Carole Terwilliger Meyers's Blog, page 9

Columbus, Ohio: 400 West Rich; things to do

400 West Rich   400 West Rich St., Franklinton, (614) 725-5324.  Open to the public on 2nd F of the month, and some Wed. 

exterior courtyard at 400 West Rich artist collective in Columbus, Ohio

This artist collective is inside a century-old, two-story brick building that formerly was a warehouse.  It has a gritty, edgy feel, with unfinished concrete floors and original pane-glass windows--many of which are artistically broken.  Artists working in a variety of mediums fill the spaces here with their studios.  The exterior wall is covered in graffiti, while inside the walls display artwork and the air is filled with the fragrance of sawdust, paint, and glue. 

hallway at 400 West Rich artist collective in Columbus, Ohio

While visiting I encountered these artists:

Woody Blackwell  

works by Woody Blackwell at 400 West Rich artist collective in Columbus, Ohio

just jerry  

workshop of Jerry Strine at 400 West Rich artist collective in Columbus, Ohio

Eric S. Murphy 

Eric S. Murphy at 400 West Rich artist collective in Columbus, Ohio
self-portrait by Eric S. Murphy at 400 West Rich artist collective in Columbus, Ohio
Trump portrait by Eric S. Murphy at 400 West Rich artist collective in Columbus, Ohio



More things to do in Columbus, Ohio.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Columbus, Ohio: Self-guided Walking Tour of Short North Arts District; things to do

SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF SHORT NORTH ARTS DISTRICT 

With two arts hotels, multiple arts neighborhoods, three of the nation's most revered major arts institutions (one is a botanical garden), and a private collection that rivals that of many museums, it's easy to see why Columbus is on any art lover's bucket list.


The Guild House   624 N. High St., (614) 280-9780.  This sophisticated spot makes a good stop for breakfast as you start this artsy tour.  It is located next door to the next stop, The Joseph hotel, for which it does food service.  The restaurant is inside a vintage brick building and presents a relaxing atmosphere, with high ceilings, a woodsy decor, and comfortable seating.  Some oversize paintings enhance the setting.  A selection from a variety of smoothies and fresh juices is a good way to start.  I enjoyed a classic eggs Benedict, while my companion enjoyed a colorful granola parfait.

[image error]

interior of The Guild House in Columbus, Ohio

granola parfait at The Guild House in Columbus, Ohio


Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph   620 N. High St., (614) 456-7841.  135 rooms.  Formerly known as The Joseph, Le Meridian took over in 2015 and remodeled in a contemporary style.  More than 500 pieces of art are displayed throughout.  The arrival piece that hangs over the stairs is based on NYC graffiti.  Art from 15 local artists is displayed in guest rooms.  The art program is designed to drive revenue to local artists, and all pieces are available for purchase.  An artsy bonus for hotel guests is that they get free entrance to the Pizzuti Collection by showing their hotel room key.

lobby of Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph hotel in Columbus, Ohio

lobby art in Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph hotel in Columbus, Ohio

lobby art in Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph hotel in Columbus, Ohio

lobby art in Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph hotel in Columbus, Ohio

meeting room art in Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph hotel in Columbus, Ohio


street mural on W. Russell St.

colorful street mural in Columbus, Ohio


Pizzuti Collection of the Columbus Museum of Art   632 N. Park St., (614) 221 6801.  W-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm.  $12, seniors $10.  Founded by Ron and Ann Pizzuti in 2011, this small museum was acquired by the Columbus Museum of Art in 2019.  It is “dedicated to fostering cultural understanding and educational exchange by championing a diversity of voices from around the globe.”  Exhibitions are top-ranked and include paintings, sculpture, film, photography, drawings, and prints.  When I visited the show was “Light,” which was attempting to “stave off the darkness of winter” with works that emitted both light and enlightenment.  Using a colorimeter and fluorescent lights, artist Spencer Finch’s “Sunset (south Texas 6/20/03)” recreates a South Texas sunset that occurred on June 20, 2003.  The long, thin work takes up an entire wall.  A sculpture garden surrounds the building.

“Bloody Forever 7,” a light piece by Tim Noble and Sue Webster




neon art at Pizzuti Collection of the Columbus Museum of Art in Columbus, Ohio

artist Spencer Finch’s “Sunset (south Texas 6/20/03)” light art at Pizzuti Collection of the Columbus Museum of Art in Columbus, Ohio

writer reflected in sculpture in garden at Pizzuti Collection of the Columbus Museum of Art in Columbus, Ohio


(Not) Sheep Art Gallery   17 W. Russell St., (614) 565-0314.  This tiny gallery showcases artists that make a statement about politics, race, ethnicity, environment, women’s issues, aging, and other cultural and societal issues.  The gallery’s motto is “Art is political,” and exhibitions change regularly.  When I stopped in, the show was “Real People Don’t Eat Other People,” a selection of work by Sue Cavanaugh that commented humorously on corporate personhood.

artist Sue Cavanaugh beside her work at (Not) Sheep Art Gallery in Columbus, Ohio


Studios on High Gallery   686 N. High St., (614) 461-6487.  M-Sat 12am-6pm, Sun 1-6pm.  This juried gallery of 22 local Ohio artists opened in 1987.  It is the oldest artist-owned-and-operated gallery in Columbus.  Jury-selected member artists takes turns staffing and creating art onsite.

dramatic ceramic piece at Studios on High Gallery in Columbus, Ohio

work in progress by A.K.Simon at Studios on High Gallery in Columbus, Ohio


Sherrie Gallerie   694 N. High St., (614) 221-8580.  Tu-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 1-4pm.  Contemporary ceramic, glass, and three-dimensional fine art including art jewelry are showcased in this gallery.

interior of Sherrie Gallerie Gallery in Columbus, Ohio

art at Sherrie Gallerie Gallery in Columbus, Ohio

glass art at Sherrie Gallerie Gallery in Columbus, Ohio


Greater Columbus Convention Center   400 N. High St.  “As We Are” is a giant 14-foot-high head here that displays an ever-changing selection of 5,000 faces belonging to visitors who have stepped into a photo booth at the artwork’s back to have their picture taken by 29 cameras.  I am one of those faces, and I have to say I was shocked by how I look when I am that BIG.  The piece is covered with 3,000 LED panels and 850,000 LED lights.






More things to do in Columbus, Ohio.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Columbus, Ohio: National Veterans Memorial and Museum; things to do

National Veterans Memorial and Museum   300 W. Broad St., downtown, (614) 326-2800.  W-Sun 10am-5pm; +Tu in summer.  $17, 65+ $15, 5-17 $10, military discounted.  Tours available. 

exterior of National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio
Surrounded by plenty of open space, this new museum building features dramatic architecture and is the focal point of the 7-acre site.  A 2.5-acre Memorial Grove with 21 different species of tree provides a sanctuary for reflection and remembrance.   Neither a war memorial nor a military museum, it is rather dedicated to sharing the stories of veterans through multi-media exhibits.  The first floor features a dramatic Remembrance Gallery with a host of flags and gigantic photographs.  Displays outline the history of various wars and serve both as a memorial and to honor the men and women who fought in them.  The exhibits are oriented to oral history and provide many places to hear many stories.  A Rooftop Sanctuary provides a spot to reflect and also to enjoy an exceptional city view. 

Remembrance Gallery at National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio

Remembrance Gallery at National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio

exhibit gallery at National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio


More things to do in Columbus, Ohio.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Montreal, Canada: Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel + Underground City; hotel review + things to do

Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel   900 Rene Levesque Blvd. W, (866) 540-4483, (514) 861-3511.  950 rooms; 21 stories.  Pool; full-service spa; exercise room.

exterior of Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, Canada

Opened in 1958, this was one of the first hotels in North America with escalators, centralized air conditioning, and direct dial telephones in each room.  It is located conveniently adjacent to the train station.  In 1969, the hotel shot to superstardom when Yoko Ono and John Lennon stayed here on their honeymoon in suite 1472.  Their “bed-in for peace” lasted two weeks, and during this time they composed and recorded “Give Peace a Chance.”  And now it is possible for guests to book this suite!  The Marche Artisans gift shop purveys items from local makers as well as food treats.  Offering low-key luxury, this hotel remains the largest in the city and offers an entrance that was the first link into the Underground City.

lobby of Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, Canada

Marche Artisans gift shop at Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, Canada


Underground City  Montreal's underground pedestrian network extends for about 20 miles and is the world’s largest.  It connects shopping centers, performing arts venues, and other buildings, but also has shops lining its tunnel passages.  The entrances are in different areas of the city, and some sections are connected by subway (so the tunnel is not continuous; it has lapses).  And though the network is not always underground, it is always indoors, and it is especially popular in summer, when it is air-conditioned, and in winter, when it is heated.

Information Map at Underground City in Montreal, Canada
shop in Underground City in Montreal, Canada

entrance/exit in Underground City in Montreal, Canada


More things to do in Montreal.

More things to do in Canada.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Montreal, Canada: Montreal bagels might be the best in the world!

Montreal bagels might be the best in the world!

baskets of fresh bagels at St-Viateur Bagel in Plateau area of Montreal, Canada

Montreal bagels are boiled in honey-infused water before they are baked, making them much sweeter than their famous NYC counterparts.  It seems to be generally agreed that the two best places in Montreal for bagels are these two places, which are positioned quite close to each other.


● St-Viateur Bagel   263 Saint Viateur Ouest, Plateau Mont-Royal/Mile End, (514) 276-8044.  Open 24/7.

exterior of St-Viateur Bagel in Plateau area of Montreal, Canada
Serving bagels warm from the oven since 1957, the sesame here is the hands-down favorite.  I became an immediate fan, and would even go to say that it might be the best bagel I’ve ever eaten.  Who wouldn’t be won over by eating one of these warm-from-the-oven bagels that is  completely covered with fragrant little sesame seeds on the top and the bottom.  More St-Viateur Bagel  outlets and several cafes are scattered around the town.

[image error]

bagels fresh from the oven at St-Viateur Bagel in Plateau area of Montreal, Canada

purchase counter at St-Viateur Bagel in Plateau area of Montreal, Canada

● Fairmount Bagel   74 Fairmount Ouest, Plateau Mont-Royal/Mile End, (514) 272-0667.  Open 24/7. 

This nearby bakery seems to have just as many avid fans, so I’m sure you can’t go wrong, but I didn’t get to personally try one of their bagels.  So if you have time, you might want to do a comparison.



●At the airport on my way out of town, I settled for a sesame bagel from the Montreal Bagels, and it was definitely very good.  I was not disappointed.  However, it wasn’t a St-Viateur Bagel and it was lacking some sesame seeds.



More things to do in Montreal.

More things to do in Canada.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Montreal Canada: A visit to Vieux-Montreal + Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal; things to do

A visit to Vieux-Montréal and the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

The site of the original city of Montreal, Vieux-Montréal is the center of the city's culture.  The beautiful 18th-century European-style buildings now house small museums, popular boutiques, and souvenir shops, and horse-drawn carriages rolling down cobblestone and brick streets now transport tourists.  Strolling here takes you past such notable sights as the Basilique Notre-Dame, the Hôtel de Ville/Town Hall/, the Vieux-Port/Old Port, as well as the Marché Bonsecours/Bonsecours Market.  Here, visitors mingle with locals at sidewalk cafes overlooking the river and at bars and clubs after dark, and everyone enjoys the summertime street performers at Place Jacques-Cartier. 

grand old building in Vieux-Montréal, Canada

horse-drawn carriages waiting for a fare in Vieux-Montréal, Canada


Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal    110 Notre-Dame Street West, in Vieux-Montréal, (514) 842-2925.  M-F 8am-4:30pm, Sat 8am-4pm, Sun 12:30-4pm.  Can$8, 7-17 $5; 20-min. guided tour included.  Looking quite simple from the street, as is the wont of so many grand cathedrals, Canada’s first Gothic Revival church seats 3,500 people.  It has two bell towers--one holds a 10-bell carillon and the other an 11-ton bell.  This grand basilica is dedicated to Our Lady Mary, and the interior sanctuary and altarpiece are strikingly gorgeous with a deep blue background and highly ornate gothic façade.  Detailed carved figures surround the masterpiece black walnut pulpit, and an impressive 7,000-pipe organ perches above the entrance.  Elaborate stained-glass windows made in Limoges, France, depict the history of Montreal’s founding.

The little Notre-Dame du Sacre-Coeur chapel behind the sanctuary was rebuilt after a fire in 1978.  It displays a huge, 32-panel bronze altarpiece that was cast in England and holds a 1,648-pipe organ.  This is where Céline Dion famously married her now-deceased husband.

exterior of Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal in Vieux-Montréal, Canada

interior of Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal in Vieux-Montréal, Canada



pulpit in Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal in Vieux-Montréal, Canada


7,000-pipe organ in Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal in Vieux-Montréal, Canada

More things to do in Montreal.

More things to do in Canada.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Montreal, Canada: Un Po’ Di Piu + Montreal Observation Wheel/La Grande Roue; restaurant review + things to do

Un Po’ Di Piu   3 rue de la Commune St., Old Montreal, (514) 861-8686.  L-D daily.

couple seated at bar in Un Po’ Di Piu in Montreal, Canada

Located across from the St. Lawrence River, this is one of the newest restaurants in Old Montreal.  The best way to begin a meal here is with a classic Negroni, or maybe a bubbly and colorful Aperol spritz.  For a non-alcoholic winner, order up the strawberry-balsamic-basil drink.  The cozy decor is actually brand new, but the menu is Old Italian with contemporary presentations.

drinks arrive at Un Po’ Di Piu in Montreal, Canada

I dined here with a group and we were presented with samplings of the menu.  Indeed, the menu is mostly small and medium plates meant to be shared.  Everything was delicious, but favorites included focaccias, a rather bizarre-but-tasty gnocchi with crispy chicken skin and squash, an apertivo tower, a burrata plate with roasted vegetables, and giant meatballs.

apertivo tower at Un Po’ Di Piu in Montreal, Canada

gnocchi with crispy chicken skin at Un Po’ Di Piu in Montreal, Canada

giant meatballs at Un Po’ Di Piu in Montreal, Canada
After dessert, enjoy another after-dinner treat--a ride on the nearby Montreal Observation Wheel.


Montreal Observation Wheel/La Grande Roue   362 rue de la Commune E, Old Port of Montreal, 514-325-7888, lgrdm.com.  Daily 10am-11pm.

Montreal Observation Wheel/La Grande Roue glows purple
Stretching 197 feet/60 meters high, this is the highest observation Ferris wheel in Canada.  The 41 enclosed compartments are heated, and each holds 8 passengers.  It lights up in a rainbow of colors, and views include the St. Lawrence River, Old Montreal, downtown, and the mountains.

Montreal Observation Wheel/La Grande Roue glows white

Montreal Observation Wheel/La Grande Roue glows white



Montreal Observation Wheel/La Grande Roue glows red



More things to do in Montreal.

More things to do in Canada.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

St. Peter, Barbados: Sugar Cane Club; hotel review

Sugar Cane Club   2015 Sugar Cane Club, Maynards, St. Peter, (246) 422-5026.  47 rooms; must be age 14+.  2 pools; squash court; exercise room; health spa.  2 restaurants; 2 bars.

grounds of Sugar Cane Club in St. Peter, Barbados

pool at Sugar Cane Club in St. Peter, Barbados
Located at a mid-island high point, this all-inclusive resort is also mid-point in its service and cuisine.  This was the first time I’ve encountered a policy that imposes a fee for changing towels more frequently than every two days.  Sheets are part polyester, which is an issue in a warm climate.  And though the food was generally good, the pastries were dismal.  The staff was mixed regarding service--some were professional and efficient, others the opposite.  Sometimes when I ordered a drink I got one right away, and other times I waited while the bartender did this and that.  However, the rum punch and pina coladas were worth a short wait.

bar at Sugar Cane Club in St. Peter, Barbados

shrimp salad for lunch at Sugar Cane Club in St. Peter, Barbados

The room decor is tropical style with bamboo accents, and I did like the separation of bedroom from living room and veranda, but the bedroom had only air conditioning.  The living room had only a ceiling fan with the controls too high to reach and adjust, and it took me two days to realize I could open the bathroom window.  The relatively remote location makes this property one you should choose with thought, but shuttles are available at specific times to take you down to Speightstown to an affiliated beach house and to where you can access the local bus service into Holetown, and farther on to Bridgetown. 
One enjoyable dinner was a buffet of local specialties served by the pool, with live singing for entertainment.  A schedule of hotel-sponsored activities includes rum tasting, a complimentary glass-bottom boat excursion, and a guided gully walk that ends with a freshly cut coconut drink.  Nicely manicured grounds are planted with colorful flowers, and monkeys and giant snails are among the fauna to look for.  Tips here are given in an envelope at the end of stay and shared by the entire staff.

guest room at Sugar Cane Club in St. Peter, Barbados

pink hibiscus greeting in guest room at Sugar Cane Club in St. Peter, Barbados
Overall, I recommend a stay here if you are able to secure a great price and also if you want a non-beach-centric, up-island experience.  Note that this property will be incorporating upgrades and building three new rooms during the period of July 1 through August 15 2019, and so will not be accepting bookings during that period.



More things to do in Barbados.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

hotel review: Sugar Cane Club, Barbados

Sugar Cane Club   2015 Sugar Cane Club, Maynards, St. Peter, (246) 422-5026.  47 rooms; must be age 14+.  2 pools; squash court; exercise room; health spa.  2 restaurants; 2 bars.

grounds of Sugar Cane Club in St. Peter, Barbados

pool at Sugar Cane Club in St. Peter, Barbados
Located at a mid-island high point, this all-inclusive resort is also mid-point in its service and cuisine.  This was the first time I’ve encountered a policy that imposes a fee for changing towels more frequently than every two days.  Sheets are part polyester, which is an issue in a warm climate.  And though the food was generally good, the pastries were dismal.  The staff was mixed regarding service--some were professional and efficient, others the opposite.  Sometimes when I ordered a drink I got one right away, and other times I waited while the bartender did this and that.  However, the rum punch and pina coladas were worth a short wait.

bar at Sugar Cane Club in St. Peter, Barbados

shrimp salad for lunch at Sugar Cane Club in St. Peter, Barbados

The room decor is tropical style with bamboo accents, and I did like the separation of bedroom from living room and veranda, but the bedroom had only air conditioning.  The living room had only a ceiling fan with the controls too high to reach and adjust, and it took me two days to realize I could open the bathroom window.  The relatively remote location makes this property one you should choose with thought, but shuttles are available at specific times to take you down to Speightstown to an affiliated beach house and to where you can access the local bus service into Holetown, and farther on to Bridgetown. 
One enjoyable dinner was a buffet of local specialties served by the pool, with live singing for entertainment.  A schedule of hotel-sponsored activities includes rum tasting, a complimentary glass-bottom boat excursion, and a guided gully walk that ends with a freshly cut coconut drink.  Nicely manicured grounds are planted with colorful flowers, and monkeys and giant snails are among the fauna to look for.  Tips here are given in an envelope at the end of stay and shared by the entire staff.

guest room at Sugar Cane Club in St. Peter, Barbados

pink hibiscus greeting in guest room at Sugar Cane Club in St. Peter, Barbados
Overall, I recommend a stay here if you are able to secure a great price and also if you want a non-beach-centric, up-island experience.  Note that this property will be incorporating upgrades and building three new rooms during the period of July 1 through August 15 2019, and so will not be accepting bookings during that period.



More things to do in Barbados.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Bridgetown, Barbados: Hilton Barbados Resort; hotel review

Hilton Barbados Resort   Needham's Point, St Michael, 11000, Bridgetown, 246-426-0200.  355 rooms+suites.  Pool and hot tub complex; fitness center; 4 tennis courts; health spa; beauty salon.  5 restaurants.

view from room at Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados
Located on a prime peninsula position at the southwestern tip of the island, this hotel offers an ocean view from every guest room.  Each room also has a private balcony, and bathrooms have a separate bathtub and shower.  The pool complex is expansive and well equipped, and though the surf is often too rough for swimming, plenty of hammocks and lounge chairs await napping or reading.  Children under five eat for free and those ages 5-12 years get free breakfasts.  Additionally, the hotel provides activities and areas for kids as part of its Kidz Club program.  My room on the 6th floor had a divine high ceiling, and I was able to turn off the air conditioning and open the balcony door to a perfect temperature and the sounds of the surf.  It also attracted a sweet little bird that stopped by regularly to raid the coffee tray.

guest room at Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados





A 17th-century fort and one of the island’s four lighthouses are on the hotel’s grounds.  Built at Needham’s Point in 1650 by the British military to protect beautiful Carlisle Bay from any enemy attacks, Charles Fort was originally called Needham’s Fort.  Its name was changed in 1660.  With 33 guns (at one time it had 40) and 4 swivels, this important fort was part of the garrison and the largest of the forts built around the island.  The fort became a part of the British Military Garrison in 1836.  Visitors can see how the cannon were strategically positioned.  The area now fronts an important nesting beach for Hawksbill turtles.

cannon at Charles Fort at Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados

Constructed in 1855, the Needham's Lighthouse is the second oldest lighthouse on Barbados.  Featuring an octagonal shape and a stationary light, it is also a little different from the others that are all located at Harrison Point.  The lighthouse tower is closed to visitors.

Needham's Lighthouse at Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados

Just a short walk away, guests can find several inexpensive local snack shacks.
●A popular roti house is around the corner of the entrance gate.
● Cuz Fish Shack  is a short walk away at Pebbles Beach.  Customers step up to the window of this popular fish shack to place their order.  The menu is simple--a fish cutter (a “cutter” is a sandwich)--and the price is right, BB$10.  Customers squirt in a condiment sauce or some mayo.  The day I ate here the fish was fresh marlin, and it was pretty darn good washed down with a cold local Banks beer.  Choices for seating are few--one bench is adjacent, and a beach wall where you can perch and enjoy the atmospheric surf is just a few steps away.

Cuz Fish Shack near Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados

Cuz Fish Shack near Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados

cutter/sandwich at Cuz Fish Shack near Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados

More things to do in Barbados.

More ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images and video ©2019 Carole Terwilliger Meyers