Berlin Wall Exhibit – Rapid City, South Dakota

Berlin Wall Exhibit 10

Last week Gene and I took to trip to South Dakota and decided to do a few things that some visitors may not have time to visit or experience. One of these places was visiting a memorial and piece of the Berlin Wall. It is called Memorial Park and is located on Rapid Creek adjacent to The Monument (formerly known as the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center). The park holds one of America’s largest Berlin Wall exhibits (two large slabs of the wall), Memorial Pond, Flood of 1972 Memorial fountain, several other sculptures, a band shelter, and Legacy Commons.  It is a very special and touching exhibit. Along with the wall exhibit, there are many interpretive monument stations explaining why the wall was built, and how it was eventually taken down.

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Rapid City, South Dakota – My Top 7 Free Things on Our to-do List

Rapid City 1We have had a few fun times exploring Rapid City, South Dakota and the area since living here in CO. Of course we had to do the big attractions like Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse, but we also look forward to doing some more historical and local attractions on our next trip in May of 2022. With a budget in mind, I also wanted to do a few free things while in the area. Thus I did some research and found 7 free things around Rapid City that I think would be fun to do. Here is my list (alphabetically): Continue reading “Rapid City, South Dakota – My Top 7 Free Things on Our to-do List”

The Lucille Ball Hometown Experience – Jamestown, New York

Lucille Ball 1Growing up I always watched I love Lucy with my mom as she grew up watching it. The series aired from 1951-1957. Today, more than 70 years since the last episode aired on May 6, 1957, this amazing comedic icon named Lucille Ball is still entertaining people everyday. Thus when Gene and I were in Buffalo NY for my birthday in 2021 we had to make sure and visit the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum in her hometown, Jamestown. I didn’t know what to expect really, but I was excited to visit, and it didn’t disappoint. We had an amazing I love Lucy experience.

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Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument – Montana

Little Bighorn - Front GateLike many things we have done while traveling, sometimes something really surprises you or hits you differently. One such place is Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument near Crow Agency, Montana.  First off, I thought it was in Wyoming, my bad 🙁  I had heard of this place for many years from my stepdad and learned a little bit about Custer and Sitting Bull, and the battle that happened there, but never thought about seeing it. My view on history has changed A LOT through the years, and when we were in Montana September of 2018, we made sure to visit. Continue reading “Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument – Montana”

Beautiful Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois

Buckingham FountainOn our first evening in Chicago in June of 2016, we decided to spend some time checking out the Buckingham Fountain and Grant Park area. It was very beautiful when it was all lit up at night. For those of you that don’t know, it is one of the largest fountains in the world. The fountain is built in a rococo wedding cake style and inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, it is meant to allegorically represent Lake Michigan. It operates from April to October, with regular water shows and evening color-light shows. During the winter, the fountain is decorated with festival lights. Continue reading “Beautiful Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park, Chicago, Illinois”

Crazy Horse National Monument, South Dakota – The Legacy Lives On

Crazy Horse 1While in Rapid City  in June of 2015 we went to Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse National Monument. I had heard a lot about this monument but didn’t know really much about it. I am embarrassed to admit that at one point, I actually thought it was about an actual horse. Yes, I am hiding my face in shame, lol. Gladly I knew more about it when we headed out, but not much. At least I knew it was about an Indian Chief and not a horse, lol. I have to say, I learned a lot while we were there. Continue reading “Crazy Horse National Monument, South Dakota – The Legacy Lives On”

Mount Rushmore in Keystone, South Dakota – A Historical Landmark

Mount Rushmore 1I found it very appropriate that I created this post the day before the 4th of July about a monument that pays homage to four great American Presidents, Mount Rushmore.  Here is a link to their website with more info. This has been a place I have wanted to see for a really long time. Thus I was extremely excited to finally get to see how amazing and grand it really is in person. Pictures and movies don’t do justice to their size and detail. You have to see it first hand to really appreciate its beauty, and what a monumental endeavor it was to create the monument. Continue reading “Mount Rushmore in Keystone, South Dakota – A Historical Landmark”

USS Arizona Memorial, Hawaii – Our Visit Brought up Many Emotions

USS Arizona_usOn our trip to Oahu in late December of 2016, we were able to see the USS Arizona Memorial and pay respect to those lives lost on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941.  It was so surreal and an experience that I will never forget. Although it almost didn’t happen, and our visit had to be rescheduled.  Obama and the Prime Minister were touring the memorial the same day as we were scheduled. Just our luck, lol. But it worked out and we were able to visit the day before.  Continue reading “USS Arizona Memorial, Hawaii – Our Visit Brought up Many Emotions”

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