I recently took a road trip to and from Florida. Along the way, I did something I hadn’t done before: I made a series of videos featuring some of the sites seen during the travels that day. For your enjoyment, the series of videos is below. I hope you enjoy.
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Monarchs, Negro Leagues Museum Part of Rich Kansas City Baseball History
This past week a new article I wrote appeared at The Sports Digest. You can check it out here. Enjoy!
I’m a Member!
Early last week, I got some good news. I was notified that my application to join the Midwest Travel Journalists Association, Inc. (MTJA) had been evaluated and approved! I look forward to all that my membership in this organization shall bring.
The Alton Giant
I made a visit to Alton, Illinois and visited the Robert Waldlow (the Alton Giant, aka Gentle Giant) sites in the area. These included the Robert Waldlow statue, his birth house, the Alton Museum of History and Art (which has the largest collection of Waldlow artifcats in the world), and his grave.
Final Visit to Historic Route 66 Gasconade River Bridge
The old Gasconade River Bridge in Missouri was first completed in 1924, two years before Route 66 came into existence. It was closed to traffic a few years ago and some historic preservation groups have attempted to save the old bridge and turn it into a pedestrian bridge. Unfortunately, due to not being able to meet insurance demands, the bridge is scheduled to be demolished during the summer of 2020. This video takes one final look back at the old bridge.
Farewell to Bob’s Gasoline Alley
A few weeks ago I drove Route 66 through parts of Missouri. I stopped and visited a lot of different sites. One of them was Bob’s Gasoline Alley. Bob Mullen passed away earlier this year and this wonderful collection of signage, gas pumps, and pieces of Americana will soon be no more as it’s all being auctioned off in July 2020. Thanks for collecting and sharing, Bob.
The Story as Artifact
My latest piece of writing can now be read in the March/April 2020 edition of WoodenBoat magazine. It’s entiteld “The Story as Artifact” and is about the Arabia Steamboat Museum in Kansas City, MO.
The Legend of the Goat Factory
The latest publication to feature some of my writing is Magicol. Magicol is a journal dedicated to magic history and collectibles. The story I wrote is entitled “The Legend of the Goat Factory.” It’s about the DeMoulin Museum in Greenville, IL. The museum features all kind of different items that the DeMoulin company manufactured over the years, but the museum is particularly noted for its collection of lodge initiation devices. To find out more about Magicol or the DeMoulin Museum, click on the links below!
St. Louis Trolley
Word is that the St. Louis Trolley will stop service at the end of December 2019. There is a possibility the nonprofit organization will be taken over by MetroLink, but it’s no guarantee. If you want to ride the trolley for sure, you only have a couple more weeks left.
I rode the trolley and made a video about the ride. Check it out.
The Soda Fountain at Union Station
On Monday, September 30th, 2019 part of the renovation of St. Louis Union Station will be complete as the St. Louis Wheel officially opens. The 200 ft Ferris Wheel is a beauty to behold from dusk through the night as the brilliant colors offer a kaleidoscope of optic art and illumination. In addition to The Wheel, a carousel, and miniature golf course will be opening.
A new eating establishment will be opening as well, The Soda Fountain. Located in the former Hard Rock Cafe Building, The Soda Fountain is basically an upscale burger and malt shop with a 1950s retro-vibe.
I had an opportunity to preview the restaurant before the grand opening and I was really impressed. I realize that at events like this everyone is one their best behavior because everyone wants to make the best impression. But, even with that in mind, I was still impressed by everything.
Food
Although The Soda Fountain is somewhat arranged for nostalgic appeal to the Baby Boomers – Gen-Xers, what people will really be coming to the place for is the food. Water is always available and there are some basic beverages (including the adult variety), but The Soda Fountain also offers it’s on concoctions. I drank the Union Station Sarsaparilla. It came in a large glass with a paper straw and had a cookie on top. There aren’t many places in this area where you can find a good sarsaparilla, so I haven’t drunk too many in may life, but the one I drank at The Soda Fountain has to rank as one of the best ones I’ve ever quenched my thirst with.
For my main course I at the Grilled Double Cheeseburger with Onion Rings. The cheeseburger was pretty good, but the onion rings were so scrumptious. They were perfect onion rings: not too crispy and not too soggy in the center. Most places that serve onion rings are unable to achieve the balance between the two, but The Soda Fountain did.
For dessert I tried something completely different. The Soda Fountain offers a selection of typical sundaes, shakes, etc. However, they also have a menu called “Freak Shakes.” These are ice cream shakes decorated like a Southern antebellum ballroom for Christmas. I tried the “A Very Happy Un-Birthday.” This thing had cake frosting with sprinkles on the rim, a cup cake, a rainbow candy cane stick, and a giant cookie. Oh, there was also ice cream covered in whip cream and two cherries. So, happy un-birthday to me!
Ambiance
The servers and staff at The Soda Fountain were dressed in white shirts, black aprons, and either black ball caps or red bandanas. In terms of pants, the staff seemed to have some flexibility in that department. I liked the uniforms. They were simple, but not still gave off a 1950s retro-feel.
The music playing varied but some of the songs I heard included “Mr. Sandman”, “Rockin’ Robin”, “Stand By Me”, “Tutti Frutti”, “Riding Along in My Automobile,” and an Elvis tune (I forgot which one).
Other Stuff
The Soda Fountain has a little gift shop where they sell T-shirts and stuffed animals of sharks (like the ones in the Aquarium). However, they also sell candy and lots of it. There’s one wall that is filled with giant test tube-like jars of jelly beans. There’s also barrels full of different kinds of candy. Kids will drive their parents wild in this place.
Bathrooms
I often will use the bathroom of a public place as a barometer to truly figure out if it’s good or not. I’ve been to some really nice restaurants that had horrible bathrooms. And I’ve been to some small greasy spoon places that had pristine restrooms.
The bathrooms at The Soda Fountain are of good quality and clean. The stalls in the men’s room were a bit more spacious than average. However, taking a play from the port-a-potty industry, they also have really fancy door handles that have an “not vacant” sign that shows up when the door is locked.
Overall, I was really impressed by The Soda Fountain. The place is a bit pricey, but is typical for a place to eat at on a special occasion. The staff was so friendly and courteous. The food was delicious and a person will definitely get their fill.