Three More Out of the Way Places
While traveling to big cities is typically what people do when visiting a new part of the world, nothing can prepare you for what is found once you turn that corner off the main road. I haven’t done too much adventure seeking outside of the US, but this country has loads of places that are just waiting to be seen. I have compiled another 3 places that, at first glance perhaps, might not seem like much; but after talking to its people and seeing some amazing countryside, you’ll be glad that you went.
Burlington, Iowa. I went there for a wedding for three days, and prior to my arrival I thought it was going to feel like a full year. If you have never seen rolling hills and green pastures, then this place is eye popping. This was my first adventure into the state of Iowa and with the exception of a lot of corn and the makeshift baseball field in the movie Field of Dreams, I didn’t know too much else about it. Burlington is in the middle of the state so to get there you have to drive. Passing towns that populate less then 100 people was a shock, but the people there were friendly and ready to share their stories. The rolling hills were a great change from the typical flat lands of Florida. Snake Alley is located there, the crookest alley in the world. The Catfish Bend Casino, which is a replica of a steamboat, is right on the Mississippi River. A lot of money was left at the tables there!
Montpelier, Vermont. New England always has, and always will, have an extra special place in my heart. I grew up in Boston, MA and my vacations growing up would, more times then not, center on these six states. Vermont has always been among my favorite places to go – and at any time of the year. Setting the tone for how all state capitals should be, Montpelier is small enough where you can get to pretty much anywhere by walking and has mom and pop stores selling anything from wrenches to watches – and some really great bookstores. The surrounding hills make this a picture perfect place to vacation. If you want to possibly take up some cooking lessons, the New England Culinary Institute is located here as is the Green Mountain Film Festival. Montpelier, at heart, is still a small town where you might even see the governor buying some duct tape at the local hardware store.
Gold Beach, Oregon. From the Northeast to the Pacific Northwest, where the Rogue River becomes one with the Pacific Ocean, Gold Beach offers some great adventures and beautiful panoramas all year round. With its mild climate, there is much to do for any fan of the outdoors in this little town. The census puts this slice of paradise at under 2,000 inhabitants and they all are happy to welcome you into their corner of Oregon. From the minute you come to know Gold Beach, you are hypnotized by all its charm and beauty. Bed & Breakfasts is my recommendation as lodging, but they do have hotels. Fishing, golf, hiking, tidepooling its all done here; and its done here right! They have lots to do in the area of entertainment; every year they host a wine, art and music festival with regional wineries and local talent.
It’s a huge country with so many different tastes, smells and sights to take in. Of course big cities will have more stuff to do, but along with the price tag comes the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds. If you’re looking for a quieter and more peaceful vacation, explore some of these or any number of thousands of small towns and you’ll go home feeling like a vacation should make you feel.
You can put together your own vacation package to some great domestic areas. Check out these different companies to help you plan out your perfect vacation.
About the Author
Rich Gonzalez is a travel writer for Dunhill Vacation; a free travel newsletter delivered to your inbox containing deals on cruises, air fare, hotels, vacation packages and more.
Interview with Bob Sherman, Vermont Store Fixture Corporation
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Old Letterhead VERMONT HARDWARE COMPANY 1910 Burlington RIFLE Gun Store Sports $49.00 |
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The Company Store Gourmet Soaps made by The Vermont Soap $6.00 |
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Spaulding, Kimball & Company Grocery Store Burlington Vermont Receipt 1890 $8.99 |
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Hardwick MA or VT Geo H. Stone & Co Country Store Photo $30.00 |
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1950s? Famous 1897 Vermont Country Store Potbelly Stove Weston VT Windsor Co PC $4.74 |
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**BELLOWS FALLS VT CO-OP==FOR FIRST NAT’L STORES BOSTON MASS==HALF PINT MILK== $27.77 |
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MIDDLESEX VT CC Ward & Co Store c1910 Postcard $11.21 |
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BARTON VT Barron Company Store STOREFRONT c1910 Postcard $21.44 |
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ANTIQUE HOWE SCALE CO. STORE SCALE WITH BRASS TUB AND WEIGHTS RUTLAND VERMONT $274.99 |
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J.K. Adams Hardwood Wine Rack … |
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J.K. Adams Mini Bar Pot Rack $99.99 This ingeniously simple bar pot rack was designed for smaller kitchens, apartments and modestly sized cookware collections. Pans are securely hung on cast metal pot hooks that extend down from a smoothly shaped wooden rail. Each hook can be turned to nest pans together. The set includes six pot hooks and the hardware necessary for easy installation. Must be installed into a wood ceiling stud. Plea… |
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Reversible Maple Cutting Boards TBS-1612 Board Size: 16″ x 12″ Features: -Made of maple wood.-Reversible boards with features on both sides.-Second side has large flat cutting surface surrounded by a juice groove.-One side has uniquely shaped ”roast holder” that cradles poultry and roasts while slicing.-Handwash.-Made in USA. Dimensions: -TBS-1612 Board Dimensions: 1.25” H x 16” W x 12” D.-TBS-2014 Board Dimensions: 1.25” … |
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Bag Balm for Chapped Skin $5.09 for chapped conditions and superficial abrasions . Salve originally intended to soothe irritation on cows udders. It is used as a treatment for chapped and irritated skin on humans and can be found in drug stores and farm stores. Ingredients: 8-Hydroxyquinoline Sulfate 0.3% (Antiseptic) In A Petrolatum And Lanolin Base…. |
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Bag-Balm, Vermonts Original Moisturizing & Softening Ointment – 10 Oz (2 pack) $10.09 B001838FPA… |
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Bag-Balm, Vermonts Original Moisturizing & Softening Ointment – 10 Oz/ Pack, 2 $11.27 INDICATIONS: Since 1899, Bag-Balm, Vermonts Original Moisturizing & Softening Ointment has been the farmer’s friend helping keep dairy cows from becoming chapped from the harsh Vermont environment. It’s like having another hand on the farm or a helper around the house. Bag Balm works hard all year round – and works well. There’s nothing like the original, and that’s what you get when you buy this … |
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Spot Vermont Fleece Bone Vermont Fleece Bone 12″… |
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Calming For Cats – 21 ct,(Pet Naturals of Vermont) $3.68 Pet Naturals of Vermont Calming for Cats is a supplement recommended for cats exposed to increased environmental stressors…. |
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Garden Way’s Joy of Gardening $13.97 The best of Dick Raymond’s vegetable gardening wisdom is illustrated with full-color photos and at-a-glance charts that make his methods accessible to any gardener…. |
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Never Eat Anything Bigger Than Your Head & Other Drawings $2.96 All the Kliban people–from Houdini escaping New Jersey to the famed Genghis and Sylvia Khan.“Not to put down Crumb or Koren or Booth or Rodgriguez or Trudeau or anybody else, but Kliban’s Never Eat Anything Bigger than Your Head & Other Drawings is the only book I’ve read in years that made me howl. I mean thigh-slapping, roll-on-the-ground, can’t-catch-my-breath howling. And every time I… |
