Great Diners

Check out the classic diner themed restaurant Johnny Rockets for great hamburgers, shakes, and all at http://www.johnnyrockets.com/. If ever in the Des Moines area go to the Drake Diner near Drake University. I used to live nearby. Always check out each city's classic eateries. Another in Des Moines is George The Chili King. Des Moines also has many great vintage thin crust pizza places.

Any other recommendations out there?

Classic Teddy Bears

The teddy bear was named after President Theodore Roosevelt. See the bears at http://www.chelseateddybear.com/. I like the varsity bears with the classic look letter jackets. You can find them for your favorite university team too.

Wildlife Artist Robert Bateman

One of my favorite artists and that of my father. See his prints and books at www.robertbateman.ca.

Minor League Baseball

Support America's classic pastime including college, high school, and little league. My favorite minor league team is the Kansas City T-Bones who play in the Northern League: http://www.tbonesbaseball.com/ and http://www.northernleague.com/. See also http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/ and the big league at http://www.mlb.com/.

Best Classic Products

See the article from Forbes on the Best of America at http://www.forbes.com/fyi/2001/0430/058_print.html. Included are Levi's vintage jeans, The Jefferson Hotel, the best steak, the best motor boat, Kamehameha Hawaiian shirts, Tiffany, Winchester, Johnston Murphy shoes, Lincoln, Chubb insurance, Oxxford suits, Steinway, and Blue Bell ice cream, the best hike, and the best minor league baseball.

I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing...

All there is to know about one of our top classic brands including history and collectibles: http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/heritage/ourheritage.html. Coca-Cola is the number two most recognized word in the world after OK.

Vintage Shirts and Caps

See the vintage T-shirts, ball caps, and other at www.tailgateclothing.com. I really like the vintage style of their products.

Two Pro Basketball Greats on YouTube

See The Pistol, Pete Maravich, take on The Iceman, George Gervin, in a game of HORSE at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYC2YjK8Mk4. I remember watching this series, which I believe was on during NBA game halftimes, when I was young. It is amazing what great video you can find on www.youtube.com.

Another Great American Pastime...Fly Fishing

All fly fishermen should take a look at http://www.fliesdirect.com/ for their fishing flies needs. Requesting bids from their great fly tiers is free. If you like a bid and place an order there is a money back guarantee if by chance dissatisfied. All pricing includes shipping.

Yellowstone National Park

Story about our perhaps most famous national park at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20494777/. Note mention of the return of the restored vintage tour buses. Trips to our national parks are hard to beat.

Classic Cars

Find your vintage classic at http://www.classiccar.com/. Note the portal pages for your favorite models. My first neighbors still have their Camaro from the 60s. What a great one. And the new retro Camaro will be out soon. You may have seen it in the movie Transformers.

Classic Cocktails Book

See the review (and some recipes) on the book from the famous art deco American Bar in London's Savoy Hotel at http://www.forbes.com/books/2007/12/10/craddock-savoy-cocktail-oped-books-cx_ng_1210savoy.html.

Top 25 College Basketball Players of All Time

See the IBM top college basketball players and video on each on ESPN.com at http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=3230172. My personal favorites are The Big O and Mr. Bird.

Charles Phoenix

See his website at http://www.charlesphoenix.com/. He's been on Martha Stewart's show. Sign up for his weekly vintage slide or buy a ticket to one of his nostalgic tours.

Grand National Park Lodges

Check your local PBS listings for the series starting 1 Sep 08 on the grand old lodges in our national parks. www.pbs.org

Always keep an eye on PBS for classic concerts, classic travel shows on parks/hotels/restaurants/theatres, etc., history shows, and much more.