The Vallarta Botanical Gardens are located about 30 minutes outside of Old Vallarta. It’s a scenic drive along the only south coast road, even more scenic as the road takes you past small villages and into the jungle of the Sierra Madre mountains. The gardens are a relatively new venue for Puerto Vallarta residents and visitors.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens are peaceful and relaxing

It’s a perfect location for private group functions and weddings. This natural sanctuary was established only 7 years ago as a 501c non-profit organization by founder and curator Robert Price. He purchased a 20 acre cattle ranch and is transforming it into a world-renowned botanical gardens, one of only 50 botanical gardens in all of Mexico. It is now the vision for his life’s work, filled with passion, and plans for future development.

Map of Vallarta Botanical Gardens

Currently the Vallarta Botanical Gardens consists of several paths and trails of varying degrees of difficulty: easy, medium and difficult. One path takes you down to the river, Rio Los Horcones. The visitors map marks areas safe for swimming. Another trail is marked  as the Vanilla Trail where you can cross a swinging bridge. An additional trail takes you by an agave field. Along the paths you can stroll through rose gardens, seasonal flowers and vegetables, orchards and a cactus garden. No two visits are ever the same because there is always something new blooming!

Carlos explains the lay of the land

Guided tours are at 1pm daily. There are plans to further develop an Interpretative Trail system  for visitors to enjoy undeveloped areas of the botanical gardens. A new Sierra Madre Mining Experience for children has recently been added. I am certain some adults will find this fun too, after all who doesn’t like a little treasure?! Children can hunt and take home REAL Mexican gems.

Lush tropical gardens at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens

In the middle of the Vallarta Botanical Gardens is the orchid and vanilla conservatory, restrooms, a koi pond filled with aquatic plants and water lilies. There are many places to sit, relax and take in all the natural beauty.

Koi and aquatic plant pond

In this area of the botanical gardens is the Hacienda de Oro Restaurant, which serves authentic, fresh Mexican cuisine and delicious brick fired oven pizza. Dining is on the balcony overlooking the lush forest, the koi pond and gardens. It’s a great place to relax and watch birds and butterflies from above the trees. Meals run $12-15 and the portions are very substantial. I’d definitely recommend sharing a pizza, it’s at least 12 inches!

Bricked fired oven PIZZA! Yum, Yum!

The mouth watering Yelapa style fish tacos are a house specialty served in blue corn tortillas. Mr Travel D couldn’t finish his plate of 3, though he made a good effort. Maybe it was because we also enjoyed an order of fresh, chunky guacamole and chips while waiting for our entrees to be prepared. There are soft drinks as well a full service bar including a list for fine premium quality tequilas to sample.

Yelapa style fish tacos at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens

Also housed in this building you will find the Visitor Center and library with natural displays and learning resources. It is also home of the Tapiz Gift Shop where handmade Mexican folk arts and handblown glass hearts are available for purchase at reasonable prices.

Handblown glass hearts

A new building is under construction at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens which will house the National Mexican Orchid Collection. Mr. Price explained to us there are over 25,000 orchids in the world of which over 1200 are found in Mexico. There are 200 orchids which are found only in Mexico.

Orchids at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens

The Vallarta Botanical Gardens hosted a study funded by a grant from the American Orchid Society. They found that within a 5 km radius of the botanical gardens there are at least 55 different species of orchids. It is not certain at this time when the construction will be completed as donations are desperately needed to complete the project. Donations are tax deductible in the US where the Vallarta Botanical Gardens is an established 501c non profit organization.

Puerto Vallarta- The City of Bougainvilleas

Mr. Price also shared as Vice President of the Puerto Vallarta Garden Club plans for the upcoming 1st annual Bougainvillea Festival. It is modeled after the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC.  Hundreds of bougainvilleas are being planted by the club and local businesses in Viejo (Old) Vallarta for the May 17-24, 2013 event. The festival coincides with the annual Restaurant Week. The bougainvilleas will not only beautify the city most of the year with colorful and abundant blossoms but the festival will also be an added incentive to visit Puerto Vallarta later in the Spring. Though in its infancy, it’s a gift and labor of love from the Garden Club members to the city’s residents and visitors. There are plans for a candlelit procession, a street party, guided walking tours, Mexican cultural folk dances, a children’s day at the botanical gardens and more.  The Club’s goal is to have Puerto Vallarta known as the City of Bougainvilleas.

The Vallarta Botanical Gardens strongly believes in partnering with and giving back to the community. The botanical gardens are a proud sponsor of the Vallarta Bird Festival. The area is home to over 300 species of our fine feathered friends. The festival will take place March 7-10, 2013. The early bird registration (pun intended)  is just $10. In November it will raise to $20. For registration: http://www.vallartabirdfestival.org

There is so much to see at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens

 Some of the festival activities are held at the gardens which is natural – birding is another popular activity at the botanical gardens.

To visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens:

Location: 24km Carretera Puerto Vallarta a Barra de Navidad

Take a taxi: approximately $40-60 roundtrip depending on your departure point in Puerto Vallarta

Take a bus: Take the El Tuito bus at the  corner of Carranza and Aguacate streets, in the Romantic Zone for less than $4 per person roundtrip. Bus service runs about every 30 minutes. Ask the bus driver to stop at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.

Admission: a mere 60 pesos less than $5!  Mining experience is an additional 150 pesos per bucket, that’s less than $12.

Hours: 10am- 6pm daily, 7 days a week January – March.  Closed Mondays, April – December. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, everybody deserves a holiday.  You can spend a couple of hours or as long as you want. If you love nature, gardening, birding, butterflies and photography- just plan to spend the day!

Don’t forget to take: a towel if you plan to go swimming, your camera, an umbrella to shield you from the sun or a brief shower, sunscreen and insect repellent. Insect repellent is available for purchase at the entrance for less than $2 if you forget. You will need it, trust me! You are surrounded by an unspoiled lush tropical jungle. Wear sturdy shoes- tennis, walking, water sandals like Tevas, Keens, Merrils. Flip flops are definitely NOT recommended.  Paths are cobblestone and natural trails. Of course, you’ll want to bring money for the gift shop and restaurant too.

Yes, I did!! and I hope you do too!

To see more photos:

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Yesterday the mailman brought me just that- a beauty from Machu Picchu, Peru from my friends Jonathan and Laura-SCORE!

The stamp is of a Little Blue Heron. It comes on a plate of 4 different stamps. If you click on the link you will find it  at the bottom of the page.

I used to send postcards religiously, the past few years not as much but I still buy them as little keepsakes from our trips. Recently I got the BRILLIANT idea to turn them into magnets for my fridge. All you have to do is get a strip of magnets from the craft store, cut the magnets to the desired length, peel off the tape and stick the magnet to the back of the postcard and Tah DAAAAH!… new refrigerator art!

We bought these in Tequila, Mexico of the fields of blue weber agave from which tequila is distilled.

Did you know it takes 8-12 years for a field of agave to mature for harvest? No wonder quality tequila isn’t cheap!

When I was in London with my girlfriend we sent my husband this one.

Just bumming around in London!

I wrote, ” We are having the time of our lives running around London, now we’re off to a sale at Harrods!

Love,

Stephanie and Jan”

These we bought in Los Cabos, Mexico:

Everyday we saw whales from the balcony of our room and while lounging by the pool or beach.

If you want to see the whales in Cabo, they are in the waters usually from November until March.

Now that I think about it we have a box of old postcards I should dig up and share!

Where did you send your last postcard from, where did you receive for last post card from?

Please leave your replies below.

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1. Puerto Vallarta Facts: Puerto Vallarta and Seattle were founded in 1851

2.Vallarta FUN Facts: The first ad for vacations to Puerto Vallarta was in 1942

3.Puerto Vallarta Facts: John Huston’s 1963 movie NIght of the Iguana was filmed not far from Dreams Resorts Puerto Vallarta

4.Vallarta FUN Facts: 3 rivers run through Puerto Vallarta -Cuale, the Pitillal, and the Ameca

5.Puerto Vallarta Facts: Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco, while Nuevo Vallarta is in Nayarit

6. Vallarta FUN Facts; Puerto Vallarta is a popular tourism destination with both national and international tourists

7. Puerto Vallarta FUN Facts:  PV was named “The Friendliest City in the World”

8. Vallarta FUN Fact: It’s easy to get around in Vallarta- the city & surrounding area has a very good bus system

9. Puerto Vallarta Facts: Vallarta is located between the Sierra Madre Mountains & the 7th largest bay in the world- Banderas Bay which is the largest in Mexico and 2nd largest in North America

10. Vallarta FUN Fact: Vallarta is only a 3 hour flight from LAX, Dallas, and about 4.5 from Seattle,  Chicago, NYC.

11. Puerto Vallarta Facts: at least 5 different species of sea turtles nest on the beaches of Vallarta

12. VallartaFUN Fact: In the warm water of Vallarta’s bays humpback whales and calves can be seen in the winter months

13. Puerto Vallarta Facts: 3 species of dolphins can be seen in the area– bottle nose, spotted and dusky.

14. VallartaFun Fact: Vallarta is full of fresh fruits- coconut, banana, watermelon, pineapple, guamuchil, mango, guava, jacka fruit & avocado

15. Puerto Vallarta Facts: 45 restaurants feature 3 course menus in Restaurant Week May 15-31 from 189-299 pesos. #FOODIES

16. VallartaFUN Fact: 930am Tuesdays- Public Sculpture Tours are led by Gary Thompson, owner of Galleria Pacifico

17. Puerto Vallarta Facts: The Malecon– seaside boardwalk stretches 3 km -a little less than 2 miles

18.VallartaFUN Fact: it took 33 years to build Vallarta’s iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe

19. Puerto Vallarta Facts: The town of Tequila, just 3 hour bus trip from Vallarta, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006

20. #VallartaFUN Fact: This region, the state of Jalisco, is the where the majority of tequila is distilled.

21. Puerto Vallarta Facts: Regional dishes include seafood burritos, ceviche- seafood cocktail, pozole-hominy in pork broth, fish on a stick

22. Vallarta FUN Fact: 17 galleries host Old Town Art  Walk every Wed 6-10pm during the winter/spring season.

23. Puerto Vallarta Facts: Terra Noble-an open air adobe day spa overlooking Vallarta also offers clay workshops to learn to make traditional pottery

24. Vallarta FUN Fact: There are over 90 hotels with more than 18,000 rooms in 5 areas in Puerto Vallarta -There’s something for everyone!

The new Now Amber and Secrets Vallarta Bay combined add an additional 598 suites to choose from!

25. Puerto Vallarta FUN Fact: Vallarta is the 2nd most visited resort city in Mexico-over 2 MILLION visitors a year

26. Vallarta FUN Fact:  10-15% tips (propinas) are customary. Your server wont bring your bill til you ask for it -La cuenta por favor (la quen-ta por fa-vor)

27 Puerto Vallarta Facts:  Puerto Vallarta is the most welcoming & gay friendly destination in Mexico

What do you know about Puerto Vallarta? Please share your Puerto Vallarta facts below in the comments section.

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Quite controversial in many ways is Marilyn Monroe. The Forever Marilyn statute created quite a stir in the Windy City. I LOVED her! Tourists lined up to have their photos taken at her feet and yes, a few looking up her skirt and other sophomoric lewd activities –you can imagine! It was a rare occasion to snap a pic of the star without people in it.  She was GREAT for tourism and anything that is good for tourism I am a fan of!– well most anything.

Forever Marilyn in Chicago

  But you won’t find her in Pioneer Square anymore, she’s moved to Palm Springs. I miss her.

Another star I found in my travels is:

Miguel Jackson on the Malecon

It was surely a surprise to find this #FriFotos Star, Michael Jackson on Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon- boardwalk.

At Dreams Tulum in the Riviera Maya,  I ran across this beautiful chandelier of stars:

I wish I could find a smaller version for my home!

At one of the bars at Dreams Tulum there are 8 panels of hand painted tiles. Wouldn’t you know there’s one of a STARfish!

And speaking of starfish, this FriFotos Star is a clever and inexpensive way to use them as boutonnieres:

In Chicago at the historic InterContinental Hotel on Michigan Avenue, I found a rather large star in the lobby:

the mosaic marble and onyx lobby floor at the InterContinental Chicago

Last but certainly not least… I start my day with this star!

 my favorite FriFotos STAR of all

#FriFotos is a weekly themed photo sharing forum by @EpsteinTravels @TravelDesigned @CharlesYap. A new theme is revealed every Tuesday at 12pm ET. Each week 2 guest co-hosts are invited to help keep the ball rolling around the world.  To find the weekly theme easily just  Like #FriFotos on Facebook and follow @FriFotos on twitter.  You can join the fun by posting your photos on twitter individually by adding  the hashtag #FriFotos to your tweet with a short description or with a link to your blog post and the hashtag. Be sure to take a peek at the #FriFotos twitter stream and RT your favs.  Bloggers are encouraged to also post their submissions on the FriFotos Facebook page.

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Traditional Huichol Symbols

You can find  carvings of all shapes and sizes, eggs, calabash bowls and pottery covered in beads. They are sold in the craft markets and gift shops all over Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit and can be found throughout Mexico’s tourist destinations as well. Just ask for “We-chol.”  We found these examples of Huichol art at Huicholandia at 246 Olas Altas in Puerto Vallarta near the end of the Malecon in Zona Romantica.

A calabash bowl hard carved on the outside and decorated with Huichol art inside:

Eggs:

Carvings in beaded Huichol art

Huichol art mask

Iguana crawling over pottery

The canvas is done in yarn while the figurines are done in beads

We found these pieces in the Secrets Vallarta Bay and Now Amber resort gift shop:

The inside of shells covered in Huichol art:

Huichol Iguana at the Secrets Vallarta Bay and Now Amber

This panel, ‘The New Awakening” is in the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago:

A massive canvas of bead Huichol art

Sections of the panel:

I love it when hotels support local artisans, the Four Seasons Punta Mita uses Huichol art as centerpieces:

We bought a similar piece to add to our collection of Mexican art.

What kind of Mexican art do you like? We’d love to hear about it, please leave your comments below:

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I LOVE the colorful hand carved chairs!

….and the hand painted chair backs too!!

The Malecon in downtown Puerto Vallarta begins in front of Hotel Rosarita, the city’s first hotel. We had the taxi driver drop us off at the McDonald’s across the street. Though I was on a mission to photograph all the statues that line the Malecon, we also stumbled upon the performing Papantla Flyers along the way.

What makes the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta so interesting is you never know what you will see! No two visits are ever the same. This day we ran across several amazing sand artists.

Puerto Vallarta is known as the World’s Friendliest City and from the look of  this first sand sculpture, it’s no wonder why.

Welcome to Puerto Vallarta…

That is MrTravelD having “a drink” with sand covered street performers!

And speaking of street performers you won’t believe who you will find on the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta!

YES, that is Miguel Jackson on the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this angel balancing on a pile of rocks. I didn’t hesitate to put a few pesos in their donation boxes, not only were we amazed and entertained, we took some GREAT photos too.

There are also several talented artists who will draw your portrait or a caricature.

There are definitely a lot of colorful storefronts and roof tops along the Malecon.

Some of my favorite sights are Catrinas and Day of the Dead folk art, sombreros, serapes and papel picado- the colorful banners

Buy a serape (a handmade blanket), table cloth or sarong and take a break on the beach with a cold drink. After all, you ARE on vacation!

From silly t shirts to fine works of arts and everything in between, there is something for everyone on your gift list on the Malecon and the streets of Viejo Vallarta, Old Vallarta.

And when you see my favorite statue of the Vallarta Dancers, think of me and my love of all things Mexico….the history, culture, cuisine and people because this is where it all began-

on the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta!

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The Malecon early in the morning

Depending on the location of your hotel, a ride to the Malecon is less than $10. From our hotel, the brand spankin’ NEW adults only, Secrets Vallarta Bay and the family friendly Now Amber  Puerto Vallarta the ride to the beginning of the Malecon is around  60 pesos, about  $4.  The return from the far end  in the Zona Romantica, near my new favorite shop for Huichol art- Huicholandia at 246 Olas Altas, was only 80 pesos about $5.70! That’s a lot of fun for little to nothing! Of course, you could walk or take the bus too! The beginning of the Malecon is in front of McDonald’s. You can’t miss it!

The Millennium by Mathis Lídice

 The first sculpture on the Malecon is in front Puerto Vallarta’s first hotel, Hotel Rosarita. It is covered with sea life– both in sculpture and the LIVE cormorant that perches  on the top!

Detail on The Millennium

Life and Art on the Malecon

I imagine kids will love to pose for photos on these sculptures!

Why not rub the whale for good luck and a return visit?! We did

 This sculpture is in front of the Papantla Flyers pole.  You won’t want to miss their performance!

La Nostalgia by Ramiz Barquet

El Sutil Comepiedras- The Subtle Rock-Eater, Jonas Gutiérrez

The belly looks like a gazing ball to me:

Cool reflections!

Is it a dinosaur seahorse?

This is one of my favorite sculptures on the Malecon:

Nereid by Carlos Espino

Triton and the Nereid-Carlos Espino

This one is odd for my tastes but to each their own:

La Rotunda del Mar-The Rotunda of the Sea by Alejandro Colunga

a piece of Rotunda of the Sea

But I do like the sun!

In Search of Reason by Sergio Bustamante

Bustamante is one of my FAVORITE Mexican artists! He is famous for his paper mache pieces and I adore his jewelry work.

Visitors line up to climb this one and have their picture taken…

Even @MrTravelD got into the act!

This sculpture on the Malecon is in front of one of our MUST STOP places, Cheeky Monkey. Margaritas, Corona, Pacifico and Modelo Light beers are ONLY $1 and there is a long list of cocktails for $2 too! The entrance to Cheeky Monkey is on the side street.

Caballero del Mar-The Seahorse by Rafael Zamarripa

After a nice cold, inexpensive drink we found the most famous one of all the sculptures on the Malecon, the Seahorse. It is 9 ft. high and the first piece installed on the Malecon back in 1976.

The Vallarta Dancers is my ALL TIME favorite of the sculptures on the Malecon. It says MEXICO to me!

Bailarines de Vallarta-Vallarta Dancersby Jim Demetro

Vallarta Dancers

Eriza-Dos by Maritza Vasquez

These modern sculptures on the Malecon are at the beginning of the new addition which stretches into Old Vallarta and the Zona Romantica by crossing the nearby bridge.

San Pascual Bailón-The patron saint of chefs by Ramiz Barquet

Puerto Vallarta is full of incredible, mouthwatering dining experiences from street vendors to 5 star diamond rated restaurants.

When you come to the sails, cross over the bridge

If this isn't graceful, I don't know what is

Last but not least ….

The Washer Woman by Jim Demetro welcomes you to Viejo Vallarta- Old Vallarta

Viejo Vallarta

Some of Puerto Vallarta’s best art, dining and shopping can be found in this area. We stumbled upon Cheeky Monkey’s sister restaurant Sea Monkey which also has seating on the beach, of course we stopped in for lunch! The prices can’t be beat and the food is GREAT!

In my research for the names of the statues I found I am missing a couple OH WELL, just another reason to go back! Next time I think we’ll go on the Public Sculptures Tour escorted by Galleria Pacific owner, Gary Thompson. For up to date tour information call 322-221-1982.

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The pictures in the slideshow are examples of the detail of the costumes and the performance.

Truly a sight to see!

This ancient ritual ceremony of the Voladores dates back to 600 BC and has been designated by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The purpose of this designation is to help preserve and bring awareness to the ritual of the Dance of the Flying Men, also known as the Papantla Flyers. There are 33 registered groups of Voladores, Flying Men. Legends tell the original ceremonies began during the dry season when elders sent out men to pray to the gods for rain and fruitful crops. A large tree of over 65 feet would be sacrificed which would take 200 men to post in the ground.  Everything surrounding the ceremony, the costumes, the preparation and dedication of the pole, and the actual flight were all highly sacred with precise rituals. Entire communities would help in preparation. Today, performances are done in many areas of Mexico including major tourism destinations. There are even international traveling troupe performances.

The costumes are full of symbolism. They are decorated with hand needle and bead work representing the beauty of nature. The red of the Papantla flyers pants signifies the values honored, the white shirt is said to represent the purity of the human spirit. The plume on the cone shaped hat symbolizes triumph while the colored ribbons attached reference the rainbow. The mirrors signify the reflection of life and flowers express fertility. The Voladores make 13 turns around the pole which represents the tree of life and the 4 flying men the corners of the earth. The 5th man stands in the middle at the top while playing a chirimía with his left hand, the small 3 holed bamboo flute and with his right hand playing the attached deerskin drum, the teponaxlte. To say one must be coordinated to be a Papantla Flyer is an understatement!

La Nostalgia by Ramiz Barquet, 1984

 See the Voladore working in the shade of the sculpture?

We’ve had the privilege of seeing performances by Papantla Flyers on the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, near Cancun in the Riviera Maya at Xcaret Park and at the site of the Mayan ruins in Tulum. In order to preserve the culture of the Voladores, the Mexican state of Veracruz has created schools where children can learn the sacred ancient rituals, prayers and music to become Papantla Flyers.

Have you ever seen the Papantla Flyers, where? Please leave your comments below.

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It takes just 40 seconds to get to the observatory in the fastest elevators in America which travel at a rate of 1,800 feet per minute– that’s 20 mph! If you’re lucky, there may be a special event during your visit. We enjoyed a free concert by a local high school orchestra while taking in the views. On a clear day you can see 4 states: Indiana, Michigan, Iowa and Illinois. If you haven’t been to the John Hancock Observatory recently there are many new additions. In the winter you can ice skate a thousand feet up! There’s an excellent 80 ft. exhibit about the city and a free audio tour narrated by Chicagoan, David Schwimmer (Dr. Ross Geller from Friends). There are 2 versions of the audio tour, one to make the city come alive for kids and one for adults. Both versions have fun and interesting tidbits about the city and the views which you listen to at your own pace. There’s also the Sky Walk which lets you feel what it’s like to be outside 1000 feet up. It’s an incredible feeling and not scary at all! The newest addition is the interactive telescopes, the first in the U.S.  (nominal fee).

The Sky Walk is Chicago's highest open air deck

You can even wash the windows-- just kiddin', but it is a fun photo op back drop!

Be sure to check the Navy Pier fireworks schedule - They're stunning from 1000 feet up!

On Wednesdays and Saturdays during the summer and other special dates throughout the year, you can see the fireworks at Navy Pier from the 94th floor- which is especially nice from the Lavazza Espression Cafe. The cafe not only serves a variety of coffees, sandwiches, salads and desserts with recipes from a 3 star Michelin chef, it has FREE wi-fi!  They also serve a YUMMY signature cocktail- The Sky High, made with raspberry vodka as well as other spirits. For special occasions and celebrations champagne is available. It’s a great place to relax and drink in the 360 degree views of the Windy City, day or night.

Lakeshore Drive

New to us this visit was the  John Hancock Center in Legos. It took 50 hours and 22,680 Legos for creator Adam Reed Tucker to complete this amazing feature.

Now that's a LOT of Legos!

Our tips for when you go:

With CityPASS you receive 50% off admission, Fast Pass and $1 off a purchase of $5 at the Lavazza Espression Café- now that’s a good deal!

Get the Fast Pass! It will save you time both up and down. Time is valuable; there’s so much to see and do in Chicago.

Be sure to get your headset for the audio tour (7 languages available). It’s fun and informative!

Double your pleasure, double your fun…upgrade your ticket for $7 to a return at night.

Take time to see the informative and visually striking 80 ft exhibit about Chicago.

Check the sunset time, sunset is a beautiful time to go but often busy, so go early.

John Hancock Observatory Hours: 9am – 11pm, last admission is 10:30

Though tripods are not allowed, don’t forget to take your camera!

Children under 3 are free.

Check out the new JHO website 

 Become a Facebook Fan!

Follow JHO on twitter!

 The 360 degree views at the John Hancock Obsveratory are spectacular by day and night!

Chicago skyline by day

Chicago skyline by night

Where do you go for the BEST VIEW?  Please leave your suggestions below

In a grateful spirit and for full disclosure: Special thanks to CityPASS and to the John Hancock Observatory for sponsoring our #ChicagoFun twitter and Facebook social media production event with complimentary passes.

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Let me start by saying, I am not a fan of museums. Yes, I am a brat, I know.  They overload my brain with information I can’t retain, but @MrTravelD LOVES them! Every time we go to Chicago he wants to go to the Art Institute of Chicago and I must say, I think he is wearing me down and the Art Institute is definitely growing on me! It is now one of my favorite places to go.

The Art Institute is easily recognized by the 2 large lions that guard the front entrance on Michigan Avenue.

At christmastime wreaths are placed around the lions necks!

I was amazed to learn the Art Institute of Chicago is the second largest art museum in the United States. It has the second largest collection of impressionists outside of the Louvre. It’s  open 10:30- 5pm everyday and open until 8pm Thursdays. Illinois residents enjoy free admission on the first and second Wednesdays of the month. The Art Institute is not only a museum, it’s also a world renowned art and design school. There are 2 fabulous gift shops and several restaurants on site with healthy and fresh choices.

At the Museum Cafe I enjoyed a full meal of chicken, hush puppies & carrots- YUM!

One very cool and unique program the Art Institute offers is the  Art of Wellness series. These are self-guided tours of 1/4, 1/2 and full mile. A great way to visit the museum and have an art inspired work out!

Here are some of the exhibits that caught my eye:

Marc Chagall's America Windows

These 3 larger than life windows were the highlight of my visit this time.

Marc Chagall -America Windows

 The Art Institute website has a very interesting resource video on the America Windows.

@MrTravelD cannot go to the Art Institute without stopping by his favorite impressionist painting Seurat’s A Sunday Afternoon on the Grande Jatte, 1884. This visit we noticed the painting has a small painted border of orange, red and blue dots we never noticed before!

Seurat's A Sunday on the Grande Jatte, 1884

We stumbled upon quite a collection of bronze pieces in the American Galleries 163 and 164, many by Federic Remington. One of my favorites was this piece by James Earle Fraser:

The End of the Trail, 1918 James Earle Fraser

 This bronze sculpture of Lincoln looked familiar to me, it’s done by the same artist who did the massive marble Lincoln Memorial sculpture in Washington, DC.

Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Chester French

I  always find myself looking up and was not disappointed when we entered the Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room of 1894 that was salvaged in 1972 and completely reconstructed in 1976 in the Art Institute of Chicago. The room is also available for weddings and other special events.

art glass in the Chicago Stock Exchange Trading Room

There is a very impressive 44 piece collection of Monet’s work which includes several stacks of wheat and waterlilies.

Water Lilies, 1906 Claude Monet

There are over 300 Picasso’s! This sketch of a sculpture was done on a piece of plywood. Who would have thought a simple piece of plywood would someday hang in a museum as a priceless work of art!

Picasso

The Weaver, 1936

The Art Institute is home to 10 works of art by  Diego Rivera. The Weaver is my favorite in their collection.

Georgia O'Keeffe's Red Hill with Flowers, 1937

I was thrilled to find this piece reproduced on a tote bag and cosmetic case in the Museum Shop on sale. SCORE one for the shopper in me! We just might have to become members of the Art Institute. Members not only enjoy previews to new exhibitions but also FREE admission and discounts in the shops and restaurants too! PLUS, a new benefit- the cash bar Member Happy Hour in the Garden Cafe from 5:00 to 7:30 every Thursday evening.

Our last stop was the American Folk Gallery 227 where we came across this small stoneware  face jug from South Carolina.

face jug -artist unknown circa 1860

As we exited the Art Institute we noticed this sign across the street:

Route 66

“Begin,” I thought. Yes, this is a new beginning for me- a love of the Art Institute of Chicago! I hope to go back to see their newest exhibit by Pop artist Roy Lichtenstein. This special exhibit will be open from May 16 – Sept. 3, 2012.

 What are some of your favorite works of art, where are they found?

We used CityPASS to save on the $18 entrance fee and it includes the audio tour which we didn’t use. I think next time I will be ready to learn a bit about my new found interest in this museum.  See, I told you the Art Institute is growing on me!  The CityPASS includes admission to all permanent exhibits and non-ticketed special exhibits at the Art Institute of Chicago.  We find CityPASS a great value especially if you are planning to visit the top sightseeing venues. What we really enjoyed was skipping the long lines at most of the attractions. CityPASS not only saves your money, but valuable time!

Thanks to CityPASS who sponsored our #ChicagoFUN with courtesy passes.

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