Wednesday 19 October 2016

The Leonardo

Ammon Cunningham writes about travel destinations in Utah and behind, using his avid travels as blogging details for others to plan their own adventures. From the grand landscapes of Utah’s expanse to Salt Lake City’s many offerings, Cunningham always has tidbits to share -- and that includes parks, railroads, museums and more. Located in the heart of Salt Lake City, only open since 2011, is The Leonardo. This first-of-a-kind museum allows visitors to explore science, technology, art and creativity in news ways, including how these facets connect and intertwine in new and exciting ways.

Sitting on East 500 South, this museum named for Leonardo da Vinci honors and embodies the spirit of this Renaissance Man. An artist, an engineer, a scientist, an architect, a musician, a humanitarian, and even more, the museum captures the same pieces that da Vinci explored in his own life as well as the notion of curiosity. The Leonardo’s mission centers on this goal -- to fuse science, technology and art in experiences that inspire creativity and innovation in all guests, young and old.

Run by a Board of Directors in addition to a small staff, dedicated local volunteers help The Leonardo take shape. Exhibits such as Pixel Playground, Leonardo’s Workshop and Think Math allow for hands-on activity while No Fixed Address or Perception: An Illusion of Reality introduce new ideas to visitors. The Leonardo always has something exciting occurring to open the mind, inspire thoughts and help find new answers for one and all.

Wednesday 20 July 2016

Ammon Cunningham finds a likable Dead Horse in Utah

Blogger and avid traveler Ammon Cunningham consistently searches for destinations to share with others that they can thoroughly enjoy -- places occasionally off the beaten path, including across his home state of Utah. One such location is Dead Horse Point State Park, a spot with an usual name, but with intense beauty and plenty of possibilities for the recreationally minded.

Covering 5,600 acres, Dead Horse State Park sits in the state’s eastern part, overlooking the Colorado River as well as Canyonlands National Park. Its dramatic elevation of 5,900 feet atop a cliff makes it a spectacular view of Utah’s expanse. Additionally, it also made this park an ideal location for the final scene of Thelma and Louise as the pair gaze over the Grand Canyon in the film.

Dead Horse State Park boasts ample camping with more than 20 sites for visitors in addition to miles of hiking and biking trails, picnic sites, a visitor center and more.

The park received its peculiar name because many horses died of exposure at the location as they were left behind to corral at the cliffside location by cowboys in the 19th century.