Interesting Places

Riding the Rails: St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway

/ Carolyn Tomlin / Leave a comment
A conductor greets visitors at the St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway (Carolyn Tomlin)

A conductor greets visitors at the St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway (Carolyn Tomlin)

An excerpt from my Missouri Life article “Riding the Rails:”

Some say the days when railroads were king are only a distant memory. However, for the ten thousand people who annually ride the St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway, those days are very much a recent memory.

Hailing from Cape Girardeau County in the small town of Jackson, the historic diesel locomotive Number 5898 ambles through a short stretch of southeastern Missouri countryside. Along the route, neighbors gather and bring their children to wave at the train. And if they’re lucky, the engineer will blow his whistle as a friendly greeting.

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10 Reasons to Visit Lancaster, Pa.

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Lancaster, Pensylvania

Here’s my article on the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which was taken from the Chester County Independent:

It is that time of year when the days grow shorter and nights longer. The air grows cooler and the leaves more colorful. Fall is also the time when we plan a long weekend or a road trip of several days. Although there are numerous places across America where tourists travel, none is more colorful than the Pennsylvania Dutch Country near Lancaster, Pa.

The following 10 activities are sure to tempt your family. Learn about our nation’s history, participate in local festivals and fairs, and hitch a buggy ride with an Amish farm family. You will return with a sense of what make our country great!

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Explore Peterhof: Home of Russia’s Peter the Great

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CarolynTomlin_Russia_Peterhof

Here’s my article on Peterhof, the home of Russian Emperor Peter the Great, which was taken from the Chester County Independent:

Peterhof, the magnificent winter home of Peter I, also known as Peter the Great, (1672-1725) is often called the “Versailles by the Sea.” Known as the favorite residence of czars, the palace is an example of 18th – 19th century architectural style. Approximately 30 buildings and pavilions cover over a 1,000 hectares in this park ensemble. Over 100 sculptures claim a spot in the gardens.

St. Petersburg is where you’ll feel Russia’s European influences and aspirations. Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, the city was called his “window to the west.” Canals were dug to drain the marshy south bank. In 1712 Peter made this place his capital, forcing administrators, nobles and merchants to move to this northern outback and build new homes. Architects and artisans came from all over Europe and the result is a city that remains one of Europe’s most beautiful.

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