OWENSBORO EXPEDITION!

I had an opportunity a while back to attend a tourism conference in Owensboro, Kentucky (www.visitowensboro.com ).  The meeting was called The Select Traveler Conference, and it was sponsored by the Group Travel Family (www.GroupTravelFamily.com).  Since going to places in the USA I have never been before, is of great interest to me, I started reading up on Owensboro, and found out it has the moniker of "Bar-B-Q Capital of the World", and is located on the border between Kentucky and Indiana, along the banks of the Ohio River.  (Note the location of the white star in the photo).  

  When I arrived in Owensboro, and I saw the stunning architecture of the Owensboro Kentucky Convention Center meeting location,  I knew I was in for an architectural treat!

Before exploring the inside, I took the opportunity with the gorgeous bright blue skies, to photograph some of the outdoor features, adjacent to the convention center.  One of these was the Kentucky Kid statue that paid tribute to Owensboro-born, Nicky Hayden.  You can read about his amazing career in motorcycle racing at his page on Wikipedia.org .  

I took a stroll along the lovely park adjacent to the Convention Center, that occupies a scenic spot beside the Ohio River.  The swings under these cupolas are particularly inviting.

A round concrete pier reaches out into the river:

A musician was sitting on one of the benches, strumming a very pleasant tune of a song about the river.

A playground adds fun activities for the youngsters (visible through the archway of the restrooms), and there were dozens of children enjoying the equipment on this beautiful day in late winter, when I visited.

The babbling sounds of a lovely round fountain provided a nice addition to the quiet flow of the river beside it.

A metal bench makes a perfect location to sit and observe the boat traffic along the river :

More benches provide seating to watch the distant bridge auto traffic:

A large fiddle sculpture along the river walk,  reminds visitors that Owensboro is known as the Bluegrass Music Capitol of the World!

That is why our opening night event for the conference was held at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum (www.BluegrassMusic.com).  There was a very harmonious band of traditional bluegrass musicians playing throughout the event.  

I liked the area that had all types of stringed instruments available for guests to try.  The first one I tried was the banjo, because I have always found its sound very captivating!

One of the exhibits displayed some of the elaborate fringed and rhinestoned costumes of the Kody Norris Show.  Although their attire may look "vintage", they are most definitely a modern-day favorite of bluegrass fans.  Check out their website, www.KodyNorrisShow.com, for their tour schedule.

 

I was able to get the host of the conference, Mac Lacy, to put down his camera long enough that I could get a photo of him holding the bass fiddle at the "Picking Parlor" area.  Mac is the president and publisher of The Group Travel Leader Inc.  

He also took a photo of me pretending to be a musician!

I included this plaque of Hall of Famer,  Allison Krauss, because she was a famous bluegrass musician I got to see perform at the Grand Palace, in Branson, Missouri.  I was also able to see Bluegrass Hall of Famer, Ricky Skaggs, in Branson.

A performer NEVER seen by me in Branson, (or anywhere else!) is Jerry Garcia.  The Owensboro museum has a fascinating exhibit about his life and music career, where he was well-known as one of the founders of the Grateful Dead band.  I had no idea of his background in bluegrass music, until I studied this fascinating exhibit!

The popular movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou?", starring George Clooney, was the first introduction many people had to bluegrass music, and became a catalyst for many folks starting to enjoy the genre in a renewed way.  

I took a photo of this vintage "Reel to Reel" tape recorder, because my parents had an office and school supply business that sold these tape recorders.  I remember practicing my valedictorian speech over and over on such a recorder, and playing it back over and over, trying to improve my delivery with each practice!

The second day of the conference was off to an early start, with members of the Group Travel Family greeting us as we entered the convention center, and directing us to our breakfast area.  
The gigantic art installation inside the Convention Center made good use of the light and shadows provided by the vast expanses of glass:

I like the way the shadows spelled out the word "cafe", on the giant white wall!

I wanted to get a view of the lobby from the second story, so I found the stairs where I saw this very motivational sign.  I made a vow to myself in my twenties, that I would take the stairs instead of the elevator, whenever possible, and I encourage others to do the same!

 

Once on the second story, I had a sweeping view of the three story art installation:

Considering the delicious meals we were served during the conference, it was important to climb the stairs as much as possible, to burn off all those delicious calories!  Kentucky has a "signature dish", called a Kentucky Legend Hot Brown, and a version of it is shown in the photo below:

Our sightseeing in the afternoon started with tasting and tour at the famous Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn, in Owensboro (www.moonlite.com).  They have been voted Kentucky's best BarBQ, and the owner explained to us, why mutton is one of their specialty meats.  

With my background in Institutional Food Service, I especially enjoyed the "behind the scenes" tour of their kitchen and ovens.  They have custom-built hickory-fired pits, and produce an amazing array of smoked meats.  

The family-owned business started in 1963, and one of the family members is shown holding a giant fork, used to spear and turn the large pieces of meat inside the hickory pits.  I was glad they followed food service sanitation guidelines, by giving all of us a head covering, before we could go into the food preparation areas.

   

We also had the opportunity to sample some of their meat products, as it was a component of the famous Kentucky staple, called Burgoo, that we were served.  

The next stop on our sightseeing tour was this recently-opened, 100 million dollar entertainment complex, developed by Churchill Downs.  

As you enter and look upward, you will see a wonderful mural of a  horse-race-themed painting, in the rotunda.

There is a life-size display of what a horse jockey wears, called "silks".

All the jockeys are dressed in different tops, making them easier to tell apart on the race track.

It took me a while to find the rest rooms in this new facility, because I was looking for a sign that had the word spelled out on it.  I finally gave up, and asked an employee where the rest rooms were.  The employee took me to a location that had these paintings on the wall, and left it for me to choose which side I would use.  

The restaurant at the facility had a wonderful wall mural, made up of labels, that created the image of a race horse.

 

The very first day of the conference, we had been given  the opportunity to choose all the "fixins" that would be made by two ladies from the Kentucky Derby Museum, in an activity they call "Hatitudes".  It was fascinating to see them do their magic, to create some stunning hats--which are a tradition for those going to the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. We were encouraged to wear our new fancy hats to the party, sponsored by Louisville, and the Kentucky Derby Museum, as shown by banners below:

There was an Instagram photo booth at the event, so we could pose as often as we wanted, with our Kentucky Derby hats!

The colorful oval indicates an automatic camera set up, that will email you photos from the event.  It was a delightful addition to the party!

The photo below shows all the flowers, feathers, bows, and hats that we had been given to choose from, to have put on our hat, for the Kentucky Derby party.

There was also a costume contest, where participants could stroll or dance down the Louisville Red Carpet, and compete for the prize of "Best Kentucky Derby Outfit"!

And we certainly did not go hungry, as there was a delicious buffet!

The Mint Julep is a traditional drink at the Kentucky Derby, and this pretty lady had a tray full of the delicious concoction, for guests to sample.

We all drew a number out of a hat, that would be the number of our horse, in the televised horse races on the big screen.  The girl with her hands clasped, looks to be intently gazing upward, hoping for a winner!

This photo of our table, shows me with a gray gift bag, because I had drawn a number for a horse that won one of the races!

The Kentucky Derby has a few nicknames.  One of them is "The most exciting two minutes in the sports world", because the actual race only lasts about two minutes.  Another is "The Run for the Roses", because the winning horse is draped in a blanket of roses.  So naturally, roses were included in the prizes for the overall winner at the Kentucky Derby party!  The gray gift sacks contained treats from Kentucky establishments.  

Just as I was given the gift of one of these "Visit Owensboro" bags, I have also been given the gift of salvation.  Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the GIFT of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."  

I am very thankful for God's gift of salvation, and I am very thankful I was able to attend the Select Traveler Conference in Owensboro, Kentucky, because it was a gift that gave me "MILES OF SMILES"!  Tricia 

 

 

PELLA IOWA EXPEDITION!

 The first photo opportunity I had, after leaving the Interstate, to drive through the town of Pella, Iowa (known for its Dutch heritage), was this windmill in Brinkhoff Park.  I had visited Pella in the past, but it was not until I started researching its history, that I learned the origin of its name.  Pella was a Biblical "city of refuge" in Jordan, and Pella, Iowa,  was named Pella, by 800 Dutch refugees from the Netherlands, who had left their homeland, in search of religious freedom, to practice Christianity.  The year was 1847, and their leader was the Reverend H.P. Scholte.  Upon the seal of their new town, the early settlers inscribed the words "In Deo Spes Nostra et Refugium", which means, "In God Our Hope and Refuge".  

I felt especially delighted to see so many tulips blooming around the windmill.  They were a lovely two-tone, pink and red variety.  I read on their website (www.cityofpella.com) that each fall, the city of Pella plants 120,000 tulip bulbs, in 75 varieties.  They have a system that will ensure the greatest possible number of tulips are blooming, throughout the months of April and May.  When tulip season is over, other blooming plants can be seen in their place.  

  I kept driving past well-kept lawns in front of tidy houses, until I reached the city center.  There is no mistake that this is the place, because of the 65 foot tall Tulip Tower (Tulp Toren), with the colorful coat of arms of the Queen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. 

The tower (which also has bells at the top)  is located in Central Park, and is the centerpiece of  an amphitheater, sometimes called the "Tulip Bowl", that serves as the hub for activities during the annual Tulip Time, when the Tulip Queen is crowned.  Construction of the tower was helped greatly by the Peter Kuyper family, who was the founder of the modern-day Pella Corporation (www.Pella.com).

The photo below was taken in Central Park, and shows more tulips in the foreground, with yet another windmill structure, in the background.  This Central Park windmill serves as an Information Center for the town.  

The storefronts surrounding the Central Park all have Dutch-themed architecture, such as The Sanctuary coffee shop, shown below:

What a pleasant location to count your blessings, while enjoying a cup of caffein!

 

Some methods of meat curing are closely associated with Dutch culture, and you can get a sample of them at the Ulrich Meat Shop (www.ulrichmeatmarket.com), across the street from the Tulip Tower.  This is where you can purchase the famous Pella Bologna.  

Within the park surrounding the Tulip Tower,  is a very unusual sun dial, and even though I read the directions several times, I could not figure out what time it was, using their system.  It made me glad I had a wrist watch!

 

This little Dutch character photo op in front of the information office windmill, reminds social media followers to tag their photos with a hashtag, that helps publicize the beauty of this place!  #PieterPella

Central Park also had a very appropriate map of the town, with key points of interest numbered with their location.  Find out more at www.VisitPella.com

The corner building across from the square had a very eye-catching architectural feature:

The Pella Museum is very close to Central Park, and also has the typical architecture of The Netherlands canal houses, which means tall, narrow buildings with large windows.  The houses that line the numerous canals of the Netherlands are usually given facades that might be bell shaped, or have stepped gables, designed to hide the diagonal lines of the roof.   

The statue below is entitled "de Schaatsers", which translated, means skaters.  Notice the shoes they are wearing have blades, making them ice skates.  The many canals in the Netherlands make perfect ice skating rinks, when freezing weather sets in.  

The museum has a wonderful gift shop, with this attractive display of wooden tulips.  My sister gave me two of these wooden tulips as a souvenir, after she visited a Dutch-themed location.  And, they do not wilt!

You can also purchase the famous wooden shoes of the Dutch, at the gift shop.  I have an image in my mind of some Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders, my husband and I met at the motorcycle races in Daytona.  The very tough-looking bikers in their black leather jackets, with logos indicating they were from Amsterdam in the Netherlands, were actually wearing wooden shoes!  My husband and I were wearing black leather motorcycle boots, and could not imagine having to adjust to slip-on wooden shoes for riding!  I guess it is all in what one becomes accustomed to!

Since there is a state park in Arkansas with the same name as these mints, my curiosity was aroused as to the connection.  As it turns out, the investors who built the original lodge in the late 1800s,  at the mountain-top location in Arkansas, had Dutch investors.  The name was chosen to honor the young Queen of the Netherlands, named Wilhelmina.  

Blue and white pottery is sometimes called "Delft pottery", and got its name from the 750 year old town in Holland, where the blue porcelain pieces were originally made.  

Next door to the museum, is the 124 feet high, 12 stories tall, Vermeer Windmill. Some people may recognize the name "Venmeer" (www.venmeer.com) as a designer and manufacturer of agricultural and industrial equipment.  The company is headquartered in Pella, and has been a  generous supporter of Pella, Iowa, development and historic preservation.   The Venmeer windmill is a replica of an 1850's mill in Pella.  The upper part of the Venmeer structure was manufactured in the Netherlands, and the cap can turn 360 degrees, to put the blades into the wind.  Each of the two blades is 82 feet in length.  

The shiny green doors that lead to the interior were closed on the day I visited, and I read that the mill is operated by volunteers, so be sure to call ahead, if you want to schedule a tour for the inside.  

The Vermeer Mill is the tallest working mill in the United States, and is still used for grinding flour.  The photo below shows the sacks of flour and corn meal, with the Vermeer logo, that are available in the gift shop.  

There are numerous lodging facilities available in Pella.  For those who want a water view, check out The Amsterdam Hotel (www.RoyalAmsterdam.com) in the downtown area.  

I also noticed stairs leading up to a second story AIRBNB, across the street from Central Park.

And for those who want to purchase a home in the area, the Century 21 Realty office, is also across the street from Central Park.  

It was the son of Pella Corporation founder, Peter Kuyper, who first envisioned the construction of a canal in downtown Pella, as a nod to the canals of Amsterdam, Holland.  The dream came to fruition and the lovely curving body of water is called MOLENGRACHT Canal.  Molengracht is a Dutch phrase meaning "Mill Canal".  News releases about its construction stated at the time, it was the most ambitious project ever undertaken in the state of Iowa.  

The area includes a working "draw bridge", a hotel, bank, cinema, restaurant, and high-end residential properties.  

Dutch architecture styles, such as these "step roof" designs, and brick exteriors add to the authenticity of the area.  

Not surprisingly, there is a retail Pella Window/Door store along the canal.  The non-profit foundation (KuyperFoundation.org) started by the founder of the Pella Corporation continues the legacy of the founders, through the "desire for service to humanity and God."

This area is filled with retail kiosks during the European-style Christmas market, held annually in Pella, during the holiday season.  

I liked this photo, because it shows not only the canal, but also the Vermeer Windmill, in the background.  

The symmetry of this fountain, encircled by repeating patterns of red brick, and topped by the metal dome, are a a beautiful example of landscape architecture.  

The plaza that connects the canal to the downtown area, is framed by ceramic tiled archways, painted with scenes from the Netherlands countryside.  The tall structure on the left, is the clock tower, called the Klokkenspel.  It provides Old World charm in a musical way with performances held daily at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm, and 9:00 pm daily.

The curving bench in the shape of an "S" if a nod to a traditional bakery item from the Netherlands, called "Dutch letters".  

The clock tower has two sides--one facing Central Park, and one facing the plaza/canal area.  There are several videos of the Klokkenspel performances on You Tube (www.youtube.com) .

It is not surprising to see a bicycle shop in downtown Pella, in light of the famous bicycle ride across Iowa, called the Register's Annual Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (www.RAGBRAI.COM)

The flags represent the state of Iowa, The United States of America, Pella, and The Netherlands.  

One can read the full story of the history of Pella, Iowa, on the Pella Historical Museums website, called www.pellahistorical.org .  The historical data verifies the over-riding influence of Christianity, on the founding of Pella, and its progress afterwards.  The Bible verse most commonly associated with Pella, Iowa, is Matthew 5:14:  "You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."

I am lifting up my hands in gratitude, to God, and the founders of Pella, Iowa, for this beautiful city on a hill, that definitely was the light of my life, on the day I visited during Tulip Time---it gave me "MILES OF SMILES"!!  Tricia