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Girl Gone Travel

North America, Travel
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August 5, 2009

From Sioux Falls to The Badlands, South Dakota

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Another early morning, but not as early as the ones before, and definitely slower in pace.  We woke up almost used to the routine already, on the fifth day into our Road Trip Adventure.

We arrived to Sioux Falls yesterday afternoon.  I spent most of the day dozing off in the car.  My husband loves to drive, so getting him to agree to let me take the wheel is hard, though, yesterday I was fine with him driving the whole way so I could sleep.  Funny thought, sleeping in the car.  The second I am falling deep into it I hear, “Mama! Maaaaaaaama!”  Almost as if the “Mom is relaxing” alert button goes off warning of them of it.

We arrived to the Holiday Inn in Downtown Sioux Falls.  Though the hotel was fine for one night, and we enjoyed the pool, but my first impression was not very good.  If you’ve read my other hotel reviews than you know where I stand on first impressions with hotels.  The hallway to our room had bags of garbage waiting to be picked up by the cleaning crew, the carpet at the entrance to our room was coming undone, and the lounge chair was stained.  I took pictures to share, but really, it’s not a place I would recommend, though it was inexpensive to stay there.

We exited the hotel and walked down Philips Avenue, and took in the scenes of Downtown Sioux Falls, including the Sculpturewalk.  We loved it.  They’ve done a wonderful job at preserving the history of their town.  It offers great little shops and businesses for every need, restaurants and even cigar bars, but still maintain their identity and signs of their culture.  I personally have great respect for the people of Sioux Falls for this.

We ate at Philips Avenue Diner.  It was “Burger Day”, which meant we could order a drink and get a burger, any burger 50% off menu price.  My husband ordered “The Spread”, a burger with chili sauce and the works.  My oldest and I ordered “The Champion” (ham, cheese, a fried egg).  Both were incredible.  Service was quick, great, and food was wonderful…price couldn’t be beat.  We sat outside and enjoyed the great weather and scenes.

The Sioux Falls Waterfalls were beautiful.  We did that early this morning, around 6AM before hitting the road and it was by far the best way to start our morning.  We made our way to Mt. Rushmore, stopping at the Corn Palace, which was a bit of a tourist trap, but still a cute stop along the way and a must, with it being the World’s only Corn Palace and all!  The ride was really pretty, which was great because it helped distract the boys.

We also found out that we are heading to Mt. Rushmore around the same time that the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is happening.  We have seem biker after biker everywhere we go.  The boys get super excited to see them as they pass by (and sometimes we pass them by too!) and are now wanting a motorcycle for themselves!

The 2009 Volkswagen Routan continues to be a dream.  We’ve adjusted to the not having DVDs, though I have taken out my laptop a few times, and are managing without the GPS system.  It remains a wonderful driving experience.

I will let the video speak for itself regarding the rest of the trip, but let me just say, I spent most of the day in awe of the beauty we have in this country.  It’s one thing to read about it or watch on television, it’s another to be there and witness it.  My 11 year old especially was really struck by it all.  The little ones were excited and asked a lot of questions and also seemed to really appreciate the wonderful beauty surrounding them.

Words cannot describe how I felt today, so I hope my video can communicate it best.  Mt. Rushmore, then camping for two days in Yellowstone!

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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7 Comments
  • Lisa
    August 5, 2009

    Didn't know Sioux Falls was so beautiful. I guess there's so much to see out in the US. I'm trying to convince hubby to do a road trip too. At least to Indiana (where my uncle lives). As of now, since he drives to work everyday, he's like heck no! Maybe I can convince him for next year. LOL

    I can't wait to see video & pictures from Mt Rushmore.

    Thanks for sharing your awesome adventure.

    Reply
  • Ace
    August 5, 2009

    Great video! I really enjoyed watching that! (I'm at @musiccitace on twitter)

    Reply
  • Anonymous
    August 6, 2009
    Reply
  • Linda
    August 10, 2009

    Glad you enjoyed my little corner of the world!

    Reply
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND | NYCity Mama
    November 10, 2010

    […] Park. Situated in the North Dakota Badlands, we had stumbled upon a 70,447-acre park and like the Badlands in South Dakota, the views were […]

    Reply
  • alagraham
    February 24, 2011

    I am glad you enjoyed South Dakota…it really is a beautiful place to live and visit. Next time you come back email me and I will geive you more suggestions. I am glad you enjoyed downtown Sioux Falls…my husband and I live in Sioux Falls and it is so nice to hear an outsiders perspective. Keeping our downtown alive is so imprortant to us! When I take my next trip to NY I will be calling on you for some advice! 🙂

    Reply
    • Carol Cain
      alagraham
      February 26, 2011

      Sure!! Would be fun to give you tips on my city!

      Reply

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. As the oldest of all my many, many siblings, caring for littles started very early in my life. I have cared for, changed diapers for, fed, rocked to sleep, booboo-kissed, advised, reprimanded, worried for, been frustrated and given anxiety by more kids than I care to count. Because I started caring for children so young, I was convinced I wouldn’t have any of my own. But I had my three beautiful boys.

I miss the little babies they were, sometimes to the point where it aches, but I love seeing the men they are becoming. I am most grateful to them for the ways in which they continue to help me discover more about myself both as a mom and beyond motherhood. My identity was never fully in being a mom, I never wanted that for myself and they all have respected, accepted, and given me space for that. And I love them unconditionally for it. Because as they start to find their own paths in life, I am not left with an empty anything, instead I find myself with a life fulfilled. Of which being their mom has been the greatest adventure.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mother figures, caregivers, and humans who have provided for another in loving, maternal ways regardless of biology and traditional roles and societal expectations. ♥️ May you find fulfillment, love, and joy in the ways you have tried to give to others who needed it most.
The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS Route 17 (future I-86), mid-way between New York City and Binghamton. It is also the largest community of the Sullivan County Catskills. Like many rural downtowns across the U.S., Monticello has experienced some hardships. However, what I found especially lovely was how there is a vibrant BIPOC community, especially Latino, thriving with their small businesses and eateries keeping Downtown Monticello alive.

Imagine my delight to have seen several Dominican- Puerto Rican eateries serving and sounding like a slice of home. Last night’s treat was had at @nellys_latin_restaurant. 

Roasted pernil, grilled chicken, rice and peas, yuca, sweet plantains, ox tail, goat….the list goes on and on. Right here in Monticello, NY. I ate and washed it all down with a cool papaya shake, just like from the islands.

So, if driving through, be sure to check out downtown Monticello for some good Caribbean eats…and wait till I tell you about breakfast!!! Thanks @nickfingdavis for the find! 🇩🇴🇵🇷

#monticellony #catskills #goodeats @sullivancatskills
Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwine Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwinecountry.🌞

#myflx
These days you will find me walking in the rain, c These days you will find me walking in the rain, chasing waterfalls, and anything nature filled. Such is spring in the Finger Lakes 🌷

#fingerlakes #lifeinthefingerlakes #cascadillagorge #ithacany
I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in l I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in love with this life.

There was a time when my DREAM was to be one of those old NYC ladies living in a 4 story walk-up, and who people would often see pulling around her shopping cart from market to market. And while I long for a NYC that barely exists anymore, I do have to say I am still often surprised at how dramatically that dream has changed.

Now I dream of uninterrupted days spent tending to my garden and growing food and other pretty greenery I never knew I could. Or figuring out new recipes and sitting by the fire with my puppies on my lap.

I crave mornings made foggy by the adjacent lake, and early wake-ups by the sound of the passing horse and buggy on Sunday mornings.

Yeah. The world is big and there is so much I want to see still but I also love this place where it feels like nothing else matters, not even the mud on my hands and boots.

📸 Gardening bliss on a rainy day at @theflxcottage.
Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center to scout a photography location. The focus was work. But as we took the 3 mile hike to the overlook, through the mud, in the rain…and the sun, because spring, and as the birds sung, the woodpeckers pecked, and the deer strutted, I felt myself feel lighter, happier, and at ease. With just a walk, in this beautiful place. Alongside my beautiful partner.

If you call the Finger Lakes home, I hope you can also appreciate it and the gifts it offers, even when we least expect it. And if you need a reminder, just go outside.

#tanglewoodnaturecenter #fingerlakes

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