We met Team Redbull for a very informative, and hot, tour around downtown Columbus. We were hoping for more company, but it made for a nice small tour of the 7 gems of Columbus:
1) Yellow Neon Chandelier by Dale Chihuly was a glass sculpure commisioned specifically for the visitor's center.
2) Irwin Gardens is one of our favorite places to escape on the weekends. We know several people that have taken their engagement or wedding pictures here. From the secret garden and scholarly busts, to the animal head foutains that trail up a grand staircase, this is an amazing secret right next to the county library.
3) Large Arch by Henry Moore is our very own version of stone henge in front of the library. We got to walk all around it and lightly rap on the bronze for a dull peeling sound. This courtyard is home to the annual Pop Fest, although it was moved because of rain this year. Pop Fest is another one of my favorite festivals in Columbus and the Large Arch stoicly stands watch.
4) Eos by Dessa Kirk is our favorite sculpture in Columbus, even though it is relatively new. Eos is known as the Titan of the dawn in greek mythology, but it's kinda of weird that she faces sunset. I guess she is supposed to appear like she is rising with the sun in the east. Dessa Kirk models her sculptures with her face, so she really does put herself into her work.
5) Mill Race Park has drained and dried out a bit, and it is still as pretty as ever. It's hard to believe that it used to be called Death Valley, but the recent floods were just a reminder. We are looking forward to the Hospice concert this fall and have enjoyed several other events here. This is one of our favorite parts of the the people trails and we even climbed to the top of the tower, but there was some debate over how many steps we took. We also learned something new; next time you're in Mill Race, look closely at the metel roof of the bathrooms. The Men's side is shaped like an "M" and the Women's side is shaped like a "W."
6) Second Street Bridge is huge and anyone that's been to Columbus knows about it. It is a welcoming sight when you head into town and see the courthouse framed in the distance. Nothing compares to cruising on the motorcycle over the bridge on a warm summer night. Both the bridge and courthouse are well lit and give us a warm feeling of being home.
7) Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans is last but certainly not least. As you approach this monolith, you can see the 25 limestone 4-sided pillars that commemorate the men that have fallen in the 100 years of modern warfare. Their names are etched on the pillars, and as you walk into the heart of the monument, their letters and diary entries are etched as well. It gives us mixed emotions of sorrow and pride. If you come at night, it is well lit and adds even more to the effect.
We enjoyed our tour and learned quite a bit about the surrounding architecture as well as the Seven Wonders of Columbus.
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