Search Results

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 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 t o 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 Bruce Keller, Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Halim Urban enjoy alligator in a fun stop with Village Food Tours. 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.

Birds are plentiful at Brevard Zoo, where guests can feed lorikeets and cockatiels. Heron and other birds native to Florida and other places enjoy the sun in beautifully landscaped grounds. These handsome longhorns snooze while Brevard Zoo visitors admire them.They are also known as Florida Scrub or Florida Native. FLORIDA ZOO IS HOME TO 900 WELL CARED FOR CRITTERS AND BIRDS, WITH OUTREACH AND EDUCATIONAL EMPHASIS AND THOUSANDS OF HAPPY FANS AND SUPPORTERS Flamingos are a favorite display at Brevard Zoo, where more than 100 live. Enjoy the video at story's end.   STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IT BEGAN with a dream, and blossomed into a thriving enterprise attracting more than a half-million visitors last year. The 75-acre Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida, is testimony to what a few determined people can do. The beautifully designed, nonprofit facility is home to more than 900 animals representing more than 195 species. Zoo residents come from Florida, South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The zoo has won awards and kudos for its responsible and professional care of its animals. We happened upon some of the critters at feeding time and the passion the staff has for the animals was obvious and fun to see. Bruce Keller enjoys a kayak experience, above, and below, Cookie paddles nearby. The beautiful zebras at Brevard Zoo are from Kenya and Ethiopia and can live up to 30 years. One of the zoo attractions is an area that can be enjoyed from a kayak, as Cookie shows. A pair of injured bald eagles were rescued and "rehabbed" at Brevard Zoo and are living out their lives in protected environment because they would not survive in the wild. THERE'S SOMETHING  magical about a fine zoo, and Brevard is that. It is the proud result of the work of   16,000 Brevard County residents who came together in the early 1990s to design and construct it. Their efforts make it the largest volunteer built zoo in the world and the locals are justifiably proud. People pause, chat, notice, point and discuss the animals and birds.  They  learn and grow, appreciating nature and recognizing how precious the non-human inhabitants of our planet are. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers  enjoy the end of a perfect afternoon at Florida's award winning Brevard Zoo in Melbourne. Enjoy the flamingo video at left.  INFO, tickets, special events: brevardzoo.org THE ZOO  has also developed a series of remarkable conservation programs, increasing the numbers of many Florida species, supporting international programs and developing training programs and workshops. It is proud of its first-ever breeding season for the country's most endangered bird: the Florida grasshopper sparrow. Bravo, Brevard! IT WAS FUN to watch children the day we were there. Many came, in organized school outings, to admire the animals, ask questions, feed the birds. The zoo is proud of its long established partnership with Brevard Public Schools. Through memberships and contributions, the zoo also boosts the region's financial health. And it is internationally accredited, which means it meets stringent standards in caring for its to giraffes, rhinos, big cats, hundreds of colorful parrots and more. Its well presented interactive experiences include giraffe and bird feedings, a children's water play area and kayaking. WE THOROUGHLY  enjoyed our four hours there, strolling the well marked grounds, taking a kayak trip into the mangroves, pausing for lunch at one of the welcoming picnic areas.  Most of all, admiring fellow inhabitants of the planet, appreciating  the meticulous care they get here at Brevard Zoo.    From left,  Bruce Turk, Katie MacNichol, Conner Marx,    Jacob Bruce, Ciarra Stroud, Christopher M. Williams in  a masterful take on the classic Robert Louis Stevenson tale.  --Aaron Rumley photo BEST BET: A brilliant production of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is held over through Nov. 19 at San Diego's North Coast Repertory Theatre. Six gifted actors are directed with imagination by Shana Wride, in Jeffrey Hatcher's intriguing adaptation of the Stevenson classic. Wride, accomplished on both sides of the footlights, guides a versatile ensemble in a stylish retelling of the story of a good man's struggle with his evil twin. Evocative lighting, a dramatic and minimal set and handsome Victorian top-hats and tails enhance the savvy production, with Bruce Turk and Conner Marx superb as Jekyll and Hyde. Spot-on music, striking costumes and versatile actors shining in multiple roles make this a play-goer's gem. Director Wride and her gifted cast illuminate the story’s good-versus-evil theme in all its complexity. Delightful dialects add to the drama of this well told tale, an interpretation exciting to behold. Northcoastrep.org    The Grotto in Portland, Oregon, is a sanctuary for many, a beautifully landscaped retreat conceived by a priest 100  years ago to fulfill his promise to God if his mother survived. UP NEXT: A calming, quiet place for meditation and admiration of nature can be visited in Portland, Oregon, where The Grotto attracts our garden loving road trippers.  Developed by a priest in 1923, the beloved Grotto is a sanctuary for Portland residents, and visitors and pilgrims from around the world.  The beautiful creation atop a dramatic bluff includes sculpture, gardens, ponds, pathways and meditation benches, paying tribute to faith and the power of prayer. It is a popular wedding setting and regular mass is held, weather permitting. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, the arts and more.

Cocoa Village boasts a super food tasting experience with entrepreneur Halim Urban, who runs his popular tour with wife Jessica. With 20 years in the food business, they offer lively sampling options.  FLORIDA FOOD TOUR OFFERS FUN WALK, DELECTABLE TASTINGS, CITY HISTORY, PLEASANT COMMENTARY AND MORE  Ribs and brisket, sausage and all the trimmings are on tap at Crydermans Barbecue, beloved institution which offers a range of feastings.  STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER IMMERSE YOURSELF in Cocoa Village,  tasting its fabulous food, strolling its pleasant streets, enjoying the story of this historic town of 20,000 people. Your lively guide shows you around town and stops at favorite dining haunts while pointing out art and architectural highlights. Cocoa Village has been around a long time, since fisherman founded it in 1860. It is known for fine food: delicious burgers, brisket as good as any in the world, pizzas with pizzazz, succulent seafood, fabulous barbecue and bakery, and satisfyingly tender deep fried alligator. It boasts a variety of fun ethnic restaurants, ranging from an eatery serving mean drunken noodles to a quaint bakery with mouth-watering curried chicken salad served on a  warm croissant. Ossorio's chicken curry salad with balsamic vinegar on a warm croissant is yummy. Gator bites at Pub Americana, deep fried and tasty. WE ATE  ourselves silly -- well not quite -- at four distinctive and different eateries.  First, Pub Americana, a colorfully decorated, popular dining joint serving tasty gator bites. Then on to the welcoming and busy Ossorio Bakery and Cafe, a flashy Asian restaurant called Thai Thai serving fabulous drunken noodles, and a classic "meat house" called Cydermans, one of the town's most popular places for an authentic, succulent range of meats of every description. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers, on the food tasting trail in the fun town of Cocoa Village, Fla. Halim opens the door for a tasty helping of drunken pork noodles at Thai Thai, where he once worked. The Original Cocoa Village Food Tour is well planned and bountiful with friendly hosts and chatty personnel in the eateries. The attractive town -- on the east coast of Florida -- is just a 45-minute drive from downtown Orlando. Besides its food, fun nightlife and theater, the area is famous for its fine beach, gentle surf, laidback lifestyle and unspoiled, natural landscape. We met several couples and many families, enjoying relief from "big city life."  Food tour Halim guides visitors in a tasty tour of  Cocoa Village food treats, here at Pub Americana. Our amiable guide, Halim Urban, runs the Original Cocoa Village Food Tour with wife Jessica. The pair has flair, a low-keyed charm and vast knowledge of the quaint little town they calls home. Over 200 merchants run pretty galleries, intriguing shops, attractive restaurants, bars and more. The town's ethnicity ranges from French, Mexican and Cuban to Thai, Chinese and Greek. HALIM PROUDLY described the cattle farming, citrus growing, fishing and luxury travel that mark the town's early days. Walking from restaurant to cafe is a superb way to sample the food as well as the spirit of the town. We had a great time and heartily recommend these tours. Several options and themes are offered by the enterprising Urbans. Airboat Rides, out of Melbourne, offers fun  swamp tours with gators, birds and lively chat. THEN TO work off the treats, head for the swamps for a different kind of "feasting" -- this one with the eyes, to savor the moist green mangroves, the call of birds and the swoosh as alligators slither through the water, bobbing and surfacing in search of a meal.  WE RECOMMEND  recommend Airboat Rides. Its small, smart staff of locals launches fast but comfy boats from two locations with spirited commentary and knowledge of the swamps. The operation's main launch is from the Lake Washington Boat Ramp and Park in Melbourne, at the headwaters of lovely Upper St. John's River. More information: Village Food Tours: www.villagefoodtours.com Airboat Rides Melbourne: www.airboatridesmelbourne.com Magnificent lions await a visit in Florida's Brevard Zoo, home to exotic and endangered animals from all over the world, a highly praised facility for its preservation efforts.  UP NEXT: While we're in the neighborhood, we visit a world class zoo in Florida. Come with us to explore one of the nation's highest rated zoos. Brevard Zoo, a 75-acre nonprofit facility in Melbourne, Florida, is home to more than 900 animals and more than 195 species from Florida, South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The zoo was the vision of volunteers in the early 1990s and is internationally know for its education and preservation efforts. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, nature, the arts, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com

The Grotto in Portland, Oregon, is a place of meditation, prayer and reflection, in lovely gardens surrounded by sculpture and beauty. ONE MAN'S PROMISE TOUCHES MANY IN CITY'S  BELOVED, PEACEFUL GROTTO STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER PEACE, PRAYER AND NATURAL BEAUTY DRAW VISITORS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE TO PORTLAND  This bird's eye view of Portland may be enjoyed from a viewpoint in the Grotto's upper garden. A stroll past St. Anne's Chapel, red at left, under a majestic canopy of trees native to the northwest. 100 YEARS AGO,  in 1923, a visionary priest  determined to create a garden oasis in the middle of a bustling city in the Pacific Northwest.  Father Ambrose Mayer was intent on keeping a promise he made to God as a worried child in a parish church in Ontario, Canada. Strolling the sunny Grotto, from left: Christene "Cookie" Meyers, Kira Hill and Bruce Keller.  His mother was gravely ill and not expected to live. The bereft boy ran to the church, praying and pleading for her recovery. She lived.  And years later, as a priest, Mayer was sent by his Servite superiors to minister in Portland, Oregon. where he fulfilled his promise. ather Ambrose Mayer: he fulfilled his promise, created an elegant shrine.  IN PORTLAND , a then quiet  Oregon town on the Columbia River, Father Mayer began looking for a piece of property to create something wonderful, to thank God for hearing his prayer and saving his mother's life. A replica of the famous Pieta is part of the beauty. The young priest found land ideal for his intent to thank God, and honor Mary, mother of Jesus. His vow to do something great for the Church materialized in a gorgeous art-filled garden and shrine, now a beloved grotto, hewn from the base of a dramatic 110-foot basalt cliff. There an altar was constructed and eventually a replica of Michelangelo's famed Pieta was placed. Thousands come from around the world since its 1924 dedication as "the Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother," by Portland Archbishop Alexander Christie. It is an inspiring, calm place to meditate, stroll, contemplate and enjoy the grounds, maintained by volunteers and people of faith. Weddings, celebrations, concerts and special holiday shows and light displays endear it to legions. The Grotto Cave and Outdoor Altar host masses and other events; special arrangements may be made for weddings and celebrations. This photo shows the basalt cliff where Father Mayer envisioned an altar.   AN ELEVATOR takes visitors form the lower to the upper garden and a spectacular platform for viewing the city. Sculpture and art from around the world reflect a global yearning for peace, beauty and honoring the benefits of mindful meditation. The shrine became a National Sanctuary in 1983, thanks to Mayer's inspiration and the collaboration of architects, gardeners, believers.  All are welcome. THE GROTTO's   international fame is for its artistic merging of art, religious icons, flowers, trees, ponds and welcoming paths to enjoy statuary and in a joyful setting The Portland landmark, at North 85th Street and Sandy Boulevard, is one of the world's few to combine museum, gardens and memorials. Among those honored are John F. Kennedy, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Jude, St. Francis and many other saints. It is a rejuvenating, art-filled anchor in the city's life.   A free, short video in the Visitor Center gives a good overview to the ambitious project and its many collaborators.   A gift shop contains religious artifacts and memorabilia.   St Francis and his animal friends attract many seeking peace and solitude. It is one of the eye catching works of art enjoyed by global visitors. The place shines with festive lights and  mass is held, weather and time of year allowing.  Mass is usually held spring through autumn most Sundays, at 10 a.m. and noon. The noon mass is sometimes held in the outdoor Grotto Plaza. Masses are also offered for special events, such as a St. Peregrine mass,  first Saturdays at noon. Masses are also celebrated in the Chapel of Mary, an old church on the lower level. The outdoor grotto area hosts celebrations. Check the website for more information: www.thegrotto.org ; 503 254-7371; www. servite.org Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers are all aboard at King's Cross Station in London, for train travel in the UK . UP NEXT: Trains are as much a part of British life as afternoon tea, the royal family and Big Ben. We take to the rails next, with trips to York, London and Oxford aboard the well run British train system. What's not to love about the world's oldest rail system, expertly run, on time, and dependable -- even when occasional strikes occur. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, nature, family and more:   www.whereiscookie.com

London's King's Cross Train Station is usually abuzz with people.  Bruce Keller removed the crowd from this spectacular photo, to show two splendid trains next to one another in a recent UK  visit.    Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers prepare to board a London train for Oxford.   ENGLAND BY TRAIN IS A LOVELY WAY TO LEARN A BIT ABOUT THE COUNTRY STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER Trains are efficient worldwide, running in many cities and into the country. Here in the UK, trains give travelers a peek into British life and scenery. ​ WE HAVE long admired the world's railway system. We've logged thousands of pleasant train miles from Australia to the United Kingdom, from Tokyo to Paris, Edinburgh to Milan and Rome. The British are particularly proud of their train system. From York to Brighton, it's an efficient, comfortable and reliable way to travel. Theirs is the oldest train system in the world, and provides a reasonably priced way to get around, often to places where renting and parking a car would be expensive, burdensome and difficult. We recently took a few pleasant train trips in England, exploring both the countryside and a major city, sampling only a small part of the UK's elaborate train system. It's a network of thousands of kilometers with many lines variously operated. Dunedin's train station is a highlight of a visit to New Zealand, an architectural treat. WHAT FIRST catches the eye in the UK is the beauty of the train stations. Stupendous, stately architecture with unique touches. You'll find large and small railway stations all over the country. Our friends in Yorkshire took us this time to the Selby station for our two-hour trip to London. With only three platforms, it's just 20 minutes from their farm house and more accessible than the much larger York station.  The late Queen Elizabeth  spent many happy hours touring her realm on trains. She invited the famous Paddington Bear to tea in her last jubilee. We caught a comfy train for our recent two-hour  trip  to London, departing from Selby. The small  station in north Yorkshire is very user friendly. Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan are full of gorgeous train stations, too -- from sleek and contemporary to quaint and ornate.  English train stations can rival cathedrals in their grandeur.  They are an important part of the country's heritage, mentioned in plays and novels. THE ROYALS USE trains, too. Remember Paddington Bear and the story of how he was found and rescued?  The late Queen Elizabeth paid tribute to that story and invited the loveable bear to tea and a marmalade sandwich she just happened to have in her purse.  It was an endearing highlight of her last Jubilee. Paddington and St. Pancras are two of our favorite London stations. THE   LARGE  ones are grand, but the world's smaller train stations impress with their history, compact efficiency and friendly service. We found cheerful help in both Selby and Oxford, on recent train gambols. We've also taken pleasant train trips to Brighton, Stratford and up into Scotland villages and Edinburgh. The Waverly there is a beauty, as is Grange-over-Sands on the Furness Line. Both are right out of a storybook, gorgeous and eye-catching, stunning in their architectural touches. In Australia, the Katoomba Train Station is charming and right in city center, walking distance to our hotel.  Happy on a train to Oxford... Cookie relaxes and orders a glass of wine to enhance the short journey from London. Enjoying himself is Bruce Keller, who prefers train travel to renting a car and driving. Here he is traveling from Sydney to  Katoomba, in Australlia. MANY  of the world's smaller stations even feature  cozy tea rooms or pubs,  making a short wait a pleasant way to spend an hour or two.  Seeing Keller and Cookie off are their good friends and hosts in a Yorkshire visit, John and Sue Speight of Primrose Farm. Edinburgh's Waverley Station is a gorgeous building, with restaurants, pubs, shopping and beauty to enhance the journey. WHEN WE travel by train, security and boarding are faster and simpler than at the airport. Luggage limitations disappear  and there's twice as much leg room on a train even in the cheapest class. We don't have to worry about the size of liquids or whether our bag fits above or below. There's always plenty of space for bags. Prices are fair, too. Various passes are available, from 96 pounds sterling for two days, to 250 pounds for a week. So if you're planning to do a reasonable amount of travel, a pass is a good buy. The smart way to save money on  rail travel for anyone aged 60 and over is a senior card, available in many countries. In England, it's  £30 a year, and saves a third on  off-peak journeys. A 3-year rail card is a bargain £70.We recommend contacting ACP Rail with its international reach, for its ease in booking in advance at good prices, flexibility and many choices and packages. The on-line service is straight forward and there's an app to help you hop on and off with ease. The service is pleasant, friendly and accommodating and can get you around the world, literally -- from Japan to Scotland, Switzerland, Australia and of course Britain. info@ACPrail.com   Surrounded by family late this summer, Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller tied the knot. Yes, they are wed after 17 years together.  It was a surprise, one of many  reasons they give thanks as the holidays kick off! UP NEXT: This year, we have much for which to be thankful, as always. But we do it as "man and wife" -- just back from an epic honeymoon to 11 countries, and catching our breath between sojourns. The story of the wedding is part of our annual Thanksgiving ode, with a nod to families and friendship, a bit of the holiday's history, a pinch of Thanksgiving lore and a few fun memories which we hope you'll enjoy as you recall your own. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, family, nature and the arts: www.whereiscookie.com

Elegant boxes and beautiful curtains, ornate original design touches and perhaps the oldest known theatrical set piece mark the historic Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond, Yorkshire, England. ENGLISH VILLAGE PRODUCES POPULAR THEATER, CONCERTS IN HISTORIC VENUE DATING TO 1899 FEATURING THE DAY'S FAMOUS ACTORS  Richmond's Georgian Theatre Royal is among the country's  most revered theaters, and the oldest still operational one. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER THEATER  is as much a part of life in England as steak and kidney pie, pub life and the Royal Family. Whether you spell it with an "er" or an "re" you can be sure that Richmond's Georgian Theatre Royal is worth a visit if you're anywhere near north Yorkshire. We sat for a few minutes in the Royal Box, during an afternoon guided tour . Then Prince Charles and Camilla, before he became King, in the Royal Box. THE THEATRE Royal is the oldest still operational theater in England, a charming, small venue where regular performances and concerts are held as they have been since 1899 -- with a few interruptions.  Its official handle is the Georgian Theatre Royal and it opened with "As You Like It," written by William Shakespeare in 1599. The theater continues to offer classical works, as well as concerts and a variety of productions including  recent sold-out presentations of  "The Buddy Holly Story" and "Northern Soul." WITH ONLY 154 seats, everyone in the house is practically "ringside." We recently enjoyed beautiful orchestra seats with our hosts and Yorkshire residents, John and Sue, who are regulars at the theater. The venue is beloved by Yorkshire residents who are rightly proud of its history and life as both a thriving community playhouse and a living theater museum. No wonder it is revered, for famed actor Edmund Kean is among luminaries to act on the historic stage. Building on the theater began in 1788 with actor-manager Samuel Butler and his first wife Tryphosa Brockhill Butler in command.  It was a "circuit theater" then, with actors traveling the countryside to play other houses -- in Beverley, Harrogate, Kendal, Northallerton, Ripon, Ulverston and Whitby.  All those theater venues are long gone, giving more meaning to Theatre Royal's longevity. The streets of Richmond suit the historic look and feel of the intimate Theatre Royal, the city's pride, a beautiful venue. FOLLOWING TRYPHOSA's death, then Butler's demise, his second wife, Francis Maria Jefferson, took over the operation. Following her run, for more than the next100 years, the building housed other enterprises, including a wine warehouse and an auction house.  A determined fundraising effort allowed a return to its original purpose and it reopened as a non-profit trust in 1963.  An expansion followed in 1996, then a major restoration in 2002. More than 1.6 million pounds was raised, with a gala reopening in 2003. A view of the theater's interior from the stage, looking back, to show the compact house. We marveled at the artwork in this sturdy old theater, which hosted performances by Dame Sybil Thorndike in the 1960s and famed contemporary actor Dame Judi Dench in more recent times. Dench is also president of the theater. Famed actor Edmund Kean had star billings in the theater's early days. The neighborhood of Richmond's Theatre Royal houses many interesting buildings, including shops, hotels and restaurants.   OUR GUIDED tour included viewing of some of the prized artifacts, organized in 2016 with the opening of "The Georgian Theatre Royal Experience." Within the theater is a museum detailing the history of the building and displaying artifacts from the theatre's collection, as well as The Woodland Scene, reported to be the oldest surviving stage scenery in the world. The "Experience" is run by an educated, engaging group of theater loving volunteers, including retired teachers and businessmen, all theater buffs. They are proud of the theater's outreach through the Paul Iles Learning Centre, named after its patron. It  houses The Georgian Theatre Royal Youth Theatre and hosts myriad events including volunteer open days, book groups and costume making sessions. THE THEATER's  most precious possession is what is that aforementioned world's oldest piece of theatrical scenery. "The Woodland Scene" was painted in a workshop in Royston, Hertfordshire, in around 1820. The theater in preparation for a performance of "Northern Soul." Here, stage, backstage and props.  The cozy theater also houses a bar, box office, office space and storage space. The theater's pantomime productions are a huge audience hit, with giant set pieces and characters from children's literature, folk and fairy tales. "Rapunzel" is running now.  Surely Edmund Kean's ghost is smiling down. For more on performances or tours:   www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk Veteran actor, director and a charming Scrooge (in night cap), Sean Murray stars in Cygnet Theatre's "A Christmas Carol." It is one of a dozen holiday treats on the boards in San Diego . NEXT UP:  While we're in a theater mood, holiday time is upon us and in southern California, that means theater and a variety of fabulous productions.  From dueling pianos on a holiday theme at North Coast Rep, to  Lamb's Players spirited seasonal twist on their wildly popular "RESPECT," to "Elf, the Musical" at Welk Theatre and Sean Murray a delightfully pensive Scrooge in Cygnet's "A Christmas Carol," there is something for every holiday spirit. More next week, as we explore, learn and live: www.whereiscookie.com

Magazine's top city lights Honolulu is aglow with city lights, and Waikiki Trolley takes holiday revelers to the highlights. Bruce Keller enjoys a visit with Frosty the Snowman in Honolulu. FROM PAGAN BONFIRES TO MODERN TIMES, LIGHTS SHINE! CITIES AROUND THE WORLD DECK BUILDINGS, TREES  STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER PAGANS REVERED mistletoe. My Norse ancestors thought it protected them from lightning and thunder. Druids believed that fire encouraged the gods to speed spring. So lights and mistletoe have a long history on Earth. Homo erectus didn't have holiday lights a million years ago, but that's when the first firewere likely built, for warmth, cooking and later to ward off wolves and demons, real or imagined. Today, holiday lights shine in Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens and the Galeries Lafayette in Paris. Lights shine across the globe from Tokyo to Rio, Arkansas to Oregon, Virginia to Los Angeles, Hong Kong to London. In Washington, D.C., Phoenix and San Diego, the U.S. is "lit" for the holidays. Nowhere is the spectacle more appreciated than in Hawaii, where Honolulu's lights take center stage. We found this oddly shaped mistletoe, a parasite, on Oah u.    One of the stops on Waikiki Trolley visits Santa's sleigh where this visiting family takes a selfie. The much loved Waikiki Trolley is aglow with its own lights as it transports locals and visitors around to city lights. WE MET  travelers from Asia, Australia and the mainland on a recent Honolulu tour.  All were enjoying the spectacle via Waikiki Trolley's  Holiday Lights Tour. It's a family oriented, fun tour that takes riders to see the Christmas illuminations in downtown Honolulu. Highlights are the Christmas tree and Christmas decorations at Honolulu Hale --  city hall. Christmas music is played on the trolley, encouraging a happy holiday mood.   NOT ALL the lights on this page today are part of the Honolulu trolley's tour. We've added a few of our favorite lights photos from other cities. Here's what's in store, if you've booked the Honolulu tour.  First, while waiting to board the bus -- at the 7 p.m. 8 p.m., or 9 p.m. tour options, we recommend you check out the food trucks nearby. We had a difficult decision deciding between Thai and Mexican and opted for a fabulous meal of several kinds of tacos. Trees are beautifully lit throughout the country, here in Washington D.C. Honolulu's lights are splendid, too. It was tasty Mexican street food -- delicious, freshly prepared tacos -- chicken, fish and beef.  Friendly service and tasty fare put us in the holiday spirit and we recommend Tacos de Cacheton for a reasonably priced treat, cooked to order, served with a smile. While Honolulu's Christmas trees and outdoor displays are surrounded by lights, other cities offer carnival rides, street fairs, seasonal food specialties and hot spiced drinks. In the UK, expect roasted chestnuts. In Colombia, try roasted corn.   THE TRADITION of yuletide lights in Honolulu dates to 1987 when a month-long holiday event was named “Honolulu City Lights.” The City Holiday tree was originally decorated with strings of colored lights and a traffic signal control box was used to change the colors. The trolley became a natural part of the fun, with its cheerful clang, and decorations to attract passengers and spread cheer. Rockefeller Center's lavish display in New York is one of the city's most visited holiday exhibits. Psychedelic Portuguese light show It took years for the holiday light tradition to cross the Pacific. On the mainland, it began in Menlo Park, New Jersey, when Edward H. Johnson assembled the first string of electric Christmas tree lights together in 1882. Johnson was a friend of inventor Thomas Edison in Edison's Illumination Company. He hand-wired 80 red, white and blue light bulbs and wound them around his Christmas tree. He gilded the lily, creating a revolving mechanism so the tree was both illuminated and moving.    Tacos de Cacheton on Ala Moana Blvd., offers delicious fare for before or after enjoying a city lights trolley tour.   So get in the holiday mood.From Maine to Arkansas, Arizonato Louisiana, Colorado to Maryland, Texasto Virginia, city lights are waiting.You can join an organized city lights touror if  there isn't one, create your own.Get three or four families together, have apotluck first or plan a gathering for cookiesand Christmas carols, with toddies andpunch.  Then embark on your own tour.Newspapers feature the most colorfulcity lights, so you know where to go.  www.waikikitrolley.com to book or formore information on City Lights Tour. The holy candelabrum, the menorah, adorns hundreds of Honolulu homes, reflecting the culture of the 10,000 Jewish residents in the city.  In other spots around Oahu, Kaneohe transforms its Namoku Street into "Christmas Tree Lane" and revelers can also find lights in Kaimuki, Waikele, Waipahu and Mililani, considered Kaneohe's holiday hot spot.   House Beautiful magazine each year lists the best city lights in America.  The lights of Honolulu made the magazine's top ten again. Here's the link.     Best city lights  in the U.S. So trees everywhere are aglow, and Santa's sleigh is loaded for kids of all ages. If you're vacationing in a city, or relaxing in your own town, a holiday lights tour wherever you are will put you in the proper yuletide spirit -- guaranteed. A menorah shines a light of hope on on downtown  Honolulu.  Jewish culture revolves in the  city around services at Temple Emanu-el.   Paris at night during the yule is a sight to behold. UP NEXT: Christmas is celebrated in tandem with Hanukkah in many households around the world, where a Christmas tree and menorah co-exist in harmony in thousands of living rooms. We take readers on a tour of some of our favorite holiday sights and displays through years of spending holidays abroad. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live -- holiday time and all year long.  Be generous, forgiving and kind and let's make it a memorable and peaceful 2024.

Put yourself in the center of the action with CityPASS, a great money-saving concept available in many U.S. cities and Toronto. Here, Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers enjoy a CityPASS view of New York from the "Top of the Rock" at Rockefeller Center. SAVE MONEY, TIME, WHILE SEEING THE BEST ATTRACTIONS A CITY OFFERS  WITH A HOTEL RECOMMENDATION: THE WELL LOCATED QUIN Keller and Cookie in the magnificent Ellis Island Entry Hall. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER New York's One World Trade Center towers high and proud. LOOKING FOR  a way to save time and money and see more when you visit a major American city? Step right up and get yourself a CityPASS. It's a perfect way to enjoy a city in a few days, maximize your time and save bucks.  We've enjoyed the user-friendly booklets of CityPASS in New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Seattle -- always with ease and satisfaction.  We use it as a couple, and we've met families, singles and small groups  saving money with CityPASS, too. SO WHAT  exactly is CityPASS? Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers enjoy CityPASS on a New York ferry trip.  Simply, it's a sight-seeing booklet with passes to get you into major places at greatly reduced admissions. Another plus is that you don't have to wait for lines or tickets. Once you have the booklet, you can choose your time and date, book on line and go right into your attraction. With a savings more than 40 per cent off regular adult admission prices, you'll save a bundle. Each city's offerings are different, and you may not use every attraction -- typically five or six admissions -- but you'll save money. If you use only three admissions, the pass has paid for itself. And having paid for the booklet, you'll want to get your money's worth, so the purchase is also an incentive to get out and tour! The imaginative glass art of world renowned artist Dale Chihuly is part of a Seattle CityPASS ticket. AND INSTEAD OF  rushing about, spending money on taxis and buses, you'll go straight to where you want. In this last trip to New York, we visited One World Trade Center, admiring the  Memorial and Museum, zipped to the top of the Empire State Building and took a ferry to the remarkable Ellis Island Immigration Museum. We also went to the Top of the Rock observation deck at Rockefeller Center. We planned our time, set our own pace and divided our day into morning and afternoon jaunts, to save the evenings for theater. WE BASED this time at The Quin, an elegant, centrally located hotel with a gracious feel. It's near Central Park at 101 W. 57th St and Sixth Avenue -- very convenient for CityPASS users who can walk Christene "Cookie" Meyers and Bruce Keller pose in front of the Statue of Liberty. Easy subway connections to the ferry, from the Quin.     easily to several of the book's offerings. You're in one of the world's most amazing cities, a stone's throw from the Russian Tea Room and Carnegie Hall.  It's a fabulous walking city, so stroll, rather than taking taxis everywhere. If you're going to The Village, financial district or taking a ferry or tour, you'll find New York's subways efficient and user friendly.  ONCE YOU HAVE  your book of admission tickets,  you don't have to rush because you have a year to use the booklet. Plus it's good for nine consecutive days from the day of your first use. CityPASS uses experienced travelers and consultants who have lived in the cities for years, allowing them to pick the best attractions presented in an easy access ticket booklet. It's well worth the money. Tally the individual admissions and you'll see. For example, in New York, on one visit, we used it for the Empire State Building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a Circle Line cruise and a visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. On another visit, we used it for the Top of the Rock, Ellis Island and a return to both the Guggenheim and American Museum of Natural History. Three admissions alone are more than the booklet costs.   IN SEATTLE , the pass offers entree to the marvelous, magical art of Dale Chihuly Garden and Glass.  In Chicago we enjoyed the magnificent Field Museum of Natural History with CityPASS.  The Quin is an ideal hotel for using CityPASS in New York. Its many enticements include friendly helpful staff with excellent tips for touring and theater, an interactive artist salons and a video wall . In our home base of San Diego, CityPASS covers sights and attractions in both our town and Los Angeles, with world famous venues included, from Disneyland to LEGOLAND and Sea World. It's a unique "SoCal" pass, including major attractions in both cities. CityPASS delights in Seattle As part of its excellent customer service, the company provides an invaluable "help"   phone number, a real boon. When fog and rain made for zero visibility at our Top of the Rock visit, we contacted CityPASS. They thoughtfully rebooked us so we could see the view on the next sunny day. Can't wait to use CityPASS in upcoming San Antonio, Houston, Orlando, Toronto and Boston visits. citypass.com  for tickets and more information.   thequinnewyork . reservationscenter.com/NewYork   A taste treat of many unique honeys is on tap at Honey and Bee Savannah, where a sweet time is guaranteed.  NEXT UP:  Savoring Savannah. This gracious southern city is known for delicious food served with  enthusiasm.  From grits and shrimp in a creamy sauce to dozens of tasty honeys, to a delectable spicy chicken sandwich, to double-fried pork chops you eat with your fingers and tacos with peach salsa and a southern twang, it's on tap in Savannah.  Top it off with what many believe is the world's best ice cream: Leopold's. It's all on tap with Savannah Taste Experience Food Tours. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh approach to travel, food, performance, nature, family and more. A bravura six-person cast delivers a five-star performance of "Intimate Apparel" at North Coast Repertory Theatre.   --photo courtesy Aaron Rumley BEST BET: An engaging evening of theater awaits at "Intimate Apparel," on stage through Feb. 4 at North Coast Repertory Theatre. This lovely, seemingly light-hearted production reveals dark yet great truths about human nature, offering a thinking person the opportunity to grow and expand, as the show's themes do. A stellar cast on a fabulous detailed set tells the story of a middle-aged seamstress of "intimate apparel" who yearns for a larger life in her dreary New York routine. Nedra Snipes as Ester headlines the gifted ensemble who surround this noble character. We watch the actor's expressive face convey the journey from innocence to wary understanding, each of us maturing a bit with her. Pulitzer winning playwright Lynn Nottage deftly crafts this memorable group of struggling people, whose lives are intertwined in complex ways. It's a thinking person's evening at the theater, with a superb cast. Jasmine Bracey's evocative direction enhances the lovely costumes and moody lighting of this enlightening story. Bravos, bravas all around. northcoastrep.org

The sound and sight of running water provide comfort and reminder to family, friends and visitors at the new Tower One memorial in New York's financial district. Each of the nearly 3,000 victims of the 9-11 terrorist attack is remembered with a rose on his or her birthday.    The new tower stands proudly where the Twin Towers were. RISING FROM THE ASHES, NEW TOWER REFLECTS AMERICA'S SPIRIT   Bruce Keller pays his respects at the stone slab monuments in the 9/11 Memorial Glade. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER THE HORRORS of September 11, 2001, will never vanish. But the beautiful new tower, sturdy stone slabs, soothing water and engraved names of victims help ease the pain of atrocities committed by terrorists on that sunny autumn day 20 years ago.  We've twice visited the new One World Trade Center and are moved by the reverence people pay as they view the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan, New York City.  One WTC is the tallest building in the United States, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, and the sixth-tallest in the world. Its 104 stories tower a symbolic 1,776 feet above sea level, providing a symbol of hope for many U.S. citizens and people around the world. ONE WORLD  Trade Center (nicknamed 1WTC) stands for the unwavering optimism of our country, which continues to look forward and dream big. The stone slab monuments, named the 9/11 Memorial Glade, recognize "the health impact of 9/11 that caused cancer, death and disabilities." Many have perished or are still suffering from their contact with smoke and toxic debris. Earlier visit recalled As a reminder of the horror: On a perfect autumn morning, September 11, 2001, members of the Islamic extremist group Al Qaeda coordinated four attacks using hijacked commercial airliners in the United States. Four planes crashed, killing scores of innocent people going about their normal lives. One World Trade Center stands a symbolic 1,776 feet high, representing American spirit.   Family and friends of the martyred victims take photos or shoot film. First, the two iconic towers fell. The Pentagon sustained major damage from a third plane. A fourth plane went down in Pennsylvania, diverted by a heroic group of passengers.  Nearly 3,000 victims lost their lives. Countless more suffered immediate injuries and long-term health issues. Memorials sprung up and lasted for months  on the streets of New York. Visitors to the new monument also leave flowers and notes which are archived for the nearby museum.  ON OUR SECOND visit a few weeks ago, we paid our respects in preparation for this week's solemn 20th anniversary of the attacks. We saw parents, children, spouses and friends gently touching the beautiful granite engravings, surrounded by flowing water. Many wiped tears. According to architect Michael Arad, the pools represent “absence made visible.” Although water flows into the voids, he said, "They can never be filled." The sound of the cascading water makes the pools a place of tranquility and contemplation separate from the bustling noises of the city. Names of the 2,983 people killed in the 2001 and 1993 terrorist attacks are inscribed on bronze parapets edging the pools. Nearby, the 9/11 Memorial Museum's permanent collection extends the moving experience.  One sees an unsettling repository of material evidence, primary testimony, and historical records. Again, many people were weeping. THE 9/11  attacks changed America, and the world, forever. May we long remember. Consider CityPass, which gets you around in New York and many other venues the water, at bargain prices:    Click here to book CityPASS The Fox Theater may not look quite like it did in 1931, but the Billings, Montana, landmark is celebrating an expensive renovation. UP NEXT: When the Fox Theater was built in 1931 in Billings, Montana, it was one of the last of the great art-deco Fox theaters built in the United States. It has undergone another transformation -- with more than $13 million behind the project.  This weekend, lovers of live performance celebrate the remodeling and the building's 80th birthday with a grand, gala "reopening." Headlining the show is Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth, with a street party following. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each week for a fresh spin on travel, nature, family, the arts and more:    www.whereiscookie.com .  Share the link.

VIVA HAS IT ALL: VITALITY, GLITZ, STYLE, OLD WORLD DECORUM, WITH SPIRIT AND MODERN TOUCHES TO APPEAL TO FAMILIES, ROMANTICS OF ALL AGES STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER EACH TIME  we book a ship, we research the architecture, art and design. It's important for us to be surrounded by intriguing artwork and inviting spaces to explore on these floating resorts. Set your sights on something new, daring and exciting for the new year.  Here we are on NCL's new cruise ship Viva. The Speedway is a three-level race track. We also look for fun shows and for activities that stretch our minds and bodies. And we avoid noisy "party ships" or those with lots of children. Norwegian Cruise Line's newest floating palace, Viva, fills our bill. She's one of cruising's prettiest ships,  an artful wonder on the water. Like her sister ship, Prima, Viva doesn't feel huge or overwhelming.  Her ambiance is relaxed, understated, with the intimate spaces of a small ship -- despite 3,900 guests.  We seldom saw the same people twice, and felt quickly in control of our space in this thoughtfully designed vessel, the latest of NCL's 19-ship fleet.   Viva's artful design includes inviting promenades, pools, artwork, pools and many places to relax and view the sea.  IF YOU'RE bored on Viva, you lack imagination and have no one to blame but yourself. There is truly something for every taste. I challenged myself on the three-level race track, where young hotshots vie for top scores each day.  We enjoyed trivia contests about movies, music and geography, and explored the state-of-the-art gym -- but not nearly enough.   A huge thermal spa boasts inviting steam rooms and saunas. The roster of activities is staggering. VIVA  SPORTS  both a waterslide and a dry slide, VR games, mini-golf, darts, and a three-level race track. Four swimming pools welcome water buffs. And the ship's sculpture-lined promenade is one of the most attractive we've strolled in our 138 cruises. Inside the Vibe, enjoy your own cabana. AS ON MANY other lines -- unless you're splurging for an all inclusive cruise -- you pay extra for boxed water, sodas, alcohol, specialty restaurants, and shore excursions. Various packages allow flexibility in booking. One option is the adults-only Vibe Beach Club.  For an additional fee, you'll enjoy access to this delightful area. It became a favorite haunt, where we enjoyed morning coffee, lunch and sunset cocktails as an option to our balcony which wasn't always in the sun. The open, airy Indulge Food Hall is a favorite dining option in a wide range on the Viva. ONE OF our favorites of the ship's 14 varied restaurants is its popular Indulge Food Hall, where we ordered tasty ethnic, made-to-order items on an electronic menu. It's an appealing, innovative place with a menu at each table.  Other fun Viva options: A saltwater pool on the sun deck allows relaxation while happily floating, trading your pale skin for a tan. And for solo travelers, a variety of studio suites offers options for single travelers -- avoiding the usual single supplement charge. The Viva offers a choice of slides -- both water and dry. There are beautiful sea views from almost everywhere. Here, Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers enjoy. www.ncl.com/about/contact-us IF YOU WANT  even more luxury, try The Haven, an exclusive enclave with larger accommodations, 24-hour butler service and world-class amenities, exclusively for Haven guests. You'll have a separate elevator and restricted space, much like Cunard's exclusive  "Grills" accommodations. IF YOU BOOK  this option, it's within a centralized all-suite complex on Viva, easy distance to the private elevators. Its elegant  public areas and suites are by famed Italian designer Piero Lissoni. Every Haven locale offers stunning sea views. We didn't stay in Haven, but were invited by the amiable French born general manager Nelson Martins to dine there. Martins is a "hands on" manager, well liked by the staff and a steady presence on the ship, chatting clients up, seeing what they like. We enjoyed our time with him immensely.  You don't need Haven to be in heaven on Viva. We were happy on back-to-back Viva cruises, to enjoy our large veranda stateroom on deck 15. In fact, we've booked Viva for another pair of cruises in 2024, a trans-Atlantic crossing from San Juan to Lisbon to and a Mediterranean cruise. UP NEXT:  CityPASS is a wonderful, money saving way to enjoy U.S. cities and their major sights and attractions.  We've enjoyed it in several cities because it saves time and money. If you want to move to the front of the line and spend more time enjoying rather than planning, it's the ticket.  We explore New York City this time with CityPASS, which also goes to Chicago, Toronto, Seattle, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Houston and a total of 14 U.S. cities plus Toronto in Canada. The program offers a packet of discount tickets to many of each city's major attractions. In New York, we explored on the city's famous ferry system, took in Rockefeller Center's "Top of the Rock," toured the Empire State Building, and Ellis Island, plus more adventures. Check us out next time, remembering to explore, learn and live.

Savannah is famous for its inviting squares, beautiful oak trees and peaceful parks. The Capitol Building of Savannah is one of many stately buildings in the city.  Besides government buildings, many historic homes can be visited. GLORIES AWAIT IN A TOWN FILLED WITH HISTORY, ART,  SQUARES AND  LIVELY TROLLEY TOURS TO BRING IT ALL TO LIFE The SCAD beach -- a retreat and attraction for students and tourists. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER GEORGIA'S OLDEST city, Savannah, is a  gracious, welcoming town which honors its past while embracing the new. Historians claim that Savannah was spared during Sherman's march in December of 1864.  Some say he spared the beautiful city because his mistress lived there.  Others claim he was simply taken with Savannah's beauty.  In any case, Savannah surrendered without a siege. Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers pause at a Patrick Dougherty installation at SCAD -- the famed Savannah College of Art and Design. We know today's Savannah as both old fashioned and contemporary, a city of many faces.  It's famous worldwide for its stately, well preserved homes and inviting squares, hundreds of oaks with that artful Spanish moss,  gorgeous coastal landscapes, lively shops and restaurant, and a range of art galleries. It boasts a marvelous contemporary art museum and lively shows at the historic Savannah Theatre, where "Fiddler on the Roof" is getting raves -- up through Feb. 11. Savannah is considered America's first planned city because of British born James Oglethorpe's orderly squares marking the city. It was established in 1733. Savannah's Old Town Trolley is a delightful way to explore the city, with lively informative guides and many stops. THE PLENTIFUL squares -- 22 in total -- make it a beautiful and inviting walking town.  You can enjoy a beverage at dozens of restaurants and bars within easy reach of the squares, while admiring stylish architecture in Savannah's Historic District. Salute native son, composer Johnny Mercer at the Mercer-Williams House Museum. His great-grandfather built it and while he didn't actually live there,  he is honored in tour narration.  Readers of contemporary novels will remember the house and Monterey Square, made famous by the novel, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” The home and its palm trees have an air of eeriness that makes for an intriguing visit. Cemeteries, ghost stories, shadowy entry ways and creaking steps are part of Savannah's Old Town Trolley's Ghost Tour which we enjoyed. Talmadge Memorial Bridge is one of the sights you'll see when you take a riverboat. Savannah Theatre is one of the country's oldest, with lively productions. The much used trolley also offers a daytime hop on/off historic district city tour -- our favorite -- with entertaining guides.  They offer interesting narrative as the trolley wends its way through the oak-lined streets and past the beautiful squares and buildings that distinguish this stately city. We loved this relaxing, informative tour, which covers famous landmarks including the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the Andrew Low House, where we learned of the patriarch's rise from rags to incredible riches. Mercer Williams House Museum is an elegant reminder of Savannah's graceful architecture. It rocketed to fame with the best-selling "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." OUR GUIDE  pointed out lovely Forsyth Park, a pinnacle of Savannah's beauty. We hopped off to stroll through 30 acres of live oak trees, and lush azaleas while admiring ornate Victorian mansions. The Waving Girl statue is of Florence Martus, Her sailor didn't return .  We spent the better part of two days on River Street, the city's oldest street, unique in many ways. This colorful but uneven walkway is picturesque, but a bit hard on the feet -- paved with 200 year old ballast-stones, artfully recycled from stones used to weigh down cotton ships. We dined often on this aptly named street with fun restaurants, boutiques and historical monuments. Our favorite is the Weeping Girl, who waved in vain at ships entering the harbor, hoping for a return of her sailor lover. More information: Trolleytours.com 912-226-6805 Savannahriverboat.com 912 232-6404 Savannahtheatre.com 912 233-7764 Scad.edu Kualoa Ranch on the island of Oahu is an historic, family  run enterprise dedicated to preserving Hawaii's history and culture while offering fun activities for all ages. NEXT UP:  Kualoa Ranch awaits.  A unique, environmentally  sensitive enterprise has preserved respect for the land on the island of Oahu for generations, since 1850. The family-run working ranch offers an array of activities, from horseback riding to biking, zip lines, a farm tour and a tour of locations for movies made on the island. Great fun for couples, families or adventure loving friends. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each week for a fresh spin on travel, family, the arts, nature and more.

Part of the educational fun at Kualoa Ranch is watching workers prepare the harvest for sale in the store on the property, and for demonstrations during various farm tours of this working ranch. KUALOA RANCH OFFERS ADVENTURE, LEARNING ON HORSEBACK, BIKES, MOVIE SETS, FARM TO TABLE,  ZIPLINE, ECO TOURS AND MUCH MORE  The beauty of the Kualoa Ranch acreage includes lovelyseafront areas, near movie sets and a World War II bunker. STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER KUALOA means "long back" in the Hawaiian language. It resides in Oahu's deep valleys and dramatic mountains, which resemble a back in some ways. We went to this beautiful refuge -- our second trip -- to again soak up the wonders of this magical place. Bicycle tours give participants a chance to explore and view close-up the wonders, variety and beauty of Kualoa. Established in 1850, Kualoa is a 4,000-acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch which also served our country as an important World War II air base. IT'S BECOME a popular tourist attraction and filming location on the windward coast of this varied and exciting Hawaiian island.  Most tourists land on Oahu, at the capital of the state, Honolulu, Many make their way to the chain's other islands. Hawaiian gods are present in wooden sculptures on view. We often spend time on Oahu and now have made Kualoa a regular stop.  It is about 24 scenic miles from Honolulu, and 32 miles fromHaleiwa, easily accessible by car -- or if you arrange, the Kualoa bus will pick you up at a central hotel. FOR CENTURIES, the valley was sacred to ancient Hawaiians. A respected chief, Laʻa-mai-kahiki , settled  here after visiting Kauaʻi  before returning to Tahiti . It was also the site of the sacred Hill of Kauakahiakahoʻowaha, the key to the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Oʻahu . According to an ancient Hawaiian genealogical chant, Kualoa is where revered leaders Papa and Wakea buried their first still born child, Haloa. Native people believe that the first kalo or taro plant grew from the fertile soil where Haloa was buried. Posters and educational displays are part of the Kualoa intention.    Cookie tastes a cocoa bean on a farm tour at Kualoa. Tours take visitors around the ranch, into sacred areas where ancestors worshipped.  THE RANCH  is a kind of rural Disneyland, where guides share the place's larger than life history along with imparting its sacred meaning to the Hawaiian people.  It's close to Honolulu on a verdant valley, but far enough away to be another world.   WE LOVE that despite all the spectacle, Kualoa  is a working cattle ranch -- (my Montana roots are showing.)  There's  enough to see for at least two visits.  Keller climbs aboard one of the jeeps used in filming "Jurassic Park." The studio left several remnants behind.  Kualoa is one of the world's prime filming location, too. It spreads out on prime land on the windward coast, a lovely drive from the bustle of the city. Movie fans from around the world enjoy the chance to walk around Kualoa Ranch's "Jurassic Park" where many hit films and TV shows have been filmed. WHILE THE BEAUTIFUL ranch is home to some famous movie and television sites, it offers much more than movie making entertainment. On our second visit, we chose from various and diverse offerings.  We narrowed the field from a horseback ride through fields, a zip line over the valleys, a boat trip to a private hideaway, and a bike tour and farm overview.  You can even exercise your green thumb and plant a tree, one of many ecologically hip offerings at this pretty and progressive place. Our movie tour the first visit was great fun, and this time we enjoyed trying other options.  Horseback tours are among the preserve's most popular. WE ENJOYED  a visit to the World War II bunker where in 1941, the U.S. military occupied the land and developed Kualoa Airfield. Kualoa is a great place to zipline. After the war the ranch was returned to the Morgan family, owners and descendants of Dr. Gerrit P. Judd, the  American doctor and missionary who in 1850 purchased 622 acres of ranch land at Kualoa for $1,300. Kualoa grows its own produce and has shrimp ponds, too. It's a working ranch, unique because it also has historical status . KUALOA managers are proud that the land was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in Oahu in 1974, has hosted major rock festivals, and is listed in many guidebooks and international publications.  John Morgan oversees the working cattle ranch and tourist enterprise from the island of Hawaii. Kualoa offers  eco tours, movie and horseback tours, bicycle tours, ziplines and more.  It has a gallery of vintage posters, photos and Hawaiian history. It also has a lovely store, with produce grown here, souvenirs and delicious teriyaki beef.  More information or to book a tour:   www.kualoa.com   A rainbow is part of the spectacle of a Body Glove tour out of Kona. Various options are available for a mix of fun.  UP NEXT:  Body Glove is a fun option while you're in the Hawaiian islands.  The creative operation offers leisurely catamaran tours and a more adventurous high-powered, fast moving raft trip.  Its specialties are boat tours and wildlife and snorkeling trips. Our favorites are the sunset cruises, where we have seen gorgeous sunsets and beautiful rainbows. A skilled and lively historian accompanies the history and scenery tours and first-class amenities are provided on board -- from cocktails to delicious local fare. The Kanoa II is back, nicely renovated with a multi-million dollar price tag. She's both comfortable and attractive and whether you choose a dinner cruise, or a dolphin and whale watch, we give Body Glove thumbs up! Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on nature, travel, performance, family and the arts.