Erected as a memorial to the soldiers and sailors of the War for the Union (1861-65), the monument also commemorates the War with Mexico (1846-48), Indian and British Wars (1811-12), War of the Revolution and the capture of Vincennes from the British on February 25, 1779. The Monument rises from a circular plaza, 342 feet in diameter, where once stood the governor’s house–but where no governor ever lived. At the lower level of the Monument is a Civil War exhibit. My nieces enjoyed throwing coins into the fountains. During the Christmas season, lights are strung from the top of the monument down to the bottom, making a huge tree shape that gets me into the Christmas spirit. There are horse carriage rides for those wishing to take a tour of the city.

The Hotel Caruso Belvedere is set at the highest point in the sun-splashed Amalfi Coast town of Ravello, so the open-air infinity pool offers unobstructed, panoramic views of one of the world’s most dramatic coastlines—and the sea beyond. It doesn’t hurt that the pool itself is flanked by 11th-century Roman ruins.

See more of these beautiful pools and their locations at World’s Most Amazing Hotel Pools via the Budget Travel website.

We visited Wildwood and the New Jersey waterparks when my daughter graduated from Coast Guard training 5 years ago. If you have ever watched an old movie that was set on the beach and showed the boardwalks, it was probably near Wildwood. Morey’s Piers is a classic, family owned resort area that includes fun amusement rides, waterparks and outstanding accommodations.

Morey’s Piers is hosting the Radio Disney Summer Concert Series that includes many of your favorite top Radio Disney artists. The concerts are free so make your teen happy with this fabulous addition to your vacation plans.

Check out the Morey’s Piers website for directions, hours and lodging information. This will be a vacation spot that will become a favorite for your family.

I have another question. Do you rely on a service like MapQuest to get you to a destination? Have you had good luck with MapQuest? I only ask because I put in addresses to find the best route to our son’s reception and got some crazy directions! I hope none of our guests rely totally on MapQuest. Yahoo Directions website was more reliable in this instance.

Unlike any other travel site, FatPassport provides personlized information on your trip. That means you can put in the variables pertinent to your particular situation and FatPassport can find the best travel destination, price, and other amenities that suit your specific needs. No more money wasted on trips that aren’t exactly your cup of tea! We have all felt the sting on our wallets when we arrive at a destination and find it isn’t at all what we expected. I remember arriving at a rental in Myrtle Beach that had me gagging. The smell of cat pee was so bad that we demanded a different rental. FatPassport can avoid those types of things from happening.

At FatPassport you can talk to other travelers to see how they like a place you are considering. You will be able to see activities happening in your destination area of which you are not aware. I especially enjoyed the pictures submitted by other travelers.

FatPassport makes it easy to book hotels and flights. I am ready to go!

Lincoln Bicentennial
Visit the National Quilt Museum’s Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial exhibit opening February 6. This contest exhibit, sponsored by the American Quilter’s Society, illustrates the diverse appreciation for Lincoln’s legacy demonstrated through fiber arts.

Black History Month
Celebrate Black History Month with the Paducah Symphony Orchestra’s presentation of In a Metropolitan Mood, featuring vocalist Abby Burke. Burke performs music of African-American entertainers including Duke Ellington, B.B. King and other legends, who stayed at the Hotel Metropolitan during segregation. The performance takes place on February 21 at the beautiful Carson Center, Paducah’s state-of-the-art venue for performing arts.

Paducah is the perfect place for couples to sneak away for a romantic weekend. Distinct dining options and innovative cuisine offer something for every appetite and budget. Fans of the performing arts can choose from Paducah’s engaging selection of cultural offerings.

Paducah’s lodging and dining choices are also as diverse and eclectic as the city itself. Enjoy a memorable stay at a beautifully restored inn located in the heard of historic Downtown, a LowerTown artist’s guest room, or cozy bed and breakfast just minutes away from town. If familiarity is more your style, Paducah has nearly 30 well-known hotels/motels just waiting to serve you.

Besides the festivals, which are fabulous, there are so many things to do in Chicago. I haven’t been to the Shedd Aquarium since our kids were in grade school, over 20 years ago. Yikes! I am sure they have new exhibits by now. Your kids will love the chance to get up close and personal with Harry Potter artifacts at the Museum of Science and Industry!

The testaments of those who have experienced the relaxing spa treatments that soothe the senses or a medical facial Chicago style have said they would not go anywhere else for medical treatment.

Experience gorgeous art and fill your senses with the cultural experiences of the city’s art and literature fairs. Sure, Chicago has some of the best libraries and art museums in the world but the one-of-a-kind fairs are a lot more fun with the beautiful Chicago skyline in the background.

You already missed the Chicago Blues Festival held earlier this month. Plan to visit Chicago soon!

The ice sculptures are another sight to behold. I was lucky enough to watch as an ice carver made a beautiful swan. I don’t know how they know where to start and stop. I am sure I would have a blob of ice if it were me making the sculpture.

The rooms are anything from simple to luxurious depending on the amount of money you want to spend. Even the least expensive rooms are still fun when your host makes monkeys out of your towels. Each day is a treat.

There are many theme cruises. From Elvis to Gospel quartets, join up with like minded enthusiasts. I have been reading as a quilting cruise is being planned. That would be my dream!

The first prize entails a three night stay in New York City on New Years Eve! This includes luxurious hotel accommodations, and a helicopter ride for two over the city. Imagine yourself on New Year eve, bringing in the new year in such a fantastic mode. I can hardly fathom how exciting that would be.

The second trip is called Blullapalooza. This trip centers around Lollapalooza, which is being held in Chicago August 7-9. Have you seen the lineup for this year’s Lollapalooza? Jane’s Addiction, Beastie Boys, and The Killers are the only names this old person recognizes but I am sure the rest of you know all the big names. This trip includes two tickets to the event and a two night stay in a luxurious hotel.

The third trip is called BluStreak. I was recently watching ESPN and saw a participant in the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Well, guess what? The winner of this trip will get two nights in a luxurious hotel, and two tickets for the driving experience. I could be the next Danica Patrick!

The fourth trip is the one I want to win. We went to Breckenridge this past March and I want to go back! This trip is for a trip to Aspen, which is close enough to Breckenridge for me, and is named ExtremeBlu. Why the extreme you ask? Because you will be awarded, as winner of this prize, two tickets to the Winter X Games and three nights in a luxurious hotel.

The fifth prize is a gaming package, BluGamer. You get an XBox360 Elite package, Rock Band 2 bundle, Call of Duty: World at War Complete Package, and a wireless adapter. Wowzers!

So, just what do you have to do to win one of these fabulous prizes?

Go to their contest page and leave a comment, letting them know which prize you want to win, and why. Don’t forget, I want to win the Aspen trip. Just kidding. Go ahead and name that one as your prize wish. Pout

Or Tweet about the contest. Tweet which prize you want to win, being sure to use #bluword and http://bit.ly/UiiJy in your tweet.

Writing a blog post can also get you entered. Just make sure you leave a comment on the contest page, letting them know the URL to your post.

In 1968, Mrs. Matilda Laumeier bequeathed the first 72 acres of the future Laumeier Sculpture Park, together with a large story-and-a-half house of cut stone, to the people of St. Louis County in memory of her husband, Henry H. Laumeier, for the benefit of the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. In 1975, the park was proposed as a possible site for the exhibition of sculpture and the concept of Laumeier Sculpture Park emerged. Catapulted by a collaborative of citizen leaders in the arts, education and business communities, Laumeier Sculpture Park was incorporated in September 1977; over the years it has grown to 105-acres. Laumeier Sculpture Park today has over 300,000 visitors annually.

Throughout the years, Laumeier has been the beneficiary of a long list of generous individuals and corporations who helped develop Laumeier into what it is today.

The park is located at 12580 Rott Rd, St Louis, MO. Check out the Music + Movies series at About.com. Music + Movies pairs performances from local musicians with popular movies. The music begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Laumeier Outdoor Music Amphitheatre, followed by the night’s featured movie at 8:30 p.m. You are going to love the price: FREE! There is also free parking available next to the park.