Pike Place Market in Seattle opened in 1907 and is one of the oldest continuously operated farmers’ markets in the country. It’s the most popular tourist destination in the city.
The iconic Space Needle is one of the unmistakeable symbols of Seattle. Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, it was once the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River. It features an observation deck and rotating restaurant and is located at Seattle Center.
NOTE: Amish Acres closed at the end of 2019. It was sold and reopened on May 15, 2020, as The Barns at Nappanee. They plan to focus on events, festivals, and food. I’ll write a separate page for the new business when I have a chance to visit.
Amish Acres is a historic farm and park located in Nappanee, Indiana. It’s centered around the Stahly-Nissley-Kuhns Farmstead, which was built in 1873. The farm was purchased in 1968 and Amish Acres opened to the public in 1970 in order to enlighten and educate outsiders about the Amish way of life.
Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest (formerly Taltree Arboretum) is one of Northwest Indiana’s hidden gems. Since it’s just a few minutes from my mom’s house in Valparaiso, I decided to take advantage and visit while on a trip home. It’s a place I had driven past countless times.
A fun place to pop into on a trip to Las Vegas is Madame Tussauds. This world-famous wax museum is a great hands-on place to “spot” celebrities on the Strip.
More commonly known as Mount Charleston, the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is a great place to beat the desert heat of Las Vegas. The park is part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and it’s only a 45 minute drive from the Strip.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is a great desert getaway just a short drive from Las Vegas. If you’re looking to take a breather from all the bright lights on the Strip, this is a nice option for a full or half day.
The Bellagio features a spectacle unlike any other on the Las Vegas Strip. Watching the dancing fountain spray water over 1,000 feet into the air, beautifully choreographed to music, is a must-see when visiting Vegas. Every show is different, so when you’re walking past the Bellagio and a crowd is gathering, find a good spot and enjoy!
Merrillville, Indiana, a town south of Gary, doesn’t have much going on outside of retail and chain restaurants. If you find yourself passing through, I can mention a few places to stop and see as well as some restaurants.
