 Above photo is by Lisa Waterman Gray © : In LBJ's office at the ranch. *************************************************************************************************** What's in This Post 1) Presidential Details 2) LBJ Ranch History 3) Rehabilitating LBJ Ranch Infrastructure 4) Touring LBJ Ranch Slideshow **************************************************************************************************** Our tour group arrived at the LBJ Ranch during the holiday season, with blue skies and a brisk breeze. Quiet and comfortable, the Johnsons' ranch home displayed plenty of Christmas wreaths, fireplace-mounted stockings, and tabletop holiday figures. Presidential Details In the expansive living room full of cozy upholstered chairs and a massive fireplace, the home also housed a 'bank' of televisions. A telephone was unobtrusively mounted beneath the head of the dining room and a decorative bedroom pillow said, "LBJ for the USA." Inside one closet many LBJ tie bars and LBJ initial tie clasps awaited gifting. LBJ's office space blended landscape and wildlife art with warm wood tones, and a wall-mounted Presidential seal plus Presidential and U.S. flags flanking a nearby bookcase. Elsewhere on the property I stood, awestruck, near Johnson's Air Force One plane, and marveled at the tiny schoolhouse where LBJ began his formal education. LBJ Ranch History LBJ was born, lived, died, and was buried on this sprawling 2,800-acre ranch property amid 'Texas Hill Country.' Shortly after acquiring the home, in 1951, LBJ and Claudia Alta "Lady Bird" Johnson authorized complete rehabilitation of the ranch house. And LBJ spent a quarter of his time as U.S. President - or 490 days - at the 'Texas Whitehouse.' Fifty-seven years later, on August 27, 2008, President Johnson's office at the ranch opened to the public in celebration of his 100th birthday. The next year saw the living room and dining room opened to visitors and the entire first floor opened by the end of 2011. Rehabilitating LBJ Ranch Infrastructure Unfortunately health and safety concerns related to structural issues resulted in closure of the Texas White House and adjacent Pool House seven years later. A massive rehabilitation project continues, with reopening of 'the Texas White House and Hangar' anticipated next year (2027). Partial funding for this $14 million project comes from the Great American Outdoors Act, which will help to stabilize and restore the historic ranch structures. Touring LBJ Ranch provides a closer inside look at the man who was also U.S. President for five years. Watch for notification of tours returning to the property and put this on your list of activities worth the trip, in Texas Hill Country. All above photos by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complementary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, this was a self-financed trip. Please note these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this destination during my visit, specific details may have changed.
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 Above photo is by Lisa Waterman Gray. © At La Bodeguita de Mima Cuban Restaurant and Rum Bar **************************************************************************************************** What's in This Post 1) NuLu History 2) NuLu's National Reputation 3) Eat, Drink, Shop & Explore in NuLu 4) Touring NuLu Slideshow **************************************************************************************************** I arrived in NuLu (New Louisville) around 4 p.m. on a March afternoon, as bright sunshine and surprisingly warm temperatures bathed this Kentucky neighborhood. Although it was a weekday afternoon, NuLu teemed with visitors amid an almost festive vibe. NuLu History The first neighborhood market was built here during 1804, and Market Street was a business hub for Louisville well into the 1900s. However, following a significant period of neglect, what is now the thriving NuLu neighborhood underwent gradual transformation beginning in the 1990s. But after new, more gentrified housing displaced many Black families and longstanding residents, local protesters initiated more change in 2020. They demanded a policy shift that would better support the city’s Black community. And a new committee within the NuLu Business Association set out to correct a lack of Black-owned businesses in the neighborhood. NuLu's National Reputation In recent years NuLu's more positive local profile has also reached a national audience, as an entertainment hotspot. In fact AFAR named this one of the best dining neighborhoods across the nation, in 2024. And vibrant NuLu ranked at No. 7 in the USA Today/10Best Readers' Choice Awards for (10) Best Arts District during 2026 - moving up from its 2025 ranking of No. 8. Eat, Drink, Shop & Explore in NuLu Several distilleries and breweries operate in the mural-rich neighborhood, while interesting retail businesses include: - W.O.W. Woman Owned Wallet: A feminist gift shop - Red Tree NuLu: A unique home decor store - Revelry Boutique + Gallery: For T-shirts to tea towels and beautiful wall art - Peace of the Earth: Handmade/Fair Trade, eco-friendly bath and body products - Clayton & Crume: Locally hand-crafted leather coasters, belts, shoes, and more Ready for a snack or meal? Here are a few popular neighborhood eateries: - Guacamole: See my delicious meal and gorgeous decor in the slideshow, below - Feast BBQ: All the meat, with sides including fabulous macaroni and cheese - La Bodeguita de Mima: 1950s vibes and authentic Cuban cuisine - Biscuit Belly: For breakfast, lunch or somewhere in-between - bar Vetti: Offering homemade modern Italian fare - The Mayan Cafe: 20+ years serving Mayan cuisine Bars abound too, from relaxed and cozy to bright and busy. NuLu is a 'must-do' destination when you're visiting Louisville, where great food and drink meets beautiful art and plenty of historic buildings. All above photos are by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complementary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, this was a self-financed trip. Please note some of these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this neighborhood during my visit, specific details may have changed.  Above photo is by Lisa Waterman Gray. © What's in This Post 1) Louisville Slugger History 2) Louisville Slugger® Museum & Factory Slideshow **************************************************************************************************** It's impossible to miss this gigantic baseball bat while walking through downtown Louisville. And it's fascinating to tour the Louisville Slugger® Museum & Factory, whose tagline is 'Where Wood Meets Wonder.' Louisville Slugger History This story begins in 1842, when J. Frederick Hillerich and his family emigrated from Germany to Baltimore, Maryland and later to this Kentucky town. Here, J. Fred started a woodworking shop. His first son, John Andrew "Bud" Hillerich was born in 1866 and became an apprentice in his father's thriving business by 1880. An amateur baseball player, that's where Bud also crafted baseball bats for himself and teammates. In 1884 Bud made his first 'pro bat' for Pete Browning - a player with the Louisville Eclipse major league team - at the megastar's request. Browning also gained the nickname, 'The Louisville Slugger.' Despite his father's hesitation, Bud continued creating baseball bats. 'Louisville Slugger' became their registered trademark in 1894, and Bud became his father's business partner three years later. A 1905 Louisville Slugger bat endorsement and autograph, from Pittsburgh Pirates superstar shortstop, Honus Wagner, reflected a major milestone for the company. This was the first signature on a bat and the first time a professional player endorsed an athletic product. In 1911, successful salesman Frank Bradsby joined J.F. Hillerich and Son and later ushered the company through a flooding disaster. Hillerich & Bradsby Co. then crafted equipment for World War I soldiers before a return to primary focus on making premium baseball bats. Want to blow off a little steam during your tour? Check out a batting cage and replica bats from beloved baseball players. All above photos are by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complementary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly. Please note some of these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this business during my visit, specific details may have changed.  Above photo is by Lisa Waterman Gray. © What's in This Post 1) Goo Goo Cluster History 2) Goo Goo Cluster Variations 3) The Goo Goo Chocolate Co. Experience 4) Touring Goo Goo Chocolate Co. Slideshow **************************************************************************************************** Goo Goo Cluster History In November 2021 Nashville’s Goo Goo Cluster reopened its 3rd Avenue location after a $2 million renovation and welcomed visitors again. Crafted since 1912, the original cluster recipe incorporated fresh roasted peanuts, caramel, marshmallow nougat, and milk chocolate in a then-unusual rounded shape. The first Goo Goo Clusters were also the first candy bar consisting of more than one principal ingredient. Goo Goo Cluster Variations Today Goo Goo Chocolate Co. is an iconic Tennessee brand. Named for the Goo Goo Cluster inventor, The Howie Premium Goo Goo substitutes dark for milk chocolate. The Peanut Butter and Pretzel (PB&P) version combines peanut butter with caramel, pretzels, and dark chocolate. The Tennessee Apple Stack Cake and Fluffer Crunch are other versions. The Goo Goo Chocolate Co. Experience Visitors can also custom design 'Goo Goos' thanks to a computerized machine in the bright and airy public space; or order scratch-made original and booze-infused shakes. But for a true chocolate lover's activity, check out a chocolate experience class. You'll have a blast, with some very tasty results. All above photos are by Lisa Waterman Gray. ©
Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complementary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly. Please note some of these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this business during my visit, specific details may have changed. |
Welcome to Visual Traveler.I love crafting stories about fantastic food & beverages, must-visit destinations & eco-friendly topics. I wrote a 350+ page book about Kansas. And I've worked with dozens of other clients - from Fodors.com & AAA magazines to USA Today/10Best & WanderWithWonder. 
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