Search results for 'Grand Strand Resorts'

When I’m looking for a summer retreat for rest and relaxation, I head for the Wax Marina in Wax, Kentucky on Nolin Lake. The Wax Marina provides a beautiful view of a 100-foot limestone cliff and safe haven for boaters and fishermen. It is home sweet home for our pontoon boat “Buttercup”. 

In the heart of Old Louisville overlooking Central Park is the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, known as Louisville’s Castle. In the 1890’s, Theophile Conrad commissioned local architect Arthur Loomis of Clarke & Loomis to design this stone masterpiece. It is one of the finest examples of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture in the world.  

Mark Twain called the sunrise on Haleakala Volcano, “The sublimest spectacle I’ve ever witnessed.” Hawaiians have been trekking up Haleakala to honor and celebrate the gods for hundreds of years. It was considered a sacred place, called wao akua, wilderness of the gods. Its eerie and otherworldly feel as the sun peaks over the rim and lights the crater below is an experience that you will always treasure.

The huge Boboli Gardens behind the Petti Palace is a beautiful walk giving spectacular views of Florence in all her glory. We walked up the street that leads behind and overlooking the gardens. Every way you looked took your breath and fired your imagination about what had happened in this great Renaissance City. 

For thousands of years, humans have found areas in the world where the natural mineral springs seemed to miraculously help cure health ailments. For over 9000 years The Jefferson Pools have refreshed the fortunate few who knew her location. Warm mineral springs are relaxing, rejuvenating, and offer a great pit stop on a road trip to brush off the aches and pains of road travel.  Thomas Jefferson came in 1818 at the age of 75 suffering from what he called “rheumatism.”  He stayed for three weeks, taking the waters several times each day.  He reported their naturally warm mineral springs had a healing effect. Mrs. Robert E. Lee came often, but during the Civil War sorely missed her visits because of her fear of travel.  

In the heart of Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville is one of the largest Gingko trees in the state of Kentucky. On a recent visit, we wandered into its presence. All the leaves were a bright yellow. It was 2:00 in the afternoon on November 8^th so the light was hitting the tree at a sharp angle. The reflections off the surface of these usual shaped leaves filtered throughout the giant tree. This tree is the volume of a two-story house with about 3000 square feet. I was told that all Gingko trees shed their leaves on the same day. The gingko is a living fossil dating back 270 million years. The word Gingko is derived from the Japanese word ginkyo meaning “silver apricot”. The realization that this tree was 150 years old reminds us to think about all the history it had witnessed and that we are standing in a sacred place. 

We are always “On Patrol” looking for a place to take our kids and grand kids. It must be family friendly, which for us means there is something of interest for all ages. The Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort, Kentucky fits the bill. The permanent exhibit titled “A Kentucky Journey” is a great walk through our early history up until the present day. The exhibits are interactive and at eye level for children seven or eight years and older. It is filled with rare and authentic artifacts that reflect the strengths and talents of our ancestors. Many of the objects are in drawers so you have easy access for viewing.