Whetstone Park of Roses

The well known and loved poem appears on this boulder in The Whetstone Park of Roses in Columbus, Ohio.  The Park of Roses is a beautiful spot to spend time, enjoy the walk, the scents of the many flowers...not just roses; as well as a place to host a wedding.  It's located in the center of The Whetstone Park at 3923 North High Street Columbus, Ohio  43214.

The Poem: In A Garden
The Kiss of the sun
For Pardon
The song of the birds
For mirth
One is nearer God's Heart
Then anywhere else
On Earth

A lovely poem.

 There are roses a plenty, in fact 11,000 rose bushes, though my last walk wasn't during their peak season, it was still very enjoyable and pretty.  There are rose specific areas, perineals, and herb gardens. 

 Some bushes were about to burst open

 others were on their way out.  The old fashions roses tend to be the earlier bloomers and smell heavenly as you walk.  The hybrids tend to bloom later.

 The Rose Park is free and open to the public.  It covers 13 acres.

In summer months on Sunday evenings you can enjoy various community music programs.  The park is one of the largest municipal rose gardens in the United States.  It began as a dream back in 1951 with members of both The Columbus Rose Club and The Central Ohio Rose Society with a committee included then mayor, James A Rhodes.  A name you probably know for a very sad event later when he was Governor and sent armed Reserves against the students on that fatal day at Kent State University.

In April of 1952 City Council passed an ordinance and issued bonds, obtained an architect, formed an advisory team and with the help of The Columbus Park and Rec Department the project took flight in June of 1952.  In January of 1954 The American Rose Society joined forces and moved it's National Headquarters from Pennsylvania to Columbus on the edge of the park.  The American Rose Society remained there until moving it's offices in 1974 to Shreveport, Louisiana.

Picnic with the family in the park, ride bikes and be sure to leave time to tour the gardens.  Many weddings are held in the park.  You can reserve spaces for 2 hour intervals at a cost of $500.00.

This is only 1 of the 4 special areas with a picturesque backdrop for your wedding photo's.  When hubby and I got married here 41 years ago come June 17th, there was only 1 special spot without any real rental or reservation program.  It is more organized now, certainly more specialist and upscale; but I'm glad we were able to be married there without that price tag.  We selected a spot, chairs were assembled and we walked among the trees for shade and got married!  It was a beautiful day.  Take a tour on my wedding day back in 1972, In The Rose Garden 

**Still having issues with google+ blocking EVERYONE who is not a google+ member.  Many bloggers still don't realize Blogger, Disgus, Wordpress etc.and all other blogs are unable to comment.  Carol Kilgore, (No filter between brain and mouth) I'd love to visit and comment again, but can't due to your google+ settings.  If you get them fixed, please let us know and we'll add you back to the blog log.**


Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations. (BL7)

A Month Long Blog Challenge

The month of April presented with a blog challenge to blog everyday, in alphabetical order.  You could choice a theme or make your post without a theme.  Obviously my posts here were all travel related.  Additionally you were to make at least 5 visits and day to other blogs in the challenge, read their post and leave comments.  Taking Sunday's off you end up with 26 days for 26 letters.  Below is the complete A-Z listing of blogs written for the challenge for this blog.

**Been trying to re-visit everyone on the blog list, it seems some of you have changed your blogs now that the challenge is over?  For some, you can only leave comments if you've joined google+.  That really limits you, you might want to change that.  Made contact with one person who didn't know it had been changed for her by google.  So, Carol Kilgore, hope you see this and are able to change your settings.**

If you missed any, please do pop in and read, and let me know you were here.  Just because the challenge is over; doesn't mean we need to stop our blog visits.

Hope you'll see something below that strikes your fancy.


A=Aruba 
B=Bluffton and Beaufort 
C=Crystal Cove California 
D=Palm Desert California
E=Efficiency's Safe Money When Traveling
F=Fairs
G=Beaufort Natl. Cemetery (Graveyard)
H=Huntington Beach, CA
I=Isla Navidad, Mexico
J=Making the Journey Count
K=What to do With the Kids
L=Loopy Road Leads to Landmark
M=Marriott Time Shares
N=Marriott Newport Coast Villas, CA
O=Ocean Pointe, Palm Beach Shores, Florida
P=Provost Dungeon Charleston SC
Q=Quilts, more then a Blanket
R=Reasons to Take Vacations
S=Sunsets Newport Coast, CA
T=Temple Square, Salt Lake City
U=Ullr in Breckenridge
V=Villa Paraiso Mexico
W=Thornton Winery
X=X Out Your List
Y=Yellowstone National Park
Z=Zion National Park

Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations. (18)

Temple Square, Salt Lake City Utah

(T post)
Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City is totally surrounded by large heavy ironed fences.  Though the grounds are "opened" to the public for tours, you may not enter on your own.  You must be part of a tour group and be escorted at all times.

This is the site that most think of when they think of The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, but this is not the Tabernacle, this is The Salt Lake City Temple which is in the center of the 10 acres square.  This is the largest of the 140 temples.  You do not get to tour even with your escort inside this building.  In fact, not all Mormons are permitted to enter this building.  It is considered very sacred and one must have a temple recommend to enter it's premises.  The requirements, as I understand them are to be baptized and request a recommend one year later.  You are then interviewed by a Bishop and the Stake President to determine your "worthiness".  There are different types/levels of recommends; but from my research it seems generally a recommend is good for a period of two years provided all conditions are still meant.

A little better view, it's not easy to get a good picture.  The sealing of spouses, and children to parents takes place in the Temple.  Sealing is an additional ceremony joining couples which means they are married, even after death vs a civil marriage which is til death to us part.  It's possible to be sealed to multiple spouses, even if a divorce has taken place.  So, while the official church stance is that they do not support plural marriages in this day and age; some argue that to be incorrect.  Not all Mormons practice sealing, therefore without being sealed and or having a recommend, not all Mormons can enter the Temple.

This is the beginning of Mormon Tabernacle Choir practice, the main reason for our signing up for the tour.  We were very disappointed.  We were permitted only a very short stay to hear the choir.  The Tabernacle is open to all; but at no point are you permitted to look or tour on your own.  It's frankly, a rather uncomfortable feeling.  There are so many guides and helpers, and other volunteers there you feel they are watching your every move.

The grounds are beautiful, with flower beds everywhere, water falls and sculptures.  DD and I sat down on a bench to check time, review the map and determine when and where we might want to eat.  In those few brief minutes we were interrupted 3-4 times by 3-4 different "watchers".  Did I mention, uncomfortable.

Inside The Assembly Hall, the 3rd area in the square is a large display of religious paintings.  They are floor to ceiling as you can see and are quite impressive.

I've forgotten how large this sculpture is, but believe it's about 3 x life size.  It's surrounded by circle seating.  During our tour (assume this is standard), everyone had to sit while some preaching went on.  I don't know if they actually tell their tour guides to convert people, but it certainly seemed that was the primary goal.

This was probably my favorite of the many outdoor sculpture depicting a family and handcart.  It a memorial to the hardy Mormons who walked pulling and pushing their belongings 1,350 miles from Iowa City to Salt Lake in 1850.  Nearly 3,000 completed the journey, though 250 died in route.  Many of the 1,350 were British Converts.

We signed up to hear the choir practice while staying in Park City, at Marriott's Summit Watch.  They provide transportation from the resort to Temple Square and back for a reasonable fee.  The tour was not at all what we thought we were signing up for, and therefore we were very disappointed.   Had we known the nature of tour, we probably would not have gone.  Still, being prepared with the right expectations, can make a difference in your level of enjoyment in any activity.  So, if you go; be better prepared and know you're not going to get to hear much of the choir and or learn much about the choir...that it's primarily to tell you how wonderful being a Mormon is.  The tour description really didn't convey that.

I would not recommend doing this with small children.  I believe it was about a 6 hour field trip from the resort, and best geared towards adults wearing good walking shoes.  The other item worth noting is everywhere you go, even to eat is church related with Mormon murals on the walls....really over loaded if you're comfortable with your own religious choice.   You're pretty restricted how far you can venture there in downtown Salt Lake, in order to get back in time to hear the choir, even for a short while before the bus ride back to the resort.
 
Pop in Often, remember Menu Mondays for dining tips, Traveling Tips on Thursday, and any day for vacation destinations.
(5)

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

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.

Traveling Memories

I am reminded of travels here and there even when decorating my Christmas Tree. Yes, we're past Christmas and decorations have been put away. But, as I was un-decorating snapped a few photo's of some of my favorite ornaments. Some are newer then others. Some tell you about where we were when I picked them out, others maybe a bit more about me, my habits.......the things I like. A martini glass....I do love Martini's, sometimes I drink a Dirty Martini (thus the olives), other times a LemonDrop. I love making them too, so this ornament is most fitting. Purchased this past summer while vacationing in Park City, Utah. Lots of info about Park City Check it out if you're heading that direction or are looking for an idea of where to do.
Hilton Head Harbor Light House on the left and a fun Christmas Duck on a sailboat from Lake Erie (Ohio) on the right. Lots of posts for both Hilton Head and Ohio. Need information, want ideas of what to see, where to eat? Try these links to get started. There's plenty more, simply type in the words Ohio and or Hilton Head in the blog's search feature.
This is probably self explanatory here...The Fabulous Grand Canyon.
You might have to give this one some thought. P-Town, Provincetown, Mass. This trip was quite some time ago. To date, I've not added any posts from there.
Bison Bison...Colorado from a trip many years ago.
Zion National Park in Utah, what an awesome place.
A Dorey, from Connecticut. Another trip from long ago without representation yet here on the blog.

Doesn't this make you want to explore? So many places to go, so many suitcases to pack. Save yourself some time and do some virtual travel right here on Traveling Suitcase.

Include Art Festivals in your Travels

Got a shovel, a rusted rake and screw drivers you don't know what to do with? Fred Jacobs of Lima Ohio (41-222-3659) uses his creative mojo to make something fun, interesting and useable. This is re-purposed, re-cycled, clever and a favorite item I recently saw at Upper Arlington Labor Neighbor Day and Arts Festival. I got his business card and had his permission to photograph his work. Assumed his business card would have his webpage url, sorry to say it doesn't. The Card reads Visions and Memories Fred Jacobs. I wasn't able to find him listed when I googled his name or Visions and Memories. There were lots of metal sculptures present at The Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival. We traveled...lol, walking distance from the house for this event; but I do highly recommend it, and all arts festivals in your travels. We've been luck in our travels to hit one in Park City a few months ago, one in Breckenridge last summer and others. Check with your hotel desk staff to see what's in your area while you vacation. Support local artists. 99% of you will purchase souvenirs of your trips, why not make it art from a local artist while you're at it.
I considered buying this little guy (not the same artist). I didn't see business cards for this artist to share with you. Many of the metal scuptures were large and would be awesome in a beautiful garden, this one I thought might be cute sitting on my deck....and I love a good martini. Perhaps we'll come across this little frog another time in another arts festival. Cat lower right right is pretty cute too.
Hey Gator fans......think you need this one for your front yard. lol This is the same artist as the frog.
Pinon Designs. This Red Creek Agate looks great around my neck. I like interesting, and unique jewelry pieces. This is the 2nd necklace I've purchased this summer at art festivals. Leslie Heath and Christian Wig are the artists listed. Though no website is listed there is an email ccwig@bright.net.
This year the festival was held on September 5th from 10 am to 5 pm. It is always a free event with something for everyone. Often it's hot and dusty, this year it was cool and overcast; but that didn't stop the festival goers. It threaten rain all day; but luckily we all stayed dry.
Plenty of space to move around, to enjoy the art, to sit down and enjoy a snack or just rest your feet a bit. There were children's activities scattered about. Hands on art activities for the kids, face painting, bike races in the morning, a pet show and a family Wiffle Ball Tournament.
Neighbors catch up and celebrate the end of summer, the beginning of fall.
You can tell I was into the metal art this year, look at this Bumble Bee...........how cute he'd look in a nice large garden area. This years event had 350 applicants with 200 fine art, fine craft artists being selected to participate in this one day blind juried event. Mark your calendars for next and add this to your Labor Day list of things to do.

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.