Albuquerque Day 2

The second day we travelled to Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in North America.

Between 1821 and 1880, Santa Fe was the destination point of the Santa Fe Trail.   The trade route was extended from Santa Fe to Missouri.   Later, the trail served as an invasion route during the Mexican-American War.

It was raining when Sandi, Dawn, and me drove up Interstate Highway 25 to Santa Fe.

Once we got to Santa Fe, we realized that we left our coats in Albuquerque.  The temperature was 54 degrees. Our first task was to find appropriate clothing.

The old plaza is steeped in history. During the heyday of the Santa Fe Trail, the plaza was the central governmental area as well as a place of trade.  Today the business of Santa Fe’s Plaza is curio shops, art galleries, eateries, and restaurants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We go to Branson for some foot stompin'

For all of you who think that Foot Stompin' is dead, I say you haven't been to Branson, MO.

Yes! Foot Stompin' is very much alive in this little Ozark town of 6,000 happy souls. Country show places line a three-mile stretch of Highway 76 going west out of Branson. They call it The Strip. The highway rides along the crest of a hill, overlooking restaurants and hotels.

In years past, we always saw The Andy Williams Show at the Moon River Theatre. This year we decided to go country and gospel. The country show was The Pressleys. No relation to Elvis. But this show was the show that started it all in Branson. It is still going after 30 years.

Otherwise, what can I say. It was all country and corn-pone humor. No big names...just the family!

Again this year, we stayed at our Wyndam Resorts Time Share. It was called Branson at the Falls. It was very confortable and not far off of The Strip.

One thing that Branson is famous for is the dining. We chose a local restaurant the first night. On the second night we dined at Ruby Tuesday's. The rest of the time we took in the sights.

We have come to love the old downtown Branson. The town is situated on the bend of an Ozark river which we have never learned the name. We were surpirsed that a new Hilton Hotel was built since our last stay. Also they built a new shopping center and a full scale railroad that takes visitor around the Ozark Mountains.

The old downtown is still there and seemed to be busier than ever.

The second event we saw was a comedy gospel show. It was a family act. They were good, too.

The drive to and from Branson is one of the best parts. Nothing like The Ozarks.