In 1992 there was a boom of tourism in Branson, Missouri thanks to a story that aired on the CBS News TV Magazine “60 Minutes”. At the time, there were 27 theatres with live shows, over 53,000 seats to fill, and the likes of Loretta Lynn, Mel Tillis, and Boxcar Willie performing regularly. Branson saw an average of 4 million visitors a year filling theater seats, eating at restaurants, and booking hotel rooms. The Stone Castle Hotel Branson was built by three brothers from Wisconsin as a direct [continue reading...]
Titanic Museum Branson Murder Mystery
On the main strip in Branson, Missouri, there sits a big ship. A big ship with a black hull and familiar red smokestacks. History buffs will easily recognize the ship as a replica of the RMS Titanic, the famous ship that sank in the Atlantic Ocean 107 years ago after hitting an iceberg. The ship houses the Titanic Museum Branson. Some may remember the 1997 Hollywood blockbuster film, also called Titanic, a film that nearly grossed over $2.1 billion. No matter how you remember it, it’s a [continue reading...]
The Summer’s Best Sweet Corn Hummus Recipe
Sweet Corn Hummus. I mean, how could you possibly resist one of the tastiest vegetables of the summer season? Florida is just starting its summer season. It’s hot outside, the afternoons are bringing fierce thunderstorms, and the air conditioning has never felt better. We spend our days lounging by the pool (or sitting on the beach) and our evenings are spent in the backyard grilling up on the BBQ. As I bury my toes in the sand I think of all the veggies that make the summer season so [continue reading...]
Clingmans Dome in The Great Smoky Mountains
The highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains is Clingmans Dome, a mountain that stands at 6,643 feet (2.025 meters). Its location is seven miles west of Newfound Gap in the city of Bryson City, North Carolina. In 1959, a 54-foot tall observation tower was opened with a spiral walkway leading up to a 360-degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On a clear day, you can see almost 100 miles into both Tennessee and North Carolina. Most days the visibility is [continue reading...]
The Clay Cooper Theater – Fun in Branson
I am not really sure what I was expecting when I went to the Clay Cooper Theater in Branson, Missouri. I had been to Branson once before my most recent trip and we only saw one show – and it was good, not really toe stomping foot tapping good, but entertaining. But toe stomping, foot tapping, and belly laugh aching is what I got watching Clay Cooper’s Country Express Show at the Clay Cooper Theater. Who is Clay Cooper? Clay Cooper has been a fixture on the Branson show circuit since the [continue reading...]
The Branson Scenic Railway: Day Tripping
First, let me say, this is not a review of the dinner train on the Branson Scenic Railway. I was aboard the regular excursion that is offered several times during the late morning and afternoon. Branson, Missouri is famous for its shows (like Andy Williams and the Welk family), outlet shopping, and having windy, hilly roads. The town is home to some pretty cool attractions like the Titanic Experience and the Branson Ferris Wheel. There’s a lot to see during the day and lots of shows to [continue reading...]
Exploring History in the Birmingham Civil Rights District
There is a six block area in downtown Birmingham, Alabama that is known as the Birmingham Civil Rights District. Much of the significant events that unfolded during Birmingham’s Civil Rights Movement happened within these six blocks and there is a lot to learn and explore over the course of an afternoon. First I visited the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute which opened in the heart of the district in 1993. A self guided tour takes you through short films, exhibits, and readings of the [continue reading...]
Two Ingredient Mashed Cauliflower
Now that I am in school full time, plus a full time travel job, I just don’t have time to cook these fancy meals anymore. If you have been reading Beauty and the Beets for a while now, you may have even noticed it’s been quite some time since I have posted a recipe. I am really starting to par down and make very simple recipes – dishes like beans and rice, and veggies with pasta have become staples in my house as of late. I always welcome a recipe that is super easy, and for me- the less [continue reading...]
Daytona Beach Spring Turkey Run
It’s back! Time for the 30th Annual Spring Daytona Turkey Run – a family tradition held in the infield of the world famous Daytona Beach International Speedway. The Turkey Run is the largest combined car show and swap meet in the United States. This years dates are Friday, March 22nd through Sunday, March 24th. Stroll among 5000 collector cars on display, or browse among the Car Corral with over 1500 cars ready for sale or trade. Already own a collector car? Walk through the Swap Meet [continue reading...]
A Day At Wekiva Island
It’s been very busy around here in Beetsland. I jumped back into school full time while trying to keep up with the blogging and making time for relaxation. We all need a day to unwind, right? I recently spent a day relaxing at Wekiva Island, a beautiful scenic spot just north of Orlando. I have many friends that frequent Wekiva Island on a regular basis, and I am embarrassed to say that I have never been. I have been missing all the fun. Wekiva Island is a peaceful oasis with 2,000 square feet [continue reading...]
