Attractions

by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut

Searching the banks of the Mazon River for fossils. Photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/lapstrake/2391568434.

Ever since I was old enough to pick up a pebble, I’ve been fascinated by rocks. By the time I was a teenager, I had become a passionate rockhound, hauling boxes of specimens back from every family vacation. Over the years, my collection grew to include some fine specimens. I specialized in minerals that had been buried in the earth for eons, gradually forming sparkling, multi-colored crystals. Some, I bought. Some I dug from the ground. Others came my way when I traded with other rockhounds.

I added to my collection whenever I traveled, since the Chicagoland area offered little in the way of mineral collecting. But that all changed when I moved 60 miles southwest of Chicago to the town of Morris, Illinois and rented an apartment on the shores of the Mazon Creek. Here, in the midst of endless flat plains, I discovered one of the word’s greatest fossil collecting sites.

Three hundred million years ago, this area of Illinois was dominated by shallow seas and swamps. As plants and animals died, they fell into the water and were covered with successive layers of mud. Bacteria caused the organic matter to decompose inside the mud, producing a carbon dioxide “bubble” in the sediments around the remains. The carbon dioxide combined with iron from the groundwater to form an ironstone nodule. Gradually, the layers of mud in which the nodule was embedded hardened into shale.

Oval nodule embedded in layer of shale is certain to contain a fossil

Semi-rare Annularia specimen

Since these oval-shaped nodules are some of the finest fossil specimens in the world, they are highly sought by collectors. Following every rain, rockhounds descend on the Mazon Creek to search the shallows of the river and its exposed banks. While much of the river runs through private property, there are many access points on public lands, and even a site that is devoted to fossil hunting at the Mazonia Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area.

Neuropteris specimen

Kids are absolutely astounded when the nodules are struck with a hammer and split into two halves, revealing a perfectly preserved leaf or animal. For a more perfectly preserved fossil, place the rocks in a freezer overnight and then drop them into boiling water. Not only is fossil hunting fun for the whole family, it is an excellent educational activity. And if you’re really lucky, you may find a specimen of the elusive Tully Monster, which was was designated the Illinois State Fossil in 1989 and is only found in and around the Mazon Creek.

Fossilized remains of the unique Tully Monster are found only around the Mazon Creek

In addition to rockhounding, north central Illinois offers abundant fishing, hunting, boating, birding, and hiking opportunities, as well as numerous local attractions and festivals throughout the year, and a wide range of accommodations are readily available.

by Gudrun Enger, of Kitchen Gadget Girl

Before I toured the Filoli Gardens last week, I stepped through the main house, a beautiful example of an early California country estate. A historic site of the National Historic Trust for Historic Preservation, the Filoli Estate is now open to the public.

Built in 1915, the Filoli Estate was designed by renowned San Francisco architect Mr. Willis Polk for close friends Mr. and Mrs. William Bowers Bourn. Mr. Bourn chose the name Filoli by combining the first 2 letters of his personal credo: “Fight for a just cause; Love your fellow man; Live a good life.” In 1935, the estate was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. William P. Roth, who created and established Filoli gardens as a showpiece with worldwide recognition.

As you approach the estate (I don’t think I can call it a house!), the front door provides an imposing welcome, softened with the addition of seasonal flowers and decorations. You enter into the foyer of the home, which has several openings to other rooms on the first floor.

I took a self-guided tour, and of course, my favorite part was the kitchen. In the main part of the kitchen, which contained a fairly modern looking double oven, I could imagine the household staff preparing the meals for the Roth family. Off the main kitchen was the butler area, which I guess would be used for serving dinner and keeping plates warm. There was also a large walk-in safe where the family silver was stored. Fancy, schmancy.

Throughout the rest of the house, details and decorations have been carefully restored to provide the visitor with samples of the grandeur of the original home. Photographs of family members, as well as personal mementos and household items lend to the story.

If you have the time, I highly recommend a tour with one of the knowledgeable volunteers. Otherwise, pick up a map in the Visitor’s Center and walk through yourself. Either way, spend some time appreciating the architecture.

Plan your visit:

Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays. Admission is $12 for adults, $5 or students. Children under 4 are free. For more details, stop by the Visitor and Education Center or visit the Filoli website.

Be sure to visit the Garden Shop for thoughtful garden gifts, and if you are hungry, the Café at Filoli offers reasonably priced snacks and meals. Picnics are not permitted at Filoli.

Where the heck is Katy, Texas and why does it have Forbidden Gardens?

Good Question!

Katy, Texas is just outside Houston, Texas, and the spot where Hong Kong real estate mogul Ira P.H. Poon built a slightly smaller-sized replica of the ancient Chinese attraction.  He wanted to share his country’s history and culture here in the United States.

The United States’ Forbidden Gardens cover over 40 acres, cost around $20 million, and covers 2000 years of Chinese history.

The 6,000 figure terra-cotta army is 1/3 the size of the originals in China.

Terra Cotta Army

The ones in China were originally unearthed in 1974 with the first emperor of China, Quin Shihauangdi’s tomb.

Emperor Quin became a ruler of China at age 13, although not assuming total power until age 21. During his reign, he united all the warring states of China into one nation. He standardized laws and currency, bringing together a divided country. He built roadways and a canal system. He also started the Great Wall of China.

Also on site are a shaded courtyard, a koi fish pond, incense and Chinese  music coming from hidden speakers.

Guided tours are mandatory and included in the price of admission, which is $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and $3 for children under 5. The attraction is open only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 10am to 5pm.

Want a little glimpse of China without traveling across the world?

by Linda (minnemom) of Travels with Children

The Works in Newark, Ohio

Children’s and science museums can be found in big cities and small towns, in impressive new spaces and reused buildings.  Bigger and newer do not always mean better.  Such is the case with The Works.

The Works is found in the small town of Newark, Ohio, east of Columbus.  The museum has been created in an old manufacturing building and serves multiple purposes.  On the main floor is the science museum, which includes hands-on areas for toddlers as well as exhibits that older kids will enjoy.  (Pieces in the toddler area are stored in real Longaberger baskets, thanks to the factory just down the road.)  Also included in the museum is a working glassworks, where visitors can see glass-making demonstrations.  Pieces made in the museum are on display in the gallery and for sale in the gift shop as well.

Xylophone Bench at The Works

Upstairs, the history of the county is depicted.  Though most of the exhibits are standard word-and-picture displays, there are a few hands-on areas as well.  The manufacturing and transportation of the area is quite diverse, as depicted in the history area of the museum.

In the summer months, additional buildings on the campus are open as well.

Toddler Area at The Works

We found The Works to be interesting, educational, and uncrowded.  While there are bigger museums in Columbus and other large cities in Ohio, The Works is worth the drive out of the city to learn about science, history, and art in one location.

Photo credits:  minnemom

From Guest Blogger: Nancy Soloman of Ciao Bambino. Nancy is an avid traveler and writer for Ciao Bambino.  She lives outside Boston and has four children 9, 8, 5 and 1 with whom she enjoys sharing the world. Here is her take on great family things to do in Boston.

photo credit to NEAQ.org

New England Aquarium:  Although some may say that the aquarium is a tad dated, this still remains one of our favorite attractions in Boston for three reasons: it’s a quick stop, the kids love it, and it’s an easy launching point for either Faneuil Hall or the North End.

The centerpiece of the aquarium is the 200,000-gallon glass tank filled with sharks, turtles, fish and eels.  The giant glass windows at each level allow the kids to put their faces within inches of the sea animals- feeling shockingly close!  Additionally, the three variations of penguins are fun to watch as they zip in and out of the water.  If you’re pressed for time, enjoy the seals outside and skip the seal show.  In the summer months, there is a shark and ray petting tank that offers the kids a hands on experience.  Check their website for both daily activities and iMax show times- the shows give tired feet some time to re-coupe.

faneuilhallmarketplace.com

For us, as parents, it’s the area surrounding the aquarium that’s the big draw. Truthfully, I go to the aquarium as an excuse to eat in the North End or stroll through Faneuil Hall.  Across from the aquarium, on the new Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, “Rings” pop-up fountain is a great place to cool off on a hot day.  Faneuil Hall is an easy spot to grab lunch and enjoy entertainers.  Think upscale, delicious food court and terrific if your kids need space to walk around while you’re eating.  If you’re up for a real Yankee experience you can try Durgin Park Restaurant where you get New England food, shared tables and brash waitresses. Best of all, you are within walking distance to the North End (don’t miss this ethnic Italian neighborhood.  Regina’s Pizza, Monica’s Restaurant and Mike’s Pastry shop are some of the best).

Family-Friendly Boston

Kid photo courtesy of Nancy Soloman

by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut

Most people have heard of Ringling Bros. Circus, but not everyone knows the story behind the name that resulted in Sarasota, Florida becoming the Circus Capital of the World. John Ringling first visited Sarasota in 1909, when it was still a tiny village. He immediately recognized the potential of the area and began buying up large parcels of land that ultimately developed into upscale developments such as  St. Armands Circle, Bird Key, and the south end of Longboat Key.

A miniature version of the circus trains that used to roll into town each winter are on display at the John And Mable Ringling Circus Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum.

By 1927, Ringling had adopted Sarasota as his circus winter quarters and it wasn’t long before other operators followed suit. For many years the show trains rolled into town every November, making circus an integral part of the social and economic life of Sarasota. Although the Ringling winter headquarters have long since disappeared, Sarasota is still home to thousands of active and retired circus families and the legacy of this unique form of entertainment lives on in several venues.

A young performer at the Pal Sailor Circus. Photo courtesl of PAL.

First and foremost is the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Although Renaissance art and circus may seem an unlikely combo, the wealth that the Ringlings acquired from their circus operations allowed them to travel extensively. Mabel became so enamored with Italian Renaissance that she had an Italianate mansion built just north of downtown Sarasota for their personal residence. Many subsequent winters were spent traveling in Europe and acquiring art. Upon their death, the mansion was turned into a museum to display a small part of their extensive collection. Over the ensuing years, additional buildings were added so that more of the collection could be showcased, including one building in the shape of a giant circus tent that today houses the world famous Ringling miniature circus.

What began as a small high school gymnastics class in 1949 evolved into today’s Pal Sailor Circus, a spectacular 4-ring youth circus billed as the Greatest “Little” Show on Earth. The performers – all students from the 4th through 12th grades in Sarasota and surrounding counties – are trained by retired circus performers, sailor circus alumni and enthusiastic parents, and the annual two week performance benefits the Police Athletic League. This year performances are scheduled for March 25-28 and April 1, 2 and 4.

Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs, in front of the big top. Photo courtesy of Circus Sarasota.

The famous Royal Hanneford Circus, which originated in England in 1608, is the largest circus in Sarasota and the second largest touring circus in the country. To benefit the Shriners, this troupe performs every April or May at the Robarts Arena in Sarasota.

Dolly Jacobs on the Roman Rings. Photo courtesy of Circus Sarasota.

In 1997 Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs opened Circus Sarasota. As lifelong circus performers, Pedro and Dolly were able to draw talent from around the globe to create a one-ring, five-star European-style circus that performs in both Sarasota and Fort Myers every spring.

Also based in Sarasota, Walker Brothers Circus is a one-ring European-style circus under the big top that features clowns, jugglers, trained animals, and midways. After having been on the road for ten months, they return to town each October, where they hold a closing performance at the Sarasota Fairgrounds.

Even during times of the year when no live circus events are scheduled, Sarasota and environs are rife with signs of the circus. But you have to look closely. I’ll give you one hint: there is a circus “Ring of Fame” in the center of St. Armands Circle. As for the rest, well, you’ll just have to keep your eyes peeled.

Sarasota is a wonderful destination any time of the year.The area offers a multitude of attractions and activities for the whole family and a wide selection of accommodations are available in all price ranges.

View from Little Round Top

by Linda (minnemom) of Travels with Children

The Civil War played an important part in United States history, and many of the battlefields are now monuments to that period of history.  Gettysburg National Military Park is one of those locations.

Run by the National Park Service, the park itself is a large area surrounding the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  An audio driving tour is available to explain the battle sites such as Little Round Top and the Peach Orchard, and it also explains the various monuments that are found throughout the battlefield area.

The Visitor Center was relocated into a new building last fall.  It contains a museum of exhibits and information about the Civil War in general and Gettysburg in particular; a short film about the Civil War shown in a theater, and the “Cyclorama,” a 360-degree painting with lights and sound that provides a perspective of the battle’s chronology.

Gettysburg Visitor Center Museum

Also in the Visitor Center is a cafe, a gift shop, and visitor information about the National Park Service site and other Gettysburg points of interest.

If you’re traveling to Gettysburg with kids, be sure to pick up a Junior Ranger guidebook at the National Park Service desk in the Visitor Center.  Having this in hand will make the museum activities and driving tour more interesting for school-aged kids.  Also, know that there are some loud sounds with the Cyclorama which scared my preschoolers.  If you know this ahead of time, you may be able to prepare them for it.

Photos by minnemom.

Founded in 1982, the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center is home to public gardens, woodlands and meadows display and provide research for native Texas plants in their natural setting.

LadyBird Johnson, one of our former First Ladies, came up with the idea to introduce people to the beauty and diversity of wildflowers and other native plants.

Lady Bird Johnson

The Center’s Mission is to:

Increase the sustainable use and conservation of native flowers, plants and landscapes.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Wildflower Center has an online database gallery with over 23,700 plant images.

Conservation and Education are the impetus for several big programs and projects at the Center. Landscape restoration and a consulting operation to builders are important ecological missions actively pursued.

Lady Bird Johnson Aquaduct

It’s a great place to explore, take photos or rent out for a wedding reception or other event!

I’ve seen beautiful bridal portraits taken there.

And they have an online shop with unique gifts to celebrate Native Texas plants and flowers.

by Gudrun Enger, of Kitchen Gadget Girl

Visiting Filoli Center in Woodside is the best thing to do as spring approaches the Bay Area. The reason? All the gorgeous flowers in bloom!

The Filoli Estate in Woodside, California, is open mid-February through late October, and then again the first few weeks of December for their holiday showcase. Anytime of year that you visit, you are sure to see lovely specimens in the vast and rolling garden.

The gardens are an ideal place to visit with a multi-generational group – kids enjoy walking up and down the paths, especially around the Knot Garden. Grandparents will enjoy the beautiful grounds where years of history are evident in each planned component of the garden.

When I visited last week, tulips and daffodils were blooming, and the fruit trees were beginning to show their buds.

Over behind the Wedding Place, camellias were hiding in the shade with their showy blooms – if you ever wanted to see a double or uniquely colored camellias, Filoli is the place to see them.

In the Garden House, the morning doves talked to me as I entered, and the perfume of the flowers in the house was divine. Ooh, I am even starting to talk like a Filoli-fanatic!

Plan your visit:

Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays. Admission is $12 for adults, $5 or students. Children under 4 are free. For more details, stop by the Visitor and Education Center or visit the Filoli website.

Be sure to visit the Garden Shop for thoughtful garden gifts, and if you are hungry, the Café at Filoli offers reasonably priced snacks and meals. Picnics are not permitted on the grounds at Filoli.

by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut

Like music? Love seafood? Have I got an event for you. Widely considered to be one of Florida’s most outstanding downtown events, the Seafood Festival on the waterfront in downtown Bradenton, Florida is not to be missed.

Folks line up for a heaping platter of delicious fried seafood

Although the festival’s claim to fame is the great seafood on offer from local and national restaurants and food vendors, in recent years its music has become just as popular. Featuring continuous live performances on three stages, this year’s lineup is more spectacular than ever, with thirteen different acts, including:

• Tracy Byrd: His party sing-alongs made him a country star in the ’90s. Byrd will perform Saturday, April 4 at 8:30 p.m.on the Main Street stage
• Cas Haley: This America’s Got Talent finalist will perform Friday, April 3 at 8:30 p.m. on the Main Street stage
• Syesha Mercado: This American Idol finalist who hails from Sarasota, Florida will be performing Friday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m. on the Main Street stage.

Grab a chair on site or bring your own, but betcha can't keep from hoppin'up and dancin' in the street when the music begins

With great eats, terrific entertainment, a full program of kids activities, more than 100 art and craft vendors, and a spectacular location along Bradenton’s lovely waterfront, it’s easy to see why this event attracts more than 30,000 attendees each year. There is no entrance fee for the event, which is scheduled for April 3-5, 2009, however there is a charge for the seafood.

Dozens of types of seafood are available at the restaurant booths

Bradenton, a sleepy little town (except during the festival), is located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, midway between Tampa/St. Pete and Sarasota. Accommodations to fit all budgets are available in and around Bradenton.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Weibel