HOLOHOLO
Go look for America at Bellagio
Advertiser Staff
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In Las Vegas, the Bellagio hotel's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens ushers in summer with an exhibit depicting a rail journey across America created by landscape architect and model train builder Paul Busse. Small-scale trains, replicas of historical and fantasy sites and gardens are featured.
Busse has created a coast-to-coast adventure with miniature architectural reproductions of 40 American landmarks, including the U.S. Capitol, Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon and the skyscrapers of New York. Building details were created by hand, using natural plant materials, such as tiny pieces of bark, columns formed out of twisted twigs, shutters made of seed pods and lamps crafted from acorn caps. A "Wild West," Midwest and desert landscapes as well as a 9-foot replica of North Carolina's Cape Hatteras lighthouse also are featured. Visitors view the exhibit via a network of bridges made from willow branches and cedar bark. The largest is a suspension bridge spanning 45 feet and rising 22 feet above the ground; six additional bridges, each 14 to 19 feet long, also were made from materials found in nature.
Bellagio's Conservatory is transformed five times a year. Busse has created train garden exhibits in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Cincinnati. The Bellagio exhibit runs until Sept. 9. Information: www.bellagio.com, click on attractions.
New rates at Ala Moana: The Ala Moana Hotel's rates for its newly renovated rooms through June 30 are $169 for a Waikiki Tower room (kama'aina rate is $139 with valid ID), and $139 for a Kona Tower room (kama'aina rate is $109 with valid ID). Reservations: (800) 367-6025 or visit www.alamoanahotel.com.
