The drive in to Yellowstone from Red Lodge to the Cody entrance is lovely and varied, especially along the Chief Joseph Highway, then again between Cody and the East Entrance of the park. It's a favorite summer ritual. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: this piece was updated July 22, 2026 YELLOWSTONE'S THROW AWAY, DEER AND ANTELOPE PLAY; ELK, BISON AND MORE ARE JUST OUT THE DOOR Slowing down as bison cross the road is a Yellowstone tradition. AS A CHILD growing up in Montana, no summer was complete without a pilgrimage to Yellowstone National Park. Although much of this splendid place is in Wyoming, our neighbor state, we thought of it as "our park" back in the 1950s. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, we didn't know better and fed bears from our cars. A herd of elk parades across the prairie on the drive from Gardiner to Mammoth, a thrilling sight no matter how often seen I STILL THINK of Yellowstone as "ours" -- with apologies to our Cody, Powell and Worland friends. Even after decades of multiple visits -- at least 100 in my lifetime -- a trip to the world's first national park leaves me proud and humbled. As a global citizen, I feel ownership. I hope everyone who visits does. I love hearing dozens of languages, spoken by people whose countries I visited. TOGETHER, WE gaze at spectacular waterfalls and geysers, identify wildflowers, admire birds and count mammal species. "Inspire, educate, preserve" is the motto of the Yellowstone Association for Natural Science. Keller is "arms up" at the Roosevelt Arch near Gardiner. WHATEVER PART of Yellowstone's glorious two million acres we visit, Teddy Roosevelt's best gift to the country shines like a well loved tiara. We hike one of Yellowstone's 1,210 miles of marked trails. We usually stay at Lake Yellowstone Hotel or Old Faithful Inn, and the restaurant at Lake is our favorite. I usually ask to play the grand piano in the lobby. (I've never been refused) while the musician takes a break. If we have guests from the East Coast or Europe, we stop at Roosevelt Lodge for a cookout. When visiting Yellowstone National Park, we try to arise early one morning to visit "our Yellowstone" before the crush of folks begins about 10 a.m. Visiting Yellowstone National Park Ritual OUR PLACE north of Nye, Montana, is 70 miles north of Yellowstone, as the crow flies. To drive it, we plan at least a three-hour journey -- to one of the park's five entrances. Our favorites are the stunning Beartooth Highway to the Northeast Entrance, or the less frightening, equally beautiful road to Cody, Wyo., and the park's East Entrance. Because of its proximity, Yellowstone was a perfect "long weekend" trip for our young family, a journey taken in our Ford County Squire station wagon. We go by Ford Explorer now, and the family's dwindled since the carefree days of yore when we innocently fed bears marshmallows through the car windows. Lake McDonald is a stunning sight on a drive through Glacier Park, up next! I HAVEN'T missed a summer trip to Yellowstone and hope I never will. It's my celebration of a lucky birthplace -- and we offer a huge thanks on behalf of millions of Yellowstone fans to Teddy Roosevelt! Bully job for saving our parks. Next up, we explore Glacier National Park. Check us out, remembering to explore, learn and live, and catch us weekly at whereiscookie.com for more travel adventures around the world.

A bighorn sheep nods to winter, near Nye, Montana, near the Beartooth Mine, photographed on a recent visit. SPLENDOR IN THE NORTHERN ROCKIES, AS FALL STEPS ASIDE, AND WINTER WAITS IN THE WINGS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: This piece was reviewed and updated July 22, 2026 The Northern Rockies offer one of America's most rewarding road trip adventures. From towering mountain peaks and crystal-clear rivers to historic towns and endless open landscapes, Montana's Big Sky Country invites travelers to slow down and explore. Whether you're searching for scenic drives, outdoor recreation, wildlife viewing, or unforgettable photography opportunities, this region delivers breathtaking experiences in every season. "For how can one know color in perpetual green, and what good is warmth without cold to give it sweetness...." John Steinbeck, "Travels with Charley." Between snows, it's pleasant to wander the river, and maybe even catch a fish. Between snows and melts, the deer are out to forage, making them excellent material for an afternoon or morning of photos. MONTANA IS truly a land for all seasons -- if one likes variety. John Steinbeck discovered multiple Northern Rockies attractions and loved our mountains and prairies. He even found our cold winters inspiring. While his affection might have been partly bourbon induced, his sentiments have plenty of supporters. Right now, the temperature is zigging and zagging from freezing and below, to downright balmy rain, snow, ice and gorgeous bursts of sun and thaw come with the territory this time of year. Thousands are reveling in it, when downhill and cross-country skiing are at their best, with the snow crisp but not icy, the welcome sun shining without melting the white. Bighorn sheep -- a male on the right -- enjoy a late autumn stroll. The male appears to be courting the female. Northern Rockies road trip attractions include the wildlife viewing in the winter and the bonus that summer's crowds have vanished. You can find parking and hiking even in the most normally crowded scenic viewing pull-offs. There's a freedom, calm and, yes, sweetness in winter that the crowds and heat of summer sabotage. Cross country skiing in the Beartooths can make for an invigorating day. This guy was late to hibernation -- or took a break -- to play in the snow. He may have been unearthing something buried before to eat later. Northern Rockies road trip attracts photographers PHOTOGRAPHERS, nature lovers and bird watchers have long known that winter is prime time for viewing -- if one is properly dressed. Birds and critters -- except most bears -- are easier to see against the winter trees and rocky outcroppings often edged with white. Animals such as rabbits and deer are spotted more readily because their coats aren't as easily hidden in winter. Birds in the trees don't have the leaf cover of the other seasons. But patience is a virtue. Keller says he always does his homework on an animal's or bird's behavior before setting out for "the photograph." HE OFFERS these tips -- and he should know. His work is well published and you view it here week after week. He has the essential patience for researching his photo shoots before hand. I do that when I prepare for an interview with an actor, musician, writer, painter or politician. Makes sense to apply the same advice to photography. This chilly fellow at a feeder near our place in south-central Montana appears to like the mix of seed. A ranch near us is blanketed with snow for months. We often see the footprints of deer as we drive in or out. "Getting to know something about the subject before I set out with my camera makes the difference between being ready and prepared to do justice to that “golden moment,” feeling failure and frustration. (As when you stand not quite ready and watch your subject fly by or trot away.)" In our safaris to Africa -- both Kenya and Tanzania -- Keller's advice was echoed by our naturalist tour guide-photographers. In Masai Mara, a noted photographer said there is only one certain way to get to know wildlife, even after copious reading and research. Spend time with them. He cautioned: "Don’t just hang around for a few minutes, or pop your head out of a viewing coach. Study the subject. Read, of course. Take opportunity to be near the animal or bird, even in a preserve or zoo. "Look at other peoples' photographs. And if your subject isn't co-operating, try something else for a few minutes -- stand up, change position, move to the next clearing or spot. Sit quietly while the animals move. Watch. And wait. Your time to get a spectacular photo will come." The promise of spring and the beauty of the woods kept Steinbeck returning to Montana, as it does us! A journey through Montana's Northern Rockies is filled with spectacular scenery, welcoming communities, and memorable adventures that showcase the very best of the American West. Whether it's your first visit or a return trip, you'll find countless reasons to explore this remarkable destination. For more cruise destinations, road trips, travel inspiration, and practical travel tips from around the world, visit WhereIsCookie.com, where every journey begins with a new adventure. UP NEXT: The Mission Inn, in Riverside, Calif., is known for its lavish holiday decorations which feature five million lights and attract visitors from all over the world. For two decades-plus, the Inn has championed the Festival of Lights, which besides its millions of lights features over 400 animated figures. Come have a merry look at Santa and his Elves, the Nutcrackers and fairies, palm trees and religious icons, all in the finest reds and golds. Riverside's Mission Inn is a wonderland of holiday lights and magical displays. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us for our weekly posts. whereiscookie.com

This scenic turn-out in Glacier National Park made an ideal picnic spot when we visited, just before colors began to change. Autumn is an uncrowded, beautiful and comfortable time to visit a national park NOW'S THE PERFECT TIME AS AUTUMN APPROACHES TO ENJOY YOUR NATIONAL PARKS STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: This piece was reviewed and updated July 22, 2026 Why visit Glacier National Park? Why see Yellowstone National Park or head north to Banff? If you’re looking for a reason to book your late-summer mountain getaway, parks are it. Glacier National Park The "Crown of the Continent" a million-acre mosaic of turquoise lakes, jagged peaks, and wildflower-filled meadows, truly comes alive in the late summer and early fall months. Whether you’re a hardcore hiker or a scenic-drive enthusiast, here is why Glacier belongs on your "summer swansong" bucket list: OUR SUMMER always winds down with visits to Yellowstone National Park, which we are lucky enough to have within easy driving distance. Glacier and Teton parks are a bit further from home, but we try to visit them both at least once a year. But the fall Yellowstone trek is a favorite tradition. We love this trip, which we plan after Labor Day weekend, to avoid crowds and take advantage of cooler temperatures, wildlife on the move and changing scenery as fall colors cloak the hillsides and valleys. This photo is one reason why you should visit a national park in late summer or early fall. Here, aspen cloak Grand Teton National Park. Aspen are also glorious in Yellowstone and Glacier. Many people visit more than one park. OUR NATIONAL parks have something for everyone so it is possible to plan a specific theme of fall fun, whether bird watching, biking, critter spotting or family oriented hiking and photo taking treks. There are bison and bears in Yellowstone, mountain goats in Glacier, mule deer and elk in Bryce Canyon and Zion, big horn sheep in Yosemite, and a variety of these animals in many of our parks, along with lush bird life, squirrels, bobcats, foxes and raccoons. Yosemite and other parks have bike boardwalks, Mesa Verde has cliff dwellings, and Yellowstone of course is famous for its geysers and thermal pools. The Lower Falls at Yellowstone National Park are an annual attraction for millions of visitors. Nature in our national parks is particularly pretty as crowds thin and autumn approaches. If you're a fan of magnificent trees, Sequoia is the national park for you and Utah's Canyonlands and Arches are known for spectacular stargazing. Family or couples hiking is a favorite family sport in Yellowstone and Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park. We have 63 national parks in the United States. We're proud that Yellowstone was the first national park in the world. More than 100 other countries also have national parks, places dedicated to preserving wildlife and nature. There are many on the continent of Africa where you can find mountain gorillas in Uganda's national parks. Gabon, Kenya and Tanzania offer spectacular landscape and large animal viewing. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers in Zion, taking a break during a fun hike. Our neighbor to the north, Canada, has 37 national parks including Banff, Waterton and Jasper. It also has11 national park reserves. From Asia to South America, national parks offer an insight into how countries preserve diverse ecosystems, magical landscapes, and spectacular wildlife. START PLANNING your U.S. park trip by contacting our National Park Service. It offers a wealth of information on preparing for a visit: park maps, calendars, directions, operating hours, where to stay and instructions on obtaining park passes. Prepare by learning how to make a park visit both safe and enjoyable. Get updated information on wildlife activity, road closures and detours and insights into the effects of human actions on the environment. It's a great way to start a family dialogue -- painless learning and opening doors to a lifetime of appreciating these national treasures. If this year isn't in the cards, start planning a visit for 2026. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers at the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park, with its iconic and eye-catching cornerstone. laid by President Theodore Roosevelt. MORE INFORMATION: National parks in the United States: nps.gov National parks in Canada: parks.canada.ca Throughout the world: globalnationalparks.com A delightful period set awaits viewers just before the house lights dim, for "The Importance of Being Earnest" at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival's season 90 in Ashland, Oregon. UP NEXT: Oregon Shakespeare Festival offers three magnificent and diverse theaters, a roster of unforgettable performances and production values equal to Broadway's best or London's finest West End shows. We take readers to this gem of a festival in southern Oregon's charming town of Ashland, and look at the plays which make this 90th season one of the festival's best. Remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on the arts, nature, travel, cruising, train trips, city tours, family and more. Please share the link with like minded people: www.whereiscookie.com

Bison graze throughout the park, alongside thermal pools and geysers that make the park famous. A TRIBUTE: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, YELLOWSTONE, OUR NATION'S FIRST NATIONAL PARK STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Morning Glory Pool is a steamy thermal pool, accessible near Old Faithful Lodge on wooden walking paths. THE NATION'S FIRST national park -- Yellowstone -- celebrates a big birthday this week. One hundred fifty years ago, Yellowstone was created, signed into law by President Ulysses S. Grant. President Theodore Roosevelt loved the park, and the Roosevelt Arch honors him, a triumphal landmark at the park's north entrance in Gardiner, Montana. Roosevelt laid the cornerstone in 1903, noting that the national parks were created "to preserve and protect the scenery, cultural heritage, wildlife, geologic and ecological systems in their natural condition for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations." Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers pose by Yellowstone Park's entry sign near Gardiner. President Theodore Roosevelt famously laid the cornerstone of the country's first national park in 1903. Yellowstone is the park service's crowning achievement, and our country's first such park. Thank you Teddy and U.S. Grant for this gigantic gift to the world. Whenever we go to the park, we make a game of listing the languages we hear: French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Thai, Mandarin, Japanese, Norwegian, and accents of visitors from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. It's always a mini United Nations in the restaurants, bars, hotels and gift shops, as people come from thousands of miles away to view the land where Native Americans hunted, fished, gathered plants, quarried obsidian and used the healing thermal waters for religious and medicinal purposes. OUR FAVORITE corners of the park aren't the most visited ones. While we enjoy all the major attractions, too -- the Upper and Lower Falls, Geyser Basin and more -- it's fun to pull off on one of the quieter, less frequented scenic views to simply revel in the magnificence. To behold 3,500 square miles of wilderness is one of our top recreational treats. The cascading Lower Falls makes an ear-popping sound as it flows into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The mighty Yellowstone River and beautiful Yellowstone Lake are part of the park's landscape, too. The river flows north from Yellowstone Lake, leaving the Hayden Valley and plunging first over Upper Yellowstone Falls and then a quarter mile downstream where it gushes over Lower Yellowstone Falls. There, it enters the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which is nearly 1,000 feet deep. Beautiful, renovated Lake Hotel, the park's oldest overnight facility, also has a lovely restaurant. The park sits atop a volcanic hot spot, with a splendid array of canyons, alpine rivers, lush forests, hot springs and gushing geysers, including its most famous, Old Faithful, which isn't quite as reliable in its spouting as it was when I was growing up. Still, when it blows, it's magnificent. VYING FOR our attention are a variety of the park's abundant wildlife. Yellowstone is home to hundreds of species, including bears, wolves, bison, elk and antelope. We never fail to spot at least a couple of these -- always bison and often elk, antelope and bear. We've seen wolves a few treasured times and heard their haunting cry in Lamar Valley, in the park's northern reaches. Those were wondrous events. Lamar Valley is a tranquil, lovely part of the park. Here, bison graze and drink, framed by plains and mountains. It's fun to share the road, too, with a herd of bison, who amble right near the cars and stop traffic periodically, causing rangers to move traffic along and encourage animals back onto the grasses. SINCE HALF the world's hydrothermal features are found at Yellowstone, we love to get out of the car a couple times each visit and walk the wooden paths to see the geysers and hot pots close-up. It's not just visual. It's smelly. No visit is complete without breathing in the glorious “rotten egg” odor at a hot pot, especially Mud Volcano, which gives off that familiar sulfuric odor. The pungent smell is the result of microorganisms eating away at sulfur, creating sulfuric acid. As that evaporates, a park ranger explained, "the acid becomes hydrogen sulfide gas, which gives off the noxious smell." Besides Mud Volcano, two other "stinky spots" are the Dragon's Mouth and Sulphur Caldron area between Fishing Bridge and Canyon. We fed the bears in my 1950s childhood -- now we know better. Again, odorous but opulent. The smells are part of Yellowstone, and the visual grandeur more than makes up for the pungent odor. THE PARK'S HISTORY dates back 11,000 years, when native American tribes and bands used the park as their home, hunting grounds, and transportation routes prior to and after European American arrival. Yellowstone was established as the world's first national park in 1872. It was dedicated several decades later. The most common misconception about Yellowstone is that it's overdue for an eruption. But volcanoes don't work like that, experts say. In the past two million years, volcanic eruptions have occurred in the Yellowstone area—three of them super eruptions. I remember well the devastating 7.5 earthquake of August, 1959. It knocked paintings off the walls of our home in Columbus, Montana, killed 28 people and caused $11 million in damage. A piece of driftwood frames this photo of Yellowstone Lake, 7,732 feet above sea level with 110 miles of shoreline. Rick Cosgriffe, center, with his sister, Christene and partner Jane Milder at Yellowstone's Lower Falls. MUCH OF THE damage occurred as a result of a huge landslide triggered by the quake. It buried campers, trailers, wildlife and people near Hebgen Lake. A geologist friend said that more earthquakes like the Hebgen Lake event are unlikely within the Yellowstone caldera itself, "because subsurface temperatures there are high, weakening the bedrock and making it less able to rupture." Quakes within the caldera can be as large as magnitude 6.5. A quake of about this size that occurred in 1975 near Norris Geyser Basin was felt throughout the region. MEANWHILE, don't live in fear. Enjoy the wonder and thank our government which 150 years ago had the vision to protect and preserve Yellowstone National Park.In so doing, we set an example for the rest of the world. Masks are still required in Yellowstone and there is a variety of lodging, from rustic to elegant. For more information: www.nps.gov/yell/ To book a stay: www.usparklodging.com/yellowstone/ Hilton Garden Inn is a quiet, restful and beautifully decorated choice for lodging on Kauai. UP NEXT: Hidden gems await on the verdant and peaceful shores of Hawaii's "Garden Isle," Kauai. Come with us to this westernmost of the Hawaiian Islands chain and settle at Kauai's graciously appointed Hilton Garden Inn. A favorite of many, this laid back yet elegant resort offers easy access to a tropical rainforest, boating and airplane tours, hiking trails, fine dining, gorgeous unpeopled beaches and delightful coffee plantations. Our time on stunning Wailua Bay near Lihue, remains sacred in our hears for the peace it offers. Come along to admire dramatic cliffs of Kauai's Na Pali Coast, to gaze at the magnificent Sleeping Giant mountain ridge and take in a spectacular fire show at the hotel or just sit in the soothing earth-and-sea colors of the Garden Inn lobby. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh look at travel, nature, the arts, family, loss, love and more.www.whereiscookie.com

Watching beautiful bears scamper, play and eat is a pleasure offered by West Yellowstone's Discovery Center. The animals within this extraordinary complex cannot be safely returned to the wild, so live out their days in care. RESCUED ANIMALS FIND NEW LEASE ON LIFE, PROVIDING NATURE LOVERS WITH CLOSE-UP LOOK AT MAGNIFICENT WILD CREATURES . Sam is the king of the walk at the Discovery Center; he is the largest resident. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: This piece was reviewed and updated July 22, 2026 Just outside the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park in the lively town of West Yellowstone, the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center offers one of the best wildlife experiences in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Here, you'll come face-to-face with rescued grizzly bears and gray wolves that can no longer survive in the wild, while learning how these iconic animals shape one of America's most remarkable landscapes. Whether you're visiting Yellowstone for the first time or returning for another adventure, this family-friendly stop provides unforgettable wildlife encounters, fascinating exhibits, and a deeper appreciation for the creatures that make Yellowstone truly wild. Observant ravens and crows are on hand at the Center, too, gobbling up the scraps of food after the bears and wolves have their fill. West Yellowstone Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center Educates WE LEARNED SO much in an afternoon at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center that we wanted to return the next day. Fortunately, the admission ticket to this fine Montana, venue allows that. The open, airy and nicely designed Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is one of the "don't miss" pleasures of a trip to the nation's first national park, Yellowstone. The not-for-profit wildlife park is a truly educational facility, opened nearly a quarter-century ago. Workers have stashed food around the park's ample grounds. Now the bear are smelling out the stash and having lunch. SINCE 1993, the center has attracted an international clientele of families and school groups. The sunny autumn day of our recent visit, we joined several dozen others to get a close-up look at critters who -- for various reasons -- cannot make it on their own in the wild. This beautiful grey wolf is enjoying the late afternoon sun of a fine autumn day. Two packs inhabit the wildlife center. The Yellowstone Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center park offers lectures and discussions, with experts describing the habits of the critters and the dangers they can pose when humans get too close. Snow has come to Yellowstone, blanketing the pine and fir trees in cloaks of white. Yellowstone Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center Open a remarkable 365 days a year, the Center offers visitors to Yellowstone a chance to quietly observe and experience a connection to the world of grizzly bears and gray wolves. OUR GUIDE called the animals "lucky ambassadors for their wild counterparts.'' Tickets are $12-$15 adults;, kids $8 to $10; senior discounts available; under 3, free. For more information: www.grizzlydiscoveryctr.org UP NEXT: Winter in Yellowstone. Come with us on snow coaches to a world of white and wonder. And, oh, yes, it is verrrrrrrry cold, so dress warmly. For several months of the year, the most stunning marvels of the park can only be experienced by snow coach. It's a winter wonderland and extraordinary time to visit. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and check us out each week for a fresh and lively look at travel, nature, family and the arts. The journey doesn’t stop here—follow along for more adventures and travel inspiration at WhereIsCookie.com

FAMED GLASS ARTIST'S SHOW ENCHANTS, ENGAGES, ENTERTAINS GLOBAL ADMIRERS Chihuly's glasswork is both inside and out in Seattle; here flamingo-like shapes seem to preen and sunbathe amongst well-coordinated flowers. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" I FIRST DISCOVERED the magic of Dale Chihuly's glass creations at the Desert Botanical Garden during my Phoenix, Arizona, years. His free blown and functional glass work delights and intrigues, celebrating color, honoring life. Some of his lush shapes in Chihuly's Garden and Glass seem to spill out, encouraging touch. (It is not allowed, understandably, to do so.) So we couldn't spend nearly a week in Seattle without visiting this Tacoma hometown boy's "Chihuly Garden and Glass." Chihuly's 'Garden and Glass' WE HAD our favorite CityPASS ticket booklets, a great way to see a great city, saving both time and money. We were delighted to move quickly into the gallery. Cookie takes in Chihuly's magic. Dale Chihuly's "Glasshouse" presents his magnificent artwork in Seattle Center. The exciting exhibition, in the shadow of Seattle's iconic Space Needle, is a wondrous collection of a few of his finest indoor and outdoor works. Staged in the booming Seattle Center, inside and surrounding a towering glass and steel building, Chihuly's show enchants with its lovely play of light and color, his sense of whimsy and the voluptuous nature of his compositions. Keller photographs this glass "flower." Chihuly's 'Garden and Glass' installations seem to be alive. They climb up walls, float from the ceiling, flow onto the floors and surround the viewer with the artist's sense of wonder and gratitude. Chihuly's "Glasshouse" is a 40-foot tall glass and steel structure holding the exhibit, which includes this homage to sea life -- complete with coral, ferns and the underwater life one might see on a scuba dive or snorkel adventure. It's obvious that Chihuly enjoys his life, appreciates the wonders of nature and celebrates his presence on the planet with every piece he creates. His installations are a marvel to behold. Born in 1941 in Tacoma, Chihuly studied in Wisconsin and received an MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. He lived on a kibbutz in Israel for a time and nurtured a fondness for Italy -- known for its magnificent glass creations. His work is influenced by his time there, studying renowned glassblowers, taking workshops. Back in the U.S. in 1971, he founded the famed Pilchuck Glass School. Living in primitive conditions, with two other teachers and 16 students, the artful commune built glass furnaces and began blowing glass. THE BEAUTY and grace of Chihuly's work is influenced by his time in Florence and Venice, where he studied with the masters of the famed Burano glass. No, this is NOT a Chihuly piece. We included it because this creation is in Burano, Italy, where he studied. Artist Dale Chihuly is known for his graceful glass sculpture. Here, he inspects his own showing in Seattle Here, he inspects his own showing in Seattle In 1976, while visiting England, Chihuly was involved in a head-on car accident and flew through the windshield. His was blinded in his left eye but, after recovering, continued to blow glass until he dislocated his right shoulder in a 1979 bodysurfing accident. He is still at the center of the action, with a studio on the water in Seattle, and his work displayed from the British Isles to South America and Australia. Most major U.S. cities have hosted a Chihuly exhibit -- usually in a botanical garden. I've seen his work in Toronto and Oklahoma City, and in my home of Scottsdale, Ariz., where -- as in Seattle -- we heard kudos for the master in multiple languages. Boston, Atlanta and many other cities around the globe have borrowed his masterworks to entertain audiences, sharing Chihuly's daring and invention worldwide. His fondness for the desert has brought him and his work back to Phoenix several times. His chandeliers often sell for six figures, and he is valued now at about $10 million -- not bad for spending nearly a half-century doing something he clearly loves. If you're in Seattle, don't miss it. https://www.chihulygardenandglass.com/about/exhibition At night, the place lights up for an extra dimension of wonderment. Consider CityPASS, which gets you here and to many other venues on and off the water, at bargain prices: NEXT UP: Another garden, this one in Victoria, B.C., awaits. This time, the flowers are real, though. Butchart Gardens welcomes us -- and you -- with 50 acres of floral finery and spectacularly kept displays. Japanese, Italian and English gardens are all beautifully maintained by a staff of 50 greenhouse and grounds workers, and a full-time administrative staff. The beloved Butchart Gardens in Victoria, B.C., welcome then enchant visitors from all over the world. Here, a zinnia and dahlia garden delights. New travel stories, tips & unforgettable experiences Follow our journeys at WhereIsCookie.com Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each weekend, when we move around the globe in search of nature-and-arts driven travel. whereiscookie.com

Concert goers head to Domo, for a concert by world class musicians last year. This year's season also features a brief array of sold-out concerts. There are other ways to experience the internationally known arts, nature and music venue near Fishtail, Montana ARTS VENUE FEATURES GEOLOGY TOUR, BIKING, HIKING AND FABULOUS CONCERTS -- SOLD OUT ALREADY - BUT YOU CAN STILL ENJOY THE PLACE STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Expert piano tuner Michael Toia keeps the many valuable pianos at Tippet Rise in tune each season. The collection was assembled by Peter Halstead and is worth millions. IF YOU are anywhere near Montana or Yellowstone Park this summer, you are within reasonable driving distance to the wonders of Tippet Rise Arts Center near Fishtail. This unique and beautiful place offers multiple pleasures, from stunning artwork to fascinating geology tours, coveted concerts and more. All in the serene setting of cottonwood trees and birdsong. "Inverted Portal" by Ensamble Studio, welcomes visitors to walk around or through its vast expanses. SO DON'T despair if you didn't get concert tickets. (Most of us didn't.) Drawings for tickets to the small, acoustically perfect venue were in March so the drawing is long over. Do check the website weekly to see if something becomes available, which it occasionally does. MEANWHILE, you can still bike or hike this gorgeous area. A youngster enjoys ice cream at Tippet Rise opening last week. During visits and the concert season, you can bring a picnic or purchase food from Prerogative Kitchen, a much loved dining enterprise and two-time semi-finalist for the James Beard Awards. Guests are welcome to bring their own provisions to enjoy out on the trails, or within the main Cottonwood Campus. Developed as a venue for art and music in the backdrop of nature, by founders Cathy and Peter Halstead, Tippet Rise blends world class musical performances with sculpture. The first thing you see is a stunning sculpture by famed artist Alexander Calder. His "Two Discs" sets the scene for. more delights, including Calder's "Stainless Stealer," also on loan to Tippet Rise from the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden at the Smithsonian Institution’s museum of international modern and contemporary art, in Washington, D.C. School buses take participants around to Domo and other pieces too far to walk comfortably to. Go to the website for more on hiking, biking, and sculpture van tours, all designed by the heirs of a vodka fortune as unique ways to experience Tippet Rise. Bruce Keller and Christene Meyers last week at a neighbors barbecue kicking off the new season. THIS YEAR, the complex welcomes back the Yellowstone Bighorn Research Association (YBRA) for the sixth annual Geo-Paleo Tours of Tippet Rise. We took one of these specialized tours last season and enjoyed learning about geological and paleontological features scattered across the art center. Tippet Rise is uniquely located -- poised at the convergence of two vastly different regions – the Beartooth Mountains and the Great Plains. Knowledgeable guides take tour participants in vans with short hikes to various phenomena. Tours are three upcoming Thursdays – July 11, 18, and Aug. 1 – beginning at 9 a.m., and lasting under three hours. SCULPTURE Van art tours are also available and we highly recommend! Then the weekend of Aug. 3 – 4, Tippet Rise presents three separate events in collaboration with guests including poet Jenny Xie, photographer James Florio, and actor and professor Dr. Ben Leubner. Stephen Talasnik's "Satellite No. 5: Pioneer" incorporates space, and the artist's desire to show connection to land and our roots. THE WORKSHOPS range from poetry to photography and literature, and include films and discussions. Xie's is Aug. 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The New York-based poet will lead a workshop on the ekphrastic poem—one provoked by a work of art. Xie is at Tippet Rise for a weeklong residency. She is the author of "Eye Level," a finalist for the National Book Award and is recipient of the Walt Whitman Award of the Academy of American Poets. Patrick Dougherty's "Daydreams" enraptures visitors, with its artful curves and detail. Also Aug. 3, Tippet Rise’s longtime collaborator and artist-in-residence, photographer James Florio will present a screening of "James Florio at Tippet Rise," followed by a Q&A with the film’s director Jeffrey Peixoto. This 17-minute documentary follows James as he moves through the radical landscape of Tippet Rise, struggling against the elements to create images of expressive power.. ON SUNDAY, Aug. 4, actor and MSU professor Ben Leubner returns to Tippet Rise for a literature recital at 11 am. Outdoors at Xylem, Leubner will recite Elizabeth Bishop’s 1971 dramatic monologue “Crusoe in England,” followed by an excerpt from Virginia Woolf’s 1931 novel, "The Waves," moving to the Olivier Music Barn. Cookie & Keller in front of Stephen Talasnik's "Galaxy." THE RANGE of artists includes well known names new to tippet rise as well as "regulars" such as pianists Julien Brocal, Marc-André Hamelin, Anne-Marie McDermott, and Yevgeny Sudbin, violinist Jennifer Frautschi, cellists Christopher Costanza, Sterling Elliott, Arlen Hlusko, and Nina Lee, and flutist Jessica Sindell. Baroque Music Montana and mezzo-soprano Ema Nikolovska, pianists Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, Kunal Lahiry, and Evren Ozel, and a host of top orchestral string, reed and horn players also make their debut. Reservations for all are available on Tippet Rise events page. Don't despair if what you'd like is sold out. Check for cancellations and try to book something else. Cancellation tickets for the sold-out concert are posted. FOR BOOKINGS or information: tippetrise.org UP NEXT: Next week, before a celebration of his life, we salute a dear friend and fellow traveler who passed away after a heroic seven-month battle with cancer. John Speight was a Yorkshire farmer, a devoted student of travel, a genial family man, prodigious reader -- especially of travel books and literature -- and a lifelong animal lover. He raised many dogs and horses through his years, and had a gentle touch with all creatures. He will be deeply missed by us, his widow Sue, his children and legions of friends met on their international travels. More about John and our long friendship and adventures together. The journey doesn’t stop here follow along for more adventures and travel inspiration at WhereIsCookie.com

Expect the unusual at New York's spectacular Museum of Modern Art. Here is Salvador Dali's "Retrospective Bust of a Woman," created in 1933. It features painted porcelain, bread, corn, feathers, paint on paper, beads, ink stand, sand and more. It is one of many treasures at the museum. MoMA NEW YORK'S MUSEUM OF MODERN ART HONORS LEGACY TO EMBRACE THE NEW STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Van Gogh's most famous painting, "The Starry Night," is the museum's most viewed work. STANDING NEXT to "The Starry Night," one feels the genius of Vincent Van Gogh. The darkness that overtook him, the talent that sprang from his tortured soul, the beauty of his timeless art. It's all there. That and much more, in an astonishing array of 200,000 works of art from around the globe. Visiting MoMA New York, you'll see works by Van Gogh, Matisse, Dali and an array of other spectacular artists. New York's great and grand Museum of Modern Art " is affectionatly known as MoMA. There are museums and galleries, and then there's MoMA. The museum is a beloved treasure trove of beautifully displayed art through the ages. Its founders insisted that showcasing the new and modern be the focus at MoMA. And so it is, with modernist masterpieces including works by Picasso and many others considered ahead of their time. Picasso's "Lady in Mirror" is among the exquisite bounty at MoMA. MoMA New York debuted in 1929, during the heights of the Great Depression, opening just days after the infamous Wall Street Crash. It was a gift of deep-pocket visionaries and philanthropists, a trio of progressive and influential patrons of the arts. Lillie P. Bliss, Mary Quinn Sullivan and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller -- challenged the conservative policies of traditional museums by establishing a gallery devoted to modern art. The three were a "Who's Who" of New York then and wanted a place to showcase new work. The museum is front and center in midtown Manhattan, filling an expansive block on 53rd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Many patrons have donated their personal art treasures to MoMA. THE MUSEUM was originally located in the Heckscher Building on Fifth Avenue where it was America's first museum to devote itself exclusively to modern art. At its helm were A. Conger Goodyear as president and Abby Rockefeller as treasurer. Through its early years, the museum moved to several temporary locations. John D. Rockefeller Jr. eventually donated the land for its permanent site. A new sculpture garden by Philip Johnson was designed and the museum moved to its current location on West 53rd Street in 1939. Modern art sculpture plays a major role in MoMA galleries. La Serpentine by Henri Matisse Besides Van Gogh's famous "Starry Night," created in 1889, you'll find many other masterpieces including these two most viewed paintings: "The Persistence of Memory" by Salvador Dalí, that intriguing melting clock created in 1931, and Pablo Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d’Avignon," which revolutionized contemporary art when it was unveiled in 1907. You'll also see Andy Warhol's famous Campbell’s Soup Cans, Andrew Wyeth's evocative "Christina's World," Rene Magritte's "The Lovers" and masterpieces by Chagall, Cezanne and other groundbreaking artists. New York's Museum of Modern Art remains in a league of its own, with a collection of 200,000 works. LAST YEAR, MoMA New York welcomed nearly 2.7 million visitors to its galleries for more than 35 exhibitions. The range of changing exhibits included An-My Lê’s photographs exploring conflict and human connection, a reunion of works made by Picasso during the pivotal summer of 1921, and more. MoMA makes a visit a pleasure with excellent maps and guides, helpful docents to point you where you desire, and a delightful albeit pricy restaurant with among other treats, caviar hotdogs. The museum shop is one of the best in the world. What's not to like at MoMA? More information: MoMA is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except Saturdays, when it is open until 7 p.m. Tickets may be reserved in advance through the My CityPASS® moma.org MORE STORIES ON TAP: Hold on to your hat and duck your head! We'll explore wonders of our world as Earth Day approaches, and follow the theme of "great art" -- both man made and art created by nature. Come with us to caves, mountain tops, museums, in cities and villages and off the beaten path for wonders and unexpected pleasures. We'll explore art that incorporates trash -- salvaged from our beleaguered seas. Join us as we hop about the globe, with a look at two fabulous caves in Barbados and Bermuda, a study of Salvador Dali's three museums in northern Spain, a visit to a favorite city, Barcelona, where we examine the influence of architect Antoni Gaudi We'll visit a Montana museum devoted to the work of famed western artist C.M. Russell. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, nature, art, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com

New York's Central Park is a welcoming oasis any time of the year. A PARK FOR ALL SEASONS AND ALL PEOPLE IN CENTRAL NEW YORK CITY STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Corby Skinner, left, with Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller, on a recent visit to New York. The trip's emphasis was theater, with a stroll through Central Park. A VISIT TO New York is not complete without a stroll through Central Park. It has a magic unrivaled by any park we’ve visited in the world. That’s because it combines so many elements designed for relaxation, pleasure and enjoyment of nature. Central Parks fans come from all over the world, a truly international crowd. Office workers, tourists, musicians, bikers, strollers gather here. You'll see bird watchers, chess players, nannies with their youngsters, romancing couples, elderly friends gossiping or just soaking up sun, picnickers, boaters in summer, ice skaters in winter. The park is well loved -- frequented by families, singles, couples, groups cataloging insects or birds, friends playing games. The splendors of this unusual and inviting oasis have been part of the city since 1853. The goal was to meet the recreational needs of a growing city. That goal has been met and surpassed. New York's Central Park was developed by landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux who won a design competition for the park with their "Greensward Plan." By 1859, thousands of New Yorkers ice skated on lakes designed over former swamp land. A few years later in 1876, the park was officially dedicated, honoring the country’s centennial. After John Lennon was murdered, his widow, Yoko Ono, began designing "Strawberry Fields." Fans come to remember, honor his memory and sometimes play a tune. IT IS A stunning park in city center, visited by rock stars, athletes, popes and school groups. It has many places to reflect -- paths, benches, ponds and bike paths. Visitors enjoy horse drawn carriages, places for games, a fine restaurant and spots for meditation including Yoko Ono’s “Strawberry Fields.” The widow of musician John Lennon designed and dedicated it in 1985. It honors Lennon, one of the famous Beatles and an award winning composer, and was dedicated on what would have been his 45th birthday. Bicycles are numerous in the park, driven by visitors, food sellers and drivers offering a ride to tourists. Such a park is unusual in any city, but truly so in this bustling city of nearly eight million. We love strolling Central Park, for its natural beauty – stunning in any season. The trees, flowers, interesting paths, even a castle, make it unique. But the people in the park are the stars – an international mix of tourists and locals, all drawn to the beauty of its 840 acres, stretching between 59th and 110th Streets and Fifth and Eighth Avenues. It is popular to have a ride through the park, on one of the colorful carriages with beautiful horses. IT HAS THE distinction of being the first American park to be developed using landscape architecture techniques and is beloved by a worldwide fan club. We overheard conversations in 11 languages on our last visit, when we climbed to the top of Belvedere Castle with our Montana friend, Corby Skinner. Central Park's famous Belvedere Castle was never lived in but is a favorite part of the park for visitors. The castle is considered a “folly,” an ornamental building with no real purpose except entertainment and amusement. It personifies the park’s purpose -- to entertain, calm and amuse. Step into the park in any season and you feel a sense of peace, pride and community. Friendly squirrel in central Park, one of many inhabitants. He's looking for a handout. New York travel tip: We recommend cityPASS for savings if you want a wonderful, money saving way to see the city's highlights: To book or check out cityPASS @citypass New York's High Line is another attraction, a clever resurrection of an abandoned rail area, "repurposed" and brought to new life with plants, a walkway and sculpture gardens. A must for visitors and beloved by locals. UP NEXT: While we're in New York, we're featuring its famous High Line, which was created from a derelict railroad line. It offers a beautiful stroll through landscaped gardens and intriguing sculpture. New York's High Line is another attraction, a clever resurrection of an abandoned rail area, brought to new life with plants, a walkway and sculpture. Meanwhile, explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh look at travel, performance, nature and more on an easy to navigate website. We offer a range of travel tips, topics and photographs from worldwide travel and decades of experience.

The venerable Australian Museum is centrally located in Sydney, Australia, a treasure trove of art, nature inspired history, intriguing indigenous people displays and much more. SPLENDID SCIENCE, CULTURE, NATURE AWAIT IN THE HEART OF SYDNEY STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" AN ENRICHING, ENLIGHTENING museum awaits visitors to Sydney. The place is a gathering spot for tourists and locals. Here, we observe wonders from around the world, explore native culture, visit other countries and travel through the centuries to see what life was like in an Australia of long ago. It's all right in the heart of this fascinating museum, a show piece in this varied and fast growing city. Australia's original people are celebrated in a beautifully curated exhibition on their culture THE MUSEUM is known worldwide for its expansive permanent collection and its thorough and imaginative exploration of history and Aboriginal culture. It has won worldwide acclaim for its Australian fossils and local animal displays. The weekday morning we visited, we were in the company of dozens of awe struck school children, there for both fun and learning. The museum prides itself on offering educational events for kids. School groups clustered around the popular dinosaurs exhibition which features ten complete skeletons, including a 228-million-year-old Eoraptor. Visitors can expect high tech as well as time honored art and exhibitions. Here, visitors "traveled" to Machu Pichu. WE LINGERED over fascinating displays of dangerous Australian animals such as funnel-web spiders and tiger snakes. We learned that Australia has the world’s most menacing animals, including venomous snakes, deadly spiders, and savage and powerful marine creatures. On the museum's upper ground floor, we also found friendlier creatures including stuffed kangaroos and koalas, and other representative of Australia's unique fauna, including the Tasmanian tiger. An artful taxidermy space shows visitors some of Australia's extinct animals, here's a grunge. Australian Museum features engaging displays EXHIBITS WALK the visitor through habitats -- arid deserts, lush rainforests, coastal regions, cities. The Australian Museum prides itself in engaging displays. An impressive exhibition, "Dauma and Garom," was commissioned for the museum by indigenous artists and is on on display in the large permanent Indigenous Australians exhibition space. The six-meter-tall sculptural installation reflects an effort by the Erub people to combat the damage caused by ghost nets. It depicts a touching love story between a crab (Dauma) and a fish (Garom), characters from an important local story and song. Mesmerizing. The Australian Museum is a wonderland of discovery, with dazzling permanent collection, and an overview of the country's vast natural world. The focal point here is "Aboriginal Art Ghost Net," by a UK artist. On exhibit are various works celebrating indigenous people who were the country's first people. The museum has won acclaim for this and its award winning anthropological exhibition area, all free! A SLENDID virtual reality exhibit was among Australian Museum's engaging displays. An immersive exhibit on Machu Pichu -- gone now -- it is typical of the museum's erudite yet user friendly approach to culture and is replaced by another imaginative exhibition -- "The Birds of Australia." Like Machu Pichu, it is a unique digital experience, presented on a 3D storytelling cube. Bird lovers know the inspiration -- the work of noted ornithologists and artists John and Elizabeth Gould. Wish we could fly over again to discover Australia's birdlife in this new immersive exhibition. Amazingly, the museum and its grand permanent collection are free. Fees apply to special exhibitions. Tickets are required for school programs, workshops and talks. https://www.nma.gov.au/ New York's beloved Central Park is a treat for locals and tourists alike. Colorful carriages await customers, and a stroll through the park is sure to revive and relax. UP NEXT: A fresh new look, with no ads and improved user experience is coming to our website. The "redo" introduces a new, cleaner, more contemporary look with a visit to New York. No tourist should miss a stroll through Central Park, a restful and yet lively oasis in the middle of one of the world's busiest and noisiest cities. We take readers inside the park to look at its charms -- its restaurants, lake, gaming area, food carts and beautiful appointments such as John Lennon memorial designed by his widow, Yoko Ono, "Strawberry Fields." Tavern on the green and a horse drawn hansom cab await. Or grab your bicycle and join us. We see why the park garners thousands of visitors in a day, and explore it with a local. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, performance and more:

LAID BACK TOWN HAS A VILLAGE FEEL WITH THE PERKS OF A CITY, A GET-AWAY FOR EVERY TASTE Original story published 15 December, 2015 Updated 5 July, 2026 STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" WE HAD four days to discover Catalina Island Lili Dana greets tour tasters with a lively history of Catalina Island and The Four Preps, whose "26 Miles Across the Sea" made Catalina famous, along with tasty food and friendly people I, a Montana kid, had logged only one earlier brief visit "26 miles across the sea." Acting as my tour guide was lifelong Catalina island fan, sailor, native San Diegan and my half-amphibian partner, Bruce Keller. He'd been to Avalon many times -- diving and taking photos -- glowing reports! Cookie and Keller took a kayak excursion out of Descanso Beach, where a stylish hotel once sat and many kinds of relaxation and water sport await. SO ON THE FERRY over, he gave me a history lesson, along with a glass of chardonnay: More than a century ago, an eccentric sailor, Captain Joseph McAfee, sailed a flat bottom houseboat from Venice Beach to Santa Catalina. He'd purchased land with a wonderful view of the bay, determined to make Avalon home. THE CAPTAIN'S spirit and sense of adventure typify today's Catalina resident: visionary, persistent, not afraid to be different. In love with the sea and the views. McAfee hauled his "house" up a hill and opened what would become a hotel. McAfee's 1912 vision spawned today's Catalina Island, which offers luxury hotels, cottages, condos, camping and bargain hotels -- you can be active or laid back, your call. WE ENJOYED the pleasant ride over on Catalina Express, a comfy ferry. The only year round boat service to Catalina Island, it offers regular daily departures from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point to both the main city, Avalon, and the quieter, smaller Two Harbors. Between my history talk and the cocktail, the smooth trip over flew. A VIP lounge for a few dollars more is worth the upgrade: http://catalinaexpress.com/ We strolled to the lovely Descanso Beach Club offers fine dining, lovely landscaping and a variety of water sports. Here we met our guide for an narrated kayaking journey to Frog Rock. www.KayakCatalinaIsland.com ONCE THERE, we called the Catalina Boat House and were picked up at the nearby harbor in the island's favorite mode of transport, a golf cart. Signature coconut shrimp, hibachi steak with mushrooms and yummy soup made moments ago are part of a delightful "Taste of Catalina" food and history tour, with Lili Dana a delightful guide for a walking, learning and munching tour of Avalon. (The waiting list for a car is years long and gas is more than $7 a gallon, so the golf carts are fun, sensible and environmentally friendly.) The Boathouse -- formerly the captain's Catalina Beach House Hotel -- is a pleasant walk from the action, in a residential area with friendly people and dogs. Captain McAfee would approve, for he was a lover of the good life -- from the flying fish he showed off at night -- to fresh seafood he favored. Keller and Nora prepare to enjoy a few active but relaxing days on Catalina, which is very dog friendly and a lovely get-away. The Catalina Express runs regularly from several mainland departure points with a comfy, fast and scenic one-hour journey. The beautiful and historic Avalon Casino has a Christmas tree atop. HE WOULD have loved the coconut shrimp at Steve's Steakhouse, one of our stops on the delightful "Taste of Catalina" tour we booked, with our charming guide Lili Dana. Six varied and thoughtfully ordered stops are included in the three-hour walking excursion where Lili serves up intriguing bits of island lore to accompany a half-dozen "light bites" including fabulous green beans at the town's well loved Oriental restaurant, Mr.Ning's Chinese Garden, bedecked with dozens of umbrellas. On to splendid seafood chowder at Bluewater Avalon with its magnificent waterfront patio, then stops for a Mexican snack, cinnamon tea and a tasty ice cream soda dessert. Each stop has character and Lili keeps the commentary running in an amusing, never cloying fashion. It's fun, filling and educational and a good way to get a feel of the island, returning to favorites as we did to Steve's and Bluewater. We also dined one night at Avalon Grille, which is a world class establishment. The scallops and tenderloin were superb, service impeccable. We at whereiscookie.com we recommed: http://www.catalinafoodtours.com/ THE FLYING fish the cap'n loved can be seen on the walls of Catalina Island's famed casino, which we'll feature down the road in its own story. The artwork is phenomenal.... and the handsome museum within -- building its own larger complex -- is a delightful way to spend a few hours. Catalina offers upscale spa treatments, diving, biking, Saturday night movies and splendid free weekend organ concerts, parasailing, charter boats-- or just lovely beachfront places to park yourself, read and see if you can glimpse the mainland you've left behind. And for this Montana native, seeing bison outside of my Yellowstone Park stomping grounds was a wonder! The Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce is one of the most efficient and helpful I've come across in years of travel writing. The fine website helps line up whatever you fancy for your tailor-made Catalina get-away. http://www.catalinachamber.com/ This is just one stop on the journey find more destinations, itineraries, and travel tips at WhereIsCookie.com

The historic Catalina Casino was built in record time and opened in 1929, a splendid, circular art deco masterpiece. GLITTER, GLAMOUR, ART, THEATER AND A FANTASTIC ORGAN CONCERT TO BOOT Musician John Tusak, a gifted organist, plays for an hour before the movies, on Fridays and Saturday nights, at the world renowned Catalina Casino. Editor's Note Originally published: Feb 2016 Updated: July 2026 This article has been reviewed and updated to reflect current travel information, attractions, schedules, pricing, lodging options, and visitor recommendations. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Kiem Kids" DON'T EXPECT to see buxom cocktail waitresses balancing their drink trays. You won't hear the click-click-click of the roulette wheel, or hear the squeals of delight. No large-screen football, or hundreds of slot machines at play. But Santa Catalina and its historic Casino are as much a spectacle as Las Vegas. Instead of a craps table, the auditorium's centerpiece is a magnificent three-keyboard pipe organ, brilliantly played each weekend by John Tusak, at 6:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. New films usually change Fridays for the next week's run. Check the website (below). Check the Schedule for Catalina Casino and more: visitcatalinaisland.com Bing Crosby was one of many to sail to Avalon from the mainland, to fish, enjoy the casino and sing a tune or two. Meaning of the word SOMETIMES spelled with a double "s" the word, cassino can mean a place where cards are played. The Catalina Casino takes its name from that original meaning of the word: a building or room used for meetings, or public amusements, for dancing, gaming, and enjoyment. Revelers gathered throughout the '30s, '40s and 1950s, and today special events, weddings and new year's celebrations are staged. The meaning is honored today, since the Catalina Casino has been the focal point of Santa Catalina Island entertainment and culture for nearly 87 years. It opened on May 29, 1929. Although its patron, chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. lived only until 1932, his son Philip continued to make the building available for grand functions, and saw that continuing generations would enjoy world famous entertainers, Broadway productions, and first-run motion pictures there. The casino's beautifully designed auditorium hosts first-run movies, vintage film festivals, and each weekend, two spectacular, free organ concerts. The movie theater, a masterpiece of art, is known for its perfect acoustics. Tusak plays all the grand, old-time movie tunes - including Gershwin, Berlin and Joplin - honoring the legacy of the Page Pipe Organ Company, the instrument's builder. First-run movies are shown nightly at 7:30 p.m., and Cusak entertains at 6:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, an hour before the film. Vintage film festivals are also staged from time to time. Be sure to check the current schedule Tickets often sell out A dominating presence The lovely lobby of the Catalina Casino draws the visitor into a bygone era. DOMINATING THE Avalon landscape from its regal perch at the edge of Avalon Bay, the casino exemplifies the style and romance of Catalina Island. When Wrigley built it, the price tag was a then staggering $2 million. Its designers were internationally known architects, Sumner A. Spaulding and Walter Weber, whose completely circular building was the first of its day. It was designed in the popular art deco, Mediterranean revival style. A massive effort a few years ago restored the building to mint condition as a reminder of Catalina’s glorious past. The height of the building is 12 stories. Inside are a museum, a main floor theater, an upstairs promenade and a 20,000 square foot ballroom which can accommodate up to 1,500 dancers. THIS ELEGANT ROOM is still the world’s largest circular ballroom without supporting pillars, enjoyed by revelers on New Year's Eve and other special times, including weddings and birthdays. Each seat in the auditorium has a little shelf beneath for the gentlemen's hats, of course! The beautifully preserved ballroom recalls a romantic time, when people dressed to the nines to dance within a lavish medley of rose-hued walls, beneath an arching, 50-foot ceiling. Five Tiffany-inspired chandeliers and an elevated stage grace the room with classic, raised seating areas around the dance floor. To toast the event, wander back to the vintage, full-service bar in the rear. A VISITOR'S DELIGHT VISITORS COME to gaze at the ballroom -- the lucky ones score an invitation to a celebration, or spring for the famed New Year's Eve party. The auditorium is the place to see films -- both vintage and recent releases -- and the lobby is a place to simply soak up the beauty of another era. Beautiful trees, flowers and images of the nearby sea adorn the casnio's interior. The Casino hosts Catalina’s major indoor events, including the New Year’s Eve celebration, the popular Catalina Island Jazz Festival and Catalina Film Festival. Tours of the casino are available most days if no one has booked the place. Your personal jackpot comes in knowing a gorgeous, historic piece of history has been preserved -- and you're in it! www.visitcatalinaisland.com UP NEXT: While we're in a "Catalina state of mind," did you know that the island is home to a herd of buffalo? And that the bison had to be put on birth control to limit their reproduction? Years ago, Hollywood brought 14 bison to the island, used them in a film (their roles were cut in the editing!) then left them. Bison roam Catalina, a remnant of a long forgotten film for which they were photographed. But the buffalo footage was cut from the movie. Now they're part of the lore and lure of a trip to Santa Catalina. The island of romance is also the island of roaming buffalo. Remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us Friday afternoons for our weekend post at www.whereiscookie.com.