It was time for a local road trip or two, so we hit the road! Road trip #1 was local Washington, D.C.; road trip #2 was a bit further into Maryland.

Road Trip #1 –

As many of you know, this is the second time we have lived in Arlington, Virginia. The first time we never got there, but this past Mother’s Day 2023, we finally made it to the National Capitol Columns! Honestly, not quite what I had envisioned for the surrounding area at the U.S. National Arboretum, but still interesting to see and read about the history. “The National Capitol Columns are a monument in Washington, D.C.’s National Arboretum. It is an arrangement of twenty-two Corinthian columns which were a part of the United States Capitol from 1828 to 1958, placed amid 20 acres of open meadow, known as the Ellipse Meadow.” Wikipedia

Road Trip #2a

We had read about a quaint little historical town in Maryland called Havre de Grace, on the waterfront and with a lighthouse. It seemed like a good excuse for a road trip on Karen’s day off, which coincidentally was her birthday. Our GPS took us right to the lighthouse on the harbor (Havre is French for harbor). Lots of War of 1812 activity here, with the long-standing light keeper playing a heroic part in it all. We walked around the area and out onto the dock adorned with carvings of local, regional birds. I love being on or by the water and it was a lovely sun-filled day to be out and about. Sadly, many of the stores and shops were closed on a Tuesday so after a bit of a drive around town, we decided to head to another historical town we have wanted to visit and that was on the way home – Ellicott City, Maryland.

Road Trip #2b

The town of Ellicott City has been ravaged in the past by flood waters and has fought back time and time again – once with Gordon Ramsay’s help. Once again we traveled around town roaming about the hills to explore more than just Main Street, but many stores and shops were not open on a Tuesday. Which was, again, a shame as we wanted to eat and shop!

On our way home, we stopped in Laurel, Maryland for a birthday dinner at Karen’s favorite place – Outback Steakhouse, where we ordered a Cobb salad and slice of carrot cake to go. Salad for the next day’s lunch and carrot cake for her birthday. It was a good day out and about. And a good travel experience as well.

Mobility notes:

Havre de Grace is accessible for mobility devices. Whereas I advise caution in Ellicott City due to hills and remaining flood damage but it’s not impossible but may be a challenge.

What started out as a trip to visit my 50th state and a new Four Seasons hotel, turned into an early Mother’s Day weekend courtesy of Karen. She spoiled me all weekend long!

Four Seasons Minneapolis

We received a warm mid-west welcome from the Minneapolis Four Seasons staff upon our arrival. In our room, our table was loaded with welcome notes from FS friends, an ammenity of hand-held apple pie goodness (in the shape of Minnesota!), some dried apple slices, cider and a Minnesota-shaped cutting board. But the best item was the little layer cake that Karen had sent to commemorate my 50th state visit! Our stay at FSMN marks the 21st Four Seasons property I have stayed at; some I’ve stayed at more than once (but only counted as one) all thanks to Karen.

Upon arrival and after check-in, Karen decided that we needed some pampering so off to the spa we went for mani-pedi’s and a facial for me. We stopped at the Red Cow for a beer of the world entry and a favorite local snack of warm homemade chips and onion dip. Then, back to the hotel for some RR&R before a late dinner at the Terrace Cafe, overlooking the pool area and downtown Minneapolis and the Mississippi River. It was a beautiful day until the sun set and then the chill came into the air. But have no fear! Our server, Kim, wrapped us in warm blankets so we could finish our meal.

Road Trip

Friday was Road Trip day to visit my 50th state – North Dakota. It was a bit overcast but a beautiful day for a drive. Our GPS took us right where we needed to be to visit 3 states at the same time – Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. As we were driving along the road, Karen was in South Dakota on her side and I was in North Dakota on my side! Getting out to get pictures of the welcome signs was a bit dicey as the speed limits in this area were 80mph! But we safely pulled over, grabbed a few quick pictures to document the events – my 50th state visit and Karen’s 40th state visit. It was a long but great day making memories with Karen. If you follow me on FB then you are familiar with our commentary regarding dirt roads and city girl (Karen). But I have to tell you she did a great job safely driving us around for four days. Lots of farms, grain silos, brown fields and a collection of “limos on a stick!” If you haven’t heard of Atlas Obscura, check it out for roadside attractions across the states. On our way home, we stopped in Alexandria, MN – not to be confused with Alexndria, VA – for dinner at Perkins. Still looks the same as it did back home years ago before they moved away from Rochester. Still flying the oversized American flag. I enjoyed my 55+ turkey dinner. Our black rental KIA got very dusty and unfortunately we missed the big rain on Saturday to wash it all off. Sorry about that Hertz!

Mall of America (MOA)

Wow! Big mall! 3 floors of stores that include urgent care, shoes, clothing, food, rides, games and more. It’s one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, attracting more than 40 million visitors annually, more than twice as many people as the world’s largest amusement park, the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World ^[1].(^[1] Fun Fact: Footage stats from icsc.org October 2012). An interesting stop at an Alpaca clothing store and I left with a new warm sweater! We had a great store clerk, who shared local ties with us as she is from Newark, NY, not far from where we lived in Upstsate (Western) New York state. Our dinner was at Piada’s Italian Street Food where we enjoyed spaghetti carbonnara and ziti with meatballs. We ended the day looking over our purchases and playing a few games of UNO, where it was finally my turn to win a few hands!

MOA Fun Facts

• 7 Yankee Stadiums can fit inside the Mall
• 24 rides and attractions in Nickelodeon Universe®
• 32 Boeing 747s could fit inside the Mall
• 65 semi trucks were needed to transport trees to the theme park
• 258 Statues of Liberty could lie inside the Mall

For more information on MOA visit – https://www.minnesotafunfacts.com/places-to-visit/museums-landmarks/mall-of-america/

NOTE: Everything we did or encountered during the weeked was handicap accessible for mobility impaired individuals. Sidewalks for the most part where smooth. Ramps at intersections. Scooter and wheelchair rentals are available at MOA.

And then, just like that (finger snap!) the weekend in Minnesota, visiting North and South Dakota too, was over and it was time to head back to MSP for the flight home.

Travel while you’ve got your health.
Don’t wait until you are too old to enjoy it!
Just make it work however you can.
No one wishes for more money in their last days
but experiences and memories are priceless.

–unknown