Hidden History Museum

Founded by Tariq Nasheed, the museum explores very cool, interesting, and untold stories of Black people.

http://dartandmap.com/2025/12/05/hidden-history-museum/

Strathearn Park, Simi Valley, California

When I read about an interesting place to visit, I save it on my Google Maps. My map has hundreds of places across the USA and is very handy when going on road trips. If I am going away for a day or a weekend, I can look at it and find interesting places to visit and sites to see along the way.

http://dartandmap.com/2025/09/05/strathearn-park-simi-valley-california/

More Red Rocks & Badlands in Southern California

Why am I so obsessed with Red Rocks? I loved them when I saw them in Southern Utah and became obsessed when I found out Southern California has them, too. There is a hike in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park in Trabuco Canyon, California that leads to Red Rocks. The area dates back to 20 - 40 million years ago. The hike is easy and perfect for an after work walk.

http://dartandmap.com/2024/10/30/more-red-rocks-badlands-in-southern-california/

Hot Springs. Dates. Slot Canyon. An Aggressive Fly. Turtles F**ing.

Near Death Valley are hot springs the public can use.  I stayed at Tecopa Hot Springs for one night. They have different types of rooms/cabins, some with showers and some of the rooms had a little bit of a walk to the showers and hot springs. I booked a room that would have required the walk, but due to a slight key mix up ended up being upgraded to a room that had a shower and toilet, with the hot…

http://dartandmap.com/2024/10/25/hot-springs-dates-slot-canyon-an-aggressive-fly-turtles-fing/

There is a James Bond exhibit at the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago, IL running through October 27, 2024.
It is an additional fee.

There are props, cars, costumes, boats, and film footage. At the end of the exhibit there is a gift shop, of course.

If you are a James Bond fan, this exhibit is definitely for you!

Museum of Science & Industry
5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637 https://youtu.be/prq1zMMO7hE?feature=shared

A Little Bit into Nevada

During a recent trip to Death Valley with my dude, I had time to explore some other places nearby in both Nevada and California. In Beatty, Nevada, we stayed in a Motel 6. The gentleman at the front desk was kind and the room was clean & quiet with a nice view. Beatty has very few restaurants and they are very meat-oriented so if you are like us, and not into meat, then the casino Denny’s might be for you.

http://dartandmap.com/2024/07/11/a-little-bit-into-nevada/

JELLY BELLY!!!!

I did it! I went to the Jelly Belly official factory in Fairfield, California. I’m obsessed with Jelly Belly and had wanted to go for years. I am up in Northern California a few times a year, so had to just wait it out until it worked out to go. And then it happened!! We saw multiple school buses, but had great fortune.

http://dartandmap.com/2024/06/28/jelly-belly/

Death Valley National Park

Recently, my boyfriend was able to take off a handful of days from work. We’ve been to so many places in California already that it is always a whole thing to find something new.  I’ve been to Death Valley a few times. The first time was before social media blew up travel. My friend and I could drive anywhere and find a decent and inexpensive hotel with no problem.

http://dartandmap.com/2024/06/05/death-valley-national-park/