TRAVEL WITH SERENA - ROCKIN' CLEVELAND

The Cleveland Hotel reflected in an office building across the street

Two weeks ago author Lois Winston attended the Bouchercon World Mystery Convention in Cleveland and was pleasantly surprised by the Forest City, as it’s known. The convention – a huge gathering of mystery writers, publishing professionals and fans – is named for mystery author, science-fiction editor, and San Francisco Chronicle reviewer Anthony Boucher who died in 1968. 

Ceiling leading into entrance of Cleveland Hotel from Terminal Tower

The convention was held at the Cleveland Hotel, an architectural marvel that has been a landmark in downtown Cleveland since it was built in 1918 on Public Square. Public Square is considered the city’s historic heart and soul. Known as the Grand Dame of Cleveland, the Cleveland Hotel, now the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, has hosted many presidents and world dignitaries over the years.

Courtyard of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Cleveland is also known as the rock and roll capital of the world and is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The term “Rock and Roll” was first coined by Alan Freed, a Cleveland disc jockey in the early 1950’s.

In sharp contrast to the old world charm of the Cleveland Hotel, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is an ultra-modern structure designed to resemble a glass pyramid. The opening ceremonies for Bouchercon were held at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

Beatles inspired guitar displayed in mall inside Public Tower

The courtyard of the museum was filled with the results of GuitarMania, a public art project that raised two million dollars for the United Way of Greater Cleveland and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s education programs. 10-ft. tall Fender® Statocaster® guitars were transformed into works of art by local artists and national celebrities. Additional guitars are displayed throughout Cleveland. The guitars will be auctioned off this coming Saturday at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But the cool thing is, you don’t have to be in Cleveland on Saturday to bid on a guitar. Anyone interested in owning one can bid online.

Cleveland rocked for Lois. You might want to put the city on your must-see list and let it rock for you.

PARTYING IN CLEVELAND

All the American Woman editors have stowed away in author Lois Winston's luggage and are headed to Cleveland for Bouchercon. If you're lucky enough to be joining us at B'con Lois Winston will be taking part in a panel called Those Crafty Sleuths at 9am Friday. Joining her on the panel will be fellow authors Joanna Campbell Slan, Mollie Cox Bryan, Penny Warner, and Kylie Logan. There will be prizes!

Also, stop by the craft room Friday at 3pm or Saturday at 1pm for a crafting party where Lois and I will be teach you how to make a fabric yo-yo greeting card. For those of you who won't be joining us in Cleveland, stop back on Monday for the craft directions. -- AP

TRAVEL WITH SERENA -- ST. LOUIS, MO

Author Lois Winston, who writes those books about yours truly (check out the sidebar to the right), is heading off to St. Louis to take part in the Bouchercon mystery convention where she’ll be talking all about ME! So travel editor Serena Brower thought today might be a good time to give you a bit of trivia about St. Louis. -- AP

Thanks, Anastasia! Of course, everyone knows St. Louis is in Missouri, which is known as the “Show Me State.” Ever wonder where that expression came from? It heralds back to 1899 when Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver said, “I’m from Missouri, and you’ve got to show me.” The saying stuck and became the state motto.

Here are some more facts and trivia specific to St. Louis:

For those of you looking for a vacation that doesn’t break the bank, St. Louis offers more free visitor attractions than any other U.S. city besides Washington, DC. These include the St. Louis Art Museum, the St. Louis zoo, the St. Louis Science Center, the Missouri History Museum, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Grant’s Farm, Cahookia Mounds, and more.

St. Louis is known as both “The Gateway to the West” and “The Home of the Blues.”

The first successful parachute jump made from a moving plane happened in St. Louis in 1912.

Both ice tea and the ice cream cone were invented at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904.

St. Louis University is the oldest university west of the Mississippi River.

Thanks, Serena! I do hope that Lois doesn’t avail herself of all that free touristy stuff while she’s there, though. She’s supposed to be promoting me. ;-) Post a comment to enter the drawing for a free e-book from our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP