7 Unique Museums To Visit In Lincoln, Nebraska

When my children were younger, I remember the blank stares on their faces when I’d mention visiting a museum. Today, as adults, they’re eager to visit museums with me, because they understand the value they offer us in terms of art, history, and the American story.

In Lincoln, the capital city of Nebraska, you can visit a plethora of museums, each providing a unique experience. From the International Quilt Museum to a museum focused on roller skating, Lincoln’s museums are must-visits.

Here are some of my favorites.

1. International Quilt Museum

Located on the east campus of the University of Nebraska — Lincoln, the International Quilt Museum is part art museum and part history museum. Each of the 6,000 quilts from around the world — some date to the 1700s! — tells its own story through design and style. While the museum is an interesting place to visit, its most popular attraction might be Reverie, an outdoor work of art consisting of ribbon-like white metal that appears to be floating in the wind.

2. National Museum Of Roller Skating

If you’ve ever gone roller skating, you’ll want to visit the National Museum of Roller Skating inside the offices of USA Roller Sports. The museum offers a neat look at the history and culture of roller skating.

You’ll see roller skates dating to the 1700s, when they were designed with three wheels in an inline style. Did you know that four-wheeled roller skates weren’t invented until the late 1800s?

The museum also includes exhibits on roller sports, including roller hockey, roller basketball, and roller soccer. Roller figure skating — better known as roller dance — is popular with skaters. Tara Lipinski, an award-winning Olympic ice skater, also starred in roller dance.

The museum is open weekdays during business hours. While the museum doesn’t charge for admission, it gladly accepts donations.

Morrill Hall in Nebraska. — Ken Wolter / Shutterstock

3. Sheldon Museum Of Art

The Sheldon Museum of Art, located on the main campus of the University of Nebraska — Lincoln, offers amazing artwork, ranging from works by Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol to pieces by up-and-coming artists. With four galleries — two permanent galleries and two for special exhibits — the Sheldon has been home to Lincoln’s art scene for more than 50 years. Outside the museum, a sculpture garden features classic pieces as well as modern works by artists such as Jun Kaneko from Omaha.

4. Morrill Hall

Also known as the University of Nebraska State Museum, Morrill Hall traces the natural history of Nebraska.

There’s a statue of a mammoth outside, and you can meet Archie, one of the tallest mammoth fossils in the world, inside. Visitors can also view prehistoric tuskers (early elephants) and giant camels; believe it or not, Nebraska was once home to the largest population of camels in the world!

Cherish Nebraska, an exhibit that opened in 2019, gives visitors insight into other animals that once roamed the prairies. Imagine staring down a saber-toothed cat or a 7-foot-tall bison with horns stretching another 7 feet! You can also take in displays highlighting animals that still call Nebraska home, such as mountain lions and deer.

5. Germans From Russia Museum

Germans from Russia? Yes, you heard that right. In the mid-1700s, Catherine the Great, a German herself, issued a manifesto encouraging Germans to resettle in Russia with the promise of free land if the immigrants would start colonies. By the end of the 19th century, nearly two million Germans had migrated to Russia. Then, in the late 1800s, Germans from Russia started migrating to the United States, settling in states such as Nebraska and Kansas that reminded them of their homeland.

Lincoln’s Germans from Russia Museum seeks to preserve and share the history of these immigrants. Visitors can find photos and antiques on display.

Lincoln is known as the home of the runza, a sandwich consisting of ground beef and cabbage inside a bread pocket. This recipe is based on the German-Russian bierock.

6. Museum Of American Speed

Open since 1992, the Museum of American Speed is the result of businessman Bill Smith’s 60-year love affair with race cars. With exhibits featuring vintage race autos that competed at famous races, such as the Indianapolis 500 and Pikes Peak, the museum is a great primer on the history of these vehicles.

Cars are grouped according to themes, including gas stations and racetrack pit areas. You’ll find rocket cars used to break speed records, classic cars such as the Tucker automobile, and classic motorcycles. The museum even owns a 1958 Cadillac that once belonged to Hollywood star Hedy Lamarr.

The Museum of American Speed features more than just classic cars. There are exhibits highlighting pedal toy cars, metal lunch boxes, and guitars autographed by famous musicians.

The Osbourne Athletic Complex. — Huskers.com

7. Tom And Nancy Osborne Athletic Complex

Located inside Memorial Stadium, home of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the Tom and Nancy Osborne Athletic Complex provides a walkthrough of Cornhusker football history.

The small museum welcomes visitors with a display of national championship trophies celebrating the team’s five titles. You can trace Nebraska football from its early days as the Bugeaters through its modern-day honors. In the lobby of the athletic offices, you’ll find trophies and memorabilia from Nebraska’s bowl trips, including a clipboard used by Coach Bob Devaney and items used by Coach Tom Osborne. Catch the short film about game day in Nebraska and see copies of the Heisman Trophy won by three Huskers.

The museum is open daily (except on game days) and doesn’t charge admission. Outside the entrance is a life-size sculpture of Osborne standing beside quarterback Brook Berringer.

Where To Take A Lunch Break

When you’re ready for a break from the museums, head to Runza for a delicious sandwich. The runza, a bread pocket with fresh ground beef, cabbage, and onions, is a Nebraska favorite. The sandwiches are even sold at Nebraska football games! Alongside the popular sandwich, you can enjoy sides such as crinkle fries and handmade onion rings. For a true Runza experience, order the frings, a combination of French fries and onion rings. From fall through spring, you can order a hot bowl of chili and a side of cinnamon rolls.

For a unique hamburger experience, check out Honest Abe’s, where you can enjoy your burger with toppings such as gouda cheese, pork belly, sweet onion jam, cumin, or spicy mayonnaise. Try a side of freedom fries coated with garlic.

Steak lovers should head to Misty’s Steakhouse & Lounge. Founded in 1963 as a bottle club, the restaurant eventually developed a reputation for great steaks. Today, Misty’s is home to Lincoln’s best steaks and prime rib. Celebrities, politicians, and athletes often dine at Misty’s when in town.

With so much to see and do, you might want to plan on several days in the Lincoln area. If you decide to stay longer, consider booking at the Cornhusker. Once an independent hotel, it is now part of the Marriott family and offers guests a quality stay at a reasonable rate. The Cornhusker is conveniently located downtown within walking distance of several attractions and the University of Nebraska.

A Visit To Mount Vernon: The Best Things To See And Do

With his proven success leading a ragtag group of patriots to win the Revolutionary War and drafting the constitution of the newly formed United States, George Washington steadfastly secured his place in history as America’s first president. And that’s why, in a city full of free memorials, museums, and other sights, it’s absolutely worth the time, effort, and cost to travel about 15 miles south of the nation’s capital to spend a day at Mount Vernon.

From the mansion where America’s first president lived to the slave cemetery a few feet away from the graves of George and Martha, these are the best things to see and do on a visit to this Founding Father’s home in Mount Vernon.

George Washington’s Mansion

When George was a toddler, his father began building a modest home. And when the future president’s older half-brother passed away two decades later, a 22-year-old George took the reins. Over the next 45 years that Washington lived at Mount Vernon, he added to the home, turning it into the nearly 11,000 square foot, two-and-a-half-story, 21-room mansion that can be toured today.

General admission to Mount Vernon includes a guided tour of the mansion. However, entrance to the mansion is timed, so it’s best to purchase your tickets in advance and plan the rest of your visit to Mount Vernon around your scheduled home tour.

There is a lot to take in when touring the home, which is ten times larger than the average colonial Virginia home. However, your tour guide will certainly tell you all about:

The majestic New Room (including how it got its name)
George Washington’s study (his 18th-century man cave)
The Washingtons’ bedroom (where George passed away from a throat infection in 1799)
The dove weathervane atop the cupola (commissioned by Washington to symbolize his desire for peace in the new nation)

But one of my favorite experiences was learning about a key mounted on the wall of the central hall. The key was a gift from the Marquis de Lafayette, Washington’s friend and fellow revolutionary. It once unlocked the door to the infamous Bastille prison, whose destruction is considered the start of the French Revolution.

Pro Tip: To view the upper floors of the home, you’ll have to climb stairs. See the Mount Vernon website for accessibility information including recommended paths and handheld devices for guests with limited vision and hearing.

The slave quarters at Mount Vernon. — Sage Scott / Everyday Wanderer

A Variety Of Outbuildings

In stark contrast to the mansion, be sure to visit the overseer’s and slave quarters. Because he was often away from Mount Vernon serving his country, George Washington hired an overseer for each of his five farms. In exchange for a modest annual salary of $133.33 — plus lodging, meals, and laundry service — the overseer at Mount Vernon was given the 18th-century equivalent of a studio apartment. And for a life of backbreaking forced labor, the hundreds of enslaved men, women, and children at Mount Vernon lived with 20 or more people in the same space.

In a world without indoor plumbing, the “necessary” was the Cadillac of outhouses back in the 18th century. Instead of a deep dirt hole where human waste would be deposited, the outdoor facilities at Mount Vernon used a system of drawers that could be removed for proper disposal and cleaning.

Other buildings to explore for a glimpse of life at George Washington’s Mount Vernon include the blacksmith shop, carriage house, stable, spinning house, and storehouse.

The greenhouse at Mount Vernon. — Sage Scott / Everyday Wanderer

Gardens And Greenhouse

If you stand on George Washington’s front porch, you’ll see a large curved expanse of lush green grass known as the bowling green. While many of our homes feature green lawns today, in the late 1700s it was a rarity that reinforced the Washingtons’ wealth.

Flanking the bowling green are the upper garden (to the right) and the lower garden (to the left). The lower garden was designed to produce edibles for the kitchen, but the upper garden was created to grow flowers and be a place of beauty.

Speaking of beauty, it’s hard to miss the impressive red brick building with a row of cathedral glass windows that stands on the northeastern edge of the upper garden. In this massive greenhouse, the first president was able to successfully grow coffee beans, healing aloe plants, citrus trees, and other non-native plants through the cold Northern Virginia winters.

George Washington's grave at Mount Vernon. — Sage Scott / Everyday Wanderer

George Washington’s Final Resting Place

Since his death at the end of the 18th century, George Washington has been interred in two places at Mount Vernon. Overlooking the Potomac River, the old vault was the original burial plot for POTUS 1, his wife, and 20 other family members. But George Washington realized that the family vault required extensive repairs, so his last will and testament requested that a new tomb be constructed.

About three decades after his death, the bodies of America’s original president and first lady were moved to their current resting place. With two cream-colored obelisks that look like miniature Washington monuments, George and Martha are now buried in a small brick building just to the west of the old tomb.

The slave memorial at Mount Vernon. — Sage Scott / Everyday Wanderer

Slave Cemetery And Memorial

While it’s a beautiful and historic place to visit, the truth is that George Washington’s Mount Vernon was constructed and operated by hundreds of enslaved men, women, and children. And although 12 American presidents owned slaves, several things set George Washington apart from other slave masters.

Despite the fact that he owned hundreds of human beings, George Washington struggled with the idea of slavery, spoke out against the institution, and expressed his desire to end the practice. And more importantly, he ultimately took action. In the will he penned in his home office, Washington stipulated that his slaves would be freed upon the death of his wife, Martha.

And when the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association identified the location of the slave cemetery in 1929 by adding a memorial marker — just steps from where George and Martha are buried — it was believed to be the first tribute of its kind at an American historic site. In 1983, architecture students from Howard University added an updated memorial to the Slave Cemetery to honor the enslaved people who were forced to spend their lives toiling at Mount Vernon.

Mount Vernon Inn's peanut and chestnut soup. — MountVernon.org

Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant

While you can certainly dodge scores of school children and opt for a fast-food style meal at the Mount Vernon Food Court Pavilion, there is an alternative, and I highly recommend it! For just a few dollars more, you can enjoy a delicious sit-down meal at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. No matter which salad, sandwich, or entree you select, be sure to add a cup of George’s favorite soup to your order.

Made with a recipe that dates back to George and Martha’s time at Mount Vernon, the peanut and chestnut soup is amazing, no matter how unusual it may sound.

Pro Tip: An admission ticket is not required to dine at the Mount Vernon Inn, so if your itinerary doesn’t allow you to spend a day exploring the estate, you can always stop by for dinner (and a cup of that amazing soup)!

The entrance to Washington's Mansion. — Sage Scott / Everyday Wanderer

Other Tips For A Fantastic Visit To Mount Vernon

While the D.C. Metro is an affordable, easy-to-navigate way to get around the capital city, getting to Mount Vernon without a car can be more challenging. Here’s how to get there via subway and bus from Washington, D.C.

In addition to a guided tour of George Washington’s mansion, access to the outbuildings, and entrance to the museums, your general admission ticket also includes access to the distillery and gristmill. If you visit between April 1 and October 31, these additional sights are a short shuttle ride from the main estate.

The best time for a visit to Mount Vernon is in the spring, summer, or fall, when you’ll be able to best admire the beauty of the grounds and see the animals.

Statue of the Washington family. — Sage Scott / Everyday Wanderer

D.C. Bound? Here are 10 things to know about the Cherry Blossom Festival, plus Hotel Vs. AirBnb: Where To Stay In Washington, D.C.

Why I Can’t Wait To Go Back To The Thousand Polleras Parade In Las Tablas, Panama

Before I arrived in Panama, the Thousand Polleras Parade (Desfile de las Mil Polleras) was not on my list of things to see or do. I hadn’t even heard of the event. I didn’t know what a pollera was! I read about the festival, which takes place annually on a Saturday in mid-January in the town of Las Tablas, shortly after my husband and I arrived in Panama City.

Las Tablas is located in Panama’s Los Santos Province on the Azuero Peninsula. It is a 4-hour drive from Panama City. We were about to begin a monthlong stay in the town of Pedasi on the tip of the Azuero Peninsula. Since Las Tablas is just a 45-minute bus ride from Pedasi, I added the Thousand Polleras Parade to our itinerary.

I’m so glad I did! I have since recommended the event to other travelers and would love to return and take in the festival again myself.

A woman in the Polleras Parade showing off her skirt. — Donna Janke

What Is A Pollera?

But first things first: What is a pollera?

The pollera is Panama’s national dress. It consists of a handmade skirt and blouse with layered frills running from the bodice down the full length of the skirt.

There are many variations in color and design. The pollera montuna has a flowered skirt. The pollera gala is the most elaborate version and is worn on special occasions and holidays. Made of expensive white fabric, such as fine linen, cambric, or voile, it is decorated with hand-embroidered designs. The wedding pollera is all white.

Men and women in traditional dress for the Polleras Parade. — Donna Janke

A single pollera can take months to make and may be passed down from generation to generation. Although the dress is showy enough on its own, it is accessorized with further ornamentation to create a stunning effect. The women wear large earrings, several long gold necklaces, and headpieces adorned with floral designs.

The montuna, the men’s traditional outfit, is a long-sleeved embroidered white shirt worn over simple black trousers. The men also wear straw hats decorated with black designs and cross-body cotton-knit coin bags called chacaras.

Las Tablas is known as a center of folklore, traditions, and street celebrations and is an especially fitting place for the Thousand Polleras Parade.

The Thousand Polleras Parade in Las Tablas. — Donna Janke

Why I Can’t Wait To Go Back

The Atmosphere Is Wonderfully Festive, And The Excitement Is Contagious

The Thousand Polleras Parade is more than just a parade. It is a celebration of tradition and a fantastic party.

When we arrived in Las Tablas shortly after 11 a.m., the festive atmosphere had already permeated the town. The bus didn’t go as far into the town as it normally would because the main street was blocked to vehicular traffic. A large tent had been erected across the street from the bus stop. Sound equipment was being set up for an evening party after the parade. Empty chairs lined the streets, and people were saving their spots. Barbecue stands were being set up on every corner. Vendors in the town square at the other end of the main street offered plastic toys, trinkets, crafts, and food. There were meat and sausage skewers and chicken and rice. Music — both live and recorded — could be heard everywhere.

After walking through town, checking out the booths, and having something to eat, we found a spot with partial shade along the curb from which to watch the parade. As we waited, more and more people filled the streets, including some in traditional dress. Some of them were hurrying to a meeting place, and others were carrying garment bags. Vendors walked down the street selling water, sodas, ice cream, and sunglasses. The music became louder.

Raspados at the Thousand Polleras Parade. — Donna Janke

The woman beside us, with whom we’d conversed as best we could with our limited Spanish, bought us raspados from a passing vendor. Raspados are paper cones filled with shaved ice and flavored with sweet syrup and condensed milk. Ordinarily, I might have found this too sweet, but in the afternoon heat and amidst the fiesta spirit, it was refreshing.

In typical Latin American fashion, the parade was late in starting — it didn’t get underway until well after 3 p.m. I didn’t mind, though, since the wait itself felt like a party!

Dresses at the Thousand Polleras Parade. — Donna Janke

The Dresses Are Exquisite

Each dress was a delight to see. The bands of embroidered decoration on each dress were usually of the same color, but the colors varied from dress to dress. Red was particularly popular, but I also saw blue, purple, orange, and black.

I marveled not only at the work that clearly went into each dress, but at the effort it took for each woman to dress up for the event. Their hair was carefully pulled back to hold the elaborate floral headpieces, and their makeup was flawless.

An elaborate floral headpiece. — Donna Janke

Women of all ages, from small girls about two years old to elderly grandmothers, wore the pollera. Even some of the spectators who weren’t participating in the parade donned their polleras.

As the women passed by, they readily stopped to say hello and to pose and smile for photographs, holding the sides of their skirts out to fully show off the dress. There were yards and yards of material in each pollera.

Women on floats at the Polleras Parade. — Donna Janke

The Parade Showcases The Best Of Panamanian Culture

At last, the parade started. Women and men in traditional dress paraded and danced past us accompanied by brass, percussion, and accordion bands. The sight of the colorful dresses twirling together en masse was simply enchanting. I couldn’t help but smile.

Visitors and locals danced alongside the parade participants. Some of the pollera-clad women were transported on elaborately decorated floats depicting scenes from Panamanian life or folklore. Men with long poles accompanied the floats. They used the poles to raise the electrical wires running across the street so that the floats could pass underneath.

Women in traditional dress at the Polleras Parade. — Donna Janke

The parade continued for hours. There weren’t just a thousand polleras — there were many thousands of polleras. It was after 6 p.m. when we decided we needed to head back to Pedasi. The parade was still going strong. I read another person’s report of their visit to the parade, and they said that the event lasted well into the evening and ended with a fireworks display.

It was an amazing day, and I will remember it fondly for the rest of my life.

If you attend the Thousand Polleras Parade, remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. It will be hot! You may also want to bring a portable chair.

How To Spend A Day In Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is located near Missouri’s Bootheel, the southeastern portion of the Show Me State that resembles a boot’s heel. Whether or not you have the Missouri Bootheel on your bucket list, one thing is for sure: Cape Girardeau needs to be on it. With its rich Civil War and Native American history, its natural beauty, and its excellent dining options, the town makes a great place to spend a day (or two… or three!).

Here are the best things to see and do on a visit to Cape Girardeau.

Trail of Tears State Park, Mississippi River, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, — Malachi Jacobs / Shutterstock.com

Visit Trail Of Tears State Park

In the 1830s, about 16,000 Native Americans were forced to walk from their homeland in the southeastern United States to the Indian Territory (Oklahoma). The route, which became known as the Trail of Tears, entailed crossing the Mississippi River near Cape Girardeau.

During the march, a group of Cherokee people became separated from the others when the Mississippi River froze. Stuck in the area without food, water, or supplies, the Native Americans and soldiers had to find a way to survive the winter there. Today, a memorial in the area, now the Trail of Tears State Park, honors the only person to die that winter, a young Cherokee girl.

Trail of Tears State Park’s visitor center acknowledges this chapter of American history with an exhibit that includes a film describing the Trail of Tears and its Missouri connection.

While the park pays tribute to the people who endured the Trail of Tears, it also encourages visitors to explore the area, including an overlook offering impressive views of the Mississippi River. Trail of Tears State Park also features excellent hiking trails, a small lake, and other scenic views. Camping and picnicking areas are available within the park.

Replica of Fort D in Cape Girardeau. — City of Cape Girardeau

Learn About The Area’s Civil War History

Civil War buffs will find plenty to do in the Cape Girardeau area. While it was a Union stronghold, Cape Girardeau had its Confederate sympathizers. After all, Union soldiers took the area from the Confederate army during the Battle of Cape Girardeau in 1863. Following the battle, the area was protected by four forts: A, B, C, and D.

Today, a replica of Fort D stands on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. The fort is open for tours, and it’s especially crowded during holiday weekends, when Civil War reenactors occupy the grounds and share stories with visitors.

A driving tour of an hour or two will take you to key Civil War spots in the city. From Port Cape Girardeau (now a restaurant) on the river to the Old Courthouse Park with its memorials to the Union and Confederate armies, you can get an up-close look at the area’s Civil War history.

You may also want to visit the Old Lorimier Cemetery, where several of Cape Girardeau’s early leaders are buried. You can pick up a copy of the tour map at the visitor center downtown.

The Riverfront Park in Cape Girardeau. — City of Cape Girardeau

Take A Walking Tour Of The Downtown Area And Riverfront

Cape Girardeau’s riverfront is home to an impressive collection of murals covering Missouri’s history, as well as a state Wall of Fame. Painted on a flood wall designed to protect the downtown area from high water from the Mississippi River, the murals tell the stories of the state’s most significant moments, including the Louisiana Purchase, the Civil War, and the Mississippi River trade. The Hall of Fame murals recognize Missouri natives or citizens from Mark Twain and Harry S. Truman to Stan Musial and Walter Cronkite.

A short walk down the river will take you to Riverfront Park, a small space with trees and flowers as well as a view of the sleek Emerson Bridge that crosses into Illinois.

The downtown area is full of street art, from murals showcasing area history to a sculpture walk that features new designs each year. You’ll also find storefronts dating back to the 1800s and early 1900s.

Experience Nature And Wildlife

The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center offers a variety of hiking trails as well as exhibits on hunting, natural resources, and how the two interact. There are also exhibits covering life on the Mississippi River and area wildlife, including fish and birds. The center may be best known, however, for its two-headed rat snake. Found in the wild, the snake was unable to survive on its own, so it now enjoys life at the nature center.

The Lazy L Safari Park is a walk-through zoo featuring an array of animals from llamas and zebras to goats and lemurs. No matter your age, you’ll feel like a kid as you walk around the park, feeding the goats, admiring the white peacock, and looking up at the camels. While you’re at the park, stop in the parakeet jungle and hand-feed the colorful birds as they flock to and land on you. It’s a fun place to visit between April and October.

Eating In Cape Girardeau

Sand’s Pancake House

With entrees under $10, Sand’s Pancake House is a great place to start your day with a hearty breakfast. You can enjoy plate-sized pancakes or other dishes that are sure to fill your plate and satisfy your appetite. The building may look like a hole-in-the-wall diner, but don’t let its looks scare you off. A lot of times, these sorts of places make the best eats! You’ll want to put any diet plans on hold as you sample the biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, or gigantic omelets. Open daily from 5 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sand’s draws crowds on weekends.

Muy Bueno

For an authentic Mexican lunch, stop at Muy Bueno. The restaurant’s menu features tacos and enchiladas as well as other Mexican favorites. Movie buffs will enjoy dining here, since Muy Bueno was a favorite spot for the cast of the movie Gone Girl, which was filmed In Cape Girardeau. Director David Fincher sent the owners an autographed copy of the movie poster. As you enjoy your lunch, the staff might share stories about the actors, including Ben Affleck.

Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine

You’ll think you’re dining in the French Quarter at Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine. Plates overflowing with jambalaya, etouffee, and beans and rice are just some of the items on offer. Since the portion sizes are so large, you might want to split an entree or two with your partner and take home leftovers to your hotel.

Shopping In Cape Girardeau

Cape Girardeau’s downtown area is home to some impressive antique stores and boutiques.

Pastimes Antiques offers visitors more than 10,000 square feet of shopping space and about 50 dealers selling items ranging from vintage dresses to classic magazines. A visit to Pastimes is like taking a walk through history, and there’s a story to go along with almost everything in the store.

Annie Laurie’s Antiques offers visitors an opportunity to explore classic home decor and antiques in a former funeral home.

Where To Stay In Cape Girardeau

Historic Kage House

Located downtown and a short walk from the riverfront, the Historic Kage House was built in the 1880s. Visitors can rent the homey apartment available on the second floor. Kage House requires a minimum stay of two nights.

Hotels

If you prefer a hotel, Cape Girardeau is home to nearly 20 chain locations. However, Missouri-based Drury hotels offer a comfortable stay at a reasonable rate. Cape Girardeau has four Drury properties: Drury Plaza Hotel, Drury Inn & Suites, Pear Tree Inn West, and Pear Tree Inn Medical Center. The Drury hotels offer midscale hotel accommodations, while the Pear Tree Inn properties are more economical.

Visiting Vinales, Cuba: 8 Things To See And Do

When the hustle and bustle of Havana becomes overwhelming after a few days, many travelers make their way to Vinales.

Vinales is a quaint countryside town in western Cuba situated just 2.5 hours west of Havana. This sleepy village is known for its tobacco plantations, dramatic karst landscapes, and relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Life moves a little slower here, forcing visitors to take in the soul-enrapturing beauty around them.

Here are some of the best things to see and do on a visit to Vinales.

1. Dance To Live Cuban Music

Live Cuban music can be found on practically every street corner in Vinales’s quaint downtown area, bringing this sleepy countryside town to life each night.

One of the best parts about Cuba in general is the abundance of live music on the street, and Vinales is a great place to witness this phenomenon. You’re guaranteed to hear songs from Cuba’s beloved ensemble Buena Vista Social Club, a group established in 1996 to revive the music of pre-revolutionary Cuba. Songs like “Chan Chan” and “Pueblo Nuevo” will have you dancing (and probably drinking) alongside Vinaleros late into the night.

While you won’t have trouble running into live Cuban music on the streets of Vinales, El Vinalero is a great bar and restaurant offering live music at night (it functions as a tribunal during the day). El Vinalero is a great local hangout where delicious mojitos are sold for only 90 cents.

The writer horseback riding in Vinales Valley. — Alexandra Mahoney

2. Go Horseback Riding

One of the best ways to see the countryside of Vinales is to go horseback riding.

Vinales Valley was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, and horseback riding through this dramatic landscape will undeniably be one of your best memories of Vinales. Visitors can witness traditional agricultural techniques and gaze upon the stunning karst panorama of the area.

Riding Vinales offers 5-hour and 6-hour tours that stop at some of the most spectacular spots in the valley. Tours include cave excursions and visits to local tobacco plantations for a chance to try the famed Cuban cigar.

While you can book a horseback riding excursion in advance, you can also arrange this activity through most Airbnbs in Vinales.

3. Catch A Salsa Show At Centro Cultural Polo Montanez

After my cousin and I toured Vinales Valley on horseback, we met some locals who told us to meet them that night at Centro Cultural Polo Montanez. We didn’t really know what to expect, but we went anyway, and it ended up being the best nightlife experience we had in Vinales.

Centro Cultural Polo Montanez is named for the famous guajiro (country folk) sensation Polo Montanez, a Cuban singer and songwriter who gained international fame and then died tragically in a car accident in 2002.

Centro Cultural Polo Montanez offers live performances every night from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., and admission for foreign visitors only costs $1. There are different performers each night. While I was there, a group of about 10 Afro-Cuban dancers put on a fantastic salsa show.

After the show, the stage becomes a dance floor where visitors and locals are invited to dance salsa and other Latin dance styles until closing time.

A tobacco plantation in Vinales. — Sabino Parente / Shutterstock

4. Visit A Tobacco Plantation

Cuban cigars are practically synonymous with Cuba itself; they’re simply referred to as Cubanos. Tobacco is the main crop grown in Vinales, so it will come as no surprise that there are numerous tobacco plantations to visit during your trip.

As I mentioned before, a great way to see one of these tobacco plantations is via a horseback riding tour. Without a doubt, your Airbnb host will be able to book you a tour at any time. Each time my cousin and I wanted to do something in Vinales, we would let our host know, and she would call someone and have a tour ready for us within 15 minutes.

A visit to a tobacco plantation in Vinales offers visitors an opportunity to travel back in time to a simpler world where agriculture flourished. You’ll meet a local tobacco farmer who will tell you about the process of growing tobacco plants and the ways in which they use the leaves to make Cuban cigars. Of course, you will also have the opportunity to try a cigar yourself.

Honey is another crop that’s commonly produced in Vinales, since the tobacco plantations use it to seal their cigars and may even rub a small amount near the tips to prevent chapped lips.

You can usually purchase Cuban cigars at tobacco plantations to bring back home to friends and family.

5. Explore A Coffee Plantation

Another of Vinales’s commonly grown crops is coffee. Coffee is consumed by most Cubans, and coffee plantations are located throughout Vinales Valley.

You can visit many coffee plantations in conjunction with the nearby tobacco plantations; they are popular stops on horseback riding tours of Vinales.

The Mural of Prehistory in Vinales. — Alexandra Mahoney

6. See The Mural Of Prehistory

One of the largest murals in the world, the Mural of Prehistory (Mural de la Prehistoria), was painted in 1961 by Leovigildo Gonzalez Morillo, who studied under the great muralist Diego Rivera.

Approximately 260 feet tall and 400 feet wide, the Mural of Prehistory depicts the life of the first inhabitants of the Cuban archipelago. The mural is part of the mountain Mogote Dos Hermanas and surrounded by unparalleled views of Vinales Valley. Goats and other local animals roam free here, adding to the unique charm of the area.

The Mural of Prehistory makes a great photo op, and you’ll find a souvenir shop and a few small outdoor bars nearby. Try the excellent pina coladas!

7. Appreciate The Views At Mirador De Valle De Vinales

Views of Vinales Valley and the surrounding Sierra de los Organos can be seen at various points throughout the city, but you’ll find an excellent lookout point with a stunning panoramic view at Mirador de Valle de Vinales, which is adjacent to the town’s famous Hotel Horizontes Los Jazmines.

8. Cycle Around Vinales

Since Vinales is relatively small, one of the best ways to see the entirety of this charming village in a short amount of time is by renting bicycles and cycling through the town.

There are a handful of bike rental points in Vinales, with mountain bike rentals available for about $15 to $20 per day. Your Airbnb hosts can help arrange bike rentals or cycling tours.

A restaurant in Vinales. — Florian Augustin / Shutterstock

Eating In Vinales

Downtown Vinales is teeming with delectable local cuisine, along with a variety of pizza parlors and restaurants catering to tourists.

Tres Jotas

Tres Jotas is one of the most famous restaurants in Vinales, serving hot tapas, a vast selection of wine, delicious cocktails, and an abundance of options you won’t find at other local hubs.

When dining at Tres Jotas, be sure to try one of the signature dishes: slow-cooked lamb marinated in red wine.

La Dulce Vida

If you’ve had enough rice and beans, head to La Dulce Vida, the best Italian restaurant in Vinales. It offers delicious wood-fired pizzas and classic Italian pasta.

La Dulce Vida has a welcoming and relaxing ambience and a comfortable outdoor seating area with cushioned seats, ideal for a nightly recap and people-watching opportunities.

El Olivo

Offering vegan and vegetarian options, El Olivo is a Mediterranean-style restaurant that serves up soups, salads, grilled vegetables, vegan paella, and pasta dishes.

El Olivo is one of Vinales’s few true farm-to-table restaurants, with most of its ingredients coming straight from the restaurant’s farm just about 2 miles up the road.

Balcon Del Valle

A dining experience with a view, Balcon del Valle is a traditional Cuban restaurant with a three-story wooden deck overlooking the breathtaking Vinales Valley.

Balcon del Valle has friendly staff members and affordable meals, with all mains accompanied by rice, salad, fruit, and plantain chips. Be sure to try some of the restaurant’s fresh fish and sit back and relax with a refreshing mojito.

Shopping In Vinales

Since Vinales is a small town, the shopping consists mostly of souvenir shops and local craft shops.

A private-enterprise market, Mercado de Artesania, sets up daily on Calle Joaquin Perez, selling a variety of Cuban-themed arts and crafts. Here you can find Che Guevara and Fidel Castro knickknacks, along with stalls selling jewelry, hats, T-shirts, and leather goods.

While you’ll find the best Cuban cigars at the local tobacco plantations, Vinales is home to a famous cigar shop called El Estanco that offers top-notch Cuban cigars at affordable prices.

When strolling through downtown Vinales on Calle Salvador Cisneros, you’ll find shops selling unique Cuban products, such as CDs by local musicians, locally made instruments, and, of course, Cuban rum.

Landscape of Vinales Valley. — Alexandra Mahoney

Traveling To Cuba From The United States

It should be noted that there is a travel ban in place for U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba.

In 2015, President Barack Obama lifted the embargo against Cuba, allowing U.S. citizens to travel there for the first time since 1962. In June 2019, however, President Donald Trump announced new travel restrictions on visits to Cuba — you can read more about the ban here. In short, recreational and educational travel to Cuba, including cruise travel, is now prohibited.

Despite the recent ban, U.S. citizens can still visit Cuba; they simply must mark one of 12 options on their visa. The most common of these is “support for the Cuban people.”

Under this form of travel, U.S. citizens are required to support only the local economy in Cuba and are prohibited from partaking in any activity or staying in any accommodation funded by the government. For example, since many resorts and hotels are funded by the Cuban government, U.S. citizens must stay in Airbnbs, known in Cuba as casas particulares.

Before heading to Cuba, I was quite worried about the recent travel ban and wondered how much it would affect my trip. Thankfully, the only time the ban was apparent was at airports in the U.S. I was required to provide my reasoning for traveling to Cuba when checking into my flight, and I was asked for my reasoning again when going through customs on my way back home.

For more information on how to visit Cuba from the U.S. in 2020, see this piece.

Why You Should Discover Little Sweden In Lindsborg, Kansas

As you explore Lindsborg, Kansas, don’t be surprised if someone greets you with “Valkommen till Lindsborg!” They’re just welcoming you to their small community. Located about an hour north of Wichita on Interstate 35, the town of about 3,500 is quite proud of its Scandinavian heritage. From its attractions to its food and architecture, Lindsborg — nicknamed Little Sweden — offers a taste of life in the motherland.

Here are a few reasons why you should make time to visit.

One of the dala horse sculptures in Lindsborg. — Tim Trudell

You’ll Love The Dala Horse Sculptures

The first thing you’ll notice when you head downtown are the dozens of horse sculptures, or dalas, in front of the stores and restaurants. The dala, one of the national symbols of Sweden, represents the central province of Dalarna. The colorful figures even have names, such as Dolla Dala, who is painted with dollar bills. Other dalas feature the Swedish and American flags, grapes, and characters from local theater productions.

Visitors to the town flock to Hemslojd Swedish Gifts for dala souvenirs. Dalas are the most popular items at the store, and you can personalize them any way you choose. The wooden art pieces are hand-carved daily in a small workshop at the store. Then, two artists hand-paint the horses and use their calligraphy skills to add a family name or message. In the gift shop, you can find dala sculptures of all sizes, as well as gnomes, ornaments, crystal, and even baseballs, all of which can be personalized by the artists.

An art gallery in Lindsborg. — Tim Trudell

It’s Home To A Vibrant Art Scene

For a small town, Lindsborg has an impressive art scene featuring everything from downtown art galleries to museums to public art displays.

Small World Gallery combines handcrafted jewelry with photos by a National Geographic photographer, while Hands of Time Gallery offers hand-carved art pieces, including life-size clocks.

Lindsborg pays homage to two great artists who once called the town home. The Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery on the campus of Bethany College shares the story and artwork of Birger Sandzen, a Swedish immigrant who came to teach in the United States. His early art consisted of broad brushstrokes and beautiful landscapes. Later in life, his paintings became more detailed, with sharper lines. He taught at the college for several years, and he even had a studio on campus, which has been preserved as he left it.

Lester Raymer was a jack-of-all-trades in the art world. There seemed to be nothing he couldn’t create: He produced paintings, woodcarvings, sculptures, and more. The artist even crafted handmade toys for his wife each Christmas, some more elaborate than others. His work included toy soldiers, puppets, and carousels. Raymer passed away inside his Red Barn Studio, which continues to display his final painting. Tours are offered, and admission is free.

Bethany College is home to a series of outstanding sculptures. These are sprinkled around the campus and include unique pieces such as a sculpture appearing to have blades rather than arms. A more traditional piece depicts a boy and girl playing with a small dog. These sculptures are mostly the work of former students.

A European-style phone booth stands in front of the Blacksmith Coffee Roastery and is a popular photo op.

Coronado Heights in Kansas. — Tim Trudell

You Can Enjoy The Great Outdoors

Running from near Bethany College to just outside of town, the Valkommen Trail is a 2.5-mile route perfect for walking or jogging. Ending near the McPherson County Old Mill Museum at Smoky Hill River, the converted railroad line offers a bit of history along with pretty views: Historical markers along the path point out important events and buildings. The mill is a lovely place to take in the scenery or do a little exploring off the trail. Nearby, Heritage Square is a living history museum that provides a look at Lindsborg’s early days as a Swedish settlement and railroad town.

About a 10-minute drive from town is Coronado Heights, a stone castle overlook built during the Great Depression. It calls to mind the Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado’s visit to central Kansas in the mid-1500s.

A Swedish flag in Lindsborg. — Tim Trudell

The Architecture Is Unique

Architecture buffs will love downtown Lindsborg, with its buildings dating to the late 1800s. Several structures, such as the city hall, resemble Scandinavian buildings with their traditional colors and unusual designs. The Swedish flag also flies on street corners and in front of businesses.

There Are Plenty Of Dining Options

Lindsborg has some delightful dining options, from a world-famous bar and grill to traditional Swedish fare.

Ol Stuga looks like an ordinary bar from the outside, but once you enter the family-friendly establishment, you’ll quickly learn that a famous Russian leader once ate here and that the bar’s famous sandwich has been featured on national television. Mikhail Gorbachev visited Lindsborg to deliver a speech at Bethany College. Community leaders brought him to Ol Stuga for lunch. Did he try the world-famous Brent Nelson sandwich? You’ll need to read the story at the bar to find out.

The Brent Nelson sandwich — which features Polish sausage on a hoagie topped with onions, Cheddar, and hot pepper cheese — was named a finalist in Good Morning America’s search for the best sandwich in America. The Nelson got its name when a local named (you guessed it) Brent Nelson wanted something different for a sandwich, and the cook came up with the unusual combination. From that day forward, Nelson always ordered the same sandwich.

The Swedish Crown restaurant downtown, which is operated by the college, offers a combination of American and Swedish fare. Want a burger? You can order a traditional one or try the Swede Burger, which features lingonberry barbecue sauce. The restaurant also sells Swedish meatballs, dill potatoes, a side of lingonberry sauce, and rye bread. You’ll leave feeling full!

Farley’s Bar and Grill offers traditional American food like chicken-fried steak, coconut chicken tenders, and burgers. There’s a special menu for Sunday brunch.

Coffee enthusiasts should visit Blacksmith Coffee Roastery, which is located in a former smithy. Blacksmith also offers a lunch menu featuring sandwiches and soups. At the other end of downtown is The White Peacock, which features a comfortable lounge area surrounded by books. Both coffeehouses are excellent places to enjoy a cup of your favorite coffee or tea and a little conversation.

Its Bed And Breakfasts Are Charming

If you’re a fan of bed and breakfasts, Lindsborg has got three: Seasons of the Fox, Rosberg House Bed & Breakfast, and Drom Sott Inn (Sweet Dreams Inn). Each of these bed and breakfasts is wonderfully charming and centrally located.