Monday Morning Moment: The Bennington Battle Monument, Bennington, VT
In a region where the tallest structure you’re likely to see is a large barn, it’s striking to see a massive stone obelisk rising over the Green Mountains of southwestern Vermont. Closer inspection will reveal this imposing structure is known as the Bennington Battle Monument. But why is it here to begin with? Let’s take a closer look at how this little-known architectural and historical attraction came to be.
Continue reading “Monday Morning Moment: The Bennington Battle Monument, Bennington, VT”Monday Morning Moment: McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area, Montgomery County, MD
Nestled in an obscure corner of Montgomery County, MD, is an explosion of vibrant yellow, set against the lush green forests set just off the Potomac River. Thousands of sunflowers stretch out before you in rows, craning their necks toward the sky. It’s nearly silent, save for the buzzing of the bees and the calling of a few birds. This is McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area.
It can be hard to believe this peaceful place is located just 25 miles from the pulsing power corridors of Washington, DC. Let’s take a closer look at how and why this under-the-radar but Instagram-worthy spot came to be.
Continue reading “Monday Morning Moment: McKee Beshers Wildlife Management Area, Montgomery County, MD”Monday Morning Moment: Boulder Flatirons and Chautauqua Park, Boulder, CO
Good morning. Southwest of the city of Boulder, CO, the Flatirons of the Rocky Mountains sit perched high above the surrounding area, on the eastern flank of Green Mountain. It’s a breathtaking sight, just minutes from downtown Boulder and less than an hour from Denver. We’re traveling there in today’s Monday Morning Moment.
Continue reading “Monday Morning Moment: Boulder Flatirons and Chautauqua Park, Boulder, CO”Monday Morning Moment: Portland Head Light Sunset, Cape Elizabeth, ME
Good Morning. A sunset for a Monday Morning Moment? You’d better believe it. Today, we’re heading just south of Portland, ME, to the Portland Head Light. It’s one of the area’s most famous lighthouses and an incredible place to end a busy day in coastal Maine.
Continue reading “Monday Morning Moment: Portland Head Light Sunset, Cape Elizabeth, ME”Monday Morning Moment: Truth or Consequences, NM
Good Morning. Truth or Consequences is a small, south-central New Mexico town with a big name. It’s also got a surprising amount of charm, style, and fun – not to mention some of the most underrated hot springs in the country. We’re taking a trip there today in our Monday Morning Moment.
Continue reading “Monday Morning Moment: Truth or Consequences, NM”Monday Morning Moment: Lauritzen Gardens
Good morning. If you’d like to see one of Japan’s natural wonders but can’t make it across the Pacific, try Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, NE. The botanical gardens include 100 acres of year-round plant displays, including this part of the Japanese Garden.
Continue reading “Monday Morning Moment: Lauritzen Gardens”Monday Morning Moment: Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Good morning. This picture was taken along Wildlife Drive at J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel, Florida, in March 2019.
Sanibel is really a unique place within Florida and the United States. In a different universe, developers covered the island in high rises, chain restaurants, and waterparks, all taking advantage of the unbelievable beaches and world-renowned shelling. But it isn’t. There are a few larger condo buildings and resorts, sure, but they’re low and spread out. By and large, the island remains gloriously unspoiled. There are no stoplights, almost all local stores and restaurants, and a vast amount of preserved nature. Ding Darling is part of this.
Continue reading “Monday Morning Moment: Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge”Monday Morning Moment: Near Gilroy, CA
Good morning. This picture was taken from an Amtrak Coast Starlight train south of Gilroy, CA, in September 2018.
The Coast Starlight runs all the way from Seattle to Los Angeles. Over a day and a half, it passes through some incredible scenery, including these fields at the southern edge of the Santa Clara Valley. The entire ride is one of the best ways to see the incredible and varied geography of the west coast. It’s also a great route to connect a cross-country Amtrak trip arriving in Portland, Seattle, Emeryville/San Francisco, or Los Angeles to other cities up and down the coast.
Continue reading “Monday Morning Moment: Near Gilroy, CA”