Trip Planner 2016-17 Trip Planner For Student Travel | Page 47

Science Compiled by Bob Rouse SLEEP WITH THE FISHES MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM Monterey Bay, on California’s central coast, is one of the richest marine regions on the planet. And situated on the edge of sand and sea is the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which houses nearly 200 exhibits and galleries devoted to the diverse habitats of the bay. Visitors can discover the aquarium’s lush kelp forest, charming sea otters, hypnotic jellies or its million-gallon indoor ocean—home to sea turtles, giant tunas, sharks and a shimmering school of sardines. Outdoor decks offer panoramic views of Monterey Bay and dramatic displays of ocean wildlife, such as whales, dolphins, sea otters, sea birds, seals and sea lions. “The aquarium is an award-winning educational institution with engaging ways to learn about marine wildlife and ocean conservation,” said Lisa Shipley, sales manager. “Students can dive deeper into the aquarium experience with a behind-the-scenes tour or even a group sleepover.” This year, visitors can “travel” to Baja California by way of Monterey in the aquarium’s new special exhibition, “¡Viva Baja! Life on the Edge.” Visitors will examine the unique and fragile communities that thrive where coastal deserts meet sapphire seas, and they’ll encounter an amazing array of tropical fishes and several iconic desert animals—a first at the aquarium. Another unique exhibition is “Tentacles: The Astounding Lives of Octopuses, Squid and Cuttlefishes,” which is the largest, most diverse live-specimen exhibit about these creatures. To learn more about the aquarium, visit montereybayaquarium.org, or contact Shipley at [email protected]. CHEEKWOOD BOTANICAL GARDEN AND MUSEUM OF ART BEAUTIFUL BOTANICAL GARDENS Nestled among Tennessee’s rolling hills eight miles west of downtown Nashville, Tennessee, is Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art. The 55-acre historical estate is home to art exhibitions and spectacular botanical gardens enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Each season showcases something special, from 150,000 blooming bulbs in the spring to more than a million holiday lights in the winter. Cheekwood offers students and other groups a unique blend of world-class art, beautiful gardens and fascinating history. The estate has 12 diverse gardens, including perennial, herb, water and Japanese gardens, and a sculpture trail featuring native plants and trees in an area once overwhelmed by invasive honeysuckle. Starting in 2017, visitors can learn more about Cheekwood’s role as a premier example of an estate from the American Country Place Era. “With the reopening of the Cheek mansion next year, Cheekwood will reclaim its origins,” said Laura Elkins, the attraction’s director of tourism. “Built in 1929 as the home of the Cheek family, who amassed their fortune through business ventures that included Maxwell House Coffee, the mansion will be restored with furnishings and décor representative of the original period. Visitors will see rooms that have never before been on public view.” To celebrate, Cheekwood is hosting “Dressing Downton: Changing Fashion for Changing Times,” presenting 36 period costumes from “Downton Abbey.” The exhibition opens in June 2017. For information about educational programs, tours and resources, contact Elkins at [email protected], or visit cheekwood.org. ntaonline.com 45