Kirchoff Bakery and Deli co-owner shows off a hefty deli creation. (Photo by Tom Adkinson)

By Tom Adkinson PADUCAH, Ky. – The fabric art at Paducah’s National Quilt Museum is known internationally, but not three blocks away is art of a completely different kind that has been building a reputation since 1873.  It is art …

Five Generations of Paducah Bakers Create Edible Art Read more »

An Upper Peninsula Trifecta consists of smooth water, clear sky and a crimson sunset while on a Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry evening cruise. (Photo by Tom Adkinson)

ST. IGNACE, Mich. – The bridge that skeptics said never could be built – and gephyrophobics fear to this day – is eligible for Social Security but doesn’t need it.  It’s the Mighty Mac, more formally known at the Mackinac Bridge …

Mighty Mac: Aging Gracefully and Still Swaying Read more »

The Mustang Trail in Cottonwood Valley offers a quick escape from the neon and glitz of the Las Vegas Strip. (Photo by Tom Adkinson)

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – After you conclude that throwing dice and pulling the lever on a slot machine really don’t count as exercise, you can burn off some calories and clear your head in pure wilderness just a few miles …

Bicycling through the Mojave Desert Outside Las Vegas Read more »

Unless you have a mining background, this sign prompts asking what a mucker is. (Photo by Tom Adkinson)

TONOPAH, Nevada – A chance conversation led to my meeting a mucking champion, and that’s no typo. It happened in the desert town of Tonopah, which is in the middle of nowhere between Las Vegas and Reno. Me: “I saw a …

Where Mucking Is a Competitive Sport Read more »

There’s a serene world just a short float down the Colorado River from the bustle of Laughlin. (Photo by Tom Adkinson)

LAUGHLIN, Nevada — Laughlin and its nine casinos never will rival Las Vegas, but Laughlin always will have an attraction Las Vegas can only dream about – the sparkling waters of the Colorado River flowing right through town. Although the …

Paddling Past the Casinos in Laughlin, Nevada Read more »

Eighteen historic racecars are displayed on a banked track in the Glory Road exhibit. (Photo by Tom Adkinson)

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – You might not know the first thing about stock car racing other than the advice to novice drivers – “go as fast as you can and keep turning left” – but a single pit stop at …

Keep Turning Left at NASCAR Hall of Fame Read more »

Ben works one week on and three weeks off in Wilmington’s historic district. (Photo: Tom Adkinson)

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Ben, the Rescue Horse, apparently didn’t play well with others back on an Amish farm in Ohio, but he proved to be a fine escort on a clip-clopping stroll through Wilmington’s historic district. John Pucci, his …

Explore Wilmington with Ben, the Rescue Horse Read more »

A Lanner/Saker hybrid falcon strikes a regal pose before a flight. (Photo by Tom Adkinson)

CHARLESTON, South Carolina – What began as a medical facility for injured eagles, hawks and owls in 1991 now is a very special nature attraction in the same county as St. Michael’s Church, the Battery and the fancy restaurants on …

Soaring on the Wings of Eagles in South Carolina Read more »