Historic Genoa, Nevada: A Step Back to the Old West

Hot Springs during sunrise near Genoa Nevada

The oldest permanent nonnative settlement in Nevada offers a unique step back in time. Unlike many historic towns, Genoa has maintained and embraced its history without turning into the theme park which has cursed other historic towns.  The historic charm is highlighted by locally-owned restaurants and the quaint charm of yesteryear. 

The Most Overlooked Town on World-Famous Route 66: Oatman, AZ

Oatman, Arizona: Route 66, Dollar Bar, Donkey

Nestled into the northwest corner of Arizona just before you cross into California on Route 66, you find the rugged town of Oatman. It may be one of the most overlooked towns along the famous road trip, but it may have the most famous burros. While the burros’ pushy demeanor demands attention, you won’t want to miss all this historic town has to offer.  The namesake story, gold mining strikes, and place in Americana history along Route 66 make this town so much more. 

Cryptic Ciphers, Treasure, Duels: The Life of Thomas Jefferson Beale

Declaration of Independence

Thomas Jefferson Beale. It’s the name you likely have not heard, but the name behind a story you’ve seen a version of on the big screen.  A 200-year-old mystery in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia begins with TJ Beale. He is credited as the author of the Beale Papers (also known as Beale Ciphers). They are the “treasure map” to the Beale Treasure worth an estimated $65 million.  Consisting of three ciphers explaining what the treasure is, where it is and who is entitled to it the ciphers have never been fully decoded. The cipher explaining what the treasure consists of was decoded using the Declaration of Independence n the late 1800s. Does that sound familiar?  The movie National Treasure is said to be loosely based on the story.  Now it is time to tell the real story of Thomas Jefferson Beale. 

Experiencing the Plains of the Serengeti in Florida’s Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens Flamingos

The 1950s were a time of innocence, post-war booms, moving to the suburbs and free beer. Well, free beer at Busch Gardens. The gardens were opened in 1959 as an admission-free hospitality center for the Tampa Anheuser-Busch brewery. Visitors were welcomed for their brewery tour with bird shows in a tropical setting and beer.