Dreamer7100

and/or ice festivals in Quebec and in Alaska

site of 2012 World Expo; hopefully I will be married by then

There are some hidden gems in this state.

Visit the beautiful Church of the Immaculate Conception (and attend a brief service there if desired). Pray quietly inside the lovely, ornate Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Step inside the very old Shell Chapel nestled amid the trees, with walls covered in shells. Walk the labyrinth. Stroll along the beautiful bridges and among the sidewalks that meander through the wooded grounds. Especially beautiful in the autumn. There is a visitors’ center and even a gift shop which includes items hand-made by the Sisters of Providence.

They also have a lovely duck pond.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy it. From dinosaurs to trains to mummies to dollhouses, they’ve got it all. Walk through a a simulated cave with waterfalls. Take a ride on a beautiful antique carousel, inside the museum. Don’t miss the hands-on science exhibits. Your kids will enjoy a hands-on archaeoligical dig and playing in a “submarine”. If it’s still there, take a look at the Tree of Imagination, too. This place captures the joy and wonder of childhood. If you’re an adult, it will make you feel like a kid again.

The grounds are also beautiful. They were designed by a famous landscaper, who also designed Central Park in New York City.

Beautiful place with lots of fun rides for the whole family. Also good for people who have trouble walking a lot. It’s smaller and you don’t have to walk as far to get where you want to go.

The IU auditorium performs the Nutcracker every year at Christmas time. I highly recommend it. Take your kids. They’ll be in awe of the costumes and scenery, not to mention the dancing.

I loved the swan garden, the very tall tree house you can go up in, the little houses made of glass pop bottles, and of course the flower gardens. Warning: don’t go in the haunted barn if you’re scared of heights, especially heights combined with pitch darkness.