Carole Terwilliger Meyers's Blog, page 29

Great Sleeps: Golden Nugget Lake Charles, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Golden Nugget Lake Charles   2550 Golden Nugget Blvd., 5 mi. from downtown, in South Lake Charles, (844) 777-4653, (337) 477-4653.  740 rooms; 25 stories.  Pools; hot tubs; fitness room; full-service spa; private beach; 18-hole golf course; marina.  9 restaurants; 4 bars. 8 shops.  Built in 2014, this casino/hotel is situated far away from everything except another casino and a chemical plant.  The innovative modern casino is equipped with 1,600 slot machines, 70 table games, and 6 poker tables and is a big draw.  Many people decide to spend the night.  Generously sized accommodations include pillow-top beds and a cool-toned decor in shades of taupe, grey, and white.  A fun, diner-style booth table is provided for dining, and attractive art is hung throughout.  Baths offer deep tubs that fill fast, and the toilet is in a separate enclosure, as is the shower.  Note that though the hotel is family-friendly, with recreational facilities that appeal to children, no one under age 21 is permitted on the casino floor or in bars.  Facilities include the H2O Pool and Bar area with lounge chairs, cabanas, daybeds, and fire pits, plus hot tubs, a lazy river, and a bar and grill.  The Arcade keeps children busy, and The Grand Ballroom presents big-name entertainment.  Shuttles run back and forth between the Golden Nugget and neighboring L'Auberge Casino Resort, allowing guests to enjoy both properties.  An additional 300-room hotel tower will open soon.

Restaurants include a Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse, a Landry's Seafood House, and a Cadillac Mexican Kitchen and Tortilla Bar.  The Claim Jumper Grille is open 24 hours, and The Buffet is the place to go for an expansive breakfast selection.  There is also a Starbucks and four bars.  A favorite shop is The Chocolate Box, where you can indulge in handmade candies as well as gelato, milkshakes and coffee.

light fixture in Golden Nugget casino-hotel in Lake Charles, Louisiana
guest room bed in Golden Nugget casino-hotel in Lake Charles, Louisiana
dining booth in guest room at Golden Nugget casino-hotel in Lake Charles, Louisiana
bathroom in guest room at Golden Nugget casino-hotel in Lake Charles, Louisiana
Lake Charles Mardi Gras.

More things to do in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

More things to do in Louisiana.

More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Sights to See: Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu   809 Kirby St., in Historic Central School, (337) 436-9588.  Tu-F 1-5pm.  Celebrating the history of the Mardi Gras festival, this six-room museum has the largest Mardi Gras costume display in the world.  It is absolutely a must to visit if you aren’t in town for the big event.  Former classrooms are crammed with displays of more than 400 colorful costumes culled from the more than 70 krewes in South Louisiana, and each has a story.  Touching is permitted.  A Mardi Gras parade display includes a float that you can climb aboard and from which you can even throw a string of beads to someone below.  Decorating a King Cake is sometimes an activity option. 

greeters outside the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu in Lake Charles, Louisiana
hallway inside the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu in Lake Charles, Louisiana
feather headdress at the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu in Lake Charles, Louisiana
costume at the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu in Lake Charles, Louisiana
King Cake at the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Lake Charles Mardi Gras.

More things to do in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

More things to do in Louisiana.

More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 
 

Things to Do: Taiwan Lantern Festival, held around Taiwan

Taiwan Lantern Festival   February 11-19, 2017 in Yulin

Since 2001, this festival has been staged in a different city each year (before that it was held in Taipei in and around the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall).  In 2016 it was held in Taoyuan, while in 2017 it will be in Yulin.  It begins on the 15th day after the Chinese New Year.  In the old days in Taiwan, everyone had a lantern in front of their home.  An old legend says that a once upon a time a bird from heaven was accidentally killed by human hunters, so in retaliation angry gods burned down all the houses in the village.  People were frightened.  An elder had the idea of making red lanterns and putting them in front of each house so that from a distance it would look like the houses were on fire and the gods would be fooled.  Apparently it worked and a tradition was born.  Designs are different now and materials include LED lightbulbs in place of candles.  Always featuring colorful lanterns, 2016 highlights included a gigantic 26-meter-tall monkey lantern honoring the Year of the Monkey as well as a spectacular 500-meter-long lantern corridor.  Festivities include live entertainment, hands-on activities, and fireworks.  The traditional festival food is tangyuan--also referred to as yuansiao--which are glutinous rice dumplings with stuffings both sweet and savory that include sesame, peanut, and minced pork.  More than 1 million people attend the two-week program.  “There are lantern festivals all over Asia, but ours is the largest, says Dr. Wayne Liu, Deputy Director General of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau.  “And the festival is free.  We do this festival because we want to make people happy.” 

entrance to lantern corridor at Taiwan Lantern Festival 2016
kids balloons at Taiwan Lantern Festival 2016
under the lantern corridor at Taiwan Lantern Festival 2016--day
under the lantern corridor at Taiwan Lantern Festival 2016--night
giant monkey lantern at Taiwan Lantern Festival 2016
video



giant dragon lantern at Taiwan Lantern Festival 2016
heart lantern at Taiwan Lantern Festival 2016

Mollie Blaisdell interviews Dr. Wayne Liu at Taiwan Lantern Festival 2016
More things to do in Taiwan.

Travel articles to inspire and help you plan some spectacular local and foreign getaways.
   
images and video ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Things to Do: Krewe of Krewes’ Parade, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Krewe of Krewes’ Parade   February 28, 2017.  Free.  More than 100 elaborate krewe floats pulled by big rigs wind through downtown Lake Charles with their krewes aboard throwing beads to one and all.  I collected pounds of them and wore them all.  By the way, it doesn’t feel good if you get hit in the head or face by hurled beads, so keep your wits about you.    
          Southern Spice restaurant is a great spot to hole up for the event.  The kitchen provides a bountiful buffet of southern dishes, plus plenty of drinks. 


blogger Carole Terwilliger Meyers with Mardi Gras beads at Southern Spice restaurant in Lake Charles, LA

Mardi Gras menu at Southern Spice restaurant in Lake Charles, LA

cracklins at Southern Spice restaurant in Lake Charles, LA

big rig float in Krewe of Krewes' Parade at Mardi Gras in Lake Charles, LA

big rig float in Krewe of Krewes' Parade at Mardi Gras in Lake Charles, LA




More Lake Charles Mardi Gras.

More things to do in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

More things to do in Louisiana.

More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.

images and video ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Things to Do: Iowa Chicken Run, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Iowa Chicken Run   February 28, 2017.  Procession goes down Highway 90.  $10, under 13 $5.  Centered in the rural suburb of Iowa (pronounced “Ioway”), this relaxed event involves riding a float and throwing beads, chasing chickens, and finishing with some gumbo and toe-tapping live music.  All you need to do is follow the Captain’s lead.  When he blows his whistle, you either exit your float at a stop or board your float quickly to move on to the next stop.  You can also walk or dance between stops.  Based on old tradition, the procession stops at different homes along the way where the Captain collects ingredients from homeowners for the gumbo.  At stops, folks dance to Zydeco music played on accordions and scrub boards, and then the Captain throws a chicken into the air.  When it lands, the chicken starts running, the children chase it, and everyone moves on when the Captain blows the whistle again.  Not to burst any bubbles, but the chicken is sometimes actually a rooster, and it isn’t cooked into a gumbo that night.  It lives to run again the next year.  At the end this event, everyone enjoys a gumbo feast and more music and dancing.  


participants in Iowa Chicken Run in Iowa, Louisiana

masked man in Iowa Chicken Run in Iowa, Louisiana
 
Zydeco band in Iowa Chicken Run in Iowa, Louisiana

participants in Iowa Chicken Run in Iowa, Louisiana

gumbo ingredients donated by home owner in Iowa Chicken Run in Iowa, Louisiana

rooster participant in Iowa Chicken Run in Iowa, Louisiana





child captures chicken in Iowa Chicken Run in Iowa, Louisiana

chicken-capturer in Iowa Chicken Run in Iowa, Louisiana
More Lake Charles Mardi Gras.

More things to do in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

More things to do in Louisiana.

More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.

images and video ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Things to Do: Mardi Gras Royal Gala, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Mardi Gras Royal Gala   February 27, 2017.  At Lake Charles Civic Center Coliseum.  $5-$6, under 5 free.  This is the only place in Louisiana where the general public can see all the Mardi Gras royalty in full costume.  The courts of more than 60 krewes appear in full regalia.  Krewes include kings, queens, royal dukes and duchesses, captains, courtesans, and jesters.  It is quite a show.

BEHIND THE SCENES/GETTING READY:







It takes one to know one.




THE PROCESSION:








YOU ARE THERE!/VIDEO



More Lake Charles Mardi Gras.

More things to do in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

More things to do in Louisiana.

More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.

images and video ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 
 

Things to Do: Lake Charles Mardi Gras, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Lake Charles Mardi Gras   (800) 456-7952. 
February 28, 2017 (events run from February 18 to February 28/Fat Tuesday)
     Lake Charles hosts the second-largest Mardi Gras in Louisiana.  It is a quieter, less crazy, more family-friendly celebration than in New Orleans, but it also has plenty of feathers and fabulous frocks.
     Based on a medieval French tradition, Mardi Gras is a religious holiday that was brought to the area long ago by French students.  It is traditionally a secretive organization, and at one time people needed to be born into their “krewe” (the Old English spelling of crew).  The color representations are purple for justice, gold for power, and green for faith. 
     The best way to visit for Mardi Gras is to decide which events you want to participate in, then book a hotel for that period and secure your tickets.

stuffed alligator in Mardi Gras hat, Lake Charles, Louisiana
Mardi Gras Royal Gala-Duchess of Ball Games, Shannon McSwain, Lake Charles, Louisiana
Mardi Gras beads, Lake Charles, Louisiana
Major Events:
Mardi Gras Royal Gala
Iowa Chicken Run
Krewe of Krewes’ Parade


More things to do in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

More things to do in Louisiana.

More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.

images ©2017 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Things to Do/Sights to See: New York Hall of Science/nysci & GingerBread Lane, NYC--Queens--Corona/Flushing

New York Hall of Science/nysci   47-01 111th St., in Flushing Meadows Corona Park,  (718) 699-0005.  M-F 9:30am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10-6.  $15, 62+ $12, 2-17 $12, students $12; free Sun 10-11am and F 2-5 pm; parking $10.  Restaurant.  Founded during the 1964-65 World’s Fair, this energetic science museum aimed at children has become New York’s center for hands-on, interactive science.  You’ll find more than 450 exhibits here, plus demonstrations and workshops galore.  Adults seem to really enjoy the radar gun that measures how fast you can throw a baseball, while toddlers love Preschool Place--it provides great fun for under 5s.  The innovative outdoor Science Playground (seasonal) is a don’t miss, and 3-D movies provide a nice break (both have separate admission).  When you leave, consider a stop at the park’s Rocket Park Mini Golf (seasonal), kiddie amusement park, or zoo (separate admission). 

exterior of New York Hall of Science/nysci in Corona/Flushing, Queens, NYC
Preschool Place at New York Hall of Science/nysci in Corona/Flushing, Queens, NYC
Preschool Place at New York Hall of Science/nysci in Corona/Flushing, Queens, NYC
The seasonal GingerBread Lane event is included with admission.  Both children and adults get excited when they see this gigantic gingerbread village.  Situated on a protected glassed-in ledge around the edge of a bright circular room, it consists of all kinds of buildings and roads.  It takes chef Jon Lovitch a year to design and build it.  He uses only edible ingredients--candy, icing, gingerbread dough--and it weighs more than 1½ tons.  All structures are dismantled and given away at the close of the exhibition.  Related workshops are scheduled.

GingerBread Lane at New York Hall of Science/nysci in Corona/Flushing, Queens, NYC
GingerBread Lane at New York Hall of Science/nysci in Corona/Flushing, Queens, NYC
GingerBread Lane at New York Hall of Science/nysci in Corona/Flushing, Queens, NYC
GingerBread Lane at New York Hall of Science/nysci in Corona/Flushing, Queens, NYC
GingerBread Lane at New York Hall of Science/nysci in Corona/Flushing, Queens, NYC
GingerBread Lane at New York Hall of Science/nysci in Corona/Flushing, Queens, NYC
(If you find yourself stuck at home one snowy winter day, make playdough and construct your own little village.) 


We like tying in a visit here with a meal at Tortilleria & Taqueria Nixtamal. 


More things to do in Queens.

More things to do in NYC.  

More travel articles to inspire you and help you plan some spectacular getaways.

images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
 

Things to Do: Kavalan Whisky tour, Yilan, Taiwan

Kavalan Whisky   326, Section 2. Yuan-Shan Rd., Yuan-Shan.  Tours daily.  Free.  Tours of this family-owned single-malt whisky distillery begin outside on the lawn of the spacious campus with a viewing of a fiery show presented by coopers refreshing oak barrels.  Inside, a variety of displays enlighten visitors, who also have a chance to view the gigantic copper stills.  The tour concludes with a tasting of several whiskeys.  My favorite was the fruity, light, and silky-smooth classic signature whiskey, which stings the tongue and then tingles all the way down.  I purchased a packable small amount in a cute lab-bottle flask to bring home.  
exterior of Kavalan Whisky distillery in Yilan, Taiwan

barrel refreshing at Kavalan Whisky distillery in Yilan, Taiwan

copper stills at Kavalan Whisky distillery in Yilan, Taiwan

Christmas tree at Kavalan Whisky distillery in Yilan, Taiwan

Carole Terwilliger Meyers tasting at Kavalan Whisky distillery in Yilan, Taiwan

More things to do in Taiwan.

More things to do in Yilan.

Travel articles to inspire and help you plan some spectacular local and foreign getaways.
   
images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Sights to See: National Center for Traditional Arts, Yilan, Taiwan

National Center for Traditional Arts .  Daily 9am-6pm.  This complex showcases the culture and history of Taiwan.  An open-air stage presents both puppet shows (puppet shows actually originated in  China) and Chinese opera.
Chinese opera at National Center for Traditional Arts in Yilan, Taiwan
Chinese opera at National Center for Traditional Arts in Yilan, Taiwan
The beautifully appointed Wen-Chang Temple is popular with students, who make offerings to the gods of academic success, and with others who come to approach the gods of opera and crafts.
Wen-Chang Temple at National Center for Traditional Arts in Yilan, Taiwan
dragon detail t Wen-Chang Temple at National Center for Traditional Arts in Yilan, Taiwan
A reconstructed old street is lined with an assortment of traditional shops.  One makes and purveys traditional wood spinning tops, another offers blue indigo-dyed fabrics, and another is filled with colorful candy treats.  Special exhibits are displayed in an expansive Exhibition Hall.
fluffy dog on old street at National Center for Traditional Arts in Yilan, Taiwan
hand-painted old spinning tops on old street at National Center for Traditional Arts in Yilan, Taiwan see spinning top competition in Taiwan

drying indigo fabric at National Center for Traditional Arts in Yilan, Taiwan
traditional candy shop at National Center for Traditional Arts in Yilan, Taiwan
recycle teapot at National Center for Traditional Arts in Yilan, Taiwan

More things to do in Taiwan.

More things to do in Yilan.

Travel articles to inspire and help you plan some spectacular local and foreign getaways.
   
images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers