Puttering Around Put-in-Bay
Puttering around Put-in-Bay, Ohio, in a rented golf cart, I was able to explore this island in Lake Erie at a relaxed pace while learning about its history.
The Road to Saltville
Intrigued by a series of seemingly random suggestions that we take a trip to Saltville, Virginia, we discovered why getting there is so fascinating.
Iron Ore Heritage Trail
Taking on a history-rich segment of Michigan’s Iron Ore Heritage Trail was satisfying as a bike ride and as a cultural immersion. Now if only I’d stayed on the trail...
Finding Petoskey Stones
Where should you search for Petoskey stones? Petoskey, Michigan, of course! On our explorations by bike of this coastal town, we found our fair share. Here’s where to look and how to make them shine.
Men, Mining, and Mineral Point
Preservation of the rich mining history of Mineral Point, Wisconsin, traces its roots to a couple who decided to restore miners' cottages by opening a restaurant called Pendarvis.
Glowing Stones at the Sterling Hill Mining Museum
At the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg, New Jersey, history meets glowing rocks, as fluorescent minerals show off an array of brilliant colors inside a former mine.
Sapphire Hunting in North Carolina
For the finest finds in Franklin, North Carolina, wade into a mucky hillside and start digging dirt that might score you a gemstone at Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine
Poland Mining Camps
One of the most enjoyable research trips I've done - this one for Rock & Gem magazine - was a few days deep in the Maine woods at a camp for prospectors.
