Just Visiting : Shakespeare in Delaware Park : The Winter's Tale

 There are only a few more showings left of The Winter's Tale before they are on break until the second show starts. While it isn't one of the plays I had seen before, It has similarities to some of the others making it very enjoyable. If you have a chance to head out to see it you definitely ought to. We saw the show this past Sunday. 

Being close to the water made it cooler temperature wise than some may have expected.

The Winter's Tale
Shakespeare in Delaware Park

June 20, 2024 through July 14, 2024

Yes I know you may have read this before but as a reminder please keep in mind the following information.

Tuesday through Sunday evenings at 7:30 pm you can enjoy a free evening of professional theatre. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on, your own refreshments and someone to enjoy the show with, unless you prefer to sit alone. They do accept donations.

Like past years I do recommend that you head to the park earlier than show time to get better seats, as it is frequently crowded. There are some restaurants in the area, but it's better to bring something with you to enjoy during the show.

I know I mentioned it in the past, by I will repeat myself because there are only so many ways to say things at times. If you're uncertain as to the part of Delaware Park the stage is located in, it's basically behind the Albright Knox Art Gallery. Please keep in mind that parking is on a first come first serve basis, so if you wish to park closer to the event you should go early. If you have children there is a wonderful playground close to the staging area so the kids can play before the show if you come early enough.

Just Visiting: Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Traveling is something that I happen to enjoy a lot. So when my job recently informed me that I had a vacation slotted into the calendar I was both surprised and uncertain. I didn't know if there was anything I would be able to do while on vacation. But my parents had yet to leave for their winter home in Florida, and they made a fair argument that I should just go to Florida with them. So what ensued is a short vacation. We drove down along the east coast of the United States, stopping on occasion at various places. But I am getting off track.

One of the places that we visited is a place we visited when I was a kid. And I was happy to get to stop in and see it again.

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4150 S Suncoast Blvd 
Homosassa, FL 34446

This is a park that hasn't really changed a lot, at least as far as my memory recalls it. It has a variety of different habitat areas prepared for the various animals that call the park home. Many of them were injured, or deemed unable to be released for a variety of reasons. But the park also does rehabilitation.

One animal that you are able to see in the park, that many people may consider to be stereotypical of the state are Flamingos.  Some may not be as vibrant pink as their plastic mimics found in the neighbors front garden. But they do have a lovely blush to them (most of them) making them a treat to see. Winter leaves a number of the animals in the Buffalo area to be more grey and dreary in appearance.

But probably the most interesting animal that we saw while we were there was the hippopotamus. They were planning to celebrate his 60th birthday last Friday. I honestly feel a bit surprised that he is that old. But I suppose that a Hippo is different in appearance to a human and it would be harder for us to tell what their age is without some sort of education.

The park itself is manageable in a days span, without rushing or pushing through. It is mostly handicap accessible, with a few exceptions. There is an underwater viewing area that only has access via a stairwell. This makes it difficult for those in a wheelchair to access, but it should not influence your trip in a negative manner on the most part.A visit to this state park is great for the whole family as it is both educational as well as interesting.

All in all it was a pleasant visit. I may update this with more about the visit later on. But right now my mind is a bit fuzzy, and tired. The weather change has been doing a number on my mind.

Just Visiting : The JELL-O Gallery

I remember the rides up to the Renaissance Faire, we used to pass a sign that said Jell-O Museum was off the next exit. We'd talk about going, and never have manage to go see it. But that doesn't mean that it doesn't sound like a lot of fun. It's still on my to do list, and I'm going to tell you why.

The JELL-O Gallery
23 East Main Street
Le Roy, New York 14482

This is a fun museum. It's not something that can be seen everywhere. True, Jell-o can be seen in stores, and be made at home. But it is intriguing to think there is a place where you can see a more detailed rendering of the history of the wiggly jiggly treat.

Open year round, with a minimal admission fee, you can take your family here and not feel as though it was a waste of time. Kids love sweet things, and they are likely to find the toys and various memorabilia interesting.

I myself am curious to see if they have the old disney jell-o molds there, or even some of the odd advertising boxes that have been done associated to different movies and shows over the years. Things like that I find interesting.

The museum is open during varying hours. So I know if I want to go it's going to have to be planned out more than driving past the advertising billboard. And if you're thinking about going, please check their website. The online shop even shows some of the merchandise available there. And I have to say it's mostly reasonable.

I still want to go to this museum. So if you're going, can I go with you? ^_~

Just Visiting : Hamburgh Holidays

Alright, so sometimes there's an interesting event in your own backyard that's worth mentioning. And for me I'm throwing out Hamburgh Holidays. This is a series of events that celebrates the various winter holidays in the town of Hamburg, NY. But why is it interesting enough to mention? I love when people ask that part.

Hamburgh Holidays is an event that kicks off this month on what they're calling "Green" Friday(Black Friday to most shoppers aka today), continuing through December 31st with a variety of events for the whole family. I'm particular interested in seeing the Santa Claus Parade on Saturday November 25th, maybe I'll find someone who wants to go with me.

Anyway check out the calendar below, and if you decide to go to the event, let me know what you thought. Have a magical weekend and I hope you found what you were looking for.

Just Visiting : Maryland Renaissance Festival

We're really excited and hyped about our upcoming trip to the Maryland Renaissance Festival. We've been working on our outfits for months. And any details we didn't have finished when we attended the Sterling Renaissance Festival , have been adjusted and corrected.

But what exactly inspires us to go and participate in these events? I know a lot of people are curious why there are people that want to participate in events that remove so many familiar modern elements. But there's something people don't really see when they look at us in our attire, are the people who see this as a creative outlet.

There's a lot of creative people that you have a chance to meet when you're attending events like the Renaissance Festivals. There are amazing artisans who create artwork to enhance your daily life, to add beauty to a world that at times often looks cookie cut. We are in need of this to tempt and appeal to our own creative choices.

I love getting to see the art, as well as to hear and see the live performances at these events. Unlike some other events these live performances are each different. These events offer a plethora of beautiful people and things to see.

Yes there are some points that are fictional, and some things based on history. But it's wonderful to be able to enjoy it with like minded people.

Festivals offer the opportunity to enjoy the arts with others who may feel as excited about things as you are. This is what we love. Being able to see things with other people, and enjoy it.

So yes, if you have a chance to go to a festival, go and enjoy the art. Enjoy everything and have fun.

Just Visiting : The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

There are many fascinating places that you can go to explore and enjoy some warm dry time with your friends here in Buffalo. Recently I had the pleasure of going with two of my friends to the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Garden. It was a wonderful place to visit, and they have changing displays, so there's always something different to see there.

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
2655 South Park Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14218

Now something to note is that the entrance fee has changed since the first time we mentioned this location. The new rates aren't too terrible, but it's worth making sure you're aware.
$11 Adults
$10 Seniors (62 and up)
$9 Students (13 and up with ID)
$6 kids 3-12
Kids 2 and under are free
Garden Members are also free

Anyway, the hours vary but you can check out their website about that. I had a great time there with some good friends, and took some pictures. So rather than babble about flowers, I figured I could just show you some of the things we saw there. Sounds nice right? Enjoy and hope you get to see some nice greenery soon.

(Yeah even Proto went to the garden! ^_^)

Just Visiting : Halloween In The Catskills

Wow it's been a while since I actually posted about having gone somewhere. Mainly because it's been a while since I really have gone anywhere that I haven't talked about on here before.

So first things first. We scheduled to go on this trip months ago, sort of blindly. We've never gone to one of the Jeff Mach Events before. But we've talked to some people who have and they spoke highly of them. So we packed rather lightly and Halloween generic, since we weren't really sure how other people dress, Though after the fact we decided we felt slightly under-dressed(but that's a horse of a whole different color).

Halloween in The Catskills was held at the Blackthorne Resort in Durham New York, meaning it was a bit of a ride from Buffalo. About 4 hours or a little more is what it took us to get there, and that was mainly because we kept getting behind people that were not driving the speed limit. Luckily I spent a decent portion of the drive asleep in the back seat. The back seat is sort of my designated hiding place for the really long trips, because I do have a tendency to fall asleep in the car anyway.

Anyway, our gps sort of brought us into the place through the back so it was a little confusing at first, and we sort of drove all the way through the resort and out the other side before realizing that we were there. Kind of funny I guess. But we turned back around and found a parking spot. When we walked into the resort office we were tickled and surprised to find an amazing display of Dr. Who memorabilia that was shaped like a Tardis, A small toe pincher like casket with a viewing window, and a variety of steampunk and Halloween style decor. Oh and let me throw this out there, it definitely seems (after going through more of the resort) that the steampunk type stuff is a permanent fixture. I found this to be both encouraging and interesting. We've never really gone somewhere that really did have steampunk things as part of their permanent appeal.

This was on Saturday night when we dressed up.
 The Mind enhancer was really cool looking and creative,
 and a GREAT photo opportunity.

It took us a little while to find our room, but once we did we settled in to deciding what we were going to do. I traipsed off to explore a little before a lot of other people got there, and when I got bored with that I went down and joined the pumpkin decorating in the pub. Yes, I said pumpkin decorating in the pub. I met some very nice people and decorated the pumpkin of my choice. I chose one of the tinier pumpkins because I knew it would be something no one would be upset about if I brought it home to enjoy. (take up as little space as possible at home, don't ask.)

Throughout the weekend we did a variety of things, we explored the various vendors that were available, saw live music performances, heard stories, and enjoyed an amazing variety of food that was made in the resorts kitchen. The staff were amazing and there was really a lot to enjoy. I will admit that I had to go lay down for a while because I wasn't feeling well, but while I do feel a bit guilty for missing out on some of the fun, it's part of life that I've accepted.

^_^ We even got to take a group picture with The Long Losts!

All in all we had a wonderful time. I really enjoyed being in a place where it felt like most everyone was like us. It was fantastic to feel accepted, even if we didn't know anyone very well. Acquainting ourselves with a new group/event pool felt wonderful. And everyone was superbly nice. I added some new music to my collection, picked up another t-shirt, and buttons! Oh my gourd the buttons! I haven't took pictures of them but the buttons made me very happy. ^_^

This is some of what I brought home with me from the event,
other than, you know, memories.

So, just because I want to make sure I share more. I'm going to set you up with some links to a few of the groups that we had the pleasure of seeing over the weekend. If you're curious about how the weekend was in person, by looking into them you may get a glimpse at the entertainment, and a little bit of insight into how the event went. It was a lot of fun, and we've already discussed a little bit the idea of going again.

The Long Losts are a group that I saw at Tatsu Con (well our first in person viewing was there). We really enjoyed their music, and If you want a comparison from me as to what their music sounds like, the closest group I can think of that I might have shared in the past would be Creature Feature. It was exciting to see them perform again. www.thelonglosts.com

Jess-O-Lantern was completely new to us, but her music did not disappoint. It had more of a lighter feel to it, but I've really come to like a few of the songs on her album a lot. I'm quite partial to "Lost, boy". You can check out her music on Band camp ^_^ jess-o-lantern.bandcamp.com

Karnevil was a performance group that does a variety of side show type things. (I think I missed most of this, but I got to hear them discuss their acts) You can get a better handle on them on their website www.karnevil.net

Night Gallery was impressive also. The band members are super nice, and they give the best explanations when it comes to describing their music. You can see more info about them and get a feel from them off their website www.nightgallery.us

Gah I know I'm forgetting something. But all in all it was a wonderful weekend. Full of entertainment and interesting costumes and artistic accessories to enjoy. There was so much to see, and I didn't really take as many pictures as I should have. That's my one regret, but the memories are great <3.

Just Visiting : Shakespeare In Delaware Park : The COMEDY of ERRORS

Alright, hopefully some of you got the chance to see Henry V earlier this summer. But now it's time to let you know about the next play that's coming up on the green.  The Comedy of Errors. And as a side note, they're supposedly doing it up steampunk. Or so the posters would have us believe. I'm very excited about this.

This is the art that they have up as a promotion/advertisement. It Shows Both the plays they've had this summer.

Alright, and because I'm not feeling like trying to be overly creative and don't really have a lot of time to write currently; If you're a regular reader you may recognize the following content slightly. PAY ATTENTION TO THE DATES!!!

Now remember, you'll be able to see this play Tuesday through Sunday from July 24th through August 17th. The performances start at 7:30 pm (and that's the local time in Buffalo). And they recommend coming at least half an hour early to make sure you have a chance to get seated and park. There's no parking, it's all on street parking, so it is a first come first serve basis. If you're not sure where to find the part of Delaware Park where they'll be having the play, it's on Shakespeare Hill which is more or less right behind the Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

So why should you go? Well, it's technically a free family friendly event. They do accept donations, and it's a blessing when you're able to help. You can pack a picnic, sit out in the summer air and enjoy a great theater show. They're perfectly happy to see you eating and drinking and enjoying the actors. There are no seats provided, so you'll want to take a blanket or lawn chair to sit on.

The Comedy of Errors
Shakespeare in Delaware Park
199 Lincoln Pkwy, Buffalo, NY

7:30 pm Tuesdays through Sundays‎
July 24th - August 17th

Just Visiting : Darien Lake

Darien Lake is an amusement park in Western New York. I've been to this amusement park many times in my life. It's passed through different hands, and they've tried a variety of different approaches to stay afloat. But it's always been a good time, whether you go there in a big group or a small one doesn't matter.

So far this season I've been to the park three times. So I'm  not making an uninformed post. But I have to admit that it's changed a bit since the last time that I was there. This isn't a good or a bad thing, it's just an observation.

The amusement park and the water park were both open when I was there this past Sunday. So that means you should pack your swimsuits and towels, and maybe an extra set of clothes if you're heading out for the day. There's a variety of rides that are kid friendly throughout the park, and as some of you know there's still the same roller coasters. So there's coasters, various medium thrill rides, and a few classics. The ferris wheel is really something if You want to get a birds eye view of the park.

What did I see that I liked? Moose on the Loose, was an interesting experience. You ride a moose around on a track. You can ride alone or double with a child. I got lucky enough to take one of my nephews on. I was a bit... shocked. It's a ride even adults seem to like. Not a bad thing, it's comical, cute, and well, just fun in general. I also liked the plastic drums that are set up in the center of the kiddie park. They're in the area where there used to be a ball pit or something of that nature. But now there's these interesting plastic drums and picnic tables.

Oh! Yes you can take food in with you but your cooler must fit into a certain size. So the smaller it is the better, or break up things into peoples backpacks. Because as usual, it can be expensive to feed a large group when you're out.

How did I manage to go to the park three times already this year? I could fib and say that I sneaked in under the fence, but that wouldn't be true. A number of my family members have season passes for the park. They were able to get me into the park using their free entry passes for guests. Each season pass holder gets a few of these, so it helps to balance out if you want to bring someone else to the park with you. A ticket for the park includes BOTH the water park and the amusement park. And I do think if you live in the area and intend to go, it's worthwhile to have a season pass. Since it does offer unlimited entry for the park.

Darien Lake
9993 Allegheny Road
Darien Center, NY 14040

The hours really vary a lot this year. So I can't really give you a set schedule. What I do advise you to do if you're going to be heading up that way, is to check the online schedule. Their online schedule lists the dates and times that they're open as well as the events that you can expect to see. They're having a wide variety of concerts through this year, so if you're a music buff check it out.

Just Visiting : The Mutter Museum

Sometimes there's an oddity you can't explain. But through the years people have learned how to explain them. But that doesn't mean that the morbid curiosity some events and discoveries have created has disappeared now that there is more knowledge. Science has often been used to explain the peculiar, as well as to find solutions to cure oddities. And that's where we find the Mutter Museum.

The Mütter Museum
19 South 22nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

To be quite honest the best way I can explain some of the things that I've seen associated with this museum fall under the category of bizarre and grotesque. That doesn't mean it's a bad thing, I happen to find it intriguing personally. The displays vary as to content, as the museum's collection has been collected over a very long period of time. The museum was originally established as a teaching tool for medicine in 1849. This was before X-rays and antibiotics, so there were a number of maladies that may not have been diagnosed without the knowledge that they existed.

One exhibit in particular that they have is of interest to me. They're calling it "Grimms' Anatomy" but why is it of interest to me? Well it's a study of Grimms' fairy tales and the bodies and instruments presented in the stories. The actual book of fairy tales is very long and full of a wide variety of tales that have become fluffy in our modern times. Some of them are quite gruesome.

But what's fascinating to me is that they're using real world examples alongside the stories to help illustrate what  might be the reasoning for a deformity. Or maybe the result of some of the details in the stories. I'm not entirely certain. All I know is that it's an exhibit that I'd be interested in seeing at some point. I read that it should be there through 2015 sometime. So maybe if I dream really big I'll get a chance to see it. You never know.

Hooray! The Blog is ONE!

^_^ Alright! So it's been an interesting year since we originally opened the blog. So in honor of the blog turning 1, I've decided to add a special page to it. I'm not entirely sure how it will work out. But I'm interested in learning a little bit about the people who visit the blog. We've had people stop in from all over the globe it seems.

I'm not really entirely sure what brings you to our page. But we're very glad to have you <3. That said, the new page can be found in the tab at the top of the blog. It's our new Visitors Log.

In an attempt to learn about more of the world and to create a map during the coming new year, this is a project that YOU our readers get to help with. How? Well, by leaving us a note telling us what country (or geographic area) you're visiting from, and something you think is interesting, you'll help give us some fun ideas of things to explore in the future. You don't have to give us an in depth detailed listing. But your responses will help us learn more, and I'm hoping to do more Just Visiting posts, and it would be interesting to research museums, events, and locations outside of our 'comfort' areas. (Do you live in a state? A province? etc... Have fun with it!!!)

So thank you so much in advance for your notes! We're looking forward to your answers. I'm hoping that our next year will see more positive growth in general, and who knows, maybe we'll have a post about your country or local area ^_^.

***Please keep your responses G rated on the most part, this is a family friendly blog...at least we try to be..***

- No you don't have to leave us your real name.
- You don't have to give identifying information.
- This is just a fun project to find out more about the world, and work on a world project.

And thank you so much for reading! We are hoping to be writing and sharing things of interest we discover for a long time into the future. Thank you so much!

Just Visiting : Coronado Fine Art

Sometimes you get to see something amazing. There are moments where these amazing things are shown to you, and you never would have known, couldn't plan it. This is a case of that. I'm sure that by now a lot of  you know that I'm interested in all different kinds of art. Music, film, animation, as well as other forms inspire me and help me to question and process the world around me.

This past Sunday I was blessed to get out with some of Polke A Dots family. We went out to celebrate his grandmothers birthday, it was a beautiful day, and I'm getting off topic. His Aunt took us to a place called Coronado, which is an area of San Diego accessed by a sky bridge or ferry. I hadn't even realized it was part of the city, or considered to be a separate area. We went to lunch and we looked at the lovely water. After eating, we went to look at the dock and shops in the plaza near the restaurant.

There was a live band playing zydeco music there, and people were chatting and enjoying the cool yet sunny day. I even saw the tail flipper of a seal as it was playing in the water! But the art galleries were probably my favorite thing that we saw. I can't remember the name of the second one in the shopping plaza, but the one I remember is called Coronada Fine Art Gallery.

Coronado Fine Art
1201 First St., Suite 111
Coronado, CA 92118
http://www.coronadofineart.com/

Now why do I remember the name of this one and not the other? Well... they had a lot of Disney themed art, as well as a collection of Dr. Seuss Art. There was also some gorgeous landscapes, as well as some fantasy art.

Birthday Wishes by Tennessee Loveless

A lot of the Disney art that really caught my eye was pop art style by an artist named Tennessee Loveless. You can check out his portfolio and projects on his website here http://tennesseeloveless.com/ . What I think is amazing is the variety of bright colors he uses in his pieces. As well as the amazing variety in his project listed as TENxTENxTEN. It's kind of repetitious but it's all variations of Mickey Mouse. It's really fun to look through. The woman at the gallery told us about some of the pieces, and they do each have some interesting stories behind them.

AM by Robert Bissell

I also enjoyed the animal art by Robert Bissell. They have a quality that gives the animals human character, while not really changing them from their reality based forms. I especially loved the pieces that showed rabbits and bunnies. They were adorable and sweet, and just made you wanna scoop the bunnies up and cuddle them if you could. But they're art you can't.

 The Turtle-Necked Sea-Turtle by Dr. Seuss

But the Dr. Seuss art was really the highlight of the gallery, at least in my opinion. There were some of the taxidermy sculptures of creatures from Seuss world. As well as various panels that were images for some of the books. It was a real treat to get to see them. (Seems he sketched in pencil like most artists <3 such an encouraging revelation.) There was all kinds of sculptures too. Really really wonderful.

Anyway, the gallery isn't huge but it's a nice treat to visit and see. Heck, if you have the budget it'd even be awesome to get some of the pieces. Sadly, I don't have the budget. But the internet is full of information about different places that offer prints and what not. The gallery has a no photography rule, so the images used here are from the internet.

Kid friendly place, just don't let them touch the art. No Admission Fee.

Just Visiting : Shakespeare in Delaware Park : Measure for Measure

July 25th through August 18th you lucky folks out in Buffalo have a chance to enjoy yet another Shakespeare play. Shakespeare in Delaware Park is presenting Measure for Measure. If you missed their presentation of Hamlet, don't fret. They may not be presenting Hamlet, but this comedy is sure to amuse you.

Unlike some other versions of this play you may have seen, the company has taken the liberty of making it into a western. Yes, that's right a Shakespeare western. Not that might sound a bit odd to those of you who are hesitant to watch even the more modern Romeo and Juliet renditions, but live theater is a horse of a different color.

I do want to remind you, that seating and parking for the play is on a first come first serve basis. Take a blanket, some snacks and be ready to get comfortable. The play is free, though during intermission they do pass a hat to help with funding, so figure, if you can, about the price of a movie or so.

Measure for Measure
Shakespeare in Delaware Park
7:30 pm Tuesdays through Sundays
July 25th through August 18th

Just Visiting : Shakespeare in Delaware Park : Hamlet

Everyone is looking for something different to do now that school is out. Summer is just that time of year when it seems there is either not enough time to do anything, or there is far too much time and nothing to do. Whichever way you look at it there is bound to be some free time in your summer at some point. You're waiting for me to tell you what I have in mind for you to do with it aren't you? Don't rush me!

What I have to recommend to you today is the Shakespeare in Delaware Park's 2013 productions. As they do every year they will be presenting 2 plays. But because I don't want you to feel daunted. I'm just going to let you know about the one that is starting this week. Hamlet.

As it does every year (as long as I can remember having attended it anyway) they will be presenting the play at 7:30 pm nightly, Tuesday through Sunday. As to what kind of take they're going to have on the play, that's up to the director. Please be advised that parking and seating is first come first serve, so if you want to enjoy it, make sure that you get there a little early.

The play will be acted from June 20th through July 14th. I do hope that you get the chance to go and enjoy it. I would love to see it myself, but I'm here in California at the moment. But we'll see what we can come up with to compensate for missing the play.

As far as directions and the address go, I must apologize for being a bit fuzzy on the details. But if you know where the Albright Knox Art museum is, the performances are held in the bit of the park past the rose garden across the street.

Just Visiting : Timken Museum

So it's been a little bit since we told you about anything that there is to see or do. So today We want to share the Timken Museum with you. There are a few different reasons that we can recommend you go to the museum. One is that it has a variety of older art pieces. Another is that it isn't going to be an expensive stop.

The museum is home to a variety of artworks. From various artists around the world, and spanning a large amount  of time. There are some gorgeous religious paintings, as well as some beautiful pastoral scenes. In the American paintings area, the nautical theme is wonderful. Not to mention a lady holding a viper in her cup. It made me pause to wonder what the painter was trying to say.

There is even a Rembrandt painting in the collection. It's very dark, but it's still a lovely painting to get to see. It's not every art museum that has one. It's the kind of thing that's nice to be able to tell people that you got to see. At least, if you're interested in more classical art and history.

The people that supervise the museum are also very knowledgeable. So if you have a question they might have the answer. The museum does do special exhibits. So make sure to check their website, they may be showing a "new" painting you haven't seen before. This helps to offer different pieces for viewing and appreciation.

The Timken Museum is open with free admission 10:30am - 4:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday.  So don't bother trying to get in on a Monday. They're also closed for major holidays.'Located in Balboa Park in downtown San Diego, it can be found near a number of other destinations of interest. While admission is free, they do appreciate donations as a way to help keep the paintings and art pieces available for public viewing.

Timken Museum of Art
1500 El Prado
Balboa Park
San Diego, California 92101

Just Visiting : SeaWorld San Diego

Summer is almost here and it's getting warm. Soon it'll be time to hit the beach to enjoy the warm sand, the cool waters, and the good company of friends. But there is a new option opening here in San Diego, the Aquatica SeaWorld Waterpark. Which is supposedly located just a few minutes from the SeaWorld Park here. But what's interesting about them?

The water park is opening on June first.Aquatica boasts a number of new atractions including a 1,250-foot long lazy river named Loggerhead Lane. For those looking for a steep thrill, they offer the HooRoo Run, their steepest 80-foot slide. The Walhalla Wave rode offers a different kind of experiance. Rafts similar to those in the lazy river enable 2-3 passengers to enjoy a 78-foot long run of twists, turns, and watery waves. The website lists about 13 attractions that will be at the new water park.

SeaWorld itself here in San Diego offers over 27 different attractions and entertainment options. Madagascar Live! Operation : Vacation brings the familiar characters of the Madagascar series to the stage, Where they party on vacation at the park. Or if you prefer something a bit more traditional there is Journey to Atlantis. This water ride combines the classic flume ride soaking fun, with roller coaster type action and special effects. It offers a 60-foot plunge, and the opportunity to sea some interesting sea creatures. Then there's Shipwreck Rapids, which is a tube type raft ride on a winding river. For those who will know the reference, they make it sound similar to Grizzly Run.

SeaWorld offers a Coaster called Manta

7 Eleven is offering a discount promotion coupon for the park. This coupon can either reduce admission to SeaWorld itself by fifteen dollars and add a free second visit (it lists adult or child admission with this promotion as being $63). Or it can be used to save seven dollars on admission to the new Aquatica Park(admission for adult then being $31, child $23). There is some fine print though, these discounts are only available online. The offer for SeaWorld itself ends 9/1/13, while the discount offer for Aquatica ends 9/30/13. There is also a limit of 6 admissions per park.

Just Visiting : Balboa Park Botanical Building

Today's Just Visiting installment is about the Balboa Park Botanical Building. This beautiful building has a wide variety of plants available for viewing. As well as an interactive touch and smell garden. This is a beautiful building to do photographs in, as well as a kid friendly educational area. Many children will enjoy the touch and smell garden, and the chance to view the carnivorous plants.

The Botanical building was originally built for the Panamerican Exposition which opened in 1915. It was billed as the largest Lath House, as well as being called the Lath Palace. It has a rather unique place in history in the way that the Lily pond in front of it has been used through the years. But that's a story for another day. We just wanted to let you know that this beautiful building exists.

I highly recommend it as a a place to stop if you're visiting in the balboa park area. It's beautiful, and the plants smell lovely. Not to mention the large Koi in the Lily ponds in front of the building. It's an all around lovely stop. It is also located close to a number of other museums in the park.

Botanical Building
1549 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101

Open Daily from 10:00am - 4:00pm (Closed Thursdays and Holidays)
Admission to the Botanical Building is Free

Just Visiting : The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Plants are interesting things. They make oxygen, can be used in cooking, and have all kinds of uses in our daily lives. We don't really know all of them. Well, some people may know a number of their  uses, but no one knows every secret that a plant might have. This Friday, May 10th, is National Public Gardens Day. So to celebrate this holiday The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is having a special discounted admission where it is only a dollar to come in and view the beautiful plants and displays inside. The Garden is open from 10 am until 5pm that day, so remember to plan your visit accordingly.

The tri-dome greenhouse was built between the years 1897-1899, and at the time it was one of the largest greenhouses in the United States.  It is one of less than twelve Victorian conservatories in America, and there is only one other tri-dome garden, the New York Botanical Gardens which is in the Bronx. The building itself was based on famous gardens of the time period that were in England.

Since then it has grown, and currently covers 11.4 acres of the Buffalo South Park. It isn't only the three domed greenhouse, but also nine other greenhouses. They also have a 9 hole golf course in the area, which was settled into an area of the park called the meadow in 1915. The garden houses plants not only from the temperate climate it is located in, but also the tropic and sub tropic climates. They hold a variety of events there through the year.

This is a historical site that is recognized nationally.

Buffalo Botanical Gardens
2655 South Park Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14218 

The Garden is Open to the Public :
10:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Sunday
Closed on Thanksgiving Day
Closed on Christmas Day
10am-12pm on Christmas Eve (December 24)
10am-12pm on New Year's Eve (December 31)


The Botanical Gardens are fully handicapped accessible.

Admission to the Garden during it's everyday operations are:
Adults - $7
Seniors (55+) - $6
Students (13+ with ID) -  $6
Children 3 to 12 are $4
Children under 3 are Free

During some special events and shows the prices may be a bit higher.

Just Visiting : The Albright-Knox Art Gallery

The Albright-Knox Art Gallery is an interesting place to see, for both visitors and the people that live in the City of Buffalo. Like many art galleries it has visiting art pieces, as well as a number of pieces that are constantly on display there within the building. They tend to have selections that are modern and contemporary available for viewing.

During M&T FIRST FRIDAYS the gallery is open from 10 am–10 pm. These happen on the first Friday of each month. What's special about these days? Admission to the Gallery is free. And if I'm correct that means that today is the first Friday event. ( I know this one is a bit late in it's posting for planning, my bad.)

For those wondering what the current exhibits are in the Gallery (besides the ones that are there all the time);
Agnes Martin: The New York-Taos Connection
Dennis Maher: House of Collective Repair
Kelly Richardson: Legion
Looking Out and Looking In: A Selection of Contemporary Photography
Artworks in the Knox (Education Exhibition)
=REMEMBER THAT EXHIBITS CHANGE=

What's the address?
Albright-Knox Art Gallery
1285 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14222

Just Visiting : The Museum of Photographic Arts

There are a large number of museums in the San Diego Area. Some are newer than others, but some have been holding strong. An example of this is The Museum of Photographic Arts which is celebrating it's 30th year. Starting on May 1st, 2013 through the 7th, they're having a special event where they're only charging $1 for admission. This is a rather small fee, and the event as a whole sounds fascinating and like it would be a lot of fun.

On may first they're offering tours behind the scenes, letting visitors see the storage area and library of the collection between 11 am and 4pm. They're also holding a raffle, where every visitor to the museum that day is entered into a raffle for various photography related prizes. Also, if you're interested in items in the MOPA gift shop a sale will be running that first day with items reaching as much as 83% off their original pricing. (Don't worry though if you can't make it to the event on the first day, it'll have a  10% off rate until the 7th of May).

The Museum of Photographic Arts
1649 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101

Museum Hours are Tuesday through Sunday 10 am through 5 pm (may change for special events)