Rainy Day Road Trip- Fantastic Mine- Springfield, Missouri

The rain started in the middle of the night in Rolla and made sleeping in the van much more comforting. But when I woke up the next morning and saw on the weather prediction that it was going to be nonstop all day, I decided to forego my original hiking plans and head west to chase the sun.

After driving an hour out of town, I passed a couple accidents and was not loving the rainy highways, passing the semi trucks and having the windshield wipers on high. It was wearing me out.

I need to name my van….because she did great through it all and I’m beginning to understand her a bit more. Any suggestions? It’s funny how relying on this van has me attached somehow. Maybe because I’m alone and she’s all I have right now🤣

I kept seeing billboards that advertised a cave tour and when I saw the exit I spontaneously followed their excellent directions through some rural winding roads and decided to take a break from the rain and take the tour. After all, what else was there to do in the rain?

When you walked into the lobby it was like a museum. Much more professional than I expected.

The gift store offered endless minerals.

This tour was a car ride through a cave discovered during the Civil War,according to our tour guide John. John sat me up front in his jeep because he found out I was a fellow Cincinnati native. He attended Roger Bacon HS and then after college went into the secret service and gave tours of the White House. He was 67 and had that corny sense of humor most tour guides do but I found him adorable.

He later asked if I was staying in Springfield for the night. I started to worry about his intentions but then he offered me some restaurant suggestions. As a rolling stone, I kept chasing the sun and jumped back in my van and drove west.

The tunnels were all well lit and we were told had electricity even before the city of St. Louis so people would travel from everywhere just to see the light bulbs.

He taught us how slowly the stalagmites grow and how the one on the right is dripping at an angle and creating what they call a curtain.”

It was truly breathtaking to think that this exists underground and one never knew about it. It was discovered when the owner of the land’s dog chased a small animal into a hole and fell in. The owner then lowered himself into the small hole opening to try to find his dog only to realize he could completely stand and walk around.

Nature’s creation. Take a moment. Really? Just from drips from the land above.

Its layers and history are beyond my comprehension.

This was a sinkhole. Apparently when it rains a lot, it actually fills up all the way. There are albino, blind salamanders and creatures living there. Completely blind due to the years of evolution in the pitch darkness.

John actually turned out all the lights and had us experience pure darkness which is only found at the bottom of the ocean or in caves. (I beg to differ because the black-out I experienced in India was similar)

Showing the different colors created from the minerals captured on the way down. Mind you, I am no geologist, so my terms may be wrong, but as explained before in my blogs, I just tell you like I hear it. I’m not a researcher.

Now I LOVE this. The owner of the land advertised that he wanted help to explore a potential cave and the answer came from a team of girls! They listed the women’s names on this wall and honor them.

Showing the front of the jeep looking through the tight squeeze tunnels we went through. Many times we had to duck down to not hit our heads.

This room was called the breakdown room. See the flat surface on the ceiling? Apparently it had a break in 1811- or so they think. There supposedly was a massive earthquake that year that caused the Mississippi to flow backwards for 2 days. (?)

Various colors and sculptures created. I cannot imagine discovering all this.

Looks like a foreign planet or what I would see in the movies.

Nearing the end. There were two different levels we drove through.

A view from the front. I felt honored not to be in the cart with everyone else. Traveling solo has quite a few advantages.

Many people tell me to “ be safe” because I’m alone I think. Or maybe just out of habit whenever a friend or family member travels. But why? Do I have any control regarding this safety concern and whether or not something goes wrong while on a trip? Does it simply express their love and concern for me? Or instead spread fear of the danger I cannot see? If something were to happen. Does it make them feel better because they told me to be safe?

Just something to think about and consider. Fear. Very prevalent in our culture.

In the Heartland-Columbia, Missouri

I wanted to explore states I hadn’t really been to before. And although I did an internship in St. Louis many moons ago, I wanted to hit a few small towns in Missouri on my journey west. I asked Kate via Jeff Stechschulte, which city she would suggest. She grew up in Missouri, so I thought she would at least have an opinion worthy of checking out.

I took her suggestion and ended up going from Louisville to Columbia, Mo. This took around 5 1/2 hours drive and it was an amazing day! The clouds were breathtaking and I kept snapping photos out my window. I jammed to a Spotify station of my boys, Marianna’s Trench, who I saw with my daughters in concert about 5 times while healing from my divorce. I think I know every word to their three albums.

Upon arriving in Columbia, a small college town, it was lunchtime, so in Tonya-style I found a local brewery.

The Madrid Open was playing on the tvs entertaining me. I thought of Debbie, knowing she watches all the tennis events.

This brewery was on the edge of downtown, 5th street. The bartender told me that 9th street was where the hub of the shops and go-to places were. I headed there after lunch.

Name of the pub was Flat Branch. Excellent mash potatoes got me through the day!

Exploring the city, I noticed some action going on in the alleyways.

Tattoo and coffee shops, with people chilling outside on this gorgeous 80 degree F day!

Throughout the downtown there were painted outlet boxes. Also many vintage signs.

Love this view of the downtown, capturing this typical American city.

I couldn’t help starring at the sculpture and the reflection from the building.

Again the reflective view of the clouds captured.

War memorial listing all the wars and members of the community lost.

Throughout the sidewalks were these cute reminders. I’m showing off my toes that Zoe treated me to last week. I am sure they won’t look like this at the end of the month.

I walked to the University of Missouri campus. Captured this beautiful view.

But my heart was in the Peace Park right at the entry of the campus.

After exploring the town, shopping a few shops and filling my belly, it was now about 4 pm and I decided to try to find a trail or two to hike before sundown to complete my day.

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Van Life Road Trip!!! First Stop- Louisville, Ky

My little sister and I have been talking about taking a road trip together since I returned to the USA. Knowing we would need to stay in the country, we decided to head out west to explore during the month of May. Perfect month to travel, weather improving yet not too busy from the summer crowds.

I booked a rental van for 35$ per day- an excellent price. The thought was we could crash in the back and get a hotel every once in a while for a solid night’s sleep and shower. Buying all the necessities for this van-life, dry shampoo, body wipes, nomadic life necessities, I was ready to go.

Ironically with my medical condition, I am not supposed to fly for the next three months and it was Tiffani’s idea to rent the car instead of flying. Good move. But on the flip side, now Tiff is dealing with some medical issues that would cause her delay and cancellation. I was on my own!

Anyone that knows me, understands this happened to me in the past with Meredith and Thailand. I was not as thrown this time when my sister backed out, knowing if its something I want to do, people will not deter me from going. The ironic part about it all is, there probably is only room enough in the van for one person to comfortably sleep. Tiff may end up flying out to meet me in Utah. It all worked out perfectly. As it always does. There really is no reason to worry – ever. Things are always as they need to be.

I love my life and how it unfolds, even though I may kick and scream through bits of unwanted changes.

The back of the van which will be my home for the next month.

My loving daughter ZoZo testing it out. I keep teasing her to come join me but she thinks we will kill each other in such close quarters:)

My first stop was Louisville. Headed down Saturday night to meet up with a “new friend” of mine. He is a native of Louisville and gave me a tour which perfectly captured the essence of the city. I was shocked by all the BLM and rainbow flags. A very open minded community, rare and contradictory to my stereotype of the south. It reminded me a lot of Cincinnati. Complete with renovations of historic urban areas and murals throughout. Local restaurants, shopping and river views.

Admittedly, my geography is limited and I was unaware that the Ohio River ran through Louisville. I guess that’s part of my education during this road trip. To get to know myself and the USA a little better.

Capturing the mural as well as the outdoor seating area.

A Cuban restaurant in a new up and coming neighborhood called NULU. I loved the colors and decor!!

The heart of our city”- brilliant the symbolism of the two races made up of multi colored geometrics. I love my chainlink fence capture as well. Seems to add to the view.

Just like in NYC, Louisville also renovated it’s meat -butcher district, creating a cool location to hang. Admiring the creative bike rack.

Mural in the Butchertown district. Admiring the contrast of the bright modern mural with the red barn in the background.

Down by the river showing off their bridges and riverboats.

Statue of Lewis and Clark. Guess there’s some history here about their expeditions. (You all know I don’t research or fact find- just sharing my experiences and finds)

Rare to see black statues, so I was impressed that they honored this man named York, who was part of the Lewis and Clark journeys. He was the first African American to travel across America from coast to coast.

Home of the original Art C Hotel. Notice the penguins on top.

A cool illusion outside of the Science Museum. Can you see the little girl in the center?

Louisville is home of the production of the MLB bats. Is also home to Muhammed Ali.

This captures the old with the new in downtown.

The Breonna Taylor memorial still rightfully going strong! Right across from the Justice Center.

Bike sculpture. This city honors art which I appreciate!

Let's Talk Cities: Fifteen of the Best Urbanism Quotes | Smart Cities Dive — Also by what we memorialize.

The Roads in Between- Kentucky, Indiana, and Missouri

Sometimes it’s not about where you are headed but making sure you are appreciating what is in front of you along the way.

I certainly did my best to remain present. Being blessed with such a beautiful blue sky day I became obsessed with the clouds and the flat farmland views. I wanted to not forget them. How equally important the roads in between are to me, traveling solo.

Taking photos from the car window has become a new talent of mine 🙂

Leaving Louisville and admiring their bridges just as I do Cincinnati’s.

I became enchanted by the thick low overhang created by the cloud coverage.

I mean look at this! As if you could touch them.

I started noticing the holes /breaks in the coverage revealing that awesome clear blue color. Hope. A natural message.

Then the rare and beautiful fields of yellow wildflowers in some of the farmer’s fields. The added punch of yellow was awesome.

God is so flipping genius with nature and it’s textures, colors and ever changing transitions!

I honestly forget where this bridge was. I believe crossing from Indiana around St. Louis into Missouri.

After a day in Columbia, I headed south to Rolla hoping to get a little closer to Mark Twain’s National Forest for tomorrow’s planned hikes. ( one thing about planning…never really works out for me)

I drove through Jefferson City before sunset snd was surprised by the Capital Building. Who knew?

The bridge going across into Jefferson City.

I spotted this iconic building from the bridge and had to hang up from a phone call to find my way to it! I’m not the best at multi tasking when in a new place.

It was huge and prominent with little activity. Picturesque.

Obviously, city named after Thomas Jefferson. Someone do the research on that 😉

Drove around the backside that faced the river.

Fountain there with some local skate boarders. You can see the sunset and the bridge in the background.

I was surprised there weren’t more local shops, river walks, or restaurants building up this area. There was one pizza joint nearby that was jumping on this gorgeous night with outdoor seating. But wasn’t looking like any solid reason to stay longer so I kept trekking.

Sunset in my rear view mirror. Was headed onto a two lane highway to find my Walmart to camp out at for the night.

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Devil’s Icebox Trail- Columbia, Missouri

With about one hour of daylight left on my Monday in Missouri, I found a trail on google called the Devil’s Icebox. It’s part of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.

What I didn’t know going into the park was how many trails there are to hike there! Plus WiFi is non existent, so I grabbed a map and tried to figure it out. The old fashion way 😉

I grabbed a map which were nicely supplied. Everything in this park was beautifully kept.

I ended up on The Blue Ridge Trail which was boring as hell so I had to entertain myself along the grass mowed way. I think this trail is mostly used for equestrian riders.

Finally found the right entry to where I wanted to be. I love how they mark expected time to complete. Very helpful guidance signs!

The entryway. Another bridge to the unknown.

Wasn’t sure what to expect but all the wood steps and walkways was not what I envisioned. I liked that it was different. Like an adult jungle gum.

It went on and on. When I got to the top of this climb, there were two middle school aged sisters at the top. They said hello, and asked if I was a mother. I said yes, and why? They said I looked like a mom. I asked them was that a good thing?! They then asked if I liked my kids. I said of course!! All moms love their kids. I wondered why they asked me that. Later I saw them with two other younger sisters with their dad. No mom in site.

I kept following the wooden pathway. Wasn’t sure where it would go.

It really seemed endless and I started to wonder who maintained the wood to keep it from deteriorating. Maybe they could help me with my condo’s steps. 🙂

Looking down again, I could see a crevice of water which was called the Devil’s Icebox.

The sisters walking down to the icebox ahead of me.

At the bottom you could feel the ice like air conditioning coming up. All was covered in a beautiful green glow along the walls. I had to take a selfie.

This was looking under a very low overhang into an extremely frigid natural ice box. The light you see is what I could view earlier from above.

Really tough to capture. It was actually quite dark.

A view of how low and dark it actually was from the stairs coming down.

A view of the stairs leading down. At this point all the kids were inside the cave with their father yelling after them. Love the four sisters!

Discovering looking down is equally enlightening sometimes as looking up. The lessons I learn in nature continue and are endless.

The kids ran past me and I followed them into another cave. This is the one I first saw from above. God knows where their dad was at this point. He for sure couldn’t keep up.

I waded through the water to get a closer look.

A view from where I sat and just listened for awhile breathing it all in.

Great getting my Tevas back in the hiking mood. Reminded me of my adventures in Phuket.

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Grindstone Nature Area Loop- Columbia, Missouri

I wanted to see if Columbia offered any hiking that was different than what I see in Ohio/Kentucky. Every trail is always unique but I am hoping to capture some new inspiring landscapes on this trip.

This particular trail was very near the university and was being utilized with people of all ages. Most hikers/athletes kept on the main course which was paved neatly with pebbles. I, of course, found the dirt trails which got me closer to the Hinkson Creek.

AllTrails map always attempting to keep me on the right path.

The entrance. Notice the poop at the lower right of the bridge? Why would people do that? Bring a dog and not a poop bag? Do they think it’s part of nature?

The one thing I noticed on this trail was all the cute purple wildflowers!

I was breaking a sweat walking and considered this may not have been my best choice given that I probably won’t get a shower in for awhile.

Along the creek was this car wreck. It left an eerie feeling in my heart. When I looked up to see where the heck it had come from, it was a very steep and a high drop from the road I could only hear above. I’m not sure how they could’ve survived.

I kept swerving down to the creek but the trail never continued at that level. I kept admiring the textures and color combinations. God may be a mathematician but he is also an artist.

I laid my hands on this beauty and wondered if she could pass me some wisdom. As I was doing so, I thought of the Pocahontas Disney film where she would sit with the grandmother tree for hours. I knew today I didn’t want to spend the time. As I saw an ant and other bugs crawling up this tree’s skin I wondered how she tolerated everyone using her. When I lifted my hand a message came to me “ to keep reaching up and following God’s direction”. I snapped this photo. Sometimes hiking alone is the best way to hear.

On my drive in the rain to Joplin the following day, I was listening to an NPR radio interview with a forester from Canada that discovered that fungi passes nutrients between trees.

She also scientifically proved that birch and pine trees share carbon with each other. So if a nearby tree is stealing the sunlight, it actually shares with the lower ones that are left with less light. Fascinating. She also found that the older trees share with the younger ones when they are dying. All of this seems right to me.

…..That a woman is uncovering the community of trees and that trees live in a society like humans where they help each other to grow and exist in unison. Nobody is stealing but instead sharing.

I started exiting this bridge and slowly recognized it was not the same bridge I started from. So much for my bragging rights for having a natural sense of direction! I was only 1/2 through the loop! One hour down, one to go.

This is a tough perspective but it’s looking directly down over a cliffs edge.

Loved the fallen tree with the purple flowers dancing all around it.

After completing this trail there seemed to be enough daylight left for another hours’hike. My first day in Missouri was not ready to end just yet.

11 Deforestation Quotes to Inspire us to Protect our Environment — Something to seriously think about.

Pendleton Final Fridays Art Exhibit

I have always heard of this event called Final Fridays but have never attended in all the time I’d been in Cincinnati. Now, that I have, its a must see! Such a great venue and filled with endless inspiration.

The warehouse, where local artists have their studios, open up on the last Friday of every month for the public to browse and purchase original art pieces.

We parked by the new Sugar and Spice and as we wandered east toward Pendleton Street, we passed by many new pubs, restaurants and newly established venues. I can’t wait to spend a weekend with some friends and just hop from place to place and check it all out. But we were on a mission with my friend Rebecca’s kids in tow, so there would be no beer stops along the way this time. 🙂

The streets were quiet. A great place to live. It is definitely one of the up and coming gentrified neighborhoods. Walking distance from my house, I am sure it will become a habit for me!

Mural announcing our arrival to this eclectic neighborhood. I love street art!

Another mural directly outside 13th street where the venue was.

As we entered it looked a bit small, until we realized there were 8 floors! We only conquered 2.

Stairways to the upper floors were so steep and narrow, Rebecca’s feet didn’t even fit on the steps.

Art in all forms and cultural expressions. From quilts to pottery. Homemade textiles to canvases.

Original photography. This artist was so talented and was showing her work specializing in underwater dancers. I am quite sure anything she focused on would be amazing. I ended up buying an inexpensive print to show my support.

Room after room of different artists and styles. Rebecca seemed to attract them all with her beautiful energy. The artists gravitated to her and explained every detail to her.. She is just way too patient! I always backed away and was thankful for the most part that I didn’t need to engage or pretend to be interested. Sometimes I am really not a people person..

No way to capture it all. Just hoping anyone in this area makes a point to check it out! Especially if you have art needs at home or in the office. Wonderful to support our local artists.

There was even glasswork and mosaics. Highest caliber- Cincinnati should be very proud of their community representation.

In Pendleton there were these tall music boxes that if you cranked the handle they would sing. I had no idea what they were until the kids started playing it.

My art purchases. I wish I had a job or a house that needed more art. For now, I can only obtain smaller pieces that I find interesting and pass them onto my daughters.

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Architecture Mecca- Columbus, Indiana

I don’t claim to know a lot about this town but what I can tell you is that I LOVED my stay there and truly appreciated the sites and angles of its architecture. Everything from its churches, library, schools and banks were well thought out. You could tell there was a cohesive design plan throughout Columbus, Indiana.

What I learned is Columbus, Indiana is one of the most architecturally significant cities in the USA! Cummins Engine Company is headquartered here and is the driving force that shaped its architectural community. Irwin Miller worked at Cummins starting in 1934 which was then a family business and he was adamant about his love for design. He believed society would benefit if the designs surrounding them were of the highest standards.

Because of his love for design, The Cummins Foundation offered to cover architects’ fees for new civic developments in Columbus, as well as pay for a percentage of construction costs. This totally reshaped this wonderful community into the landmark that it now is. One man, one idea, with money to back it for the good of his community.

The first building outside of our Airbnb along our walk was St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

As we continued we spotted this sculpture named Large Art Sculpture which is directly in front of the library.

Some local boys were wanting the girls attention and eagerly got their photos taken with them. They may be triplets, but wouldn’t admit to being even brothers.

Looking up. Happy to have a blue sky day!

Inside the Bartholowmew Library. A beautiful symmetry.

A famous scene from the movie. We had to see the garden inside.

Zoe making her way up. Even the staircase detail was artistic.

As we walked along outside, this bay of windows was capturing the details from the outside in.

The trees were creating an archway along the otherwise brick path.

Directly across the street from the library is First Christian Church. Notice the off center clock and cross, yet the balance you still feel from the design.

The Irwin Gardens, built in 1910, are located right beside the library and is also a Bread and Breakfast that the main character in the movie stayed in.

The gardens were closed but I was able to snap this view from between the fence.

Throughout the town are these colorful Cs. Even the buses have the C’ graphics along the sides of them.

Looking up and seeing the angles in what normally would have been a flat sided building. But not in this town!

The County Courthouse had its typical Americana appeal.

Outside the courthouse was this eye-catching veteran’s memorial.

A metal sculpture named Daquqi. Just hanging out in the grass alongside the bridge.

Sculpture should be a requirement in cities. The conflict is meaningful. Human vs nature.

We were loving the red bridge. Fighting rush hour traffic we were able to get across for a closer look.

Who would have thought such design work in a small farm community.

As we continued, We saw these ceramic sculptures lining up along the roadway. Researched and they are called “Ancestral Way.

Very odd, capturing a spirit or personality of sorts.

Came across this beauty who was channeling my inner soul. The name of this is Eos’.

A walkway along the Cummins building in town.

Playing a game of Twister with the squares, breaking up the symmetry.

I truly admire all they did for the community. Do you see the details in the tiles, windows, roof and ceiling? And this was an engine manufacturing company!

Reflection and light seem to be a huge part of the architecture here.

Capturing one of the historic building details.

Not sure what this building was but interesting. Carrying the theme color of the metal Cs.

Loved capturing all three of us in this one.

The alleys were even artistic and colorful. It just gave the city such a happy feel.

The tour meeting place was at the Community Ticket Center which showcased a wonderful giftshop as well as Dale Chihuly’s glass pieces. He is known to push the limits of glass and contrasting to all the angles and symmetry of the architecture, his pieces show off an irregularity in their form.

I hope that if you never have a chance to get to Columbus, Indiana, you at least appreciate the amazing architecture and thought put into this city. I’m so thankful that my daughters enjoy the details of art in the same way that I do. It’s awesome that they are now leading me creating a truly a memorable weekend!

Architecture Quotes Stock Photos, Images & Photography | Shutterstock

The Miller House- Columbus, Indiana

Zoe booked us a tour of the Miller House, something that was featured in the movie they watched. This house is one of the leading examples of modernist architecture from the 1950s. Complete with manicured grounds, floor to ceiling windows and the very first conversation pit, it was custom built for Industrialist Irwin Miller and his family.

The house was designed by Eero Saarinen, who was a Finnish-American architect along with interior designer Alexander Girard. I don’t know much about architecture but this house stands the test of time and is remarkable in its custom details. Now owned by The Indiana Art museum, we were able to get a tour but were not allowed to take many photos except for the main rooms and outside. Not really sure why.

We pulled up to these beautiful tulips and hedges.

A reminder of spring. Even the snow last week could not stop them!

The acreage was beautifully kept and symmetrical in design.

One of the few rooms we could take a photo of was this great room. Open layout filled with wonders such as this built in fireplace and shelving wall unit filled with miniatures from around the world. The eclectic feeling you got was one of a well cultured or travelled family, modern and practical all at the same time.

The infamous gathering pit built into the marble floors. What I loved was the lighting and views. The house is a one floor wonder with totally separated children’s wing and kitchen.

The windows in this room retracted back and allowed you to be outdoors while dining, weather permitting. All the carpets, cushions and textiles were custom designed specifically for this house. This rug had a zipper so it could fit around the table.

As we walked around the grounds the museum was doing its best to preserve the integrity of the landscaping while continually replacing some of the older trees.

Ceramic cat onlooking ceramic and real fish in the outdoor fountain.

Every bit of the property was purposeful.

Those meticulous details is what took this house 2 years to build.

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Twins Birthday Bash in Columbus, Indiana: Road Trip!

My daughters turned 22 on April 23. Last year when they turned 21 and officially were able to drink alcohol, it was at the height of Covid-19. A not so great memory for them. Although I’m sure they made the best of it, their party plans were ruined and it was just the two of them in lockdown. 21 is a year all Americans look forward to celebrating, so we decided to make the best out of 22 instead.

Zoe and Sedona suggested we take a weekend trip together to visit Columbus, Indiana and celebrate all of our April birthdays together. I honestly had never heard of this town before but any new place is always fun to explore so I was game. They’ve wanted to visit here ever since they’d had seen the movie “Columbus”.

The Wesleyan Argus | “Columbus” and Hollywood's Issue With Race — This is a low budget Sundance film which is slow but thoughtful. It covered small town life while featuring the love of architecture.

I mean WTH? Monster truck for God knows what purpose😆 Never seen one of these before.

Zoe found us this adorable Airbnb which was perfect and walking distance to downtown.

Posing with their BonBonerie Opera Cream Cake and champagne to start off their birthday!

Bonbonerie Opera Cream Cake - CincyFavorites — A Cincinnati favorite!! We get one every year.

Zoe claiming to be the master of champagne bottle openers.

We spent the early evening exploring the city, which I will post later. It was seriously so inspiring! But as it hit dinnertime, we decided to go bar hopping.

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First stop Luciana’s for Mexican Margaritas! The bartender of course treated them to tequila shots once he found out it was their birthday.

Next an old dive bar brilliantly name Columbus Bar, where we were convinced to buy 2$ jello shots and Sedona, channeling her inner Sex in the City character, ordered us Cosmos.

We decided we needed some food and stopped at the local Thai restaurant which was excellent! I ordered a Singha beer for memory sake and they ordered Japanese plum wine.

On our walk back to the Airbnb we spotted this display and couldn’t resist.

We landed at a pub called 4th Street. Earlier it had a wait out front but by this time the dinner crowd has dissipated and the band was starting to play. We ordered more Cosmos and Green Tea shots. Later the owner stopped over and bought the girls a red/white/blue vodka shot which they dropped into a sprite and drank together.

Was one heck of a fun night! We hung onto each other on the walk back (which was only two blocks away) as we attempted to do the ‘Monkees’ walk. Sedona played their classic intro tune and Zoe and I ended up tripping over each other in the parking lot and laughing our asses off.

Foto Album — The Monkees sitcom was an American classic from the 1960s.

Needless to say the next afternoon coffee was in order! We booked a tour of the famous Miller House and needed to wake our brains up prior to enduring some historical facts.

We found this adorable coffee shop named Lucabe’. Everything in this town is beautifully designed. They really made an effort to create a culture here unlike any other.