Visit Kaua`i: Kukuiolono Park

We stumbled upon Kukuiolono Park when my teammates were looking for a place to rest.  They wanted to find a place they could park in shade, so while they rested in the car, I explored the park.

The park is located at the Kukuiolono Golf Course, and includes numerous sculptures and some paths to walk along, as well as a Japanese Garden and a Hawaiian Rock Garden. 

The rock garden was very intriguing, as numerous rocks were on exhibit, and I found it so interesting to read about the background of the rocks.  

As I perused through the garden, a sense of reverence came over me, and it just felt so special to be able to get a glimpse of traditional culture and how natural objects became so integral to every day life, whether for fishing or sourcing salt.  

Kukuiolono Park
854 Puu Rd
Kalaheo, HI 96741

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Visit Texas: Landa Park

On the way back to Austin, we stopped at Landa Park to get some exercise in.  

It's an enormous park with playgrounds, a golf course, lakes, springs, paths to walk and bike, and even a mini train!

The trees are home to some huge birds! I imagine during the spring and fall the trees are full of color. 

We saw lots of people fishing, jogging, and biking. 

There are picnic tables for people to use, and I was surprised that there is a charge for non-residents during certain times of the year!

It was a nice, quick visit to Landa Park!

Landa Park
164 Landa Park Dr

New Braunfels, TX 78130

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Visit Lincoln: Veterans Memorial Garden

The Veterans Memorial Garden in Antelope Park in Lincoln, Nebraska, is a quiet place of remembrance that happens to be near the Antelope Park Playground.  As my kids played at the playground, I strolled through the Veterans Memorial Garden. 

It was quite moving to see the immense number of names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and as I came upon the memorial dedicated to the events of December 7, 1941, I reflected upon my visits to the Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.

It was a peaceful stroll, reminding me of how grateful I am to have what I have...


Veterans Memorial Garden
3200 Veterans Memorial Dr

Lincoln, NE 68502

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Visit Los Angeles: Echo Park Lake

We stumbled upon Echo Park Lake while searching for a place to kill time before checking into our hotel. 

We stopped because of the playground, but it turned out to be a great place to jog / walk.

The lake is quite a pretty sight, with a large fountain in the middle, and lots of plants, fish, and even turtles found throughout. 

Ducks and geese can be found all around the park.

There is also a small eatery as well as paddleboats for rent.

Although there were lots of homeless people camped out in the park, Echo Park Lake turned out to be a really nice place to visit.

Echo Park Lake
751 Echo Park Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90026

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Visit Minnesota: Minnehaha Falls Regional Park

Minnehaha Falls Regional Park in Minnesota is a huge park with a gushing waterfall, a playground, a cafe, and more.

Minnehaha Falls is a 53-foot waterfall that leads into the Mississippi River.

There are trails that lead you down to a beach, but because we were short on time, we simply took the kids to the playground.

 We wished we could've stayed longer - it's a nice place to picnic or hike.

Minnehaha Falls Regional Park
4801 S Minnehaha Drive

Minneapolis, MN 55417

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Visit South Dakota: Falls Park

Falls Park in South Dakota is home to the Falls of Big Sioux River.  The Falls are the main attractions of this 123-acre park, which can be seen up close, or from afar from an observation tower.

The Falls are quite powerful, with an average of 7,400 gallons of water gushing down each second.  People walk along the rocks, and it's quite scary, because one slip and it could be tragic.

The park has numerous trails for walking, a cafe, gift shop, and restrooms..

Falls Park
131 E Falls Park Dr

Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(605) 367-7430

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