Sculpture Gardens - Minneapolis

Before I moved to the Minneapolis area, I had no idea that there was a huge sculpture garden just west of I-94. I had driven that route too many times to mention, and little did I know, just on the other side of a line of trees was acres of sculpture gardens. To be completely honest, it wasn't until I was watching the Minneapolis auditions of American Idol in 2007 I believe and saw a cherry on a spoon that I started inquiring about this odd piece of art. Surely, it wasn't in downtown. How could it be? There isn't enough room for that. I have been downtown so many times and haven't seen a trace of it. Then I spent a few days at my brother's place in South Minneapolis and I begged him to take me there.

Holy Moly! These sculpture gardens are huge! There are so many sculptures and I didn't even know they were there! Turns out American Idol had it right, there is a huge cherry on a spoon, right there in Minneapolis. And boy, is it gorgeous! The "Spoonbridge and Cherry" is the focal point of the gardens, and there are so many others there, too, that it took us probably 3 hours to stroll the many acres. It is fun to just hang out there for an afternoon, taking in the artsy side of MPLS.

A great feature of the gardens is a bridge you can cross, spanning right above the 6 lanes of I-94. It's kinda freaky at first, walking above the traffic, but then it sets in and is very cool! The gardens are also cool to see from above. Knowing me and photography, I had fun thinking up different angles and different opportunities.

As much of a secret as the sculpture gardens are in Minneapolis, I would tell all my friends about it. It is a great place to go for relaxation, to study, to take your kids and let them loose, or to just come see another unique side of Minneapolis. 

Hollywood Walk of Fame - SoCal

The lyrics of "Celluloid Heroes", a song by The Kinks, tell us: "You can see all the stars as you walk down Hollywood Blvd..." This is 100% true if you look down at your feet. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a sidewalk on Hollywood Blvd. that serves as an entertainment museum. The stars go down several blocks, and come to their resting place at Grauman's Chinese Theater where they hold the Academy Awards!

Right next to the Chinese Theater is the Kodak Theater, famous for where they hold the American Idol finals, and also the ESPY Awards and the BET Awards, among others. Many headliners have performed here as well.

Directly across from the Kodak Theater is where they tape the late show, Jimmy Kimmel Live! There was actually a line for a viewing of the late show, slated to air that same night!

What is amazing about all these buildings is that they are all so close together. When we see Award shows on TV, they give the impression that these theaters are secluded more. When you see them up close, you are doubting the fact that these buildings are big enough to hold a huge crowd, like the finals of American Idol. Looks can really be deceiving!

Tips on the Walk of Fame:
-The Walk of Fame is a big tourist destination any time of the year, so be patient and allow time.