when he secretly came to treat his polio in the mineral waters... Well Maybe Not We had a nice plaque on the door and it hinted at FDR's stay. But we did a little more research and decided that FDR's visit to The Elms, was more folklore, than truth. The Great Escape! Our corner room had a couple views, but I liked the one with the fire escape best. Not only could we see the pool and gardens, but we could see our escape route, if needed. It's always nice to know your emergency plans, when staying in a hotel that has burned down twice before. The first Elms Hotel opened in 1888. More of our Sweet Suite! Our living area, with 3 windows had lots of space. But there was plenty more to explore. The area leading to the bedroom, had an eating bar and wet bar with fridge, microwave and Keurig coffee maker. The bathroom was quite roomy with its marble vanity, holding 2 sinks... plus a whirlpool tub and shower! Ahh Sleep! Sometimes historic hotels have smaller rooms with odd set ups, that have us fighting over the one bedside table. I will admit, Don gives in nicely when that happens, but there was no best side with this bed. Our cozy bed was tucked into an interesting wall unit with 2 closets and 2 tables...2 good lamps and numerous luxury pillows. Perfect. Walk Before the Rain The rain was headed our way, so we got out to explore the grounds. We could have had the pool to ourselves! Gardens to Ourselves Staying on a weekday in September, meant we didn't have to share any of the outdoor property! If it had started to pour, we could have dashed to the gazebo... and reenacted the scene from Sound of Music... and no one would have been around to laugh. But it still wouldn't have been pretty. Neither of us sing and I don't look like I am 16 going on 17... The Grounds The gardens and pathways were lovely, even with hazy skies. When I spotted the horse shoe pits and picnic tables and stone barbecue grill, it made me long for a family reunion. After wandering, we decided it was time to head back and find a place to relax. Restaurant - "88 at the Elms" We had planned on having drinks outside, but the 2-story restaurant off the lobby looked intriguing. From Above I climbed the stairs and looked down, wondering what the restaurant looked like in the 1930's. Instead of seeing a mural featuring Al Capone, we might have spotted Al himself or "Pretty Boy" Floyd or Bugsy Moran. Ashley at the Bar Don and I had drink at the bar before dinner, where we got lots of interesting scoop from Ashley, our bartender... while Harry S. Truman looked down from another mural. Unlike FDR, It's not a rumor that Truman stayed at The Elms. On election night, back in 1948, Mr. Truman enjoyed some of the spa features before retiring to his suite, where he listened to the radio for election results. Hard to imagine, but true. The European Lap Pool After moving on to a fabulous dinner in the restaurant, Don and I changed into swimsuits. Then we headed on a long journey in search of the lap pool in the basement. Three Islands We were glad that we'd gotten history of the pool from Ashely, or we might have totally missed the lap pool experience! Just finding the underground secret, was an adventure. Don and I were pretty excited to lay eyes on one of only 3 of these specially designed pools in the country. Also knowing that there had possibly been a murder in the area, back in the gambling days, added an extra thrill. But mostly it was fun trying to enjoy the therapy of the 3-island set up! Circling the Islands I started by walking around the smallest island first. That's how the more feeble "guests" would have begun their water fitness. Then I switched directions, to add resistance with the current. Then it was time to try a larger island. Then I circled the whole pool. There were a couple of soaking tubs to relax in as a reward. There was a fair amount of laughing during my workout. The Glowing Sign After the intense work out, we dried off an started the long journey back to our room. By the time we made it to the lobby, I realized I needed to run outside to see if the sign was lit. It was! The hotel and sign looked a tiny bit eerie, through the drizzle. Morning with 5th Floor Treats We slept well and woke to a rainy day. There was a nice continental breakfast served on our floor and we enjoyed it back in the room. The night before, we'd returned to our room and to find a note from the concierge with drink vouchers and a snack of meats, cheese and nuts in our fridge. I guess we missed our 5th floor happy hour. What's Notable? It's sad to know that The Elms will never be what it once was, but I'm totally okay with that. The healing mineral waters once made Excelsior Springs a booming community. The Elms was a grand health resort, for the wealthy. Then suddenly, views began to change about the health benefits of the mineral springs and tourism slowed down. There may be no fox and hound hunts on the grounds, now. I saw no ladies playing bridge on the veranda. But for the price, we had a heck of a time enjoying ourselves and imagining the glory days. I'll remember the good food and friendly staff and most of all the curious circular pool in the basement!
Owensville, Missouri On a warm September afternoon, Don and I followed a scenic gravel road that took us to this beautiful, post-and-beam barn. Not Just Cows I was excited about seeing the Jersey cows, since the farm's focus is on cow-milking and cheese-making. But before I laid eyes on a single cow, we were greeted by Robin, the Border Collie and Molly, the Mastiff. I eventually counted about 11 cats. I was in heaven. H.H. Brinkman Homestead Across the road from the barn was the original limestone, Brinkman House from 1867. Martha and Tom own the farm and live there now. A Few Barns After we met the dogs on the barn's porch, we met Tom and Martha's daughter-in-law, Randas. She shared a little about the property and pointed down the hill to 2 other barns. I love barns. The Brinkman Barn from 1857 The barn furthest away, was built 10 years before the Brinkmans built the house. What a thrill to see the barn still in use today. The day that I was born, the Brinkman barn was already 100 years old. That's a really old barn. I can't even imagine how many sweet critters have called the barn home! Where are the Jersey Cows? I love farms and I love cows, but I am extra fond of Jersey Cows! Randas pointed down the road to the pasture, where the Jerseys were grazing. Pond and Pasture Don and I headed down the gravel road to watch the cows grazing in the pasture's mix, of grass and clover. Looking at the setting, I couldn't help but think, if I were a cow, this is where I'd like to live. At the barn later, I saw that the cows were treated more like pets, than livestock. Yep, I'd want to live at the Brinkman Farm, if I were a cow. Jersey Milkers There were at least 15 soft, brown Jerseys grazing in the pasture. A few mooed at us, but most ignored us. I couldn't stop smiling. My special love of Jersey cows has a little something to do with my mom... and her playful nickname, Jersey Mother. It's a story too long for this write-up, but Mom would have loved this farm. Up in the Loft Don and I were excited to take a look at the 3,000 square foot hayloft, where we would be sleeping. As we climbed up to our space above the cheese making and milking areas, I was met with just a hint of a barn smell. Don didn't even smell it, but memories of horse stables when I was young, began to surface. It's a smell that I happen to love. In the large common area, I spotted farm decor in every nook and cranny. Even hanging from beams, I saw a chandelier made of some kind of "hay claw" thing. The light over the table was made from a clear, plastic milk container. The 18 foot ceiling made the space extra roomy. There were 4 guest rooms, but we were the only guests staying that night. That meant Don and I had all the games, books, comfy chairs, TV and popcorn, just for ourselves. Art and Wine I loved studying the wall, filled with farm-themed art. I also noticed the wine glasses and they made me thirsty. Don and I couldn't resist the complimentary popcorn, so we made a batch and opened up the wine we had with us. But, once we spotted the small milk bottles, we left the wine glasses on the dresser. Drinking wine from a milk bottle is something you don't do every day. Cheers to Brinkman Farmstead. The Rhode Island Red Room We probably should have forked out a little extra to stay in the Jersey Cow Suite, in honor of my mom. But our chicken themed room was plenty large! The bed and lounge chair were extra soft. There was even a rolling barn door, leading to our bathroom. Looking Up at the Rafters The bed looked small, with so much space above it! We had a cozy quilt and a less cozy headboard, made from a door. The ceiling was so high above the bed, I could have done a few trampoline flips without head bumping concerns! I skipped the trampoline tricks and counted chickens instead. That seemed be the safer way to let my kid-side enjoy the room. I counted about 30 chicken images in our large space. Rustic Restroom The bathroom was so large, we didn't even need a curtain for the shower. I liked the sink with its water pump spout and the soap-holding-hand was pretty... handy. And the soap was actually made at the farm! Evening on the Farm Around 6:30, Don and I came down from the loft to enjoy the cooling temps. The porch on the west side of the barn was getting nice and shady. Calling The Girls As the sun began to lower, it was time for The Girls to head up to the Milking Parlor. You could see the cows out in the pasture, slowly heading in our direction... Suddenly the cows began to appear from behind the small barn, heading up the dirt path. Ben and His Jerseys Randas continued calling out, encouraging The Girls as they headed towards the barn. Her husband Ben, spoke to the cows one on one as they meandered up the hill. I asked Ben if he had a favorite. He looked up from scratching "Elizabeth" between the ears. "This one." He said with a smile. Since Elizabeth is my real name, I had to agree that she was mighty fine. 45 Minutes of Meandering? I was surprised how long the walking process took. I was also surprised at how relaxed and patient Ben and Randas were with the animals. They chatted and patted each animal. They shared about life on the farm and how different it was in the winter. They talked about how each cow had its own distinct personality. We learned that a mama cow was about to give birth, any day. I hoped... We also heard that Ben and Randas were recently married in a nearby sunflower field. They laughed about how hard it was, being away from the animals during their honeymoon. Pretty sweet! Milking Parlor I was excited when we were invited to help with the milking. Inside the milking parlor, Ben got everything ready below and then headed back to bring in the Jerseys. Then Don and I climbed down, so Randas could show us the ropes. Bringing Back Memories I had a quick deja vu as I stood listening to instructions, wearing a red bandana, as I did in 1977. The only other time I ever milked a cow, was also in Missouri. But I sat on a stool that time and did a pretty lame job of squeezing milk into a cup. Using Equipment It was about 8 pm by the time Ben lead 4 Girls into their separate stalls. They each had a metal bowl of yummy nibbles to distract them. Randas demonstrated with one cow and then guided me with another. Standing a level below the cow, I cleaned the teats with a moist rag, then disinfected with iodine, then attached the milking device... which looked an awful lot like some scuba gear I've used in the past. I got a little tangled with the equipment and a little giggly when the device grabbed hold of the teats and began making sucking sounds. Where Does the Milk Go? We could see the milk being carried away in clear tubes, where it filled a plastic container. After "helping" with the milking for a while, it was time to move on. Randas filled up 3 gigantic baby bottles and we turned the rest of the milking over to Ben. By this time it was pretty dark. Don and I followed Randas and a parade of cats, over to the old barn. Calf Time We could hear a little mooing from the cozy, wood and stone barn. Three calves, (less than 3 weeks old) were eager for their dinner. A few chickens, a bunny and a couple kittens hung around for the show. Luckily Don was able to snap a quick photo and then grab the third bottle. The little calves were very impatient and just about yanked the bottle from my hands. The Teenagers The bigger calves made a lot of noise on the other side of the barn. Randas filled a large feeding dish and the little crowd gathered with their mouths all eating at once. Moslty, it seemed like the youngin's just wanted a little attention. Scratching the Forehead We learned so much during our short visit to the farm. We learned about sustainable farming and artificial insemination and cheesemaking. But I really liked the tip about where cows like to be scratched... on their furry little foreheads! Morning in the Loft We woke to a beautiful blue day! The view from the loft was lovely and the spread of food on the counter was amazing! First we had juice, fruit and yogurt, along with a board of meats and cheese... made from our dear Jerseys' milk! Fancy Lighting We sat below the milk bottle light (that we now recognized from the milking parlor) and we pigged out! Then, Ben arrived with another tray of food! There was bacon and some kind of baked egg dish and some fruit & cheese blintz kind of goodie. Colorful dishes and cloth napkins, made it taste even better. Morning Milking Since we had already showered, we decided to take our coffee down and just enjoy the morning ritual, without pitching in. We watched Ben and Randas go through the morning routine, lining up the cows. I was struck with how peaceful and content they seemed, never rushing the sweet critters. We watched the Jerseys gather for their milking and then we visited with some of the other pets. Cats and Dogs Don got his cat fix and I snuggled with Robin. We had a chance to meet Ben's dad, Tom. He told us some funny stories about Molly. She leaned into him as he spoke, as if encouraging more stories. Good-Bye Jerseys We had to say good-by to the cows before we drove off. I spotted the Belgian horse for the first time. One night was obviously not enough time, to get to know all the animals. What's Notable? We slept in a hay loft and milked cows and fed calves. That ranks pretty high on the Notable Night List! I was genuinely surprised to see how much this family loves their animals. The dogs, cats and even the Jerseys, all seem to be a part of the family. I know that running this farm and making cheese (which I didn't even get into) and running a B&B, must be hugely exhausting. But there was something calming about watching these folks interact with the animals. We had an unforgettable stay, for sure.
Downtown Hotel in Springfield, MO In September, we stayed in a building that was once a Masonic Temple. That was enough to make the Notable Night List. Don and I have visited Springfield often in recent years. We've stayed in a Route 66 motel, a charming historic house and a convent, turned into an inn. But this was our first stay in historic downtown Springfield area. Downtown in 1896 I've got a special curiosity about the history of Old Springfield. I've been coming to visit relatives, since I was a baby in the 1950's. I've got some fuzzy memories of Downtown Springfield, but not as fuzzy as this photo from 1896... which shows the Ely Grubbs Grocery Store that my great grandfather owned. Masonic Temple Today The grocery is gone, as far as I know. Don and I couldn't find a building that matched the photo. But the 1906 building that hosted Masons for about 80 years, welcomed us inside. Heading In Don and I parked in front and approached the hotel with our bags. There were two entrances. The back was intriguing with its giant "V" and modern balconies. There was a very cozy sitting area there as well. The Front "V" We headed to the glass doors in front. The giant V automatically split in half, when we got close. Inside the lobby, we headed past a modern stairwell, towards the front desk. Another large V awaited us. It seemed to be spilling out of a large frame, along with lots of greenery. From Below Later when I explored the basement and burned a few calories in the small gym, I admired the V-Art from the bottom of the stairs. As I climbed up, the enormous V, stared down from it's green jungle. Very dramatic! V For Vandivort I have no clue who Vandivort was, but the hotel is named for the Vandivort Ballroom on the fourth floor. The ballroom space has been hosting Springfield social events for over 100 years. I wish my grandparents were still alive to possibly share a story or two. From the windows I could see Walnut Street, where some of my relatives once lived. Gathering Spaces I was impressed by every corner of the first floor. I loved the artwork above the fireplace and the bright light coming in the front window. Mid-Century Modern? Some of the sleek furniture lines made me feel like I'd stepped into the 1950's again. My family was never quite so mod, but my Great Aunt Margueritte might have gone for this look. Work Space Evidently, the communal tables were made from wood that was part of this building at one time. The tables looked almost too nice to use. But I did see a few people gathered around with computers, on Monday morning. Spotlight on the Masons I totally loved this display with all the tiny tools, photos and artifacts. I know little about the history of the Mason's fraternal organization, but obviously it had some kind of roots with actual stonemasons. What Is A Mason? Luckily they had a little info to enlighten me. There was a lot to ponder with this special statement about the duties of a Mason. Mostly I had fun with all the words, level, plumb, grip, order. Like an Easter egg hunt, I could have spent hours hunting down related images on shelves and in art, all around the hotel. Hidden Pictures Every time I spotted a "V" I was like a little kid, eager about discovering the alphabet. The engineer side of Don was probably having more fun than me. Every time I asked a question like, What exactly does a plumb bob do? Don had an answer. Going Up After checking in with a very pleasant young woman at the desk, we headed for the elevator. As we lifted to the fourth floor, we had a fun time watching the brick wall through the glass. The painted brick let us know which floors we were passing. The classy hallway was filled with intriguing art and fun lighting. I was like a kid, eager to see what was behind the door. Double High! I was pretty giddy over the soaring ceiling. I needed a Mason's measuring tool. Was that ceiling 20 feet high? I'm not used to having one window above another. That was curious. They even had buttons to open and close the light shade or the black outs shade. Luxury The bathroom was heavenly. There were luxurious bath products and towels and seersucker & terry robes. The sound system in the bathroom just about gave me a heart attack, though... when Don turned on the TV. Lounging Near the Window There wasn't a big sitting area, but the chair near the window was cozy. The view wasn't spectacular, but it was fun to see old buildings and to know that my grandparents probably knew some of them. There was another comfy desk chair available and a great wet bar with some fun local goodies to chose from. We could have had some Missouri Spirits Vodka or Bourbon... for a price. Spirits in "The Order" We chose to have a drink in the hotel bar instead. I loved the Masonic name, The Order. It was pretty quiet on a Sunday evening, but the young bartender was chatty and we got to watch her roll the library ladder back and forth a few times. Ahhhh Sleep! Our room was nice and quiet by the time we finally hit the bed. The bedding was perfect. The pillows were just right. I even liked the lamps! I did wake in the wee hours to the clanking of the trash truck. But that's part of the city charm... I guess. Breakfast Our room came with a $12.00 voucher towards breakfast. We made use and enjoyed an omelet with fruit and potatoes, plus an order of chicken waffle sliders! Wandering! After breakfast, we gave ourselves a little time to explore before taking off. Next door we had the beautiful theatre and down the street I posed with a butterfly mural. What a perfect ending to our quick 1-night stay. What's Notable? We got to stay at an upscale, urban, boutique hotel... in a small city. It felt "city hip" without the headaches or cost. We parked for free on the street and wandered safely. When I left my purse at the bar, a local guest ran over to the pizza cafe and delivered it to me. That was my reminder... that we were in Springfield!
Springfield, MO I remember a lot of neon signs on Glenstone Avenue, when I was a kid. Our family would drive in from Iowa to visit grandparents and cousins in Springfield. I don't exactly remember Rail Haven from childhood, but it was there. It was one of many motels and motor courts, with inviting pools and grassy playgrounds. 1950's The old neon sign used to be on the corner of Glenstone and St. Louis Street. St. Louis Street was once part of Rt 66. Long before that, the land was an apple orchard. In 1938, eight sandstone cottages were built and the business was enlarged over time. Eventually Rail Haven took on the motel look, popular in the 1950's. Best Western Today, the glowing Rail Haven sign is near the rear of the complex. I didn't photograph the boring, blue, Best Western sign that is now in front. I didn't want to be reminded that we were staying at a chain motel. But, while wandering the grounds a bit, I found this retro yellow sign with the old 5-point crown. It was attached to one of the original cottages. The 1960's style sign reminded me that Rail Haven became a part of Best Western, back when I was a kid. That's a piece of motel history worth noting. The Office I believe at one point the office for the motor-courts, was across the street at a gas station. Now the office sits proudly on the corner, with lots of 1950's era decor to honor the Route 66 history. Gas Pumps The gas pumps are a reminder of the station, that once held the motel office. Gas stations and motels must have been big business in 1938, when Route 66 was quite young. It's fun to picture the busy auto traffic along the Mother Road, from Chicago to California. The Staff The lobby with the rounded, glass block desk, had more of a 1960's feel. The staff was very friendly. They were too young to remember the evolution of the motel, but the young man at the desk said his father had shared a lot of that history with him. Breakfast Area At check-in, the breakfast area was empty. But in the morning there was complimentary breakfast, with a few hot options. The motel's original phone booth with rotary dial was tucked back behind the stools. Our Room Like so many roadside motels, it's hard to see the old, after renovations. But the rectangular cupolas on the roof, made me think Howard Johnson's. And our room with the high window, had a retro feel. Not The Elvis Room Our room didn't look like the room Elvis stayed in, when he was in town performing in the 1950's. Evidently he was booked at the Kentwood Arms Hotel, but preferred a motel and moved over here. He probably liked being able to pull right up to the room and walk in... just like we did. Today, the hotel's Elvis Room is decorated with a bed that looks like a pink Cadillac and giant retro murals. A Little Nostalgia We got a tiny bit of motel nostalgia, in the bathroom with the flesh colored tile and the small frosted window. Everything else was nice and updated, so no complaints. Quiet on a Cool Night The covered patio was empty on a cool evening. It was actually pretty nice with tables and a couple of mounted TVs, showing retro black and white sitcoms. I'm pretty sure this area was once where the kiddie playground used to be, beside the pool. I read that they once had horse shaped swings, aimed westward, so little cowgirls and cowboys could ride towards the old west! Some Old Stuff And in a sort of forgotten area in the back, I found an old slide. It looked just like the metal slides I remember burning my legs on when I was a kid! There was also a portion of split rail fence. Not the original, I'm sure. But the motel got its name from the fence that surrounded the property. What's Notable? It was an easy, economical and comfortable stay, with some fun hints of the past. The room, breakfast and even the lobby will probably fade from memory, but I'll remember the signs. As a kid, Glenstone was magical at night, with all the colorful neon. I never thought I'd be staying at one of those motels!
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Ninety Notable
Nights My New Year's Resolution for 2014 was to start documenting some of the memorable overnights I've had in some very odd and curious motels and hotels. Like the adventures in my Dining Blog, I have learned to enjoy the surprises that happen when you step out of the comfort zone, far away from the well-known chains. I began with a few entries recalling my very first home away from home memories from my youth. Then, I started sharing about some of the quirky and unforgettable motels, hotels and inns that my husband and I have discovered in recent years. The best part about this challenge was making some lists with Don and getting on the road in search of new overnight adventures. I gave myself a 2-year goal to write up 90 stories and the goal was met. Now we just keep on adding! Archives
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