#269: The Great Amish Country Auction, pg 629 (Listed as "Shipshewana" in 2nd Ed, pg 791)

Monday, July 22, 2019

We arrived in Shipshewana right in time for lunch, so we walked up and down Main Street and then enjoyed a traditional Amish lunch at the Blue Gate Restaurant and Bakery.  Two thumbs up to the Peanut Butter pie!

So fun to see horse and buggies everywhere you look!  At the gas station......

Up and down every road.....

And in town.

Roman, of the "New Order" Amish gave us a buggy ride for just the three of us.  We peppered him with questions.  And he was gracious enough to answer all our curiosities.  He was born "Old Order" Amish.  The Old Order is more traditional and faithfully follows the bishop of their church.  He then converted to/transitioned to the "New Order" as he got older.  New Order members read the Bible and interpret it for themselves and decide how to live.  For example, Roman doesn't have electricity in his home, but he does drive a car (a Honda Odyssey to be exact) when not taking visitors like us on buggy rides ;)  He explained that this is the third largest Amish community (one in Ohio being first and Lancaster, PA being second).  He said some Amish families are getting smaller since some of the New Order in particular are starting to believe in/use birth control.  But his parents (Old Order) had 18 (!!!) children.  All from the same mama!  He said several of his siblings have left the Amish faith. I asked if people could join the Amish religion or if you needed to be born into it.  He said people can join, but that the Amish "don't recommend it" because it's such a lifestyle change that most people don't adjust well.

Verdict:  No.  Admittedly, we didn't end up going to the Flea Market or Auction, which probably would have been really cool to see.  But alas, we were there on a Monday and the Flea Market is Tues - Wed and the Auction is Wednesdays.  But we tried to do pretty much everything else this town had to offer!  The reason this is a "No" is not because we didn't enjoy our day there or because I don't think everyone should have an Amish experience at least once in their lives.  It's because I don't understand why this particular community was plucked into the book when there are several to choose from.  I live just two hours from Lancaster and have been there many times.  And this experience felt the exact same as my Lancaster experiences.

#268: The Lincoln Trail (2nd Ed, page 790)

Sunday, July 21, 2019

The Presidential Museum opened in 2005.

The Lincoln Douglas debates

The only known document to bear the signatures of both Lincoln and Douglas.

The original tombstone of their dear son Eddy who died at Age 3 of tuberculosis in 1850.

The Lincolns in the White House.

Lincoln's cabinet

Mary and her dressmaker and confidante, Elizabeth Keckly (I had appreciation for this because I just finished reading Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker)

Lincoln's portrait when he entered the White House....

And just a few years later after leading this country through four years of Civil War.  So sobering to so tangibly see the toll it took on this great man.

And when he finally succeeded in seeing our country through it's most tumultuous of times..... he was assassinated, the first American President to which this happened. 

Within walking distance (or a very short drive) of the Museum, is the only home where Lincoln ever lived.  You can take tours of the home.  They last about 15-20 minutes and are free of charge. However, you need tickets.  Groups are maxed out at 15 people.  Tickets are only given out in person and only for the day of the tour you are taking; they cannot be reserved in advance.

His door.

Me at his front door.

The law office where he worked.

The Old State Capitol.

The "House Divided" speech was given here.  He also lay in state here after his assassination at the age of 56.

I also went to the Train Depot where he gave his Farewell address in February 1861 as he left for the White House to assume the Presidency.  He never returned during his lifetime.

The church the Lincoln's attended (currently closed for renovations)

And his tombstone, located in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

His wife and three of his four sons are here as well.

Verdict:  Unequivocally Yes!  This was left out of the first book, but Ms. Schultz got it right by adding it to the 2nd Edition!  The Museum is SO well done.  My friend (Age 42) commented that it was quite possibly the best museum she's ever seen.  There are two "movies" and both are absolutely fabulous.  The pre-White House area and the White House area are both incredible.  I would allow a bare minimum of two hours to do this museum.  Cost: $15 for adults.  There are discounts for students, children, seniors and military.  Worth every penny!

I will say that Springfield itself is nothing to write home about.  Many areas of the city seemed run down, with cracks in the roads and sidewalks and plants growing through.  There were many run down homes and poverty-stricken areas, homeless people, etc.  HOWEVER, the Lincoln sights (all of them! but the museum in particular!) were absolutely incredible.  I'm not sure everyone in the world would consider this a "must do".  But every American should!

#267: Daytona Speedway (pg 748, 2nd Edition)

July 14, 2019

On the Daytona Speedway Track!

Crossing the finish line - feels good! 😉

This year's Daytona 500's winning car!

Victory Lane

Start your engines!

Sitting in the seats....

And soaking in the view.

I've got the whole place to myself!

In the media room sitting in the exact same spot that the race car drivers sit when they are interviewed after their races.

My husband.... contemplating a 2nd career choice.

After checking out the track, stands, etc, we went into the museum.

I had no idea the history of this race - how it used to just take place on the highway and beach.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Verdict:  No, Daytona Speedway is not something you need to experience before you die, unless you happen to be a diehard NASCAR fan.  Then, I imagine this would be your holy pilgrimage.  I, however, am not.  Can't say that I've ever watched a single race.  And, also, I'm sure it's a much different experience if you come here during Speedweeks (the two weeks leading up to Daytona 500) or to the Daytona 500 itself.  What we did was the "All Access Tour", a 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour of the facility at a cost of $26/adult.  I will say, however, that even though I give this a "No" and even though I'm not a NASCAR enthusiast, I'm still glad we did this!  We both really enjoyed the tour, learned a lot and have a new appreciation for the sport.  And, as always with my travels, I love that I can "picture" where all of this takes place.  And whatever it is you are picturing..... it's bigger! It's only 60 miles North of Orlando, so next time you're visiting the theme parks, take a couple hours out of your day and visit the speedway!