Park City Utah, Yarn and Baskets and More

 Wasatch and Wool, located at Kimball Junction Shopping area.  1635 Redstone Center Drive.  I visit this yarn shop everytime I'm in Park City.  The staff is always fun, friendly, and helpful.  The shop is stuffed to the gills with lots of wonderful yarn.

The inventory is phenomenal.  It's a small shop, but that hasn't stopped them from having lots of variety in types and prices of yarn, as well as colors.  Sometimes inventory at smaller shops is limited; not here at Wasatch and Wool.

We've been coming to Park City every summer now for 10 years, and as soon as I found out I could hope the city bus for FREE and get to this yarn store, I've taken advantage of that.  Often hubby is golfing during the day.  I can get where I'm going either on foot or by bus so his having the car doesn't slow me down at all.  Our daughter often is able to travel with us and she too has enjoyed this shop and remarked about what a wonderful inventory they had.

Park City Silly Sunday, always a treat.  It's a fun fair, with music and food right on Main Street every Sunday in the Summer.  I look forward to it and enjoy all the artist; but was really excited this year to get to spend time talking to Betty.  The hand made baskets and purses are fantastic.  They're all made by women in Africa and support women in Africa.  The workmanship of each piece is extraordinary.  I had a hard time making my selections because everything is so pretty and colorful.  AND you like supporting something so worthwhile.  The Website is AfricanEverything.com  MaendeleoImports@gmail.com.  The business card says contact #BasketMary.  I hope to see Mary again next year and plan to bring an extra piece of luggage so I can get one of the larger baskets on the plane with me.

We stay at The Marriott Summit Watch while there in Park City, right on Main Street.  I've posted often here with pictures of the area and our lodgings, but this year we had something special! (click that link to see some of the posts about Park City)

It's a really great spot in the summer, fishing, hiking, golfing, art festivals, free bus and a great yarn shop!



PLEASE leave me a comment when you come visit, so I know you were here. Your visits and comments are very special to me. AND remember, leave your name and url and not your google+ profile link or your blogger profile link. Name and url takes me right to your blog post so I can reciprocate the visit. Profile pages do not.

Park City Utah during Art Festival Time

Meet Bonny and her husband

Aren't they they an adorable couple!  They were such fun and so very talented.  I meant them in Park City this past July at the street fair/Art Festival.  This is the 2nd year we've been lucky enough to be in Park City, Utah when an awesome art fest was going on.  Look how well Bonny's glass beaded necklace picks up the fabric in the inside of her hat.

 This is the bracelet I purchased from them.  I love it and wear it all the time.  They've even made the claps an artistic piece, knowing bracelets spin around and well...why shouldn't it be gorgeous too.  Bonny and her husband (am sorry, I don't know his first name), adjusted pieces right there to make sure everyone was 200% happy with the item they purchased and that it fit properly.  These are made from hand blown glass.  Notice the picture to right of Bonny's husband's head...that picture is some of the glass used in their creations.

The photo of her business card doesn't quite do it justice, it's quite artistic too.  Why buy something you'll see hundreds of from a department store when you can purchase first hand right from the artists themselves!  Wearing art is special, each time you were a piece you remember the artist, the conversation, the day of fun you had....much more of an "experience" then purchasing from a large non-personal department store.  And no better way to purchase a quality souvenir that you'll treasure for ever.  Click on Bonny's name above to view her webpage and see other awesome pieces she's created.  She's located in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Arts Fests, street fairs have something for everyone...the young kids were having a good time here inside the blow up castle.

This photo gives you a feel for the number of booths, the volume of people and the popularity of this event in Park City.  There's something, almost every Sunday afternoon during the summer months.  Yes in the beginning Park City was a booming mining town, then turned into a winter mecca for skiers; but....summer has just as much, if not more to offer.  Plenty to do, and see.  This is main street.  Can you imagine main street being totally blocked off in your home town?  Here in Park City, people don't view it as an interruption in daily life; it's an event looked forward to by locals and travelers alike.

Now, I'm not really a fan of yarn bombing.  I often think how many people might be clothed and kept warm by the hours of knitting and crocheting something like this represents...but, this was actually a useable piece of art, unlike a tree or street sign that gets yarn bombed.  What a hoot.   Some of you may know, I knit and I crochet.  Almost everything I make is donated to Bridge and Beyond, to aid the homeless and others in need; thus my previous comment.

People always have to eat, and enjoy refreshments at street fairs/art festivals.  This is a unique hand made corn on the cob roaster.  He loaded it up, husk and all and the corn rotates inside the trailer.  It was very cool, and quite popular.  People were lining up for his corn.

**Bear with me please folks, some things here on the blog are moved, and or gone.  You've no doubt noticed it's a new template.  Apparently many of the graphics from my previous blog template were no longer being stored and therefore 403 error was stamped all over the blog.  This is still a work in progress, as I learn how to operate the blog with bloggers new (that I don't like improvements/system...much like the ones facebook mandated aren't improvements and not well received).  The search doesn't seem to work well, and the bottom of the blog is a mess.  Working my way through it, plus...I might find another template I like better or that works better.**

Olympics, Park City Utah View

This sign post lists locations of winter Olympics and their distance both in miles and kilometers and is located just off historic Main Street in Park City, Utah.

The sign reads:
Grenoble, 5,342 miles. The Olympics were there in France in 1968, Winter Olympics that is. And from this spot.........one knows the distance to the various spots other Winter Olympics have been held. The Olympics were held in that spot in 1968.

Lillehammer 4,801 miles away in Norway was the site of 199 Winter Games. I well remember this one, loved seeing people scoot about town on those funny little sleds. This perhaps was the one of most interest to me. Love the stories behind the scene. Not sure, in truth I had ever heard of Lillehammer before the Olympics.

Nagano is some 5,485 miles away in Japan and was the site of the 1998 Olympics, which I don't remember at all. Perhaps I didn't watch that year, but confess I had to look up the name Nagano; though thought it to be Japan........really had no memory of it.

1980 presents us with Squaw Valley. I remember that with a smile. The place seemed romantic; and from Park City, Utah is only 488 miles away.

Sapparo, another Japanese location is 5,099 miles from this spot in Park City, Utah. No double we all remember the 1972 Olympics............I got that married that year, I'm sure that's why you all remember it. lol Sapporo, however had been selected to host the Olympics way back in 1940, but due to World War II, was cancelled. After all, they were our enemy. They had bombed us. Who could ever forget the attack on men, women, and children............civilians as well as military on that dark December day. Though the games were cancelled prior to the scheduled openings of "The Games".

Austria..........one always thinks of The Sound of Music. 5,438 miles from this spot was the home for the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Games.

Albertville, France was the site of the Olympics (Winter as in all above) in 1992 which is 5,316 miles from this spot in Park City, Utah. No real memories of this particular games; even though it wasn't that long ago. I assume I didn't watch as much, or it was un-impressive?

Sarajevo, Yugolslavia 1984..........war torn but hosted the Olympics and is 5,834 miles away. Who could ever forget this Olympics. It was sad, and glorious at the same time. Sad, because the country was in horrible shape, ruins..........many pictures showed such devastation from bombing it was hard to understand the government expenditure at hosting The Olympics. Again a place many of us had little knowledge of before hand. Perhaps it's a story of a country and people wanting to come back? I don't know. I do remember thinking if I were a citizen AND I were helping to pay for this extravagance (and yes to me that's what it seemed like....extra, un-necessary = extravagance), not sure I would have been very supportive if my children had to walk through bombed rubble on their way to a partial falling down school each day....pretty sure I would think the government and it's people should be paying to have the rubble removed and the school building rebuilt for my children first. Glorious though...because it showed the human spirit.

Lake Placid......perhaps one of the most well known of the Winter Olympic Locations is only 1,916 miles away, the site of the 1932 and the 1980 Olympics. It's also been a contender to hold other Olympics. Lake Placid...makes me smile.

A small sign post, I wonder how many pass by without stopping to read, wonder and remember.

There's much to see and do in Park City, despite it's rather small town size.

Cafe Terigo, Park City, Utah

Cafe Terigo, 424 Main Street, Park City Utah.  This restaurant is always our choice for our last night vacation dinner out in Park City.  Hubby, Darling Daughter and I all love it here.  The service is superb, the atmosphere is wonderful, and food is something we look forward to each and every year we vacation here.  In fact, we've even had the same waitress several years in a row.  Having the same waitresses work at an establishment year after year speaks very well, in my opinion, of the restaurant.

We've always chosen to eat outside on the patio that is nicely decorated and lite with white Christmas style lights.  We've been there 3 years in a row in July and while it might be in the high 80's during the day, it's quite comfortable having dinner outside in the evening.

 Darling Daughter had this beautiful dish.  Almond crusted Salmon and she said it was divine.  Beautiful presentation too!

 Ravioli's with a light lemon sauce and fresh veggies.......perfect for a summer meal.  I wanted to lick the plate.  Now you don't know how significant that is.  I rarely, truly hardly ever eat the whole meal; as I hate to be full.  There wasn't anything left of this awesome dish.

Hubby had a fish special over paste that he thoroughly enjoyed.  We brought 2 bottles of A-Z Pinot Noir Wine that paired nicely with our meal.  They do serve wine you bring with a minimal corkage fee, and or you can purchase there.

There are known for their Bread Pudding with Rum Sauce which was yummy, though a large enough portion to share.  Hubby had Tiramisu and Darling Daughter had The Trio Gelato.  We're looking forward to our next meal there when we return to Park City.

Though Cafe Terigo's is celebrating it's 25th year, the building had previously been a newspaper operation.

The newspaper, The Park Record was owned and operated for 63 years by Samuel LePage Raddon son of Henry George and Judith LePage Raddon.  Sam was born in 1858 in Guernsey in Great Britain and immigrated at the age of 10 with his parents, who were converts to the Mormon Faith.  His family didn't remain with the Church.

He learned his trade working in a variety of jobs in both Salt Lake and Park City, until he became the owner of this establishment.   He out lived 2 severe depressions, 3 competitive newspapers, slumps in the mining industry which caused significant financial change in the community and a fire in 1898 that burned his plant.  Even with those difficulties he continued operations of the paper for 63 years, a remarkable record.   At one point he even operated his Paper from a tent!   He retired in 1948 and turned over the operations to his son, LePage.  Samuel lived to be 89 years old dying a short time after retiring.

It's note worthy that since his family left "The Fold" business was harder as they weren't supportive.  He later, as an adult was fairly outspoken about some of "their" practices and wrote openly about them in his paper.  For more interesting information on this man, click HERE.

I highly recommend this restaurant for a special night out,  particularly recommend it for adults.
Do make reservations, as it's quite popular.  Cafe Terigo serves lunch from 11:30-2:30, then closes to prepare for the dinner service which starts at 5:30 pm.


Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.

Schiller Park Part I (German Village)

Flat Stanley here in Schiller Park, previously known as Washington Park, and City Park. Schiller Park a large old park has more then grass and trees. Bordered by City Park Avenue, East Deshler, Reinhard Avenue, and Jaeger Street it's a well known spot in German Village in Columbus, Ohio.

The site of family picnics, Shakespeare in the park, large beautiful old trees to sit under and watch the kids and the dogs frolic about, or nap while others fish. This park is active, beautiful and very historical. It's been the place to be, the place to avoid, and happily again the place to be.

Historically it was a place for concerts, for festivals including German Songfests, holidays like The 4th of July. It's even been the spot for The State of Ohio Fair in 1864 and 1865, the Civil War Years. In 1871 it was the place to celebrate the end of The Franco-Prussian War with a Peace Celebration.

A busy, productive and active German-American Community thrived here. Originally the area was called Stewarts Grove. Land purchased here by the city in 1867 was named City Park. Later, on July 4th, 1891 a 25 foot statue of Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller arrived from Munich and was dedicated, and thus the park was renamed to Schiller Park.
Schiller was a renowned poet among other things. Many feel his contributions are only surpassed by Shakespeare.

Anti German sentiment was at a fever pitch after WWI, and the parks name was changed once again to Washington Park. The sentiment against Germany, and German people was high. Lusitania was sunk with women and children on it by The Germans. Innocent women and children were killed/murdered and this point was hammered home. German language classed could no longer be taught. Once popular German singing societies suffered. Street names in the area with German names were changed. Books written in German were burned and banned. Books were burned here in Schiller Park at the base of this beautiful statue, as well on Broad Street in downtown Columbus in 1918. According to some accounts I read German Shepherds, and Dachsunds were taken from their owners and destroyed. Nothing German was to be honored or liked. However, one of this countries biggest hero's came from this very German-American Community, flying ace Eddie Richenbacher; who like many German-Americans at the time changed his name to be less German looking and sounding. Eddie Richenbacher became Eddie Rickenbacher.

It wasn't until 1930, the park's name once again returned to Schiller Park.

**Stay tuned for a follow up article on Schiller Park, as this area has a very rich history**
The next time you're in a park, look to see if there's a history, you might be fascinated at what you learn.

How to shop when you Travel (Park City Utah)

Traveling and going on family vacations makes people happy. Being happy makes everyone want to remember. Most people like to buy souvenirs, something to remind them of the fun they had while on vacation....something to remind them of a particularly fun vacation spot. Yes, we hit t-shirt shops, but...that's not the best way I think to spend vacation dollars. I like to buy things I'll wear, and really use; not just a t-shirt advertising a location that will wear out soon. Here is an artistic craft item my Darling Daughter picked up. How cute is this! Firstly, it's purple...her signature color which assures it will go with almost everything in her wardrobe, it's handmade which supports a local artist. I'm always a fan of that. We were shopping in a fun, funky little shop in Park City, Utah called Olive & Tweed. I'm a crafter (knitting and crocheting), and so like to support fellow artists/crafters as does my DD.
I like to buy Christmas Tree ornaments, so each year when I decorate the tree I'm reminded of fun times on vacation. These don't say Park City, Utah; but I'll remember that's where I got them. For those who know me, they know I LOVE wine...so, naturally I couldn't resists. Picked up for a friend too. The golf bag...that's for hubby, he loves to play golf and in fact played 3 times there in Park City. Golf is very reasonably priced there for any of my readers who might consider going there. (I'll cover more about golfing there in another post, so please check back)
I LOVE LOVE LOVE shopping anytime there's an art festival while we travel. And, we were lucky enough to be in Park City when The Kimball Arts Festival was going on. In fact it was right outside our hotel. I purchased this hand made necklace from Deana Albers who traveled in from Bozeman, Montana for this popular art festival. This stone (please click to enlarge) is called Poppy Jasper Stone. Depending on what you where it can look reddish and black/ reddish and green. It's wonderful. I've already worn it twice and received compliments both times. I love the the claps, it slides and is one I can put on myself! Hubby's happy about that too. She had a wonderful display in her booth, all very high quality workmanship. Please look her up either HERE on her Esty page, or HERE on Facebook.
I also purchased Turquoise. The necklace and bracelet are made by a local artist, and went nicely with the scarf. I needed accessories for an up coming wedding. Why shop at the mall, or some store found anywhere USA? Buy local, buy from artist and crafters when you can. They make wonderful, long lasting pieces to cherish; as well as fabulous memories of your vacation. These items were purchased at Olive & Tweed, same fun and funky shop DD found her cute purple headband.

Park City, Utah (Marriott Time Shares)

Master Suite

Pool

Fire-pit

Our building, Silver Nugget


Our village view

Lockoff/quest room
kitchen

Living & Dining Room with fireplace

Pool

Park City, Utah at Marriott's Summit Watch Time Share. This is a wonderful location. It's pretty, there's lots to do, the facility if very nice. There are many ways to stay in a Marriott Time Share. The most common and obvious way is to be an owner. When you're an owner you have options of staying in your home resort, or trading it through Interval International for a different location. In addition, Marriott has a new program where you buy Destination Points and use those to book your stay. Personally, I'm not a fan of the new system; the old system seems a better bang for your buck. Even with the 2 systems in place there are often still availabilities and non Marriott Time Share Owners can book stays at these wonderful facilities. Some facilities (generally during off seasons) allow exchanges to be made using Marriott Rewards Points. Marriott Rewards Points are separate from time shares. If you frequently stay in Marriott's while traveling for business or on family vacations you earn Marriott Rewards Points. If you have a Marriott Charge Card you earn more points. AND, you can also rent/pay for a vacation in a time share just as you would a regular hotel room.

The advantage of booking your vacation in a time share location is flexibility. Flexibility to not eat every meal out, which in the ends saves you money and often is far more relaxing. The kitchen facilities are quite good. Additionally, out door grills exists so it's easy to do a cook out. Depending on locations the facilities have laundry available either in the villa/condo or on site; thus making packing easier. You can bring less and throw a load in. The villas/condo's are roomy. This unit had a King bed in the Master suite and private bath, a sleeper sofa in the living room, a King bed and another sleeper sofa in the quest room with it's own private bath. The quest room has a limited kitchen. This arrangement is what is called a lock off, meaning you could rent/stay in either side if you don't need the whole unit. The lock off works well if you want coffee and rolls in the morning; but plan to eat big meals out. The fridge though is large enough to have lunch items on hand, and you do have room for whatever meat you might want to throw on the grill.

It was cool there in the mountains at night and so sitting around the fire-pit outside with a glass of wine in the evening was fabulous. This is a ski village. The Marriott Summit Watch is located right on Historic Main Street, with everything within walking distance. Another advantage of staying in a Marriott Time Share is there are activities for adults, for children, and or families right on site, making it easy for family vacations.

The history of Park City is mining, that is reflected in the style of the buildings. There is much to see and do here, and I'll be blogging about those in the coming posts. Please return to read about the ski lift, things for "girl time", mountain biking, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and more.

Marriott Time Shares

(M post)
This post can be used as reference material.  It's a small paragraph about the various Marriott Time Share's we either stayed in or seen doing tours.  There will be links provided if posts have previously been done on a particular location.

There are multiple ways to vacation at a Marriott Time Share.  If you own a time share you can reserve a week at your home resort (for those who own weeks under the old system), you can reserve one using Destination/Vacation/Trust Points if you've converted your weeks to Destination/Vacation Points (the newer system), AND you can reserve a week using Trust Points (newest system where you purchase points and not weeks), sometimes you can reserve one using Marriott Reward Points (you don't need to be a time share owner to have these), you can trade your week through Interval International for a location different from your home resort, and sometimes you can reserve and pay right out...just as you would for a hotel.

These are listed by the state, in alphabetical order.

Arizona: Canyon Villas at Desert Ridge is a beautiful facility with 1 and 2 BR's, and a quest suite/efficiency.  These are lock off's, which means the 2 BR can be converted into a 1 BR and an efficiency.  With this system you don't need to reserve more space then you need, AND even if you have the full 2 BR each side has it's own door.  That's particularly nice in a group situation, like 2 couples vacationing together.  It's close to a JW Marriott Resort which gives you the ability for fine dining, spa's and other recreational activities beyond the villas.  There's lots to see and do here, and it's on our list of places to return to.

California: We've not stayed in or seen the inside of Desert Springs Villa, but the outside is very impressive.  They look large and are in a very picturesque location.  Desert Springs Villas II were the next phase of the development.  We've stayed here.  You can walk from one to the other, in fact they share the rental office.  Villas II are a lock off situation like the above Canyon Villas in Arizona.  The dining room area is perhaps the most impressive area of the villa with floor to ceiling bay window area.  The quest/efficiency side is the smallest of those we've seen and the only one that didn't have a separate kitchen area from the bedroom.  The arrangement here was a large cabinet that housed the microwave, and dorm fridge.  Like Canyon Villas it's close to The JW Marriott Resort with access to fine dining and other activities.  However, Villas I has the use of the pool and recreation areas at the JW, whereas Villas II does not.  You can play golf at the JW regardless of which area you're lodged in.

Near by (not walking distance) the Desert Springs resorts is Shadow Ridge.  Shadow Ridge is also a lock off situation as described above.  It has easy access to golf and dining at Faldo's.  This is our personal favorite of those in Desert Springs/Palm Desert.  We've been here a number of times and plan to return.  The quest/efficiency area here is quite nice and roomy.
*There's a new phase here called The Enclaves, while newer and perhaps a bit more fancy with furnishings etc. we prefer the older area at Shadow Ridge called the Villages.

Newport Coast Villas very pretty common areas, beautiful views, magnificent sunsets.  Sorry no link yet with pictures (up and coming tomorrow), probably though not on the top of our we want to return list.  Newport Coast Villas are dedicated 2 BR.  The spacing is the same in that you have 2 BR 2 bath, living room, kitchen, laundry, and dining room like lock offs; but you have the one door and 1 balcony or patio vs 2.  This arrangement is far better for families with small children; as everyone comes and goes together.  There are links for Huntington Beach, and Crystal Cove (2 areas nearby that we enjoyed).

Colorado: Mountain Valley Lodge at Breckenridge.  Though I've blogged quite a bit about Breckenridge, to date I've not posted any pictures of the condo.  Here's a quick look at the outside. 

It's a ski area, though we were there in the summer.  The condo's are furnished like a ski lodge.  There's a 1 BR and and 1 BR suite.  The suite has a bath and half and sleeping for 3 in the living room with 2 in the pull out sofa and 1 in a day bed.  We really enjoyed our stay there.  The disadvantages perhaps is that getting there isn't that easy.  You fly into Denver then drive to Breckenridge, (2 hours), and you're up around 10,000 feet so the altitude can be an issue.  Since it's a ski area, there is limited access to outside from the condo.  A small screen balcony with room to stand, not sit with your morning cup of coffee.  There is no air conditioning here, as it's not needed in the mountains.

Florida: We've stayed at Ocean Pointe at Palm Beach Shores, and toured Oceana Palms at Singer Island.  Oceana is the newest facility, a good walk down the beach.  Ocean Pointe is a lock off arrangement (see above description), while Oceana Palms is a dedicated 2 BR.  Oceana Palms is fancy and newer, though hubby and I prefer Ocean Pointe.  There is a small walking community and you can go out to dinner from both locations without the need of a car.  We would certainly entertain going back at either location.

South Carolina: We've stayed on Hilton Head Island 4 or 5 times and love it there.  Marriott has a rather large presence on the island between the resort, 8 timeshares, and other accommodations in Residence Inn's etc.  We've stayed in 3 of the 8 Marriott Time Shares, and have seen them all from the outside.  All are very nice.  Some are in the harbor area, some on the beach, some on the marsh.  Heritage Club at Harbour Town is the smallest, the quietest and probably our personal favorite.  It's geared much more for adults then children and families.  There's golf there with your stay and hubby really enjoys that.  It's within walking distance to Harbour town, and is inside Sea Pines Plantation.   It's a dedicated 2 BR as all the timeshares on the island are.  A few locations have 3 BR's as well.  It's not on the water, but a short bike ride from the beach.  Grande Ocean is probably the largest and has the most ocean frontage.  We've stayed there a couple of times and would go back.  It's just inside Sea Pines Plantation and within biking distance of Harbor Town.  Marriott's Monarch is another favorite.  It's smaller then Grande Ocean but larger then Heritage, on the beach, in Sea Pines, with easy access.  Monarch is one of the timeshares that offers a 3 BR in addition to the standard 2 BR.

Ocean Watch Villas in Myrtle Beach are dedicated 2 BR, very small; probably the smallest of all the villas we've seen.  The resort itself is quite pretty and the beach is nice; but the people were crabby.  This is the ONLY Marriott we've been to that doesn't give people additional towels at the pool without charging extra.  They have several play areas for children and seemed geared more towards young families then couples or groups.  The buildings are highrises and by the time you pack up gear to go to the pool or the beach and get the elevator down...you're worn out, lol.  You can't really walk or ride a bike anywhere from the resort to eat or shop.  If you want to stay put and play in the sand, or read pool-side this is probably a good match.

Utah: We've stayed at Summit Watch several times and have another trip already booked there.  We've toured Mountain Side also in Park City.  Both of these timeshares are lock-offs so 1 and 2 BR's as well as efficiency's are available.  These, like Breckenridge are ski resorts but great places to visit in summer months.   Park City is easier to get to, just a short drive from The Salt Lake Airport, and there's not an elevation problem to adjust to.  The biggest draw back to both of these locations is no outside feeling while indoors.  There are no balcony's.  Summit Watch is in downtown Park City with access to the mountain from the city lift. Mountain Side is on the mountain, a ski in ski out location.  There are many blog posts with information about the area, as there is much to do and see.  Just type Park City in the search at the top right corner of the blog. Mountain Side is larger, and newer and has more outside space with activities geared towards kids, and a larger pool.  We prefer Summit Watch, a bit more adult oriented, from our perspective.


Virginia: Marriott's Ford's Colony and the Sequel in historic Williamsburg.  Ford's Colony is a dedicated 2 BR and the sequel is a lock-off situation with the 1 and 2 BR's and quest/efficient suite.  The grounds are beautiful, right on the golf course.  There's a golf package based on your length of stay and owner ship level.  The villas are beautiful.  Hubby enjoyed the golf, though I'm not sure this is a location to return to.  The pool at Ford's Colony is very small and over run with screaming children, the pool at the Sequel is larger, but not by much.  It's the only Marriott timeshare we've stayed in without a pool bar.  They sell a few pop-cycles but that's about it.  The resort is nestled in an up-scale neighborhood so you feel like your not vacationing exactly.  You can walk around the resort and neighborhood, but on vacation I'd rather not feel like I'm walking around the block.


Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.
(12, start with 551)

Fairs

Continuing with our a-z challenge, today is all about F.  Fairs!

Always check to see if there's a street fair when you travel.  Often they are free, and or a very minimal fee.  It's always a good time, be it arts, crafts, food, cars or something else.  This street fair took place on the main street in Park City, Utah and it was free.

Park City is generally thought of among skiers, but the summer offers much.  Plenty of outdoor activities.  We've vacationed there often and enjoyed  each and every trip there.  In fact, we have another one on the calendar for the upcoming summer months.

There's lots to see and do for every member of the family.
Here's another post about Park City you might enjoy 

#5, start with 520

Gaudi's Güell Park in Barcelona, Spain

 WOW, even on a cloudy morning, what a view.  We're high up on the hill at Güell Park in Barcelona, Spain.  You can see how densely populated the city is.  Güell Park named for Euseb Güell, a friend a benefactor of Antoni Gaudi'.  In early 1900 there were a half million people in Barcelona and growing.  The world's fair was held there in 1888 which showed the world what a metropolis it was.  Antoni Gaudi' a visionary who believed art should model nature, and in nature there are no straight lines.......nature flows.  The two men were friends and people who wanted to solve a problem.

 The problem, a fast growing Barcelona with noise, pollution and sanitation problems that caused heath problems.  Barcelona was a city of art, of modern new ideas.  They decided to build a housing development.  Well, perhaps the term housing development isn't quite right.  They wanted to build a planned community with 60 triangle shape plots, space for community to gather.  A space that couldn't be more then 1/6th development for the wealthy folks in Barcelona.  Gaudi' the talent and Güell the money behind it all.

 So up on a hill away from the hustle and bustle that was Barcelona the development started.  Lots of tile work, walking paths, gardens, trees, planned viaducts, water collections systems...truly a marvel for it's time.  However,

 Only 1 lot sold and in 1914 Güell discontinued work on the project.  After his death, his family offered the vast lands to the city.

 In 1922 the city acquired the beautiful space and 4 years later opened it as a public park.  Even on an overcast day you can see how brilliant the colors are, how interesting the art work, how unique the buildings are.

 Why didn't it sell?  Transportation.  Even the wealthy had no decent transportation to get from the city to the planned development and then to climb the hill.

 Our fabulous tour guide, Patrick Ducher, whom I've mentioned before, but am again living the link to the wonderful reviews......HERE, knew all the best spots to place Hubby and I for photo's that he took for us.  Thank you Patrick.  Patrick and his group have a superb rating with travel advisor, check it out HERE

 All the pictures you see taken from the top are up these steps, where a large open space exited for parades, festivals and community to gather.  Further up the hillsides was the area were the houses were to be located.

 Mosaics with every possible color of the rainbow.

 One such house, were Gaudi' lived until his death.

 Purposeful art, incorporated into a bench.

Do put this on your list of must things to see when you visit Barcelona, and be sure and arrange a private tour, you'll learn so much more then trying to do this on your own...ask for Patrick, he's awesome!

**REMINDER, please leave the url to your actual blog post, NOT your google+ page, NOT your blogger profile/dashboard page. Use the name and url option, or leave a hyperlink. **After the close of April's A-Z, I plan to continue to write a post a day in the month of May using again the A-B-C's as my guide. My focus for the month of May will be Spain.