Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri

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This statue was the symbol of the city, until replaced with The famous Arch. Apothesis King Louis IX of France resides in Forest Park.

Forest Park:
City owned
Opened to the public in 1876
One of the largest parks in the country
500 acres larger than Central Park in New York (1,293 acres)
Location of The 1904 Worlds Fair
Historic Buildings
Golf...3 courses
Beautiful landscape
Trails for walking, biking, roller blading
Zoo
Art Museum
History Museum (Missouri Historical Society)
Birding paradise
Muny for opera, Shakespeare and more
Science Center
Ice skating rink (largest outdoor rink in the midwest)
fishing, boating, picnicing

No wonder 12 million people visit this fantastic park every year. My post is a bit unusual above, just listing some of things one can do or find to enjoy while visiting Forest Park. Winter, Spring, Summer, or fall....day or night or both. You really must tour this park, and really once is not enough.

I've lost, from computer to computer I think some of the many pictures I took on various trips there. Here though are a few I took at night. I highly encourage everyone, people of all ages, people with or without pets....come romp and enjoy!

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)

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.

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.
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Talisker Mountain, Park City, Utah

Summer, Spring, Winter or Fall Park City Real Estate has it all. Majestic mountain terraine to be enjoyed in any season with quality real estate to fit your every need. Talisker Real Estate Club has 2 decades of luxury development experience throughout Canada, The UK, Bahamas and The US.

Premier Residential development where you can choose a private secluded home, a resort style condo or a townhouse to fit your needs. Whether a young family with small children, a retired couple, or young jet setter this life style is top of the line. Peaceful, private, luxury, and all inclusive. What's more important than you and your family living a life of togetherness in a quality community?

The lists of activities is endless. Swimming, tubing, hiking, water skiing, fishing, birding, horseback riding, golfing or just enjoying the abundance of wild flowers in the warmer months. Colder weather activities include skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding. Shopping and fine dining any time of the year. What to pamper yourself, get a pedicure, manicure, and massage at the spa.

Clubhouses for both the adults and the kiddos. Yes, you read the write clubhouses for the kiddos where they can participate in The Wildstar Rangers program.

Carlisle in Chillicothe, Ohio

Look at the beauty of this by gone era. This fabulous piece of art, (by Michael Warth) shows you what The Carlisle Building looked like, back in the day. Can you picture yourself walking down an un-busy street with parasol in hand? This fabulous building is at the corner of Paint and Main Streets in Chillicothe, Ohio.
A marvelous Pen and Ink drawing also by local artist, Michael Warth who was gracious enough to let me post here on my blog is copyrighted. This unique historical structure has been a part of Chillicothe for many many years. Look at the grandeur of this building so well captured in his art work.
My photo taken about a week ago shows the sad deterioration of the building. In addition to it being empty for a good many years, an arson's fire in 2003 halted a plan to restore it to it's former beauty. The fire caused $600,000 to $700,000 of damage.
When it was built in 1885 it was indeed a crown jewel, with it's unique architectural features. Standing tall it was seen from almost everywhere in Chillicothe. It was at one time the tallest building in the city, and possibly the state, (several different accounts there, so one can't say for certain). Over the years it has served the city with distinction-housing many different businesses. Sadly it seems this 125 year old building will not be preserved. Funds to restore it aren't forthcoming from the absent land owners who let the building continue to stand vacant and fall further into disrepair. Some locals would love to see it restored, others feel the cost is too great. There's some talk that it may become a parking lot for other downtown business, while some feel that would be a waste of space. In many old photo's, post cards and historical views of the city this building is seen. What a pity it appears it will not go forward with the downtown revitalization in Chillicothe.

Do take time, walk and drive by and see this marvelous piece of history before it's too late. Because of the history in the area, Chillicothe has more then it's fair share of places listed as haunted places in Ohio. This building is included, though I did not come across a specific story to tell you about it.

Drive through The Park, (Yoctangee Park), formerly known as City Park and you'll see The Armory, used for many years to train National Guard and protect Chillicothe. The canon in front is a Civil War Canon. Chillicothe is truly full of interesting old architecture, and historic places to visit. I encourage you to take in Chillicothe, the States first Capital. All areas are suitable to all ages.

Other posts of things to see and do while you travel in Chillicothe:
Indian Mound
Courthouse, and site of the first Capital in the State
Eat at Historic and Haunted Cross Keys Tavern
Knoles Log House and Adena

Travel to your local Park

Isn't this a nice view? Wouldn't you like to be there right now? You could. If not here, perhaps in a similar spot in your own neck of the woods. This is Whetstone Park, which is 90 acre metro park in Columbus on the north side just off High Street (Route 23). There is much to see and do here. Plenty of places to run, to walk, to build a fire, to have a picnic, to fish...to just enjoy. Lots of big trees that provide plenty of shade. Take a book, on yarn and sit and enjoy. Listen to the sounds of birds chirping, children playing, people having fun. Every city or town, no matter how large or small has such a place. Green public places. Do you take time to enjoy them? I bet most people are saying no. As much as I like to outdoors, and as close as I am to this lovely park; have to say it's been years since we've gone. What a shame. It's lovely. There are places in the sun if you want to sun yourself, places in the shade, open areas to run with the kids and the pets, paths to walk or run with a stroller perhaps. There picnic tables both in and outside of the shelter houses. 90 acres............it's large, plenty of space. The Park of Roses is also here for those who want to stroll through beautiful gardens.

Walk across the bridge and see the casting ponds on both sides. Stop and enjoy the view.

Check with the community building for a schedule of events like lessons or little competitions for children at the casting ponds. Great entertainment. In the winter these same casting ponds freeze and make a wonderful, and safe place to iceskate. The shelter house has a fireplace to get warm during that season as well.

Look around your fair city, there's something almost in your backyard to explore. Take advantage of it and enjoy. If you're in my neck of the wood............come stroll Whetstone Park with me.

Traveling Books and Parks, with Flat Stanley

Hello My Name is Flat Stanley, and I'm really excited to see you. This is our first adventure in Sandy's Summer Series of Friday Fun with Flat Stanley...me in other words. I'm dancing with joy as you can see, my arms stretched wide to show you how much fun we're going to have, how many places we're going to go, and how much we're gonna learn.
I need a step stool, I'm not tall enough. Will you please remember to pack one on our next trip? This is me outside a library. Now what's not fun about a library? Books on any topic, fun, serious and everything in-between. Did you know most libraries have summer reading programs? AND, did you know you can win cool free things? PLEASE make sure you get signed up, read alot and win neat things. Leave comments, or have Mom leave comments so I know what you read, and what prizes you won. Ask too about story time, you sit on the floor and someone reads a cool story to you.

But wait, there's more. Behind me is a fun park. Let's run and play and jump. Bring along the family pet. How many times do you go normal places like the park or the library and see a sign? Do you stop and read it? If not, why not? Here's my challenge to you. Stop, read and let's learn together.
Now here's a close up of the sign I couldn't reach. On this very spot (currently The Miller Park Library in Upper Arlington, Ohio), is this historic sign (historic...that means old). It talks about how this little community of Upper Arlington was born, sorta. It was planned which is unusual for towns and cities. Most just sorta grow around something. This was planned, streets designed to be curved with lots of green space and trees. It was molded after a place in Kansas. Mom, get a map and show the kids were Kansas is. They wanted to call the community The Country Club District. Doesn't that sound snooty? Miller Park and Library is named after James Miller who was a farmer and had lots of land here.

The sign talks about a Garden Community too. That means a residential area, and to this day there isn't much in the way of business in Upper Arlington. This area was right next to a community called Arlington (present day Marble Cliff), and since this area was north of Arlington it got the name of Upper Arlington. Whew, that's better than Country Club District.

This almost romantic sounded community has some not so nice history. When 2 brothers, named King and Ben Thompson bought some land from Mr. Miller way back in 1913, they had clauses that land couldn't be purchased by Blacks or Jews. It was to be a White Christian Community. Thankfully those clauses have been deemed illegal; but it's important to know history...even if it's not pleasant. Everyone needs to learn from mistakes.

In 1921 this same spot was a Trolley Line. (picture from Wikipedia)
So, it's pretty cool that right where this sign is--there's a story to be told. It was a land office for the farmer Mr. Miller when the two brothers Ben and King Thompson started planning their community, then it was a trolley stop, then it was a library-- the little building behind the car is where the library is. This little community didn't even become a city until 1941!

Kids of all ages can learn from everyday experiences. Think about where you walk, ride your bike, or drive on a regular basis. What's there to see, to explore? I'm betting it's easy to whiz by and miss the details.

This type of summer outdoor activity is suited to everyone, including the family pet. After all everyone likes to go for a walk, or spend time in the park.

Take a regular activity and make it a fun learning activity. If there's a sign, stop and read it. Then take time to learn about it. If children are too young to get involved that way, what do you see on the way? Count how many different flowers there are; then look them up at the library to identify them. Take the numbers represented in the dates add and subtract them. Equate it to something that has meaning. For instants I was born in 1950 so the community is only 9 years older then me. Doing things like this helps put things into perspective and make them more memorable. Take the opportunity to discuss how it isn't fair or nice to exclude certain people because of their skin color or their religion. Use this type of exercise to get out maps, point out where you are and find where you're going. How many miles is it? Again there's a math componet. Draw a picture about what you learned, depending on age write about it. Writing exercises can be fun, and they too can be taylor made to be age appropriate. Summer is a time for fun; but it doesn't mean learning has to stop.

Look for something near you, tell me all about it. That's all for today, but please come back next Friday April 30th, for another adventure.
Flat Stanley out.
**below is small version of me, a 125 x 125; you could add this as a badge to your blog as a reminder to come every Friday and see me. If I can figure out Mr. Linky it might be fun to do this as a meme. What do you think? Add the url of my blog which is: http://travelingsuitcase.blogspot.com/ with this cute badge. Click on me and go to my dedicated page where all our adventures will be listed as links. See ya Soon!
http://travelingsuitcase.blogspot.com/p/friday-fun-with-flat-stanley.html
that's the url for the dedicated page you could as well.