STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem kids" Montana's talented Shakespeare in the Schools actors play multiple roles. Here, actors delight a Tippet Rise Art Center audience of young students, a production in the company's educational outreach program. At left, in "A Midsummer Night's Dream, Samantha Potrykus plays Hippolyta and Titania, Queen of the Fairies, and Calvin Adams plays both a disgruntled father, and Nick Bottom, who takes on another role in the play within the play. Quick costume changes are demanded to keep each performance lively in a hectic production schedule. HOW DOES ONE make Shakespeare palatable to groups of fidgety youngsters? Montana Shakespeare in the Schools has the answer and is sharing it with thousands of kids in small towns across two states. Many regional and touring companies across the United States offer theater in rural schools. Here students enjoy Montana's Shakespeare in the Schools, which is touring 50 small towns. Make it lively! Dress the actors in eye-catching costumes and have them speak distinctly so kids can understand the lines. Throw in physical humor and dance steps to keep things moving. Share the spirit of fun. to young students, to awaken their interest in the classics. Physical humor keeps kids engaged in Montana's Shakespeare in the Schools outreach program. Avery Johnson, left, plays the roles of Lysander and, in the play within the play, Francis Flute. Isa Guitian's Puck delights the kids with music & antics. The actors spoke to students after the show about the importance of making Shakespeare approachable to them, the primary goal of Montana Shakespeare in the Schools . WE JOINED a packed house at Tippet Rise Art Center recently for a rollicking version of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The troupe had just played Hysham and Hardin and was enroute to Rapelje and Red Lodge, then a string of Wyoming towns. Shakespeare in the Schools SERVES SHAKESPEARE WITH A WESTERN TWIST, DELIGHTS SCHOOL KIDS, CHILDREN OF ALL AGES The beloved Shakespearean classic -- about love, nature and magic -- is getting a lively "retelling" as Montana Shakespeare in the Schools makes an ambitious two-state tour. The 2024 production by Montana's beloved Shakespeare in the Parks is touring more than 50 schools in Montana and Wyoming with the same high quality production values that mark the company's rigorous summer schedule. Eight actors of Shakespeare in the Schools and Shakespeare in the parks charms audiences each year on an ambitious multi-state tour. FOR THE 32nd season, eight professional actors from across the U.S., are enacting a lively 85-minute rendition of a classic to more than 12,000 middle and high-school students -- and a few lucky adults. This year's tour travels from Kalispell to Plentywood, Bozeman to Hardin and Sidney, dipping down into Wyoming to Cody, Powell, Meeteetse, Worland and Buffalo. The intent is to debunk the myth that kids don't "get" Shakespeare. In so doing, the production makes the language and story appealing and understandable, with a western twist and country music. In a post-show "talk back," actor Abigail Nakken explained, "Our hope is to make Shakespeare come alive for kids -- to make it approachable and fun. Not something that adults tell them that they won't understand because it's over their heads." WITH ACROBATICS, fun props, enchanting costumes, an accordion, guitar, and precise diction, the company did just that at Tippet Rise, in one of the tour's early shows. The long run extends through mid-December with stops in small communities that seldom host performing arts, let alone a professional theater company. The endeavor -- supported by Montana Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts and other arts backers -- targets smaller communities, where the arts are often short-changed. So students in Lame Deer, Box Elder, Belt, Ronan, Polson, Ennis, Harrison and Belgrade all among those recipients of an impressive production. It's a pleasure to watch kids smile, laugh and applaud lively antics, quick dance steps, acrobatics, sword play and lots of physical humor. DOING THE show again and again, day after day, demands energy and commitment. The young, enthusiastic cast delivers that in spades, with imaginative direction from Shakespeare in the Parks veteran actor Kerry Bishe whose career spans stage and screen, from AMC and ABC productions to New York's famed Roundabout Theatre Company. She made her professional debut with Montana Shakespeare in the Parks in 2004 and chose actors from several thousand thespians across the country during January auditions. Most of them had not been west of Chicago or St. Paul, so they're enjoying the immersion in the western landscape. SO HOW do the actors transport that charming "woodsy" set from school to school? It collapses and folds up, like a giant box of LEGOs! To inquire about the next season of Montana Shakespeare in the Schools: https://shakespeareintheparks.org/menu/shakespeare-in-the-schools For more on Shakespeare programs around the U.S. www.arts.gov/initiatives/shakespeare-american-communities Ghost, goblins and a famous haunted house await visitors to Puerto Rico's "Pearl of the South," Ponce. UP NEXT: Ponce, Puerto Rico, is a great place to celebrate Halloween. It's not as well known as San Juan, but it's a lively and historic city, a pleasure to visit any time of the year. There's even a famous haunted house awaiting visitors. The "Pearl of the South" is known for its historical and cultural attractions as Puerto Rico's second-largest city and as an unincorporated U.S. territory, it celebrates many of the same holidays as the mainland does -- All Hallows Eve included. Join us for a spooky visit, remembering to explore, learn and live. Please share our website with like minded friends:www.whereiscookie.com

Lights, action, enjoyment. Montana Shakespeare in the Parks brings a pair of works to enthusiastic audiences from Bozeman to Cody, Wyo., Helena to Superior, parts of Idaho with a stop in Washington state. Here is a production in Fishtail, Montana. The award-winning endeavor is presented free and sustained by grants and donations. "Love's Labors Lost" was on tour in an earlier production. Notice the elaborate costumes, and a stage that is collapsed, packed up and transported via truck dozens of times per season. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" ONE OF Big Sky Country's treasured institutions is Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, beloved by thousands of loyal supporters for its energy, dedication and rich history dating to its 1973 beginning. Affection for the ambitious touring theater is with good reason, connected to a deep respect for the company's longtime artistic director Joel Jahnke. The Montana State University professor took the helm in 1980, continuing the intent of founder Bruce Jacobsen's to bring Shakespeare to the masses. Theater professor Joel Jahnke of Montana State University in Bozeman directed the company with vision and dedication for decades. The ambitious Shakespeare in the Parks touring program tours the Bard's work across the Rockies each season. Jahnke, now retired from a long teaching and directing career, ran Shakespeare in the Parks for decades, beating the drum for fundraising and growing the company's budget from a shoestring more than a half-century ago, sustaining it in good times and lean ones. His passion for bringing the Bard's work to rural communities continues with Kevin Asselin, current artistic director. A troupe of seasoned actors from across the United States doubles as costumers, technicians, designers and fund-raisers for one of the state's most enterprising organizations. The troupe tours the Rockies each year to the delight of playgoers from eastern Washington to northern Wyoming and the prairies of Montana. With a schedule that would challenge most actors, the young, limber company presents two plays in repertory fashion. While theirs is a mostly Shakespeare repertoire, this year's docket features "The Three Musketeers," adapted from the Alexandre Dumas work, along with "Measure for Measure," which many consider among Shakespeare's finest. Executive-artistic director Kevin Asselin sustains the original vision of founder Bruce Jacobsen and longtime artistic director Joel Jahnke. My long friendship with Jahnke goes back to 1973 when I first wrote about the energetic company. Through the years I've keep track of this visionary man, who directed dozens of productions and kept the fundraising torch burning. He believes the touring troupe's mission has always been "to serve rural areas and people who might not normally be able to afford or have access to quality theater." My first of many interviews with Jahnke was in 1976, three years after the company was founded. He spent 35 years at the helm as director and is crucial to its success and longevity. Kevin Asselin has been the company's executive director since 2014 and is continuing Jahnke's crowd-pleasing tradition. THE CROWD at a recent production of "The Three Musketeers" in Fishtail Family Park was an eclectic blend of locals -- Republicans and Democrats, students, families -- a mix of tourists new to Shakespeare in the Parks, and devotees who show up faithfully for decades. A tender moment in "The Three Musketeers" in Montana's Fishtail Family Park. The company occasionally does works by other playwrights. "We' re about finding ways to come together regardless of political or socioeconomic differences. That belief forms the backbone of the company's success," Asselin says. What makes the endeavor noteworthy is that in a single day, the company transforms an empty space into a believable theatrical stage -- complete with balcony, set and costumes. The feat is remarkable when one considers it is done day after day with little time off and in unpredictable weather. DONATIONS are welcome and the website shows you where to catch the next show. The company's outreach extends beyond Shakespeare in the Parks to a school program and other fund-raisers and presentations. A young girl is head over heels for her night at the theater, mesmerized by the action on stage. The season begins in "hometown" Bozeman for a rare week. Usually stops are a single night, or sometimes two. The troupe returns to Bozeman for Sweet Pea Festival, visits Butte and Big Sky, then heads west into Driggs, Pocatello and Salmon, Idaho. OTHER STOPS included Silvergate, Big Timber, Powell, Cody and Worland Wyoming, Roundup and Townsend Gardiner, Boulder, Forsyth, and a swing into Beach, North Dakota, in July. The August run includes western Montana and a stop in Liberty Lake, Wash., northern Montana towns and Missoula in western Montana, then two weeks in September in Philipsburg, St. Ignatius, Superior, Anaconda, Deer Lodge, Whitehall, Livingston, Three Forks, White Sulphur and a finale in Bozeman with "The Three Musketeers" at Grand Chamberlain Park. Check the schedule for a play near you by Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. The road home after a play as sunset comes. The company packs up the set, costumes and equipment each evening. "We love it when we get to stay two nights," the company members say. "It's a real treat not to have to move everything every day." For tickets or more information: ShakespeareInTheParks.org

Story By Christene Meyers Photos By Bruce Keller "The Carpe Diem Kids" Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park shows vivid colors from a high viewpoint Growing up in Montana, a trip to Yellowstone National Park was an annual treat. I continue the tradition with my husband. But while our long-ago family jaunts were on weekends, we've learned that Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the park's least crowded days. Now we drive to West Yellowstone or Cody on Monday and enter the park on Tuesday, at 9 a.m. beating the crowds. Yellowstone is expecting a record number of visitors this summer making 2026 the busiest season in its history. It's important to plan for this iconic destination. Preparing for crowds will help you enjoy the park’s natural wonders without frustration. Here are our tips to assist you in navigating Yellowstone’s busy summer months while making the most of your visit. Keller and Cookie take English friend Sue for a coffee in West Yellowstone, posing on a busy market sidewalk. Plan Your Visit Early and Strategically Yellowstone National Park's popularity means hotels and campsites fill up fast. Booking early is essential if you plan to stay inside or near the park. Plan ahead: Reserve lodging and campsites in advance. Many spots open for booking in early January, so mark your calendar. If this year is impossible, plan for next. Consider visiting during weekdays or early/late summer. July and August are the busiest months, so try next June or this September for fewer crowds. Arrive early in the day. Popular spots like Old Faithful and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone get crowded by mid-morning. Planning your itinerary with these points will help you avoid long waits and traffic jams. A stunning way to enter Yellowstone is via the Beartooth Highway, US212 out of Red Lodge, Montana. Use Alternative Routes and Less Crowded Attractions Yellowstone’s main roads and famous landmarks attract most visitors, but the park has many hidden gems worth exploring. To escape the crowds: Drive Beartooth Highway out of Red Lodge (US-212) for stunning views, fewer tourists. Visit Lamar Valley early morning or late evening for wildlife watching with less competition. Lamar is known for its wolves and we've seen them twice there. Explore Yellowstone Lake’s southern shore, which is quieter than the popular West Thumb Geyser Basin. Hike less-traveled trails like the Elephant Back Mountain Trail for peaceful nature experiences, enjoying Yellowstone’s beauty away from the crowds. Elephant Back Mountain Trail in Yellowstone is not well known, a peaceful forest path surrounded by mountains. Prepare for Safety and Park Regulations With more visitors, safety and respect for wildlife and the environment become even more important. Follow these guidelines to stay safe and protect the park: Always keep a safe distance from wildlife. Use binoculars or zoom lenses for photos. Stay on marked trails and boardwalks, especially around geothermal features. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Bears are common in Yellowstone. Pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and layered clothing for changing weather. Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash and avoid disturbing plants or animals. Be responsible and avoid fines or accidents. We spotted this grizzly not far from the park's East Entrance near Cody, Wyoming. Technology Enhances Your Visit, Helps Navigate Crowds, Avoid Stress Download the official Yellowstone National Park app for maps, alerts, and ranger programs. Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to check traffic conditions inside the park. Follow Yellowstone’s social media channels for updates on road closures or wildlife sightings. Consider a GPS device or offline maps if cell service is spotty. Keller loves his smart phone with an excellent Yellowstone National Park map Tips for Enjoying the Park's Popular Attractions Some spots in Yellowstone are must-sees despite crowds. Make the most of these: Old Faithful: Arrive 30 minutes before eruption time to get a good viewing spot. Grand Prismatic Spring: Visit early or in late afternoon for better light, fewer people. Mammoth Hot Springs: Walk boardwalks early or later to avoid peak crowds. Hayden Valley: Go at dawn or dusk for the best chance to see bison and wolves. Patience and timing make a big difference at these iconic locations. Final Thoughts on Visiting Yellowstone in 2026 Despite the crowds, summer-- particularly July and August, is a magical time to be in Yellowstone. There is plenty of wildlife, the snow has melted, and hiking trails are open. Because all park facilities and roads are open and all the natural attractions are accessible, summer is a fine time to explore Yellowstone National Park. Plan ahead and be patient. More National Parks information: nps.gov yellowstone Exploring Barcelona's Parc Guell, with the help of the excellent Barcelona tourist card, are Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers. The card offers free and discounted admission to many of Antoni Gaudi's famous buildings and many other key Barcelona attractions. Learn more at barcelonaturisme.com COMING NEXT: Tourist passes and city tourism cards can be an excellent, money saving way to enjoy a city, whether it's new to you or you're on a return visit. We explore why these passes can save time, stress and money in many worldwide locations, from New York to San Francisco, Tokyo to Toronto, Amsterdam, Lisbon and Barcelona. If our stories spark your wanderlust, there’s plenty more waiting on attractions worldwide. Hit the home page and look for tips on destinations, hotels, cruises, theater and more. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for travel stories we hope inspire you, at WhereIsCookie.com

BEARS ON THE WALLS, BEARS IN THE WOODS AT CHARMING LITTLE INN FOR EXPLORING GLACIER East Glacier's Dancing Bears Inn is a lovely base for exploration of nearby wonders of Glacier. If you go down to the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise. If you go down to the woods today, you'd better go in disguise! For every bear that ever there was will gather there for certain, because today's the day the Teddy Bears have their picnic. Glacier National Park is known for its turquoise mountain lakes, lush pine trees and rocky peaks. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" All roads point to Dancing Bears Inn. E ADDRESSING OUR REVIEWS WE ARE RENOVATING THE FACILITY NO "TODAY'S THE DAY the teddy bears have their picnic!" Remember the old song we sang as children? Written in a menacing minor key, it sounds a bit like Charles Gounod's "Alfred Hitchcock" theme. But there are no minor keys at Dancing Bears Inn in East Glacier, only major pleasures, where every day is a picnic! It's all sunny side up! An all-day buffet of organic treats invites hotel guests to snack between hikes, enjoy a hot or cold beverage -- including beer one of the evenings we visited -- and plan the day's activities thanks to knowledgeable hotel managers. Kim Stevens and her co-manager C.J. are proprietors of this delightful find! They love what they do and it shows. We joined the two of them, and their hotel bears (photos, drawings and even a bear shower curtain) -- along with a gorgeous grizzly bear who prowled nearby -- for a two-day picnic. Our headquarters, the Dancing Bears Inn in East Glacier, is a convenient Glacier base in the Two Medicine Valley of this northern Montana park. THE MOTEL is small and welcoming, a perfect location for discerning Glacier Park explorers. It has only 15 rooms. And a must for us: several of the rooms are pet friendly. The managers are hands on, greeting guests at check-in, making certain they feel welcome. They even created a make-shift walkway to help us navigate melting snow. Thoughtful Stevens escorted us to our rooms to make certain the heat was on and we had all we needed to be comfortable. Kim Stevens, at the computer, and Cookie, plan the day's activities. Tasty organic snacks are available for guests all day long at the inn. Glacier National Park's Dancing Bears Inn rooms are quiet and nicely decorated. Nothing fancy, but clean, inviting digs (bear motif of course) and spacious. It's not unusual to have a continental breakfast included in the room price, but that's usually rudimentary: toast, cereal, juice, maybe an orange or banana. Dancing Bear's all day "breakfast" is a real exception, and truly the star in the crown of a Dancing Bears stay. THE BEAR'S BREAKFAST is more like a European morning buffet than an American motel offering. Bagels, granola, yogurt, juices, and a treats such as breakfast burritos and English muffin sandwiches -- the Bear's own version of MacDonald's classic. Their "Bear MacMuffin" and more make for real value. Just a hop, skip and stroll from Dancing Bears, Serrano's Mexican Restaurant in East Glacier serves tasty Southwest and Mexican fare and is always packed. "We like to have goodies for people all day, when they come back from a day of hiking or a long drive," Stevens said. "It's a nice touch because the owner really cares that people have a memorable, enjoyable time and get what they want for snacks." That, of course, is smart marketing and encourages return business. WE ALSO found a couple fun dinner eateries, suggestions of the inn managers. Our favorite was Serrano's, a lively Mexican place with terrific, zesty Southwest cuisine. Specialties include a tasty red snapper and a flavorful strip steak. Appetizers, margaritas and a delicious flan-like dessert were happily and efficiently served and much enjoyed. The picturesque Two Medicine area is just minutes from Dancing Bears Inn. EXPLORING Glacier again, we learned that Lewis and Clark were very near where we were based, on the east side of the Rockies. They were so close to Marias Pass they could have reached it in an hour or so. But they couldn't see it for the clouds. Surely, had they found it, their journey over the mountains would have been easier! We made no attempt to see all of Glacier, a park we grew up with as native Montanans. Our advice to Glacier travelers with a couple days is to base at one of the hubs -- West Glacier, St. Mary, Many Glacier, or farther north, across the Canadian border, in Waterton Park. Glacier National Park - Dancing Bears Inn, a Gateway to Park Highlights CONCENTRATING on a smaller area -- less than 75 to 100 miles from your hotel -- gives time to savor your area. Besides spotting a grizzly, we enjoyed changing autumn colors, bear grass, flowers and snow on the mountains which sheltered native people for millennia. Dancing Bears Inn Location Prime Access to Two Medicine: The Inn is near Two Medicine area of Glacier National Park, a 20-minute drive away and less crowded than other park sectors. Heart of East Glacier: Within a block of local restaurants, shops, and the Amtrak station. All-Day "Breakfast" & Snacks: A favorite feature is the lobby's organic snacks and treats (juices, yogurt, bread, and breakfast burritos) available for guests all day until 10 PM. Accommodations: Options range from standard rooms to cabin for 8 with full kitchen Pet-Friendly Environment: One of a few places in the area to welcome pets. BOOKING the inn: 406-845-5565 for rates Remember to explore learn and live for and catch us weekly for a fresh take on art, travel, theater, music , nature and more at: www.whereiscookie.com

WE PAY TRIBUTE TO TEDDY, FDR, JOHN MUIR FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN PRESERVING WILDERNESS Glacier Park's Lake McDonald is for all of us, thanks to its designation through the national park system, and the encouragement of John Muir, FDR and much earlier, President Teddy Roosevelt. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" and courtesy news archives Editor's Note: This piece was updated and reviewed in July of 2026 FDR loved the parks as did his distant cousin and earlier president, Theodore Roosevelt. FDR, here was photographed touring Glacier National Park. "There is nothing so American as our national parks. The scenery and wildlife are native. The fundamental idea behind the parks is ...that the parks belong to the people...." FDR Teddy Roosevelt said his love of nature and visits to Glacier were inspired by naturalist John Muir. So much beauty awaits in the national parks in large and small doses. Here, a close-up of algae makes a lovely mosaic on rock. Photo opportunities are a major draw for tourists from all over the world. ONE FEELS a swell of pride when entering Glacier Park's wonders. For me, it's as close to "church" as I get, for as I pass the ranger station, I enter hallowed ground. We here in Montana are lucky to have three national parks within easy driving distance. Whether exploring Yellowstone to our south, or Grand Teton a bit farther, or heading north, "going to the sun" on the breathtaking highway by the same name in Glacier, we remind ourselves of our good fortune and the foresight of the Roosevelts. Glacier Park, the Roosevelts and John Muir FRANKLIN Roosevelt's cousin, Theodore Roosevelt, an earlier president and champion of national parks, was dubbed "the conservation president" and visited our parks well beyond his presidency. He doubled the number of sites in the National Park system and enabled future presidents to proclaim historic landmarks through the Antiquities Act of June 8, 1906. This protected structures and historic objects under federal ownership. Conservationist John Muir engendered a love of nature in the common man -- and in presidents. We appreciate the Roosevelts' vision and that of naturalist John Muir who guided Teddy Roosevelt into the wilderness of Yosemite for an overnight trip. Friends said it marked Teddy for life and led to his deep commitment to preserving park land for the people. Glacier Park's wonders -- more than a day trip OUR NATURALIST friends, Teddy Roosevelt, FDR and Muir -- knew a single day -- or three -- couldn't do justice to a national park. Yet FDR's few hours more than 80 years ago inspired a stirring radio address about Glacier's wonders and still encourages international visits. He told friends he was inspired by Teddy's impressions and wanted to see for himself. Try to stay a week or at least four or five days. If you only have a couple days, though, savor a national park visit to encourage an encore visit. The grizzly bear is a sight to behold. They can be seen in Glacier and Yellowstone national parks. Trees, critters, birds, majestic glaciers, waterfalls, redwoods and vistas are a few of the enticements. Visiting Glacier Park, in the spirit of Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir, pays homage to these visionary men while we continue their spirit of admiration. It's fitting that their encouragement continues to inspire millions today. IN EVERY visit to Glacier, Teton and Yellowstone, we've been lucky to see bears. We've watched them hike up hills and munch on grubs and berries, fattening up for the long winter's nap, months away. Once, we watched one unearth a carcass of a long dead mountain goat. The griz feasted on the smelly remains, buried months ago. No doubt, he'd remembered where he hid it. Photographer Rick Cosgriffe has a field day in Glacier. He visits the park several times each season, taking photos for his annual Daytime Planner. The grizzly has been around for at least 10,000 years. The native people knew them first, and they'd been there thousands of years before European explorers showed up in the late 1800s. The "westerners" crossed the mountains in search of vast buffalo herds on eastern plains, documenting their observations of the grizzly. NATIVE people saw the parks' same wonders that Teddy, FDR, Muir and today's tourists do: rugged peaks, clear waters, abundant animal and bird life, breathtaking geysers and glacial-carved valleys. May our national parks inspire those who love nature's beauty to protect and preserve it through the generations. Kateri, a golden eagle injured by a car, is part of the Raptor Exhibit at the Buffalo Bill Center. Coming soon here. COMING SOON: We're back from a road trip to Cody, Wyoming, with a store of wonders including the Draper Museum Raptor Exhibit and a raptors' show at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, performance and more at www.whereiscookie.com

Glacier Park's beauty reflects millions of years of changing ancient rock formations. Here, summer meets winter as canoes of the warmer season's activities sit idle with early winter snows. Snow has already come to Glacier National Park in northern Montana but melts quickly on warm days. "Today, for the first time in my life, I have seen Glacier Park. Perhaps I can best express to you my thrill and delight by saying that I wish every American, old and young, could have been with me today. The great mountains, the glaciers, the lakes and the trees make me long to stay here...'' --Franklin D. Roosevelt, in August of 1934, delivering a Presidential radio address from Two Medicine Chalet in Glacier National Park Our Yorkies, Nick and Nora, have visited five national parks, here Glacier. BIG SKY COUNTRY: GLACIER PARK'S BEAUTY SHINES EACH SEASON, ALL YEAR LONG STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: This piece was updated and reviewed in July of 2026 Native Californian Keller looks forward to each Glacier visit, noting that the snows enhance the beauty. GLACIER PARK'S wonders cannot be experienced in a single day -- or even three -- which is what we had. That's longer than FDR had 80 years ago, when he toured and park in a brief day and gave a stirring radio address about Glacier's wonders. Still, if you only have a couple days, the park can be savored sufficiently to encourage an encore visit. Many of us native Montanans visit multiple times, even annually. Trees, critters, birds and the majestic glaciers that give the park its name are but a few of the enticements. They impressed FDR then as they do us today. This reflection near East Glacier hints at the wondrous beauty the park offers. TOSS IN AN ambling silverback grizzly, which we watched for 90 minutes, and it's hard to beat Glacier Park in autumn. Grizzly bears are battening down the hatches and climbing into their caves this month, so we felt lucky to spy one and follow him for over an hour, near East Glacier, as he munched on grubs and berries and fattened up for the long winter's nap. The grizzly has been around Glacier for as long as people have been, at least 10,000 years. The native people were the first, and they'd been there thousands of years before European explorers showed up in the late 1800s in search of beaver. Blackfeet inhabited the eastern part of today's park, and Flathead, Salish and Kootenai the western regions. The "westerners" crossed the mountains in search of vast buffalo herds on eastern plains. A close-up of algae, a lovely mosaic on rock where recent snows had melted. Glacier Park's History: Native people, Europeans, Railroad NATIVE people came for the same reasons today's tourists do: rugged peaks, clear waters, breathtaking glacial-carved valleys. The landscape produces resources and inspiration to indigenous people, whose love of nature's beauty is deeply ingrained in the culture. Following the European pelt hunters, miners came, then settlers. By 1891, the Great Northern Railway was completed and hundreds came to northwest Montana. Small towns developed, west of Marias Pass, then hotels and chalets, many of them historic. Photographer Rick Cosgriffe has a field day in Glacier. The world renowned Going to the Sun Road was completed in 1932 and remains a historic accomplishment. BUT LOOK back farther than the 1930s! Glacier Park's history goes back millions of years. The mountains we admire today began forming 170 million years ago. Ancient rocks forced themselves eastward up and over younger rock strata. The Lewis Overthrust rocks have some of the finest fossilized examples of extremely early life found anywhere on Earth. Sadly, the glaciers are retreating. The park has done a good job of telling this tale in diagrams and hand-outs. The dramatic U-shaped valleys, moraines and lakes are changing with global warming. Of the 150 glaciers which existed in the park in the mid-19th century, only 25 active glaciers remain! We may see all the glaciers disappear if current climate patterns persist. The range of stars featured in the title role of "Annie Get Your Gun" includes Reba McIntyre. COMING UP: She had to be hip, happy, talented and versatile. The actors who played the title role in "Annie Get Your Gun" include a huge range -- from the famous Ethel Merman, to Betty Hutton, Reba McIntyre and Bernadette Peters. The title character of our historical novel, "Lilian's Last Dance," was inspired by an interview with the late director and producer Josh Logan, who talked to Christene Meyers on a Atlantic crossing on Queen Elizabeth II. Logan directed "Annie Get Your Gun" on Broadway and their conversations about theater and creating memorable characters helped plant the seeds for a novel -- and, maybe some day, a Broadway musical. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for travel and entertainment tips at: www.whereiscookie.com

Cruising's pleasures heightened by exhilarating Alaskan adventure The wonders of Alaska unfold for Cookie, above, snug in her layers, enjoying the view from Carnival's Miracle. The captain's delicate maneuvering helps guests enjoy the wonders of the majestic Sawyer Glaciers, tiny islands, sea life and more. Our appreciation and concern increased. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" I STILL feel a bit giddy. Call it an iceberg high. I've smoked my share of ganja and had a few nips too many, but I've never been as high as I was a few days ago, infused by nature's wonders and reveling in the thrill. My intoxicant? The stunning bluish icebergs of the Tracy Arm Fjord of Alaska. Here's why you should cruise Alaska. Glaciers in Tracy Arm are receding with each year, threatening wildlife. FROM OUR veranda aboard the Carnival Miracle, we listened with astonishment to the ominous "white thunder" of immense spires of ice breaking from Sawyer Glacier. After they tumbled and crashed to the sea, we watched them melt leisurely into whimsical shapes -- horses, flowers, entire tableaux. From the earthquake-like cracks which startled us, the massive hunks of ice transformed to subtle, serene floating works of art. We witnessed the evolution of ice sculpture. And we had our environmental consciences tweaked. All in a few hours time. It's an overload of wonders in just a few days, which is why you should cruise Alaska ENJOYING these magnificent sights and sounds would not have been possible without the luxury of a time-saving cruise. A cruise offers security, mobility, beautiful ports, no packing. They're affordable now, so consider cruising as a wonderfully safe and efficient way to move about the world, experiencing several ports in a week or two, enjoying their splendors without wasting precious time packing and unpacking. ON THE Miracle, we entered Alaska's glacier area as children squealed with delight and adults gasped in awe. At one time, we counted 22 ice bergs of various sizes, with hundreds of cameras aimed at the spectacle. We'd layered up, as our savvy naturalist advised, with turtle-necks, sweaters, scarves, hats and jackets to transit the 30 miles of wonder in the world famous Tracy Arm Wilderness Area. WE WANDERED from own stateroom to our private veranda, to the larger decks above and below, to change and enhance our views -- like sitting in various sections of a changing theater -- making certain we absorbed the entire spectacle. Floating ice sculptures entrance cruise travelers to Alaska's fjord country. In eight days of cruising, this unusual "floating ice" orgy represented, for us, a tie for "most exhilarating day" -- the humpback whales were yet to come. While we would find an abundance of whales and sea lions, we were alarmed to see the diminishing glaciers and ice fields. We renewed our memberships to conservation and preservation efforts, reminded of the fragility of the earth's balance and the importance of glaciers and water to sustaining marine life and preserving polar bears in particular. This is another reason why you should cruise Alaska: to be informed, help save the planet. The sunsets aboard a ship at sea are hard to beat, here exiting Alaska's stunning Tracy Arm Wilderness Area . A room with a view: The brilliant aqua glacial melt. Another reason why you should cruise Alaska THE THRILL of being close-up to a steep, snow-clad mountain rising up 7,000 feet from sea level, would satisfy most of us. Add to that the sound of cracking ice, the view of tons-heavy glaciers glinting in blue and pink light, splashing of tons of ice into the sea, then the melting "decorations," the ever-changing vistas as the ship made serpentine turns. ALL SPECTACULAR. Ending with one of the prettiest sunsets we've seen. And we hadn't had a drop of chardonnay! Captain Luca Lazzarino presents a surprised Cookie with a "Miracle" cake created by the ship's chief chef: a happy 100th cruise party with Keller and officers. COMING NEXT: Our Alaska-Seattle adventure continues, with a segue to British Columbia. Join us for an exciting series of pieces: In Alaska we are aboard Carnival Miracle's, where captain Luca Lazzarino, honors Cookie on her 100th cruise. Cookie and Keller on the road to Alaska, ready for adventure. We find a friendly pod of seven humpback whales near Juneau, take a narrow-gauge rail trip to the White Pass summit, hunt for bears (with our cameras!) and end our revels in international style at the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, B.C., for a spot of tea, a sip of sherry and a spectacular view of the Parliament Buildings lit up at night. FINALLY, full circle back on the mainland, we savor Seattle for a cocktail sail on Far Niente yacht, take a discovery trip to the locks aboard Argosy's Good Time III, and delight in a beguilingly elegant hotel, Pan Pacific, with stunning service and views to match. The Space Needle shines in Seattle's sky, luring our travelers to linger. Remember to explore, learn and live. If this destination sparked your wanderlust, there’s plenty more waiting for you—explore more travel stories and inspiration over at WhereIsCookie.com

The graceful Bridge of the Americas is the first impressive site, beginning the Panama Canal transit.from the Pacific Panama Canal highlights Engineering marvel thrills as it raises the ship 85 feet to move it across land, Pacific to Atlantic It's a tight squeeze aboard the Legend of the Seas, at Mira Flores. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" Editor's Note: This piece first appeared to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the canal. With four Panama Canal transits since then, we reviewed and updated this piece in July 2026 WHEN TEDDY Roosevelt traveled to Panama in 1914 to proudly christen the new canal, he likely did not envision 14,000 ships a year transiting this “eighth wonder of the world.” He surely knew, though, savvy man that he was, that the idea was not new. SINCE 1534, sailors, explorers, kings and merchants had dreamed of connecting the oceans. It took Teddy and nearly 400 years, for the canal to happen. OUR RECENT transit of this engineering wonder brought respect and delight for the feat often called the Crossroads of the World. Our "bully" President Theodore Roosevelt oversaw the realization of a long-term United States goal, knowing the world needed a trans-isthmian canal to shave off thousands of miles, months of time and the long and arduous "around the horn" trip . THROUGH THE 1800s, American and British leaders and businessmen schemed for a way to ship goods quickly and cheaply between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The California Gold Rush and the 1855 railroad put the notion back in the news. A colorful array of some of one freighter's shipment. Abandoned by the French, after thousands of their workers died of malaria, the U.S. took a shot at the project in the early 1900s. PULITZER Prize winning author David McCullough describes the intricate political maneuvering in his epic, "The Path Between the Seas." The sweeping tome chronicles the complex creation of the Panama Canal. It's a first-rate drama of the bold and brilliant engineering feat and all its tragedy and triumph, told by a master historian. Tugs and pilot boats are part of the water traffic during transit. The French had built the earlier Suez Canal, but that was in the desert on sandy earth. They didn't have the savvy or equipment to break through the rocky earth in Central America. HERE ARE some fun Panama canal facts. Did you know? *The Chagres River is the only river on the planet flowing into two oceans, dumping its waters into oceans on two continents – on opposite sides of the Continental Divide. *The Panama Canal is essentially a “water elevator” moving ships between the two oceans, Atlantic and Pacific. It’s a gravity fed elevator raising ships 85 feet up and over the Divide and across two earthquake faults. * It represents a savings of 8,000 miles (rather than going around the tip of South America The thrill of transiting oceans through the locks attracts tourists worldwide, here aboard Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas. The transit is narrated, through all three sets of locks, and takes a full, fascinating day on ship. The Pedro Miguel station awaits ships in transit on both sides. or "the horn”) avoiding some of the coldest, most windy, most dangerous and roughest waters of the world. *The opening of the new, enlarged canal project has been delayed, due partly to flooding, and to awarding the contract to the low bidder who ran out of money. When we booked this spring cruise for 2014 – nearly two years ago – the new lane was to be open. *It is designed to increase the capacity for transporting goods and services from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and vice versa, enabling ships to carry three times larger capacity. * That the new, enlarged canal carries a price tag of $5.3 billion with contracts awarded to four countries: Spain, Italy, Belgium and Panama. How is that international endeavor unfolding? It's $7 billion now and 18 months late. It should be done by year's end. The canal expansion project is underway again, cutting a new trench. More on the Canal and Central American and Mexican ports at: www.whereiscookie.com Please tell your friends about us and remember to explore, learn and live. We publish weekly, urging you to check our home page for lively travel destinations, money-saving tips and insights into cultural travel. Please share the link: www.whereiscookie.com

The Colosseum remains one of tourism's most visited sites. Story by Christene Meyers Photos by Bruce Keller "The Carpe Diem Kids" "Rome doesn't compete. Rome just watches all the fussing and striving, completely unfazed. I am inspired by the regal self-assurance of this city, so grounded and rounded, so amused and monumental, knowing she is held securely in the palm of history. I would like to be like Rome when I am an old lady.” Elizabeth Gilbert, author of "Eat, Pray, Love" The sights, sounds smells and tastes of Rome linger long after one leaves her. Is there a city more unique? Some might say New York, London, Stockholm, Rio, Bangkok or Paris. All have their graces and enticements. Is there a city more exciting? I've been around the block and most of the world, and I can't think of one. Rome's mix of decorum and cutting edge, excitement and calm, hipness and history holds it dear to my heart and the hearts of thousands of other poets, painters and tourists dating back hundreds of years. Pope Francis now calls Rome home. Rome's stately buildings inspire and fascinate, here against a perfect summer sky. All roads lead to Rome for her grandeur and gaudiness, her enticing ethnic mix, her intoxicating blend of elegance and bawdiness. Here is a city which hosts the Pope and more women in tight pants than anywhere else in the world. So a salute to Francis and sexy women. Why should they be mutually exclusive? Where else can you admire hundreds of statues and monuments paying homage to the human form, then round a corner to come face to face with a $12-shop-window apron sporting a decal of a fat, happy man flipping a pizza. Oh, yes, he's buck naked! Cookie and Keller at the Trevi Fountain, before the coin toss which guarantees their return! Rome remains vibrant while historic, trendy while old-fashioned. There is no other city remotely like her. Once one has strolled the boulevards of Rome, savored her gastronomy, prowled her ruins, there's no looking at other cities in the same way. Rome endures, literally layering the old upon the new. The original city is 25 "layers" beneath modern Rome. One looks down a several-story excavation to see the site where Julius Caesar was assassinated. I try to get my Rome hit at least once a year. I'm always reminded of her constancy and her ability to adapt and embrace the new. I remember having my fanny pinched in the early morning hours when my girlfriend Susan and I hopped off in Milan for a slice of pizza. Rome's architecture continues to change and grow, as ruins are discovered and old buildings restored. It was fun! I hope I never stop having my fanny pinched, nor appreciating "fun" when it presents itself. Back then, I was a cute little teen-aged girls and the pinchers no doubt had had consumed copious amounts of vino. Ice cream in Rome is simply a must. Rome has changed with me from puberty to menopause. Still today, the allure of Rome and all of Italy has never abandoned me. Through several decades and a couple dozen visits, I've never stopped loving the country and wanting more. It is an addiction, not unlike the one I've developed for gelato! A buggy driver pauses to go on line. Rome remains a wonderful starting point from which to head south or north, exploring the rest of Italy. From the cypress groves and vineyards of Tuscany to the canals and bridges of Venice, the villages of Sicily and the picturesque fishing town of Portofino (founded at least 1,200 years ago), Italy will not disappoint. Pause in a Roman holiday walk We once rented a villa half way between Sienna and Florence. "How old is this building?" we asked the owner, our host, Gulia. "Not so very old," she said. "It is only 14th Century." Recently, we stayed in a lovely harbor suite at Hotel Martini in Olbia, Italia, on the island of Sardinia. We'd flown from Atlanta to Roma, then spent six hours touring the grounds surrounding the Colosseum with old friend Lucilla, who has her doctorate in ancient Roman history. Back on the plane to Sardinia, with a quick shower and dinner in the old center. Finally we slept after 36 hours, enjoyed a restorative breakfast of cheeses, prosciutto, brown bread, yogurt, figs and cappuccino. A couple museums, a stop in a local market, pasta in the piazza and plenty of red wine. Rome's museums, fountains, squares and government buildings are legendary. The next day we rented a car to explore the island's east coast. Again, we were surprised and delighted: lunch of freshly caught squid, a soak in the sea and vespers in a 14th Century monastery. We'll return to Italy and Rome, to toss a coin over our shoulder at the Trevi Fountain. Lore says that means we'll return. So far, it's worked Hollyhocks in their glory, at High Chaparral in Montana. COMING soon: Flower power! What would the world be without the wonders of flowers? We'll share some of our favorites from Montana to California, islands, and other continents. Please tell your friends about whereiscookie.com and sign up if you have not yet done so. Grazie.

Kennedy Space Center's extraordinary exhibits symbolize American ingenuity while feeding the curious soul. The Center's intriguing Visitor Complex offers close-up views of space projects including an opportunity to come nose-to-nose with the giant space shuttle Atlantis. SPACE CENTER OFFERS USER FRIENDLY SITES, EXPERIENCES Happily "blasting off" into Kennedy Space Center, are Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller, enjoying this wonderful place. All systems go: Launch yourself into a world of wonder, exploration, adventure in space STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Diem Kids" If you've ever dreamed of exploring the final frontier, there's no better place to begin than Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Florida's Space Coast. Located just east of Orlando, this world-famous attraction combines authentic NASA history with hands-on exhibits, astronaut encounters, immersive simulators, and the chance to witness the excitement of modern space exploration. From the earliest Mercury missions to today's launches and tomorrow's journey to the Moon and Mars, every visit offers an unforgettable look at humanity's quest to explore beyond Earth. NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center is a Disneyland for space nerds and anyone interested in the marvels of space exploration. The Center has played a pivotal role in NASA's mission, as the departure site for the first human journey to the moon. It's also the starting point for hundreds of scientific, commercial, and applications spacecraft; and as the base for Space Shuttle launch and landing operations. For us, it was a wonderful launching pad deep into a world we've known only on the surface. Actual modules and vehicles used in the space program are grouped and displayed in attractive user-friendly exhibits. From the Astronauts Hall of Fame to a convincing moonscape, and simulated launches to Mars and beyond, we were "hands on" at the control panels of our adventure. The Center -- KSC -- boasts an enormous and welcoming Visitor Complex organized into Mission Zones where attractions and tours are grouped by chronological era. Massive rockets tell the daring story of space exploration, from the dawn of space adventure and discovery to current missions. We visitors got a fascinating, up-close feel for the story of humans in space. WE STARTED our adventure mid-morning at Project Mercury and ended our day with the Space Shuttle Program, a moving testimony to the bravery, daring and sacrifice of American astronauts. We visited the memorial honoring the astronauts who lost their lives during space shuttle missions STS-51L Challenger and STS-107 Columbia. Those heroes are lovingly remembered and honored in a beautifully curated display. We saw the real Lunar Module 9 with a life-sized scene from the Apollo 11 Moon landing. User friendly, interactive exhibits helped us understand this remarkable vehicle and how astronauts landed it on foreign terrain. Apollo's moon landings excited the world and people of all backgrounds and ages. We watched as a three-generation family viewed an actual lunar module. The five-year old was thrilled to touch a real moon rock. Launching themselves into a day of exploration at Kennedy Space Center, Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers share tips on how to make the most of a visit to this internationally known attraction. WE COULDN'T resist going for a launch -- in fact, we signed up for two launches to experience the sights, sounds and sensations of blasting off into space aboard the space shuttle. Lines for the various launches get long as the day winds down, so come early and plan to spend 6 to 8 hours. It's possible to discover NASA’s plans to explore deep space, get close to life-sized Mars rover replicas and test your skills as a recruit in Journey To Mars: Launched by United Launch Alliance. Daily schedules include astronaut encounters, a huge array of exhibits and many tours, including a fascinating Atlantis Walking Tour. Several space-themed films are shown at various times. We caught "Journey to Space" and a new 3D movie, "Asteroid Hunters," with stunning images of space, amazingly real. IF YOU WANT to feel "official," you can take notes as you participate in a Mission Status Briefing to discover what’s happening with current NASA missions. You'll get a peek into the latest operations at Kennedy Space Center and launch activity at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A young couple from Houston enrolled in the Center's "Astronaut Training Experience" (ATX). They said they'd be training to live and work on Mars through an immersive simulation program. We didn't have time to join these enthusiastic space explorers but it sounded like fun. Many activities are included in admission, so check that out when you book and arrange your day. A colorful restaurant offers reasonably priced food and indoor and outdoor seating. We sat outside on comfy chairs and enjoyed the casual setting. Actual NASA astronauts were strolling to answer questions, both indoors and in the outside spaces. MORE INFO and tickets: www.kennedyspacecenter.com If you're planning a visit to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, here's what you can expect: Admission (2026) 1-day Adult (ages 12+): $77 1-day Child (ages 3–11): $67 2-day Adult: $91 2-day Child: About $81 (available through the official ticketing system). Kennedy Space Center Tickets The 2-day ticket is an excellent value if you want enough time to experience the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, the bus tour to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, astronaut presentations, and simulators without rushing. Parking Automobile: $15 Motorcycle: $5 RVs/Oversized vehicles: $20 How to Get There The visitor complex is located on Space Commerce Way in Merritt Island, about: 50–60 minutes from Orlando 20 minutes from Cocoa Beach 1 hour from Daytona Beach Most visitors drive a rental car or personal vehicle, as there is no public transportation directly to the visitor complex. If you're staying in Orlando without a car, Gray Line Orlando operates transportation to the attraction. When using GPS, search for "Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex" not simply "Kennedy Space Center," which can direct you to restricted NASA property. Travel Tip: Plan to arrive when the gates open at 9:00 a.m. The included bus tour to the Apollo/Saturn V Center is one of the highlights of the day, and arriving early gives you plenty of time to experience the exhibits, astronaut encounters, Space Shuttle Atlantis, and other attractions before closing. Bruce Keller, Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Halim Urban enjoy fried alligator in a fun stop with Village Food Tours guide A visit to Kennedy Space Center is much more than another Florida attraction it's an inspiring journey through history, science, innovation, and the limitless possibilities of space exploration. Whether you're spending a day or planning your entire vacation around Florida's Space Coast, you'll leave with memories that are truly out of this world. Add Kennedy Space Center to your Florida travel itinerary and discover why it continues to be one of the Sunshine State's most unforgettable destinations. UP NEXT: We're continuing the fun in Florida with a delightful food tour and a journey by air boat into the swamps. Come along with us to the Orlando area, as we headquarter in Melbourne and Cocoa Village for a few fun days with "grub and gators." We spend a lively and tasty afternoon with Village Food Tours, run by an enterprising couple, Halim and Jessica Urban. Then we head into the swamps for a close-up look at the resident critters. We have a good time wherever we go and remind you to explore, learn and live and enjoy our weekly column for a fresh spin on travel, performance, culture, food, the arts, family and more. Ready for your next adventure? Discover more travel guides, tips, and hidden gems on WhereIsCookie.com

Oregon Cabaret Theatre attracts sell-out crowds for a variety of performances. "Kinky Boots" drew raves for its recent run. Up next is a Poirot mystery, running through Nov. 5. POPULAR CABARET ENTERTAINS THEATER LOVERS IN RENOVATED CHURCH WITH GREAT SHOWS, CLASSY CHANDELIER STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Tucked into the artsy heart of Ashland, the Oregon Cabaret Theatre offers a dazzling night out that blends Broadway-caliber performances with an intimate dining experience. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, this hidden gem invites travelers to sip, savor, and soak in live entertainment just steps away from the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Whether you’re a theater lover or simply looking for a memorable evening, the Cabaret delivers a uniquely Ashland experience. Play goers at "Kinky Boots" enjoy appetizers, drinks and the company of friends between acts of "Kinky Boots." WHEN OREGON Cabaret Theatre launched in 1986, its building already had a colorful history. The former Baptist church had been a pillar of the community for years, but had been fallen to ruin. In the late 1960s, after years of languishing, it was sold and "the Old Pink Church" went through several owners before it was purchased and saved by a visionary man. Craig Hudson began a meticulous renovation to restore the structure to its 1911 appearance, including replication of many of the unique stained glass windows. His transformation included landscaped gardens, tiered seating and service areas. He even salvaged a magnificent crystal chandelier and other appointments from a 1927 movie palace in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. A smashing performance of "Kinky Boots" entertained sell-out crowds this summer at the cabaret. OUR FAMILY began its long run with the cabaret the same year it opened and since 1986, we've seen at least production almost every year. Through the years, the repertoire has expanded from a single show to a five show season with 270 performances spanning February to New Year's Eve. The cabaret has also created 15 original shows, and has staged many hit musicals, including "Sweeney Todd" and, recently, "Kinky Boots." Delightful food is part of the fun at the cabaret, where play goers can enjoy fine dining, too. We saw the cabaret's production of that Tony Award-winning musical, and it didn't disappoint. The energetic production boasted the same high energy we'd enjoyed in the Broadway version, a touching tale of daring and determination. The Cabaret offered dazzling choreography, powerful acting and jazzy costuming with a first-rate cast. The show's infectious, appealing spirit was enhanced by lively musical numbers. OREGON CABARET Theatre offers a historic, welcoming setting -- a beautiful small venue -- complemented by well staged productions and a tasty menu. This appealing amalgam makes OCT a favorite for this reporter and thousands of other visitors to Ashland. Sets are clever, acting sharp, music tuneful and small space well used. Costumes, lighting, make-up all follow suit. The Cyndi Lauper musical, with a Harvey Fierstein book, drew raves at the cabaret this summer. Oregon Cabaret Theatre is an institution in Ashland, just up a stroll up from Main Street. Sure, this picturesque town is most famous for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. But don't overlook one of the country's most successful dinner theaters, Oregon Cabaret Theatre. The Cabaret presents an interesting display of each show with a miniature set and costume designs. BELOVED ACTOR, dancer and the Cabaret's founding member and artistic director for years, Jim Giancarlo, passed away in 2014. He is deeply missed, but artistic director and accomplished actor Valerie Rachelle took over with spirit and enterprise. She has artfully preserved the vision of Giancarlo promising "Our stage may be small, but the scope of our stories is large." She was a spectacular Mrs. Lovett in "Sweeney Todd" and knows her way around both sides of the footlights. She maintains the spirit and seating of the intimate house, giving viewers a bird's eye view of the action. We've seen dozens of top-drawer shows from all over the house. We've sat on the ground floor, the balcony, and the bar, all good seats because of the clever tiering and seat and table arrangements. Sight lines are fine everywhere, thanks to Rachelle's keen understanding of the importance of audience connection. FOR PROXIMITY to the cabaret, you can't beat the lodging of Ashland Springs Hotel, just a few steps across the avenue and down to Ashland's Main Street, restored by an enterprising couple much as the Cabaret was renovated and returned to a glorious structure. Front row seats give viewers proximity to the action on stage, but the seating is such that there are no bad views from the house. Hudson's restoration of the one-time church has delighted thousands since the transformation. It still reminds of its 1911 appearance, and the stained glass windows are kept sparklingly clean. The theater's unique appointments -- including that vintage crystal chandelier -- are part of the appeal, and the menu includes delectable appetizers, entrees and the famous Dick Hay pie, a decadent chocolate, ice cream and peanut butter dessert named after an OSF designer. If you missed "Kinky Boots," you can enjoy the Poirot mystery and popular Christmas show which round out the season. oregoncabaret.com; A place we recommend to stay: ashlandspringshotel.com Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers outside the Cabaret, with their favorite Ashland Springs Hotel behind them. Christene "Cookie" Meyers is featured beneath a magnificent Deborah Butterfield Horse, on display at Honolulu Art Museum. Butterfield spends part of her time in Montana and keeps a studio in Hawaii. UP NEXT: Honolulu is a favorite city of sun seekers and couples looking for a blend of beach fun and nightlife. It also boasts an extraordinary art museum and we look at its impressive collection of more than 50,000 pieces spanning 5,000 years of culture in the Pacific, Asia, Africa and Europe. After Honolulu Art Museum, we're cavorting with the whales in Depoe Bay, Oregon, then blasting off to Kennedy Space Center. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on nature, travel, the arts, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com

The Mob Museum in Las Vegas offers a fascinating departure from gambling, and a treasure trove of crime lore. MANIA FOR THE MOB: GRIT, GORE AND HANDS-ON EXHIBITS MAKE FOR FASCINATING, FUN VISIT TO SIN CITY MUSEUM Cookie peruses one of many user-friendly exhibits. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER "The Carpe Kiem Kids" Las Vegas is famous for dazzling casinos, world-class entertainment, and unforgettable nightlife, but one of its most compelling attractions tells the real story behind the city's legendary past. Located in historic downtown, the The Mob Museum takes visitors on an immersive journey through the rise of organized crime, the efforts of law enforcement, and the events that helped transform Las Vegas into an international entertainment destination. Filled with authentic artifacts, multimedia exhibits, and hands-on experiences, it's a must-visit attraction for anyone wanting to discover the history behind the neon lights. GANGSTERS, mafia bosses and their molls, booze, blood and bullets combine for a dose of criminal behavior -- and the guys and gals who went after the bad guys and girls. The Mob Museum offers all that and more. Get ready for a history of J. Edgar Hoover's relentless pursuit of crime bosses, wall-sized images of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre and other brutal murders. The well designed, user-friendly three-story treasure trove of memorabilia is an intensely orchestrated study of the evolution of crime. Look up your favorite criminal in a wall of wanted posters. It's a fun place for a visit. REMEMBER THE gangster movies from the 1930s and '40s? ("You dirty rat.") We grew up with them, and generations later, they still play well. And so does the Mob Museum. Crime -- unfolding through the acting of Jimmy Cagney, Edward G. Robinson, even Humphrey Bogart -- has always had an audience. Known officially as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, this fascinating place bills itself as a history museum. It is that -- a nod to the colorful history of crime. Located in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada, near the "Old Las Vegas" sign, it's a 15 or 20-minute drive from The Strip, a pleasant diversion from the lure of the casinos. TODAY'S AUDIENCE needs to be engaged, and the museum does that, through dozens of large and small inter-active exhibits. You can be part of a line-up, take your medicine in an electric chair, knock at a speakeasy door. You'll discover more about crime than you'd ever think you wanted to know -- but it's all fascinating. Emphasis is, of course, on the role Las Vegas has played through the years, with a nod to Bugsy Seigel and his Hollywood/Santa Monica connections. Pretend to meet your fate, as these two giggling friends are doing, as you are strapped into the electric chair. Pretend you're in the electric chair ready to meet your maker at the Mob Museum, Las Vegas. KELLER HAD fun with the line-up, and I took a seat in the electric chair -- a truly creepy experience. Newsreels of actual crime busts and other police activity are interspersed with an array of weapons. An intriguing gallery of photos makes the mobsters and their pursuers come alive. Fashions popular in the gangster era are displayed in colorful clothing exhibits. Videos tell various crime stories, as attractive displays await. And homage is paid to the movies -- from "The Godfather" to earlier, vintage flicks which glamorized the criminals and are still popular today. The museum explores the connection between Hollywood and the mob, in colorful history and star-studded posters. Hollywood's connection to organized crime is explored. THE MOB Museum is fun, but also startling in its detail and scope. Statistics reveal the millions of dollars of laundered money, the thousands of brutal murders and power the mob once had. One map shows the mob's concentration in major U.S. cities, and another interesting display traces the European roots of mob crime in America. You'll see the mobsters and crime bosses at play, too, enjoying their families, out for a day of pleasure. If you dare, you can join the mafia yourself, taking a blood oath and pledging loyalty to the death! The Las Vegas Mob Museum delivers the real deal in crime fighting history and technique. Viator can take you there, and for a tour of the city as well. Photographer Bruce Keller readies for his place in the line-up, with this "mug shot," at the Las Vegas Mob Museum. A STAFF of nearly two dozen runs the mob museum, which reaches into the community with fund-raisers and special activities. Summer camps for kids teach the evils and consequences of a life of crime. The museum sponsors a series of "Courtroom Conversations," moderated panel discussions exploring Las Vegas crime and law enforcement history. And the lovely Triple George Grill down the street offers a three-course dinner fit for Don Corleone. It's $89 and includes Mob Museum admission. Go undercover to tackle high-finance fraud, money laundering, counterfeiting, murder and greed. The underworld never looked so inviting! Go to: themobmuseum.org/ www.viator.com NEXT WEEK we take a spin with Viator tours, with tips on making the most of your travel time here or abroad. Remember to explore, learn and live and check us out when we post for the weekend. whereiscookie.com