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We love Chicago.  It’s a city of big ideas with great public art in large open spaces.  One of the best way’s we have found to truly understand the remarkable vision Chicago’s builders had is to take the Chicago Architecture Foundation Cruise.

Imagine you are the star of your own “American Pickers” or finding treasures for “Antiques Roadshow” or selling a Flea Market find to the guys on “Pawn Stars”? All of these shows are helped by Baby Boomers buying and selling the artifacts of our childhood. We love going on Patrol for rare and valuable items. We love to find a treasure a new home. Our road trips have shifted to slowing down and getting out of the car every hour or two. This change has gotten us off the interstates and into Antique Malls, Flea Markets, Antique Stores, Goodwill’s, and yard sales. Heading South on I-65 through Kentucky, here are five of our favorite spots. 

We are always “On Patrol” looking for a place to take our kids and grand kids. It must be family friendly, which for us means there is something of interest for all ages. The Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort, Kentucky fits the bill. The permanent exhibit titled “A Kentucky Journey” is a great walk through our early history up until the present day. The exhibits are interactive and at eye level for children seven or eight years and older. It is filled with rare and authentic artifacts that reflect the strengths and talents of our ancestors. Many of the objects are in drawers so you have easy access for viewing.

Venice is the most magical, mysterious city I’ve ever visited. It has to be in as close to in its original condition as any city in the world. It consists of a series of over 100 islands built upon centuries ago. It allows you to wander where you want without hearing the sound of any motorized vehicle. That’s right-no motorized vehicles. Think about it. 

A visit to the Falls of the Ohio River evokes feelings of an ancient time. Three hundred and seventy-five million years ago it was a tropical sea! These falls are the only natural obstruction on the river between Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and New Orleans, Louisiana. It’s one of those places that make you think in terms of geologic time. You realize how short our time on Earth really is and yet how we all are connected to a past long ago. For Louisvillians, it is the reason we are here. People had to stop and portage around the falls. Many stayed to start businesses and families. 

Join Mike as he finds the places that make you say - "What? I had no idea this existed!" A retired school principal, Mike travels with his lovely wife Carolynn and they find locations as unique as they are. Having many passions, they explore the sites that aren't in the guide books. We know you know some secrets as well, so be sure and share them with us. Check It Out!

When we found out the “best” Antique Mall and oldest continuously running Dance Hall in Texas were in a place called Gruene, we had to head out on patrol. We were on our way back from San Antonio visiting our niece and spent a great afternoon walking around exploring this unique small Texas town.

One of the most remarkable places we have been from a photographer’s point of view is Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens in Washington, DC. If you can go in July when the water lilies are in bloom, you will be transported and dazzled by their beauty. Looking into a rare water lily blooming is by my estimates what the Hubble telescope sees when it looks into deep space. Strange universes stare back  leaving you with a sense of mystery and awe. 

There is only one place in the world where the public can search for diamonds. It is the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Southwest Arkansas. The day before we got there a young girl found a 3.8-carat treasure on the 37-acre field that makes up the mine. We spent a hard working afternoon digging for diamonds, came up empty but had a blast. 

One of my favorite road trips is to shadow Route 66 along its way west and back again.  Our road trip started in Louisville, Kentucky and picked up Route 66 in St. Louis and ended in southwest New Mexico. Originally, Route 66 ran from Chicago, Illinois through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona before ending in Los Angeles, California. Route 66 served as a major path for those who migrated west specifically during the dustbowl in the 1930’s. They were looking for agriculture jobs in California.  Businesses along the route thrived until the interstate highways came along. Route 66 became the first highway to be completely paved in 1938. When the highway was decommissioned, sections of the road were deposed of in various ways. Route 66 in New Mexico has been made into the National Scenic Byway, being replaced by I-40.  

If you are in or around Chicago, you have got to go to the retail store named Primitive, three floors of rare antiquities, ancient art, and authentic craft from cultures all over the world. Each object is artfully arranged to showcase the individual item in the context of a room. The effect is amazing and it’s all for sale. 

Pensacola Beach has been a destination for our family many times. We have spent Christmas there as well as summer vacations. We visited our niece who worked in the city. Pensacola Beach is on Santa Rosa Island, one of the longest barrier islands in the world. Pensacola Beach pier is a great spot for fishing and one of the longest on the Gulf of Mexico at 1471 feet. 

Shippingport, Kentucky is a long lost river city that was located between Louisville and Portland in the early 1800’s. When you go there today, you discover how the Ohio River has influenced everyone in the region since Lewis and Clark’s started their journey west at the Falls of the Ohio in 1804. You will find the McAlpine Locks and Dam and a Louisville Gas and Electric Hydroelectric plant, great fishing and one of the best river views of Louisville. 

For thousands of years, humans have found areas in the world where the natural mineral springs seemed to miraculously help cure health ailments. For over 9000 years The Jefferson Pools have refreshed the fortunate few who knew her location. Warm mineral springs are relaxing, rejuvenating, and offer a great pit stop on a road trip to brush off the aches and pains of road travel.  Thomas Jefferson came in 1818 at the age of 75 suffering from what he called “rheumatism.”  He stayed for three weeks, taking the waters several times each day.  He reported their naturally warm mineral springs had a healing effect. Mrs. Robert E. Lee came often, but during the Civil War sorely missed her visits because of her fear of travel.  

As a child, when we were watching Johnny Weissmuller swing through the jungle and swim at lightning speed in Tarzan’s Secret Treasures we really were experiencing Wakulla Springs State Park in Florida up close and personal.  While traveling to visit family in Gainesville we discovered this jungle gem 14 miles south of Tallahassee.  If you want the best family boat ride through an exotically diverse natural habitat, this is your spot. 

The huge Boboli Gardens behind the Petti Palace is a beautiful walk giving spectacular views of Florence in all her glory. We walked up the street that leads behind and overlooking the gardens. Every way you looked took your breath and fired your imagination about what had happened in this great Renaissance City. 

When I’m looking for a summer retreat for rest and relaxation, I head for the Wax Marina in Wax, Kentucky on Nolin Lake. The Wax Marina provides a beautiful view of a 100-foot limestone cliff and safe haven for boaters and fishermen. It is home sweet home for our pontoon boat “Buttercup”. 

Our trip to Mount Ida, The Quartz Crystal Capital of the World, left us dazzled, amazed, and in awe of what beauty Mother Nature can create. We saw quartz crystals with points, clarity and clusters of every shape, size, and color imaginable. 

If you are interested in a combination of Revolutionary and Civil War history, and are passing through rural Virginia, then Tappahannock, on the Rappahannock River is one of your destinations.  Being central to so many stories of America’s past, any road you take getting there will deepen your understanding of the ancestors we owe gratitude to for our modern way of life.  Throughout its history, the Rappahannock River has nurtured all of America’s inhabitants from Native Americans to native wildlife.