Bourbon Legends Evening of Tasting

Bourbon Legends Boxcar!  That's my passport for a local evening of learning about and tasting Bourbons.  Kentucky is Bourbon country, but a temporary Bourbon Trail was set up in downtown Columbus about a month ago.  While the event was free, you did need to register ahead of time and wait for your confirmation of what time to attend.  

A quick walk through a Boxcar gives you some general information regarding how Bourbon is made, as well as history of it during the dark times (prohibition).

Bourbons represented here were:
Maker's Mark
Knob Creek
Jim Beam
and my personal favorite, Basil Hayden's.

Prior to the event I had not tasted Knob Creek or Jim Beam's Bourbon.  Jim Beam was a surprise to me, not because I hadn't heard of it, but because it's quite smooth and tasted better than I anticipated.  I had had it in mixed drinks, but don't believe I had tried it straight.  Since they started aging their bourbon in 1795, it has grown to become the number one bourbon in the world.  7 generations of the family has continued making the bourbon.  It was shut down for 13 years due to Prohibition.  **The photo was a real Edith Ann, the chair really was that big and we had to climb into it!**

Neither hubby or I enjoyed Knob Creek, we thought it seemed quite harsh.  When Prohibition ended in 1933, may distillers tried to cut corners to get their production going as quickly as possible.  One way to do that was to not age the barrels, Knob Creek took the long proven way and has a very full bodied flavor as a result.

Makers Mark is made with soft winter wheat instead of the usual Rye which makes it a very smooth, and to my palette far sweeter bourbon.  The red dipped bottle is their signature.  

Basil Hayden's is a high-rye mash which combines the sweetness of the corn with the spicy undertones of rye.  It's a bit more pricey than the others mentioned above, but when I'm just sipping........I want Basil Hayden's.  When I'm having a Manhattan..I can enjoy less costly Bourbon's.

They had these 2 staged areas where you could get your photo taken (also free, after scanning the front inside of your passport which had our number.  Later with that number we could obtain our photo's on line referencing our number.  Quite an efficient system.

As this is a very cleaver way to market, check to see if your area has one scheduled.  Nice intro to doing the Bourbon Trail.......which is on our list of things to do in the future.

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, 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.

LeVeque Lincoln Tower for the 4th of July Celebration

This past 4th of July hubby and I did something a bit different.  We made hotel reservations at at LeVeque Lincoln, the tall thin white building you see on the left.  This is in downtown Columbus, Ohio.  For many years it was the ONLY sky scraper in the city and you could see it as you traveled north or south of the city, quite a landmark.

It's located at 50 West Broad Street and stands 555 ft and 5 inches tall.  When it was opened in 1927 it was the 5th tallest building in the country.  The Architect was C. Howard Crane.  Through out the history of the building it has held a Theater, a hotel, offices, and apartments.  It is now a part of The Autograph Collection of Marriott Boutique Hotels.

My lobby picture didn't come out very well, so this from The Marriott Webpage.
Notice the stars behind the check in desk.

And the star gazing picture and telescope in our room decor.  

Throughout the hotel and webpage there are many references to Under the Stars, Beneath the Stars...navigate your way to a Luxurious stay.  The hotel has been an aerial lighthouse for Amelia Earhart...the star of the skyline.

Looking at a picture taken at nigh with the top of LeVeque Lincoln Tower being lit, you can certainly see why (though discount those other buildings, as they wouldn't have been there then).  Photo Credit again to Marriott.

 A very spacious and well appointed room.

 Even the vanity in the bathroom is quite attractive

It's rate for me to think a shower is spacial, but this one sure was...very pretty and spacious.

 Before you head back to your room for a night of dreaming under the stars, the staff makes this happen.

I took two pictures so you could see how the galaxy on our ceiling actually changed.  It was very cool.  We came back from watching Red White, and Boom (the fireworks display), had a drink in the bar and we walked into our room, before we turned on the lights this greeted us.  AND after we got ready for bed this continued...not sure how long.  I did purposely stay awake looking up to enjoy it a while before nodding off to sleep.

Marriott's picture of the bar which was too dark for me to get a decent photo that evening.

One of the entrances to where the elevators were going up to the residences.  Look at the detail in this historic building.

AND the gorgeous elevators!

You can tell we were in a perfect spot from this aerial photo of the fireworks...almost behind the huge display in the sky you can make out the LeVeque Lincoln Tower.

A fun way to spend the Holiday!


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.

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens, Portland Oregon

Come walk with me through Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens in Portland, Oregon!  I've never been good at taking a selfie, need more practice, but was trying to show you how pretty the gardens behind me are.

Let's Walk

Across the street is Reed College where my daughter was touring for her job as a college counselor.  So, I occupied myself by enjoying the gardens.  Luckily, we happened to be there on a Monday........and Monday is free!

The location of the gardens is listed as between Reed College and East Moreland Golf Course.  Has 9.49 acres, and 2500 plants of Rhododendron, Azaleas and companion plants.  Many donated, and many purchased with proceeds from entrance fees, which is usually $5.00.  Summer hours are 6 am to 10 pm, from April 1st through Sept 30th.  And while I lucked out and hit it on a free day (just happened, we didn't know), it's well worth the $5.00 fee the rest of the week.

The oldest Rhododendron planted in the garden was planted back in 1917!  The land was originally owned by William S. Ladd, a 2 term major back in the 1800's.  He called it Crystal Springs Farm.  

Students at Reed College historically referred to the area as Shakespeare Island, because college performances of Shakespeare took place there.

It's quite pretty, serene a wonderful place to walk, or have a picnic or just sit in the shade and enjoy the beauty.

There are handicap accessible walkways.

While I missed the prime blooming season, it was still a very enjoyable visit.  Prime blooming season is Late April to mid May.  

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.

The Great Hallelujah Holiday Tour of Churches, Part II

The Trinity Episcopal Church at 125 E. Broad Street was our 2nd church on The Great Hallelujah Holiday Tour of Churches.  It's building was older then First Congregational Church, and more colorful.  In appearance I would say it was perhaps the most unique church.  I loved the domed ceiling and contrast of bright royal blue with the yellow walls.  

This church was built in 1869 and is the oldest building on capital squares , except for the Statehouse. George W. Lloyd, a Detroit architect was born in England.

The church is built in the Gothic Revival style, a romantic Victorian style based upon the buildings in the middle ages. The White Marble alter is patterned after  a 5th century alter in Ravenna, Italy.  Though I recently returned from a fabulous trip to Italy, I did not visit Ravenna.

The church as many outreach type programs and is very involved in assisted homeless in the area and involved with social justice issues of the day; similar to First Congregational Church.

The screens are hand carved...truly gorgeous and very detailed.

Lots of arches and interesting shaped stained glass windows.

This church is known for their carillon bells which were played for us.  We heard them best outside as we made our way to our next stop.  This church is on the National Resister of Historic Places.

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.

The Great Hallelujah Holiday Tour of Churches

This past Saturday, hubby and I attending this years Hallelujah Holiday Tour of Churches.  Despite the fact that it rained the whole day.  There were about 300 of us in attendance.  This annual tour includes beautiful old historic churches in downtown Columbus.  I wonder if other cities have something similar?  At each location someone told us a bit about the history of the church and there was a musical selection or two.  

The first church was First Congregational Church, built in 1931.  Of the four churches, it was the newest; but historically the one that I enjoyed learning about the most.  Located at 444 E. Broad Street.

Look at the beautiful pipes in this large organ.  This is one of two organs in this church.  One also in the back of the church in the balcony area.  The style of this church is Late Gothic Revival, and the  architect, John Russell Pope also designed The Jefferson Memorial and the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC.  He was joined with a local architect, Howard Dwight Smith, who designed Ohio Stadium.  Both men are quite noteworthy, as are the buildings they designed.

The wood carving was beautiful and the stained glass window breathtaking.  I imagine on a day with sun out instead of rain, the light coming through this goregous window would be even more spectacular.  

But what made this church so remarkable to me, it's it's history.  On Sept 24th in 1852, 42 members of the then 2nd Presbyterian Church who were abolitionist, decided they could no longer remain with the congregation.  So with a loan of $1,000.00 started a new church.  Their church was The 3rd Presbyterian Church.  The movement and the church grew, and a new location and new building built.  The also decided the needed a new name, and thus became First Congregational Church.  Through multiple leaders and locations and growth the church always remained keenly involved with social justice issues.  

In 1882 Dr. Washington Gladden led the church.  The many years he led the Church are referred to as The Gladden Years.  He preached a regular sermon and always had a 2nd sermon where he taught and spoke about issues of the day, like proper treatment of Black Americans, proper treatment of workers period.  As a result, The Washington Gladden Social Justice Park was dedicated in his honor and memory, quite recently On Oct 28th, 2018.  This park is the first Social Justice Park in the country.  We plan to return to read all plagues on a day when it's not raining.  The park is next door to The Church.

**Please return to read about the other 3 churches on this wonderful tour, check to see if you have something similar in your area.  AND....yes, I will be getting back to posting about Italy, but given the time of the year...the posts about this Christmas Tour of Churches seems most appropriate.



PLEASE leave me a comment when you come visit, so I know you were here. Your visits and comments are very special to me.

Travel Pot and Running Through the Airport

This is a travel hot pot.  The converted-- I hope you can see has lots of variations so you're good with many types of plugs as you travel.  

A close up of the plug, plus you can see you even have a cover for plug at the end of the cord so it doesn't poke through your luggage...AND, look at the pot.  All nestled in a 4 inch pot.  The pot collapses into itself.

It holds enough water for 2 cups of hot water to make tea or coffee or oatmeal, or hot chocolate in your hotel room.    I was in search of this right after arriving home from Italy.  Unlike Ireland and Scotland, we did not have any coffee service in any of our hotel rooms in Italy.  We like to have a cup while getting dressed and organized for the day.  So, wherever we travel next, we are ready!

Now I need to find appropriate cups that will do well with travel.

And to leave you with a smile.  How's this for a routine on the treadmill?  LOL, seriously if you've not felt this way at some airport during your travels it's miracle.



I'll be returning to posting more about our wonderful trip to Italy with Insight Vacations, so please pop back in.

PLEASE leave me a comment when you come visit, so I know you were here. Your visits and comments are very special to me.

Day 8 Continued, Verona

The City of Verona is the 2nd time we've needed to leave the coach outside the city limits, and seek alternative transportation.  Well actually, the 3rd time.  Once we were able to walk, once we took the train in Pisa and here...apparently the city bus is the transportation.  We're milling about the parking lots while our guide pays for the 40 of us to get in line for the ride into the town center.

Verona has a working Coliseum.  The Arena di Verona built back in the 1st century is still used for life performance, Opera's.  It's located in the Piazza Bra

It's quite large.  We did not tour, but ventured on.  

Verona has interesting architecture throughout the city, but is probably best known for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.  However..........

 Juliet's balcony....What a tourist trap.  Our guide said...I have to take you there, it's part of the "deal".  Then you're on your own, meet back at...whatever our appointed time was to get the city bus again back to the parking lot to our comfy coach.  The wee little balcony you see, speculation has it or perhaps folk lore that this could have been "The Balcony".  However, there isn't proof, or documentation to support that.  It's crowded, as you can see, the courtyard with people reminded me of the scene from Animal House when the drum major leads the band into a dead end alley.

There is no plague, or historic marker to tell you this is something special.  There's lots of notes and graffiti to the left under vines.  The bricks were getting destroyed by notes left..often stuck on with chewing gum.  So the city decided they needed to do something and put up wooden boards and when a panel is full of notes, they remove it and add another panel.  You're suppose to leave a note to Juliet.  It's suppose to be romantic.  One article indicated you could tour the house and stand on the balcony, another article indicated they no longer permit people to stand on the balcony.

 These two pictures aren't photo's I took, but those on line (wiki), where you  get a better feel for the graffiti.

We spent maybe 3 minutes there.  What a huge disappointment!!  There used to be a bronze statue of Juliet, and it was said to be good luck if you rubbed her breast (not making this up, honest).  The statue was getting worn down so was removed and is in a museum.

We decided to explore a bit and Wondered who was being honored here.

Google tells me it's Flavio Tosi, the Mayor of Verona.  Apparently he served the community/area in multiple capacities.  The assumption is, he must have been well liked.

Verona is a medieval town, and it might have been worthwhile to spend time looking around at the buildings, a Basilica perhaps, but we're now off on our comfortable coach making our way to Venice!

I've stressed the words comfortable coach in this post twice...why, because people kept calling it a bus and our driver and tour guide would correct them and say coach..........after taking the city bus to the town center............I see why.  Our comfortable coach was like business class compared to the city bus.

PLEASE leave me a comment when you come visit, so I know you were here. Your visits and comments are very special to me.