Yesterday, in the previous post, I told you about the major magazine job I shot in German Country earlier this week. Today, I want to take you on the road with me, re-living the best of German Country southeast of Bismarck. The people, the food, the landscape...it's all too amazing to miss out on...so this is a total, must-see road trip. And when you go...
Spend some time in KULM North Dakota. Friendliest little town anywhere...perhaps partly because there are about twelve churches in town and only one bar. While there:
You're going to like it so much, you'll want to stay overnight. You can do so at The Main Stay, right in the heart of town. Only $25.00 will get you a room for the night...and you'll feel like you are staying at the home of some wonderful, new-found friends...namely, proprietors Jan and Emery. You can't get any closer to Small-town America hospitality; in fact, you may just come away thinking that you're really in Mayberry...
Eat at the Chatterbox Cafe. A giant, quarter pound bacon cheeseburger meal is barley over three dollars. You won't go away hungry and you'll have real hamburger served with the comforts of small town service.
Stop next door at The Peoples Meat Market and see Linda about purchasing juicy steaks, walleye fingers..or, perhaps best of all, a kuchen in the flavor of your choice. The demand is so high, they are making 35-40 kuchens every week. Try apricot, cherry, blueberry, pumpkin, apple...even chocolate chip! It's the best kuchen around, so plan to stock up while you're there.
Stroll down the block and stop in at Dale's Hardware. Have a look around as you chat with Dale and Gloria; You'll discover that you can find a part for almost ANYTHING that moves, runs or makes whirring sounds at their hardware store. Afterward, go across the street and fill your tank at Farmers Union Oil...where a kindly older gentleman will be happy to give you directions to any of the nearby attractions.
Outside of Kulm, those attractions include the White Stone Battlefield Monument Site where you can feel the tangible brush with history. Also, drive the roads to neighboring small towns...Lehr, Fredonia, etc. No matter how small the town, they all have little cafes and each one has German Day once a week.
Whether it's a day trip or an extended stay, I highly recommend German Country. Let your cares slip away by driving the two-lane highways and taking in the countryside as well as the culture. It sure made my my week.
R
