Visual Traveler & Chocolate Blog

​It has been 15 years since renowned architect, Moshe Safdie, addressed local media inside the recently completed Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts - his latest architectural marvel. And I considered myself extremely fortunate to be part of that group as local philanthropist, Julia Irene Dennie-Kauffman, introduced him. For Safdie and Dennie-Kauffman, this grand opening marked the culmination of a years-long project that began with a napkin sketch. 

Every one of us felt awestruck by the four-level expanse of glass walls anchored by pre-cast concrete and stainless steel, inside the Brandmeyer Great Hall, which functions as a stunning lobby for the building. Vast, gorgeous skyline views were part of the visual package too.  

Home to three performing arts groups - the Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and the Kansas City Symphony - this amazing building houses the Muriel Kauffman Theatre and Helzberg Hall amid 285,000 total square feet. The in-house Founder's Lounge restaurant is known for beautiful skyline views and  delicious, gorgeous meals, from ceviche and salads to braised lamb and lobster pasta. Small plates are also available.

During our most recent visit we savored a glass of wine from a bustling, free-standing refreshment station, before a terrific concert with guest vocalists and musicians, and orchestra members, playing Billy Joel and Elton John music. Big fans of merging contemporary music with symphonic expertise, we loved a Queen-inspired concert, the previous spring.

But these are just a few programs at the Kauffman Center, which offers a wide variety of options to suit every taste. Go, for a performance that sparks your interest, and marvel at your breathtaking surroundings!

​Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note some of these photos are older. While they reflected the character of this facility during my visits, specific details may have changed.

The vibrant color palette of this gorgeous green jay immediately captivated me during multiple bird watching activities our travel group enjoyed in and near McAllen, Texas. Typically found in southern Texas, Mexico, and northern Central America, this unusual breed simultaneously displayed several of my all-time favorite colors!

I first encountered this fellow at Quinta Mazatlán - one of nine World Birding Centers sprinkled across the southern part of the state. It's also where our group saw a subtropical brown bird with a whimsical name - chachalaca (cha-cha-LAH-ca) - that echoes its signature 'call.' 

Marcia and Jason Matthews owned the gorgeous 1935 Quinta Mazatlán adobe mansion that greets current guests, for nearly three decades. After housing the Matthews family and then standing vacant for a time, Marilyn and Frank Schultz purchased and owned the home until this World Birding Center opened during 2006.

At other World Birding Centers seagulls soared overhead, and a trio of ducks rested atop partially submerged logs. Occupying 40 acres inside an Edinburg park since 2003, Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center was the first of nine Centers to open. Two-and-a-half miles of walking trails intersect gardens and ponds teaming with wildlife, while seven viewing docks facilitate observing them. A large butterfly habitat and various water features are several other 'draws.' 

At Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, more than 350 bird species have been sighted since its 1962 opening. Multiple trails, viewing stations, and tram tours are available, too. A two-story, wheelchair-accessible tower offers a 360-degree panorama and bilingual exhibits provide bird education. 

Estero Llano Grande State Park offers the largest wetlands environment and some of the most diverse habitats amid valley parks. There's also a large, covered deck with wetlands views and five butterfly gardens, plus multiple ponds, two observation decks, and levee access overlooking the Llano Grande channel.

And this is only for starters. Five additional World Birding Centers in Texas also welcome visitors. Bird lovers - grab your cameras and plan a trip to this avian paradise. You'll cherish every minute!

From the moment I reached the front door, artistry was evident wherever I looked, at The Red Barn Studio Museum, in 'Little Sweden USA' - better known as Lindsborg. One of my favorite places in this small Kansas town, it's full of artist, Lester Raymer's endlessly creative projects across multiple mediums. I especially loved his three dimensional pieces, from a bowl of carved fruit to a massive hanging quilt full of smiling suns and delicate tin hanging snowflakes.

I also appreciate that Raymer was 'The Ultimate Recycler (see slideshow, below),' who often transformed discarded and/or uninteresting items into magnificent pieces of art. His prolific creative endeavors included paintings and prints to ceramics and metalwork. He carved wood and crafted furniture, and also created gorgeous stitchery and jewelry. Spanish and Italian master painters, Southwest and Mexican influences, and folk art all played important roles in his endless sources of inspiration.

A painter and printmaker after studies at the Chicago Art Institute, Raymer also created painted boxes, candlesticks, and other decorative pieces. In addition, toys that he handcrafted for his wife, Ramona, each Christmas, resulted in 56 gifts that spanned three decades. 

​The Red Barn Studio Museum radiates the joy of creation from floor to ceiling, in every room. Be sure to schedule tour time here during your next Lindsborg visit! Admission is free but donations are encouraged.

Last week, I spent an afternoon exploring the demise of RMS Titanic through the traveling exhibit at Kansas City, Missouri's Union Station: Titanic, An Immersive Voyage. 114 years after the massive ship struck an iceberg and quickly sank, its story still fascinates people. Through the course of its travels, the exhibit will have operated in nearly a dozen cities, internationally.

A photo of a water-filled hallway resembled a scene from the 1997 Titanic movie. A fully equipped, antique relay room recalled frantic attempts by ship staff to receive help following the crash. A massive wall depicting the ship's exterior stated that a first class ticket would cost $57,200 today. I walked across a debris laden 'beach' with a clear view of the sinking ship and admired an intact Grand Staircase entrance panel. An amazingly realistic representation of that staircase, and a dimly lit wheelhouse also captivated me. And this was just for starters.

From the Grand Staircase to gilt woodwork and brocade upholstery, both of these museums offered a remarkable portrayal of the ship during my visits. Each museum showcases artifacts inside a replica of the sunken vessel. Longtime L.A. documentary producer, John Joslyn, co-led a $6 million expedition to the site and later toured across the U.S. and Europe with his collection of authentic artifacts.

When he tired of these travels, Joslyn and his wife, Mary Kellogg-Joslyn (previously an Executive Vice President of television for Walt Disney Company) opened Titanic Branson in 2006. Titanic Pigeon Forge followed four years later. Today, World Choice Investments (parent company of Dolly's Stampede) owns and operates these remarkable museums.

During tours at either location, visitors learn fascinating information such as that it took three years to build the ship in Ireland and only five days from departure to its demise. Crystal chandeliers in first class bore the Waterford name, five Steinway pianos occupied Titanic, and the ship served 6,000-10,000 meals per day. We learned language problems alone likely caused the demise of 1/3 of 3rd class passengers, and today's Pigeon Forge museum displays 400+ artifacts valued at more than $4 million. 

For people who - like me - are completely intrigued by the Titanic story, a trip to one of these museums is a must-do!​

Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note these photos are several years old. While they reflected the character of Titanic Pigeon Forge during my visit, specific details may have changed.

Opened in 1937, Wichita, Kansas's iconic Nifty Nut House offers more than 4,000 tasty treat options. And that's before adding in holiday-specific 'extras'!

The wildly popular snack destination's newer building is full of light, with floor-to-ceiling shelves along every wall. House-roasted nuts that fill display cases near the center of the room include fancy mixed combos. Prepare to spend as much as an hour to take in this dizzying array of goodies. You might even find fond childhood memories resurfacing!

But don't let your tour among all these sweet and salty snacks sidetrack you from viewing 1,000 gumball machines displayed high along the wall. Owner and "head nut" at Nifty Nut House, Steve Jahn, has collected them for more than three decades. During one of my visits, local handmade pinatas also decorated the room.

Want another reason to check out the Nifty Nut House during your next Wichita visit? Food Network personality, Alton Brown, even called this amazing snack destination "a national treasure," after his visit.

It had been decades since my most recent previous visit to the magical red rocks around Sedona, Arizona. But last week I spent a couple of days there with a friend and Phoenix resident, while enjoying spectacular weather and stellar blue skies.  ​

Have you ever dreamed of dwelling amid knights and stone archways? Staying in a luxurious Italian villa full of columns and statuary? How about falling asleep in the huge four-post mahogany bed of a Presidential suite - with a hidden door in a library bookcase? What about experiencing a Tahitian Treehouse? Perhaps you would prefer an urban New York Penthouse vibe, or a Colorado Frontier room with wood plank-clad walls.

These are just a few uniquely themed suites - among 56 available - inside the 20+ year old, French-inspired Chateau Avalon Hotel & Spa. My Serengeti room paired African 'wildness' with modern comforts. As I walked in for the first time, a floor-to-ceiling mural full of indigenous wildlife greeted me, including a massive rhino whose face and body appeared almost real. Nestled amid authentic-looking treetops, my queen bed and a flat-screen television awaited at the top of  a rock staircase.

As we entered the hotel, our group admired the massive, iconic Beaumont Fountain, which echoed the hotel's French-influenced exterior. An ornate chandelier and stairway railing in the two-story lobby continued this theme.

Behind the hotel a secluded stone patio with wrought iron furniture flanked cozy landscaping and dense trees, where our group enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. We also checked out the quirky, adjacent d'Nile Lounge, where eight-foot-tall gold Egyptian statues flanked a "quicksand" floor, and a blue-hued cocktail glowed beneath ambient light. The small plate menu perfectly complements customer beverage choices too. 

On my next visit I hope to enjoy more time at d'Nile; plus a hot stone massage and aromatherapy at the hotel's onsite spa - a great way to completely unwind from daily stress. And the best part? It takes less than 25 minutes to reach Chateau Avalon from our home! 

​Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note these photos are several years old. While they reflected the character of Chateau Avalon during my visit, specific details may have changed.

After writing Route 66-related stories for Missouri Life and KANSAS! magazines (watch for upcoming social media links), I began thinking about previous Albuquerque visits. 'ABQ' is home turf for one of my favorite local restaurants, which operates not far from the 'Mother Road.' 

​A giant salsa jar outdoors and near the entrance to El Pinto Restaurant & Cantina intrigued me. Inside, hanging chiles and massive ceiling beams decorated the hacienda-style building and adobe-wrapped patios.

Jack and Connie Thomas opened El Pinto in 1962, to share authentic recipes from her mother, Josephina Chavez-Griggs. Think classic New Mexican Hatch Chile & Chicharrons, Posole, Huevos Rancheros or Chicken Enchiladas  plus complementary cocktails from among 17 tequila, mezcal and margarita options.

By 1989 the couple's twin sons, Jim and John, took over and expanded the business. Today, New Mexico's largest restaurant serves 1,200 guests amid five patios, three dining rooms, and a cantina.  

In addition, El Pinto's delicious, authentic ​salsa and green chile sauce incorporate more than 100 tons of chiles annually before shipping to grocery stores, nationwide. Crafted onsite since 2001, their salsa has received dozens of awards with recognition from ESPN and the Food Network, to name a few.

It's a perfect place for a memorable meal and a 'must-return' stop on my next Albuquerque visit.

Although this isn't the first time I've written about the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, here you will 'experience' the event through images created during our visit, 15+ years ago. Albuquerque's biggest annual 'party' is a feast for the eyes and imagination. In fact, this 'ballooning capital of the world' draws approximately one million people annually.

Gorgeous skies and chilly but pleasant temperatures accompanied our visit. We also enjoyed front-row seats and gourmet meals via special Gondola Club VIP passes, providing extra access to ground operations and fewer crowds jockeying for perfect views. This 'extra ticket' was well worth the splurge!

After sunset, dozens of flattened balloons lined a field beneath sun-tipped clouds and deep purple mountains. Burners ignited, casting temporary light across the darkening landscape while slowly inflating the balloons. A ‘whooshing’ sound accompanied each new blast of air as it entered a balloon. Dancing like giant fireflies, a crimson 'Spiderman' hot air balloon rose beside one with brilliant rainbow stripes, as crowds circulated amid the sea of rip stop nylon.   

Before one sunrise, we hopped a shuttle to the field where more balloons expanded, as flame-generated air filled them. Walking through multi-colored corridors of curved and rippling fabric - before the first flight of the day - felt like walking through a giant children's storybook. 

As dozens of hot air balloons took flight they created an ever-changing kaleidoscope. Amid a cobalt sky they rose like popcorn on a stove, clustering closely before drifting apart. Some flew low enough for passengers to converse with us, while others were only colorful blips on the horizon. Castles to pigs and wicked witches interspersed with more ‘traditional’ balloons in a magical, dizzying array of color and pattern. 

Want to enjoy a hot air balloon ride, yourself? Check out several Albuquerque opportunities here. You can also learn more about Albuquerque's history of hot air ballooning at the gorgeous Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum.

With plenty of time before meeting the rest of my media group for dinner, I took a leisurely stroll along San Antonio River Walk. Everywhere I looked bright, papel picado fluttered in a warm breeze, celebrating the 11-day annual Fiesta® San Antonio. What began as the Battle of the Flowers to honor Texas heroes, in 1891, today's Fiesta incorporates more than 100 unique events that draw spectators from across the city, nation and globe. 

Along my walk, musicians played from a riverfront restaurant patio as visitors took selfies from an arched and decorated stone footbridge across the water. I then returned to my spacious room at historic and elegant The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, where I found fresh ingredients and a recipe for a margarita. 

Not long after enjoying my in-room cocktail, our group sat down to dinner as 2017 Texas Cavaliers King - Dr. Michael A. Casillas - regaled us with fun facts about their organization's annual Texas Cavaliers River Parade. We then attended this celebration the following night. Our parade evening food, festivities, and live music (see brief video, below) accompanied riverfront seats, where float lights sparkled across the water after sunset.

​During our multi-day visit we also learned to make paper flowers while admiring the expertise of craftspeople who created delicate and beautiful ​cascarones (hollowed-out, dyed chicken eggs filled with confetti). That's when we learned having a cascarone break on your head is considered good luck.

Delicious dining and exploring historic sites enhanced our San Antonio trip, but participating in Fiesta is what stole my heart! 

​​​​Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

Simultaneously regal and imposing, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac stood before me as it had decades earlier, during a childhood family visit to Québec City. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this lovely historic hotel also has an impressive 'eco-footprint.' Environmental efforts have included elimination of all single use plastics (2023), rooftop bee hives, and a move towards carbon neutrality for the property. 

But my media visit actually began at the front desk for our host hotel. As French words tumbled from my mouth, I marveled that I had crafted a complete sentence in a language I had rarely spoken in several decades. “Je m’appelle Lisa Waterman Gray et je suis ici avec Québec tourisme (My name is Lisa Waterman Gray and I am here with Québec tourism).” The hotel receptionist nodded immediately and began searching for my reservation.
 
“Parlez vous Français? (Do you speak French?),” asked a lovely women standing nearby. “Un petit peu (A little bit),” I said. She immediately shifted to English. “You speak it very well – and with no accent. I am the hotel manager and we will be meeting for dinner again tonight.” We shook hands and spoke briefly about the evening’s schedule before I headed to my room.

I loved walking through old Québec City during this multi-day visit, listening to lilting conversational French between shopkeepers and customers, and occasionally speaking a bit of the language, myself.  Dozens of artisan shops and boutiques lined the city's narrow streets, where French and English building foundations dated from the 1600s.

I savored cheese samples at a gourmet grocery store, devoured freshly baked pastry from another shop, and appreciated the 'clip clop' sound of hooves from a horse-drawn carriage in the square. My footfalls also reverberated against the broad, waterfront boardwalk with its views of slowly passing boats and occasional vendors.  

​By the time we left Québec City to explore other areas of Québec Province, I knew I would have no problem spending several days here again - on my next visit. 

​​​Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

Please note these photos were taken 10+ years ago. While they reflected the character of Québec City during my visit, specific details may have changed.

On a frigid fall day, our small media group pulled on tall waders and walked through ripe Wisconsin cranberry bogs that stretched to the horizon, as workers gently harvested the fruit before loading it into enormous trucks. We then traded our protective gear for warm vehicles. We had just experienced the state's cranberry culture.

More than 200 growers in this "Cranberry Capital of the World” produce 60% (or more!) of the nation's cranberry crop each fall, with annual production as high as 5.01 million barrels. Quebec is the world's second largest cranberry growing region, harvesting about 2.5 million barrels each year.

New cranberry vines typically yield fruit for the first time in three to five years, and some Wisconsin vines are 50 to 60 years old. The best soil includes sand and/or peat and access to water is also important for optimal growth. Although these vines like hot, humid summers and cold winters, cranberry growers create an ice layer to protect plants, when the temperature dips below zero. 

​Three Wisconsin Ocean Spray plants create sweetened dried cranberries and concentrate. At its peak, the Wisconsin Rapids plant processes 500,000-600,000 pounds of berries daily using strict quality control. Cranberry hulls become cattle feed, and 90% landfill gas fuels the plant.

Scheduled by a Des Moines p.r. firm during a different visit, one of my favorite 'cranberry culture' experiences was a 'Splash of Red Cranberry Tour' provided by students from Pittsville High School's Local Foods Class. We boarded a bus and individual kids filled us in on every aspect of cranberries. We toured a marsh under production and observed harvesting, testing, cleaning, and freezing of the berries. Covering the history of the cranberry industry and how it has evolved, their school curriculum prepared them well to discuss plant anatomy, growth, nutrition, and diseases. 

For a big dose of Wisconsin's cranberry culture, visit  the Warrens Cranberry Festival, which commemorated its 50th anniversary in 2023. The free event celebrates cranberries with arts and crafts, over 100 farm market vendors and a variety of food stands serving unique and delicious cranberry treats. 

My family lived outside Oakland, California for about 18 months during elementary school and occasionally visited San Francisco. And Fisherman's Wharf had long captivated me. So, after a media trip to northern California's wine country* I happily explored the 'neighborhood' for a day before flying home. 

I arrived on a cool, sunny February afternoon, stashed my luggage at the Best Western Tuscan Inn at Fisherman's Wharf and headed out on foot. As a chilly breeze swept through the area, I purchased woven gloves from a street vendor. Then I explored for several hours. 

I grinned as Lombard Street, Coit Tower, and Alcatraz Island each came into view, and the city's renowned cable cars passed me. I visited a wine shop and admired a vintage carousel. I giggled as a crowd of sea lions lounged beside a sign that said 'No Docking,' and paused to enjoy several street musicians. I followed my nose to Boudin Bakery, known for sourdough bread since 1849, and grabbed a luscious scoop at The Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop. As sunlight dimmed, I returned to my hotel for appetizers and cocktails. 
​​
Early the next morning I walked through the neighborhood again. Amid foggy mist, fishing boats awaited crews, and live crabs awaited customers at Alioto - Lazio Fish Co. In Ghirardelli Square I encountered pallets of product, ready for unloading. I finally made my way to The Buena Vista cafe to sample its legendary Irish coffee, amid dark, 1916 wood and a multicolored tile bar backsplash. 

Two hours later my rideshare arrived at the hotel and we headed towards San Francisco International Airport. It couldn't have been a better 24 hours. 

*Please note: This trip occurred more than a decade ago so some images may be dated.*

Gulf Coast waters were as smooth as glass when I arrived for dinner at Doc's Seafood & Steaks on Padre Island more than a decade ago. The entire back wall of this expansive, bustling casual restaurant opened to deck seating and gorgeous views. 

Assigned to write a AAA story about Padre Island National Seashore, I drove eight hours to Dallas from my Overland Park, Kansas home, where I spent the night with friends. On the following day, I traveled 6 1/2 hours before finally reaching Padre Island.

By the time I saw the shoreline I was soooo ready to ditch my car for a brief barefoot walk in the surf, plus a margarita and fish tacos beside the water. I slept very soundly that night too, in my Corpus Christi hotel.

The next day I spent several hours at the Seashore where a beautiful wooden deck flanked the Malaquite Visitor Center. Nearby, gentle waves and a fine, sandy beach invited leisurely strolls. A flock of gulls created a large 'V' in the sky and smaller birds tiptoed across damp sand. ​Dinner at Doc's capped off the day, although I don't remember my specific meal.

I do remember checking the weather forecast frequently and deciding I should leave the area by early the following morning - despite initially reserving my hotel room for three nights. My Dallas friends would graciously host me one night earlier than we originally anticipated. And, after one last early morning walk on the beach I hit the road.

It was a good thing I listened to my gut about weather and my upcoming drive. As it turned out massive rain storms inundated the area along my route, after I passed by beneath cloudy skies. 

​Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

If you follow me on Facebook you already know I recently booked my first trip in about 20 years, to Sedona (with a good friend from Phoenix). During late March we'll stay in and explore Prescott, plus Jerome, on our way to Sedona.

But Arizona has drawn me many times before. As our older daughter, Jessica, attended Arizona State University the two of us visited Sedona and explored the university city of Tempe several times.

I also drove from Albuquerque to multiple Arizona sites while writing a AAA story about important places in the state for American Indians (see above photo from that drive). My other AAA stories described a Tucson dude ranch, and that city's designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

During every visit, the surrounding landscape has delighted me - from red rocks and ancient valleys to saguaro cacti and brilliant blue skies. See if you don't agree while viewing my slideshow, below. 

​Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

Last year, the anniversary for when the beloved Peanuts comic strip began reached its 75th birthday. And I recently toured a display honoring the iconic 'strip,' at the Hallmark Visitors Center. 

​It was a must-visit destination for this girl whose Mom was a Peanuts fan from the moment the comic began. I had also recently found a 25-year-old copy of the final strip from the Kansas City Star newspaper, in a random drawer. When I donated it to the Visitors Center, they printed several copies for me to  keep.

But why was the Peanuts display created here? That's because Charles Schultz and Hallmark long worked together to create greeting cards, plush toys, Christmas tree ornaments, books, and other items reflecting Schultz's whimsical, loveable characters. The Visitors Center also sits near Hallmark's global headquarters building.

Even longtime Peanuts fans can learn something new here. For instance, did you know Schulz originally wanted to call his comic strip L'il Folks? And that the Charlie Brown character reflected many feelings and experiences of the creator, himself?

Open little doors in the Peanuts Gang Fun Facts area to pick up more interesting info about individual characters and the comic strip as a whole. More enlightenment lies behind doors in the Peanuts Family Tree display. Touring this exhibit provided me with plenty of 'warm fuzzies' and happy memories.

Although there is no specific closing date for the FREE Peanuts exhibit, it will likely run well into 2026. Additional exhibits that reflect Hallmark's creative history are also open. Call Hallmark Visitors Center before going, to verify current hours of operation.

​As part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition The Parthenon was created in Nashville during 1897 – echoing the city’s nickname, ‘Athens of the South.' By 1920 this full-scale replica of the original Parthenon had become a permanent local fixture. The building was – and remains – the world’s only full-size, fully detailed re-creation of the ancient Greek temple dedicated to Athena, which was built in Athens between 447 and 438 BCE.
 
In 1982, Nashville commissioned a replica statue of the original Athena Parthenos. Local artist and native, Alan LeQuire, created the massive white statue from gypsum cement and fiberglass. At 42 feet in height, it was the tallest indoor sculpture in the western world.
 
But this incredible statue received a major facelift during 2002, when LeQuire and master gilder, Lou Reed, oversaw application of more than eight pounds of 23.75-karat gold leaf to its surface. They also painted facial, wardrobe, and shield details, across the statue’s surface.
 
At 15 feet in diameter, Athena's shield depicts ancient battles of the era in ‘high relief.’ One painting depicts confrontation between Greeks and Amazons, and another image illustrates assistance Athena offered Perseus to slay Medusa. An image of Medusa also decorates Athena’s breastplate. Inside the shield, another painting portrays the supremacy battle between Olympians and the Giants or Titans.

​This is a breathtaking sculpture, inside an equally incredible building!
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Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

In May 1974 renowned Native American artist, Blackbear Bosin, donated a steel sculpture standing atop a massive rock base, to the city of Wichita, Kansas. Dubbed Keeper of the Plains, this stunning 44-foot-tall statue crafted from Cor-Ten steel stands near the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers.
 
Long considered a focal point amid the city’s restored riverfront, the initial symbolism of this jaw-dropping sculpture was two-fold. It simultaneously commemorated the United States Bicentennial, as it honored The Great Spirit revered by many tribal people. Nearby plantings of sage, medicinal herbs, and prairie grasses, plus an information wall, further honor the Native American and Plains Indians way of life.

With waterfront renovation came a new pedestal for ‘the Keeper’ that raised it an additional 30 feet. Two, more recently created footbridges also provide easier public access to the site. 
 
Visitors are welcome to Keeper of the Plains at no charge, year-round. For a truly magical experience, stop by near sunset (weather permitting). That's when fire drums among surrounding boulders resonate for 15 minutes as a dramatic Ring of Fire springs to life.

This is a must-see installation when visiting Kansas’s largest city!   

In northeast Kansas - the Sunflower State - this iconic flower blooms for a short time each summer. One of the best places to see a remarkable annual display of these gorgeous plants is at Grinter Farms near the town of Lawrence - home to the University of Kansas.

At its peak, the farm hosts 40 acres of giant sunflowers, which typically bloom for a couple of weeks in late August to early September. And these fields are so widely renowned that visitors come from across the globe to see them.

Although the drive from my Overland Park, KS home to Grinter Farms takes less than 40 minutes, parking can be really challenging for all but the earliest visitors. So my friend Ellen, and I, departed our homes at 7:30 a.m. It wasn't a bad choice in terms of the hot weather, either! A short walk from the car put us amid thousands of these bright, cheerful flowers, with some plants soaring several feet above us.

However, we arrived too early to enjoy the Sunflower General Store. In season, the shop offers a broad selection of sunflower-logoed water bottles and jewelry to enormous wall art. You might also find luscious homemade cinnamon rolls, creamy body butter, and even some Kansas City Chiefs memorabilia.

Seeing these sunflowers was truly memorable and well worth the effort. Put this on your must-do list for 2026!

​Top photo: I made the pale blue ornament in this pretty lineup.
Lower photo: Crafted during my second visit, this paperweight has decorated my home office desk ever since it was cooled and shipped to me.
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I first visited this lovely glass blowing shop at Coastal Arts Center while enjoying a trip created by Geiger and Associates Public Relations, more than a decade ago. A second trip to the area - this time with Mindy Bianca Public Relations - provided another opportunity to flex my creativity under the direction of highly skilled staff at The Hot Shop. During both visits, I loved how my experiences here ignited the artistic side of my personality.

Opened in 2009, The Hot Shop's friendly and knowledgeable staff guides visitors during public weekday 'Make Your Own' sessions (fee required), resulting in ornaments to home wall displays. Additional opportunities include a Private Glass Blowing Class (the Make Your Own class is a prerequisite), a Sun Catcher Fused Glass Project, Glass Fusing, and Lamp Work. Because each completed piece must slowly cool for 24 hours before a guest takes it home, shipping is also available.

Safety considerations are paramount in this studio. Kids may participate from age eight with adult companions. Guests must wear closed-toe shoes, and cotton versus synthetic clothing is highly recommended because synthetics are more flammable.

The next time you visit Orange Beach, Alabama, set aside some time at The Hot Shop. You'll love the results.

​Above: The Coastal Arts Center

With thanks to Sara Martin, Director of Strategic Communications, Mindy Bianca Public Relations, for taking so many of these 'action photos.'

Disclaimer: As a travel writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.