Domestic (United States) – Joe's Bucket List

Postcard Cabins

Joe — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 22:13:14 +0000

“Postcard Cabins” is a collection of “tiny house” outposts designed for people who want to disconnect from city life without the logistics of traditional camping (i.e. – “Glamping”). The cabins are minimalist, climate-controlled, and usually situated on private, wooded lots. The core concept is “unplugging”: every cabin comes with a dedicated lockbox for your cell phone to encourage you to ignore…

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Meow Wolf

Joe — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 13:57:50 +0000

What started as George R. R. Martin (yes, that one) buying a bowling alley in Santa Fe and leasing it out to a scrappy art collective, ended as the birth of what we now know as “Meow Wolf.” From its modest beginnings in Santa Fe, Meow Wolf has evolved into a nationwide series of immersive fever dreams that somehow straddle the line between interactive art exhibit, sci-fi funhouse…

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Joe’s Alaska Cruise Tips

Joe — Thu, 15 May 2025 23:49:56 +0000

Alaska is a massive place, and a cruise is easily the best way to see the scale of it without getting lost in the weeds. This guide covers the practical side of navigating the Last Frontier—from why you actually need a real camera (and a zoom lens) to the reality of those "expensive" excursions. I’ve also broken down my favorite spots in the major ports like Juneau and Skagway, plus a few tips on cruise etiquette and where to find the best wild salmon. If you're planning your first trip up the Inside Passage, here is what you actually need to know before you board.

Galveston Island

Joe — Sun, 13 Apr 2025 13:56:00 +0000

(Latest update: 4/15/2025) Did you know that Galveston Island has more to offer than just a cruise port and industrial docks? This hidden gem is one of Texas’s best-kept secrets, perfect for a quick beach getaway. For my fellow SWA non-rev friends from Dallas Love Field, it’s an easy and quick destination to hit the beach for a couple of days—even if all the flights are full.

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Now & Then: Vicksburg

Joe — Sun, 15 Dec 2024 23:44:53 +0000

Gettysburg is often called the turning point of the Civil War. However, no event was as significant as the siege of Vicksburg. The photos in this post showcase Vicksburg, Mississippi, and its surroundings. The black-and-white images were taken by my father in June 1968. The color photos are mine, captured in August 2024. These pictures were taken 56 years apart.

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Casa Bonita

Joe — Sun, 08 Dec 2024 20:28:08 +0000

Back in 2003, my life was dominated by midterms, finals, and the questionable dining options at Purdue. But Wednesday nights? Those were sacred. That was South Park night. I had a friend in the dorms who had two things going for him: a TV and a steady supply of beer from a local fraternity. I’d bring my girlfriend and we’d all huddle in his room, crack open a cold one, and soak up whatever Trey…

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Uncommon McDonald’s Locations

Joe — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 12:56:50 +0000

McDonald’s has always held a special place in my heart–and not just for their uncommon locations. To me, it’s more than just about the burgers and fries. I vividly remember one of my early McDonald’s experiences—attending my sister’s birthday party at the location near my first house. There, I remember playing in the “Officer Mac” playplace. It was the adventures with my…

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Kansas City

Joe — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 19:06:16 +0000

Last update: 9/1/2024 Kansas City isn’t the kind of place that most people would think of as a “tourist destination.” However, it’s a great city to visit! I’ll go through some of my favorite spots in this post, and why I like them. Here are my favorite places to go in Kansas City, and why I enjoy them. The National World War I Museum & Memorial 2 Memorial Dr…

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Top 10 American Civil War Museums

Joe — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 18:06:04 +0000

For history nerds like myself, stepping into a museum dedicated to the US Civil War is like opening a portal to the past. Whether you’re a seasoned Civil War buff or a curious traveler eager to learn more, these museums offer a powerful glimpse into the battles, strategies, and stories that forged the United States. In this post, I discuss the top 10 Civil War museums across the country—each one a…

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Trip Snippets: Key West, Florida

Joe — Sat, 10 Aug 2024 23:05:23 +0000

In this trip journal entry, I take my family on a quick weekend trip down the Florida Keys, focusing on Key West, but stopping at Islamorada. I was driving late at night through some forgettable place when fatigue hit, so I pulled into a truck stop for what Taco Bell might call “fourthmeal.” The café offered a questionable selection: sad, pre-made sandwiches…

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