Apacheland

Arizona is full of little gems to explore. Apacheland is one of those gems if you are a movie buff and a fan of the western. Apacheland's development began in 1959. The original intent was to open as an amusement park and movie studio. Apacheland experienced some hardships over the years which included a sheriff's auction and two fires that claimed many historical and movie artifacts. The spirit of Apacheland prevailed giving to us the memorable Elvis Presley movie Charro and many t.v. show episodes  that included the Rifleman, Little House on the Prairie, and the Virginian. 

Today the little white chapel from Charro still stands along with other buildings and a visitors center that includes a museum. Apacheland is also the host to several festivals throughout the year. I have found it to be a charming place to visit. The bottom line is I can not resist the life size cut out of Elvis in the little chapel. I chuckle every time I see it.

What's Your Sign

Wilton North Dakota lies along highway 83 which is a direct route to the state's captal, Bismarck. For years there was a white barn that sat along the east side of the highway with the back side of the barn facing highway 83. The back of that barn was used as a communication tool to provide motorists with nuggets of inspiration, or  a quip to make the passerby smile. I always looked forward to the drive to Bismarck to see what the current insprational nugget might be. Recently I made a visit to Wilton only to find what I once looked forward to is now only a Dakota Prairie memory.