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Posts Tagged ‘explore’

  1. Destination: Neenah

    June 22, 2014 by admin

    IMG_6438We recently discovered the wonderful city of Neenah, Wisconsin.  We’d never even really heard of Neenah before, although we’ve been many times to other cities in the Fox Valley.  We recommend you check out this destination.

    We headed up there to visit the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass.  The museum is located in the former Bergstrom residence in a very swanky neighborhood of Neenah, along the Lake Winnebago shoreline.  After a brief review in the car about ‘looking but not touching once inside,’ we went into the museum.  We were enthusiastically greeted by a docent on the front steps, who made sure to remind us to check out the upper level.

    Tip:  Admission is free with a note about a suggested donation.  There are restrooms but no other services.

    We were impressed right away to find that in the lobby there was a hands-on display!  The kiddoes played with colorful glass triangles on a light table, creating their own little art works, before we headed into the main museum.  And there we found another hands-on display inviting us to use paintbrushes to manipulate glass sand into designs of our own making.  What fun!  We hadn’t expected to be able to touch anything in this museum, but we were pleasantly surprised.  IMG_1953

    After viewing dozens of glass paperweights and beautiful artworks, we were surprised again to find that the museum gift shop had small glass items for sale that were very suitable for young patrons.

    You won’t spend a lot of time at this museum, but it is well worth incorporating into your day trip!

    IMG_6418Directly across the street from the museum, we discovered a fabulous park and playground.  Located right on the waterfront, Riverside Park features a rocket-ship themed play area with a giant rocket climbing structure, moon cars, and more!  The kids tired themselves out before we headed for lunch.

    Downtown Neenah hosts a lively farmers market and has numerous fun shops and cafes along Wisconsin Avenue.   We had a quick lunch and grabbed some ice cream before heading home with the whole family asking when we’d come back to Neenah.

    We look forward to our next trip to this city- what unexplored treasures await us?  The lighthouse? Another cool park?  We’ll let you know what we find.

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  2. Yerkes Observatory

    January 12, 2014 by admin

    IMG_4661We walked where Albert Einstein walked.  We stood where Albert Einstein stood.   All while learning about the science and history of astronomy at Yerkes Observatory.

    The Yerkes Observatory is located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin.  It was built in 1897 to house the University of Chicago astronomy department.  This beautiful building is located in what is now a public park.  Take a few moments to admire the building from the outside- the many carvings and intricate details are impressive.  Everyone in your group will be able to find a favorite animal or person carved into the building.IMG_4658

    Inside the building we found a small museum of telescopes and related equipment.  There is a small gift shop, including a number of items at the $5 or under range.

    But the highlight is the tour of the big observatory tower.  This gigantic room houses the observatory’s main telescope.  Your tour guide will explain how the telescope is aimed and how the dome and its giant doors work.  And then they’ll operate the elevator!  The entire floor of the observatory tower is a huge elevator.  It was pretty amazing.  Albert Einstein made a point of visiting Yerkes after winning the Nobel Prize, you can stand right where he stood for a fun photo opportunity.

    Tip:  The tour/museum requests a suggested donation of $5 per person.  You can absolutely enjoy the building and grounds for less than that amount, or for free.

    IMG_4648We’re not sure the entire guided tour is really enjoyable for younger children, but make sure you catch the tail end or you’ll miss out on the big telescope!

     

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  3. Union Family

    September 22, 2013 by admin

    image_Terrace_chairs_clairemelin_01When our family moved to Madison, we met many new friends. When conversations turned to ‘what to do in Madison’, most of these friends recommended going to the UW Memorial Union (the Union). Guess what?  They were right!  The Union is a great place to visit!

    Situated on the shores of Lake Mendota, on the State Street end of the University of Wisconsin campus, the Memorial Union is a beautiful building with many things to do and see. We were initially hesitant to visit the Union, because it seemed like it was a student thing, a student place.  While many students congregate there, you will find you are not the only non-students enjoying all the Union has to offer.

    One of the things we like best is to go to the Union for lunch at der Ratheskeller.  Der Ratheskeller features a number of delicious sandwich and soup options, along with what may well be the Best french fries on the planet.  Meals are inexpensive and filling– we usually have leftover fries and such to bring home.  No one in our family complains when it is announced that we’ll be eating at the Union.  On Badger and Packer game days, you’ll see the game on a giant screen TV while you eat.  At night you can listen to open mikes, or local bands perform on the small indoor stage. IMG_0416

    After lunch, we like an ice cream or shake from the Daily Scoop.  The Scoop features UW’s famous Babcock Hall ice cream, and the Blue Moon shakes are a favorite of ours (but all the flavors are excellent.

    Apart from all the eating, do explore the building and grounds.  Upstairs, you’ll find student art galleries and study spaces, as well as offices of community/ campus organizations like the Hoofers.

    The Terrace is not to be missed.  With seating for hundreds (in the classic Union Terrace chairs!), the Terrace offers a beautiful place to eat, while people and bird watching on the lakeshore.  We’ve met friendly fisherman, charming foreign exchange students, and beautiful dogs and parrots on the Terrace.  Frequently, we like to dip a toe in the water and watch the ducks swim about.  During warm weather, the Terrace also features several additional places to please the palate- including the Brat Stand.  The Terrace concert series brings nationally known acts to play free of charge, so watch the calendar for a fun free show to attend!

    Don’t be scared off from the Union!  It shouldn’t be missed.IMG_0276

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  4. Walking the Wall

    September 12, 2013 by admin

    “I appeal to parents: never, never say ‘Hurry up!’ to a child. “  Vladimir Nabokov in Speak, Memory

    We walk or bike regularly around our neighborhood, and our kids each have their own little favorite moments.

    IMG_0399Plum likes to pause to admire a cool mailbox, or a new type of flower.  Bluey likes to stop to inspect a bug, collect a rock, or to walk along a short, cinder block wall.  And althoughIMG_1091  we are sometimes on a tight schedule, or we have pressing matters to attend to, we try to make time for these explorations whenever possible.

    Before you rush your kiddo along, consider the grand scheme.  Is the thirty or sixty seconds spent inspecting a bicycle rack, or following a crack in the sidewalk, really going to ruin your master plan?  Chances are, it will not have any negative effect.

    These moments of exploration result in a deeper connection to the world and to each other.  We’re not perfect at pausing, but we’ve been trying to lead a less hurried life.  We want to take more time to marvel at the beauty of the world, or watch our proud, young children as they show off their madskillz.

    Let your kids have their little moments.  They’ll appreciate you for it.  They’ll remember it.  And you might end up feeling better yourself.

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