Travel Archives | Nurse and Nomad

Cross Country Motorcycle Trip – Iowa

Susan Weston / December 6, 2024 / Leave a Comment

Welcome to Part 2 of our 18-day cross-country motorcycle trip on a Honda Goldwing from Annapolis, Maryland, to Seattle, Washington. The trip took place at the end of August. If you want to start at the beginning, see Part 1.

We reached Iowa on day four and quickly realized “Iowa Nice” was real. Expect to spend an extra 5 minutes at any gas station or rest stop. Be prepared for a lot of corn and wind. We were constantly fighting the wind through the Midwest.

Start: Annapolis, Maryland
End: Seattle, Washington
When: End of August
Miles: 3,451
Total Days on the road: 18
Number of States: 12
Motorcycle: Honda Goldwing (Rental)

Cross Country Motorcycle Trip Google Map

Day 4: Champaign, IL to Davenport, IA

Miles: 200
Ride Time (Not including stops): 4.5 hours

We detoured to Davenport, IA, for one reason: I wanted to see Iowa 80, the World’s Biggest Truckstop. You could skip Davenport altogether to save some time, but how do you do a cross-country motorcycle trip and not stop?

We skipped I-74 and rode up US-150 toward Bloomington, IL. We stopped at Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz’s Grave and Statue. I love quirky roadside attractions. The statue was in an actual cemetery. Riding a motorcycle up to and through a graveyard felt strange, but we were not the first with the way the groundskeepers didn’t give us a sideways glance.

After Bloomington, we finally moved away from the interstate. We continued on US-150 up to Peoria, IL, got on IL-29 and started following the Illinois River. We stopped for lunch at the Moon Tower Bar in Chillicothe, IL. Cliff gets credit for this random find. It is your typical biker bar but sitting on the Illinois River. The view is impressive, the food is good, and the beer is cheap. It was a perfect lunch spot on our trip. We continued along Route 29 as long as we could before we headed west to Davenport, IA.

We had to drive through downtown Davenport to our hotel, the Baymont by Wyndham, but it placed us only a few miles from tomorrow’s stop at Iowa 80. The bright blue building was down a dead-end side street, and the area appeared rundown but was clean. No one bothered the bike, plus we could see it from our room.

Where to Eat/Sleep/Stop:
Moon Tower Bar (Chillicothe, IL) https://www.themoontowerbar.com/
Baymont (Days Inn) by Wyndham (Davenport, IA)
Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz’s Grave and Statue (Bloomington, IL)

Day 5: Davenport, IA, to Winterset, IA

Miles: 200
Ride Time (Not including stops): 4 hours

We started the day at the World’s Biggest Truckstop: Iowa 80. We didn’t realize it, but we spent 3 hours there, so be prepared. Make sure to check out the Truck Museum. We exited Iowa 80 onto US-61 S and headed toward Columbus Junction, IA, before heading west on IA-92 to Winterset, IA. We stopped at the Swinging Bridge Park to get out of the sun. It was a perfect way to stretch the legs and is very shaded, but they do not have bathrooms but have picnic tables if you want to bring lunch.

We stopped in Winterset, IA, and stayed at the Cobblestone Inn and Suites. It was a small hotel that felt family-run. There was a small bar with complimentary breakfast, and they had laundry. Plus, since we had a first-floor room, we could park the motorcycle right near the room. Although the hotel was on IA-92, it was a short walk from Winterset’s downtown area to get food.

Where to Eat/Sleep/Stop:
Iowa 80 Truckstop (Walcott, IA)
Swinging Bridge Park (Columbus Junction, IA)
Cobblestone Inn and Suites (Winterset, IA)

Day 6 and 7: Winterset, IA to Le Mars, IA

Miles: 200
Ride Time (Not including stops): 3.5 hours

We wove our way northwest to Le Mars, IA, where we planned to stay for two nights. We stopped at the Templeton Distillery. Even though Cliff couldn’t enjoy the whiskey, the area was beautiful and a nice place to stretch our legs. We stopped in Carroll, IA, for lunch, then took US-71 to Sac City, IA.

Sac City, IA, is a small town with quirky stops, making it a great place to stretch your legs. We passed a vintage gas station collection and pulled over a few miles up the road at the World’s Biggest Popcorn Ball. There is a small park behind it where you can walk around, plus it is right across from a gas station.

We stayed in Le Mar’s for two nights. I highly recommend planning a few 2-day stops on the trip. You might not think you need it, but riding all day, especially in the wind, can be tiring after a while. Le Mars is a small town in Iowa that happens to be the Ice Cream Capital of the world. We stayed at the Inn on Central. The six guest rooms are above an art studio and have private parking behind the hotel. It has a kitchenette with a fridge and a grocery store next door if you are sick of restaurant food. It was also an opportunity to do some much-needed laundry. Check out Iowa BBQ Company for fantastic BBQ. Then, get a beer at Wise I Brewing. Check out their food truck schedule. A food truck served tasty Thai food the day we were there.

Where to Eat/Sleep/Stop:
Wasted Grain (Carroll, IA)
Vintage Gas Station and Sign Memorabilia (Sac City, IA) – 620 E Main St, Sac City, IA 50583
World’s Largest Popcorn Ball (Sac City, IA)
Templeton Distillery (Templeton, IA)
Inn on Central (Le Mars, IA)
Iowa BBQ Company (Le Mars, IA)
Wise I Brewing (Le Mars, IA)

World’s Biggest Popcorn Ball, Sac City, IA

Start at the beginning with Part 1. Remember to check out our Google Map for our exact route and stops.

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What to do (and not do) in the Jewel at Singapore’s Changi Airport

Susan Weston / September 29, 2023 / Leave a Comment

I wanted to live in Singapore’s Changi Airport for 24 hours. I know that sounds weird, but it is the number one airport in the world. The airport has four terminals and the Jewel. This article is part two of my guide to Singapore’s airport. Part one covers the terminals, while part two covers the Jewel.

Part One – How to spend 24 hours in Singapore’s Changi Airport

Honestly, skip the jewel and spend the 24 hours exploring the airport terminals unless you have extra time. There is even a secret way to see the world’s tallest indoor waterfall without leaving the terminals.

What is the Jewel at Singapore’s Changi Airport?

The Jewel is a mall that is open to the public. The centerpiece is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.

What is the layout of the Jewel?

L4/L5 of the Jewel appeared to be kid-oriented. L3 had the majority of sit-down restaurants. L1-L3 was dedicated to shopping. Let me rephrase: high-end shopping. B2 had a food court and a grocery store.

Where to Stay?

We spent one night at the YotelAir, which was outside security. We landed late at night, and staying at the YotelAir was the easiest. They have free coffee in the morning and a sitting area overlooking the mall with internet. It is a great place to get work done.

What about luggage?

Please store your luggage if you are visiting the Jewel for the day. We spent too much time dodging people’s large bags. The baggage storage in the Jewel is located on Level 1 (near the Early Check-In Lounge). Due to the long walk, I recommend picking up your luggage before heading to the terminals. There are places to store your luggage in the terminals themselves. Baggage storage is available 24 hours a day. See prices here.

Get a Free Singapore Sling

Get a free Singapore Sling at the Tapas Bar if flying on Singapore Airlines. Simply present boarding pass and spend SGD 30. The Tapas bar is located on Level 3.

What unique attractions are in the Jewel?

Motorized “Children” Animal Ride

Outside the Yotel were motorized animals that you (children) could ride a part of the mall. These are for children, and the first person I asked said I was not allowed to ride them, but I asked another woman who begrudgingly agreed. It costs SGD 12 for five rides. Cliff ended up with the slowest animal and was getting lapped but all the children.

Foosball

We found a foosball table, and we had to play a round. I lost.

Shiseido Forest Valley’s West Trail

The best way to experience the waterfall from inside the Jewel is the Shiseido Forest Trail. This walkway is accessible from each level and winds down the side of the wall surrounding the waterfall. Best Part: It’s Free

What attractions should be avoided in the Jewel?

Canopy Park

DO NOT DO! This includes the Hedge Maze, Mirror Maze, Walking Net and Bouncing Net! It was SGD 54 for an adult. Each attraction is a small walkthrough with nothing more interesting than the jewel itself.

Canopy Bridge

DO NOT DO! The Canopy Bridge is a 100 feet long glass-bottom walkway with the same view as the free walkway 10 ft away.

Avoid the Elevators

The elevators take forever and are full of people and luggage. Take the Shiseido Forest Valley’s west trail for a quicker trip and a better view.

Everyone needs a photo with the waterfall

You can not visit Singapore’s Changi Airport without seeing the infamous waterfall, but that doesn’t mean you must visit the Jewel. There is a way to see the waterfall without even leaving security, and in my opinion, the view is more impressive. Take the train between terminals 2 and 3. It passes through the Jewel next to the waterfall. You can take the train both landslide and airside.

If you are a shopper or foodie, then the Jewel might be for you, but I think there are better ways to spend your 24 hours living in the mall. Check out my guide to spending 24 hours in Singapore’s Changi Airport.

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I Went To Outer Space on Disney’s Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

Susan Weston / December 5, 2022 / Leave a Comment

Ever since Disney announced the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, there have been questions regarding exactly what it is and if it is worth the crazy price tag. I recently went on the Galactic Starcruiser known as the Halycon and want to answer the most common questions.

What is the Galactic Starcruiser?

Well… It is not a hotel. The Galactic Starcruiser opened in Walt Disney World last year. It is described as a “Star Wars-themed 2-night live-action/role-playing choose your own adventure experience aboard a simulated cruise in outer space within the Star Wars galaxy.”

Imagine yourself inside your favorite Star Wars movie. You have been working hard on your home planet of Tatooine and need a vacation. You book a cruise through the outer rim on the Halcyon cruiseliner. Aboard the cruise, you meet travelers from all over the galaxy—a Twi’lek from Ryloth, a smuggler from Tatooine, and a Togruta working on his music career. You are playing Sabacc when the first order walks in and arrests a man suspected of being for the resistance. Your cruise ship docks at Batuu, where you spend the day exploring the markets of the Black Spire Output and seeing the infamous Millenium Falcon that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs. Then you return to Halcyon to help Chewbacca hide from Kylo Ren.

Seriously, that all happened to me. You spend two days in this fantasy world, never leaving the bubble. Along the way, you can help the first order, join the resistance, or go on a mission that has you enter a secret room on the ship.

Meeting passengers from all over the Galaxy

How much is the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser?

$7,091

This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your cruise to outer space includes parking, a one-day park ticket, food, a two-night stay aboard the Halcyon, meeting all your favorite Star Wars characters, dinner shows, and the chance to play your childhood fantasy. Alcohol, except for one drink in Batuu, is not included.

Dinner on Disney's Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser — Crown of Corellia Dining Room

Breakfast on Disney's Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser — Crown of Corellia Dining Room

Is there a way to make the Starcruiser more affordable?

Go with friends.

It is a lot of money for one family to spend on a two-day trip, but I split the cost with four friends. The rooms are small, but we easily fit the four of us. There was a pulldown bed, bunk beds, and a queen bed.

With four friends, I only paid $1,772. Yes. You can pick your jaw off the floor again. Consider that a Disney World vacation at another deluxe resort can cost even more.

Tip: Book during the week when prices are lower.

I love Disney and Star Wars but want to avoid being stuck in space with screaming children for two days.

I agree. Most of the children on the Star Cruiser were past the crying, nap-needing phase.

Disney recommends that children be old enough to use a cell phone since all the missions, cruise activities, and private transmissions are on your data pad (aka your phone).

Several events, such as lightsaber training, are only available to guests seven or over.

Tip: They will provide phones if your children do not have their own, but they only have a limited number, so call ahead.

Playing Sabacc on Disney's Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser — Enjoying a game of Sabacc on the Halcyon

How immersive is this Star Wars experience?

100%. You are on a cruise in the outer rim and will meet people from all over the galaxy. The windows in your room look out into space. Everyone from your waiter to your room attendant is a part of the experience and will never break character. Our waiter told us about his wife and kids on his home planet and how he ended up working on the Halcyon.

What about your visit to Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge? Will it break the illusion?

On the day of your “excursion,” you will board a transport vehicle and get transported down to the planet of Battu. When they open the door of the transport vehicle, you are already within the walls of Galaxy’s Edge. There is a separate entrance where you never see the outside world.

Yes, there are tourists in Battu, but they were visiting just like us. We had pins that told cast members we were part of the Halcyon, so they played along.

Oga's Cantina in Batuu Disney's Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser — Drinks at Oga’s Cantina in Galaxy’s Edge

Private entrance to Batuu when on Disney's Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser — Drinks at Oga’s Cantina in Galaxy’s Edge

Do I need to be a Star Wars fan?

There is nothing throughout the experience that you need to know about the Star Wars Franchise. Anyone can cruise through outer space and participate in missions.

I was never a Star Wars geek, but I love movies that intertwine, like the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I loved the idea of being inside the Star Wars Universe, and I love dressing up in costumes.

That being said, there is something about meeting Chewbacca, traveling on the ship where Han and Leya had their honeymoon, and talking to a Twi’lek about growing up on Ryloth that only a Star Wars fan can appreciate.

Tip: Need a crash course into the Star Wars Galaxy. Check out this guide to locations and vocabulary referenced on the Starcruiser.

Was it worth it?

Yes.

But only if you participate. Dress up. Have a backstory. Go on the missions. It is not a hotel. It’s an experience. It is only worth it if you can go in 100%.

I began a crash course in Star Wars. I watched every movie, cartoon, and tv show before I went on the ship. I was going to be prepared for the amount of money I was paying.

Ready to Book

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