3 Best Jogging trails in South Dakota

Posted on December 16, 2019December 16, 2019 by Katie

Running is an underrated sport. Most people view it as just tiresome cardio or a waste of time. When in fact, running is the most basic and fundamental sport out there for the majority of the people. It can be fun in terms of the little details such as the cool breeze, the stunning view, the adrenaline of picking up your pace, and the feeling of running with the wind.

And with running, you only need a few things, you, some light clothes, running shoes if possible, and a trail or road to run across. But sometimes the trail itself would ruin the way you run and discourage you from ever finishing the track. So here are the 3 Best Jogging trails in South Dakota to get you fully active and motivate you to run even further.

Black Elk Peak South Dakota Highpoint Trail

The most popular trail this side of the Midwest, the Black Elk Peak Trail is a 7.6 mile stretch found near Custer, South Dakota and is considered a moderately difficult trail, which makes it the best for everyone either amateur or professional. And if you feel like running with your dog then that is also possible, just as long as you keep them leashed.

The trail goes along the breathtaking Black Hills of South Dakota, and at the top is a historic stone firetower, which is no longer in use but can still be viewed by the public. And when you follow the trail, you will be greeted with jaw dropping granite towers coming out of the hills.

Sunday Gulch Trail

This isn’t your everyday, easy trail to just jog to. This trail has been rated as quite difficult for those who are not that experienced with running at all. So be careful when running through here and watch your pace. It is a 3.9 mile loop trail that is also located near Custer, South Dakota, and includes a view of a lake. And yes, you can bring your dogs as well, just be prepared to carry them sometimes due to the nature of the trail itself at some points.

Mount Rushmore and Presidential Trail Loop

Finally, for an even more famous trail, or more likely, famous landmark, the Mount Rushmore and Presidential Trail Loop is on this list of course. This loop is quite easy, so everyone can enjoy it without having too much trouble. It’s a 0.9 mile trail which makes it extremely short, and is near Keystone, South Dakota.

Here, you’ll be able to see the ever so popular, Mount Rushmore, which is perfect for all tourists. Being able to run among the great Presidents would be a huge honor, so taking this trail is a must for everyone.
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3 Foods To Try in St. Louis, Missouri

Posted on October 22, 2019October 22, 2019 by Katie

Food is always a must wherever we go. Whether it’s going to school or work, heading out to hang with friends, or when you’re travelling far away in a town you’ve never been in. Our stomach’s will always churn and crave delicacies, so why not choose the food that we can enjoy to the fullest?

If you’re in St Louis, Missouri and find yourself starving and in desperate need of some amazing food then look no further! Here will be the Top 3 Foods you should try before leaving town.

Our friend Jim Tucker, owner of Midwest Mold Removal in St Louis helped make this blog post possible.

Toasted Ravioli

First on the list, is definitely the town special and favorite, Toasted Ravioli. It’s an interesting appetizer, one that would definitely make you fall in love the moment it touches your taste buds. The best part? You can find these in any restaurant, and even though they all won’t taste the same, you’ll still have some of the best ravioli you’ll get your hands on, in this part of the Midwest.

But what is it exactly? Well, to keep it simple, it’s deep fried pasta that’s filled with a variety of protein such as meat or cheese, and to top it all off, parmesan cheese sprinkled on the outside to give that extra flavour. If you want to get the best tasting Ravioli’s in town, then you should definitely check out restaurants from The Hill like Mama’s, and Charlie Gitto’s.

St Louis Style Ribs

Alright, now that appetizers are out of the way, let’s go for a main dish, and what better delicacy to partake in than St Louis Style Ribs. Mouthwatering, just from the name itself, isn’t it? Well, trust us when we say that they’re more delicious than they look.

What makes these so different from the others? Well, these ribs are fatter than your regular baby back ribs, and that alone is enough to make anyone crave it. But more than that, these bad boys are slow cooked to give that fully flavored and juicy meat for everyone to enjoy. Delicious! Isn’t it?

So, where exactly can we partake in such a feast for juicy and amazing ribs? Well, what other place to go in St Louis than Pappy’s Steakhouse. And this isn’t just any ordinary steakhouse, this restaurant has actually been voted as one of the best barbeque destinations in the United States of America. And that is definitely saying a lot already. Once you eat here, you’ll always crave those sweet ribs wherever you may be.

Frozen Custard

Finally, now that the main dish has been served and you are full, it’s time for some good old fashioned desert. So what does St Louis has to offer you say? Well, with a variety of sweets and delicacies there can be only one, and that, my friend, is good old frozen custard.

But isn’t it just like ice cream? Is what I bet you’re thinking right now. And the answer to that is no, it is not just like ice cream, it is better than that. It has a thicker and richer consistency making it much more delicious than just your regular ice cream. So, where can you enjoy such a treat? Well you can get the best of these yummy desserts from Ted Drewes, and luck for youm, two of these shops can be found in Route 66.

And now you have a full course meal to enjoy, here, in sweet ol’ St Louis, Missouri! …

st louis arch - great place to visit in missouri

6 Best Places To Visit in Missouri

Posted on October 16, 2019October 16, 2019 by Katie

Missouri is known as the Show Me State. According to legend, the state got that name because of a speech given by Congressman Williard Vandiver at the turn of the 20th century. In that speech, Vandiver spoke of the no nonsense attitude of the people living in Missouri. Vandiver said, “Frothy eloquence neither convinces me or satisfies me. I’m from Missouri. You’ve got to show me.”

There are plenty of places to see in Missouri and much to do. Missouri is home to the picturesque Ozark Mountains as well as the iconic St. Louis Arch. In order to really understand the beauty of Missouri, you have to see these sights for yourself! Here are the top six best places to visit in Missouri.

The St. Louis Arch

The St. Louis Arch or the Gateway Arch is symbolic of Missouri’s status as the gateway to the west. This nickname came because many of the pioneers who went west seeking riches started their journey in St. Louis. Visitors to the arch can take an elevator 630 feet to the top of the structure and see the stunning views of St. Louis and the surrounding area.

The Missouri Botanical Garden

This Victorian Garden is also known as Shaw’s Garden by the locals. Henry Shaw, who founded the garden was a well known botanist. The garden takes up almost 80 acres of land and also features a rain forest themed garden, an English garden, and a Japanese garden. There are also a number of festivals held each year at the park.

Branson

Branson is one of the most popular places to visit in Missouri besides the St. Louis Arch. In fact, more people visit Branson each year than visit the Grand Canyon! Although this town is well known for its music shows and theater, there’s truly something here for everyone.

Even if you aren’t fond of shows and concerts, you might enjoy the town’s other attractions like Marvel Cave, Silver Dollar City theme park, and the historical exhibits on Ozark culture.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is located near the Lake of the Ozarks. This park has beautiful scenery and also features its own mansion. The mansion was built over a century ago and has been described as looking like a European castle. The castle got its name from the many springs on the property which are said to be “smiling waters”.

Visit Mark Twain’s childhood home in Hannibal

In the mid 1840’s, a young man named Samuel Clemens lived in Hannibal, Missouri. When he grew up, Sam would take on the pen name Mark Twain and write stories about the adventures of children. Some people believe that their adventures were loosely based on the ones that he had during his childhood.

St. Joseph

Visitors to this town can learn about the Pony Express, which was begun in the town. They can also see the home where well known outlaw Jesse James once lived. The town has no less than 13 museums and hosts a number of popular festivals each year.
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7 Words and Phrases you Should Learn before Visiting New Orleans

Posted on October 4, 2019October 4, 2019 by Katie

People talk differently in New Orleans. It’s not uncommon for visitors not to understand what locals here say as it always seems as though they’re speaking in code. The tone, lilt, and slang of the New Orleans language serve as a reflection of the city’s tradition and ethnic history. Just so you know, you won’t find much of the stereotypical southern drawl in New Orleans. The language here is indigenous to the city and it’s important that you learn some of the phrases and words spoken before you travel. Otherwise, how are you going to talk that Nola talk?

“Pinch the Tail and Suck the Head”

You might think this phrase has some sexual connotation but that’s not the case. The tawdry-sounding phrase actually explains how one should eat crawfish. Note that crawfish is one of the staple foods in New Orleans. The crawfish festival, happening at the beginning of May every year, is an event you don’t want to miss. There’s no better time to pinch the tail and suck the head than during the three-day festival.

“Pass a Good Time”

Native in the city use the phrase “pass a good time” to mean it’s time to have a good time and have fun. One of the best times to pass a good time is during the Battle of the Gumbo Gladiators in downtown Shreveport where visitors get to sample gumbo for a dollar. There are plenty of places you can have a good time across the city.

“Cher”

Cher is a term traditionally used by Cajuns and Creoles to greet someone they love. It’s similar to “dear.” For instance, someone may say: “Oh, that so delicious, cher!”

“How’s ya mama an’ them?”

Whenever you hear someone use that phrase, they’re asking how someone’s family is doing, but most importantly, their mother. You’re more likely to hear it from true New Orleans. It’s simply means, “How is your mother and your family?”

“Laissez les bon temps rouler.”

Doesn’t sound like English, right? Often used around traditional Mardi Gras parade, the term is used to mean “let the good times roll.” Locals may also use it whenever there’s a family get-together or anything worth celebrating.

“Throw me somethin’, Mista!”

The phrase is common around New Orleans during the Mardi Grass parade as the parade spectators plead hoping to be able to catch a few throws from the passing floats. You’ll hear the spectators yell “throw me somethin’, Mista!” in an effort to get the attention of the parade rider. Head to the town of Eunice and be part of a truly traditional Mardi Grass experience.

“Fais-do-do”

The phrase originates from Cajun dance parties that used to last till late such that kids would just fall asleep without any effort from their mothers. Scholars still debate on how the phrase started being used in dancing, however. It means “go to sleep” so don’t be surprised to hear a mother putting her child to sleep in New Orleans with the phrase “do-do.”

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