NEW WEBSITE AND BLOG

I want to thank everyone for reading my story posts and visiting my blog site. I have upgraded to a new website. I still will be able to blog and post stories on the new website. The site is called FLY BY NIGHT TRAVELER, www.flybynighttraveler.com.

I hope you continue to read and support my posts, as well as enjoy my new website.

Elle

Put Gettysburg on your "Bucket List"



History buffs and those interested in the Civil War should visit Gettysburg, Pennsylvania because of the important role it played in American history. And history is around every corner there – so embrace it.

Gettysburg Museum and Visitors Center

Your first stop should be the Gettysburg Museum andVisitors Center to plan your visit, and to get an in-depth background of the battle. View the film, “A New Birth of Freedom,” narrated by Morgan Freeman. 

A small portion of the Cyclorama Painting

Then see the historic wraparound Cyclorama Painting where an audio show explains the battle of “Pickett’s Charge” in great detail.

 Gettysburg National Military Park

Travel the arena where the three-day battle and President Abraham’s famous Gettysburg Address took place. You may purchase a self-guided audio tour, or arrange for a paid guided tour at the museum. Several commercial bus companies offer tours with an onboard guide.

DobbinsHouse Tavern

In 1776, the Reverend Alexander Dobbin built his new home the same year the founding fathers built a new nation. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the colonial building has been transformed into an elegant eatery that’s a consistent winner of Mobil Guide’s highest rating. There’s a bit of whimsy in the second floor dining room as some diners get to eat within a canopied bed.

The house also played an important role in 19th century America. It served as a station on the Underground Railroad. Hidden among the rafters is a secret hiding place for runaway slaves on their way to freedom. You can see it as you climb a narrow staircase to the small museum located in the attic.

Seminary Ridge Museum

Gettysburg’s newest museum is located in the former Lutheran Seminary that served as a Civil War field hospital. State-of-the-art exhibitions explore 19th century medicine, faith and race relations. The realistic life-size dioramas almost come to life as they depict the many human aspects of wartime Gettysburg.

Fairfield Inn

As one of the five oldest continuously operating inns in the US, the Fairfield Inn (constructed in 1757) has seen its share of VIP guests for over 200 years. Luminaries such as Patrick Henry, Robert E. Lee, Eddie Plank, President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Jean Stapleton have slept there. With only six rooms/suites, guests enjoy modern amenities alongside antique furnishings.

Gettysburg Eddie’s

Twentieth century history here. This casual café is dedicated to a local sports hero, Eddie Plank, who played professional baseball during the early 1900s. Plank was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946. Photos of Plank and baseball memorabilia are on display. The restaurant features lunch, dinner, carry-out service and happy hour.

GettysburgGhost Tour

This candlelit evening walking tour is both entertaining and informative as it takes you to sites around town that have reported paranormal incidents.

Shreveport mixes Cowboy and Cajun

 

You’ll find Shreveport on “Louisiana’s Other Side.” Being very close to Texas, you’ll notice folks wearing western boots and Stetson hats. On the other hand, you’ll hear lots of Zydeco music and enjoy Shreveport’s version of Mardi Gras. And no matter where you eat, the food is delish – because it’s still Louisiana.

Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium

Music palace

The must-see attraction in the city for country music and architecture fans is the Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium. The building was constructed between 1926 and 1929 as a tribute to the Americans who fought in World War I, and it’s the finest example of Art Deco architecture in the state. The legendary radio program, Louisiana Hayride, began broadcasting from there in 1940. The show helped launch the careers of Dolly Parton, Mel Tillis, Charlie Pride, June Carter, Johnny Cash and many other country superstars. Elvis Presley was 19 years old when he first performed there, and you can step into his dressing room. This is the venue they were searching for the young singer, and discovered that “Elvis has left the building!” That phrase has become a part of our popular culture.

Boiled crayfish galore

A “what” festival?

Rockin' with a Rock band

Like other Louisiana cities, Shreveport knows how to throw a party. Its annual festivities draw thousands of attendees. For 28 years, the extremely popular Mudbug Madness Festival has celebrated the tiny crawfish. In addition to a vast selection of crawfish cookery, there are eating contests for the entire family, crawfish paraphernalia and vendors selling non-crawfish items and food. Zydeco, rock, country and blues bands let the good times roll on several stages. Play stations, clowns, storytellers and other activities keep the kiddies entertained. Mudbug Madness takes place in May.

Gaming

Across the Red River from Shreveport sits Bossier City. Down at the riverside lie five deluxe riverboat casinos. You’ll enjoy Vegas-style gambling with slots and table games. Casino-hop or stay at just one to partake of exciting gaming, excellent dining and first-rate entertainment.

Columbia Café serves Cajun cuisine

Café cuisine

The walls can talk at Strawn’s Eat Shop where murals display famous locals, historic figures and former city events. Strawn’s knows it all because it has been preparing scrumptious Southern cooking since 1944. They’re known for their pies that are served all day, including breakfast. Ask to see Elvis’ favorite booth where they say he ordered his peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwiches. Strawn's was named by Southern Living Magazine as one of the five best diners in the South.

You’ll find a few favorite Cajun dishes at Columbia Café, like Softshell Po-Boys and Roast Beef with Gruyere sandwiches. But you can’t get more “Cowboy” than their Black Angus Steak.

There’s also culture, history and great shopping to be checked out while in Shreveport and nearby Bossier City.