Karens Road

If you are looking for an exciting location for a fun, family vacation, check out the Wildwood vacations website.

We visited Wildwood and the New Jersey waterparks when my daughter graduated from Coast Guard training 5 years ago. If you have ever watched an old movie that was set on the beach and showed the boardwalks, it was probably near Wildwood. Morey’s Piers is a classic, family owned resort area that includes fun amusement rides, waterparks and outstanding accommodations.

Morey’s Piers is hosting the Radio Disney Summer Concert Series that includes many of your favorite top Radio Disney artists. The concerts are free so make your teen happy with this fabulous addition to your vacation plans.

Check out the Morey’s Piers website for directions, hours and lodging information. This will be a vacation spot that will become a favorite for your family.

Do you have a GPS unit? We visited with friends this evening and got a kick out of hearing stories of how their GPS units took them on wild and crazy adventures. Have you had a funny experience from relying on your GPS unit?

I have another question. Do you rely on a service like MapQuest to get you to a destination? Have you had good luck with MapQuest? I only ask because I put in addresses to find the best route to our son’s reception and got some crazy directions! I hope none of our guests rely totally on MapQuest. Yahoo Directions website was more reliable in this instance.

If you have ever tried to get detailed information on travel you have probably become frustrated by the lack of said information. The Internet is a wonderful source for finding out about so many things but if you want accurate information about a vacation spot, you are taking your chances. That is until FatPassport appeared on the scene.

Unlike any other travel site, FatPassport provides personlized information on your trip. That means you can put in the variables pertinent to your particular situation and FatPassport can find the best travel destination, price, and other amenities that suit your specific needs. No more money wasted on trips that aren’t exactly your cup of tea! We have all felt the sting on our wallets when we arrive at a destination and find it isn’t at all what we expected. I remember arriving at a rental in Myrtle Beach that had me gagging. The smell of cat pee was so bad that we demanded a different rental. FatPassport can avoid those types of things from happening.

At FatPassport you can talk to other travelers to see how they like a place you are considering. You will be able to see activities happening in your destination area of which you are not aware. I especially enjoyed the pictures submitted by other travelers.

FatPassport makes it easy to book hotels and flights. I am ready to go!

The city of Paducah, named in honor of the Padouca Indians, boasts more historic markers per capita than any other city in Kentucky. Paducah is rich with museums and landmarks that honor its heritage, but you can be a witness as history comes to life in Paducah this February.

Lincoln Bicentennial
Visit the National Quilt Museum’s Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial exhibit opening February 6. This contest exhibit, sponsored by the American Quilter’s Society, illustrates the diverse appreciation for Lincoln’s legacy demonstrated through fiber arts.

Black History Month
Celebrate Black History Month with the Paducah Symphony Orchestra’s presentation of In a Metropolitan Mood, featuring vocalist Abby Burke. Burke performs music of African-American entertainers including Duke Ellington, B.B. King and other legends, who stayed at the Hotel Metropolitan during segregation. The performance takes place on February 21 at the beautiful Carson Center, Paducah’s state-of-the-art venue for performing arts.

Paducah is the perfect place for couples to sneak away for a romantic weekend. Distinct dining options and innovative cuisine offer something for every appetite and budget. Fans of the performing arts can choose from Paducah’s engaging selection of cultural offerings.

Paducah’s lodging and dining choices are also as diverse and eclectic as the city itself. Enjoy a memorable stay at a beautifully restored inn located in the heard of historic Downtown, a LowerTown artist’s guest room, or cozy bed and breakfast just minutes away from town. If familiarity is more your style, Paducah has nearly 30 well-known hotels/motels just waiting to serve you.

I live 3 hours from Chicago yet never have I visited during The Taste of Chicago Festival. Each day of the Taste, there is live music on both the Taste stage and in the Petrillo Music Shell. This year, On Opening Day of the Taste, Emeril Lagasse will make a special appearance. He will be hold a cooking demonstration!

Besides the festivals, which are fabulous, there are so many things to do in Chicago. I haven’t been to the Shedd Aquarium since our kids were in grade school, over 20 years ago. Yikes! I am sure they have new exhibits by now. Your kids will love the chance to get up close and personal with Harry Potter artifacts at the Museum of Science and Industry!

The testaments of those who have experienced the relaxing spa treatments that soothe the senses or a medical facial Chicago style have said they would not go anywhere else for medical treatment.

Experience gorgeous art and fill your senses with the cultural experiences of the city’s art and literature fairs. Sure, Chicago has some of the best libraries and art museums in the world but the one-of-a-kind fairs are a lot more fun with the beautiful Chicago skyline in the background.

You already missed the Chicago Blues Festival held earlier this month. Plan to visit Chicago soon!

Have you ever traveled on a cruise? If not, you should. While it is not my favorite way to travel, I know, I am in the minority, it is something you should do at least once in your lifetime. Cruises allow one to be pampered to extreme. The food is abundant and a treat just to look at because of how it is prepared. The chefs on a cruise take pride in how they display their foods, making radishes into flowers etc. I have never seen so many beautiful displays.

The ice sculptures are another sight to behold. I was lucky enough to watch as an ice carver made a beautiful swan. I don’t know how they know where to start and stop. I am sure I would have a blob of ice if it were me making the sculpture.

The rooms are anything from simple to luxurious depending on the amount of money you want to spend. Even the least expensive rooms are still fun when your host makes monkeys out of your towels. Each day is a treat.

There are many theme cruises. From Elvis to Gospel quartets, join up with like minded enthusiasts. I have been reading as a quilting cruise is being planned. That would be my dream!

Here is your chance to check out BluFrog, the new energy drink with better-for-your-body ingredients, and try your luck at winning some great prizes. Do you like to travel? If you answered yes, this is the contest for you! Four of the prizes are trips and the other prize is a fantastic gaming package.

The first prize entails a three night stay in New York City on New Years Eve! This includes luxurious hotel accommodations, and a helicopter ride for two over the city. Imagine yourself on New Year eve, bringing in the new year in such a fantastic mode. I can hardly fathom how exciting that would be.

The second trip is called Blullapalooza. This trip centers around Lollapalooza, which is being held in Chicago August 7-9. Have you seen the lineup for this year’s Lollapalooza? Jane’s Addiction, Beastie Boys, and The Killers are the only names this old person recognizes but I am sure the rest of you know all the big names. This trip includes two tickets to the event and a two night stay in a luxurious hotel.

The third trip is called BluStreak. I was recently watching ESPN and saw a participant in the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Well, guess what? The winner of this trip will get two nights in a luxurious hotel, and two tickets for the driving experience. I could be the next Danica Patrick!

The fourth trip is the one I want to win. We went to Breckenridge this past March and I want to go back! This trip is for a trip to Aspen, which is close enough to Breckenridge for me, and is named ExtremeBlu. Why the extreme you ask? Because you will be awarded, as winner of this prize, two tickets to the Winter X Games and three nights in a luxurious hotel.

The fifth prize is a gaming package, BluGamer. You get an XBox360 Elite package, Rock Band 2 bundle, Call of Duty: World at War Complete Package, and a wireless adapter. Wowzers!

So, just what do you have to do to win one of these fabulous prizes?

Go to their contest page and leave a comment, letting them know which prize you want to win, and why. Don’t forget, I want to win the Aspen trip. Just kidding. Go ahead and name that one as your prize wish. Pout

Or Tweet about the contest. Tweet which prize you want to win, being sure to use #bluword and http://bit.ly/UiiJy in your tweet.

Writing a blog post can also get you entered. Just make sure you leave a comment on the contest page, letting them know the URL to your post.

Tony Tasset-All Things Must Pass
While driving through St. Louis a few weeks ago, I saw signs for Laumeier Sculpture Park and wondered about the historical aspect of the park. Laumeier Sculpture Park was born from a gift made by Mrs. Henry Laumeier of her 72-acre estate to the people of St. Louis County and the greater metropolitan area. With direct support of a group of innovative community leaders and many generous friends, Laumeier has developed into what it is today – an internationally-recognized open-air museum. The ninety-six acre outdoor museum is designed to encourage creative thinking through exhibitions, educational programs and contemporary art.

In 1968, Mrs. Matilda Laumeier bequeathed the first 72 acres of the future Laumeier Sculpture Park, together with a large story-and-a-half house of cut stone, to the people of St. Louis County in memory of her husband, Henry H. Laumeier, for the benefit of the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. In 1975, the park was proposed as a possible site for the exhibition of sculpture and the concept of Laumeier Sculpture Park emerged. Catapulted by a collaborative of citizen leaders in the arts, education and business communities, Laumeier Sculpture Park was incorporated in September 1977; over the years it has grown to 105-acres. Laumeier Sculpture Park today has over 300,000 visitors annually.

Throughout the years, Laumeier has been the beneficiary of a long list of generous individuals and corporations who helped develop Laumeier into what it is today.

The park is located at 12580 Rott Rd, St Louis, MO. Check out the Music + Movies series at About.com. Music + Movies pairs performances from local musicians with popular movies. The music begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Laumeier Outdoor Music Amphitheatre, followed by the night’s featured movie at 8:30 p.m. You are going to love the price: FREE! There is also free parking available next to the park.

I know that I have mentioned this before but I don’t want anyone to miss any information about a wonderful place to vacation. I have been pondering a vacation to Branson for our family. My mom has always wanted to go to Branson and now that her grandson, my son Greg, will be living near St. Louis, it will only be a few hours drive to Branson from his house.

Branson is the premier when it comes to quality entertainment. Many well known entertainers have theaters in Branson and reside there as well. I think they want to get away from the Hollywood lifestyle and Branson is more laid back. The scenery in Branson is amazing.

There are many things to do in Branson for the young and old alike. Shopping is out of this world with all the outlet stores and specialty shops. There are championship golf courses, lakes, museums, and theme parks all within easy driving distances. If you are trying to think of something special as a way to celebrate Father’s Day, check out the exciting Father’s Day Salute. Do you like clowns? They intimidate me a little but maybe I should get to know the people behind the makeup at the the 10th Annual Clown Jam.

Lodging at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel is simply the best way to be pampered and know what is going on in all of Branson. Different packages offered make your stay in Branson affordable. Remember Branson when planning your next getaway!

I was reading through My Document’s folder and ran across a post I had written about our trip to the Indy 500 last year. I never posted it! So, this is a year old but I want it in my blog so I will always have it. Sorry it is so late.

I had not realized it but I had never sat in the grandstands for the Indy 500. I have attended but always wandered around the infield. It must have been 30 years since I had attended the race. I had no idea it had been that long. When we were in our twenties, Lynn and I went down the night before and spent the night in a friend’s yard. I cannot imagine doing that now. Oh the carefree days of our twenties. LOL
We left Sunday morning and our first quest was to find Krispie Creams. Do you know that some convenience stores do not receive donut deliveries on holidays? Well, it is true and a travesty if you ask me. Having that Krispie Cream is what starts the day off right. After finding donuts and coffee, we headed toward Indianapolis. Traffic was not as bad as we expected until we neared the speedway. I kept thinking of the price of gas as we inched our way toward the parking area. We passed a high school that was earning money by parking cars in their lot. I would have gone in but hubby said it was too far to walk. I could see the track and thought it surely wasn’t that far but he has done this the past few years so I trusted his judgment, thank goodness. We traveled on and parked in a field. The field was full of campers and tents of those who had come down the day before. They had grills set up and were playing Frisbee and lawn darts. Oh, and drinking whatever tickled their taste buds. We walked past many inebriated souls.
Some of the campsites were cozy. They had all the conveniences of home. There were many large motor homes. There was a tragic event because a motor home’s exhaust went into the vents of a nearby camper and asphyxiated the occupants. One man died and the rest of his family is still in the hospital.
We walked quite a distance to get through all those campers. We arrived at the road leading into the grandstands and joined the others wading their way toward the gates. It felt like we were cattle being herded toward the slaughter house. Thank goodness the weather was beautiful. If it had been hot, I’m sure I would have felt claustrophobic. Our wait to get up to the gates was long. Each bag had to be checked for contraband. Some folks did not know of the size limit on coolers allowed in the seating area and so there were coolers left along the road.
Scott Dixon, winner of the 2008 Indy 500 race.