The Lion lies in his lair in the perpendicular face of a low cliff — for he is carved from the living rock of the cliff. His size is colossal, his attitude is noble. His head is bowed, the broken spear is sticking in his shoulder, his protecting paw rests upon the lilies of France. Vines hang down the cliff and wave in the wind, and a clear stream trickles from above and empties into a pond at the base, and in the smooth surface of the pond the lion is mirrored, among the water-lilies.

Around about are green trees and grass. The place is a sheltered, reposeful woodland nook, remote from noise and stir and confusion — and all this is fitting, for lions do die in such places, and not on granite pedestals in public squares fenced with fancy iron railings. The Lion of Lucerne would be impressive anywhere, but nowhere so impressive as where he is.

— Mark Twain, A Tramp Abroad, 1880

I also visited Lucerne, Switzerland, but I did not see the Lion Monument. I did, however, see a great bar. Backpacking across Europe is wasted on the young.

This post is part of the UpTake Monday Museums, Monuments and Memorials Series.

Photo: Dave-F via Flickr

Myrtle Beach Sky Wheel

Myrtle Beach, SC gets lots of attention for being a sunny family destination brimming with beaches, water parks and Southern hospitality. The fun has increased considerably with the opening of the SkyWheel attraction on Myrtle Beach’s new boardwalk. Flying into the airport, you’ll spot the slowing turning wheel, especially at night, when there’s a light show.  But once you get up close, you realize that it’s much more than a fancy ferris wheel. Read More »

Okay, so Monument Valley isn’t the typical kind of monument we feature in this series. You can’t argue it’s awesomeness, so we’ll just chalk its inclusion up to semantics and enjoy the moment.

Take your time.

This post is part of the UpTake Monday Museums, Monuments and Memorials Series.

Photo: snowpeak via Flickr

The Snow Village

Unpack the sweaters and haul out the snow boots, winter is on it’s way. That means lots of  outdoor holiday activities but if you’re headed to Montreal, it also means the opening of the Snow Village.  Prepare for glacial glamour at the ice hotel, snow igloos, ice restaurant and bar and of course for snow-covered nuptials, an ice chapel. Read More »