coopershortcut

[coopershortcut]

Pennies, Weeds, and Grandma Cooper

Weeding the garden with Grandma Cooper always carried the promise of a little pocket change. I have to stress those words “could be” because, while the idea of earning money for pulling weeds sounded simple enough, the reality was… well, let’s just say Grandma had her own way of keeping us honest. Grandma’s garden was more than just rows of beans and tomatoes—it was her pride. The neat lines…

[coopershortcut]

Power-Packed Whole Wheat Breakfast Burritos on the Blackstone

There’s something about biting into a hearty, sizzling breakfast burrito that feels like starting the day on the right foot. Now, take that same delicious burrito and make it healthier, heartier, and even more satisfying by using whole wheat tortillas and cooking it on your Blackstone griddle. Whole Wheat Breakfast Burritos aren’t just another grab-and-go meal—they’re a fuel-packed powerhouse…

[coopershortcut]

Why Deadwood and Its Ghost Town Neighbors Still Thrill Visitors

If you’ve ever dreamed of walking the same streets where Wild Bill Hickok played cards or Calamity Jane spun tales of adventure, then Deadwood, South Dakota, should be high on your travel list. Founded in 1876 after gold was discovered in the Black Hills, Deadwood quickly grew from a rough mining camp into one of the Wild West’s most legendary boomtowns. Today, it’s a living time capsule that…

[coopershortcut]

Soo Locks in Michigan Witness the Mighty Gateway of the Great Lakes

There’s a certain thrill in standing along the St. Marys River in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, watching massive freighters rise or sink effortlessly before your eyes. Known as the Soo Locks, this engineering marvel connects Lake Superior to the lower Great Lakes, making it one of the most important shipping passages in the world. Each year, over 7,000 vessels pass through, carrying everything from…

[coopershortcut]

Badlands National Park Unveiling South Dakota’s Rugged Beauty & History

For years, I’d heard whispers about the South Dakota Badlands—jagged peaks rising like a fortress from the prairie, colors shifting with the sun, and a wild beauty unlike anywhere else in America. Yet somehow, I never made the trip. That changed during our recent journey to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. On our way, my wife asked me, “Why do they call it the Badlands?” I realized I didn’t know.…

[coopershortcut]

Shuffleboard Queens of the Sunshine State A Snowbird Story

When people talk about retiring in Florida, it’s easy to imagine the palm trees, the warm breezes, and a slower pace of life. Year after year, Florida ranks as the number one destination for retirees—and it’s no wonder why. For Grandma Cooper, it became her winter home away from home. She was what we affectionately call a Snowbird—just like the birds, heading south for the winter. But in Florida,…

[coopershortcut]

Grilled Pineapple Chicken That’s Healthy, Juicy, and Irresistible

What if healthy could also mean mouthwateringly delicious? That’s exactly the promise behind this Healthy Pineapple Chicken recipe. Imagine juicy chicken tenderloins infused with a sweet and tangy marinade, kissed by heat on a sizzling griddle, and served with warm, caramelized pineapple. This dish isn’t just another grilled chicken recipe—it’s a flavor-packed, nutrient-rich meal that brings…

[coopershortcut]

Uncovering America’s Nuclear Secret Explore Delta-09 Missile Silo Today

Beneath the quiet plains of South Dakota lies a chilling yet captivating chapter of American history. At the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, visitors can peer into the once-classified world of nuclear deterrence and Cold War strategy. The Delta-09 Missile Silo, hidden in plain sight for decades, now offers a rare glimpse into a time when peace was preserved by the threat of unthinkable…

[coopershortcut]

14 Must-Visit Places Near Sturgis That Will Steal Your Heart (Even If You Skip the Rally)

The Black Hills Are Calling—And There’s So Much More Than Motorcycles Sure, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally brings hundreds of thousands of riders each August—but even if you’re not into loud pipes or leather vests, there’s a deeper magic here in the Black Hills and surrounding high plains. Picture jaw-dropping landscapes, heartfelt small-town encounters, ancient geological wonders, and moments of…

[coopershortcut]

Cracked RV Wheels on the Road? Why We’re Switching to Steel

When you’re logging thousands of miles in a fifth-wheel toy hauler, unexpected bumps in the road—literal and figurative—are bound to happen. Over the last year and a half, we’ve traveled more than 18,000 miles with our 2024 Forest River 373BS13 Toy Hauler in tow. It’s been an unforgettable ride hauling our Harley Tri Glide—and sometimes our Road King—as we chase sunsets and scenic routes across…

[coopershortcut]

Big Blue Suitcases and Bronze Camaro A Tupperware Story Worth Sharing

Have you ever heard of Tupperware? Not just the stack of colorful containers in your kitchen cabinet or the ones that seem to magically keep leftovers fresh for days—but the story behind it. The brand, the mission, and, for me, the legacy. Tupperware isn’t just a household name—it’s woven into the fabric of our family history, and maybe yours too. Founded in 1946, Tupperware was much more than a…

[coopershortcut]

Air Fryer BBQ Tatchos with SPAM® Bacon, Crispy, Smoky, Addictive!

Craving something bold, smoky, cheesy, and crispy—without a ton of prep or cleanup? Then it’s time to meet your new favorite comfort food: SPAM® Single Bacon Air Fryer BBQ Tatchos. Yes, you read that right—tater tot nachos (aka “tatchos”) taken to the next level with sizzling SPAM® Bacon, a smoky barbeque drizzle, and gooey cheddar cheese, all crisped to perfection in your air fryer. Whether…

[coopershortcut]

Legendary Rides & Bold Stories: Inside the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Every August, the thunder of V-twin engines echoes through South Dakota’s Black Hills as hundreds of thousands of bikers descend on the small town of Sturgis. For one incredible week, the quiet prairie transforms into the world’s largest motorcycle gathering—the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. But this isn’t just a party on two wheels. It’s a living, breathing piece of Americana that has revved its way…

[coopershortcut]

Michigan’s Most Photographed Places That Will Blow You Away

Frame the Perfect Shot in the Great Lakes State Michigan is a photographer’s playground—where every turn of the road leads to a scene begging to be captured. From towering sandstone cliffs in the Upper Peninsula to vibrant city skylines and sweeping tulip fields in the spring, the state offers a blend of natural grandeur and architectural beauty. It’s no wonder both professional and hobbyist…

[coopershortcut]

Thinking About Buying an RV? Why Renting First Might Save You Thousands

Don’t Just Dream It—Test It First My brother-in-law and I have spent countless hours talking about the RV lifestyle—where to go, what to pack, how to choose the right rig, and everything in between. He’s itching to buy his first RV, but I urged him to rent before buying. And I’d give that same advice to anyone. RVs may look dreamy at a dealership or in a glossy magazine, but reality sets in…

[coopershortcut]

"Hangers, Sticks, and a Backyard Miracle: Finding Water with Grandma Cooper"

Some stories you never forget—especially the ones that leave you wondering whether you just witnessed science, magic, or a little bit of both. This one? It was the day we found water in Grandma Cooper’s backyard. Now, it all started when Grandma needed a new well. My dad and Uncle Ira showed up like a pair of seasoned professionals… carrying wire coat hangers. Not fancy metal rods. Just plain ol’…

[coopershortcut]

Crave-Worthy Fried Oreos & Funnel Cake You Can Make at Home!

Bring the Fair Home with These Irresistible Deep-Fried Treats There’s something undeniably magical about a warm, powdered-sugar-dusted treat straight from the fairgrounds. The smell of sweet batter sizzling in hot oil, the anticipation as you wait for that first crunchy bite—it’s nostalgia and indulgence wrapped in golden goodness. But what if you could recreate that same mouthwatering moment…