Tonny Kiddow, Author at The Bloomington Star

Cool Vibes Smoke & Flame is located inside the Market Stand gas station at 486 Landa Street. The setting is modest, with everyday retail activity in front and a small food operation beyond it.

Travel

This unassuming Texas gas station serves some of the best brisket tacos in the state

It looks like an ordinary gas station. Cars pull in, somebody heads toward the convenience-store shelves and another driver is probably thinking about the...

Tonny KiddowOctober 18, 2026

There is no rule that says a spectacular Colorado view must come with an entrance ticket. The state has mountain trails where red rock towers above a valley, foothills stretch toward snowy peaks and an ordinary afternoon can end with a view that looks expensive enough to have its own reservation desk.

Travel

9 Free Colorado hikes with mountain views that rival the national parks

There is no rule that says a spectacular Colorado view must come with an entrance ticket. The state has mountain trails where red rock...

Tonny KiddowOctober 18, 2026

Wilbert Cafe & El Toro Lounge is located at 9105 US Highway 53 in Cotton, about thirty miles northwest of Duluth. This is Northwoods country, where a meal stop may fit between a cabin weekend, a fishing trip or a visit to the region's outdoor attractions.

Travel

Locals line up early for warm cinnamon rolls at this family-run Minnesota cafe

Saturday morning arrives in northern Minnesota, and the best breakfast plan may have very little to do with the place you originally intended to...

Tonny KiddowOctober 18, 2026

Some Arizona monuments are free, others charge by the person, and one well-known arboretum costs considerably more than a casual roadside stop. These seven outings offer a useful range of prices and experiences. The most affordable choice may not have a ticket booth at all.

Travel

7 Dirt-cheap day trips in Arizona you will want to take this winter

There is a wonderful moment in an Arizona winter when you realize that the car’s air conditioner can finally take a break. The sun...

Tonny KiddowOctober 17, 2026