CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART: The Largest Art Museum to open in the USA since 1974.

© 2012 Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Reprinted with permission.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, located in Bentonville, Arkansas, is the largest art museum to open in the USA in over three decades!!

It takes its name from Crystal Spring—a natural spring on the Museum's wooded site that feeds into the Museum ponds—and from the unique bridge construction incorporated into the building design.

Opened in late 2011, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art was founded and endowed thru the generosity of Alice Walton, daughter of Walmart founder, Sam Walton.  The Crystal Bridges art collection offers a superb overview of American art, including American masterworks as well as surprising lesser-known gems from the Colonial era to contemporary work. Sculpture in the collection graces interior galleries and outdoor trails. 

The building was designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie. Safdie is an architect, urban planner, educator, theorist, and author who embraces a comprehensive and humane design philosophy. Safdie is committed to architecture that responds to human needs and aspirations and is informed by the geographic, social, and cultural elements that define a place.

© 2012 Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Reprinted with permission.

The trails and grounds of Crystal Bridges are a must-see part of the Museum experience. More than 3.5 miles of trails wind through the Museum's 120-acre site, providing guests with access to the beautiful Ozark landscape. Highlights include the historic Crystal Spring, for which the Museum is named, and several outdoor sculptures along the Art Trail. Designed to spark the imagination, the trails help guests form connections to the land and its history, as well as learn about art and Arkansas plant life.

Crystal Bridges' permanent collection spans five centuries of American masterworks ranging from the Colonial era to the current day. Included within the collection are iconic images such as Asher B. Durand's Kindred Spirits, Rosie the Riveter by Norman Rockwell, and Andy Warhol's Dolly Parton, each reflecting a distinct moment in American artistic evolution. In addition to historical works, the Museum's collection also showcases major works by modern and contemporary American artists, including Roy Lichtenstein, James Turrell, and Georgia O'Keeffe, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to experience the full scope of American art. Crystal Bridges will continue to grow its collection through the efforts of its professional staff as well as through important gifts from private collectors.

The permanent collection, which is on view year-round, is further enhanced by an array of ongoing temporary exhibitions.

Norman Rockwell
Triple Self-Portrait, (detail), 1959
Oil on canvas, 44 1/2" x 34 1/3"
Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, February 13, 1960
©1960 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN
From the permanent collection of Norman Rockwell Museum
Reprinted with permission.

On temporary exhibit at Crystal Bridges in the Spring of 2013 is American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell, which was organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge, Massachusetts. This exhibition has been made possible with the generous support from National Endowment for the Arts, American Masterpieces Program; the Henry Luce Foundation; Curtis Publishing Company; Norman Rockwell Family Agency; and the Stockman Family Foundation.  It was also sponsored at Crystal Bridges by the Bob Bogle Family, Cadillac of Bentonville, the Paul and June Carter Family, ConAgra Foods, Hallmark Cards, Inc.

The Museum's restaurant, Eleven, offers modern American comfort food in a setting as vibrant and exciting as its menu.  Enjoy familiar favorites from the South and Midwest, prepared with an innovative twist. Eleven is open for lunch service daily, and dinner on Wednesdays and Fridays. Picnic lunches are available seasonally to take out onto the Museum grounds.

  © 2012 Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Reprinted with permission

The Museum Store—designed by Marlon Blackwell—is located across the courtyard from the Museum's main lobby. The Store offers educational and art-centric toys and games, a wide selection of books, gifts, jewelry, apparel inspired by the Museum's permanent collection, and prints of many of the most popular works. Original works by the finest artists and artisans in the region are also available for purchase, along with classic home décor and glassware by notable American designers.

The Crystal Bridges Library offers a large collection of art reference materials that are available to scholars, students, educators, and community members who wish to learn more about American art and cultural heritage. An emphasis is given to resources that reflect the Museum's permanent collection. The Library will be open to the public during all Museum public hours, and will feature changing exhibitions of books and other materials related to current Museum exhibitions.

We are proud to be including Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art for the first time in 2013 as part of our custom-designed heritage tour, PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES AND FALL FOLIAGE OF THE MIDWEST©, which we will be taking by deluxe motorcoach, October 20-28, 2013.   Reservations close August 1, 2013.    Details and pricing are on our Website at: http://www.snobbytours.com/PrezLibMidwestFFChicago.html  

(Source materials: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art 

© 2013 Snobby Tours^®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

ECLECTIC LOS ANGELES ARCHITECTURE - Part 1 of a series: Early Settlement©

LOS ANGELES.  Its very name conjures up images of palm trees, sandy beaches, film studios and movie premiers, beautiful people who never seem to age, and an extravagant, sometimes "over-the-top", lifestyle.

But in the mid-1800s, that was hardly the case.  

The name "Los Angeles" is Spanish for The Angels. There is much more to this name, however.  In 1769, Father Juan Crespi, a Franciscan priest accompanying the first European land expedition through California, wrote in his journal about a beautiful river they had discovered.  In 1781, a new settlement was established along that same river. That settlement officially came to be known as "El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles", or "The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels".

The oldest house still in existence within the City of Los Angeles is the Avila Adobe, which  is located on Olvera Street, in an area which has preserved Los Angeles' Spanish and Mexican history.

Avila Adobe, late19th century
(Photo source unknown) 

The Avila Adobe was constructed in 1818 by a wealthy land-grant owner, Francisco José Avila, who was mayor of Los Angeles in 1810. Members of the Avila family resided in the Avila Adobe until 1868. From 1868 to the early 1920s, the Adobe went through multiple uses, including being used as a restaurant and as a rooming house.

Historic Olvera Street started out as a short lane called Wine Street.  In 1877 the street was extended and its name changed to Olvera Street in honor of Agustin Olvera, who owned a home at the end of the street across from the Plaza, and who was the first county judge of Los Angeles.

The Olvera Street Plaza, circa 1886
(Photo reprinted courtesy of Los Angeles Public Library Photo Archives)

Several historic buildings line Olvera Street, including the Avila Adobe, the Pelanconi House -- the oldest brick house in the city, dating from 1855 -- and the Sepulveda House, a Victorian structure in the Eastlake style, built in 1887 as both a residence and commercial building.

By 1903 the street had considerably declined, and an electrical substation was built next to the Avila Adobe to provide power for Los Angeles' electric streetcars. The Italian Hall, a center for Italian organizations, was constructed in 1907 at the north end of Olvera Street.  Across the street, the Italian winery expanded its building in 1914.

The condition of Avila Adobe deteriorated over the following years and was finally condemned in 1926 by the City Health Department.  This caught the attention of socialite Christine Sterling, who during a visit to the Plaza and Olvera Street in 1926, was so appalled by the run-down condition of the oldest part of the City, that she began a public campaign to save the Adobe and Olvera Street.   With a vibrant future of the Olvera Street area in mind, Sterling envisioned a colorful Mexican marketplace and cultural focal center. With funding provided by several influential businessmen and publicity from the Los Angeles Times, she established a corporation to revitalize Olvera Street.  

Descendants of the Avila family gave permission to allow Sterling to renovate the Adobe.  In addition, she solicited money, materials and labor to accomplish the repairs. Unusual help received by Mrs. Sterling included engineers from the City Department of Water and Power who drew up plans to grade the street, and the Sheriff's Department who provided prisoners to do the labor.  In 1929, the Los Angeles City Council closed Olvera Street to automobile and bus traffic, creating a lovely pedestrian avenue for people to stroll, shop and dine -- as seen in the attached vintage video produced back in 1937 as a travel promotion, and which is reflective of the 1930s.



Today, both the Avila Adobe and Olvera Street are part of the Los Angeles Plaza Historic District, which is a designated California State Historic Park.  The entire District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and Avila Adobe is a registered California Historical Landmark.  The Avila Adobe is open to the public as a museum -- furnished as it might have appeared in the late 1840s -- and Olvera Street is a favourite of locals as well as tourists seeking a "peek" at what life was like in early Los Angeles.

Avila Adobe and Olvera Street are included in our  "Los Angeles Architecture -- An Eclectic Landscape"© custom-designed itinerary, May 1-7, 2013.  For more information about this unique and comprehensive heritage and cultural tour covering L.A.'s architectural history from "early settlement to the present", visit us at http://www.snobbytours.com/EclecticLAarchitecture.html  Reservations close March 1, 2013. 

(Photo and Audiovisual sources :   City of Los Angeles, Olvera-Street.com, L.A Public Library Photo Archives)

© 2013 Snobby Tours^®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

EISENHOWER PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM: A Glimpse into the Life and Times of the WWII General and Post-WWII US President

While serving in office, President Franklin D. Roosevelt inventoried the vast quantities of papers and other materials he and his staff had accumulated. Up to that time, many Presidential papers and records had either been lost, destroyed, sold for profit, or ruined by poor storage conditions.

President Roosevelt sought a viable solution.  Advised by a number of noted historians and scholars, he established a public repository to preserve the evidence of the Presidency for future generations.

Beginning a tradition that continues to this day, Roosevelt raised funds from private resources for the new facility and then designated its operation by the United States government through the National Archives.  

Official portrait of Eisenhower
(c) NARA.  All Rights Reserved,

One of the Presidential Libraries which are the legacy of FDR's vision, is the Dwight David  Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, located in Abilene, Kansas.  This facility is part of the Presidential Libraries System administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

Abilene, Kansas was selected as the site for the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, even though Dwight David Eisenhower was not born in Abilene, Kansas, nor did he die there.  During his lifetime, however, he credited the years he spent in the central Kansas town as among the most important of his life.

The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum grounds are comprised of several structures.  The two most prominent are the Museum and the Library, which are housed separately.  

Building exteriors consist of Kansas limestone with landscaping using blue stem grass. Marble interior walls are Bookmatched Loreda Chiaro, Italy.   Floors are Roman travertine trimmed with Breche d'Alep & Rouge Fleuri marble from France. 

The Museum was built by the Eisenhower Foundation, with funds raised through public gifts, and is constructed of Kansas limestone. Originally dedicated on Veterans Day in 1954, the Museum was designed to house the materials and objects related to Dwight D. Eisenhower's life. It contains over 30,000-square feet of gallery space, with exhibits showing not only the fine art objects collected by and given to Eisenhower, but also the story of his careers as military leader and President of the United States.

The Library provides a place for scholars to come to work with the historical materials housed there. 

One of the most interesting aspects of the Library is its Oral History Collection.  This Collection  has been built upon two major components: (1) the Eisenhower Presidential Library's own interviews,  and (2) approximately 500 transcripts acquired through a cooperative arrangement with Columbia University's Oral History Project. A third and smaller component consists of a number of oral history interviews donated to the Library by various institutions and individuals.

The list of oral history transcripts gives the names of the persons interviewed, and also the principal positions held by them during the Eisenhower administration or their personal relationship to Dwight D. Eisenhower as documented by their interviews.

The following excerpt is from Eisenhower's speech given at the time of the ground-breaking of the Library on October 13, 1959:  "When this library is filled with documents, and scholars come here to probe into some of the facts of the past half century, I hope that they, as we today, are concerned primarily with the ideals, principles, and trends that provide guides to a free, rich, peaceful future in which all peoples can achieve ever-rising levels of human well-being."


The Dwight David  Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, located in Abilene, Kansas, is one of the five (5) Presidential Libraries located in the US Midwest which we will be touring by Motorcoach during Fall Foliage from October 20-28, 2013. Reservations close August 1, 2013.  Details and pricing are on our Website at: http://www.snobbytours.com/PrezLibMidwestFFChicago.html  

(Source materials: NARA. Materials and photos  produced by Federal agencies are in the public domain unless otherwise noted.)

© 2013 Snobby Tours^®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO -- The oldest capital city in North America and the oldest European community west of the Mississippi River.

Settled in the early 17th Century by Franciscan missionaries, as well as Spanish military and governmental officials, life in Early Santa Fe was often filled with conflict.  The indigenous Native Americans, the Pueblos, who lived in the region, had a population at that time of approximately 100,000 people speaking nine different languages and living in an estimated 70 villages.

Although what was to become the town of Santa Fe was inhabited by the Spanish as early as 1607, the conquistador Don Pedro de Peralta is credited with truly settling it around 1610, when Santa Fe was established by the Spanish Governor as the capital of New Mexico.  At the time, Santa Fe was still part of the empire of "New Spain".

Santa Fe's site originally had been occupied by a number of Pueblo villages dating back to between 1050 and 1150 A.D.  Archeologists who have studied the site generally agree that these "pre-Spanish conquest" villages had been abandoned by the 14th Century, at least 200 years before the Spanish arrived, although Pueblos were still living in the region.   

In 1540, the conquistador Don Francisco Vasques de Coronado, first claimed the "Kingdom of New Mexico" for the Spanish Crown, but it was not until 1598 that the first Governor-General of New Mexico, Don Juan de Onate, established New Mexico's capital at San Juan Pueblo located 25-miles north of present-day Santa Fe.

Santa Fe at the base of Sangre de Christo Mountains
_©Snobby Tours^®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Upon the retirement of Onate in 1609, Don Pedro de Peralta was appointed Governor-General.  Peralta and his men mapped out the plan for Santa Fe to be located at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, on the site of an ancient Pueblo ruin named "Kaupoge", which translated means "place of shell beads near the water", and in 1610, moved the capital to present-day Santa Fe.

In 1610, the oldest continuously operating "public building" in America, the Palace of the Governors, was built on the plaza, and still stands at that location.

Santa Fe quickly became the "hub of commerce" between New Mexico and the country of Mexico to its south.  However, over the next 70 years, tensions increased between the Pueblos of the region and the Spanish who sought to convert the Pueblos to Christianity.

_{©Palace of the Governors
Reprinted with permission.}

Finally, in 1680, the Pueblos revolted.  At the time, there were around 2,500 Spanish colonists in New Mexico, 400 of which were killed by the Pueblos, and the remaining colonists driven back in Mexico.  The only building in Santa Fe which was not sacked and burned by the Pueblos was the Palace of the Governors.  

For the next 12 years, the Pueblos occupied Santa Fe;  however, in 1692, Don Diego de Vargas re-conquered the region and entered Santa Fe after a bloodless siege.

The Santa Fe "Fiesta", which is celebrated in early September of each year, was established in 1712 to commemorate the Spanish re-conquest of New Mexico in the summer of 1692. This "Fiesta" is now the oldest community celebration in the US. 

Present-day Santa Fe is a vibrant mixture of Native American and Hispanic history, architecture, visual and performing arts, historical and art museums, culture and cuisine, and has become a favourite touring destination of Americana Heritage Tours by Snobby Tours®, Inc.™, which in 2013 is again offering its very popular, reasonably priced Santa Fe Getaway© Tour Package, April 17-22, 2013. For details, pricing and to book our Santa Fe Getaway© Tour Package, link to:  http://www.snobbytours.com/SantaFeGetaway.html

(Resources and Photo credits:  Santa Fe CVB, National Park Service, Palace of the Governors)

_©2012 Snobby Tours®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, CALIFORNIA -- There's literally something for everyone!

Nestled in picturesque Central California and dotted with numerous vineyards, the SANTA YNEZ VALLEY was featured prominently in the 2004 movie "Sideways" which not only engaged wine-lovers and romantics alike, but which also became synonymous with quintessential California wine touring.

Vineyards and Vistas
reprinted with permission

The beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley lies in its many enchanting wineries -- some of which are housed in replicas of opulent European chateaux and villas -- and in its magnificent countryside which provides views of vistas from the inland valley to the Pacific Ocean. It's the perfect destination for an extended relaxing trip, and also boasts of wonderful restaurants, rustic small towns, and unique shopping opportunities.

Olive Oil Tasting
reprinted with permission

While in the Valley, you can also discover the charm of the town of Los Olivos with its "Old West" main street where you can visit an olive oil maker to sample many varieties of unique olive oils. Our personal favourite is the walnut-flavoured olive oil with its smooth, buttery taste.

There is also the town of Santa Ynez known for its "Old West" architecture.  It is in stark contrast  to the quaint village of Solvang settled just over 100 years ago by Danish educators and pastors.  Solvang is the perfect "base" from which to take day trips to regional wineries, some of which are sustainable vineyards.

Miniature Horse Farm outside Solvang
_©Snobby Tours^®, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Taking scenic Hwy 154 southeast from Solvang winds through landscapes dotted with both miniature and thoroughbred horse farms and vineyards down to beautiful, sophisticated Santa Barbara known for its red-tiled roofs and Spanish architecture, its world-class art museum, fabulous regional cuisine, gorgeous beach, historic Spanish Mission, and its numerous local artisan shops and galleries. Restaurants offer outstanding dining experiences featuring fresh produce from nearby sustainable growers and often coupled with award-winning varietals from local area wineries, including (but not limited to!) Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Merlot.

With a moderate climate, beautiful scenery and peaceful country living, it’s no wonder the Santa Ynez Valley has become a favourite destination of our travelers over the years.

Each year, in August, we offer a unique, custom-designed, reasonably priced Itinerary to this delectable destination -- and a substantial "Early Bird Reservation Discount" for early booking.   For further info, pricing and Itinerary details, link to:  http://www.snobbytours.com/SolvangSantaYnezWineries.html

HERITAGE TOUR SPOTLIGHT: "In the Footsteps of the Tudor Monarchs"

Who isn't fascinated by Henry VIII who changed wives almost as often as he changed his tunic. . . . . or Queen Elizabeth I who was known as "The Virgin Queen"?  

Portrait of Henry VIII by C. Walker
©The Art Gallery, reprinted with permission 

Their intrigues and manipulations -- sometimes seeming like a Greek tragedy -- have inspired Shakespeare and other writers to modern times.

Sudeley Castle
 reprinted with permission

Our custom-created "In the Footsteps of the Tudor Monarchs©" Tour brings alive the story of the scandals and intrigues surrounding the Tudor monarchs from Henry VII, his son Henry VIII (and his six wives), Henry’s children, the sickly Edward VI who died so young, the tyrannical Mary I, Elizabeth I whose death in 1603 brought an end to the Tudor line, and Lady Jane Grey who reigned for just nine days.

You will ‘walk in the footsteps’ of these Tudor  monarchs, visit the places associated with them, such as Hever Castle, Kenilworth Castle and Hatfield House, and experience what life would have been like in their times.

This particular Tudors Tour and post-Tour optional extension were created by Ambient Tours, a British tour company, at the request of Snobby Tours®, Inc. 

It has  been specifically scheduled from May 27- June 2, 2012 in order for you to have the option to extend your stay thru June 6, 2012 in the London area afterwards to enjoy the festivities surrounding the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Queen Elizabeth II -- a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience!!   This special "post-tour optional extension" for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Celebration gives you the opportunity to see first-hand the royal pagentry and celebratory events as the British know how to do so extraordinarily well.  For details, a complete Itinerary and pricing,  visit our Website by linking to:  http://www.snobbytours.com/TudorTourQueensJubilee2012.html.

HERITAGE SPOTLIGHT: Danish and Spanish History in Central California

SOLVANG, CALIFORNIA. A little "off the radar" to non-Californians, it's a bit of Denmark in the heart of California's Central Valley wine country, and is situated near the more famous SANTA BARBARA.

Solvang
_©Snobby Tours, Inc. All Rights Reserved

The 100-year-old Danish town of Solvang is often referred to as "Little Denmark, Danish capital of America".  It was founded by three Danish immigrants who were educators and pastors. The name "Solvang" itself means "sunny fields".

Solvang was incorporated in 1911, and acquired almost 10,000 acres of prime land in the Santa Ynez Valley. Advertisements appeared in Danish-language newspapers around the world. Early land purchasers, almost all Danish, came from other parts of California, the US Midwest, and Denmark.

Today, Solvang still looks like a Danish village and is filled with shops and restaurants which capitalize on its heritage. Bakeries abound, too. Solvang has recently been named a "Preserve America Community" by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C.

Santa Barbara
_©Snobby Tours, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Nearby is charming, sophisticated Santa Barbara -- often called "the American Riviera". Originally home to Spanish missionaries, Historic Santa Barbara roots trace back to the Old Mission Santa Barbara which was founded by the Franciscan Friar Fermin de Lasuén on the Feast of Santa Barbara, December 4, 1786. Modern Santa Barbara is an urbane, very cultured "bedroom community" to Los Angeles and is home to many of Hollywood's rich and famous. Strolling along State Street, sitting in sidewalk cafés, taking various guided walking tours, and visiting the superb Santa Barbara Museum of Art are all part of the ambiance of Downtown Santa Barbara.

Each August, just before annual grape harvesting in the Santa Ynez Valley, Snobby Tours®  offers our Solvang/Santa Ynez Valley Wineries/Santa Barbara custom-designed, reasonably priced Itinerary that has become one of our most popular tours. (NOTE:  We offer an  "Early Bird Reservation Discount" -- a substantial savings -- for booking early!)

For more information and to book our fun and interesting personalized "Solvang and Santa Ynez Valley Wineries©" heritage, cultural and culinary Tour, visit our Website at: http://www.snobbytours.com/SolvangSantaYnezWineries.html