USA Travel Magazine

Get Your Game On At Rook & Rogue In Bellingham

Tired of the same old vacation? Well, if you’re out West in Washington – Hilary Parker suggest you check out Rook & Rogue, the first “board game pub” in Bellingham. “It’s such a breath of fresh air for locals and visitors of all ages,” she says.

Within Rook & Rogue you’ll discover bookshelves and filing cabinets filled with board games, cards and dice games, there is no shortage of choices. In fact, this restaurant has over 500 “casual” (everyday) games. They have games for every age – for little one’s to those to keep laughter going between adults on a entertaining evening out – including Scrabble…

Anyone up for a game of Scrabble? – April 13th is National Scrabble Day!
According to Hasbro Games, in 1933 one man down on his luck created a game that would make people smile – Scrabble! Thank you Alfred Mosher Butts!

For some players get serious about Scrabble – check out the North American SCRABBLE Players Association for upcoming tournaments.

Oh yes, they have food and brews too – “The food and drink menus have fun names, like “Netflix and Chili” or the “Shirley Temple of Doom,” and the food was spot-on. Many of the dishes are house-made, and oh-so-good. And mocktail refills are inexpensive, to encourage you to stay, sip and play some more,” said Hilary.

Not only do they have plenty of games to entertain everyone – they just happen to be the place for RPG gaming as well! Oh yes, my friends, get your game face on for R&R has got GAME. For those seeking learn more about D & D and other Role Play Games they invite you to join them – check out the membership information.

Looking For More Gaming Fun? – Bellingham ComiCon Is October 19th

Check out the Bellingham ComiCon FB page or their website for news on their upcoming convention at the Ferndale Events Center in Ferndale, Washington on Oct 19th.

Thanks to Hilary Parker for sharing this great place!

Photo Credits: Hilary Parker/Rook & Rogue/Bellingham ComiCon

Florida Georgia Line Set To Play At IMS This Fall!

Florida Georgia Line bring their high energy show to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the outdoor FGL Fest this Fall.

Be sure to get your tickets for the Saturday, September 8th action-packed event that features full sets by eight major national music performers, the amazing MONSTER ENERGY FMX SHOW byfreestylemx.com, and a mobile video game arena powered by 704GAMES!

Join Philadelphia’s Masterpieces West Mural Tour

Philadelphia is known as the world’s largest outdoor art gallery, and here is where you can join the Masterpieces West Mural Tour. This engaging tour last two hours, and will start at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

You’ll weave through the diverse neighborhoods by vehicle to see these beautiful pieces of public art. Learn about the stories behind stunning new murals like Still Life by Philip Adams – inspired by the famous Barnes Foundation Collection.

Another highlight of the tour is the mural by the local artist, Ernel Martinez’s magnificent tribute to groundbreaking journalist, and West Philly native, Ed Bradley Curious, Relentless, Timeless. This is my favorite part of art – watching artist, Ernel Martinez, weave the story or in this case paint the story of West Philly native, Ed Bradley. Visit this link, and you can learn more about his story and the work in progress – it’s already amazing as are the many murals found throughout the city!

Philadelphia offers many entertaining sites to enjoy and wonderful cultural experiences to visit. The beautiful murals you’ll discover here are defiantly a must-see when visiting the city!

Join The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

To explore more about this tour, current events, and upcoming exhibitions visit the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts website.

To explore current events, attractions, along with delicious food, and more to experience while visiting Philadelphia go to the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau website.

Photo Credits: Masterpieces West Mural Tour

Are You Ready To Vote? – Every Voice Matters

Voting is a personal experience. When you do it for the first time you feel a sense of power – you’re voicing your thoughts on important matters. There are many important issues in which a communities voices provide valuable feedback to their elected officials.

While it can seem overwhelming to see all the signs outside an election office – do not be. Take your time, research who you want to elect before going to the polls. Does this person represent your ideas?

Here is some helpful information to know:

To run as a Democrat, Libertarian or Republican : you can fill out a CAN-16 & 12. Deadline is NOON August 1st.

Independents can fill out CAN 44, 45 & 12. Deadline is Noon July 1st.

If there is a contested race between a Democrat and/or Republican then a Town Convention would be held by that political party.

For anyone interested in voting this year – October 7th is the deadline to register to vote in the November election.

The election date is November 5, 2019

Check with the local election office in your county for your polling locations.

Viewing Beautiful Wildflowers In Door County, Wisconsin

From flower festivals to lush colorful country sides, you’ll discover there are plenty of opportunities to view wildflowers. To welcome in the season our friend, Melanie, is sharing destinations in Door County, Wisconsin that offer spectacular wildflower blooms. When searching for rare wildflowers that are found almost nowhere else, Door County, Wisconsin is the place to visit. This region is a narrow finger of land sticking into Lake Michigan, and is like one giant nature preserve.

A trip to Bailey’s Harbor is a must to view the 25 varieties of orchids that grow along its shoreline in a lacy network of sandy islands known as swales layered between marshy wetlands. Among the variations of wildflowers you’ll discover native lady’s slipper and rams head orchids, Arctic primrose, trailing arbutus, marsh marigold, bog buckbeans, and the threatened dwarf lake iris.

Extra Tip For Your Trip:

While in the area take time to hop on the Door County Trolley, which offers a spring blossom tour that takes you to hidden peninsulas blanketed with flowers. And, lunch and wine tasting at local wineries is included. And, in Bailey’s Harbor, the best views are from lakeside Blacksmith Inn on the Shore, which also has kayaks and bikes on offer to make forays to local bloom hot spots easy and eco-friendly.

Explore Door County, Wisconsin

To discover things to do in area, along with attractions, events, and more to experience visit the Door County Visitor Bureau website.

Plan a visit to Baileys Harbor Boreal Forest And Wetlands by visiting their website.

By Melanie Haiken

Photo Credits: © Donna & Tom Krischan – Learn more about Wisconsin’s native orchids.

Wayne County Historical Museum: Generations Of Gems For The Future

Think of great History Museum’s and the Smithsonian naturally comes to mind. Cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles are all well known for their museums. Who would believe you’d find a mummy in Richmond, Indiana of all places?

Yes, the Wayne County Historical Museum is home to a 3000-year old mummy. Plus, they also have on display his beautifully preserved and exquisitely painted coffin. Surrounding the mummy are 12 display cases filled with objects that were used in every day life but also preserved in tombs for their owner to use in the afterlife.

This is my favorite Museum – one we were introduced to by our friend, Nancy, who shared our appreciation for the historic treasures within. Step inside, and you’ll find many of the items come from the extensive personal collections of Julia Meek Gaar. Other pieces have been donated over the years – each with a story to tell.

Take your time – there plenty to see, including a doll house built in 1880, and a marvelous collection of cars. There’s a old school house and two story log home – all historic treasures. Along with all the gems inside and out, the museum hosts a number of events to join throughout the year.

Did you know? National Road opened in 1833, and it runs right near the museum. In fact, you’ll discover many historic in Wayne County, Indiana, and to find them just stop in at the Old National Road Welcome Center at 5701 National Road East. They have a helpful map of the area that covers local attractions, events, dining and more to do.

Plan Your Trip To The Wayne County Historical Museum

The Wayne County Historical Museum is located at 1150 North A Street in Richmond, Indiana 47374. Call (765) 962-5756 or visit their website for current news, exhibits, and events.

Get Tix Now For The Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway

A exciting season of racing is ahead, and already we are looking forward to the 2019 Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, IN. For us race fans, we know it’s never to early to start planning – this year to action at the track is set for August 28th – September 2nd, so mark your calendar now.

Ticket’s for this exciting race weekend are already on sale, and you know how fast they can go. This is especially true for fans seeking VIP tickets or camping at Lucas Oil Raceway. There’s will be plenty of fun for the whole family to enjoy all weekend, along with the races, and you can keep up on the full schedule via Lucus Twitter Updates or at the Lucas Oil Raceway website.

One of the draws of racing is the ties that bind families together like NHRA Racing Legend, John Force, whom has always been a fans favorite, and currently is not only a driver in these amazing drag racing machines, he owns a few of them too. We have seen his daughters, Ashley, Brittany, and Courtney Force, rise to victory, and at times compete head to head against their father.

Yes, racing is a family affair, and we are certainly looking forward to a exciting season, and hope to see you there!

Fun Savory Food Facts For Easter

As you gather with family and friends this Easter you may enjoy a hearty feast with all the fixings. And, you’re not that only one. According to the Del Monte Easter Feast Ranking, ham and corn are popular menu items. Based on a study of search data from Google Trends and post data from Facebook Insights over the past 90 days, these are the top states which folks will “ham it up” and “get corny” this Easter season:

The Top 30 ‘Most Hammy’ States

#1: South Dakota (100 on a 100 pt. scale)

#2: Wyoming (94)

#3: North Dakota (90)

#4: Montana (90)

#5: West Virginia (85)

#6: Wisconsin (84)

#7: Iowa (81)

#8: Vermont (79)

#9: Maine (79)

#10: Minnesota (77)

#11: Alaska (77)

#12: Ohio (74)

#13: South Carolina (74)

#14: Pennsylvania (73)

#15: Delaware (73)

#16: Indiana (73)

#17: Alabama (73)

#18: Michigan (73)

#19: Missouri (72)

#20: Tennessee (72)

#21: New Hampshire (71)

#22: Kentucky (71)

#23: Utah (69)

#24: Idaho (69)

#25: Nebraska (68)

#26: Arkansas (68)

#27: Mississippi (68)

#28: Kansas (65)

#29: North Carolina (64)

#30: Georgia (64)

The Top 30 ‘Most Corny’ States

#1: South Dakota (100)

#2: Iowa (79)

#3: Nebraska (73)

#4: North Dakota (68)

#5: Kansas (56)

#6: Wyoming (55)

#7: Vermont (55)

#8: Maine (55)

#9: Arkansas (51)

#10: Wisconsin (52)

#11: Montana (50)

#12: Indiana (49)

#13: Mississippi (49)

#14: Idaho (48)

#15: Minnesota (48)

#16: Missouri (47)

#17: New Mexico (47)

#18: Louisiana (46)

#19: Oklahoma (45)

#20: Alaska (45)

#21: Alabama (45)

#22: Kentucky (44)

#23: South Carolina (44)

#24: North Carolina (43)

#25: Tennessee (43)

#26: New Hampshire (43)

#27: Illinois (43)

#28: West Virginia (42)

#29: Ohio (42)

#30: Texas (42)

Grasshopper Adventures Biking In Rajasthan, India

For those who have always wanted to bike through India Grasshopper Adventures has a cycling tour coming up in the fall. Imagine, meeting like-minded cyclist’s and exploring the back roads of Rajasthan, India. Such a memorable trip begins in Delhi, and later wraps up in Udaipur.

Along the way prepare to experience a ride unlike any other as you ride through rural farmland, deserts, and mountainous terrain on your exploration of the fabled “Land of Kings”. The remnants of a rich and romantic past have earned Rajasthan a spot on most travelers’ bucket lists. It is a land of deserts, jungle, camel trains, tigers, jewels, art, and vibrant culture.

“We will pedal 230 km through fascinating towns, ancient desert hamlets, and an oasis of Rajasthani forts,” said Grasshopper Adventures CEO Adam Platt-Hepworth. “Rajasthan is one of India’s most captivating states, famed for its historic forts and palaces, desert villages, spice markets, and the warmth of its people. This tour definitely discovers the real Rajasthan.”

The cycling follows predominantly flat, country roads and lanes with little traffic. There is some hill riding, although it is broadly achievable at a moderate level of fitness. No worries if you grow tired because a support vehicle is always on hand throughout the entire trip to give guests a lift if they need a break from the riding. Throughout the trip the average distances covered is between 40 km and 60 km a day.

“Rather than the popular tourist sites, guests may well find that the highlight of this bike tour is a chance encounter with a pink-turbaned man in the middle of nowhere, or maybe a shared Rajasthani family meal,” said Platt-Hepworth. “That is the beauty of this trip!”

Plan Your Trip With Grasshopper Adventures

This eight-day trip is an example of the exciting adventures offered by Grasshopper Adventures. To explore additional trips, pricing, and book your trip with Grasshopper Adventures visit their website.

Nippert Stadium: What’s In A Name? Strength, Courage, and Dedication

Jimmy Nippert - ‘Five more yards to gain and drop,’ he murmured and died.”

The love of the game draws every sports fan to the stadium, field, or court. We come to see our favorite team conquer their rival. We’ll standing cheering, and on occasion, shouting at the Ref regardless of the weather. Yes, We’ve Got Game – it’s running through our veins!

We do all of this and sometimes overlook for whom the particular venue was named. Take James Gamble Nippert Memorial Stadium – it is through the dedication of family the Stadium was completed.

Jimmy Nippert was a player too – unfortunately, due to a spike injury during UC’s season-finale against Miami (OH) in 1923 he died from blood poisoning. The Stadium is one of the oldest sporting facilities in America, dating back to 1901

It was his grandfather, James N. Gamble of Procter and Gamble, that offered the funds to complete the stadium that was dedicated to his grandson on Nov. 8, 1924.

Talk about passion for the game… “Nippert’s last words,” the Cincinnati Enquirer reported, “were of the sport he loved and which cost him his life. ‘Five more yards to gain and drop,’ he murmured and died.” *

We’ve grown accustom to hearing a company or sponsor associated with these places. Although, here it is not about a product – it’s a tribute to the life of a young man cherished by his family. The player’s taking the field today had the courage to follow a dream – what does their future hold? It’s all up to them to take those bold steps forward…

As for the company Procter and Gamble, we use their products like Dawn dish soap. Did You Know? – They have donated over 50,000 bottles of Dawn, helping more than 75,000 birds. They are moving forward with one goal – to set change in motion, and be a force for good.

Change has to start somewhere. It’s our future. We can all make a difference – share a smile – that’s a great place to start. Then, find your inner strength, courage, and discover that onething that you can dedicate your time to and help someone else, your place of spiritual peace and unity, or community.

Good luck to all the players who take the field at Nippert Stadium. Have a great season!

* Extra Feature Note: If you’d like to read more about Jimmy, and his passion for the game he loved, then you must check out the UC Magazine Article by Barbara Blum – Naming Nippert:
The complete story behind the name of the University of Cincinnati’s historic football stadium.

Learn About Events At James Gamble Nippert Memorial Stadium

The Nippert Stadium is located on the campus of University of Cincinnati at 2700 Bearcats Way, Cincinnati, Ohio. Visit their website for upcoming events and follow their social media sites for updates.

Photo By: Jay Yocis via UC Magazine Article