A Beautiful South Dakota

     A beautiful state. This is South Dakota.

     I would vote for this state as one of the best states in America. I describe my travel to South Dakota as a unique and incredible experience.

     My love for nature has made me believe that South Dakota has one of America's finest natural beauties and sceneries. If not one of the best airports, Rapid City is probably the best airport I've been to so far. You can enjoy a meal while waiting for your flight in the restaurant with a great view of the mountains.

     A big shout out to this amazing place - the Big Sky Lodge, where I've had the best accommodation experience. They have a scenic view that you can enjoy from your room and a relaxing ambiance while you dip in the outdoor jacuzzi. What a treat! I met the nice owners who gave me a discounted rate. I also met like-minded women who share the same passion and values.

     The tour had made me appreciate my visit to South Dakota. It was one of the best tours I've had. They took us to key tourist places and made us experience the culture of their state. 

     The Fort Hays is the Hollywood of the South. Its unique features are so impressive. I enjoyed a local breakfast with live piano music. The tour ended with a barbeque supper and a local band that performed country music. These were really fantastic experiences.

     The picturesque view heading to Mount Rushmore Black Hills, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park is absolutely gorgeous! I couldn't stop admiring and taking photos. The Mount Rushmore National Memorial is an amazing place! The journey up there was exciting as we passed through all the major tunnels – Scovel Johnson, Doane Robinson, and Needles Eye. Definitely a unique experience.

     What else did I do? I had lunch at Custer State Park with friendly Filipinos on the group tour. Then, I chilled out with ice cream while I enjoyed the great view of the place. I had a photo with the buffalos. And I had dinner in downtown with new friends.

     These are the reasons why I love South Dakota . . . . place of beauty and great memories!

A Day on the Beach in Traverse City, Michigan

     True north and truly beautiful.

     I've heard many great things about Traverse City. I have planned to go since the summer started. I finally got to visit.

     The weather was nice that weekend. I started my day with a great lunch at Red Mesa Grill. I ordered my favorite Mexican food - tacos, complimented with a chocolate cherry quesadilla and ice cream - that was the best!

     Michigan is the cherry capital of the US. I love cherries! When you are in a cherry country, you have to eat and experience as many cherries as you can. So that's what I did! I had a cherry dessert for lunch with a cherry drink, a cherry pie for a snack, and a cherry coke on the beach. In addition, I had a cherry-flavored coffee, something new to me, but that was good. And above all, I bought a cherry scarf for my collection. Call it overkill? 

     I visited the campground just right across from the beach. It was a busy day with a lot of campers. I would love to go camping one day, something I haven't done. 

     How's life on the beach of Traverse City? You see boats, ducks, birds, people sunbathing, swimming, and playing. It was an ordinary day, yet it was beautiful. I enjoyed my day on the shore by the tree as a shade because I didn't want to get tan! With my book and music, I enjoyed the great view of the beach, the beautiful sky, and people having fun. It was a relaxing day!

     Walking on the shore is my favorite thing to do. The view of the sunset was gorgeous while the rays reflected on Lake Michigan. I left the beach until the silhouette of the mountains, trees, and people had vanished.

     Traverse City is a lovely place. I am looking forward to my next visit here - maybe during the cherry festival or autumn when the foliage is beautiful.

     I love Michigan, and I love Traverse City. I know this for sure! 

Bricks, BBQ, Boots & a Lot More in OKC

     I met Mr. Oklahoma in Brick Town. Guess what . . . he's tall!

     It was a busy weekend when I visited. People were heading to Chesapeake Arena to watch Shania Twain's concert. I wish I was watching, too. Most girls were wearing country boots. I love it, and I want to have one of those boots!

     I went to Myriad Botanical Gardens. One of the attractions in the garden is the Crystal Bridge - it was pretty unique. It has an amphitheater, fountains, playground, and restaurants. I joined the kids playing on Thunder Fountain - that was cool! And I chilled out with a huge root beer float!
  
     The Brick Town is a nice place. I enjoyed walking in the tourist area as I waited for dinner time. They say when in Oklahoma, you have to try barbeque. So I had dinner at Toby Keith's Bar & Grill. Yes, the barbeque was good, and the place was huge and nice with stuff about music. I love country music, and I love his songs.  

     According to the taxi driver, Oklahoma City was not a nice city years ago. However, the city has boomed over the years because of the oil industry. It is now one of the most visited states in the US, which is great. Also, according to the record, Oklahoma is the most seismically active state, meaning it's prone to earthquakes which are believed to be because of the oil industry.

     

     I love Oklahoma City. In short, OKC!

Looking for Sunflowers in Kansas

     Where are my sunflowers?
     
     I was hoping to visit a sunflower plantation in this sunflower state. But, unfortunately, it was not the season to see them when I visited. Kansas is called the "sunflower state" because its weather is ideally suited for sunflowers.


     Wichita is not the capital of Kansas; it is Topeka. But I was surprised to learn that Wichita is the "air capital of the world." In 1929, the Aeronautical Chamber of Commerce used that nickname for Wichita due to the significant presence of aviation and aeronautical corporations in the city. Since then, they have used the nickname to refer to Wichita. 

     I explored the "Old Town," and as expected, the streets were almost empty with cars and people but with lots of old brick buildings. Interestingly, I've learned that there are lots of bars around town. 

     Once in a while, I meet other solo travelers like me, and I met one here. People are friendly, and they want to help strangers. 

     I still hope to visit a sunflower plantation here someday. 

A peaceful view in North Dakota

     

     Why is North Dakota called the Peace Garden State?

     North Dakota houses the International Peace Garden, which overlaps the international border between the US and Manitoba, Canada. The garden was established in 1932 to commemorate the peaceful affairs between the two nations. 

    I didn't have a chance to see the garden, but I enjoyed a peaceful and relaxing view of the riverside with yachts and boats.

     My trip to North Dakota was short. But I was able to see a part of it. I had a glimpse of the Missouri River on the bridge and had a good lunch at Captain Freddy's Restaurant.

     I will make sure to see the International Peace Garden State when I go back to visit.