Overlooked Men and Historical Treasures

When traveling in Herkimer County, New York, be sure not to overlook the Herkimer Home State Historic Site, the old home of Nicholas Herkimer. Herkimer was a war hero in the battle of Oriskany, though I hadn't heard of him before visiting the home. The home is a nice tribute to him, and I enjoyed viewing it and the cemetery of him and significant others. The battle of Oriskany was described to me as a major turning point of the Revolutionary War, so this is a kind of important piece of history -- not to be missed if you are in the area.

A Unique Ballpark Experience

My time at the Diamondbacks' game was fun, even watching two losing teams. The stadium has little, unique aspects, like the pool shown below. And, of course, I made a new friend in the mascot! :)

Phoenix, Arizona all the way to...Sedona

With a free day before the Diamondbacks' game at night, I went to Sedona and hiked in Bell Rock...Quite gorgeous! The video is of me eating my abstinent, supermarket bought lunch in the park -- no restaurants...no problem whatsoever! :)

Fun Stadium

This summer, I went from Phoenix, Arizona all the way to Tacoma, and yes, I stopped in LA. My first stop in LA was at Dodger Stadium, one of the oldest remaining stadiums. I saw four baseball games at four different major league stadiums, also stopping at Chase Field in Phoenix, Angel's Stadium in Anaheim, and ATT&T Park in San Francisco. All were very nice. But not only was Dodger Stadium the best one on this trip, it may be the best of the 34 major league stadiums I've seen! Just a fun little park. Among the highlights include the Tommy Lasorda Bobblehead outside his restaurant:

And the Vin Scully Press Box:

I got to hear Vin Scully play by play in the restroom -- a real treat!

Plus, I paid homage to my mother, a Brooklyn native, with this picture:

 

Here is a standard pic I take, with the field behind me:

 

 

There are little nuggets like this all over the Stadium. This wasn't a game, it was an experience! One I highly recommend for kids and baseball fans of all ages!

Fort William Henry

Just north of my hotel in Queensbury, New York is this piece of American History, a key point in pre-revolution history.

So much history in the area! Next time, I visit Fort Ticonderoga!

Natural Stone Bridge and Caves in Pottersville

I had an itch for a small walk in the woods, to get a bit of peace from the hustle and bustle of my daily life while I was upstate. I liked this spot the best!

The Natural Stone Bridge and Caves in Poterrsville is a nice, peaceful way to get close to nature for an hour or two. Much more ambitious hiking is available in the surrounding Adirondacks, of course.

Scrumptious Eats in Lake George -- From NYC

I have learned to take my own food with me wherever I go. For those without an eating disorder, there are no shortage of great restaurants in the Lake George area -- believe me, I frequented many of them when I lived in the area! But I decided if my food from home is good enough at home, it is good enough when I travel. The following pics highlight some of the enjoyment from eating my own food on the road including a wonderful meal itself -- tofu, steak, cheese, strawberries and sweet potatoes!

And friends who joined me for lunch:

 

 

I never thought I would prefer this experience to restaurant eating! But again, if you do not have an eating disorder, and enjoy eating in restaurants, do not hesitate in Lake George, or Saratoga, or any other city in the area -- they offer a fine selection!

 

Grant -- A Forgotten President

I recently returned to Lake George, an area where I lived in 2007 and some of 2008. I visited Ulysses S. Grant's cottage, a trip I would recommend to all!

More Just Outside of Atlanta

Stone Mountain is also cool -- and some living friends, too! :)

An Atlanta Friend

I don't think I ever blogged about meeting this buddy at the Coca-Cola Factory in Atlanta!

Lots in Louisville

I saw the Mohammed Ali Museum, the 21 C Hotel, and Churchill Downs. I ate at Lynn's Paradise Café, and had a "hot brown" later. But on a baseball trip, where I saw the Pirates, Reds, and Phillies, it seemed most appropriate to post the following picture:

After all, without bats, the game of baseball would be quite different, dontcha think? :)

My Underrated Trip Continues in the Queen City

I didn't really think about this before, but most of the cities I visited on this trip are not hyped up a whole lot, at least in my experience. Cincinnati is steeped in history, and its proximity to the North-South demarcation of our country contributed to its relevance in the war on slavery. I enjoyed Mt. Adams and the Purple People Bridge, as well as the Reds game I saw, but the highlight was definitely the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

Colombus, Ohio -- Another Underrated City

The Book Loft -- A very nice 32 room store. Not picture, which I uncharacteristically did not see -- Columbus is Buckeye mad for sports!

Underrated Pittsburgh

My view and scrumptious dinner from Lamont's on Mount Washington in Pittsburgh:

The Choo Choo Barn in Amish Country

Not just for kids! Incredible train models!

Wild and Wonderful West Virginia

The New River Gorge Bridge in picturesque West Virginia.

The Kentucky Horse Park

I am not the hugest fan of the equestrian industry, but I enjoyed my day at the Kentucky Horse Park, seeing demonstrations on horseback and famous horses from racing!

I Swear I Didn't Do It

The Liberty Bell -- I didn't crack it! :)

Abe Lincoln's Hat

On display at Hildene, the Robert Lincoln Todd home in Manchester, VT