I have always seen pictures of Lexington KY, the horse capital of the world, and thought it couldn't look that good everywhere.  I was wrong.  The farms and homes are pristine.  There are no pictures I could take that would do it justice.  We drove out to Calumet Farms and around the country side.  Lovely.

We stayed at the Kentucky Horse Farm.  The park is dedicated to the region's history.  Man O' War burial site is at the gate.  There is a Hall of Champions where Cigar and Funny Cide live. Went to the Breeds Barn and saw a show different breeds.

We also did a couple of distillery tours n the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.  First one was Town Branch.  They had the best craft beer ever.  They age their beer in old whisky barrels.  Its suppose to be available in Port A.  Hope so.  Tried Pearse Lyons Reserve malt whiskey and liked it!   They also have Bluegrass Sundown which is an infused Kentucky Bourbon and sugar with Haitian coffee.  Great stuff, bought some of it.

Town Branch new brewery old updated building.

Next was Buffalo Trace Brewery.  The oldest continuous brewery even during prohibition they were allowed to do medicinal! whiskey.  They have quite a history.  Did not care for their bourbon even though it is highly decorated.  Just hard core to me, but impressed with the facility.

Really aged.

They still hand package and you can walk around them.

We also hit our first Diners Drive In and Dive restaurant in Lexington.

Had the chicken and malt.  Pretty good.

Our first visit back on the road was Hannibal MO.  Home of Mark Twain one of my favorite writers and the Unsinkable Molly Brown.  I have always wanted to see the area that inspired Huck and Tom's adventures.  I enjoyed the visit.  Did a trolley tour, river boat ride and walked around town.

Mark Twain's view of the Mississippi.

On to Kentucky.  First stop Churchhill Downs.  It is as impressive as I thought it would be.  We did a tour called Behind the Scenes where we got to go to the barns and stables.  They had lots of horses even though there were no races.  I found it very interesting and the guide was very good at explaining what was going on. We then did the front tour had lots of history went in the grandstand area and saw lots of things you get to see on tv.

From the barn area.

 The Paddock

Millionaires Row upper level

Finish Line

Dennis in the Winners Circle

 

We also did the Museum which was very interesting.  Had a great display of the hats.

Back on the road

We had a slight delay in plans.  There were some family medical emergencies in Lincoln NE and we were there for about two months.  Everyone is on the mend so we are formulating a new plan.

But first while we were in Wisconsin we stayed in Racine camp ground recommend by our friends Grace and Tom.  They brought their 5th wheel out and stayed with us.  A very nice camp ground.  They were kind enough to take us into Milwaukee on a river cruise.  Never knew Milwaukee was such a beautiful  city.

Went to a great little bar called Barnacle Buds

 We went for a ride on their Pontoon boat on the river outside their condo.  Had a great time except the water was ice cold.  Thanks Grace and Tom for a great time.

Door County

Door County is on the peninsula in upper Wisconsin.  We stayed on the Lake Michigan side at Bailey Harbor.

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It's a beautiful area.  There are several villages up and down the peninsula.  There are also eleven lighthouses.  We went out to Cana Island to see one of the lighthouses and you had to park and walk out to the lighthouse.  We started the walk and let me tell you we were not dressed for it.  We turned around and went back (I know big whimps).  Watched the news the other night and they showed the ice still breaking up on the lake north of us.  Unbelievable.

Went to the village of Fish Creek.  Did some shopping they had lots of cute shops and restaurants.  I got some olive oil and balsamic cherry vinegar at Oilerie.  Door County has lots of cherry orchards.  Picked up some wine from Door Peninsula Winery (Mango blend)  taste test was good hope the bottle is.  I have pictures on my phone but I have to learn how to down load them to the computer.

Went to Green Bay and Lambeau Stadium.  Wow.  The tour we took was awesome.  Got to go in one of the suites.  Two different bar areas.  Went through the players tunnel while they played the music and onto the field.  Had lunch at Curleys off the Atrium.

Until next time.

UPPER MISSISSIPPI

This is the Mighty Mississippi. Have really been surprised by the beauty of the upper Mississippi Valley. It is a wonderful place for boating and fishing.

A few of the places we visited in the area was the National Eagle Center where they work with injured eagles there are some that can not be released and they have them at the center for information and education shows.  I really liked the way they are treated.  They have outdoor arears that overlook the river and indoor area that is glass for overlooking the river.  Minnesota is the eagles tropical getaway for the winter.

I enjoyed the show they had.  Learned things I never knew.

We went to the Lark Toy Store.  They still do wooden pull toys made in the USA. They also have a hand carved carousel that was beautiful.

Did the Great River Road Wine Trail.  Of course bought a couple of bottles from Danzinger Vineyards and Garvin Height Vineyards.

Forgot the Vineyard pictures on on my phone and I have not figured out how to get them here yet.  the above picture is from the tasting room.

Went to the town of Red Wing where they make the boots.  Dennis tried on a few pairs of boots but still can't find any to fit.  They also have the Red Wing Pottery factory which is all still done on a wheel.  Watched a couple guys do some pieces.

Had lunch at a Reads Landing Brewing.  We tried a couple of their brews.  I liked them, Dennis not so much.

We have been staying in Wabash which is where Grumpy Old men was filmed.   We stayed at Big River Resort.  A nice little place. 

Have enjoyed our stay here.