When you consider both the mustache debacle and the fact that I was given a 9mm by my brother with the Greyhound bus I was to board en route to Tim & Robin in Oklahoma City, you can imagine my mindset.
I was sneaking on a gun.
I had a dyed face.
I was on a mode of transportation that suited neither.
Funny how on the previous rides, they were the freaks. Read More »
Take America’s romance of the baseball movie, throw in The Dude and bring some sexy back and what do you have?
You have Open Road, the latest movie from Anchor Bay Entertainment. The film stars Jeff Bridges, Justin Timberlake, Kate Mara, Harry Dean Stanton, Lyle Lovett and Mary Steenburgen and it centers on a theme that we often promote here: journey over destination.
Hence, open road. Read More »
We’re no Mother of Presidents like Ohio, but it’s not too bad a showing. I’m talking about the number of presidents that have called New England home. In fact, it only takes four of New England’s six states to match the eight presidents (that’s nearly twenty percent of them, isn’t it?) that the Buckeye State has given us. Here’s a rundown of who they are and what they’ve left behind for travelers to see.
Birthplace of John Adams
John Adams (2nd President)
The Adams Family (no, not that Addams Family) was the first political dynasty of America. Our second president was born in 1735 in Braintree, Massachusetts (which later became the town of Quincy in 1792). Adams National Historic Park in Quincy is a nearly 14 acre compound that includes the birthplace of John Adams and his later home with Abigail which they called Peacefield. Both homes and the surrounding gardens are open for tours.
Not only was John Adams the only one of our first presidents to have a son, but one of his sons also became president.
Birthplace of John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams (6th President)
How about having to live up to John and Abigail Adams as parents? John Quincy Adams was born in 1767 in Braintree, and was groomed for politics from a young age. His birthplace also stands in Adams National Historic Park.
Adams wasn’t known as a great president, but interestingly he held more federal offices than most presidents—President, United States Senator and Representative, Secretary of State, and Ambassador. He was, in fact, one of only two former presidents to return to Washington after his presidency to serve in Congress, and was elected to eight terms in the House of Representatives where did have an excellent reputation. Both John and John Quincy Adams along with their wives are buried in Quincy in United First Parish Church.
The Pierce Manse
Franklin Pierce (14th President)
The 1804 birthplace of fourteenth president Franklin Pierce in Hillsborough, New Hampshire is now under water. But at least they call it Franklin Pierce Lake and it serves his hometown as reservoir. The year Pierce was born however, the family moved to a new home which does still stand in Hillsborough as the Pierce Homestead. A later home of Pierce, the Pierce Manse, can also be visited in Concord, New Hampshire.
Pierce too wasn’t known as a great president, but there are some interesting facts about him. Like you might expect from a mid-nineteenth century Romantic, he associated with writers—one of his best friends was Nathaniel Hawthorne and another friend was Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. At least he had good drinking buddies. That’s probably why he died of cirrhosis.
Replica of Chester Arthur Birthplace
Chester Arthur (21st President)
Vermont calls Chester Arthur the other president born in the Green Mountain State. To me this assumes that people know at least one other Vermont-born president. I know all of us UpTake readers are smart, but Americans in general…not so much. (The tag also brings to mind “the other white meat” which is not, I think, what they were going for.)
Arthur was born in Fairfield, Vermont in 1829. There was some speculation at times though that he may have actually been born in Ireland or Canada—which would have made him ineligible to be president. His original birthplace in Vermont did not survive, but was reconstructed in 1950 and is a state historic site.
Childhood Home of Calvin Coolidge
Calvin Coolidge (30th President)
That’s right, Coolidge is the president from Vermont. He’s also the only president to be born on the Fourth of July—in 1872. His childhood home in Plymouth Notch still stands and is actually the site where the thirtieth president was sworn in by his father, a Justice of the Peace. Vice-President Coolidge had been visiting his family when he received the news by messenger that President Warren Harding died on a speaking tour in California.
Coolidge was also one of the first presidents to have an official library. The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum is found in Northampton, Massachusetts where Coolidge was once mayor and where he returned to reside after his presidency.
JFK Presidential Library and Museum
John Kennedy (35th President)
Kennedy might be remembered as the most popular president from New England—and he had the accent to prove it. Just visiting Kennedy sites alone could make up a vacation.
Kennedy’s 1917 birthplace is in Brookline, Massachusetts near Boston and is preserved as a national historic site. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is nearby in the Dorchester section of Boston.
Beyond Boston, the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port on Cape Cod served as the summer White House during Kennedy’s presidency. The six acre area includes several Kennedy family homes, but they are closed to the public. The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum however is open to the public. In Newport, Rhode Island, visitors can also enter St. Mary’s Church where John Kennedy married Jacqueline Bouvier in 1953.
Marker of the Birthplace of George Bush
George H.W. Bush (41st President)
The first Bush in the office of president was born in 1924 in Milton, Massachusetts. The home is private, but a stone marks the site. Shortly after George’s birth, the family moved to Greenwich, Connecticut where George was raised. The family also spent much time at the summer home of Bush’s grandfather, Connecticut Senator Prescott Bush, in Kennebunkport, Maine.
Following service in the Army during World War II and college at Yale University in New Haven, Bush and his family moved to Texas where he still resides. Bush also still owns and visits the family home in Kennebunkport several times a year.
Childhood Home of George W. Bush
George W. Bush (43rd President)
Like his father, “W” is better known as a Texan. But he was born in Connecticut in 1946 at Grace-New Haven Community Hospital (later Yale-New Haven Hospital). Bush moved to Texas with his family in 1948, and resides there again following the recent end of his two terms as president.
There you have it—the Presidents of the United States with roots in New England. And even though they were born in four of the six New England states, Kennedy’s wedding and Bush’s summer home get in the other two.
Despite being six states, New England is a pretty compact area. It might be kind of interesting—especially to a presidential history buff (or maybe only to a presidential history buff)—to visit each of these sites. That could probably be done in just a few days time or it could take a couple of weeks if you take in other attractions. But if you come, do it in the late spring, summer or fall. It’s still pretty cold and wet here for Presidents Day in February.
John F. Kennedy bust at Presidents Park in Williamsburg, Virginia
It’s inauguration time and if welcoming in our nations next president means a family trip to our nation’s capitol you may also like to visit Presidents Park in Williamsburg, Virginia. Except for the one in South Dakota, or the new one in Texas, it would be hard to find a location that proudly displays eighteen foot tall busts of all our former presidents. It is quite a display and it left me wondering just how many pounds of concrete were used to sculpt all those presidential noses. I also thought the chip in JFK’s head was a little tacky.
The presidential statues are arranged in chronological order along a winding and tree lined concrete path. They offer several color-coded self-guided tours that focus on several topics including:
18 Foot Tall Presidential Busts at Presidents Park in Williamsburg, Virginia
• The Constitution and The Bill of Rights
• Protecting The Nation
• Human Rights, Civil Rights, Slavery
• Religion
• Assassinations and Near Misses
The themes are non-partisan and very well done. The entire park is a fun and stress free educational experience and this is definitely an excellent alternative to sitting down with a textbook and looking at pictures of funny looking old guys. I really like this place and I give a big thumbs up to the sculptor David Adickes.
The site includes a presidential pet museum, replicas of inaugural ball gowns, and a replica of the Oval Office where you can pay to have a picture taken with a cardboard cutout of the president.
If you get hungry you can dine in the Air Force One Café and then a quick stop at the gift shop will fulfill all of your presidential shopping needs.
No word on when they will be adding the Obama statue but you can buy your own if you want.
Photo Credits: Photos by or adapted from photos by D.B. King
Austin skyline at night
If you have ever been to Austin, Texas, then you have probably been to Zilker Park. If not, then I suggest you make this a destination spot when you come. This crown jewel of Austin is over 350 acres just south of Lady Bird Lake (formally Town Lake) right next to downtown. The park is full of activities that you and your family will enjoy!
To start the day off there is nothing better than a swim in Barton Springs Pool. The pool is a natural spring-fed pool with an average temperature of 68 degrees all year long. Even in the Winter there are people in the water so don’t be shy about bringing your swimsuits!
Barton Springs Pool
Outside of the pool there is a giant playground for the kids to burn off some energy and a snack bar for lunch when everybody gets hungry. After lunch you can jump on the Zilker Zephyr miniature train that takes you around the north and east side of the park. While on the train you will more than likely see Wood Woode playing guitar and harmonica for the passengers near Lou Neff Point.
Lou Neff Point overlooks Lady Bird Lake towards downtown Austin. Ducks, swans, turtles, squirrels, people in canoes that they rented upstream on Barton Creek, joggers, and families walking around with their kids congregate here to relax for a moment and take in the beauty of Austin. Rent a canoe while you are there and bring a loaf of bread to feed the ducks!
Canoes and ducks at Lou Neff Point
There are many things to see at Zilker Park depending on what time of year you come. If it is in the Spring then bring a kite and participate in the Zilker Park Kite Festival. The 4th of July fireworks show is also great time to be here. In September you can see three days of live music at the Austin City Limits Music Festival. During the Christmas season there is the Trail of Lights – a magical wonderland of lighting displays and a giant campfire next to the Zilker Tree.
Do you like to play disc golf? Zilker Park has a 9-hole course that is perfect for families to enjoy. This course is not the most challenging in Austin, which makes it a great place to take your kids who are just getting the hang of the game.
After a round of disc golf you can head across the street to the Austin Science and Nature Center where you will find nature trails, Texas wildlife, and activities for the kids.
Zilker Botanical Gardens
One of the most beautiful places at the park is the Zilker Botanical Gardens. The gardens and trails are open year-round and always have a plethora of flowers blooming. There is a Japanese garden with many goldfish swimming around in the ponds. The Botanical Gardens is a popular place for weddings and other events. It is also an amazing spot for family photos.
If you want to see great art at Zilker Park then head over to the Umlauf Sculpture Gardens and Museum. There are over 100 sculptures there and the Gardens can be rented out for special occasions. Charles Umlauf was a 20th century American sculptor that taught at the University of Texas. Some of the work there is from his students.
Are you coming to Austin in the Spring or Summer? Check the schedule for the Beverely S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater to see if a production of Shakespeare in the Park, the Austin Symphony or Civic Orchestra, or the Summer Musicals happening during your visit. Admission is free!
No matter what time of year you come to Austin, Zilker Park has something for everyone! Bring your family, pack a lunch, and don’t forget your camera.
Photos by James Grayson
Fall is here! There are few places in the United States where this is not a glorious time to be outside. Summer’s lazy warmness is slowly fading and being replaced by cool crisp days that energize the soul. Hues of scarlet, gold and deep fiery orange abound. Do you really want to spend this magical time of year indoors? Get outside and stretch your legs!
In my hometown of Austin, I like to do a lot of ’city hiking’. The neighborhoods in town have many more kinds of deciduous trees planted than out in the countryside. They may not all be native to the area, but, they sure put on a pretty show! I love to spend an afternoon, wrapped in a warm scarf and walking the streets and neighborhoods of downtown. The best part is that I can window shop along the way. When, my feet get tired, I just stop in a cozy cafe, like Swedish Hill Bakery, and order a latte or a mug of tea.
If I’d rather be immersed in the great outdoors, I’ll drive out west of town to Pedernales State Park. It is only 30 minutes out and has miles of trails. The cooling weather this time of year makes it possible to hike without going into heat exhaustion. You can hike the canyons and up the rolling hills as well as stroll along the clear rocky Pedernales river.
These are just some of the options near my hometown. What are some outdoor walks or hiking that you love to do?
Thanks to Mandj98 for the lovely fall photos!
It is rare that one sits up at night, planning a fun vacation that includes the perfect destination, the best things to do, and that fabulous motel. MOTEL?
Ok, so they aren’t exciting. They aren’t the kind of rooms that you dream about staying in,with comfy robes, silky sheets, and room service. However, motels serve a valuable travel purpose. They let you enjoy a stay without swallowing your wallet and sometimes that can make or break a trip.
However, there are motels that can rise above the boring and serviceable. They have that extra flair or creative touch that makes them a little more special. In Austin, Texas….a wonderful travel destination….there is the Austin Motel. This is not your ordinary motel. Established in 1938 as a motorlodge, it has been refurbished over the years into a unique and funky lodging option that captures that old Austin charm.
Its most appealing attribute is that it is located in one of Austin’s best and most convenient neighborhoods. Just south of Congress Avenue bridge and Lake Austin, where millions of Mexican Free-Tail bats swarm every evening. It is a short walk from the famed bars and clubs of 6th street and the Texas Capitol. Plus, it is right in the middle of South Congress. Here you have a multitude of funky shopping, antique stores, hip restaurants and late-night venues. You couldn’t ask for a better location.
The actual motel has very individualized rooms. Each one is decorated differently. Not one room is like another…with entirely different layouts, furniture, wall murals, color schemes, etc. There are some very creative stylings and rooms that are very basic to slightly luxurious. Scroll through their list of rooms and find one that fits your personality! You can easily find one for $70-100/night. The hotel also has free parking, a “50’s style” pool and claims to be “green”.
You can’t ask for a better budget option in Austin. So, here’s to being cool and cheap!
Thanks to Nika for the great Austin Motel photo.
Hiking is one of my favorite recreational activities. It isn’t just about great exercise, either. Hiking provides an opportunity to clear your head and enjoy a great conversation. You can marvel at the natural world and retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. What’s more, you can find something “walkable” almost anywhere you go and it’s absolutely free!
My favorite spot to hike in central Texas is outside the small town of Fredericksburg. As you drive through the rolling hillsides, dotted with oak and cedar, you will see a giant “bald” rock rising out of the landscape. This mountain is made of ancient pink granite and looks magnificent as well as out of place….standing sentry over the soft green landscape.
The park has many trails, but, you have to start with the climb to the top of Enchanted Rock. It is a short steep scramble up the granite. Once you reach the top and catch your breath, the view is inspiring. Gaze at the endless landscape of rolling hills and embrace the fierce wind that whips around you, carrying with it the scent of cedar and wildflowers .
Once you are done hiking, head back into the picturesque old German settlement of Fredericksburg. Visit some tasting rooms (this is Texas’s wine country region), do some shopping in the many boutiques and antique stores that are on Main street and then indulge in some tasty German fare.
Food and wine never taste sweeter than after a hard day’s hike!
Where is your favorite place to hike?
Thanks to Krikit for the beautiful Enchanted Rock photo.
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