NO time for boredom today

Tag: museums

  • The Ronald Reagan Library Is An Absolute Must!

    The Ronald Reagan Library Is An Absolute Must!

    I have visited approximately half of the presidential libraries and the Ronald Reagan Library located in Simi Valley California is my favorite one – so far. Both the permanent and traveling exhibits are impressive. Plus, it is located in a beautiful area of Simi Valley with spectacular mountain views from every direction. In addition, the library has the most friendly and helpful staff.

    First, the library has the Air Force One plane that Reagan flew on as president. The plane was in service from 1973 to 2001 and Reagan flew on it the most out of the seven presidents who used this particular plane. It is impressively displayed in a glass structure and visitors can walk around and through the plane. One year, we even enjoyed a fun lunch during the Christmas season where the tables were set under Air Force One. The food was delicious and the table settings and decorations were perfect.

    Speaking of Christmas, every year the library showcases an impressive number of beautifully decorated Christmas trees. This year, we enjoyed looking at 26 trees representing each decade in American history. Last year, the museum displayed trees for each Country that Reagan visited during his eight years in the White House.

    The rotating exhibits are wonderful as well. Currently, the library is curating a fun cowboy themed exhibit. Past exhibits include: the FBI, Pompeii and Auschwitz.

    Finally, no visit is complete without a visit to the gift shop. I never walk out empty-handed. I usually pick up a few fun Christmas tree ornaments. One year, I picked up a great book regarding the White House gingerbread houses.

    Front Entrance
    From the Front of the Library
    Front Entrance
    Front Entrance
    The Current Exhibit
    Statue Outside the Front Doors
    Buffalo Coat
    Congressional Gold Medal for Louis L’Amour
    Chuck Wagon
    Typical Western Saddles
    Chaps
    The Evolution of the Cowboy Hat and Birth of the Stetson
    Wild Chair
    Cattle Car
    Branding Irons Including the One Used ByWill Rogers
    The History of the Branding Iron
    Barbed Wire Was Patented
    Modern Cattle Ranching Utilizes Helicopters
    Rodeo Attire
    Reagan’s 1960 Jeep
    The Exhibit Has a Rifle Demo
    Yellowstone Television Series Costumes
    Wagon
    Trigger of Roy Rogers Fame
    Christmas Tree in the Gift Shop – Ornaments for Sale
    A Piece of the Berlin Wall
    Inauguration Clothing for the Reagan’s
    Nancy’s Second-Hand Rose Costume
    Clothes Worn by Nancy
    Sinatra Was a Huge Supporter
    In High School Nancy Starred in Her High School’s Play First Lady
    Air Force One
    Another View of Air Force One

  • The Brightest Museum – Vegas of Course!

    The Neon Museum in Las Vegas is one of those museums that appeals to everyone. For years, I have seen photos and heard great stories about it. Finally, my husband and I recently visited the place. The Neon Boneyard does not disappoint.

    The museum, founded in 1996, is located in the downtown area in the lobby of the former La Concha Motel lobby and a surrounding 2.27 acre space. Naturally, it is a dream location for taking amazing selfies and so much more. The place reeks of old rat pack Las Vegas.

    I highly recommend taking a docent tour. We learned so much. It turns out that the casinos did not own their elaborate neon signs. The signs were actually owned and serviced by companies such as the Young Electric Sign Company. Many of the signs were rescued from demolished casinos and then lovingly restored by the museum. Some of the signs go back to the 1930s and 1940s. The signs are named after neon gas which emits a red ish-orange color. However, other gases, such as argon, which reflects a blue light, are used as well. The average lifespan of a neon sign is between 8 and 15 years.

    Fremont Street still has lots of neon signs but much of Las Vegas has switched to LED signs. LED is not only provides more energy efficiency but more creative opportunities…or so “they” say. That said, I am a fan of old school Vegas glitz and really loved my time at the Neon Boneyard.

    The Iconic Hard Rock Sign
    The Museum Entrance – La Concha Motel Lobby