Milwaukee Wisconsin

The next morning we decided to drive towards Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We knew it was only two hours away so we decided to take a scenic route up, seeing a bunch of beaches, the only lighthouse in the area, and some parks. Needing to say that we at least put our feet in the lake we made a quick stop and then proceeded to the Miller Brewery in Wisconsin.

Pulling up to Miller Valley felt like pulling up to Mr. Wonka’s factory except that the sweat aroma of coco beans filling the air was replaced by freshly brewed beer.

Miller Valley is four blocks long, the free tour of the brewery is about an hour long and the beer is free.

Since we visited the brewery on a weekday, we were able to receive an intimate tour. Jack our tour guide was a sweetheart. He brought us through packaging, distribution, brewing and the caves. Prior to the invention of electric refrigeration, the caves were where the beer was originally stored to keep it icy cold. The tour was delightful with the exception of a small group of knuckleheads who were very loud and obnoxious, thankfully, Jack, being the wonderful tour guide that he is, kicked them out. Since he felt bad about the interruption, he brought us through the Miller Inn (the bar where the visitors are served beer in the winter). The tours last stop was across the street at the beer garden, where we were able to get three free beers each. The first beer was the freshest Miller Lite that Jason and I have ever tasted. We then chose our new favorite beer, Leinenkugel Original Amber. Unfortunately, we learned that we east coasters do not receive any of the beer distributed in this Miller brewery.

* A fun fact about the distribution: 40% of the beer produced at the Milwaukee brewery is distributed directly to Chicago.

After chatting it up with the bartender, we decided to check out Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball and then to one of her favorite German restaurants. At the Old German Beer Hall we were able to sample an assortment of authentic German meats and wash it down with a liter of home brewed beer.

Before we enjoyed ourselves too much, we headed out of Milwaukee and called it a night.

Indiana

The next day….

I decided that I really wanted to take pictures of people and where else would you do so but at a flea market. I found an advertisement for a huge one close by and made an executive decision to go. As we arrived, we immediately were taken back by the abundant amount of Amish buggy’s. We had no idea that Shipshewana is an Amish town. It was absolutely fantastic. Everywhere I looked there were homemade crafts, foods, clothing and quilts made by some of the most pleasant people I have ever met. Their very simple way of life made me envious, but when I looked over at Jason and thought about how blessed of a life I have I decided it was time to leave.

Heading through the crowds and aisles of goodies we proceeded to the Auction hall. From the crisp chilly air we entered the humid and loud hall. I can only assume it was like a normal auction with a few tables full of antiques and furniture, a few auctioneers and very enthusiastic people.

It was a lot of fun just watching but I could only handle so much so I found Jason through all the chaos and we headed towards the car.

After the flea market we drove up to South Bend to see the illustrious Notre Dame. It was pretty impressive, the church on the campus was elegant, to say the least. After walking around, taking a ton of photos and picking up a school newspaper, we headed off to Chicago to see the largest tobacco shop Indian statue (roadside attractions) and ended up on the outskirts of  Chicago, near Toyota Park (home the Chicago fire of the MLS). 

Unfortunately, the sun had already set as we approached the largest stained glass windows in the U.S.  This would have been very disappointing if the stained glass wasn’t black and white. However, I still able to take some photos through the gate, since they were already closed for the day. We then decided to drive to the closest Wal-Mart (out of the city) to call it a night.

Cleveland Ohio

We decided to wake up early on Tuesday and head out to Cleveland. There are a few things I really wanted to see but, the most important was in the Cleveland Metropolitan Zoo. The zoo was undoubtedly one of the best I’ve ever been to. I’m a sucker for animals and to see hundreds, for only 10 dollars, is so worth it! We made our way through the Australia section, the aquarium, primates, and then it came time for the purpose of our trip, the polar bears. I can’t even explain to you how disappointed I was when we came up to the Polar Bear section and it was empty. From there we headed to the Rainforest building where the Orangutans cheered me up.

From the Zoo we headed into the city to see some sites from Roadside America. Our first destination was a must, A Christmas Story museum. When we arrived we were not disappointed; there it was, the house from A Christmas Story, with the leg lamp in the window and all. The only downfall was that the museum was closed. Never the less, it was neat to see.

The next stop on our agenda was the Old Arcade. The Old Arcade is one of America’s first indoor shopping malls. It would have been amazing to see however, the city parking was not in love with the little guy, so we skipped out and just drove past.

The last stop in Cleveland was the Lake View Cemetery where President Garfield and John D. Rockefeller were buried. (Jason would like me to note that he thinks it’s creepy to take photos in a cemetery, unless it’s Arlington or a funny name on a tomb stone, and stayed in the car while I ran around.)

From Cleveland we drove straight to Indiana where we stopped to get free Wi-Fi and watch an Amish family enjoy there Wendy’s dinner (apparently they love their spicy chicken sandwiches.)

Erie PA

The next morning we awoke in Erie Pennsylvania. We spent the majority of our morning buying supplies for a shelf that would allow us to watch movies in the little guy. It worked out well because we were able to drive through a few parking lots to a Steak and Shake restaurant. I advise anyone passing one of these restaurants to stop. Not only were the steak burgers delicious but we paid only 10 dollars total!

Even though it was a bit chilly out we decided to head to Erie PA and drive out on the Presque Isle State Park. Spending all day hiking the shore line we decided to celebrate our first day in another state (other than New York) by having a spaghetti dinner. We found a gazebo with electricity and plugged in our stove. While cooking, a man from  Bisbee Arizona stopped by to check out the little guy. Let me tell you, this man was so proud of being an entertainer and he told Jason and I that when we arrive at Bisbee to tell “them” that we know Sinatra. It was perfect because since we gave him a tour of the little guy he sang for us. He wasn’t the best Frank Sinatra impersonator but who can say they were heard Sinatra belt out a few notes on a peninsula at Lake Erie.

Getting late out we decided to build the shelf and call it a night.

Letchworth State Park and Lake Erie (Updated Pictures)

Three rainbows, a CD that played over 100 songs and two cups of free coffee, we finaly  arrived at Letchworth State Park. Even though it was about nine p.m. when we entered the park, Jason and I decided to go and explore. About five minutes into our “journey” Jason had me turn the car around. I had driven right past the illuminated middle falls. When we went back to walk the short path to the falls, we were greeted by Journey’s “Don’t stop believing”. We parked right outside of an outdoor wedding reception. With the drunken karaoke blasting away, we walked to the very impressive falls where I was able to take some night shots. Since the closest Wal-Mart parking lot was an hour away, we jumped in the car and called it a night. 

Hungry, we hurried to the Wal-Mart (in Oswegeo). We decided to try out our conduction stove to heat up some food. We soon found out that it needs a 1800 watt battery to operate and we only have a 1200. We ended up going to a Wendy’s that was close by. 

 

Surprisingly, our night at the Wal-Mart parking lot felt relatively safe and with a few hours of sleep we were ready to spend our first Sunday (on the trip) hiking around Letchworth State Park. What attracted me to the park is it’s reputation for being “The Grand Canyon of the East Coast”. It was truly remarkable. Hiking about three miles we were able to see all three waterfalls, acquired enough electricity  to heat up some lunch, give plenty of free tours of The Little Guy (Jason and I were began talking about what we should make our going rate)  and take a few hundred photos (I took some amazing 3D photos for you grandpa).

 After being there for the majority of our day we made our way North-West just in time to watch the sunset at the beautiful Lake Erie, boy it was super great! Thinking it would be a good idea to follow the scenic bypass (which was anything but) we decided to dine out at a pizza joint right near the lake. The only good thing about this meal was the 22oz Mountain Dew that woke me right up. Although the pizza was the pits, Jason and I were  really happy we stopped there. If we didn’t we would not have known about the fireworks display at Chautauqua Lake at Lake Side Park. The lake conveniently was in the right direction and only an hour away.

Both Jason and I were super excited for the display because neither of us have ever seen nine different fireworks displays all at the same time. The objective of the display was to see if the astronauts living in the space station would see them ( the space station would be directly over the lake at 9:30). We arrived just as the 15 minute show started. After parking we walked out onto a doc and was almost blown away by the sight. It doesn’t do justice but the following is a clip of the finale.(To Come)

Sunday was a spectacular day and as we left the fireworks (and New York) we could not wait to see what other adventures we will encounter.

Cooperstown and Oneonta

After a short two hours Thursday morning, Jason and I finished packing the little guy and said our farewells. It was about 11:30 am when we arrived at the Roscoe diner (an old time favorite for my family). After our burgers and shared fries, Jason and I were ready for our adventure to really begin. Following Mr. Garmin, we drove around Cannonsville reservoir. The first thing I noticed was the low water level. Needless to say I was determined to stop; I can’t miss out on a photo opt. We drove until we saw a boat launch. We followed the a little dirt road down to probably the most desolate part of the reservoir. Making our way out on to the cracked but moist bottom of the reservoir, I was able to get a few great photos!

As Jason became eager to get to our first destination, the baseball hall of fame in Cooperstown NY, we proceeded to continue on our journey.

Having never been to Cooperstown before, I found it quite quaint. Unfortunately, we didn’t spend too much time walking around town (we still had a long four hours of museum to tour). We did, however, decide to park a few miles away from the museum, which allowed us to walk by some beautiful old homes, the ball park, a few restaurants, and shops.

Finally arriving at the baseball hall of fame felt like a relief.  With our AAA card we were able to both tour the museum for about 30 dollars. I’m not too into baseball but the welcoming movie on the second floor definitely put me in the spirit to enjoy the three floors full of baseball history. Jason on the other hand looked like he was a kid in a candy store, making sure we didn’t miss a section. It was interesting seeing all the memorabilia but the baseball game photos on the first floor were definitely my favorite part!

After visiting the gift shop and stopping at a pizza joint for dinner, Jason and I made our way back to the car and headed out to see Brit in Oneonta.

I think our visit in Oneonta was a bit too much fun and definitely made me miss being at Plattsburgh. All my life I’ve heard about the “fun times” my mom had in college there so I had strict instructions by mother dearest to have a drink at the OST (OS teas are deadly). Taking the bus back to campus, Jason and I decided to spend our first night in the little guy! Woot Woot so much fun (even if I woke up paranoid of every sound). After another day of relaxing and experiencing the Oneonta lifestyle we decided it was time to hit the road.