Observations from the Web and Beyond of Pat Moriarty

There is a museum located in downtown Austin, Minnesota. It is a must see to learn everything about a classic American food made by the Hormel Foods. This museum is a must see for the whole family. I even learned some new sandwich recipes and as most people know - I Like Sandwiches. This was one of our first stops on our trip Go West 2025 .

Fans of classic TV will instantly recognize Marion Ross as “Mrs. C” from the classic television show Happy Days where she played the role of an iconic television mom.  A Minnesota native, Marion Ross is honored in her hometown of Albert Lea, Minnesota, with a beautifully crafted statue right outside the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. This was another stop in our adventure as we  Go West 2025 .

During our trip West we made it to the World’s Only Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota in the late afternoon on Monday, April 28. The exterior of the Corn Palace is decorated with massive murals made entirely from multi-colored ears of corn, grains, and native grasses. By looking at it you might just forget it is actually made of corn. Be sure to check out more pictures on my new website as we Go West to the World’s Only Corn Palace .

In late April and early May I traveled West to visit National Parks and Roadside America. My website is now available at PatMoriarty.com/go-west . On our first day on the road we visited Blue Earth, Minnesota and the Jolly Green Giant Statue. Little Sprout also greeted us on our visit.  

  French Quarter in Early Morning If you ever plan to shoot photos in New Orleans, here’s my top recommendation: go early. Right after sunrise, you’ll have the French Quarter almost entirely to yourself—except for the few locals preparing the city for the day ahead. It’s the perfect time to capture the quiet beauty of the streets before the hustle and bustle begins. In late March, I took advantage of this golden hour to explore and photograph some of the city’s most iconic sights. With my Canon EOS R10 in hand, I wandered through the French Quarter, St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and even stopped along the Mississippi River. The soft morning light made for some stunning shots, highlighting the charm of New Orleans in a way that’s easy to miss during the busier hours. Be sure to check out my NOLA '25 gallery  to see the magic of the Crescent City just after sunrise!

Let’s take a trip back to the Summer of 2004, a perfect time to visit my favorite city—Chicago! This shot captures the iconic John Hancock Building on a beautiful summer day, showcasing this iconic building and vibrant atmosphere that make this city so special. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s nothing quite like experiencing Chicago in the summertime. From the breathtaking views atop the John Hancock Center to the bustling streets below, the city comes alive with energy and charm. 📸 See More from Chicago in 2004! Check out the full Chicago 2004 photo gallery here: www.patmoriarty.com/chicago/2004.html .

Back in 2006, I took a trip to Washington, D.C. , exploring the rich history and iconic landmarks of the nation’s capital. From the monuments and memorials to the Smithsonian museums, the city offered an incredible mix of history, culture, and architecture. Walking along the National Mall, I visited some of the most famous sites, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol. My website features photos from the trip, capturing the grandeur of these historic landmarks. Whether it was standing in awe of the Jefferson Memorial at dusk or exploring the powerful exhibits at the Smithsonian museums, this visit was a memorable deep dive into American history. If you've never been to D.C., it's a destination worth experiencing!