43-Second Solar Eclipse Diamond Ring Reveal

Connie April 18, 2024April 18, 2024Diamond Ring, Diamond Ring Effect, Eclipse Timelapse, Eclipse Viewing, Solar Eclipse, Solar Event, Total Solar Eclipse 0 Comment

To be honest, I hadn’t heard of the solar eclipse diamond ring before the 2024 eclipse. I guess I wasn’t paying enough attention to media coverage.

So, as I watched the solar eclipse from our vantage point in southeast Missouri, near West Plains, I didn’t know to look for the diamond. Once the moon completely covered the sun, I took off my eclipse glasses. (It’s safe to do so during totality.) Then, as the first rays of sunshine peeked out as the moon passed out of totality, I quickly looked away.

New: Midwest Wanderer Explores E-zine

Connie Alabama, History, Nature, Road Trips February 8, 2024April 15, 2024Alabama Coastal Connection 0 Comment

We’re excited to announce we’ve published the first issue of our FREE e-zine, Midwest Wanderer Explores.

The focus of the first issue, which you can read right now, is Alabama’s Coastal Connection National Scenic Byway. We share with you our month-long experience on the byway and all of the fascinating things we learned, like…

Family-Friendly Mardi Gras on the Gulf Coast

Connie Alabama, Attractions & Events, Destinations, Mississippi January 13, 2024January 27, 2024Gulf Coast, Mardi Gras, Mardi Gras Parade 0 Comment

Experience the fun of Mardi Gras parades without the raucous crowds of New Orleans. Here are our family-friendly Mardi Gras experiences on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and in the Mobile, Alabama, area. (Video or read the transcript)

Meet ‘A Christmas Story’ Cast in Hammond, IN December 16-17

Connie Attractions & Events, Indiana December 6, 2023December 6, 2023A Christmas Story, Hammond Indiana, Indiana Welcome Center, Ralphie & the Gang Come Come 0 Comment

Meet ‘A Christmas Story’ cast December 16-17, 2023, as they reunite at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond, Indiana. The movie marks its 40^th anniversary this year. To celebrate, the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority is hosting “Ralphie & the Gang Come Home.” Eight cast members are scheduled to be there, including Peter Billingsley, who played Ralphie in the movie.

Touring the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park

Connie Alabama, Attractions & Events, History November 5, 2023April 15, 2024Things to do near Mobile AL, USS Alabama 0 Comment

The USS Alabama almost went to scrappers. For fifteen years following decommissioning, the battleship sat at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Then, in the early 1960s, the federal government announced plans to scrap its aging World War II battleships, including the USS Alabama. The people of Alabama wouldn’t have it. The children alone raised $100,000 toward the $800,000 it would cost to move its namesake battleship to Alabama. In 1965, the USS Alabama opened in Mobile as a memorial and museum. Today the submarine USS Drum and a plethora of military aircraft and vehicles join the battleship on the 155-acre USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park.

Ride the Mule-Pulled Illinois and Michigan Canal Boat

Connie Attractions & Events, Illinois September 27, 2023September 28, 2023I and M Canal Boat, I&M Canal Boat, I&M Canal Boat Ride, LaSalle IL things to do, Things to do near Starved Rock 1 Comment

Step back in time, to around 1850, and experience a ride on the Illinois and Michigan Canal Boat. Located in LaSalle, Illinois, a mule powers the boat. Yes, a mule, that walks along a towpath alongside the I&M canal.

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