There’s no need to hop in a time machine to visit America’s first fast food restaurants and their museums! While some of America’s original fast food locations have been demolished, moved, or updated – you’ll be surprised to learn that quite a few of them are still standing. Some of the locations have been preserved while others have been turned into food museums you can visit for a blast from the past.

So if you’re just looking for fast food museums or want to see where Taco Bell started – here’s a few ideas to plan your first fast food restaurants road trip!

1. McDonald’s

1398 N. E. Street, San Bernardino, CA 92405

As a road trip lover, you may have wondered, can you visit the original McDonalds? The short answer is yes. The better answer is – sort of. The original location of the first McDonald’s restaurant is now a shrine to the fast food chain that has absolutely no affiliation with the McDonald’s corporation. If you remember your McDonald’s history, the original founding brothers didn’t give up their original site when they sold out to Ray Croc. Croc was so infuriated that he opened a brand new McDonalds down the street from store #1 – and put the brother’s location out of business.

Inside is a wild museum of Happy Meal toys, props from The Founder (the film about Ray Croc and the McDonald brothers starring Michael Keaton) and even some of the original kitchen equipment used when the fast food restaurant debuted. Any child of the 1980s will appreciate the vintage McDonalds playground equipment sitting outside of the museum.

2. Pizza Hut

2090 Innovation Blvd. Wichita, KS 67208

The original Pizza Hut restaurant is located on the campus of Wichita State University. The tiny brick building was moved from its original location to serve as a Pizza Hut museum and homage to the restaurants two co-founders. Like McDonalds, Pizza Hut began with two brothers – Dan and Frank Carney who served up pizzas to their college buddies back in the day in awful close quarters.

Inside the Pizza Hut Museum is a collection of restaurant history, videos, and even the handwritten recipe for their homemade pizza sauce.

I featured the museum in my travel guide: Finding The American Dream – A Guided Tour of Places Where Americans Changed History.

3. Kentucky Fried Chicken

688 US-25W, Corbin, KY 40701

Some will argue that the original Kentucky Fried Chicken is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. But, that’s actually where the first KFC franchise was located. (That building is no longer standing. A more modern version was constructed in 2004 and now features a small museum.)

If you want to visit one of the original fast food restaurants, the spot where KFC got its started – Sanders Cafe in Corbin, Kentucky is where the famous recipe was developed and sold to patrons who traveled down the highway or stayed at a hotel Sanders owned across the street. The original location burnt down but was rebuilt in 1940. Sanders sold the Cafe in 1956 to focus on franchising.

4. In-N-Out

13766 Francisquito Ave, Baldwin Park, CA 91706

The original In-N-Out restaurant was built in Baldwin Park, California back in 1948. One of the first fast food restaurants in America, the original was torn down to make way for Interstate 10. Lucky for us – the company created an exact replica of the first In N Out location and it’s in a word – adorable! I had the chance to visit on a recent California road trip and it was really neat to see in person!

While it’s not a museum in the traditional sense – the building is manned by a staff member during limited hours to answer questions or share In N Out history.

5. Waffle House

2719 E. College Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030

Located on the exact site where the first Waffle House restaurant was opened in 1955. The Waffle House Museum includes a replica of the first restaurant and is full of memorabilia. The hours are wonky and unless you happen to be in the Atlanta area on a Wednesday, good luck getting inside. If you can get there on a Wednesday at 11am or 1pm, they have a reservation system for private tours.

6. Chick Fil-A

461 North Central, Hapeville, GA. 30354

Chick Fil A is another fast food chain that began in the Atlanta metro area and its corporate offices remain there today. Did you know there’s a backstage tour that die hard fans can take at the corporate office? You must buy tickets online in advance through the corporate website.

The Dwarf Grill, where founder Truett Cathy invented what would become Chick Fil-A’s famous chicken sandwich was located in Hapeville, Georgia. The building was recently renovated but still sits on the original site.

7. Krispy Kreme

259 S Stratford Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27103

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts are a gift to the world from Winston-Salem, North Carolina and that’s exactly where you’ll find Krispy Kreme’s first location. You can visit the drive through of store #101 anytime – but you can also tour the location as well by calling the location and scheduling one.

The size of the location is much larger than a normal franchise location – and includes a special kitchen where they bake 24/7. Keep an eye out for that “hot doughnuts” light in the window!

8. Wendy’s

4555 W. Dublin Granville Rd. Dublin, OH 43017

The original Wendy’s location was at 257 East Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio. Unfortunately, they closed the doors back in 2007. The good news is – all of the artifacts inside were sent to the flagship store in nearby Dublin, Ohio. Visitors can pop in to pose for a photo with a Dave Thomas statue, see the original employee uniforms, or the griddle used to make the famous square burgers back in the day!

The store is located directly across from the Wendy’s corporate headquarters.

9. Taco Bell

In 2022, the original Taco Bell faced impending demolition due to a construction project in its hometown of Downey, California. The first restaurant, which closed in 1986, was saved from the wrecking ball and has since been moved to the Taco Bell headquarters in Irvine. Here, Taco Bell fans will be able to eventually visit the chain’s first restaurant.

10. Burger King

7146 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216

Originally opened as “Insta-Burger King” in 1953, the popular fast food chain began on Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville, Florida. Though it’s no longer a Burger King, most of the original building is still intact. Today, it’s a Mexican grocery store and restaurant called La Favorita.

Miami is currently where Burger King is headquartered and the city where the famous Whopper was invented.

11. Hooters

2800 Gulf To Bay Blvd Clearwater, FL 33759

The famous chicken wing chain started in Clearwater, Florida back in 1983. The history of the franchise is quite entertaining. Some of the early relics of the chain are displayed on the wall along with the original Hooters chicken mascot. The original building has been modified with an addition. The wall of photos near the kitchen shows the many celebrities that have stopped by over the years.

12. Whataburger

While the original site of Whataburger is no longer standing in Corpus Christi, Texas – a replica of the building is on display at 4126 S. Staples Blvd near an existing Whataburger location. One of the classic first fast food restaurants in America!

If you’re looking for the best places to see the Budweiser Clydesdales, their “home” is located in St. Louis, Missouri. Of course that doesn’t mean you can’t see them traveling around the country for events or parades, or at one of the other Budweiser facilities in the U.S. But, the iconic Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis is one of the best places to see the Budweiser Clydesdales.

The horses first entered into American culture at the end of Prohibition and have been admired by visitors at the brewery’s stables ever since.

Travelers coming to St. Louis can enjoy a free tour of the brewery (and free beer) every day of the week by stopping into the Anheuser-Busch Visitors Center. (Update: there are no longer free tours offered – which is really disappointing. The basic tour now costs $15.00) There are additional in-depth tours and experiences available if you’re a true beer fanatic. For most guests, the basic free tour is a perfect way to learn about the brewery and its historic ties to St. Louis. The basic tour also includes a stop in the beautiful historic stables where you’ll have the chance to see the Budweiser Clydesdales up-close. The stable was built in 1885 and includes beautiful stained glass and perfectly polished carriages inside. You’ll also have the chance to have your photo taken and pet the beautiful horses.

What you don’t always get to see is how pampered the horses are and how they are incredibly cared for. Back behind the historic brewery stables is a separate facility where horses are bathed, brushed, and even vacuumed to make sure they are looking photogenic at all times. Even the hitches that transport the horses across the country are first rate accommodations compared to how most horses are moved from one site to another.

In addition to the brewery downtown, you can also see the horses at another St. Louis attraction: Grants Farm. This beloved St. Louis institution has been giving residents and visitors free admission for decades – and includes a petting zoo, tram tour, special events, and of course – beer. The Clydesdales can also be found in stables across the street and roaming through the open fields next door.

Two hours west of St. Louis is Warm Springs Ranch which is the breeding facility of the Budweiser Clydesdales. Tours here are made in advance and give you the opportunity to learn about the horses and how they are raised. You’ll be stunned to see how big even the youngest Clydesdales can be. This is where some of the notable Super Bowl commercials featuring the Clydesdales have been filmed.

Budweiser Clydesdales Fun Facts

• The Budweiser Clydesdales began as a gift to August Busch to celebrate the end of Prohibition in 1933.
• All of the Budweiser Clydesdales are male, with specific requirements like a height of six feet and all white legs.
• They can eat about 55 pounds of hay and drink as much as 30 gallons of water – each day!
• They are often called “gentle giants” for their laid back, easy going personality – despite their massive size.

To check out a free tour of the historic Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis and see the Budweiser Clydesdales stable, you can visit: Budweiser Tours.

To arrange a tour of the breeding facility of the Budweiser Clydesdales in Boonville, Missouri you can visit: Warm Springs Ranch.

Warner Brothers Studio Tour is the gold standard of backlot tours.

So you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles and you’re wondering – is the Warner Brothers Studio Tour really worth the money? The short answer is – yes. (You can certainly keep on reading if you’d like to hear my thoughts and observations on the entire experience!)

The Warner Brothers Studio Tour has been known to be one of the best backlot studio tours in all of Los Angeles for more than a decade. The first time I went on a tour was back in 2007 – when Everybody Loves Raymond was a hit TV show produced on site. I remember it well because seeing the sets of the popular sitcom up-close was a highlight for me that day.

Fast forward to 2023 and the Warner Brothers Studio Tour is still great – but has been streamlined with even more unique experiences for visitors.

Buying Tickets And Starting The Studio Tour

The ticket buying process is simple – you can purchase them online and see right away which tours are still available. The studio has a paid parking garage which is immediately next to the entrance where you’ll start your tour.

You’ll begin the experience with a video presentation that lasts about ten minutes and gives a nice overview of the studio’s history, location, and what you can expect as the tour begins.

As you exit the theater, one of the tour guides will drive you around the backlot on a small tram that holds about 15 people. It’s not a crowded experience – each tour is quite intimate and you shouldn’t have any trouble at all hearing the trivia tidbits or seeing things they’ll point out along the way.

The Warner Brothers Studio Tour finally begins!

You’re likely to see some notable locations as you cruise around the lot. For fans of the show Friends, you’ll see where they filmed the introduction of the popular sitcom and splashed around in the “Friends fountain.” You also may spot the Tanner’s San Francisco home from Fuller House or the cafe featured in Shameless. Be on the lookout for the courthouse – it’s used in many films but notably was where Batman & Robin went to visit Commissioner Gordon in the 60s TV series Batman.

While you’re on the backlot tour you’ll likely stop to see one of the actual production sets for a current television show. Back in 2007 – I remember getting to visit the sets of The West Wing; ER; and Gilmore Girls. Since I don’t watch much television these days, I wasn’t really familiar with the sets we were able to see this time. The good news is – even if you don’t know the show, it’s still really interesting being on a sound stage and seeing how they produce television programs.

You’ll also likely visit some of the empty facades which line the streets of the backlot. It’s interesting to hear which classic films or shows previously used the same buildings – with different paint jobs or decorations. Warner Brothers is known for making good use of everything they already have built! It’s cool how many of these buildings you get to see during the Warner Brothers Studio Tour!

Dress Appropriately For The Tour!

The first part of the tour is almost completely outside (the tram has no doors or windows) and you’ll be subject to whatever the weather happens to be doing. Bring a light jacket in the winter months or prepare to be hot in the summer months.

Explore Warner Brothers Studio Tour Visitors Center

The second part of the tour takes place in a visitors center where you’re able to take as much time as you want to explore. You can even grab a bite to eat! It’s here where you are able to have some really interesting hands-on experiences and learn about the production process that takes place at Warner Brothers.

You’ll have a chance to try your hand at voiceovers and see how sound effects are produced for films. You’ll learn about the process for creating a musical soundtrack and how to creatively use camera angles. There are quite a few wardrobe pieces on display from notable films and even a section of drawing cartoons – like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck.

See The Set of Friends and Big Bang Theory Set

The most popular attraction for guests at the visitors center is getting to see the Friends set. The iconic sitcom is still popular and people love getting the chance to sit on the Friends couch.

Personally, my favorite part of the Warner Brothers Studio Tour was having the chance to sit in Sheldon’s spot on the set of The Big Bang Theory. For no additional charge, you can have your photo taken while you visit the set Friends or see the Big Bang Theory set. (They also offer a paid version if you’d prefer a higher quality image. I just used my Iphone!)

Now on to the third and final part of the Warner Brothers Studio Tour – a tram whisks you away to another building that’s connected to where you started your tour. This building has memorabilia and artifacts from various Warner Brothers productions like Batman Returns, Superman, and Harry Potter. (I’ve honestly never seen Harry Potter – but if you read the books or watched the movies – this is something you’d probably really enjoy.)

Again – you’re allowed to take your time browsing and once you’re finished, you’ll exit back into the main lobby where you can go through the Warner Brothers Studio Tour gift shop or head back to your car in the garage.

Is Warner Brothers Studio Tour Worth It?

Overall, the Warner Brothers Studio Tour is a great bargain if you’re looking for the best backlot tour in Los Angeles. If you can find a southern California resident to tag along – the tickets are about $10 cheaper!

You can find tickets and tour times on their website. They also offer a “deluxe” tour experience for a much higher price – but for the average person – the general tour is going to be more than enough.

There was something surreal about standing on a catwalk just below the surface of the New River Gorge Bridge. Standing higher than the top of the Gateway Arch, I was strapped into a safety tether, and watching the water gushing below on a metal plank about two feet wide. Rafters, boaters, and even trains running along the banks looked like specs of dust at 851 feet. Bridge Walk is not for the faint of heart.

Bridge Walk at the New River Gorge National Park is a cooperative effort of West Virginia Division of Highways, the National Park Service, and a company called Bridge Walk LLC.  You’ll meet with an official tour guide and then step into a harness as if you were doing a zip line. Once you step onto the catwalk, a lanyard hooks into a safety line that stretches the span of the bridge. 

Unlike a zip line, the safety equipment becomes barely noticeable after just a few minutes on Bridge Walk. You can freely walk from end to end of the New River Gorge Bridge at a relaxed pace. Along the way, you’ll enjoy some incredible views and even the faint sounds of those tiny human beings on the ground shouting up at you.

The New River Gorge Bridge was completed in 1977 and weighs 88,000,000 pounds. Completed in sections – its heaviest part is 184,000 pounds.  It boasts a beautiful arch directly in the middle that spans nearly 1,700 feet. The length of the New River Gorge Bridge is 3,030 feet.

People come from all over the world to take the walk of a lifetime. Tour guide Doug Coleman told me that visitors from as far away as China have made the famous walk. Manager Benjy Simpson talked about the need to stay away from an amusement or theme park aspect for the experience. “It’s whatever someone wants it to be. Each person enjoys it for different reasons”

In addition to simply walking across the catwalk underneath the bridge, it’s an area tradition each fall to participate in a “Bridge Jump”. People can also rappel from the bridge at certain times of the year.

The small catwalk is just two feet in width, though it’s sturdy and solid. I never once felt unsafe during the experience. You don’t feel any swaying but you certainly feel the bounce as cars and trucks zoom by overhead. Not to mention the wind that can really whip through the sections of steel. The safety line above the Bridge Walk is actually the longest continuous safety system in the world.

A tour can last from 90 minutes to a couple of hours depending on the pace of your tour group. We were up there for about two hours. You can bring your own camera but beware. If you’re prone to dropping things, good luck getting your phone back if it falls off the bridge. You’ll need to sign a waiver and must be over 8 years old and 48 inches tall to participate in Bridge Walk.

The New River Gorge became a National Park in 2020, though travelers have been utilizing the area for decades as a place to enjoy the outdoors. Companies like Adventures On The Gorge offer other recreation activities like whitewater rafting and obstacle courses in the area.

Other Bridge Walk Fun Facts:

-Bridge Walk first opened in 2010.

-People have gotten engaged while on the bridge.

-The New River is the second oldest river in the world.

-Sometimes visible on tours – the Peregrine Falcon which is considered the fastest animal on the planet and can reach speeds of 260 miles an hour.

If you told me that one of the most interesting places I would visit in Wisconsin would be a mustard museum, I’d call you crazy. But, as it turns out, if you’re looking for the best collection of mustard in the world, you’ll find it in the town of Middleton.

Lots of people collect things. Maybe Christmas ornaments, magnets, or even Hot Wheel cars we played with as kids. For Barry Levenson, his preferred item to horde is mustard. Levenson has so much mustard and so many mustard related items that he opened the National Mustard Museum. The collection has grown to more than 6,000 types of mustard featuring varieties from all 50 states and 80 countries from around the world.

His mustard museum collection began after a disappointing ending to a Boston Red Sox game in 1986.  His beloved team lost game 7 of the World Series that season to the New York Mets by a score of 8-5. A late night visit to a supermarket, and a walk down the condiment aisle changed his life forever.

Devastated and desperate for a new hobby, he decided maybe it was time to start collecting something.

“I remember walking past the ketchups and olives and eventually found myself standing in front of the  mustards” says Levenson. He claims he heard a voice that told him it was mustard that he should start collecting.

Today, the National Mustard Museum is one of the favorite tourist spots in Wisconsin.  It’s fun, quirky and bright. (And, here’s a shock, it’s very, very yellow.) It’s also free to visit. Of course you can buy museum swag like cups or tee shirts. As you might imagine inside a mustard museum, you can also buy a wide variety of mustard.

At a tasting station, Mr. Levenson invites me to try a few of his favorites including a hot and spicy flavor labeled “hit and run”.  It was here that it sunk in just how many different types of mustard exist.  Most people think of yellow mustard – and have no idea the depth of flavors available.

The National Mustard Museum is open 7 days a week and includes a look at most items in the collection.   It is located at: 7477 Hubbard Avenue in Middleton, Wisconsin.

I recently wrote a book called The Ultimate American Music Bucket List. The book is a collection of the best music attractions in America and noteworthy stops like grave sites or statues dedicated to famous musicians.

Any road trip for music fans should include at some of the places on this list. In addition to the many American music attractions and sites laid out in my book, these are some of my favorites that are sure to be special to you as well.

1. Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

The tiny building certainly doesn’t look like much from the two-lane highway in Sheffield, Alabama. But, it’s one of the most important music attractions in America. Inside the sound proofed walls of Muscle Shoals Sound Studio is where countless classic and instantly recognizable tunes, were conceived and recorded.

From Bob Seger’s Old Time Rock & Roll to the timeless Percy Sledge ballad, When A Man Loves A Woman, so much musical greatness occurred here in the 1970s. Everyone from The Rolling Stones and Paul Simon to The Staple Singers, Lynrd Skynard and Cher spent time making amazing music with the Swampers at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio.

2. Motown Studios

So many of America’s most beloved songs came out of Detroit in the 1960s. Motown (A play on “Motor City” – where America’s three biggest car manufacturers called home) started in a small house owned by founder Berry Gordy, Jr.

Visit the original recording studio where songs like My Girl, Dancing In The Streets, Where Did Our Love Go, and so many other hits were recorded. You’ll be walking through the same halls as music icons like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, The Temptations, The Four Tops, and Smokey Robinson.

3. Woodstock

Picture it. 460,000 attendees singing, dancing, and living the good ol’ hippie life on a pig farm in upstate New York. In 1969, Bethel Woods was the original site of the Woodstock Music & Art Fair. Woodstock is one of the most famous music attractions in the U.S. and still welcomes visitors from all over the world.

If you’re pressed for time, you can simply take a walk around the historic grounds and see where the Woodstock stage was set up. If you have plenty of time, explore the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Museum.

4. Sun Studio

There aren’t many music attractions that can claim they discovered artists that wound up changing the world. Sun Studio was where a young, unknown kid from Tupelo named Elvis Presley auditioned for a record deal with Sam Phillips.

Not only did Elvis record he in his early years, so did Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis. The studio itself is very small but big on historical significance. Along with Graceland, Stax Records, Aretha Franklin’s birthplace, and the Memphis Soul Museum – Sun Studio is a must during a visit to Memphis, Tennessee.

5. Johnny Cash’s Ranch

When you’re known all around the world it’s hard to find a quiet place to escape the noise. Johnny Cash would sneak away to a large ranch in the town of Bon Aqua in Tennessee. As Johnny grew older, he spent more and more time at the Hideaway Ranch along with his wife, June Carter Cash.

Visitors can explore the ranch along with the modest home where the family would spend their time. You’ll have a chance to see Johnny’s favorite leather chair where he’d sit and look out the window; the famous “one piece at a time” car; and the outdoor stage where he occasionally filmed TV specials.

Don’t miss out on all of the music attractions in nearby Nashville as well. Here’s a list of all of Music City’s top attractions.

6. Allman Brothers Big House

One of the most popular southern rock and roll bands of the 1970s lived in Macon, Georgia. The Allman Brothers Band owned “The Big House” where the guys lived and wrote many of their most popular songs.

Today, visitors can tour this authentic music attraction and see it set up exactly as it was when the guys lived there. Walk into Duane Allman’s bedroom and the living room – now covered in memorabilia and awards. Tours are currently offered Thursday-Sunday, but check their website for updates.

7. Louis Armstrong House

Another house you can tour is the former home of music legend, Louis Armstrong. Armstrong, known for classics like What A Wonderful World and Hello Dolly lived in Queens, New York.

Visitors will get to see the jazz icon’s bedroom, his den, kitchen, and bathroom during a home tour. The Louis Armstrong House Museum is full of the musician’s personal artifacts and items he collected while traveling all over the world.

8. Surf Ballroom

One of the most important venues in American music history is the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. Most of the top performers of the day held concerts here. It’s most famous as the place where Buddy Holly performed his final concert before dying in a plane crash along with Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper.

Visitors can still see concerts at the Surf Ballroom or simply pop in during business hours for a self-guided tour. You’ll see a wall of fame along with the original stage where music legends performed, including Holly.

9. Buddy Holly Gravesite

Speaking of Buddy Holly, one of the top music attractions in Texas is Holly’s gravesite in the town of Lubbock. You’ll notice the grave stone says “Holley” – but it’s not a mis-spelling. A mix up on an early recording contract led the singer to change the spelling of his name professionally.

After visiting the cemetery, stop by the Buddy Holly Center to visit the museum, take a photo with the huge oversized glasses out front, and of course Buddy Holly’s statue across the street.

10. Gateway To The Blues Museum

The Mississippi Blues Trail has dozens of incredible sites tied back to the origins of blues music in America. You could spend weeks trying to visit all of them. A good place to start is the Gateway To The Blues Museum in Tunica.

The museum perfectly lays out the history of blues music and sets the stage for all of the sites you can explore in the state along the trail. It also doubles as the Tunica Visitors Center.

Want More Great Music Attractions To Explore?

Check out my latest book, The Ultimate American Music Bucket List! It’s full of places all over the U.S. that tell the story of American music history. From the childhood home of Little Richard to Willie Nelson’s statue, and the plane crash site where Patsy Cline died — you’ll learn about music attractions all over America. The book includes photos, trivia questions, and an index by state to find places near you!

I have a fondness for all things quirky and amusing when I travel around the country. The Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting not only fits both of those descriptions, but it’s also wonderful.

It’s wonderful that this massive museum pays homage to the brave men and women who work and sacrifice in this profession; it’s wonderful that volunteers enjoy giving their time to keep it running; and it’s wonderful that there’s a place where all of these beautiful vehicles can be seen by the public!

The Hall of Flame Museum is a must-see when looking for things to do in Phoenix. Here are five reasons it’s worth visiting.

1. It’s Aesthetically Pleasing – Unless You Hate Red.

The first thing you notice as you walk through the front doors of the Hall of Flame Firefighting Museum is that it’s red and shiny! Most all of the trucks and antique firefighting wagons on display are red and beautifully polished!

2. Each Of The Trucks Has A Story

Not only are each of these trucks and antique firefighting wagons cool to look at, most of them have a story that came with it. The volunteers that work at the museum are great at pointing out vehicles that have some sort of connection to your hometown or places you’re interested in. One of the older gentleman (on a motor scooter) got the biggest kick out of sharing trivia about the trucks each time he spotted me taking a picture.

3. The Hall of Flame Museum Is GREAT For Kids!

What kid doesn’t love the sight of a big firetruck? While nearly all of the vehicles on display are hands-off due to their value, kids can climb on one of the firetrucks in the rear gallery. They can even turn the lights on and off with a button by the steering wheel. There’s even a play area near back of the museum where kids can climb around to their hearts content.

4. See Patches From Fire Stations Worldwide!

It was REALLY cool to see patches from fire stations all over the world – neatly displayed behind glass all over the museum. Thousands of them!

5. See A Restored Truck That Was Destroyed On 9-11

One of the more touching exhibits is located in the back part of the museum where a fire truck from Queens, New York is on display. The brigade that traveled in this truck all lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001 in New York City. The truck was badly damaged and considered a loss.

Volunteers at the Hall of Flame Museum were able to painstakingly repair and completely refurbish the entire truck to its former glory. Such an awesome way to pay tribute to the 9 firefighters that lost their lives that day.

Other Information About The Hall of Flame Museum:

How much does the fire museum cost?

Admission Prices & Discounts for tickets to Hall of Flame Fire Museum

Where Is The National Firefighters Museum?

The Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting is located in Phoenix, Arizona. The address is: 6101 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85008. It’s very close to the Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden.

Where do I park for the Hall of Flame Museum?

There is ample free parking for the Hall of Flame Firefighters Museum on the side of the building.

How big is the Hall of Flame Museum?

It’s huge! At 35,000 square feet, the Hall of Flame Firefighters Museum is about the size of a Costco!

Is the Hall of Flame Museum good for kids?

Yes! Kids will love the bright red displays and of course the shiny firetrucks. There’s even one truck that kids can climb on and press a button that turns red, flashing siren lights on!

Can You Take Pictures Inside The Firefighting Museum?

Yes! The museum encourages visitors to take photos during their time inside the museum.

Discounted Tickets For The Hall of Flame Museum?

There may be opportunities for discounts for seniors and active duty firefighters and military. Check out the museum’s website for current deals and promotions!

If you’re looking for unique things to do that aren’t on the busy Las Vegas strip, Dig This is a fun, family-friendly activity and an experience you won’t soon forget! The hands-on tourist attraction is also great for team building outings, training, and might even be on your personal bucket list. The best part is that you won’t even have to walk through a casino to get there!

Before I share my Dig This Las Vegas review, here’s some background information on this interesting tourist attraction that’s become quite popular with visitors!

What Is Dig This in Las Vegas?

Dig This is a heavy equipment playground in Las Vegas south of the famous Vegas Strip. Guests are trained to use large construction vehicles and gain hands-on experience driving, rotating, operating controls, and moving large objects. And yes, obviously – you’ll be digging!

Who Owns Dig This?

Ed Mumm is the owner of Dig This, an idea that came to life in 2006. The first Dig This location was in Colorado but was later moved to Las Vegas in 2011. Mumm, a New Zealand native was inspired to open his own heavy equipment playground after using these same machines to build his own house in Steamboat Springs.

Dig This Las Vegas Review

Before visiting Dig This in Las Vegas, I had never experienced being behind the controls of one of these massive construction machines. My review of Dig This comes after spending a morning behind the controls of a large Caterpillar excavator under the guidance of instructor Phil Welch.

Once you slip into a stylish safety vest and watch a short introductory film, you’re escorted out onto the Dig This “heavy equipment playground”. We’ve all seen these massive machines in our daily lives, but climbing inside of one for the first time is quite a rush.

The instructor will talk to you through headphones and share the basics of how to move around in the machine. They’ll point out the controllers and some easy tricks to remember which lever to push or pull to get you where you want to go. Don’t be ashamed if you find that you really don’t remember your left hand from your right.

My Three Dig This Challenges:

During my visit, I had several tasks to complete that were both challenging and enjoyable. Simply digging dirt and moving it to an adjacent pile was the first mission of the day. It certainly looks easy, but it takes some patience to get all of the controllers moving in the correct direction. You’re also opening and closing the large shovel and its teeth.

After that, my instructor guided me to pick up heavy tires and carry them across the way to be stacked in a pyramid. Again, it looks quite simple but it takes a certain finesse to properly pick them up. Dropping one of these 800 pound tires from the air could cause serious damage if it bounces back toward the vehicle.

And lastly, the challenge I enjoyed most was picking up a basketball off a hazard cone and dropping it into a tire. Think of it like using the claw machine at an arcade and trying to drop the prize into the small opening. It takes a little patience and some proper guidance, which you’re sure to receive, to achieve the task.

Conclusion:

Overall, you’ll spend about 50 minutes inside one of these machines which is plenty of time to get a real feel for how they work. While the tasks are challenging, they aren’t so tough that you’re likely to get frustrated. The instructors are great at giving easy to follow directions to help you succeed.

Dig This is such a wonderful concept that lets the general public gain some appreciation and understanding of what goes into construction projects. It’s also just a lot of fun controlling one of these gigantic machines.

It’s not an inexpensive activity but personally, I’d rather enjoy an experience like this than throw away money at a casino. You’ll walk away with an understanding of these machines and have a great story to share when you return home from Las Vegas.

What Does It Cost?

Dig This Las Vegas costs start as low at $175 to use a Skid Steer Track Loader and go all the way up to $749 for a one-of-a-kind “aggression session” where you can smash a car!

The average price is around $299 to use a wheel loader, excavator, or bulldozer.

Occasionally, you can find Dig This Las Vegas coupons on sites like Groupon.

Where Is Dig This Located?

The company’s heavy equipment playground is located south of the Las Vegas strip on Roban Avenue.

What Are The Age Limits?

Even kids can learn how to operate heavy machinery in Las Vegas! Dig This welcomes children as young as 2 years old (with parents help) to operate some of the smaller machines on-hand. Depending on the machines, kids as young as 8 can operate on their own. There are plenty of safety precautions put into place, including remote start/stop functionality to make sure nothing goes wrong.

How To Get Signed Up?

You will need to sign up for a Dig This activity online. Don’t just show up. Their website can walk you through all of the options available and will guide you into a time slot that works for you. You’ll want to select an individual dig for yourself or your friends and family. Guests can come along and watch you participate as well.

Dig This is open daily and the vehicles are air conditioned so you can enjoy the activity in the summer, too!

It’s the most famous building in the United States and maybe the most recognized in the entire world.  I’m going to tell you how to tour The White House in Washington D.C.

Overview

While the doors may not be wide open as they were when it first opened in 1800 – with a little work and a bit of patience (and luck) you can step inside the home of America’s presidents and the top offices of the United States of America.

Because there’s such a huge demand for a relatively small amount of availability, planning ahead is key.  The White House website even notes that 6 months in advance is a good idea if you’re trying to book a tour. The minimum is 21 days.

So where do you begin? I first learned how to tour The White House back in 2014. I’ll tell you exactly how I’ve gotten in over the years and what you’ll see and experience while you’re there.

First Step To Tour The White House

The first thing you need to do is figure out what date(s) you’re going to be in the Washington D.C. area.  Once you have your dates – you will contact the office of a Senator from your state.  If you paid attention in grade school – you know that each state has two.  I live in Missouri and contacted Senator Roy Blunt’s Senate office in D.C. and they took great care of me.   If they offer a Capital tour while you’re speaking to them – book that, too!  Both are fantastic opportunities.

The website Senate.gov can help you find your Senator’s office and contact information.  A phone call is probably best but e-mail is fine, too.

After you inform your Senator – they will fill out a request and submit it to the Secret Service.  You will need to know the birth date, social security number and city of birth for each person that you want to go on the tour with you.  You cannot add people to the tour later on or show up with a different person, etc.   Make sure you know exactly who will be coming.  I happened to tour solo – which may be a good way to secure a spot as opposed to touring with a larger group.

Worst Times To Tour The White House

Spring and Summer are the worst times for booking a tour as demand is through the roof.  Late Fall and Winter are your best bets as travel and tourism is slower in colder months.

As your travel date closes in – you’ll receive word from your Senator’s office if you made the cut.  Let’s think positive and assume you are granted a tour of The White House!   You’ll receive a “ticket” (tours are free – this just has a confirmation number on it.)   It’s more of a welcome letter that gives you an 800 number to call on the day of your tour to check for last minute changes, a confirmation number and a list of items you cannot bring in.

What To Bring If You Want To Tour The White House

To put it simply – plan on bringing in nothing.  You are allowed to bring in a cell phone, jacket and an umbrella (if it’s raining). That’s pretty much it. There are no lockers and you’ll be turned away if you have items that are not allowed. 

Don’t risk it. Leave your crap at the hotel and follow the rules exactly. Depending on the administration, you may not be allowed to take photos inside The White House. (Obama’s White House didn’t allow it. Trump’s did. Apparently, so does the Biden administration.)

Secret Service guards are watching you the entire time.  Don’t think you’re clever or coy. This isn’t their first rodeo. The White House website has a list of all of the items that are prohibited.

How To Get To The White House By Metro

If you’re using the Metro to get to your tour – the McPherson Square stop is your best bet.  It’s a 5-10 minute walk to the White House from there.  If it’s your first visit to the area – you should consider reading my Easy Guide To Visiting Washington D.C. for some other tips that will save you some headaches, time and money – including a quick guide on how to use the Metro system.

How Early Should I Arrive To Tour The White House?

On the day of your tour, you should arrive about 15 minutes early near the south east corner of The White House where you’ll see several agents gathered and most likely a group of other tourists as well.  This is your first check point.  I should also mention that there’s a cool White House visitors center withing walking distance with some really cool exhibits and a neat video about living in the White House.  If you’re like me and afraid of being late – show up plenty early and hang out in the Visitor’s Center until it’s about 15 minutes prior to your tour time.

Once you’re ready – there are at least three check points before you’re finally cleared to enter The White House.  You’ll show your drivers license and an agent will check to make sure you’re listed on the official visitors list.  You’ll do this twice.  Then, you’ll enter into a small building where you’ll walk through a metal detector and put your keys, phone, etc onto a conveyer belt similar to an airport.  That’s your last check point.

Here’s where it gets interesting.  After that last check point, you walk through a door and down a ramp and as you look to your left — there it is!  The entrance to the east wing of The White House!   There’s nobody welcoming you or holding your hand – you’re just there like it’s no big deal at all.  You walk up the sidewalk, open the door yourself and before you know it – you’re standing inside the most famous house in the world.

What You’ll See On The White House Tour

As you walk into the east wing – you’ll see giant paintings of Presidents and First ladies.  Apparently, I was walking rather briskly as I heard a gentleman shout “Woah, woah woah… slow down man…. you’re in the White House!”   It was a secret service agent who wasn’t scolding me – but rather reminding me that I was experiencing a once in a lifetime moment and I should be taking my time.  He was right.

At the end of that first corridor you’ll see windows that show you a portion of the south lawn.  During my visit – I saw one of the staff members walking President Obama’s dog around the yard.  They were also setting up for the White House Christmas celebration as well – so workers were running around trying to get things in order.  Every day is different at the White House – you really never know what (or who) you might see.

What Parts of The White House Do You See On A Tour?

Now, for a bit of reality. You don’t get to tour the entire White House. Most people understand this but some get worked up about it. Standing anywhere inside the White House is a pretty cool thing and reminding yourself of that as you walk through really makes the tour pretty awesome.   You won’t see the offices or where the President lives – you’ll only see several rooms including the China room, Library and Blue room.  You’ll also see the famous east wing hallway where President’s are often seen walking as they deliver famous speeches on national television. You’ll also see the state dining room which is so much smaller than it appears in photos or on TV.

Speaking of small – the entire White House is SO much smaller in person that it appears on television.  Standing outside of the fence on the north side of the building I caught myself saying “This is it?”  I assumed the building would be much larger.  Don’t get me wrong – it’s beautiful and there’s plenty of space – it just is not as big as you’d think it would be.

The Furniture

One thing you’ll notice as you look at the furniture and historic pieces through the east wing – The White House is not over the top fancy.  It’s an historic home and structure and the furnishings and flooring show some wear and tear.  Instead of being disappointed, this actually made me happy.

  I like the fact that the leader of the free world lives in a place that’s beautiful but not built for a King.  If you’re a believer in ghosts or haunted houses – you certainly get the feeling there are all sorts of ghosts that probably mill around this place after dark.

Don’t Miss The Red Carpet!

While it’s rolled up during tours – you will see that iconic red carpet you’ve seen on television so many times.  Take a minute and walk down the hallway as far as you can after you exit the dining room and try to imagine what a President must be thinking as they walk to their podium for what’s usually a speech with bad news.   It gives you goosebumps thinking about all of the President’s that have walked in the exact same spot that you’re walking.

How Much Does It Cost To Tour The White House?

One thing people wonder about how to take a tour The White House is – does it cost anything? No! The tour is self guided as I mentioned and it’s completely free! You can take as much time as you want although you’ll pretty much see everything in about 30 minutes or so.  It’s not much but it’s so worth it.

Conclusion of the Tour

At the conclusion of the tour, guests exit out the front door of The White House.  In fact as you exit, you’ll see the now famous fence that so many idiots have jumped over lately.  This is actually one area where the Secret Service allows you to take photographs.  I met a nice guy from southern California who was also traveling solo – we took photos for one another to remember the occasion.

*Update: The photo policy when taking a tour of The White House tends to change.  During our visit, there were no photos allowed, while in recent years some visitors have been allowed to take pictures.  Play it safe – don’t bring a fancy camera, just your cell phone.  If you can take pictures – awesome. Just be respectful of other guests and don’t treat your White House visit as a professional photo shoot.  Take a quick pic for a memory and move on so others can have their chance. 

After you breathe in your last bit of Presidential history – you walk down a sidewalk toward the fence and exit onto the pedestrian area where everyone is posing for pictures or protesting or just soaking it all in.

Is The White House Tour Worth It?

It really all comes down to your attitude as to whether you enjoy the White House tour or not. There’s certainly nothing to hate about it – but some folks will be upset they don’t get to see more.   Pardon the blunt truth – but, let’s get real. you’re not going to get to just walk around the entire place.  Perhaps back in the day, when fewer people were nuts but, sadly those days are over. 

Besides, just standing inside The White House is such an honor and a really cool feeling.

So, do the planning, and use these tips on how to tour The White House!

The Soda Museum in St. Charles, Missouri is the personal collection of local resident Tom Smith. The museum consists of two floors. The main floor consists mainly of Coca-Cola artifacts and vintage equipments and collectibles while the upper floor showcases vintage bottles and various displays of promotional items and merchandise. The massive collection is impressive with only one third of it currently on display.

Who Owns The Soda Museum?

Tom Smith owns The Soda Museum and currently lives in St. Charles, Missouri. His personal collection of soda related collectibles and antiques began when he was just ten years old. As a teenager, his collection grew large enough that he routinely told his parents that one day he wanted to open his own museum.

His dream of opening a museum finally came true in December of 2023 when he opened the doors to The Soda Museum on Main Street in historic St. Charles. The area is best known as an early landing spot for American pioneers Lewis and Clark who were traveling westward in the 1800s. The building had previously been a shoe store and before that a longtime J.C. Penney location.

What’s Inside The Soda Museum?

As you walk through the front doors your eyes are immersed with visuals of red and the globally recognized Coca-Cola logo in every direction. And while you may have heard there’s a Coca Cola museum in St Charles, Tom Smith’s massive collection includes far more than just Coca-Cola memorabilia and artifacts.

Throughout the museum you’ll see an abundance of displays showing promotional materials, bottles, packaging, and advertising souvenirs for other recognizable names like Pepsi, Dr Pepper, Sprite, Mr. Pibb and 7-Up.

But even small soda brands that are mostly known regionally throughout the U.S. have some representation in the museum’s display cases. One example is Ski – a soda made by Excel Bottling Company in Breese, Illinois – about 60 miles east of St. Charles. The museum gift shop sells Ski and many other bottles from around the country.

What’s great about the museum is that Tom Smith has a backstory to most of the items on display. Which is impressive when you see just how many things he has in the collection. (Only about one third of his collection can be seen at one time, it’s so large.) Other items will rotate in over time, making follow-up visits to the museum a must.

There are plenty of unique and rare items on display as well. For example, one display case features a book produced by Coca-Cola that highlights companies they sued for trademark or copyright infringements. There’s also a vending machine that was used during segregation in the south.

While I initially thought this would simply be a Coca Cola Museum in St. Charles, full of old Coca-Cola bottles and memorabilia, it’s really a great American history museum told through the business of producing (and consuming) soda.

After you’ve finished browsing The Soda Museum, the basement is full of vintage video and pinball games that are available to play for a flat fee. Main Street Arcade is akin to an oversized “man cave” with plenty of games and things to amuse the family. It’s also a great spot to book a birthday party or gathering. They do have a snack bar with (of course) soda in actual bottles that you can purchase.

Is The Soda Museum Worth Visiting?

I visit more museums than the average person and I found The Soda Museum to be extremely entertaining and informative. If you’re lucky enough to get a personal tour from Tom, you’ll find the experience even better. It’s always enjoyable when someone loves their collection so much that you know they’ve lived and breathed it their entire life.

He has some incredible stories and knows the history of soda forwards and backwards. It was really interesting to hear his in depth knowledge on everything from small town soda producers to corporate insights and history of giants like Coca-Cola and Pepsi.

Add in some play time at Main Street Arcade and this is a fun outing while exploring historic St. Charles, Missouri.

How Many Soda Museums Are There?

Tom Smith, Owner and Founder of The Soda Museum in St. Charles noted that there’s only one other museum strictly dedicated to soda. Aside from that, there are museums dedicated to Coca-Cola like World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, Georgia; and the Dr Pepper Museum in Waco, Texas.

Where Is The Soda Museum?

The Soda Museum is located at 126 North Main Street in historic St. Charles, Missouri. St. Charles is located about 30 minutes west of downtown St. Louis right along the Missouri River.

The town has many blocks of shops, galleries, and restaurants as well as Missouri’s first state Capitol building. A short walk to the riverfront and you’ll find large statues of Lewis & Clark who spent time here as they began their westward journey in the 1800s.

How Much Does It Cost To Visit?

A visit to The Soda Museum costs just $10. There are other deals to combine your visit with use of the Main Street Arcade downstairs.

You can also rent Main Street Arcade and an upper level gathering space for parties or gatherings.

You can visit the museum’s Facebook page for up-to-date hours and admission prices. Also be sure to visit the St. Charles tourism website for other things to see and do while you’re in the area!