Aria Resort and Casino. Las Vegas, NV. (Taken by me, Sept. ’12)
Amazing architecture and larger-than-life spaces are everywhere in Las Vegas. We walked around Aria Resort and Casino last weekend, and I loved the dramatic, massive structures that surrounded us.
This week, let’s all try to notice our surroundings and appreciate what makes our particular corner of the world–whether that’s Las Vegas or elsewhere–so unique.
On our recent trip to Chicago, we made sure to spend some time at one of the city’s iconic institutions, the Field Museum. From ancient Egypt to dinosaurs to rocks and gems, this natural history museum offers visitors some awe-inspiring learning opportunities that can’t be found just anywhere.
1. A T-Rex named Sue: This is the largest, most complete, and best preserved tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered. Located in the museum’s central corridor, she is impossible to miss.
2. Prehistoric animals you’ve never heard of before: The Evolving Planet exhibit will take you on a journey through the history of life on earth. My favorite was the very tall Giant Ground Sloth, which lived during the Quaternary period.
3. All that sparkles is not gold…sometimes it’s a gem: The Hall of Gems and the Hall of Jades are impressive, but it may surprise you to discover that only 3% of the museum’s geological collection is actually on display!
4. Special exhibits: From Extreme Mammals to Genghis Khan, the Field Museum offers special exhibits that appeal to a wide audience. Check out the museum’s website to find out which exhibits are appropriate for which age groups.
5. Beautiful architecture: The neo-classical Field Museum is magnificent. The museum opened to the public in its current location in 1921, after six years of construction and some discussions with the military concerning using the building as a hospital during World War I. Chicago is one of the architectural capitals of the world, so make sure you observe your surroundings both at the Field Museum and elsewhere in Chicago. To read more about the Field Museum from an architectural perspective, click here.
Have another reason why the Field Museum is worth a visit? Tell us about it in the comments section.
Las Vegas still seems pretty foreign to me in more ways than one. In particular, it strikes me as odd that it’s essentially in the middle of nowhere. This is so different from Missouri where you can drive across the state on I-70 and go from city to suburban sprawl to small town to suburbs and so forth until you’ve reached the other side of the state. It was the same way in central Texas: the suburbs of San Antonio gave way to the suburbs of Austin without any true middle-of-nowhere in between the two cities.
But drive northwest from Las Vegas on 95 and you’ll be out there surrounded by interminable desert. A little over two hours into the trip, you’ll find the small town of Beatty. And finally, a few minutes away, you’ll see a sign marking the entrance to the ghost town of Rhyolite.
The town of Rhyolite was laid out in 1905 and existed thanks to the mining industry. But by 1911, the mine had closed after production fell. From there, things deteriorated pretty quickly, and by 1924 it was official: Rhyolite was a ghost town.
One of the most note-worthy structures in Rhyolite is the house made of glass bottles. Built in 1905 by Tom Kelly, it has stood the test of time with the help of some restoration work in 1925 and 2005.
In addition to checking out the ghost town, you’ll also want to stop by the Goldwell Open Air Museum, which features seven large-scale sculptures set in the dramatic desert landscape. Stay tuned for more on that later this week.
If you plan on heading out to any of these sights, make sure to bring a map, lots of water, and some snacks. Enjoy!
During our travels to Missouri and Illinois this summer, we finally took E. to see the Gateway Arch. It’s crazy to think of all the times we’ve visited St. Louis, but haven’t made time to act like tourists!
Here are a few tips to keep in mind during your visit to the top of the monument:
Ticket Times: Don’t get too excited. When you see that it’s a busy day at the Arch, you might be surprised to find that your assigned tram time is only minutes away. However, keep in mind that you’ll do some additional waiting even after you report to the north or south tram line. First, you’ll need to wait to get your boarding pass, then you’ll wait again for your tram group to be called, and then you’ll watch a short film while waiting to board. In other words, bring something along to keep the kids entertained!
Restrooms and the “Point of No Return”: As I’m sure you can imagine, there aren’t restrooms at the top of the Arch. There aren’t any near the tram loading area either, so use the ones near the ticket counter when you have the chance. Also, be prepared for your child to announce, “I have to pee,” as soon as you step onto the tram and can’t go back. (Yes, this happened to us.)
Duck! The trams/elevators are very compact, even though they hold up to five people. You’ll need to watch your head getting on and off the tram. If compact spaces make you uncomfortable, remember that the ride up to the top only takes about five minutes.
View from the Top: Once you’re at the top of the Arch, you can look out the windows and see St. Louis on one side and the Mississippi River and Illinois on the other. Some highlights to spot before you go back down: the beautiful courthouse building (to the west), Busch Stadium (west), and the Arch’s shadow.
Most of all, enjoy your visit!
This is Alwyn Court, an apartment building in Midtown Manhattan. Built in 1909, it features some pretty amazing terra cotta ornamentation. I particularly love the skull. If I’m ever house-hunting and find a place with a skull, I’m taking it.
For more Photo Friday, stop by the family travel blog Delicious Baby.
Clinton Presidential Library. Little Rock, Arkansas. 2009. A stop on our drive from Ohio to Texas.
When I saw Hill Country Deco by David Bush and Jim Parsons sitting there in the Barnes and Noble tent at the Texas Book Festival, I swear I practically ran towards it. Why? Because the book’s cover featured that beautiful Art Deco dome that graces the San Antonio skyline. As I began flipping through the book, I knew I had to buy it.
Featuring beautiful photos, this book showcases architecture of the 1920s-1950s in Central Texas. Many of the examples come from San Antonio, although the book also features buildings in Austin, Fredericksburg, and Gonzoles.
After purchasing the book, my friend and I continued to make our way through the other tents at the Texas Book Festival. And then there they were: the authors of the book I’d just purchased. Once again, I ran. (I know, I know. Most women reserve this reaction for George Clooney.) I was so excited to discuss the book that I immediately started babbling about how much I love San Antonio’s architecture. I’m willing to bet I was their most enthusiastic patron of the day. They were kind enough to sign my book and point out some particularly cool murals featured in it.
As a former art historian, I am enjoying this book very much. Of course, I love reading Cat in the Hat to my daughter, but it’s nice to read something like Hill Country Deco; something that takes me back to my roots in Art and Architectural History.
So my advice to you? 1. Find a copy of Hill Country Deco if you love architecture. Or San Antonio. Or Texas. Or Art Deco. 2. Make sure you visit the Texas Book Festival next year in Austin…but please: try not to scare the authors.
For more information on the book, click here.
All opinions are my own. I paid for the book and did not receive compensation for this review.
Most kids go through a building/constructing phase…maybe they love building castles with legos or just stacking baby blocks. Feed their architectural instincts with these outings to beautiful buildings in San Antonio.
–San Antonio Missions: Teach your kids some basic architectural terms like “arch” and “dome.” Talk about the materials used to make the buildings (stone) and marvel at the sculptures that decorate the facade of Mission San José. In addition to the Alamo, San Antonio is home to four mission churches: San José, Concepción, San Juan, and Espada.
–Bexar County Courthouse: Talk about the difference in the appearance of the stone used to create this building compared to the white stone used to construct the missions. Take a look at the courthouse’s distinctive dome and talk about the terms “asymmetrical” and “symmetrical.” Point out the building’s cornerstone and look for others as you walk around downtown.
–San Fernando Catholic Church: Walk across the street from the courthouse to the plaza in front of the church. Is this building symmetrical or asymmetrical? How is it different from the courthouse? What are the similarities between the two?
–Tower Life Building: The most fascinating aspect of this neo-gothic skyscraper? Its gargoyles! Talk about skyscrapers and ask your child why he or she thinks the architects chose to build the tower so high.
Obviously, you’ll need to adjust these exercises to suit your child’s age and personality. The main objective is to encourage your kids to look at the buildings closely and notice the similarities and differences between them. The most important thing to remember as you head out the door? Have fun!
Built in 1876 of native limestone, St. Stanislaus Church is the second oldest Polish church in the U.S.
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves by starting this story in 1876. The real beginning occurred in 1855 when 16 Polish families made the long journey to Bandera to settle. Four years later, they began to construct a small log building that would serve as their first church.
This story reminds me of the first, small St. Louis Church in Castroville. (To learn more about stone churches in Castroville, read my post Churches Big and Small in Castroville, Texas.) It is amazing to think about how much was accomplished in such a short amount of time, how a group of settlers in a foreign land were able to go from humble one-room churches to beautiful stone structures capable of holding larger congregations.
For more information on the history of St. Stanislaus Church, visit the church website.
This mission once consisted of the church, a granary, living quarters, and an impressive fortification system, all of which were completed by 1782.
Sadly, many parts of Mission San José were in disrepair by the 1920′s, and it became necessary to replace the church’s dome, bell tower, and one wall. In 1937, the church was rededicated, thanks to the San Antonio Conservation Society.
In 1941, the mission was designated as a State Historic Site and a National Historic Site. As someone who has enjoyed exploring this beautiful mission, I’m thankful that efforts were made to ensure its safety.
For more information on Mission San José, visit the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park website.
