Scotland’s Loch Ness is famous for “Nessie” but Urquhart Castle on its banks holds even more interest! We were pleasantly surprised at not only the rugged beauty of the castle ruins, but also its rich history. In the end, we found the castle was more impressive than anything to do with Nessie! This blog holds photos and lore on both. Enjoy!
Author Archives: Cher B
Cawdor Castle, Scotland (Travel)
Scotland is known for its castles. There are few more romantic sights in the British Isles than a Scottish castle! We visited several, each very unique and different. Cawdor Castle is like visiting a home vs. a museum. Furnished with authentic family furniture, art & artifacts, it is currently lived in – by the same family for hundreds of years. The vast gardens are magnificent. Learn more in this blog.
Edinburgh, Scotland: Royal Mile (Travel)
Edinburgh, Scotland is regarded as one of Europe’s most handsome capitals! The 1st stop on our cruise of the British Isles, our short visit included the historic Royal Mile in the Old City high atop Castle Hill. Highlights of this visit are included in this blog.
Taliesin III, Wisconsin, USA (Art & Travel)
Nestled in the rolling hills of SW Wisconsin is one of the most famous residences in the USA! Designed by and home/studio of world famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, it is a wonderful day trip adventure! Photos from our Travel Date in summer 2022 are shared in this informative blog.
Botticelli & Renaissance at the Mpls Institute of Art, Mpls, MN USA
Italy comes to Minnesota! “Botticelli & Renaissance Florence “brings treasures of the Uffizi Gallery (Florence, Italy) to the Mpls. Institute of Art (Mia)! Botticelli’s “Adoration of the Magi” and “Pallas & the Centaur” are showcased. Highlights of this unprecedented, one-of-a-kind exhibit, including ancient art that influenced art in Renaissance Italy, are included in this blog.
Charles Schultz & Peanuts in St. Paul (Art & Travel)
Happy 100th Birthday,Charles Schultz – creator of the famous Peanuts comic strip! On November 26, 2022, syndicated cartoonists will pay tribute to him in their own comic strips! Schultz’ home town, St. Paul, MN, honors him with Peanuts cartoon sculptures around town. My tribute are photos of these sculptures from our Travel Date to Rice Park, featured in this blog. Enjoy!
Sherlock Holmes at the MN History Center, St. Paul, MN USA
We explored the legacy of Sherlock Holmes, one of history’s most beloved and enduring characters on our Travel Date to the Minnesota History Center, St. Paul, MN. In this special MNHS exhibition, we learned insights about Holmes and his literary creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. We enjoyed hands-on experiences and tools to solve a crime from the vivid Crime Scene. This blog is for Sherlock fans of any genre – and all inquisitive minds! Enjoy!
Quadriga at Night & Up Close: MN State Capitol, St. Paul, MN USA
A Travel Date to view the Golden Quadriga atop the Minnesota State Capitol after dark was filled with majesty and magic! Add an after-hours tour of this grand building for a memorable experience – shared on this blog!
Purcell-Cutts House – Minneapolis, MN USA (Art & Travel)
The Purcell-Cutts Prairie-style House is an architectural gem hidden in plain sight in a vibrant Mpls. neighborhood by Lake of the Isles. This 100+ year old “modern” house, owned by the Mia (Mpls. Institute of Art), recently reopened after pandemic shut down. Get the “inside” scoop including photos unique to this blog post!
J. J. Hill House – St. Paul, MN USA (Travel)
We toured the majestic James J. Hill House, St. Paul, MN, on a recent Travel Date to places in our Backyard. The massive scale, fine detail and ingenious mechanical systems of this Gilded Age mansion recall the powerful presence of James J. Hill, builder of the Great Northern Railway. Enjoy photos and details on this blog.
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