One of my big passions is Ireland.  Since my first visit I have felt at home there, welcomed by her people and the land itself.  Maybe it’s that mystical feeling that keeps me coming back.  Or maybe it’s the rugged beauty of the land, the friendliness of the people or the fabulous fish & chips.  Whatever it is that brings us, my family and I will be returning to Ireland’s shores in 2012.  My plans call for two trips, one in late spring and one in winter, and though my plans aren’t complete, there are a few “musts” on my Ireland bucket list for 2012.

Places to Visit in Ireland

Giant’s Causeway

Did Finn McCool pave the way to Scotland with these stones?

While science tells us the hexagonal stones were created from volcanic eruptions it’s much more fun to believe the tale of Fionn Mac Cumhai (Finn McCool) battling a giant in Scotland. Read More »

Guthrie, Oklahoma was once the capital of Oklahoma Territory. When the territory became a state, that title went to Oklahoma City; stolen in the dead of night, some say. Standing on the land once meant for the state capital, Guthrie now has something a bit more magnificent and exotic. Guthrie has one of the largest Scottish Rite Temples in the world, which can be toured for a mere $5.

Touring the Scottish Rite Temple in Guthrie, Oklahoma

Approaching the Temple

Approaching this massive limestone structure from the front has a way of making you feel very, very small. Elaborate doors dwarf your approach and a sign ushers you to a door at the far right. Entering the office area you begin to get an idea of what you are about to see. Read More »

Showman's Rest is marked by granite posts topped with elephants

Since 1937 the small town of Hugo, Oklahoma has been known in certain circles as “Circus City”. As many as 22 circuses have called Hugo home during the winter in the years since and though most have moved on some of their performers remain, forever “on the stage” at Showman’s Rest.

Showman’s Rest is easily found in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Granite posts, each topped with an elephant, mark the rectangular plot where the performers share their final act- the elaborate tombstones sharing their stories.

Animal Trainers, Aerialists, Ringmasters and More have their "Final Act" at Showman's Rest

From towering stones carved with the ringmaster’s likeness to 3 dimensional tents and benches for sharing stories, this is a cemetery that is fun to visit.

Elaborate tombstones befitting elaborate lives

Directions: 200 S Broadway, Trice & 8th St; or take the Rt 70 bypass south of town and watch for the Olivet Cemetery sign.

Open during daylight hours, group tours available by appointment.

Photos by Jody Halsted.  To see more images of Showman’s Rest please visit my Oklahoma set on Flickr.

Despite our landlocked borders and fly-over status, the Midwest has quite a few great aquariums.

Oklahoma Aquarium, Tulsa

Oklahoma Aquarium

During a family road trip we overnighted in Tulsa an had an opportunity to visit the Tulsa Aquarium. We found an incredible array of salt and fresh water fish, opportunities to touch stingray, shark and shrimp and even feed turtles! Wander through the shark adventure to watch the toothy beasts swim over and around you. Daily otter feeding will elicit giggles and seeing the interaction of the coral reef divers and the colorful fish will make you wish you could dive in, too.

Open daily at 10am. Closed Christmas Day.

Pratt Education Center, Aquariums and Fish Hatchery, Kansas

Pratt Aquarium

Though you won’t find colorful salt water species here, the Pratt Aquariums feature fish that are native to, or have been successfully introduced to, Kansas. Biologists are on hand to show you through the building and answer any questions. The gem of this exhibit, though, is the wildlife right outside the door. The nearby ponds are popular with heron, ducks, and mink, for their abundant food supply.

Open Monday thru Friday at 8am.

Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium, Nebraska

This unique aquarium is popular for its affordability- only $1 for adults and 50¢ for children. A total of 12 large display tanks display Nebraska’s native water life; the largest tank is designed to host some of Nebraska’s largest fishes, including the Paddlefish. In addition to fish you’ll also see amphibians and reptiles.

Open year round at 10am. Days may vary due to season.

Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium, North Dakota

Another aquarium and fish hatchery focusing on local fish. In the fall migrating salmon return to the hatchery, delighting hikers along the river.

Open Memorial Day to Labor Day at 8am.

Minnesota Sea Life Aquarium

Take a break from your shopping at the Mall of America and take an underwater adventure. Over 10,000 sea creatures can be seen here- from the Giant Pacific Octopus to adorable miniature seahorses. 300 feet of ocean tunnel, touch pools and interactive quiz trails make this a fun and educational experience.

Open daily at 10am.

National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, Iowa

Aquarium exhibits show fish and wildlife that live in and along the river; a favorite is the river otters sliding in and out of the water, while perhaps less popular are the snakes that are found in the area.  Instead of a large aquarium tank, several smaller aquariums highlight different aspects of river life.

The Port of Dubuque area where the museum is located is adjacent to Dubuque’s downtown, and just steps away from a casino, a riverwalk area, and the Spirit of Dubuque paddlewheeler, which gives tours of the Mississippi River itself.

Open daily at 9am Memorial Day weekend thru October 31; open 10am daily November 1 til Memorial Day weekend

World Aquarium, Missouri

World Aquarium

Also located near the Mississippi River in St. Louis, in the fabulous City Museum. Featuring aquatic life from around the globe you’re likely to see fish you’ve never heard of. Plenty of hands on exhibits for kids plus adorable otters, slow moving sloths and snapping turtles mean kids will adore this aquarium.

To visit the World Aquarium you must purchase admission to the City Museum.

Schedule varies during the year. Closed Monday and Tuesday, open at 9am Wednesday thru Saturday and 11am on Sunday.

Shedd Aquarium, Illinois

The most well known of all Midwest Museums, the Shedd sits along Lake Michigan in Chicago. Possibly the largest assortment of marine life in the Midwest you’ll find everything from anacondas to Zebra sharks. See the difference between the river and sea otters. Learn why the Lungfish can breathe in both air and water. Or just enjoy the grace of the dolphins.

Open year round at 9am.

Reiman Aquarium, Wisconsin

Inside Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin in Milwaukee you’ll find aquatic life from the Great Lakes, North Atlantic and Caribbean. A touch tank lets you get up close and personal with stingrays, shark and lobster.

Admission to Discovery World includes the aquarium. Closed Monday; open Tuesday – Friday at 9am, Saturday and Sunday at 10am.

Photo credits:

Oklahoma Aquarium; JLHalsted

World Aquarium

Pratt Aquarium