Like Model Trains? Then Visit The Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center

Explore North America’s largest model railroad club display at the Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center in Union County, New Jersey. Hosted by the Model Railroad Club, Inc. with the help of the Department of Parks and Recreation, this almost 11,000 square-foot facility in Lenape Park, has a amazing collection of Model Railroads and Cars.

The Model Railroad Club presents two permanent model railroad layouts in HO scale and N scale. There is also a outdoor “G gauge” or garden railroad demonstration loop, and a temporary indoor “G gauge” layout. As well as other model railroad and industrial exhibits are also on display. They also build them on site, and you can join and support the club as well.

Along with displaying the fantastic collections, Model Railroad Club, Inc. has holiday exhibits that are a wonderful to celebrate the season. Among the recent exhibit was a spectacular 1600 square foot model train layout, complete with a light and sound show, at Union County’s Lenape Park in Union Township. The HO scale layout is renowned for its dedication to realistic detail and life-like railroading functions.

Show days and times have run from Late November through Mid December. The HO display have featured a long-distance freight and passenger railroad, an interurban line with trolleys and commuter trains, and a short line representing the workhorse trains that chug through parts of Union County. A double-decked N Scale layout is also on display along with the popular “Classic Streamliners on Parade.”

Plan Your Trip To The Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center

The layout is permanently housed in the A. Paul Mallery Model Railroad Center at 295 Jefferson Avenue, off Route 22 East in Union, behind the Home Depot. To learn more about the The Model Railroad Club and any upcoming events visit www.tmrci.org.

For more information about all Union County recreation programs, visit www.ucnj.org/parks or call 908-527-4900.

Photo Credits: Model Railroad Club, Inc.

Join Events Celebrating The Neon Museum’s Anniversary – Another Vegas Attraction You Must See!

Named as one of “15 Most Fascinating Museums in the U.S.” by VacationIdea.com, the Neon Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic, arts and cultural enrichment. In commemoration of their upcoming anniversary on this Saturday, the Neon Museum will offer you a variety of opportunities to celebrate its past successes as it looks toward a dynamic future.

Events Included Are:

Free self-guided access to the Neon Boneyard, food trucks, cake, crafts, paper flower creation celebrating the “Day of the Dead.” Flowers will be used to decorate an altar created by artist Favela in memory of prominent sign designer Raul Rodriguez. Rodriguez designed the Flamingo sign that resides in the Boneyard and he earned national recognition for his Rose Parade float designs.

The “Family Fiesta” event presented by artist Justin Favela in the Boneyard. “Family Fiesta” incorporates Favela’s real-life family, food, drinks and music in an unconventional outdoor setting. The public is encouraged to participate in the celebration by engaging in games, dances, music, cuisine and piñata time. In “Family Fiesta,” the event is taken out of its traditional context – a cookout in a backyard or a park – to highlight people’s expectations of a fiesta while, at the same time, dismantling notions of location and institutional inclusion.

Twhey will also host a Open-Top Bus Tour through Downtown Las Vegas and the northern stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard, highlighting classic signs from the Neon Museum collection. The evening concludes with a special nighttime tour of the Neon Boneyard focusing on the museum’s conservation and restoration efforts, and there is a fee of $50 per person for this particular part of the festivities.

Plan Your Visit To The Neon Museum

For more information about the Neon Museum, theanniversary festivities and to make reservations for ticketed events, visit www.neonmuseum.org/happenings or call (702) 387-6366.

Photo Credits: Neon Museum

San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles Presents 40th Anniversary Exhibition

This weekend kicks off the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles 40th Anniversary Exhibition. They have four special exhibitions planned that will be opened in stages starting at the end of October thru January 2018:

Juncture I
Expressions of Identity: 40th Anniversary Exhibition
Identity Tapestry: Mary Corey March
JUNCTURE II

The San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles is at a juncture in time, where they can both reflect on the past and look forward to the future. A juncture can also be an intersection of place or events, often one laden with symbolic potential: In many folk traditions, junctures as represented by crossroads are a potent metaphor for transition. Though a juncture can be a time for reflection, the word can also describe a critical moment or crisis that demands immediate action. With the concept as their point of departure, artists may take the exhibitions theme for “juncture” where it leads them.

“Since our 35th anniversary, the Museum has focused its collecting efforts on historic and contemporary quilts and fiber art since 1940, with an emphasis on California artists” said Executive Director Nancy Bavor. “This exhibition, which includes over 40 art works acquired since our 35th anniversary, is tangible evidence of that concentrated focus and includes important art works by some of California’s leading fiber and quilt artists, as well as works by other internationally known fiber artists.”

Among the exhibits to explore on your visit is Expressions of Identity: 40th Anniversary Exhibition that is currently on display in all galleries thru January. This exhibit reveals the how inserting one’s identity is inherent in the process of an artist and their body of work.

Plan Your Visit To The San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles

San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles, at b520 South 1st St. in San Jose, CA 95113. Hours are:

11:00am-4:00pm Wednesday through Friday
11:00am-3:00pm Saturday and Sunday
Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and major holidays.

Admission is ‘pay what you can’ on the first Friday of each month. For more information, call 408-971-0323 or visit www.sjquiltmuseum.org.

Photo Credits: San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles

Plan Ahead To Join 417 Magazine’s Whiskey Festival

417 Magazine host a series of events throughout the year. And, looking ahead, they’ve got a exciting party planned as the new year start’s – 417 Magazine will celebrate it’s seventh annual Whiskey Festival with 200-plus spirits barreled, aged and bottled up into one evening. This unique experience gives you the opportunity to taste alongside master distillers and explore the nuances of whiskey making at its finest.

Modeled after similar events in Philadelphia and Chicago, 417 Magazine’s Whiskey Festival will be hosted at Bass Pro Shops’ White River Conference Center on Saturday, January 20, 2018. It is the only whiskey festival in southwest Missouri. Now in its seventh year, the event draws a regional audience from Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Illinois bringing in more than 600 whiskey lovers last year. During the event guests can taste an elite collection of premium and super premium spirits, enjoy whiskey-inspired eats, talk one-on-one with brand ambassadors and attend educational seminars.

Ticket options include:

● Golden Ticket: Includes Brown Derby Rarest of the Rare Tasting, VIP Hour with one-hour early entrance into event, Grand Tasting, custom Glencairn tasting glass;

● VIP Ticket: Includes one-hour early entrance into event, Grand Tasting, custom Glencairn tasting glass

● Grand Tasting Ticket: Includes Grand Tasting;

● Sober Driver Ticket: For non-drinkers only

Learn More About Upcoming Events And 417 Magazine’s Whiskey Festival

Tickets go on sale in October at www.417tix.com for 417 Magazine’s Whiskey Festival. This event is for those ages 21 and older. Visit their website to find out about other events.

Yoshihide Muroya of Japan Red Bull Air Race World Championship

Red Bull Air Race World Championship is won by Yoshihide Muroya of Japan. He took the prize with a track record 1 minute, 3.026 seconds in the final round. For fans and everyone watching it’s a stunning site to see these planes zip past, he he certainly did in time to take the prize!

Martin Sonka of the Czech Republic had a four lead – key word being had here, as the result show. Sonka flew with such skill and speed himself, yet Muroya was able to edge ahead just enough in the end. This is the world’s most prestigious aerobatic racing series, and all of these pilot’s hard earned their wings!

“Let’s go have the biggest party tonight,” Muroya said. “Fans, teams and families were pushing me really hard,” Muroya said. “I can’t believe I went that fast. I can’t believe it, but we were aiming to be World Champion.”

2016 World Champion and Indianapolis winner Matthias Dolderer of Germany finished second Sunday at 1:05.546, a staggering 2.520 seconds behind Muroya’s magical run in an ultra-competitive series in which victory sometimes is decided by thousandths of a second.

The other two contenders for the World Championship entering this event, Pete McLeod of Canada and Kirby Chambliss of the United States, were eliminated in the opening Round of 14.

In this thrilling air race everything can change in a heart beat, and it does as we found in a dramatic Round of 14. McLeod’s took a three-second penalty for hitting the Air Gate at the finish line and his chance at a title disappeared.

Chambliss’ experienced his own error the took away his chances for a third career title when he hit an Air Gate on the final lap, incurring a three-second penalty. “My team performed great,” Chambliss said. “My plane was running good. It was all on me. I made a mistake out there. I was trying to be super-aggressive to put down a fast time.”

Later, cam the battle between Sonka and Muroya, in which both were fighting for the World Championships. In this race timing is everything, and both pilots faced incurred their own penalties, yet managed to move ahead. Timing monitors keep pilots on edge.

Muroya passed Mikael Brageot of France by 2.569 seconds in the Round of 8, grabbing one of the Final 4 spots. Sonka earned a boarding pass to the Final 4 by beating top qualifier Matt Hall of Australia in the Round of 8.

The stage was set for the final run, and Yoshihide Muroya of Japan flew his way to the Red Bull Air Race World Championship!

There is another pilot, who made history at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway – Melanie Astles of France is the winner of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship Challenger Class!

This is the world’s most prestigious aerobatic racing series, and all of these pilot’s have earned their wings!

Get Your Tickets To Upcoming Race At The Indianapolis Motor Speedway

For current race news, events, and to order race tickets visit www.ims.com/tickets, call the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ticket office at 317-492-6700 or 800-822-INDY, or visit the ticket office on the first floor of the IMS Administration Building at 4790 W. 16th St. in Indianapolis. Ticket office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET Monday-Friday.

Photo Credits: IMS/Chris Owens

Join The National Shrimp Festival and Other Alabama Events In October

From seafood to BBQ to high speed thrills at Talladega, there’s always seething new to experience in Alabama.

Among the upcoming events is the National Shrimp Festival in the Gulf Shores in Mid Oct. This event is one of the nation’s premier outdoor festivals featuring more than 300 vendors that offer fine art, arts and crafts, a retail marketplace, children’s activity village, 10K/5K run, live entertainment, and of course, all the Shrimp you can eat.

In Birmingham you can sample great food and wine at the Break ’n Bread Festival that will be held at Railroad Park on in October as well. Enjoy selections from Birmingham’s best local restaurants, activities for children, entertainment and more.

Race fans will gather for the Alabama 500 that offers a weekend of fun at Talladega Superspeedway. Expect thrills and excitement as the boys his the track!

Plan Your Alabama Trip:

To discover more events to join in Alabama visit Alabama Tourism Department at http://alabama.travel

Offbeat Fun and Zombies Await At Coral Crater Adventure Park

How often do you visit Hawaii? Maybe you’ve seen most of the sites, or it’s your first visit and you’re looking for something unique and offbeat to experience – we’ve got just the activity – head over to Coral Crater Adventure Park for fun for all ages, and you can hunt for Zombies! We’ve counting down the top 6 reason to visit Coral Crater Adventure Park, and enjoy all the outdoor adventures in beautiful Kapolei, Hawaii.

6. Discounts and Specials Available

Coral Crater Adventure Park has Member, Hawaii resident and military discounts available. Be sure to ask the staff about current discounts, specials and deals available when planning your adventure!

5. Professional and Friendly Staff

The park’s approximately 30 staff are specially trained to ensure a safe and fun experience for guests of all ages and experience levels. The professional staff can help you explore activities you’ve never done before like taking an Aerial adventure tour or making it to the top of the climbing wall.

4. This Is The Perfect Party and Event Destination

Coral Crater Adventure Park is the perfect places for a party. From a graduation party, wedding related event and private luaus, to team-building meetings and other celebrations as well as family gatherings you’ll find plenty of space for your activities. Plus, there are barbeque grills, imu aka underground oven pits, and full-service supplies are available.

3. Adventures For Every Age

Activities offer a a range of aerial and terrestrial forest adventures, and are available in packages or ala carte, with convenient add-on services, like lockers and round-trip shuttle transportation from Waikiki. This way you can add the activities you want without paying for those you don’t need. And, the friendly staff at Coral Crater Adventure Park can help you in planning your adventure so you get the most fun out of your visit.

“The park is designed so that it can accommodate several hundred people a day but never feels crowded,” Owen said. “Guests really get to spread out and enjoy activities without waiting in long lines.”

Among The Activities Are:

ATV tour on 1 mile of off-road terrain
Aerial adventure tower
50-foot freefall experience
Climbing and rappelling wall
50-foot giant tandem King Swing
6-line zipline course (for ages 6 and up; includes tandem and nighttime experiences)
Electric mountain bike tour
Zombie Apocalypse tactical live-action laser tag
All essential safety and rental gear, including helmets and harnesses, are included with entry.

2. They Reuse and Are Eco-Friendly

They transformed a former U.S. Navy coral quarry two multi-use areas, which means more fun for everyone! First you have a 10-acre crater for adventure activities, and then there’s the 6,000-square-foot lawn, observation deck and landscaped picnic area that is open to the public with no entry fee. Not only did they reuse a previous footprint, the park is also designed to reduce environmental and community impact, with solar power; seabird-friendly lighting; extensive recycling and composting measures; gray-water recycling and bio-friendly cleaning materials.

“Adventure parks are rapidly becoming one of the most popular outdoor activity experiences in the U.S., and for good reason – they are extremely fun and offer something for everyone,” said James Owen, CEO and owner of Coral Crater, LLC, which operates the park. “Coral Crater Adventure Park provides a fresh lineup of activities in Hawaii, enhancing recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike in a safe, convenient location.”

1. Where Else Can You Fight Off A Zombie Invasion?

Yes! The invasion has begun and soon Oahu will be swarming with the UNDEAD. All across the island, outbreaks will spread to all of the places we know and love. The government tried to contain the situation covertly. They failed. They’ve managed to isolate the zombies to Coral Crater. And, you’re one of the select few deemed worthy to undergo intense zombie survival training from our undead response unit.

Zombie Apocalypse Live is a live-action, video-game style zombie shooting experience, and the zombie killing weapon of choice is a replica M4 i it’s like using the real thing! Your weapon also features 30% actual recoil of an authentic M4 and is constructed from actual M4 bodies. This is not a plastic toy. Are you physically fit, emotionally sound and ready to blow some zombie brains out? Oh yeah, only head shots count so bring your best aim!

Plan Your Adventure At Coral Crater Adventure Park

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Coral Crater Adventure Park is a state-of-the-art park that was developed over the past 4 years after Owen, who has more than a decade of experience in the state’s visitor industry, recognized a need to expand recreation offerings on Oahu. It was designed and built by the nation’s top engineers and contractors in the adventure park industry. The park is located at the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and Enterprise Street at 91-1780 Midway Road in West Oahu, with a large bus-accessible free parking area.

From ATV tours to zip lines and live-action laser tag, Coral Crater offers thrills for everyone. For current news on adventures, and to book reservations, which are encouraged, visit the Coral Crater Adventure Park website at www.coralcrater.com or calling 808-626-5773.

Biking Along The Shoreline Bike Path In Long Beach

Long Beach is one of the nation’s most bike-friendly cities. Whether biking alone or with family or friends, Long Beach offers a multitude of amenities for bikers while they bask in the warm rays of California sunshine along the Pacific Coast.

Forget your bike? No problem, Long Beach has bike share program, in which you can rent one of 2,500 bicycles at 250 kiosks throughout the city. Another option is Wheel Fun Rentals that has a wide selection of cycles for the whole family to enjoy. From multi-seated bikes to tandems and cruisers, Wheel Fun Rentals has something for everyone. They also provided you with maps and helmets. And, with your map you can experience a self-guided bicycle tour around Shoreline Village, Naples and Seal Beach.

Once you’re ready to ride, cruise along the Shoreline Bike Path that is linked to the 29.1-mile Los Angeles River Bikeway. Along the trail you’ll enjoy a more intimate view of the Pacific Ocean as you cruise from Belmont Shores through Downtown Long Beach with plenty of places to stop, refuel, or rehydrate along the way.

After a day of biking visit thriving districts, like the East Village Arts District, brimming with galleries, coffee houses and eateries, to the charming seaside community of Belmont Shore where you can find a number of family-owned boutiques, restaurants and businesses. Steps away from the coastal town sit miles of beaches, perfect for families or sunbathers seeking relaxation and solitude. There’s so much to experience in Long Beach year round that you’ll find many options for enjoying a memorable getaway.

Plan Your Trip To Long Beach:

To explore area attractions, events, biking and recreation, and to plan your trip visit the Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau at visit http://www.VisitLongBeach.com.

To learn about the bike share program visit Bike Nation at http://wp.bikenationusa.com/, or to check out Wheel Fun Rental options visit http://www.wheelfunrentals.com/Locations/Long-Beach.

Dollywood Offers Memorable Fun and Entertainment For All Seasons

Our friends invited us to the Smoky Mountains, and one of the places to visit on our list was Dollywood. This theme park in Pigeon Forge offers so much, including the cozy Destination Dollywood lodge right next to the park. And, there are a number of exciting festivals and events like the Great Pumpkin LumiNights and Harvest Festival that is the biggest Southern gospel festival in the Smokies.

While it was a hot day, Dollywood had plenty of shaded areas, which was really nice. We found one were we could watch the Dollywood Express roll by. Around almost every corner there were places to get refreshments. Many folks we talked to were visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as we were, and a visit to Dollywood is a great way to spend an afternoon. And, if you haven’t eaten when you arrive try some of the delicious BBQ, and fixin’s.

After we stopped to eat, we enjoyed the Wings of America Birds of Prey show. At home we have rescued many animals, and continue to watch out for and care for strays whenever needed. The beautiful birds we saw were the under the care of the American Eagle Foundation, which is permitted to have the birds for educational purposes. Many of the birds were injured and would not survive in the wild. Through the program, which accepts donations, Dollywood is able to help care these birds, and share them we us.

After watching and learning about the birds in the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary we moved on the some thrilling adventures – there are several coasters – including the Thunderhead, Lightning Rod, Tennessee Tornado, and FireChaser Express that is a dual-launch coaster. Wow – what a trip – first forwards, then backwards. Yes, backwards, and it was great – couldn’t stop laughing!

If you’re looking to cool off, then check out Mountain Slidewinder, Daredevil Falls, and the Smoky Mountain River Rampage – my favorite – and yes, you can get soaked. If a slower speed is more your style, there are a few slower rides, and those designed for younger children, plus there’s the Dollywood Express that is perfect a for a relaxing trek about the scenic Great Smoky Mountains. This is an authentic steam engine that is coal-fired, and adds a memorable touch to the experience as the whistle blows and you chugs around the park. – It also makes it easy to get from one side to the other of Dollywood.

What makes a visit to Dollywood memorable is knowing that Dolly Parton cares about the community. You can feel this through the people hired to work at Dollywood, who were all so nice and helpful. They actually seemed like they enjoyed working at the park, which was refreshing to see.

Dolly was also there to help those affected by the fires that burned only a portion of Gatlinburg – Yes, there’s plenty to see and do in this charming community that is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And, Dolly continues to support the people in her community through numerous programs.

Did You Know? – Dollywood has grown a lot since it opened in 1986 – they also have a fun Waterpark – Dollywood’s Splash Country.

Whether you stay at Destination Dollywood, or are there just for the day there’s so much to see and do, you’ll have plenty of reasons to return to Dollywood again and again as we plan to do!

Plan Your Trip To Dollywood

To explore current ticket specials, festive event schedules, lodging options and advice on planning your visit to Dollywood visit their website or call 1-865-365-1900.

Don’t Miss These Music Festivals At The Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground

Music draws us in wherever we go, and, in September is the perfect time to take a nice cruise down to Brown County, Indiana for the Bill Monroe Hall of Fame and Uncle Pen Days, and William Bentley Hillbilly Wagon Train Jam.

From concerts at White River State Park in Indianapolis to hits performed by musicians like Everclear, 38 Special or Toad the Wet Sprocket at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. We enjoy the classics from Rock to Jazz, Blues to Country, and certainly love seeing new bands whenever we travel.

Among some of our favorite musical experiences are those at the Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground in Brown County, Indiana. We’ve joined many festivals here, and loved all the bands, which included the Marshall Tucker Band, who were just amazing. Tune after tune, we’ve just rocked our hearts out, and had a great time on every visit to the Music Park.

If you’ve never been to the Bill Monroe Music Park you’re missing out on a intimate music venue that’s been around since September of 1986. Here, it’s like listening to music in your own backyard, and it’s wonderful to have this place to celebrate the life and music of Bill Monroe, who died in 1996 in Springfield, TN.

Bill’s passion for music lives on today through the musicians who continue to celebrate in his honor each year at events like Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival, John Hartford Memorial Festival, Bean Blossom Southern Gospel Jubilee, Biker Fest, Bean Blossom Blues Festival, the Bill Monroe Hall of Fame and Uncle Pen Days, Biker Fest, and William Bentley Hillbilly Wagon Train Jam.

Each year, folks from around the country plan ahead to cruise into Brown County, Indiana and enjoy a weekend of great music at the Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground. There’s always plenty of great food around, and Nashville, a beautiful Artist’s Colony in Brown County, Indiana is a short drive away.

While at the Music Park and Campground be sure to visit the Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Country Star Museum. It’s a trip back in time when you visit – and makes me recall the old tunes my parents would play their old vinyl records every Sunday evening.

Have A Great Weekend In Brown County!

Plan Your Visit To The Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground

To learn about upcoming festivals, events, and more news visit the Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground online at https://www.billmonroemusicpark.com/.