Author Archives: David E. Franck

10 Best Ghost Towns of the West

Posted by David E. Franck

10-best-ghost-towns-west

Visiting ghost towns is a great way to give your kids a quick education about the history of our country during the days of the Wild West. Not all of these places have disappeared into the landscape. Some were revitalized into thriving towns again and been given a second life. I can’t guarantee you’ll actually encounter any ghosts here, but the more remote ones can be a bit spooky. Courtesy of Toyota I had a chance to check out some of these 10 that are by far the best in terms of preserved buildings and are fairly easy to get to.

1. Bodie, California

In the Sierra Nevada Mountains straddling the California-Nevada border, this former gold town had 10,000 residents in the late 1800s. After the gold rush days it slowly declined, with its post office finally closing in 1942. Only a small part of the town survived, but Bodie still has a lot left to see, including saloons and a red-light district. Don’t even think of taking anything from it’s still stocked stores though or bad luck may come your way.

Settled:1876
Abandoned:1915
Current Status:National Historic Site

2. Calico, California

This Southern California town peaked in the 1880s. Prospectors came in droves to mine silver. When the price dropped in the 1890s, people began to leave, and it quickly became a ghost town. Today, Calico is a park, but you can still see a lot of the original buildings and you can tour the mine, or stroll through the old post office and schoolhouse.
Settled: 1881
Abandoned: 1907
Current Status: County Park

 

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10 Really Bizarre Things to See & Do in Texas

Posted by David E. Franck

bizarre-things-in-texas-travel

I recently had the chance to explore some of the more unusual sites in Texas. Being such a big state there are plenty to choose from, but they’re spread apart so you need to plan ahead. If you’re looking for something different from the normal tourist attractions, check out some of these really bizarre things to see and do in Texas.

1. Cadillac Ranch

Sitting out in the middle of a field are ten half-buried cars sticking up out of the ground. The Cadillacs are covered in constantly changing graffiti, which although not exactly encouraged, is not frowned upon either. So feel free to stop on by and leave your own contribution to this wild art installation.

bizarre-things-in-texas-travel2. Eiffel Tower

Paris, Texas may lack the nightlife of that other Paris in France, but this one has it’s own Eiffel Tower topped with a giant cowboy hat, Texas-style. Better yet, no passport is necessary and you don’t even have to speak French!

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10 Really Cool Places to Stay in the USA

Posted by David E. Franck
Dog Bark Park in Cottonwood, ID features the World’s Largest Beagle. This isn’t any ordinary giant dog. It’s actually a bed & breakfast that you can sleep in. You can really woof it up here in style!

Tired of staying in those motels that all look the same and have no character? Then check out some of these unique, wild and cool places to stay. Courtesy of Toyota I had a chance to experience a few and believe me these are not your mainstream travel lodges. Most are family friendly but at some of these places to stay, you may want to sneak off to by yourselves for the weekend and leave the kids at home.

1. Dog Bark Park Inn Bed & Breakfast

If you’re a dog lover, there’s a dog-shaped Bed and Breakfast in Idaho that may be just what you’re looking for. Originally the dog was meant to be just a solid billboard promoting their chain-saw dog art (yes, really). Luckily the owners saw its real potential and decided to make it into a guesthouse. If you plan on spending the night it’s best to call ahead, because this big puppy only sleeps one family at a time. If you don’t, you just might have to sit, roll over, and beg to get in!

2. Shady Dell RV Park

There’s nothing shady going on at this retro-themed RV park. They’ve got lots of vintage RVs to stay in, an old bus, and even a boat. Astro-turf grass, 50s music, and a mini drive-in theater all add to the fun ambience of the place. Inside, the trailers are decked out in real vintage furnishings and decor. Don’t expect the amenities of the 21st century like Wi-Fi though, this is meant to be a real blast from the past.

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Fun Things for the Whole Family in Tucson, AZ

Posted by David E. Franck

7-fun-things-whole-family-tucson-arizona

Are you sick of the long, cold winter? Are the kids going a bit stir crazy? Then come visit Tucson Arizona. Right now the weather is great, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, and the sun shines almost every day of the year.

Whether it’s outdoor fun or cultural and educational activities your family is into, there are lots of things to see and do in Tucson. It’s a laid-back city with a vibrant history, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. And in this economy, it’s a truly low-cost vacation for the entire family.

I had the chance to explore some of the best places to go while you’re in town, and I guarantee the kids will love it! Whether it’s nature and outdoor activities, exploring the Wild West, or cultural diversions you crave, Tucson has something to offer for everyone.

Saguaro National Park

A must see for any visit are those giant saguaro cactuses native to this part of the Southwest. The park is split into two sides, east and west of the city. The Western part is lower in elevation with a denser cactus forest. There are lots of parking spots along the way for you to get out and look around or even take a hike. It’s also on the way to the Desert Museum and Old Tucson, which makes it a great day trip.

The Eastern section rises to over 8,000 feet and includes over 128 miles of trails. It’s less traveled than the west side of the park which makes it a great place to hike or just relax without having to deal with the crowds. And if you’re into spelunking, Colossal Cave Mountain Park is close by. Here a guide explains the cave’s history, legends, and geology while you get to see beautiful cave formations like stalactites and stalagmites, and even bats!

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