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Story By Christene Meyers Photos By Bruce Keller "The Carpe Diem Kids" The low-rise, minimalist structure of 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT was created by architect Tadao Ando in collaboration with fashion designer and founder Issey Miyake. The building itself is worthy of a visit on your Tokyo itinerary. Few buildings in Tokyo blend architecture, creativity, and innovation as beautifully as 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, where we spent an intriguing afternoon experiencing everyday life through the lens of design. Located in Tokyo Midtown, 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT is far more than a museum. Designed by celebrated architect Tadao Ando, this striking cultural landmark invites visitors to explore how thoughtful design shapes everyday life through imaginative exhibitions, inspiring architecture and creative innovation. A Hidden Gem Essential to a Tokyo Visit From the subway, the approach to the museum is through a lovely neighborhood with beautiful architecture and peaceful landscaping design. We took the tube from our hotel to Roppongi Station for a short, pleasant walk to 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT. We'd studied a brochure on the exhibition, "Soup as Life," and were eager to experience the creative way the museum would use soup as a lens to explore our fundamental human needs of food, clothing and shelter. Our visit evoked a huge "wow!" giving us a fresh, fascinating perspective on design as a creative force that influences everyday life. We wandered slowly through the thought-provoking soup exhibition. We viewed utensils, table settings and an artful collection of spoons, all while considering the importance of soup through the centuries. We were intrigued by the way in which the exhibition addresses food, clothing and shelter. Eye-catching installations embrace all five senses, using textile, sound, scent and photography to present aspects of the theme of "soup." Never had we considered something as basic as soup could have such profound ramifications. The lighting and design of galleries in 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT encourage visitors to linger, here viewing textile and photo exhibits under the museum's dramatic vaulted wooden ceiling. Design is apparent everywhere, foremost in the architecture of the building itself. It inspires new ways of thinking about a building's function. Its founde, renowned fashion designer Issey Miyake. It opened in March 2007 within the Tokyo Midtown complex as a collaborative project conceived with architect Ando to showcase imaginative exhibitions on a range of themes -- sustainability, craftsmanship, and the relationship between objects and people. The soup exhibition included elegant table settings and a striking spoon display, both encouraging us to ponder this ancient tool while challenging conventional ideas about objects we take for granted. Highlights of 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT ● The museum features rotating exhibitions by leading designers. "Soup as Life" in Galleries 1 & 2 is in its final days, running through Aug 9. ● The upcoming exhibition is "Learning from "Hōjōki": Tiny Architecture Reweaves Life," running from Aug. 28, 2026 to Jan. 11, 2027, following a brief installation closure Aug.10-27. Hōjōki (方丈記), translated as "An Account of My Hut" or "The Ten-Foot Square Hut," is a classic masterpiece of pre-modern Japanese literature written in 1212 by Kamo no Chōmei. ● The museum features a design shop featuring unique products and limited-edition items ● The building itself is a minimalist masterpiece blending concrete, glass and natural light. Elegant table settings and this striking spoon display encouraged us to ponder this ancient tool while challenging conventional ideas about everyday objects we take for granted. Why Visit This Museum? Our visit to 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT reminded us that travel is about more than famous landmarks -- it's about discovering places that inspire fresh ideas and new ways of seeing the world. If your travels take you to Tokyo, be sure to set aside time for a leisurely visit to this remarkable museum. You'll find it encourages the viewer to think in fresh ways, to ponder. Great art must do this. You can use the Tokyo Pass to gain admission to 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT. You can also purchase tickets at the door. General adult admission is approximately $10.14 USD (¥1,600 JPY.) The museum is located in Tokyo Midtown, at 9-7-6 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo, about a 5-minute walk from either Roppongi Station or Nogizaka Station. The museum is generally open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last admission 6:30 p.m.) and is usually closed on Tuesdays. Current exhibitions change throughout the year. People browse a fascinating art installation at 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, part of an exhibit on soup. Various strikingly curated displays use soup as a creative lens to explore the fundamental human needs of food, clothing and shelter. You can visit the official site here by clicking on: 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT If you're planning a Tokyo trip, there are several other outstanding architecture and design destinations within walking distance of 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT. Why not make a day of exploring Tokyo's unique museums, beginning with 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT. Remember to explore, learn and live, and follow WhereIsCookie.com for more travel stories, practical tips and hidden gems from destinations around the globe. UP NEXT: We're hitting the road from Helena, Montana, on a daytrip to a pair of spectacular places. Just 20 miles from downtown, the Gates of the Mountains offered a breathtaking boat tour through the dramatic Missouri River canyon that amazed explorers more than two centuries ago. Then our Helena daytrip takes us to Lincoln, Montana, and the beautiful Blackfoot Valley to "Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild." It's an open air, uncrowded outdoor sculpture park where world-class artwork blends with Montana's forests, meadows and mountains. This pair of attractions made a wonderful daytrip. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for more adventures, travel tips and destination insights around the globe. Follow us at www.whereiscookie.com A tour boat tour sets off with passengers to cruise the Missouri River and Gates of the Mountains, with a lively commentary about the dramatic Montana canyon and wilderness area 20 miles north of Helena.

Cody's Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a world class complex of interesting and varied museums. Here a Buffalo Bill Cody sculpture greets guests. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: This piece is updated annually to confirm accuracy of information Irma Hotel diners enjoy a leisurely meal, as Queen Victoria's beautiful bar forms an historic backdrop, a gift to Buffalo Bill from the dowager Queen who loved Cody's show. MORE THAN 100 years after his death in 1917, Buffalo Bill Cody lives on in the lively western town of Cody, Wyoming. Named after the famed soldier, buffalo hunter and internationally known showman, the town of Cody pays homage to the flamboyant man in its world class museum, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, and in a hotel named after his beloved daughter Irma. Cody's Hampton Inn has comfy rooms, friendly service and quiet -- away from Cody's busy and sometimes noisy streets. What to do, where to stay -- try the pleasant Hampton Inn WE SPENT a lively day and restful night enjoying Cody, Wyoming, and its attractions enroute to Yellowstone National Park. It's 50 gorgeous miles to the East Entrance through lovely Wapiti Valley. We enjoy the Hampton Inn because it's a quiet, lovely, comfy property with friendly service and a pleasant breakfast. It's also a bit out of town, near the rodeo grounds, with pretty mountain views and quiet. In several stays, we find it a perfect place for launching our Yellowstone Park visits. Cody is also famous for its western ambiance, including a seasonal shootout at dusk by the Irma Hotel, just a quick drive from the Hampton Inn. The Irma's historic bar, built in 1902, boasts stiff drinks while the restaurant serves up tasty country cooking. The Irma's much photographed cherry wood bar was given to Buffalo Bill as thanks for his entrepreneurial tour of Europe and the United Kingdom. Bestowing the gift was one of Bill's ardent fans, England's Queen Victoria. Quaint rooms are also designed in the Victorian style. IT'S FUN TO stroll the streets for western wear, rib-sticking food, ethnic fare including Asian and Mexican offerings, and galleries featuring western paintings, pottery and crafts. Cody Trolley Tours offers an entertaining look at the town. More attractions in Cody, Wyoming -- try the Cody Trolley A highlight of our Cody visit was an lively hour spent aboard the eye-catching green trolley of Cody Trolley Tours. Two entertaining and knowledgeable guides walked us through the history of the town, with historical stories, photos, stops at various locations and audio clips. They highlight old and new attractions around town, with video clips, artwork and relics such as a buffalo horn. WE ENJOYED the stories of the guides, particularly the one claiming that Bill's body rests in a picturesque gravesite atop Lookout Mountain, high above the town of Golden, Colorado. While his will stipulated he be brought back to Cody, his widow, Louisa Cody, claimed that officials conspired to have Buffalo Bill buried in Denver. Others believe those are not really Buffalo Bill's remains. They think that Bill's Cody friends talked their way into the mortuary after his sudden 1917 death in Denver. Lore says the pals switched the body before it was buried, bringing the real Bill back to Wyoming. The controversy still fuels arguments. Cookie poses by a whimsical Larry Pirnie art piece at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. "Give us an hour and we'll give you 100 years," is Cody Trolley Tours' motto. We take trolley tours all over the world, wherever offered. This is one of the most fun we've experienced. Cody is a lively place, and even with Covid, masking and distancing, we managed to enjoy ourselves. The shops, restaurants, an entertaining walking tour and planning for the Yellowstone and Grand Teton visit made the visit a pleasant one. The Irma remains the city's grand dame, and you'll not want to miss an afternoon or morning at the Buffalo Bill Center for the West, with its impressive array of museums ranging from Plains Indian exhibits, to one of the world's finest displays of western art and a firearms collection considered the most impressive in the Americas. CODY'S ROUGH and tumble roots have spawned a town both sophisticated and "small.'' It retains the feel of a western village but offering citified amenities the seasoned traveler expects. For instance, there's a popular dinner show with western fare and cowboy music produced by Cody Cattle Company, a nightly seasonal rodeo, and the long-running shoot-out outside the Irma. The acting is far from Broadway quality and the script is not Pulitzer material, but the half-hour show is a fun diversion. We sat with a couple of Swiss honeymooners and a family from Sacramento, all enjoying the spectacle. If you book the Trolley Tour, take advantage of its front-row seat perk. For $3 more than the $25 tour price, the tour's amiable office worker Mitch places a sticker on a chair and you're sitting front-row for the action. You'll meet Butch Cassidy, Sundance, the town drunk, and a couple of lively chorus girls. A fake town backdrop is set up in the street and traffic is closed off for the bank robbery and jail break. THE OTHER much enjoyed feature of the tour was a visit to the extraordinary Buffalo Bill Dam. With guns blazing, actors in Cody's seasonal nightly gunfight entertain a global audience. The trolley tour does a quick drive-by, so we stopped the next morning enroute to Yellowstone. At its christening in 1910, it was heralded as an engineering marvel, one of the first concrete arch dams built in the United States. Standing an impressive 325 feet high, it was then the highest dam in the world -- even surpassing New York's famed Croton Dam. That's up next. We also enjoyed a tasty, authentic Mexican meal at Zapata's, with its welcoming outdoor patio, excellent margaritas and pleasant, accommodating service. Please keep tuning us in and share the link. hilton.com/en/hotels/codeyhx-hampton-suites-cody/ codytrolleytours.com; codychamber.org centerofthewest.org bbdvc.com; zapatascody.com Spectacular view from the walkway above the Buffalo Bill Dam. UP NEXT: The Buffalo Bill Dam Visitor Center offers an eye-catching walkway across the dam, with a view down to the beautiful Shoshone River. It's on the way from Cody, Wyoming, to Yellowstone National Park's east entrance. The dam was completed 110 years ago in 1910, an engineering marvel at the time and still impressive today. We'll take you there next week. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh look at travel, the arts, family, nature and more: whereiscookie.com

Dancing, singing, storytelling and a lively pace keep the audience entertained in Cody, Wyoming, at the popular Wild West Spectacular. The show just ended a successful run, based on the life of showman, soldier and entrepreneur "Buffalo Bill" Cody, after whom the town of Cody is named. Editor's Note Originally published: August 2022 Updated: Aug 6, 2026 This article has been reviewed and updated to reflect current travel information, attractions, schedules, pricing, lodging options, and visitor recommendations. Wyoming's Wild West fun in vintage theater tells of Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley and more If you've ever dreamed of stepping into the Wild West, there's no better place than Cody, Wyoming. Founded by Buffalo Bill Cody himself, this historic western town celebrates its frontier heritage every summer with the acclaimed Cody Wild West Show. Combining history, music, comedy, colorful characters, and family-friendly entertainment, the show offers visitors a chance to experience the legends and stories that helped shape the American West. Whether you're visiting Yellowstone National Park or exploring Wyoming's scenic landscapes, this unforgettable evening should be on your travel itinerary. A cast including college students and graduates, theater majors and professional dancers and singers entertains. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Cody isn't just another western town. It's a destination built on the legacy of William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, one of the most famous figures in American history. Located just 52 miles east of Yellowstone National Park's East Entrance, Cody serves as a gateway for millions of visitors each year. The town embraces its western roots through museums, rodeos, historic hotels, western art galleries, and live performances that keep frontier traditions alive. Among the town's most beloved attractions is the Cody Wild West Show, also known as Buffalo Bill's Wild West Spectacular. This award-winning production has become a summer tradition for visitors looking to experience authentic western entertainment. The 1936 Cody Theatre is the venue for a rousing spectacular about Buffalo Bill and more WE WITNESSED THE show in all its boisterous glory. We were delighted, amused and even a bit surprised at the high quality of the extravaganza, produced with a cast of 30 with an ambitious docket of both evening shows and matinees. Cody Wyoming's Wild West Show A new season debuted in summer of 2026 Unlike a traditional stage play, this production blends: • Historical storytelling • Live music • Singing and dancing • Comedy • Western action • Audience interaction • Family-friendly entertainment Guests meet famous frontier figures including Annie Oakley, Wild Bill Hickok, Frank Butler, sharpshooters, cowboys, saloon performers, and Buffalo Bill himself. THE HIGH CALIBER of the show has garnered accolades and favorable reviews since its 2016 inception from True West Magazine and TripAdvisor. Cast members come from across the country. Most have theater degrees or background on the stage. Tourists lament the end of the show's run in mid-August, while Yellowstone National Park and other attractions are still attracting crowds to Cody. But marketing director Jennifer Kaelberer explains. "We have a shorter summer season than other attractions because our actors have other commitments." Members of the talented 30-person cast takes a bow at show's 414 end. Additional behind-the-scenes workers include lighting and technical staff, marketers, costumers, choreographers and more. Many of the professionals contracted are college students from across the country who must return to campus. Some have contracts with other companies or jobs elsewhere. THE SHOW has a fresh feeling, boasting both an original script and choreography. Some of the music is from Broadway's treasure chest of western lore ("Annie Get Your Gun," for instance). Set and lighting are imaginative, augmented by additional original musical pieces. The legend of Buffalo Bill Cody comes to life as snippets from Cody's colorful life are woven into the action. The international showman had a town named after him and the show pays tribute to his talents and energy with a dancing, singing, music and storytelling yarn. It's laced with good-natured humor, colorful costumes, tap dancing, ballet and audience interaction. The 2026 season runs from June 17 through August 8, 2026. Standard Show Times • Most performances begin at 7:00 PM • Doors typically open at 6:30 PM • Performance length is approximately 2 hours with intermission. • Afternoon performances only • Show time: 2:00 PM 2026 Ticket Prices: Adults (13+): $32 Children (12 and under): $15 Group discounts may be available for advance bookings. Travel Tip for First-Time Visitors: Arrive Early Downtown Cody can be busy during peak summer travel season. Arriving early allows time to find parking, explore downtown, and enjoy refreshments before the show. Purchase Tickets in Advance Popular summer dates can sell out, especially around Independence Day and weekends. Explore Downtown Cody Make a full evening of your visit by exploring nearby shops, restaurants, and western attractions before the performance. Bring the Family The show is designed for all ages, making it a family-friendly attractions. We joined a crowd in the vintage Cody Theatre, in downtown Cody on the main street, Sheridan Avenue. If you don't know Cody, look for the famous Irma Hotel -- named after Buffalo Bill's beloved daughter. The theater is right across the street. Clem's Canteen and Creamery offers light refreshments and sweets, including ice cream. THE FULL, two-hour production ended its run with hoots, hollers and an ovation after a seven-week stint beginning in late June. The venue is the 1936 art deco theater in downtown Cody Theatre, across the street from the Irma Hotel, which is the jewel on Sheridan Avenue, the main venue in town. The show is the brainchild of director and Cody native Elizabeth Fernandez assisted by Kaelberer, director of public relations and marketing. Kaelberer also runs the front of house and ticketing, and observes productions from the tech deck, taking notes for the director. A VERSATILE cast of singers, dancers and actors is headed by Evan Wambeke, in his seventh season as Buffalo Bill. Other colorful characters dart in and out of the story -- headliner Annie Oakley, Wild Bill Hickok, Frank Butler and a top-drawer dance ensemble, whose numbers are show highlights, particularly a poignant homage to the buffalo. Buffalo Bill's daughter, Irma, as a young woman, is played by Willow Fernandez. Other actors play Irma as a child. Here she sings a wistful ballad, missing her touring father. Tickets for the summer 2023 season go on sale Jan. 1, 2023 and next summer's season will run the last week of June through the first week of August at the historic Cody Theatre. Frequently Asked Questions Is the Cody Wild West Show suitable for children? Yes. The show is family-friendly and designed to entertain visitors of all ages. How long is the performance? Approximately two hours, including an intermission. Do I need to buy tickets in advance? Advance purchase is recommended during peak summer travel periods. Where is the show located? The Cody Theatre, 1171 Sheridan Avenue, Cody, Wyoming. When does the 2026 season run? June 17 through August 8, 2026. How much are tickets? Adults: $32 Children 12 and under: $15 Additional ticketing fees may apply. Is the show near Yellowstone National Park? Yes. Cody is one of Yellowstone's primary gateway communities and is located near the park's East Entrance. Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit the Cody Wild West Show The Cody Wild West Show is more than just an evening of entertainment -- it's a journey into the history, legends, and spirit of the American frontier. From the moment the music begins until the final curtain call, visitors are treated to a memorable experience filled with laughter, storytelling, western charm, and historical adventure. Whether you're planning a Yellowstone vacation, exploring Wyoming's scenic beauty, or simply looking for a unique family-friendly attraction, the Cody Wild West Show deserves a spot on your itinerary. For more travel inspiration, destination guides, road trip ideas, lodging recommendations, and insider tips across Montana, Wyoming, Yellowstone, and beyond, visit WhereIsCookie.com. We're constantly sharing the latest travel tips, suggestions, and adventure ideas to help you discover unforgettable destinations throughout the American West. More info or for next season's ticket information: Social media platforms: Instagram and Facebook @codywildwestshow; codywildwestshow.com; rockymountaindancetheatre.org; 307 527-9973. Zion National Park is known to travelers worldwide, and treasured by residents of the United States who visit Utah's first national park in all its summer glory. UP NEXT: ZION! Our splendid national parks are a priceless treasure in the United States, enjoyed by a worldwide clientele. We're attempting to visit all of them. Our latest discovery is Zion, Utah's first national park with massive sandstone cliffs of gold, cream, pink and red. The sky is a brilliant blue and golden with extraordinary sunsets over the canyons. We'll take you there. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on nature, the arts, family, travel and more: www.whereiscookie.com

Join veteran travel writer Cookie and photographer Keller on Where is Cookie?—a travel blog celebrating cruising, the arts, food, and cultural stories from around the world. Trusted Travel Insights for Millions of Travelers Around the Globe Follow the Adventures of The Carpe Diem Kids Award-Winning Global Travel Blog by Cookie & Keller Inspiring Curated Adventures in Culture, Cruising, Theatre, and Nature Welcome to Where Is Cookie? , a globally followed travel and arts blog sharing inspiring journeys across 120+ countries. Follow award-winning writer Christene "Cookie" Meyers and photographer Bruce Keller as they cruise the world, explore hidden gems, attend cultural performances, and review top hotels and destinations. Whether you're a travel lover seeking expert advice or a tourism board looking for curated media exposure, you'll find travel tips, hotel reviews, theater guides, nature escapes, and more — all captured with authenticity, wit, and heart. VIEW FULL BLOG About Our Blog Where Is Cookie? is a travel and lifestyle publication with 2+ million views, blending decades of journalism, photography, and global exploration. We share timely, trend-focused content that enriches and educates, making travel more accessible, fun, and meaningful. We’ve been featured in SD Voyager, Big Sky Journal, and more. ADVENTURE TRAVEL STORIES CRUISE REVIEWS & TIPS TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FAVORITE HOTELS & STAYS MUST-SEE MUSEUMS THEATRE, MUSIC & ARTS SCENIC TRAIN JOURNEYS ABOUT US HIRE US TO HELP WITH TRAVEL As featured in Heads Up! We’re currently updating our website, so some older content might be temporarily unavailable. Thanks for your patience and support! - Cookie & Keller We're based in sunny San Diego and Montana but we spend months each year flitting about the world, chasing great food and migrating whales, with tips on cruises, theater, cultural events. WhereisCookie.com brings our travel curiosity to readers from our SoCal and Montana roots to everywhere else on the planet. Check often for travel tips and suggestions on how and where to get the best bang for your hard-earned buck.

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