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 »

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 »

A green box from Grapevine, Texas, means great chocolate awaits. (Photo by Tom Adkinson)

GRAPEVINE, Texas – Sue Williams wanted to be a county agricultural agent, but she became a medical doctor and a chocolate maker instead – and the world is a better place for that.  Just ask anyone who visits Dr. Sue’s Chocolates, …

The Texas Doctor Who Also Makes Chocolate Read more »

Who can resist a photo of the world's biggest pistachio? (Photo by Tom Adkinson)

ALAMOGORDO, New Mexico – If it weren’t for White Sands National Park and the Manhattan Project atomic bomb heritage of Alamogordo, the most famous aspect of this desert town might be the world biggest pistachio nut. The 30-foot-tall nut is …

Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut – a Pistachio Nut Read more »