Kelleys Island: Ohio’s Best-Kept Secret

I have visited Kelleys Island a couple of times and have fallen in love again and again. This island is located a little over 10 miles from Sandusky, Ohio, and is home to approximately 300 people, which, on average, swells to 1,500 people each day in the summer.

If you love the island life and adventure, Kelleys Island is for you. Here are some of the best things to do there, whenever you go.

The Kelleys Island Ferry in Ohio. — Dan Hazard

Ride The Ferry To Kelleys Island

Getting to Kelleys Island is an adventure in itself. There are no roads or bridges, and visitors must travel by private boat, ferry, or plane to get there.

The Kelley’s Island Ferry Boat Line offers service out of Marblehead, Ohio. Passenger service, as well as space for automobiles, RVs, trucks, and tractor-trailers, are available.

If the weather is a little drizzly and cloudy, I would suggest boarding the ferry with your car. If the weather looks great, hop on the ferry as a walk-on passenger and rent a golf cart when you get to the island. Dress in layers either way, and know that it’s important to pay attention to the time that the last ferry leaves the island.

Depending on what time of year you visit, you will want to monitor the weather, as the ferry may stop running in cases of inclement weather and ice. Ferry service usually closes in January and resumes when the water opens back up.

Rent A Golf Cart

Renting a golf cart on Kelleys Island will make your visit the ultimate adventure. Once you hop off the ferry, you will see signs to rent golf carts. There are several reputable businesses that rent them. I would suggest renting your golf cart for a minimum of two hours as you will cover quite a bit of ground during that time frame.

Inscription Rock on the shore of Kelleys Island. — LeeG7144 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Visit Inscription Rock

Inscription Rock is a large limestone boulder on the southern shore of Kelleys Island and not to be missed. The petroglyphs carved into its surface have made it famous. I have recently seen many petroglyphs, and these are just fascinating.

The Inscription Rock drawings were made by Native Americans who inhabited the island before European and American settlers arrived. The artwork has faded over the years, but you can still see the inscriptions if you look closely. It’s truly a fascinating work of art.

Fun Fact: The Chamber of Commerce Director told me that there were two petroglyph rocks on Kelleys Island at one time, but just one remains today.

Visit The Kelleys Island Historical Museum

Park your golf cart in the parking lot at the Kelleys Island Historical Museum. The history of the island is displayed in a fun way throughout the museum, from displays on how electricity was brought to the island to swimsuits. This island has it all, and depictions of the bathing beauties from the 1950s are something the museum prides itself on. Take a step back in time and enjoy the history of Kelleys Island. There is a small fee to enter the museum, which helps in maintaining the facility.

The Glacial Grooves on Kelleys Island. — Dan Hazard

Explore Glacial Grooves

Visiting the Glacial Grooves that you will find on Kelleys Island is a truly unique experience. You can view these unique grooves, which were formed when massive sheets of ice moved during the last ice age via a trail that encompasses them. In fact, the island itself is a chunk of Columbus Limestone. These glacial grooves are 400 feet long, 35 feet wide, and up to 15 feet deep. Park your golf cart in the parking lot and take your camera with you. It’s important to note that there are stairs involved in the walk around the Glacial Grooves, and in some places, the trail is not level.

Engage In Bird Watching And Get Close To Nature

There are several opportunities to enjoy nature on Kelleys Island, and bird watching, supported by the Kelleys Island Audubon Club, is one of them. Several birds can be seen throughout the year, but fall and spring are especially magical. The birds are migrating, which means opportunities for viewing that are unique to the seasons. Pack your binoculars for an outstanding experience on the numerous nature trails around the island.

Eating And Drinking On Kelleys Island

There are several eating establishments on the island. You will not find fast food here; instead, there are family-owned restaurants that roll out the red carpets for their patrons. You will find a brewery, a winery, and even a martini bar on the island.

The Village Pump

The Village Pump has been referred to as the destination watering hole for boaters and visitors alike since 1983. If you enjoy fish, this is where you need to order Lake Erie perch. The Village Pump is open March through December and provide top-notch hospitality for all diners. I had an Italian sandwich when I ate here and loved it.

Kelleys Island Wine Company

The Kelley’s Island Wine Company is more than just a winery. They have abundant indoor and outdoor seating. I personally like to park my golf cart here and find a place to sit outdoors. Here is where you can enjoy wine and a meal that is composed of locally sourced ingredients. Pizza, soup, and flatbreads are some of the popular menu choices. This winery is located off the main drag at 418 Woodford Road.

Kelleys Island Brewery

This fun place where folks gather on Kelleys Island is located right on Lake Erie. Kelleys Island Brewery is where you can enjoy craft beers and indulge in a meal. Burgers, fried pickles, and a frosted chocolate brownie are highlights from their menu. This brewpub is seasonal, as many places are on Kelleys Island.

Where To Shop On Kelleys Island

One of my favorite places to shop around Lake Erie Shores and Islands is the General Store on Kelleys Island. They have some of the finest souvenirs and a building full of history. It’s one of those places that you cannot walk by without stopping in. Find a place to park your golf cart on the main street and get shopping. This is also the perfect place to pick up sunscreen, insect repellant, and any other items you may have forgotten back on the mainland.

Where To Stay On Kelleys Island

Kelleys Island is home to many different options when it comes to lodging. The many different types of lodging available make it an inviting island for people with all sorts of tastes and needs when it comes to a place to stay.

A Water’s Edge Retreat

This award-winning luxury inn is a bed and breakfast and a beautiful place to enjoy island life. A Water’s Edge Retreat is a charming three-story lakefront Queen Anne Victorian that has a beach and beach decks. All guests will enjoy a one-of-a-kind gourmet breakfast in the dining room. Each room has its own unique decor and a private bath. Complimentary bicycles are also available for all guests. An important thing to note is that this destination is for adults only; all guests must be 18 years of age or older.

Kelleys Island State Park Campground

This campground is located in a beautiful natural setting with 100 feet of beach for swimming. Boat enthusiasts will find a boat launch close by, and the Glacial Grooves are a short walk from the campground. Highlights of the campground include 84 electric sites, 45 non-electric sites, showers, and flush toilets. The campground is closed November 1 to April 1 annually. Reservations can be made through the state park website, and I would highly recommend reserving your campsite in advance, as sites fill up fast during the peak season.

Marblehead Lighthouse on the shore of Lake Erie. — nsmith13 / Shutterstock

Traveling To The Kelleys Island Area

The closest airport to Kelleys Island is the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, which is approximately one hour away. A train is also available to Sandusky, Ohio. I would suggest renting a car at the airport, as you will want to have a car to explore the area around Kelleys Island.

Lake Erie Shores and Islands are also home to a fantastic Merry-Go-Round Museum in Sandusky that is worth a visit. Hop on the carousel and experience the nostalgia that goes with it.

Kelleys Island is full of beauty unlike any place else in the Midwest. Once you set foot on the island, take a look back at where you came from. The Marblehead Lighthouse will most likely be in your view, as well as the beautiful blue expanse of water. The beaches on Kelleys Island will welcome your toes and make for a fun day in the sun. I have been on many Caribbean islands, and Kelleys Island offers the solitude that you can find in the Caribbean, right in the heart of America.

Plan your visit sometime between May and September, as the weather is the best during that time of the year. There are also many places to enjoy a picnic on the island if you so desire. Pack a picnic lunch, along with the other things you will need for the day, before you board the ferry. Dress in layers, as mornings can start out cool before the sun begins to heat things up.

Once you visit, you will be hooked. Kelley’s Island will lure you in and it could easily become an annual getaway.

5 Things You Should Bring On A Long-Distance Train Trip

Long-distance train rides can be a relaxing cross-country adventure — watching the landscape pass, meeting fellow travelers, playing cards, or reading in the observation car — or a long and uncomfortable ride. Your experience will depend on your mindset and how prepared you are before departing. A few important items can make all the difference on a long-distance train trip.

Here are some items you shouldn’t leave behind.

1. Functional Outerwear

I was riding the California Zephyr through parts of Colorado in the springtime. On this two-week trip, I would encounter freezing temperatures and a blizzard in Winter Park, moderate but still chilly weather in Glenwood Springs, and sunny days in the 70s in Grand Junction. Fortunately, I had packed for a variety of weather conditions.

Even on a long train ride, I prefer to pack only one piece of luggage with clothing. My solution to save space? Slip-on boots and a convertible down jacket that subs as a travel pillow.

Rather than packing snow boots, I wore my UGG boots on the train. Wearing them saved space in my bag plus provided comfy warmth while I was on the train — and made middle-of-the-night trips down the aisle easier, since the boots slip on quickly.

Just before departing, I purchased a TUMI puffer jacket. This wound up being my favorite travel accessory (and it still is!). I stayed warm in winter weather, but when I arrived in Grand Junction, the coat easily converted into a travel pillow that I attached to a handle on my luggage, saving valuable space inside my bag. On the train, I snuggled up with the down jacket as a blanket during the day; at night I converted it into a comfy pillow. (I’ll admit that it was pure indulgence to have a down pillow on the train.)

2. Food, Glorious Food

I always pack a cooler for long-distance train rides. Although I’ll dine once or twice in the cafe car or dining car, depending on how long the trip is, having fresh favorites in a cooler is the real treat for me. For some reason, I crave produce when I’m on a train ride, so I pack a bag with apples, bananas, oranges, or other fruit that travels well. I’ll also throw in some nut bars, bags of nuts, a bar of quality chocolate, and other nonperishable snack foods.

I include a few bottles of frozen water — these act as my coolant for the first day of the trip. Usually by the next morning when I pull out my bottled coffee drink (to hold me over until I’m awake enough to go get a hot coffee), the bottled water is melted and ready to drink. I pack plastic bags to refill with ice in the cafe car after my bottled water melts.

Inside the cooler, I create a custom charcuterie board of carrot sticks and hummus, gourmet meats and cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables. These are items that I don’t normally eat at home, so it feels like a treat on the train. For breakfast, I’ll have a couple boiled eggs from the cooler. I pack napkins, cutlery, and a few paper plates as well.

If my first layover is in Chicago or Washington, I always head to Pret A Manger to refill my cooler with a baguette sandwich and a salad. They offer fresh-made salads, soups, and sandwiches, plus delicious organic coffee.

3. Comfortable Clothes

Comfort is key on a long train ride. I choose clothes that are comfortable enough to sleep in but stylish enough to spend a few hours at the train station or eating in the dining car.

For comfortable pants, I opt for Cindy Karen travel wear like the Cape Town slacks. My favorite travel shoes are Arcopedico’s Vegas walking shoes. They’re comfortable enough to wear all day, slip on and off without difficulty, and are easily packed into luggage.

4. Items For A Good Night’s Rest

If you’re not paying for a sleeper car, comfort should be a top priority when packing for your trip. In addition to the comfortable slip-on shoes and travel pillow that I mentioned earlier, I always pack an eye mask (even though the lights are dimmed at night, there are always some lights on so that passengers can find their way after dark), ear plugs (these come in handy if you’re sleeping near the sliding door between cars — passengers come through all night, and the opening and closing sounds can really prevent a good night’s rest), and either a blanket or sleeping bag.

I’ve found that whatever the temperature is outside, inside the train it’s the polar opposite. Bring a blanket no matter the season to be safe.

5. Personal Items

When I traveled from Kansas City to Hampton, Virginia, I spent more than 36 hours on the rails, including layovers in Chicago and D.C. Since I was in coach and didn’t have the option of a shower, I packed a bag with personal items like toothpaste, a toothbrush, face wipes (I bring plenty of these to use for cleanup after eating and to wash my hands), lotion, lip balm, and any prescriptions. I always bring a hat. Tenth Street sells packable hats that can be rolled and packed when not in use but retain their shape once unpacked.

Add a tablet loaded with movies, some art supplies, or a book you haven’t had a chance to read, and you’re all set to enjoy a long-distance train ride with comforts that will make the time even more memorable.

Want to see the country by train? Consider these eight great stops to make while riding Amtrak’s Southwest Chief, plus these seven Pacific Coast stops to make while riding the Coast Starlight.

7 Reasons To Visit Hawaii’s Bishop Museum

There are so many terrific reasons to go to Hawaii. It boasts incredible beaches with sand in a variety of shades ranging from black to white and even green. The snorkeling and diving are glorious, with a wide array of sea creatures regularly on display under the water. In some parts of the island chain, you can go from tropical paradise to mountain snow in a single day! And then there’s the infectious spirit of aloha that shines through it all.

Hawaii’s outdoor scenery tends to take center stage for vacationers, and for good reason. However, if you’re staying on Oahu, there is a wonderful museum you should really take the time to visit.

The Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, also known as the Hawaii State Museum of Natural and Cultural History, examines the culture and lasting legacy of Hawaii’s first people. It houses millions of artifacts along with other terrific exhibits focusing on Hawaii’s natural history.

We had zero regrets spending some time at the Bishop and away from the beach. Here are a few reasons you should consider a stop there during your own island adventure.

1. Both The Building And Grounds Are Beautiful

Back in 1888, Charles Reed Bishop established the museum in memory of his wife, the late Princess Bernice, who was the last member of the Kamehameha dynasty (more on them in a bit). Bishop designed and built the gorgeous museum, famed for its spacious halls and stonework, as a place to display and protect his wife’s ancestral heirlooms, along with other Hawaiian treasures and objects.

Walking through the expansive halls, with their rich woodwork and multiple floors, makes you feel as if you’ve been transported back in time to an amazing old-world library. The surrounding gardens are equally stunning and also worthy of your attention, featuring native Hawaiian plants and landscapes. Museum staffers offer an hour-long garden tour each day, and it’s free with your museum admission — check it out!

2. It’s A Great Introduction To Hawaiian Culture

If you’ve ever wondered about the culture and customs of Hawaii’s first people, the Bishop is the place to go. There are a variety of artifacts and displays in the main galleries, expertly arranged so that visitors can get a holistic glimpse of early island life.

The Hawaiian Hall focuses on Hawaiian gods, legends, and beliefs in pre-contact Hawaii, as well as how its people lived, worked, and played. The Bishop’s Pacific Hall explores the cultural treasures and migration patterns of the Pacific people throughout Oceania. Both are packed full of wonders, and you’ll walk away with a new appreciation of life in Hawaii’s earliest days.

3. You Can Follow In The Footsteps Of The Wayfinders

If you’ve ever wondered how the first Hawaiians reached the island paradise from Polynesia, head to the Bishop’s J. Watumull Planetarium to get a hands-on sailing lesson! The 25-minute fully immersive Wayfinders program allows visitors to simulate travels in a voyaging canoe and delves into the craft of night-sky navigation.

The experience will cost you an extra $2.95, but you’ll gain a deeper understanding of just how difficult it was for Hawaii’s intrepid first people to reach its shores. They used only the stars — and their keen sense of navigation — to find the way.

4. You Can Learn About Hawaii’s Royal Families

The history of Hawaii’s royal families is both fascinating and fraught with tragedy.

For nearly a hundred years, the Kamehameha dynasty ruled Hawaii and united the islands into a single nation. A stroll through the Bishop’s Kahili Room helps bring the stories of these leaders to life, both with portraits and artifacts. You’ll also learn about monarchs from the Kalakaua family, who reigned after the House of Kamehameha died out.

We were awestruck by the magnificent kahili, or feather staffs, associated with the royal family and used during formal occasions. There are also personal effects of the kings and queens on display.

By considering the stories of these families, you can better understand the present, complicated history of the 50th state.

5. You Can Explore Hawaii’s Ever-Changing Environment

To take a deeper dive into Hawaii’s incredible biodiversity and the environmental factors that continue to shape the island chain, make sure to take time to visit the Bishop’s Richard T. Mamiya Science Adventure Center. Set slightly away from the main halls, the hands-on exhibits focus on the forces — including volcanoes and the Pacific Ocean — that affect these beloved islands.

Don’t miss the daily lava show, at which you can see firsthand how lava forms and watch it flow in its molten state from a brass furnace. You couldn’t get any closer to the process, even if you’ve got a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park planned!

6. You’ll Gain An Appreciation For Hawaii’s Surfing Culture

Surfing is an important part of Hawaiian culture, and at the Bishop, you can get a crash course on the sport without even getting wet.

Surfers have been testing and riding the waves for generations in Hawaii, and until May 2020, a special exhibit at the Bishop will introduce visitors to the sport. It includes vintage boards, old photos, and even a computer simulator so that you can give the sport a virtual try. Exhibits on surfing legends are also on display.

Strolling through the exhibit is a terrific way to better understand why Hawaii and surfing will be forever intertwined.

7. The Daily Programs And Presentations Are Terrific

While the offerings and programs vary at the Bishop, they always include something fascinating pertaining to Hawaiian life and culture (and are included in the price of your general admission!). From lei-making to surfboard shaping to carving and craft demonstrations, they are well worth checking out. The museum occasionally hosts after-hours events as well.

See what’s on offer daily on the Bishop’s event page.

What To Know Before You Go

The Bishop is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and adult admission costs $24.95. The museum is located near downtown Honolulu and is easily accessible by car, Uber, or bus. Keep in mind that the campus consists of several buildings, so you’ll get some walking in, especially if you opt for the garden tour.

Pro Tips: The museum shop is stocked with beautiful items and is well worth checking out. Chances are you’ll find something here to bring home to friends and family. And if you work up an appetite during your Bishop adventure, there’s no need to go off campus. We found the cafe to be charming and very much in line with traditional food-truck fare, offering Hawaiian favorites such as poke bowls, kalua pork and poi, and the famous macaroni potato salad (yes, it’s a thing!). The prices are reasonable, too.

Planning a trip to Oahu? Check out Honolulu’s best free and frugal activities, and be sure to make time for Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, and the North Shore.

9 Excellent Nashville Hidden Gems To Visit

Nashville, or Music City, is mainly known for its honky tonks and music sites. The Grand Ole Opry is grand! There are museums dedicated to many country music legends, recording studios to be toured, and what seems to be an endless row of honky-tonk bars where live music flows all night.

In fact, in 2019, CNN named Nashville the number one destination for bachelorette parties. Say no more! But there is another side to Nashville that can provide a respite and maybe a slower pace, but is still packed with fun and interest. These are Nashville’s less-known and hidden gems.

Eggs benedict from Biscuit Love. — BiscuitLove.com

1. Biscuit Love In The Gulch

You’ll want to visit the Gulch because it is an old hippie neighborhood. It may not seem like that now with all the new condos and hotels, but the remnants are there in lots of off-beat bars and restaurants.

I visited Biscuit Love for a Sunday breakfast along with dozens of others who waited with me in line to soak up chicken and waffles, biscuits and jam, and lots of other traditional Southern breakfast cuisine. The restaurant started as an Airstream travel trailer food truck and eventually settled into this location. They keep their heritage alive with table numbers featuring the iconic trailer picture. The food is great and worth the effort to get in. They don’t take reservations, but the line is fun with all the street action and fellow diners as hungry as you are!

Centennial Park in Nashville. — STLJB / Shutterstock

2. Centennial Park And Vanderbilt University

The most famous element of this park, just over a mile from downtown, is the replica of the Parthenon (yes, the one in Greece!). But Centennial Park itself is the hidden gem. Originally built in 1897, it was the site of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. The city decided to make it a permanent park when the Expo closed and to keep the Parthenon as an attraction. I found the park to be a lovely place with ponds with ducks, plenty of food truck vendors, and picnic spots galore.

Vanderbilt University, built by patriarch Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt in 1873, sits adjacent to the park. He is literally a looming figure with a statue of him prominently featured in Centennial Park. The campus has beautiful grounds you can stroll. Check out Kirkland Hall, a unique building that is the original site of the university. The Peabody College of Education buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Centennial Park is open every day from dawn to 11 p.m. Visit in the spring when magnolias and redbuds are in bloom.

A pedal tavern in Nashville. — Scott Heaney / Shutterstock

3. Pedal Party Bars

Every city has a tour bus for sightseeing, but Nashville has pedal bikes for up to 16 people and each is a party in motion! It’s a BYOB venue and the “vehicle” is a pedal-assisted adventure with each guest pedaling along to the blaring music, drinking, singing, and enjoying the city sites.

A guide/bartender drives the party bike down Broadway or through the Gulch and ensures that everyone has a great time. When you are walking down the street, you hear the party coming and can’t help but enjoy the frivolity as they pedal their way down the street. Tickets are about $40 to $45 depending on the day of the week (tours run seven days a week) and which company you select. Have fun and keep pedaling!

4. Bluebird Cafe

You may have seen this venue on the television series Nashville. It is literally a hole in the wall at a strip mall not far from downtown (an easy Uber ride away). The Bluebird Cafe gives each patron an up-close-and-personal musical experience. Tickets are hard to get because of the size of the place and the day-of stand-by line is an even tougher ticket to get.

But if you get in, you will experience great music in an atmosphere so cozy it feels like your living room. A simple food menu and full bar are available to cover the $10 minimum purchase requirement. Mondays at 6 p.m. Bluebird hosts a new talent night where aspiring stars come to sing their hearts out, but you’ll have to stand in line all afternoon to get in. There’s a late show with the house band and no reservations are taken, which means you stand in the “I hope to get a ticket” line. Ticket prices vary by artist for reservation-eligible shows.

5. Frist Art Museum

This is a nice art museum that is housed in a most unexpected building. It is in the former, main U.S. Post Office — an art deco gem — located in downtown Nashville. The Frist Art Museum is a wonderful adaptive reuse of a historic building that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside, the main lobby of the post office has been retained in all its glory and is used as a common space for ticket purchases and events. The vibe takes you back in time to an era of jazz and glamor.

The art galleries can be accessed from this long rectangular space and feature local Nashville and Tennessee artists as well as national tours of international art. There’s a children’s art-making section as well. The building is well worth visiting even if you don’t pay to see the art. It’s open seven days a week. Admission for gallery viewing is $15 and $10 for seniors.

6. Looby Memorial And The Woolworth Building

Nashville played a role in the fight for civil rights. One of the early lunch counter desegregation efforts happened here in 1960, and it was filled with violence and heroes. John Lewis (civil rights icon and current Congressman from Georgia) was a student protester who willingly violated Jim Crow laws to sit at the white lunch counter at the downtown Woolworth store and experienced his first of many arrests during that protest.

An African-American attorney, Alexander Looby, helped the cause and his house was firebombed and destroyed while the sit-ins were happening. There is a historical marker where the house stood at 2010 Meharry Boulevard, across the street from Meharry Medical College (one of four Historic Black Colleges and Universities in Nashville). Head over to the 5th Avenue Historic District and you can tour that lunch counter in the fully restored Woolworth building and restaurant. The Woolworth on 5th also is a very nice restaurant serving lunch, dinner, and brunch by reservation. They also have live music. The now-restored building was built in 1901 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The building and restaurant are open seven days a week.

Andrew Jackson's Hermitage in Nashville. — Zack Frank / Shutterstock

7. Hermitage (The Andrew Jackson Home)

The seventh President of the U.S. had his home, called Hermitage, just outside of central Nashville. It is now a National Historic site of 120 beautiful acres with a restored plantation home and former slave quarters, gardens, and a cemetery including Jackson’s tomb, plus a duel re-enactment. Jackson preservationists call him the People’s President and Old Hickory. He was a formidable man in life and lives on with his face on the $20 bill. He made his share of decisions that history has not treated kindly, and he was a significant slaveholder.

His life and times are thoughtfully portrayed at this home. Jackson killed a man in a duel over honor. The “Southern gentleman” code is captured by historical actors for visitors in re-enactments hosted at Hermitage Thursdays through Sundays. Guided tour tickets are available at three levels ranging from $24 to $50 (with lower senior pricing). Be prepared to walk and stand for several hours (both indoors and out, rain or shine) as you tour the house and grounds.

The J. Percy Priest Dam outside of Nashville. — eakkarat rangram / Shutterstock

8. J. Percy Priest Dam And Recreation Areas

The Army Corps of Engineers maintains the Priest Dam and hundreds of acres of recreational lands with trails, lakes, and campgrounds about 20 minutes outside of Nashville. You can go to the visitors center to learn about the dam and its significance in keeping the Cumberland Valley from flooding.

The Corps does a great job of ensuring an accessible and enjoyable outdoor space, so prepare to get your sunshine and exercise. You could even bring a boat and explore an island. You can go to any of the day-use areas, several of which have beaches for swimming at the reservoir lake, or hike numerous trails, all for a $5 daily entry fee. If you want a less strenuous visit, simply drive across the dam for a great view. You can go to the visitors center and overlook at the dam as well. This is a unique destination to work off any honkey tonk blues.

9. Sri Ganesha Temple

About 15 minutes outside of downtown, you can be transported to another world at the Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple. The architecture of these types of temples is very intriguing. This one replicates temples built in the 900 to 1100 A.D. era and was created by Indian craftsmen. The deity Ganesh is the symbol of the temple and resembles an elephant. Statuary depicting Ganesh adorns the grounds as well. You can explore the grounds, go inside, and enjoy the contemplative space.

Weekly services and events are held at the temple for practicing Hindus and guests. It’s a cultural experience you might not expect to have in Nashville. The temple is open in the mornings and evenings and tours are given once a month on Saturdays. Donations are accepted.

Nashville bound? Read up on Nashville hot chicken: what it is and why you should try it on your next visit, plus TravelAwaits’ Nashville Travel Guide: What To Eat, See, And Do.

How To Spend A Day In Strasbourg, France

A visit to Strasbourg will give you the feeling that you’ve been dropped into a fairy tale. This French city in Alsace combines the best of France and Germany.

Strasbourg offers quaint architecture with an abundance of German timber framing known as fachwerk. The winding cobblestone lanes date back to Roman times. Canals and rivers run through and around the old town, and an imposing cathedral with a single steeple towers over the main square. The entire center island of Strasbourg, known as the Grand Ile, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Strasbourg makes for a perfect day-trip destination, because it’s compact enough that you can easily explore it all on foot. The town is just a 2-hour train ride from Paris, so it’s easy to get there for a day of dining, shopping, and sightseeing.

Here are the best ways to spend a day in delightful Strasbourg.

Place Kleber, the main market square in Strasbourg. — Leonid Andronov / Shutterstock

Head For The Historic Center Of Strasbourg

Start your visit in the main market square of Strasbourg to get a feel for the vibe of this historic town. If you arrive by train, you can walk to the square in about 15 minutes. The square is lively and bordered by shops, eateries, and the iconic cathedral.

Nearby is the quieter Gutenberg Square, named for Johannes Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press. He lived here from 1434 to 1444, and his memorial dominates the square. This smaller square shows you the more residential side of Strasbourg. Look for a plaque denoting where writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe lived in 1770.

Historic buildings in Strasbourg's Petite France. — Sharon Odegaard

Explore Petite France

Petite France is my favorite area of the Grand Ile. Be sure to make your way here, even if you don’t have much time. This western end of the island is full of half-timbered homes and shops that date to the 1500s. Strasbourg was once home to a thriving tanning industry, and you’ll see signs of this even today. Canals and hand-controlled locks, bridges, flower boxes full of red geraniums, and cafes make this a charming area. As you wander, look for the Ponts Couverts, the three towers on the canal that date to the 1300s.

Pro Tip: Enjoy Petite France early in the morning, before the crowds arrive. I first walked here right after an early breakfast, and so few people were out. The quiet of the water and centuries-old buildings were so peaceful.

Marvel At The Strasbourg Cathedral

This fine example of late Gothic architecture was the world’s tallest building from the mid-1600s to the mid-1800s. Author Victor Hugo visited and called it a “gigantic and delicate marvel.” Light filters through stained glass windows that are 700 to 900 years old.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1015, though the original structure ultimately burned. The cathedral you see today dates to the 12th century. Its history is intertwined with the tumultuous history of the region of Alsace. As Strasbourg went back and forth between German and French rule, the cathedral was briefly a Protestant church during the Reformation, but it returned to its Catholic roots in 1681. It suffered through three major wars but remained largely intact. During World War II, the Germans removed all the windows for safekeeping. The Allies found them in a salt mine at the end of the war and restored them to their proper places.

An interesting story about the cathedral involves how Goethe taught himself to overcome his fear of heights. He would often climb to the top of the dome of the cathedral and then step out onto a ledge that’s since been blocked off. He would look down and hope he could keep from falling to his death. Fortunately for us, he lived through this regimen to continue his writing.

The astronomical clock in Strasbourg Cathedral. — Steve Allen / Shutterstock

This cathedral is also home to a fascinating astronomical clock that dates to the 1500s. It sounds each day at 12:30 p.m., solar noon.

Pro Tip: To see the once-a-day clock show, you must buy a ticket in the small gift shop (it costs about 6 euros). I didn’t see any signage indicating that, so you have to know to ask. A 20-minute video explains how the clock was designed. Then at 12:30 p.m., the clock chimes and the figures move in a circle. It’s well worth seeing.

A canal in Strasbourg, France. — Sharon Odegaard

Float Down The River

A boat ride on the River Ill in Strasbourg will take you in a circle around the old town. It’s a relaxing way to leisurely view the town’s main sights. Lasting 70 minutes, the boat tour goes through two locks. It’s fun to watch the driver run to the back of the boat and work the locks; you’ll feel the water level changing. You can choose a covered or uncovered boat for your tour, depending on the weather and your preference.

You can buy your timed tickets at the tourist information building next to the cathedral in the main square. All cruises are run by Batorama.

A meal the writer had in Strasbourg. — Sharon Odegaard

Eating And Drinking In Strasbourg

Alsatian food is sure to please, since it blends the best of German and French cuisine. In Strasbourg, you are in the heart of the wine route of southern France, so you can count on the local wines to be wonderful, especially the Rieslings. Cheese is a specialty, too; the town of Munster is just a few miles away.

The Petite France area is a short walk from the cathedral, the shopping area, and the main square. I suggest eating in this picturesque area, at a restaurant with a view of the water if you’d like.

Here are two recommendations for a delicious lunch or dinner.

Le Lohkas

My most memorable meal in Strasbourg was at Le Lohkas. Built in 1676, the restaurant sits on a canal bank and was once used by tanners. And while I loved being in the middle of history, it was the food that won me over completely. The menu features fresh seafood and tasty sauces, and the service is top notch.

Maison Des Tanneurs

Once a tanner’s house, this structure dates to 1572. Now a popular restaurant, Maison des Tanneurs offers delicious food and charming ambience.

Shopping In Strasbourg

A car-free shopping street, the Rue des Hallebardes, lies between the main square and the train station. Here you’ll find elegant jewelry, clothing boutiques, leather goods, and perfume shops. For souvenirs, check out the small stores and pop-up stands around the cathedral.

I preferred to browse the little side streets that are full of local and specialty offerings. My favorite finds were a bakery — the Woerle Boulangerie and Patisserie, founded in 1919 — and the Terre d’Ours toy store. I walked by this store several times and finally went inside and adopted a small, adorable teddy that’s my favorite souvenir from this trip.

Where To Stay In Strasbourg

I stayed at Le Bouclier d’Or, which is on a side street off the main thoroughfare and very close to Petite France. It was close to all the sights while also allowing us to retreat to a quiet neighborhood where locals live. While the building dates to the 1500s, the interior is modern and welcoming.

The people who run the hotel went out of their way to help when I made a last-minute change to our dates. The buffet breakfast is elegant and delicious, too.

Canals in Strasbourg's Petite France. — Sharon Odegaard

Pro Tip: Start early! Strasbourg is a major tourist destination, and the streets can get congested with large groups. I found that getting out early in the day allowed me to explore before the groups arrived. This was especially the case for the cathedral and Petite France.

If you are day-tripping and can’t arrive early, turn down the side lanes off the main streets. Any time of day, this is a great way to get a feel for Strasbourg without the crush of people.

Whether you come for a day or for a longer visit, you’ll find that Strasbourg is a medieval treasure that will steal your heart.

The Best Things To Do In Door County, Wisconsin In The Winter

Life slows down in Door County, Wisconsin, in the wintertime. The area is a popular summer destination, but the winter is Door County’s quiet season. Still, you’ll find an abundance of winter outdoor activities like hiking and ice fishing. If you prefer to stay warm, Door County’s got something for you, too: You can shop, dine, and explore the charming cities along the peninsula.

Here are some of the best things to do in charming Door County in the winter.

Door County, Wisconsin bay In The Winter. — Hank Erdmann / Shutterstock

Celebrate The Season With A Winter Festival

Fish Creek’s 33rd annual Winterfest will take place from January 31 to February 2 this year. Participants can enjoy delicious food, contests, fireworks, a chili cook-off, live music, ice sculptures, and games at this festival overlooking the frozen waters of Green Bay.

Catch the ferry to Washington Island for its weeklong Celebrating Winter festivities starting February 8. Enjoy food, entertainment, and adventure — you can even participate in the Fishing Derby!

On February 15, Sturgeon Bay will host the Fire and Ice Festival, where visitors can watch as carvers transform blocks of snow and ice into works of art. Explore Sturgeon Bay on the free trolley and be sure to pick up a brochure listing the ice and snow block locations at the Destination Sturgeon Bay Welcome Center.

Ice fishing hole in Wisconsin lake — Nathan Krause / Shutterstock.com

Try Your Hand At Ice Fishing

Ice fishing in Door County was once a necessity, but now it’s a favorite winter pastime. The deep freeze brings anglers seeking whitefish, trophy walleye, northern pike, and trout. Once the ice is thick enough, anglers move their shanties to the fishing holes, creating dozens of tiny shanty towns along the ice-covered bays and inland lakes.

Hire a fishing guide and you’ll be set up with bait, gear, a shanty, the latest fishing technology, plus the guide’s years of experience fishing through frozen water.

winter shoreline in Peninsula State Park in Door County, Wisconsin — Mark Baldwin / Shutterstock.com

Hike And Play In A Winter Wonderland

Winter is the perfect season for getting outdoors and exploring Door County. Join a naturalist-guided snowshoe hike to roam the frozen tundra of Wisconsin’s oldest nonprofit nature preserve, The Ridges Sanctuary. The 1,600-acre natural preserve is a designated State Natural Area and home to 5 miles of rustic trails.

You can also explore the 3,776 acres of Peninsula State Park. Rent snowshoes, cross-country skis, or fat-tire bikes from Nor Door Sport & Cyclery to discover more than 16 miles of groomed, double-tracked ski trails and 4 miles of snowshoe and hiking trails.

Snowshoe tours are available at Whitefish Dunes State Park, which is home to eight Native American villages dating from 100 B.C. to the late 1800s as well as the highest sand dunes in Wisconsin.

At Ellison Bay Bluff County Park, you’ll find some of the most breathtaking views in Door County. Visitors can take a wooded walkway to the edge of a 100-foot limestone bluff.

On a snowy day, do as the locals do and head to the Peninsula State Park Golf Course, a popular spot for slipping and sliding down Hill 17 on a snow tube.

Shop For Wisconsin Specialties

Wisconsin — and Door County in particular — is known for local specialties like cheese, lavender, and cherries. You can find all three in cities along the peninsula.

Stop by Door County’s oldest cheese store, Renard’s Cheese. Owner Howard Renard began making cheese at the age of 14. Since 1961, this family-owned business has provided locally made cheese to Door County residents and visitors. You’ll find two cheese stores as well as Renard’s Rosewood Dairy, where the cheese is produced.

At Wisconsin Cheese Masters, you’ll find an unbelievable cheese selection. Master cheesemakers practicing artisan and farmstead cheesemaking are the secret to the company’s winning cheese. They are selective in the cheese they deem worthy, but there’s still quite a variety — more than 600 kinds of cheese to choose from, in fact! There’s something here for every palate.

It may not be cherry season in the winter, but you’ll still find an abundance of cherry-related products at Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Market. Its Door County Montmorency cherries are freshly picked and packaged during the summer harvest, then bottled into fruity wine, baked into pies, pressed into jugs of tart cherry juice, or dried and packaged to purchase and take home.

The lavender sold at Island Lavender in Ephraim is sustainably grown on Washington Island without chemicals or pesticides. You can pick up bath salts, lotion, or aromatherapy products to soothe your winter ailments or indulge in culinary delights like lavender syrup, jellies, and spices.

Warm Up With A Hot Drink

At Door County Coffee & Tea Company, you can warm up with some delicious coffee roasted in small batches. Try the unique flavors like cherry creme, raspberry butter crunch, and caramel pecan scone.

If tea is more your pleasure, choose from more than 60 varieties of loose tea at Tea Thyme in Sister Bay. Local favorites include the Door County Cherry, Winter White Earl Grey, and Jasmine Green.

Discover Handmade Arts

For unique arts and crafts, check out the hand-blown glass at Popelka Trenchard Glass in Sturgeon Bay, take in the handcrafted porcelain and stoneware at Plum Bottom Gallery in Egg Harbor, or head to Turtle Ridge Gallery in Ellison Bay to view leather handbags and accessories, wearable art, and unique home decor, all produced in the studio.

Woodwalk Gallery in Egg Harbor was recently selected as one of the top 10 galleries in Wisconsin. You’ll find a variety of artwork in the historic barn, including pieces by more than 70 artists. Peruse the paintings, metalwork, woodwork, glass, jewelry, furniture, and more.

Ignite Your Inner Fire With Locally Distilled Spirits

Door Peninsula Winery and Door County Distillery are located under one roof in Door County’s historic Carlsville schoolhouse. The winery is known for fruit and sweet/semisweet wines, and the distillery produces vodka, gin, and fruit-infused vodka distilled with the clean, limestone-infused waters of the Door Peninsula.

The family-owned Door County Brewing Company in Baileys Harbor was established in 2012 and sources as many ingredients as possible from Door County and Wisconsin to produce beers that reflect local influences and heritage. Sample the Polka King Porter, the Little Sister Witbier, and the Farm House Ale.

Door 44 Winery in Sturgeon Bay is open during the winter with limited hours, so check in before planning your visit. Sample award-winning wines, stroll the 10-acre vineyard, or tour the winery with the Door County landscape in the background.

Door County, Wisconsin fish boil — GTibbetts / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy A Winter Fish Boil

Fish boils are a cooking tradition in Door County, and the tradition carries on during the winter months.

The fish boil originated as an economical way to feed large groups of lumberjacks and fishermen. It started with churches providing local fish, potatoes, and Door County cherry pies for fundraisers, but eventually the area restaurants created their own tasty events. Each restaurant has its own process for boiling the fish, and, no matter the season, it’s an experience that’s not to be missed.

Sister Bay Bowl, a third-generation family-owned supper club, is a favorite dining destination. In addition to the fish boil, try the local cheese curds and one of the classic cocktails. The White Gull Inn, established in 1896, offers a fish boil using freshly caught Lake Michigan whitefish cooked over an open fire.

Sample Homestyle Cooking That’ll Warm Your Heart

Winter comfort foods abound in Door County.

Stop by the family-owned Scaturo’s Baking Company and Cafe in Sturgeon Bay for home-cooked foods like specialty breads, cookies, pecan rolls, and pies. Lunch favorites include the Friday fish-fry plate, the ultimate Door County burger featuring Renard’s two-year-aged white Cheddar, and the mac and cheese with Marchant’s bacon.

At Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant, an authentic Swedish family-owned restaurant located in Sister Bay, be sure to order the Swedish pancakes with lingonberries and a side of meatballs.

Or dine at one of Fish Creek’s best restaurants, Barringers Restaurant, where you’ll find a Wisconsin supper club and steakhouse experience. Dinners include specially selected steaks, fresh seafood, and generous sides. Whether you dine in the historic dining room or choose the indoor/outdoor bar, you’ll enjoy locally sourced ingredients, craft cocktails, and wine selected by an in-house certified sommelier.

Looking for more on Door County? Here are some of the area’s hidden gems.