Free Romancing the Roads by Gerry Hempel Davis

some.
    Silverado Franklin (formerly the Franklin Hotel)
    709 Main St.
    605-578-3670
    www.silveradofranklin.com
    This hotel creaks with history. From the minute I ascended the front steps and walked across the front porch, I was delighted to be on the property, although I wish I had dressed for the scene. When I was there, its big porch with rocking chairs was inviting. They are now gone. The original, meticulously laid tile floor in the main lobby was covered with slot machines the last time I was there. Now I learn the machines are all across the street, and the tile floor is covered with a rug. Since my visit, the Silverado has purchased the property, the gambling has become more prominent, and although there are still shades of “back when,” new formats are definitely evident. One of the hotel’s motto is “Stay and Play.” Good luck.
    The wide, prominent staircase in the lobby leads to the Emerald Room on the second floor, where, back when, the ladies would meet. Remember that separate rooms for ladies and gentlemen were the norm. There is the famous fainting couch in case a lady felt a “spell” coming on. Do try it, but don’t faint.
    The Franklin is now under the ownership of Silverado Gaming. One cannot talk about this hotel without mentioning Mr. Bill Walsh, the man who kept this historic gem going for so many years before the ownership changed.
    The rooms at the Franklin were named after stars who had stayed there. I had plastic flowers in my suite, as well as a sink in the living room, leading me to surmise that these accommodations had obviously at one time been an apartment. I felt secure there, and everything was clean and comfortable. I did enjoy the real western style. The upgrades are ongoing, and a spa has gone in where the florist and barber shop used to be.
    Although the hotel dining room has closed, it claims to be the oldest dining room in South Dakota. I found everyone very friendly. Many famous people have stayed at this special hotel. Don’t hesitate to add your name to the roster.
    Midnight Star
    677 Main St.
    800-999-6482
    www.themidnightstar.com
    On historic Main Street is a building called the Midnight Star. Here you will find the award-winning Jakes (605-578-3656) restaurant, where dining is a fabulous experience. Of course, you will also find the gambling and imbibing at Diamond Lil’s (605-578-3550). All this is owned by South Dakota native Kevin Costner. The decorations and displayed memorabilia are items from his celebrated career. This is a fabulous restaurant, and reservations are a must.
    Driving Diva’s Favorite Deadwood Signs:
    No Dancing on the Table with Spurs On
    No Sniveling
    Don’t Worry, You’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive
    Driving Diva Discovery: Heading from Deadwood to Rapid City (population approximately 60,000), I discovered a Maurice’s (www.maurices.com). This savvy store has very savvy clothes for the savvy female. Sensibly priced, Maurice’s now has more than seven hundred stores in forty-four states. I so enjoy finding a Maurice’s as I travel.
    Mount Rushmore
    An hour or so outside Deadwood is Rapid City. About twenty miles farther along, you will find Mount Rushmore.
    Mount Rushmore National Memorial
    13000 Hwy. 244, Bldg. 81, Keystone
    605-574-2515
    www.mtrushmorenationalmemorial.com
    This carved-granite tribute to Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt, created by Lincoln Borglum, is definitely something to see and admire. Be sure to visit the Lincoln Borglum Museum . In the exhibition area, learn just how massive this rock carving is and how it was made without sophisticated tools. It is so huge that a man can stand inside Lincoln’s ear. Be prepared for a lot of walking that is not on flat ground.
    South Dakota may not be on the top of the commercial vacation planner’s roster, but put it on yours. I look forward to returning.

Nebraska
    Omaha
    I-80 takes you across Nebraska, and Omaha is the