SHOWBOAT BRANSON BELLE

October 8, 2021

Just after breakfast at the motel we drove down the road, across Table Rock Dam and to the Showboat Branson Belle.  We stopped several times along the way to take pix and just enjoy the gorgeous lake and scenery surrounding it.

The Showboat Branson Belle is a 700 passenger paddle-wheeler that cruises Table Rock Lake as passengers dine on  fabulous 3 course meal while being entertained by live performers. 

We boarded and lunch service started almost immediately - roast beef, chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and biscuits.  The Master of Ceremonies told jokes and did magic but was really quite engaging as we ate.  We were encouraged to walk around the decks and enjoy the breezy, beautiful lake as we finished lunch.   The riverboat or showboat is very nice, well maintained and there was even a band and dancing up top during our break.

After about an hour we were advised that the show was about to begin so we returned to our seats and were greeted with an fabulous piece of cake - no coffee??? 

The show was a oldies and show tunes/movie tunes and they really worked, changing costumes, singing and dancing.  It reminded us of shows we have seen on Princess or Carnival Cruises in past years - very enjoyable.  What was really lovely and quite a surprise for me was the religious and patriotic segments at the end of the show.  Veterans were honored - so our Joe stood up with a large % of the men in the theater!

The Showboat Branson Belle is the largest vessel to cruise a landlocked lake in America and one of the few real showboats still operating in the country.  Although the Belle is of modern construction (launched in 1995), she is a throwback to the massive paddlewheel showboats of the 1880s for which the South was famed.  She is 278 feet long and 78 feet wide.  She rises 112 feet from her hull to the top of her stacks and is powered by 16 foot twin paddlewheels. 

Interesting note - after the Belle was built on the banks of Table Rock - two tons of bananas were used to lubricate the ways so she could slid down into the water, fearing that oil or grease would damage the natural resources.  

Great getaway - great day - we ended with a 2 hour drive back home through beautiful forests that still refuse to turn into their fall colors!  Next time!!!

Gabi

BRANSON, MISSOURI IS SO COOL!

October 7, 2021

JJ is a member of Silver Dollar City and, of course,  he loves to go to the park and ride the roller coasters.  We love Fall and anything to do with harvest decor and are just crazy about seeing craftsmen (and women) working their magic - doing their 'thing'!  We took advantage of visiting the magic of Branson during the Fall season - even spending the night to make it a mini staycation!  What a great idea!!

Day 1 we drove 2 hours through small towns, forests and farmland to Branson and went right to the park - JJ and I were free and Joe got a substantial discount as a Veteran which makes it all the better - even free parking!

We really enjoyed the harvest themed decor - pumpkins EVERYWHERE!  We have learned they only sell coffee at the bakery at the entrance  during a previous trip so we first made that stop and also got cherry puff pastries!  hello??  Then J took off to ride rides - meeting some very nice folks as he waited on line.  We slowly toured the craft artisans and it was amazing.  The blacksmith was making rings out of screws or nails or something and a potter was making fabulous vases.  We saw candles, soap, walking sticks, puppets, spoons and musical instruments being created and got to chat with those talented folks while they worked.

The day was cool and breezy and the pace was slow and so comfortable and of course we all met up to ride Mystic River Falls and have a delicious lunch!

About 3:00pm - check in time- we traveled about 1/2 mile to our motel, had a swim and then J went back to the park for the nighttime events and we took a walk, got tacos off the truck next door and went to bed.  We stayed at the Best Western Branson Inn and  Conference Center and it was fabulous!  $90.00 per room and they had an amazing indoor pool, game room with pool among other things and an amazing hot, free breakfast the next morning.  (If you go - do not eat at the taco truck!  lol)

The next morning, after a great night's sleep we checked out and drove about 10 miles down to Table Rock Lake and the Steamboat Branson Belle for our luncheon cruise.......

Gabi

BENTON COUNTY FAIR 2021

September 30, 2021

So....we got home yesterday and saw on the TV that the Benton County Fair was in process and handily enough located about 5 miles away from our home.  (wish we had known that yesterday - lol)

We could not determine from the internet how much it cost to go to the fair - $5.00, $10.00, $15.00 - whatever - we drove over and it was free and fabulous.  The location is rolling green hills of farmland near our XNA airport and did you say animals?  My goodness - we saw animals, met some nice folks - talked tractors - and ate fair food - Indian Tacos - for the second day in a row!  HEAVEN!!!

The fair is fairly small but we really enjoyed it!  Maybe because it was small?  I grew up in LA so the LA County Fair in Pomona is my point of reference - so much walking and so hot!  It was about 75 with a breeze, gorgeous sky and rain due the next day.

It turns out the fair is free and the fun zone which opens around 4:00pm is $10 or $15 depending on the day of the week and includes unlimited fun zone rides - that’s cool!  

Gabi

ARKANSAS - OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR 2021

September 29, 2021

We met sister, Kathi Erin in Fort Smith for this adventure.  It was bring a can of food for the food bank and $1.00 for admission so how great is that?

Well, first of all they don't have a parking lot because the fair is in the parking lot - LOL - It was not at all what we expected but we had a blast and saw and did some things for the very first time.  Rocket man Valencia was shot out of a cannon - yep!  And.....there were piggy and Wiener dog races - hello?  I only regret I didn't take any still shots of the races - but the videos are (trust me) a hoot!

Also we ate giant corn dogs and strawberry shortcake funnel cakes - so of course it was an amazing day.  It was very hot and besides the special events the animals and craft barn didn't take very long to explore.  I was starting to have a reaction to a bite on my back and Erin had a 2 hour drive and a deal to close so we were back home mid afternoon.  Glad we went - but wanting more animals!!!!

Gabi

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS FUN

September 16, 2021

We heard about On the Hook Fish and Chips Food Truck from Instagram and decided to give it a try.  It was really hot and the line was really long but OMG - the fish and chips were delicious!

We met some great folks in line and spent some time trying to figure out the menu so we would be ready when it was our turn.  Well, they have fish and chips - period!  and BTW that is all they need!  Totally worth the wait!

 

September 17, 2021

Crystal Bridges Museum is one of our favorite places - EVER.  Plus they have free parking and free admission and the most beautiful setting imaginable along with amazing art!!!  They let us know they were having the annual parking lot sale of items from the gift shop so we were all over it!

Didn't find a thing - but of course we are in downsize mode BUT we did walk around the grounds and stopped in at the coffee bar for our first pumpkin spice latte of the season and some delicious pastries!  The leaves are beginning to change and it just gets more beautiful every time we go!

Coming up - North Forrest Lights through January 2, 2022 and we will be making reservations for the celebration of nighttime in the Ozarks with music and lights!  We will be going before it gets too cold!

Gabi

NATURAL FALLS AND SILOAM SPRINGS - SIMPLY FABULOUS

Monday, September 13, 2021

We visited this beautiful area when we came over to 'check out' North West Arkansas as a possible new home and knew we would be back!  The State Park and the town are so picturesque that you just don't want to leave!

Natural Falls State Park is 120 acre state owned park located in the Ozarks, in Delaware County, Oklahoma.  It is right near the Arkansas-Oklahoma state line and just a few miles outside Siloam Springs.  The property was privately owned and known as Dripping Springs until 1990 when the state bought it!

It is an easy walk on a marked, paved trail to the biggest (77 feet)  and most glorious waterfall  which we have now seen in winter and summer - always stunning!

The park offers camping in Yerts, motor homes and day stays and it is located minutes away from Siloam Springs if you need coffee or food!  lol

Siloam Springs is a city of about 17,000 folks located in Benton County, Arkansas that shares a border on the Arkansas-Oklahoma state line with West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma, located within the Cherokee Nation Territory.   They have done a great job preserving the old buildings while updating them with relevant businesses - very charming.  Adding to the charm, is the Illinois River running through town with a lovely park and gazebo - just delightful to walk around and enjoy the snapping turtles and birdlife.

We found coffee and bakery delights at Cafe on Broadway - sat outside and were in no hurry to get home - about an hour away.

Gabi

HUNTSVILLE, ARKANSAS (YEP) AND WAR EAGLE

September 8, 2021

This morning we drove about an hour down to Huntsville, Arkansas, population 2,346.  The town is built around a charming town square and is located in Madison County and south east of Bentonville.

We walked around and took some pix and then decided to head on back toward home and see if we could find War Eagle Mill and Bridge on Beaver Lake.  The drive, as always, was simply gorgeous!  We just can't get enough farms, fields, forests and old buildings, crumbling in the baking sun!

War Eagle Mill was built in 1832 by a very young couple, Sylvanus and Cathrine Blackburn who moved from Tennessee looking for the perfect place to settle down and raise a family.  The home they built from the surrounding forest still stands today on the hill across the creek and is the only operating grist mill in the state.

The mill and surrounding area has an interesting role in the Civil War.  Both sides occupied and used the mill and it was finally burned to the ground by the Confederate soldiers due to the instability of their position in the area.  The family fled to Texas for 4 years returning to rebuild an even better version of the mill.

The Mill has two floors of gifts, organic and locally made foods as well as pictures and exhibits.  It is delightful to walk around and learn about the history of the mill and watch it working as you do!  The third floor is a restaurant and although it was not meal time for us - it looked and smelled delicious.  Most of the items found in the store can be found online at  www.wareaglemill.com.    

The annual  Fall Arts and Crafts Show attended by thousands over a 4 day period sounds like it would be really fun but I think we will wait till next year, when hopefully, the Covid is in our rear view mirror.

We had a great day and since the Mill is located about 30 minutes from home I know we will be visiting often!

Gabi

HOT, HOT - OH, AND VERY, VERY HUMID - SUMMER HAS ARRIVED!

August 15 - September 8, 2021

We got home from our amazing road trip on August 14 and found that summer had finally found us in Bentonville, Arkansas! 

We spent a week unpacking, sleeping, doing laundry and sleeping and feeling blessed we have air conditioning.  Every day was about 100 with humidity around 100, still as could be and no rain at all!+

JJ packed up and flew over to LA for his 10 year reunion and got some interesting pix on the way home of Balboa Island, Canyon Lakes and Salton Sea from the plane.

We try to take morning walks before it gets too hot and a drive in the evening to get out for an ice cream cone or at least to get more and more familiar with the area. 

We will definitely  get back to frequent day trips when the weather is more tolerable - meanwhile we are getting doctor appointments, household chores and other life necessities under control. Joe goes to the gym 3 days a week and JJ is studying for his Arkansas Real Estate test and I have finished NetFlix. Yep!

Attached you will find some pix for the times we ventured outside during this period! LOL

Gabi

SUMMER FUN - ROAD TRIP 2021

Saturday, August 14

We had planned to spend the morning walking around Memphis before we got on the road for our last day - home - for 5 hours.

Instead, we had fast food breakfast and hit the road - ready to be home after an amazing trip - tired and full to the brim with great memories from the past two weeks.

We like to come up with a list of our 'BESTS' and here they are:

Best Amusement Park - Kings Island, Mason, Ohio

Best Roller Coaster -  The Voyage at Holiday World - JJ

Best Hotel - Galt House, Louisville, Kentucky

Best meal - Jack's on Broadway, Nashville

Best sightseeing spot - Arch in St. Louisville, New River Gorge River in West Virginia and all of Charleston!  Oh and the Louisville Slugger factory - so basically there were many 'best' s on this trip!

Best scenery - Drive through Smokey Mountains to Pigeon Forge

Best/worst weather - LOL

Best memory - actually surviving the weather on the way to Memphis - see above!

and ..... Totals:

Total miles:  2500 give or take

Total states visited:  9

Total hotels:  8 plus the Quality Inn in Nashville - lol

Total roller coasters:  50 (JJ), 5 (Joe) and 2 (Gabi)

Trip = Total Success

Great to be home!

Gabi, Joe and JJ

SUMMER FUN - ROAD TRIP 2021

Friday, August 13

We were ready to leave the 'Quality Inn' - lol - and drove around Nashville a bit more and then on to Memphis - a 3 1/2 hour drive - or so we thought!

About half way through the drive the sky began to darken and the storm began to change from sprinkles to rain.  Soon it was all thunder, lightning and  road visibility became more and more limited!  I seriously cannot describe what the next hour or two or three was like......except I was terrified. 

I knew we couldn't pull over - or we could be hit from behind with zero visibility and we couldn't exit because the roads leaving the highway were steep and winding and you couldn't see them AT ALL!  I was driving, JJ was navigating and it kept getting worse!  Several times we saw the lightning strikes beside and on the road and we had to yell to each other over the sounds of the storm. 

I followed a big truck which was well lit for sometime but realized he was washing up more water on us making it even more difficult to see what was ahead.  We were so worried about all of those news stories we have seen about the 30 or 40 car pile ups and it was not hard to imagine how that can actually happen!  The best thing is everyone put on their hazard lights so we blinked our way through the squalls and torrential rains.  Every so often there was a brief slow down - almost a break in the storm - but then it would be even worse a few minutes later. 

When we finally got to our hotel - Hampton Inn and Suites-Wolfchase Galleria - JJ swam in to check in and I just sat behind the wheel and sobbed.  It was such a relief to be safe and I had been holding it together so long I just lost it!

It felt so good to be safe and dry and we took full advantage of the lovely accommodations.   Needless to say we missed sightseeing in Memphis - perhaps another time?

(I actually feel upset reliving this experience - it is something none of us will ever forget!)  Thank God it ended well for us and we didn't hear about anyone else!!! 

Note:  The floods in Waverly, Tennessee Saturday causing the death of at least 20 people were very close to the area we were driving through!  Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected in this horrible tragedy!

Gabi     

SUMMER FUN - ROAD TRIP 2021

Thursday, August 12

Today we drove about 4 hours to Nashville - so excited to visit this amazing city!

We checked into the Quality Inn - tho why they use the word Quality in their name is a mystery - still!  They were undergoing major renovation, the advertised pool shaped like a guitar was closed and the staff rude and so the two hours it took us to get our rooms was more than annoying.

Finally, we took off in search of Ole Nashville and it was not a disappointment!  We parked in the Broadway area  and walked around and thoroughly enjoyed the action, shops, bars, music and all the people!  We had bar-b-q at Jacks on Broadway and it was fabulous!!!

We snuck into the pool area - after being told not to -so we could get pix of the pool!  They had a nice big breakfast and it seems the staff is happier earlier in the day?  Despite our inability to get into our rooms on time - they were knocking on our door and actually using their keys to get in our rooms hours  before check out - oh well - time to get on the road and get home anyway!

Gabi

SUMMER FUN - ROAD TRIP 2021

Tuesday-Wednesday, August 10 & 11

Today we made the 4 hour drive from Charlotte to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and it was truly the most beautiful day of driving on the entire trip - and there is a lot of competition!!!  The Great Smoky Mountains are breathtaking!

We stopped at Clingmans Dome and intended to walk up to the tower located on the state line ridge.  You can sometimes view over 100 miles in every direction into seven states.  The problem is that a storm was brewing and when lightning and thunder started we bailed and got to the car and back on the road.  Seriously!!??

We booked a Quality Inn in Pigeon Forge and were a bit concerned when we saw they were advertising a 24 hour indoor pool (and it is huge) but luckily families and kids don't stay up very late and this is very much a family focused destination.  The traffic is horrible and there are lines for EVERYTHING AND IT IS HOT!  Oh and humid and stormy so needless to say this was not our favorite spot on the trip.  We stayed two nights so we could have a full day at Dollywood and were treated to the heaviest rain we have ever seen - anywhere - to date - even in hurricanes.  (we hadn't been to Memphis yet!  lol)

Dollywood was beautiful and offers a blend of country and amusement park - great food, happy employees and very family focused.  It was just a bit too hot to enjoy any of it so as soon as J had ridden on the coasters he was interested in - we called it a day.  We got back to the motel just in time for the deluge and enjoyed the cool off that ensued!!!

Did I mention the loaves of cinnamon bread served hot with icing and/or apple butter?  OMG!!!

Gabi

SUMMER FUN - ROAD TRIP 2021

Monday, August 9

We left our motel early to take a detour through small towns and villages off the main road to see the New River Gorge Bridge.  At 876 feet it is the 3rd highest bridge in the US and it is simply amazing.

We drove across the bridge to the National park and to the lookout.  We soon realized that to see the bridge from the lookout you need to climb down - oh I don't know - a 1000 steps???   And....of course you must climb back up those same stairs when you get done looking at the bridge.  I had my guys take the pix of the bridge for me!  LOL

We then drove to Charlotte, North Carolina and oh what a glorious drive!  It took about 4 hours and we stayed right downtown at the Holiday Inn Charlotte City Center.  The hotel was very nice and as we checked in JJ took off with the car to visit Carowinds Park.  We explored the downtown a bit but really enjoyed the roof top pool and the luxury of a hotel - after 'moteling' it for a few days!  In fact we ordered room service for dinner!!

JJ enjoyed the park and we all enjoyed a great night of relative luxury!!!

Gabi

SUMMER FUN - ROAD TRIP 2021

Sunday August  8

Drive to Charleston, West Virginia - 5 hours give or take....Instead of backtracking from Sandusky to go to Dollywood we decided to travel to Charleston, West Virginia and Charlotte, North Carolina and we are very glad we did.  We stayed at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Cross Lanes, just outside Charleston.  It was nice except for the barking dogs but the indoor and outdoor pools more than made up for it!

 On our way out of Sandusky we stopped at the beach on Lake Erie and along the way at some ponds simply filled with water lilies!!  The drive was gorgeous - we just can't get enough of the forests packed with trees as far as you can see!

As soon as we checked into our hotel in Charleston we drove to the historic area, visited the gorgeous capitol and walked along the river.  We ate dinner in a shabby sort of Italian restaurant and it was delicious!!

Charleston is a very charming city and we really enjoyed out stay!

Gabi

SUMMER FUN - ROAD TRIP 2021

Friday - Saturday, August  6 & 7

Today we drove to Sandusky, Ohio (about 4 hours)the home of Cedar Point - previously J's favorite amusement park but he hasn't been there for 18 years so......we shall see!

We did stop at Tim Horton’s for a box of donuts - for lunch - what? It’s vacation!!!

We booked a motel for 2 nights and were very nervous since the last time we were there we paid a lot and had the second worst motel experience ever.  Many motels wanted $300-$400 per night and this one was much, much less so we were delighted to find a perfectly average and pretty clean place to spend the next two nights!  As I said, if you are tired enough.....lol

We checked in and J immediately left for the park.  We took an amazing nap, had a swim and then walked around to find dinner - finally had meatball subs and salad (no forks!) delivered and ate by the pool.  

The next day was Cedar Point - all day - and it was amazing but really so hot it was hard to be in a great mood.  They didn't seem to have the shade or seating or enough ways to get water or to hydrate.  We all rode  Steel Vengeance - OMG!  amazing!!! 

My favorite part of the day was when I found elephant ears - the pizza sized pastry that is somewhat like fry bread covered with cinnamon sugar - I kept saying I can't eat all this and then got a little defensive as Joe and JJ were taking big sections!!!  LOL

We ended up in the pool and then slept for about 10 hours before we took off for Charleston, West Virginia.

Gabi

SUMMER FUN - ROAD TRIP 2021

Tuesday-Wednesday, August 3 & 4

Saying goodbye to Grayson, we drove about 3 hours to a family owned theme park called Holiday World.  It was charming and there was plenty of shade and snacks but it got HOT so after a few hours we drove  to our hotel in Louisville, Kentucky and checked in.  The Galt House is an amazing - HUGE- well appointed hotel built along the river - providing a great night's sleep and amazing views at sunrise and sunset!

J found us an amazing place for breakfast - sort of hippy - very friendly and every dish 'to die for' called Wild Eggs.  We ate too much and then took a walk along the Ohio River before we dropped J off at Kentucky Kingdom. 

We drove to the old historic part of Louisville and walked around and toured the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory which we really enjoyed!  It was so interesting seeing how they actually make the baseball bats!

We picked up J and then drove over to Churchill Downs - so magnificent!  and then through the University of Louisville campus - totally decked out in EVERYTHING Cardinal!!!

Finally, we drove to Mason, Ohio and checked into our motel for 2 nights!  YES!!!  JJ went over to check out King's Island and we walked to Carrabba's Grill to pick up delicious Caesar salad and scampi and bread, bread, bread!!!

I have found that if you have a busy enough day and you are tired enough you can sleep anywhere and through just about anything! 

Gabi

SUMMER FUN - ROAD TRIP 2021

August 2-14, 2021

OK, so our son JJ loves roller coasters and Joe and I love to travel.  We decided to celebrate J's completion of his Arkansas real estate license and take a family road trip - with something for everyone!

J and I planned out a 2500 mile trip, visiting 9 states  and 6 amusement parks  - staying in 9 hotels/motels  for a total of 12 nights and 13 glorious days! 

In planning this trip we kept several goals in mind:

Driving time 3-4 hours daily maximum

Stay 2 nights at same hotel 3 times to spend more time in special places and spend less time packing and unpacking the car - which sucks!

We figured out how J could do more parks while we were sightseeing and /or napping!

We booked all hotel/motels in advance but paid the small extra charge to allow cancellation without penalty - you never know!

We checked on park hours, closures etc. in advance and booked on line discounts/friends and family tickets and thoroughly checked into what J could get for free with his seasonal pass from Cedar Fair such as parking - that really adds up.  Dollywood was closed the day we planned to go - so we rerouted and made the correction before we left home.

We each researched what we would like to see and do in the cities we were visiting as well as along the way. 

Weather happens so we enjoy it! - period! 

If you want to or need to stop - say so!  It is as important to stop and smell the roses or take a picture or pee as it is to leave home in the first place.  Chill and enjoy - who knows if you will ever pass this way again!!!

Hope you enjoy taking this trip with our family as much as we did taking it and will enjoy reliving it through our posts!

THE DAWSONS 

Monday, August 2

We got an early start - grabbing our pillows, toothbrushes and chargers - checking the lights, trash, a/c settings etc...one last time-and enjoyed the 4 hour drive to St. Louis, Missouri.  We went directly to Six Flags and got the trip off right!!! 

We stayed right downtown at the Hilton with a view of the Arch.  The splurge was absolutely worth it - great location for an evening walk over to see the Arch, the great Mississippi and to meet Grayson, JJ's best childhood friend, the next morning for breakfast and a walk while we caught up.  Gray just took his bar exam and we are so proud of him!

There was a lot of construction going on downtown - seems to be a theme in large inner cities we visit since the pandemic started.  We did, however, feel safe and welcome and would certainly go back to spend more time!

Gabi

Beaver Lake, Arkansas

July 20, 2021

Beaver Lake is a reservoir behind a dam across the White River in the Ozark Mountains in NW Arkansas and it just happens to be about 10 miles from our new home - well, at least some of it is!  The lake has about 487 miles of shoreline, is about 50 miles long and covers almost 32,000 acres.  The area boasts towering limestone bluffs, natural caves, gorgeous trees and is great for boating, fishing and just about any outdoor sport to can imagine.

We drove through Rogers and joined Arkansas 12 to arrive at a finger of the lake.   The camp grounds and picnic areas seem to be controlled by the US Army Corps of Engineers and are all reserved through www.recreation.gov.  

We stopped at Rocky Branch Park and paid a daily use fee of $5.00 and we were helped by a delightful gentleman who directed us to the cleanest restroom and told us about all the things we would love on our drive around the park loop.  He also mentioned he likes South Carolina more than Arkansas.  LOL

We really enjoyed our very brief visit to the lake and look forward to returning - I think War Eagle will be next stop!

Gabi

KATHI ERIN'S 70TH BIRTHDAY

July 14-15, 2021

One of the many things I love about moving to Arkansas is that my sister Kathi Erin is only about an hour away in Grand Lake, Oklahoma and finally I get to spend time with her!!!

We decided a trip out to Pawhuska would be a great way to celebrate her birthday and we could not only visit the Pioneer Woman's growing empire but check in on the filming of Killers of the Flower Moon.

I drove up the afternoon before so I could spend some time in the pool, spend the night and then get an early start the next morning.  Our plan was to 'try' to have breakfast at the Merc before a very long line formed and see if we could get tickets to tour the Lodge where Ree films her show and entertains her friends and family.

Well, we found a parking space right across the street, walked in and were immediately seated and on the way back from the ladies room I stopped by the counter and got our invitation to the Lodge.  Hello?   As we were leaving we heard the hostess explaining to arriving guests there would be an hour wait.

We really enjoyed our breakfast, visited the Boarding House (her fairly new 8 room 'cowboy luxury'  hotel and then did some shopping at The Pioneer Woman Collection Store.  Loved that store!

Next we took some photos of the street that has been turned into a movie set, road covered with dirt and fronts of buildings changed to depict the era -  security was very friendly and accommodating as they were shooting up in Fairfax today.

We made a stop at the Bluestem Falls-and felt great that we found them.  We had directions from a local who told us to go out past the end of town and take "I wanna say.....the first right" - at the brown and blue building.  It was about the 15th right but who knows where the town actually ends and we absolutely knew it when we saw the brown and blue building!  lol  Not much water in the river which we had to drive across to follow the road and it appears to get the full effect of the falls you need to repel down them - so we took some pix and drove out to the Lodge.

You actually pass the entrance to the ranch miles before you turn off on the gravel road to the Lodge.  The ranch is absolutely huge (433,000 acres) and quite beautiful.   There was a large herd of horses and it seems the ranch is located across the road from the Osage Indian Reservation.

The Lodge is amazing - really large and welcoming.  You really felt you were present while she was preparing a meal - and right at home.  You could touch stuff and everyone was posing for selfies with mixing bowls  and cook pots.  They have 4 large guest rooms with gorgeous  bathrooms and one had Ree's clothing hanging up and her steamer etc. for filming.  The back room was filled with racks and racks of pots and pans and dishes and spices - everything you would need to whip up a fabulous meal  or snacks for a really great party.  There didn't seem to be anyone working there - cause everyone was so friendly and fans of the show feel like family!

Finally, we drove out to the tiny town of Fairfax (population 1380) and saw more sets for the movie and were told that Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio were in town and filming down at the bank.  As we were walking around we heard several  grips talking about a night shoot - which they were not thrilled about - as a backup plan B - LOL!

We stopped at a small coffee shop where they were selling warm, fresh baked cookies and talked to the owners who were very happy to share that this movie had made a very big difference in their lives!

At last we drove back to Kathi's - exhausted  and so happy after a wonderful day of non- stop sightseeing and talking!!! and just in time - because I still had an hour drive and a storm was on the way!

Great memories......HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATHI (ERIN)

Gabi