Midwestern Fun

Columbus, Ohio

You don't always have to travel to exotic locales for a good time.  And, huge cities like Chicago can sometimes feel just too big to take in when you've only got a short time to travel.  Don't discount smaller cities like Columbus, Ohio.  Located in a very centralized location, this spot has all the fun of a bigger city with a small-town feel.  If you have a weekend to spend, look no further.  Columbus, the second largest city in Ohio, feels much smaller and it doesn't take long to get a feel for things.  Home to Ohio State University and the state's capital, Columbus also has some delicious eats, some great museums and some fantastic shopping. The skyline is beautiful and a meandering river walk downtown makes this a fun spot.  The outer suburbs have a lot to offer as well.  Did I say a weekend to see it all?  Now that I think about, a full month probably wouldn't be enough time to see all that Columbus has to offer!

Things to See and Do:

• Franklin Park Conservatory:  No trip to Columbus is complete without stopping here.  This Columbus icon has been a hallmark of the city since 1895.  If you're thinking 'conservatory' means just a bunch of plants....you're right.  But, you couldn't be more wrong.  Franklin Park has a large collection of plants inside and beautiful gardens outside.  A visitor could spend an entire afternoon just wandering around looking at everything.  However, if you're the kind to stop and smell the roses, give yourself more than an afternoon.  Franklin Park also has a butterfly exhibit where you can stand and be surrounded by the light flutterings of wings, from butterflies found all around the world.  Truly, a unique experience!  Franklin Park is also home to the largest collection of Dale Chihuly art found in any conservatory in America.  If you're planning on staying for the day, make sure to eat lunch at the Garden Cafe.  The sandwiches and entrees feature fresh herbs and there can be no more beautiful surroundings.  For more information, visit Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
• Topiary Garden in Old Deaf School Park:  This garden feature has to be seen to be believed and is a treat for both garden-lovers and art-lovers.  The Old Deaf School Park is an oasis located downtown and is a perfect spot for an afternoon picnic or a stroll.  This 7-acre park is home to more than 220 trees and has a Topiary Garden modeled after the 1887 painting Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat.  Columbus native James Mason reinterpreted the painting in topiary and truly made the canvas turn into a 3D, 360-degree landscape miracle.  The twelve-foot tall figures all made of different varieties of yew and a bronze example of the painting is on display so you can visualize exactly what the landscaper was trying to portray.  For more information, visit Topiary Park. 
• If you are a literary lover, then you'll know that Columbus was the home to author James Thurber and the James Thurber House is a must see.  Thurber House is on the outskirts of Ohio State University campus and is on the National Registry of Historic Places.  The house is a living museum and is kept much of the way it would have looked when Thurber was living there as a young boy.  The upstairs, though, has offices in some of the rooms and, rather than detract from the ambiance, seeing people working on literary activities in the bedrooms seemed too delightful to me.  I would imagine Thurber would have approved.  The tour is free is you guide yourself and $4 for a tour guide.  What makes the home so unique is its nightlife!  During the summer, the House hosts author nights where listeners can bring a lawn chair or a blanket and eat a catered dinner while listening to authors read from their works.  The House also hosts a resident author, who lives on the top floor.  The House is truly a living museum where children, aspiring writers and lovers of literature can flock and enjoy activities year round.  For more information, visit Thurber House.
• Columbus practically drips with culture and fun.  One place that was full of both was the Columbus Museum of Art.  From my old favorites like Cezanne, Gaugin and Monet to modern photography that is just too difficult to describe, this museum has a little bit of everything.  When I went, there was a special exhibition of European puppetry.  While I would never have considered myself a puppet fan, I was entranced by the exhibition which was just as much an antique show as pieces of art.  There are revolving exhibits constantly.  And, the docents there are amazing.  They are so friendly and knowledgeable and in practically every room.  There are also interactive exhibits which were so fun and an entire children's area where art is being created and touched and talked about.  For more information, visit Columbus Museum of Art.
• No trip to Columbus is complete without walking through the German part of the city, commonly known as German Village.  While the food is amazing, my favorite store was The Book Loft of German Village.  "Loft" makes it sound kind of small and quaint.  Think again!  The independent bookstore is located within several Civil War-era buildings that houses more than 30 rooms  of books, all with different themes.  For a book girl like me, it was pure heaven and definitely my idea of a great thing to do.  I spent hours in there, just wandering around looking at old and new books, many of which are hard to find anywhere else.  For more information, visit The Book Loft of German Village.

Places to Eat:

• I try very hard to stay away from chain stores when I travel.  Mom and Pops make food way better than a chain where everything usually just tastes the same as another chain.  Sometimes, though, I make exceptions if the food is that good.  At Cantina Laredo, the food IS that good.  And, so is the atmosphere.  The restaurant is beautiful and conveniently located at Polaris Mall.  What really sets is apart is the wait staff.  The food servers are so friendly.  One even sat down at our table for about 15 minutes, telling us funny stories about living in Mexico and then moving to Columbus where his first job was to work a snow shovel.  My favorite part, besides the margaritas, was the guacamole which is prepared right at your table.  For more information, visit Cantina Laredo.
• Schmidt's Restaurant and Banquet Haus has been around a long time--through 5 family generations and open since 1886.  With all that time on their hands, they weren't just out enjoying life.  Oh, no!  They were in the kitchen perfecting the art of German cuisine.  Located in German Village, this Columbus institution is a must do.  Everything we ate was amazing--the pretzel nuggets, the sauerkraut-bratwurst balls, the schnitzel, the strudel.  I could keep going on and on--but I won't because then you'll know how much I ate!  Embarrassing!  Plan enough time for a long walk around town after the meal.  You can't escape without putting on a pound or two.  But, it's so worth it.  For more information, visit Schmidt's Restaurant and Banquet Haus.
• To continue the gastric tour, we next stopped at an Italian restaurant in nearby Worthingotn, Ohio, which had been strongly recommended by some friends.  Open since 1978, VillaNova is a truly authentic Italian meal.  The inside of the place is something to see--clocks and collections and assortments of stuff (no better word to describe it) line every inch of wall space.  As soon as the food comes out, though, you'll forget all about what's hanging on the wall and just concentrate on what's sitting at the table.  We were lucky enough to be there on the night the special was the 'Tour of Italy'.  We had fried cheese ravioli, lasagna, spaghetti, meatballs and the gnocchi.  It was so good, every last bite.  Is it wrong of me to say I feel a little sad because I couldn't try EVERYTHING on the menu?  This restaurant was worth the drive to Columbus alone.  For more information, visit VillaNova Ristorante Pizza Bar.

Should Be at The Top of Your Bucket List

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

When I tell people our next vacation will be to some location in Mexico, they invariably ask, "Is it safe?"  I have to admit I have no idea where this strange idea that Mexico is full of crime and danger comes from.  Sure, I've heard stories of Mexican cartels, but I hazard a guess that strolling down any street in downtown Los Angeles or New York or New Orleans would be just as risky.  I have never once felt in danger.  Everywhere you look, there are police cars and police stationed in tourist areas with machine guns.  Me, I like having police with machine guns.  If you don't feel safe with that, nothing will make you feel safe!

Regardless, tourism ranks as the top (legal) money-producing enterprise in Mexico, so tourists are treated like royalty.  Jalisco is no exception.  Puerto Vallarta was one of the stops on the old TV show The Love Boat, for good reason.  It is beautiful and exotic and breath-taking.  A tropical paradise in a busy city would be the best way to describe it.  If that doesn't convince you, consider that Jalisco is the birthplace of tequila and it is the only place where tequila can be produced.  If neither of those things convince you to visit, then check out the rest of the blog and the the pictures.  You will soon see why this amazing destination needs to be at the top of any 'bucket list'.

Things to See and Do:

• By Sea:  Snorkeling at Marietas Islands.  This chain of islands is about one hour away from Puerto Vallarta and the boat trip alone is worth it.  On the way, we saw scads of various sea birds, dolphins that practically jumped onto the deck of our boat, and an entire school of manta rays.  In the winter months, the area is well-known for whale watching and I have no doubt it would be quite an adventure.  We were fortunately there during jellyfish hatching time, and seeing these tiny pink and clear creatures surrounding the boat was a fantasy that Walt Disney could only dream about.  So beautiful!  However, the truly unbelievable sight was the secluded beach at Marietas.  To get to it, you have to snorkel through a water tube.  It was rough swimming and seemed to take forever, but once you get inside, the trip is well worth it.  The islands were once used by the Mexican government as target practice and the leftover damage is now a beach that is inside one of these craters, completely surrounded and only accessible by water.  There is also a small grotto inside that you can crawl to.  From there, we went to Los Arcos that had the best snorkeling we have ever done--and we have snorkeled in most of the Caribbean!  Jellyfish, octopus, 'Nemo' fish--the two hours felt like ten minutes.  We used the local company Vallarta Sol and were given breakfast, lunch, a snack and an open bar.  The staff were amazing and seemed to have a heart for conservation.  There are only a couple of touring companies even allowed to do this tour so plan far in advance.  For more information, visit Vallarta Sol.
• By Land:  Four-wheeling the Sierra Madre Mountains.  The Sierra Madre Mountains is a group of mountains that extend far into Mexico.  An ATV tour is really the only way to see much of it as it would be inaccessible by regular car.  Tours in the area can be individually on an ATV or in a group with a dune buggy.  The tours last for hours and most of that time is spent traveling through rugged trails straight up into the mountains.  Our tour left from the middle of the city in Puerto Vallarta and we got to drive through back roads of the city and see what Puerto Vallarta is really like, not just the glittering touristy areas.  It was stark and beautiful and heart-breaking with poverty unlike anything we've seen anywhere else.  Our tour took us to a restaurant on top of a mountain with a layover that allowed us to eat some local fare, swim in the river and do a tequila tasting.  The guides were completely focused on our safety, our comfort and our fun. An amazing adventure!  For more information, visit Wild Treks Adventures.
• By Air:  Ziplining the tropical forest.  The Sierra Madre Mountains is a tropical forest, not a tropical jungle but the foliage and fauna have to be seen to be believed.  The Canopy El Eden forest is home to the most intense, most extreme zip lining I've ever done.  Considering I've zip lined Fremont Street in Vegas and flung myself off the tallest zip line structure in America, that's quite a statement.  Canopy El Eden is the location where Arnold Schwarzenegger's movie Predator was filmed and you can walk in his footsteps and hike those same mountains.  There are over 12 lines that criss-cross the site and hiking up the mountain is very strenuous, but the ride down is completely worth it.  The guides seem to be more monkeys than men, zipping through the trees as if they were born to it and making it look so easy!  When you're finished, end the day at The Eden restaurant sampling authentic Mexican fare and diving into the Mislamoya River, with a convenient rope swing leaving right from the restaurant.  For more information, visit Canopy El Eden.

Places to Eat:

• I'm going to cheat and recommend both a 'Thing To Do' and a 'Place To Eat' as one in the same.  While in Puerto Vallarta, you must take a trip to Las Caletas.  By day, it is a tropical paradise and private beach.  By night, it transforms into a Mayan fantasy called Rhythms of the Night.   You can only get to the location via a long boat ride but every minute is worth it.  As you pull up at the beach, you are greeted by costumed performers who lead you to the base of a temple/pyramid that is the scene for an incredible show.  The performance showcases traditional dance and music.  The costumes, the dancing--it was all so amazing that I felt like a kid on Christmas morning with my mouth hanging open.  The show ends right at dusk and you then wander down to the beach where tables are set up along the shore.  An authentic Mexican buffet awaits you with plenty of 'American' food for those who might be tired of salsa and guacamole.  There are as many courses as you want to eat and libations are poured liberally.  When you're finished, you are free to walk around the beach.  Each twist and turn of the trail is more amazing than the last and it seems but an instant until you hear the bells calling you back to the boat.  A once in a lifetime experience!  For more information, visit Vallarta Adventures.
• The Best View in Town.  If you like seafood, you'll have to head inland at Puerto Vallarta.  The Happy Lobster (La Langosta Feliz) has some amazing fresh fish and the best view of the tropical forest you will find.  The entire restaurant is open air with no walls and sitting on the second floor feels just like you're eating in the treetops.  The food was so good and they had the biggest prawns I have ever seen in my life.  Everyone at the table got something different and it would be hard to say what was the best!  What made the place so much fun though is that it was away from the usual tourist streets.  It's on a little side street just outside of town and all the food was authentic.  Most of the people there were locals.  No website but to make reservations, call 322-223-13-09 .
• Does recommending an Italian restaurant in Mexico seem odd to you?  Me, too, and yet........the youngsters rebelled at eating Mexican cuisine for every meal.  We decided to try La Terrazza di Roma for two other reasons:  #1--its location.  It is located in the Marina area right on the water.  Watching the yachts and boats while eating on a pier overlooking the water was just too much fun.  The open air pier had an air of romance about it.  We were there for breakfast but I can imagine at night, with candlelight, it would be quite lovely.  Reason #2--Well, the pier overlooking the water.  There are lots of restaurants on the Marina and we did try another one but I am a sucker for something fun.  This place was fun.  While we were there, some locals followed an alligator underneath the pier and I have some amazing photos of that.  Alligators under our seats?  Who knew they were even in Mexico?  Maybe they were crocodiles, I don't know.  And, the food? Quite good!  No website, but for reservations or for questions, call (322) 221-0560.

A Guys and Girls Weekend

When most people think of Kentucky, perhaps that famous horse race comes to mind or maybe those long wooden bats.  However, the real Kentucky is waiting past the edges of Louisville, her famous honorary-capital.  A country road in any direction will bring you in touch with the most fascinating history, the nicest people and the best eats you will ever encounter. 

Taylorsville, Kentucky sits just one county away from Louisville, a gentle afternoon's ride, and while it will never be as famous as its nearest neighbor, it embodies the best of the Bluegrass state.  Taylorsville Lake and Taylorsville Lake State Park are the biggest draw to the area in the summer, with fishing and boating and outdoor sporting causing the area to swell with tourists.  However, there are other delightful features nearby and a trip in any season would be full of fun.

Things to See and Do for Guys (the Bourbon) and for Girls (the Wine):

• Bardstown, Kentucky is only a short drive away and whatever you do, take the long winding road.  There is nothing quite like the view--acres of achingly-green grass framed by white picket and ancient stone fences, winding roads through towns that time has surely forgotten, pre-Civil War mansions still keeping families warm.  Idyllic and fantastic!  Bardstown has enough for an entire blog and I'm already featured some of it in other postings but you can't get it in all at one time.  Perhaps, like the bourbon it's known for, it was meant to be sipped slowly over time.  Regardless, every trip should start at Heaven Hill Distillery and the Bourbon Heritage Center.  The center is part museum/part working factor.  After a short walk through a mini-museum, guests are taken into a cinema where the history of Kentucky bourbon is explained.  Then, for those dedicated enough to take the 'Deluxe' tour, a short walk across the grounds lets you wander into those statuesque barns holding most of the world's inventory.  It's a bit breath-taking, not only for the size and quantity but also for the stark beauty (and the fumes!).  After a lengthy and informative tour, everyone gets to end their day at the tasting room, which is inside what has to be the world's largest barrel.  For more information, contact Heaven Hill Distilleries.
• Each distillery is just a little different, with some unique piece of fame or history to impart on its guest.  Barton's 1792 is a newer distillery, at least as far as bourbons go!  It began operating in 1897 but has only been hosting tours for the last couple of years.  If you want the specifics of EXACTLY how that bourbon concoction is made, this is the tour to take.  While the tour isn't long or cover much ground, I learned more about the process than I was able to keep in my brain.  At the end, there is the complimentary tasting--with a little bonus, a Louisville made bourbon ball.  That was my favorite taste of the day.  And, on exiting, don't forget to stop and have your picture made with the 'World's Largest Bourbon Barrel'.  For more information, visit Barton 1792 Distillery.
• The wineries in town don't offer quite the historical punch, but the taste is so much sweeter!  Our first stop was at Forest Edge Winery in nearby Shepherdsville.  The winery is so big and beautiful, large enough for a wedding reception.  The tasting bar is expansive as is their wine list.  From sweets to dry, this winery had it all.  For more information, visit Forest Edge Winery.
• We ended the day at Chuckleberry Farm and Winery, one of the most unique wineries I have ever been to.  I am a sweet wine drinker and do love to dabble in the fruit wines so this place was heaven for me!  Every wine they offer is some sort of fruit wine--from apple and cherry to a flavor I have never tasted in wine before-banana!  The tasting is extensive and we must have tried over 10 wines on the list before calling it a day.  At the end, we were given a slushy wine treat and a free glass.  This isn't a winery for those who like dry wines but it sure was a lot of fun.  For more information, visit Chuckleberry Farm & Winery.
• One cannot travel by backroads all the time and the interstates do have a few treasures.  One of those is Talon Winery in Shelbyville, Kentucky.  The winery has another location in Lexington as well.  The tasting room and bar is truly remarkable and while we haven't been, I hear the live music on Saturday nights is something worth making that drive for.  Regardless of the live music, the wine is enough for the time and trouble!  The bottle and labels are gorgeous and this winery has mostly drys and semi-drys.  Needless to say, we came back with the car loaded full!  For more information, visit Talon Winery and Vineyards.

Man Cannot Live By Bourbon and Wine Alone.  We also had to eat:

• If you're looking for ambiance and sophistication, this place ain't it.  If you're looking for some delicious vittles and some Kentucky charm, then look no farther than Lynda's Grill in downtown Taylorsville.  It would be smart to get there for breakfast extra early or extra late to avoid the hunters and get a seat.  There's only around 10 chairs in the whole place and if someone else is looking at the one menu, you'll be plumb out of luck.  There is a drive-up menu outside but it just says 'breakfast' and if you don't know what a Kentucky breakfast entails, you might be thinking of danish and pastries.  Won't find that here.  No, here you get home-grilled country ham, warm biscuits and gravy and sliced tomatoes--all for under $5.00.  The food was amazing and the the people so friendly.  For more information, check out their Facebook page at Lynda's Grill.
• If you're looking for something a little more frou-frou, try The Tea Cup in downtown Taylorsville.  This cafe specializes in coffee and baked goods.  I had a Pina Colada muffin and it was just as good as you can imagine--so moist and coconutty.  They have a wide variety to take or you can stay and eat, plus they also do cafe-style sandwiches for lunch.  For more information, try their Facebook page at The Tea Cup.
• When I am traveling (and most other times), I try to avoid chain restaurants like the plague.  But, now I'm going to recommend Hometown Pizza in Taylorsville, even though it is a chain for two reasons:  #1....it is small chain that actually got its start in LaGrange, Kentucky so it's more like family; and, #2....the pizza is just that good.  I am a pizza-phile.  I love pizza and could literally eat it every night of the week.  As it is, I eat it once per week.  Hometown Pizza is my favorite pizza joint and I eat at one every time I find one nearby.  The atmosphere is so family friendly and it feels more like you're eating in a friend's kitchen than a restaurant.  And, the pizza? Divine.  There's no other words for it.  I'm sure they have other stuff on the menu but why bother when the pizza is this good?  To find a Hometown Pizza near you, visit Hometown Pizza.
• Claudia Sanders Dinner House in Shelbyville is another jewel right on the interstate.  And, after eating there, I think I know one of the Colonel's secrets in his chicken--his wife's cooking!  I hate to be sexist but I have to admit I always wondered how the Colonel, a man, could have come up with such a Southern delight ast that chicken recipe.  After eating at his wife's dinner house, I have absolutely no doubt it was his wife's influence that has caused such a global phenomenon.  I don't even know how to describe food this good.  It was one of those moments where my husband and I both took a bite and then just looked at each other and said, "Wow".  When food is that good, you don't need many other words.  Their buffet is astounding and filled with every southern delicacy you can name.  Husband had the fried chicken and it was so good.  The biscuits were amazing; the mashed potatoes and gravy was amazing; the bean soup and ham salad was amazing.  Wow.  I cannot wait to go back.  There's enough on the menu to go back and try things for a lifetime.  For more information, check out Claudia Sanders Dinner House.

Fun In Every Season

It's hard to find a travel destination that has something different for every season.  Usually, locations are fun for summer swimming  or fun for winter snow or fun for fall colors, but rarely is a locale beautiful and enjoyable in every season.

The Outer Banks, North Carolina, or OBX, is one such location.  In the summer months, it is a premier destination for beach fun and all the best of summer memories.  Yet, just a few months later, the entire Banks transforms itself into a frosty winter wonderland and while you can't ski the slopes there, the majesty of the dunes will make you forget all about ski boots and trail runs.  When people ask me about my favorite location ever or the most beautiful location ever, the Outer Banks is alwasy in my top ten.

To be fair, I haven't been there in the fall or spring, but I imagine the beauty of the region still has much to offer for any tourist of any age.  Truly, the Outer Banks seems to have it all.  If you love water sports and sunny beaches, they have it.  If you love history and culture, they have it.  If you love forests and natural beauty, they have it.  Shopping?  Yup.  Honestly, I'd be hard-pressed to think of something the Banks doesn't have.

No matter when you go, the following establishments and events are must-do's:

• Hit the slopes.  No, not the ski slopes, the sand dunes!  While you can't snow ski in OBX, you can sandboard!   Jockey's Ridge State Park is the tallest natural sand dune in the United States and one of the most beautiful sites I've ever seen.  When you walk into the dunes, it feels as if you are on a desert as large and long as the Sahara.  The undulating dunes seem to stretch for miles and that's after walking down almost 400 feet of boardwalk!  The flora and fauna are abundant and just cruising the dunes is pure fun.  Our daughters played hide and seek with us and loved just running up and down.  However, there is plenty to do at the park, should you wish to be more scheduled.  They have many nature walks and talks but the most amazing thing seemed to be the kite races that were underway.  If you're really adventuresome, grab a kite.  Or, maybe a really big kite and go hang-gliding.  So breathtaking to see!  For more information, visit Jockey's Ridge State Park.
• Hit the air.  Everyone has heard of Orville and Wilbur Wright but did you know that brothers made their historic first flight at Jockey's Ridge State Park (which was just a big pile of sand back then)?  The Wright Brothers National Memorial will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about this momentous time in history.  You can hike to the actual launchpoint of that first successful flight and spend many hours in the Visitor's Center reading and experiencing all the failed ones.  The Center has many interactive displays and is really more of a musuem of the history of flight with an actual replica of the plane the brothers flew.  For more information, visit The Wright Brothers National Memorial.
• Hit the trail.  North Carolina is one of very few states with a native population of wild horses.  When I say 'native', I just mean they were here before the US was a thought.  The horses are descendents of Spanish mustangs and roam free over a protected area of OBX.  Don't miss seeing these beauties in action.  And, by action, I mean standing around and grazing but it's still a sight not to be missed.  There are various tours you can take and most of them are open SUV which heightens the thrill.  On this trip, you will leave paved roads behind and wander sand streets until you spot one or two or a whole herd.   They are majestic and beautiful and worth the trip.  The small village of Currituck has a museum and takes donations to protect these state and national treasures.  For more information, visit.The Outer Banks of North Carolina:  Wild Horses.
• Hit the lights.  You could spend several days driving the back roads of OBX and 'lighthousing' and I highly recommend you do just that.  For the history lover, there is nothing more majestic and peaceful than visiting these museums and imagining how a lighthouse keeper kept the fires burning for ships. (This area isn't called 'The Graveyard of the Atlantic' for nothing!). For the scenery-lover, the back roads are mile after mile of unspoiled wildnerness and the scenes where the lighthouses are set are truly breath-taking.  There are five in all and the encompass both the oldest in the country and the tallest in the country, including the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse which is known as 'America's Lighthouse'.  If you're picturing one in your head, it's probably this one.  They are very spread apart so plan for a full day.  You won't be sorry.  For more information, visit The Outer Banks of North Carolina:  The Lighthouses.

And, the food cannot be beat.  Be sure to try these places:

• Try ducking donuts at Duck Donuts.  This place must be visited for two reasons:  #1  The donuts are truly incredible.  #2 The process to make the donut is a show in inself. I don't know what I was expecting when I walked in the door.  Perhaps a huge bakery with rows of donuts waiting for me in class cases?  What I got was a delicious donut hot off the press.  Every single donut is made while you wait.  So, get there really early or expect to wait in line a long time.  The choices are amazing....strawberry, coconut, maple, sprinkles, peanut butter--I could go on and on.  They have every topping and flavor you could imagine and some you couldn't.  We bought several dozen to feed a large family gathering.....and had to go back for more.  They also offer drinks and fun merchandise.  You will not find a better breakfast in the Banks.  Be sure to watch your donuts being made--I think it made them taste better.  For more information, visit Duck Donuts.
• For an authentic Banks meal, not place can top The Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant. The restaurant is named after a legend of a ghost--the ghost of a black pelican!  The building was constructed in 1874 and is an old lifegaurding station and supposedly the Wright Brothers sent a famous telegraph from there announcing their first successful flight.  As if that history weren't amazing enough, when you eat here you can say you have eaten at a haunted restaurant.  There are many stories in the area of a black pelican that appears right before times of a great disaster, such as a hurricane.  The sighting of the pelican is meant to serve as a warning to the living.  While we, fortunately, did not see a black pelican, we did experience one of the best seafood meals I've ever had.  The fish is about as fresh as they come and is a true delight.  For more information, visit The Black Pelican Oceanfront Cafe.
• Why come to an ocean location if you can't have at least one meal looking at the water?  In this case, the water isn't the Atlantic but the equally beautiful 'sound' side of the Banks.  Sunset Grille and Bar certainly lives up to its name so make sure to spend one evening watching the sun go down.  You will not be disappointed by the view or the food.  Sit outside, if possible.  The decking and long boardwalk are so gorgeous and really puts you in the mood.  The restaurant features most seafood and Carribbean fare and all of it was divine.  Everyone at the table got something different and, after trying them all, I couldn't decide what was better.  (Although I am still a little partial to the coconut shrimp.)  For more information, visit the Sunset Grille and Raw Bar.

Do As Much.....Or As Little As You Want

 This is one place you'll not find on a cruise stop.  Instead, you'll have to want to go there and stay.  Playa Del Carman, Mexico sits just right across a stretch of water from Cozumel but seemed a world away from the busy Mexican tourist destinations we've been to before.  Don't get me wrong--I love Cozumel!  The blue-green water, the warm ticklish breeze, the homemade guacamole so good it'll make you want to smack those other guacs back in the states.  But, Playa Del Carman is a true slacker's paradise.  A place to laze away the days with sun, snoozing and eating.  Or, more, if you're so inclined.

But, honestly, I wasn't.  I didn't feel the need to run from tourist trap to tourist trap.  I didn't want to rush anywhere and do anything.  It's almost as if I were hypnotized in some way.  I just wanted to sit on the beach and experience heaven. 

Perhaps it had something to do with my timing?  After all, it was December 2012 and about one week away from the Mayan prediciton of world doom.  I could tell on the trip to Playa (about 45 minutes away from Cancun), that this would be a different vacation because of all the..well, hippies.  There were lots and lots of hippies.  Hippies everywhere.  These were the real thing, too, with knee-length dreadlocks, bulging backpacks, and tie-dyed garments from head to toe.  Why so many?  I had to know. 

So, I asked.  I asked the hippie guy sharing our ride (right after he asked the bus driver to stop at a convenience store for some beer because he just couldn't wait one more second.  The driver stopped--another thing I love about Mexico--the complete focus on customer service.)  Me:  "So, what's up with all the hippies?  Why are there so many of you here?"  Hippie:  "There's a bluegrass/folk festival at Tulum.  We want to be here when it all goes down.  This is where all the positive energy of the universe is."  Me:  "Huh!  Interesting!"  (Technically, he had a few "man's" throw in, such as "We want to be here when it all goes down, man" but you get the idea.) 

What better place to be at the end of the world?  Those hippies are on to something.  My blog this month will focus mostly on the eating (which I did lots of) and not a lot on the adventure (unless you count eating as much as you can an adventure). 

To Do:

• Get a massage on the beach.  Massages are big in Playa and masseuses are lined up to take your business for very inexpensive rates.  Our massage was $25 for the hour and it was one of the best hours of my life.  There is something so decadent about lying on a rooftop feeling the warm sun and soft breeze of the Mayan Riviera while getting a massage.  While there are many massage parlors, there are also masseuses who will come to your place.  There is even a massage parlor/hut right on the beach, literally just steps away from the water.  Our masseuse came to our location and was wonderful!  According to her business card, she does a variety of services such as shiatzu, reflexology, deep tissue, even manicures and pedicures.  While there, email her at mosara-17@hotmail.com or call 984-134-6072.
• Do a tequila tasting.  Tasting tequila in Mexico is like tasting bourbon in Kentucky:  you just have to go the source for the best stuff.  Tequila is something I had only formerly considered as a margarita ingredient but my lesson in tequila really opened my eyes.  Tequila is actually made from the 'heart' of a plant that is similar to a yucca.  The saying is "the heart can be cooked" (which I personally think would make a great title for a paranormal romance novel but...I digress).  The process of making tequila is so interesting so educate yourself and then try the stuff.  I thought tequila came in just a few flavors but there are dozens and dozens of them.  While I won't go into too much detail, I will say that my favorite is 1921 Crema de Tequila.  It puts Bailey's to shame and your coffee will never be the same again.  Splurge on a bottle you can't buy here in the states--some of them are made my local villages/natives and really helps out the local economy.
• Listen to a band with your feet in the sand.  Fusion Beach Hotel Bar and Grill, located at the end of 6 Calle, is more than a restaurant; it's an experience.  I recommend going at night, for dinner.  There is just something so relaxing about squatting in lawn chairs around a table by candlelight listening to some jams.  The night we went there was a Reggae band and a bellydancer--so fun!  The real treasure, though, was listening to the sounds of the surf under a sparkling sky with friends and laughter.  The food is pretty good, too.  For more information, visit Fusion Beach Hotel Bar and Grill.
• For those of you who insist on doing something, there is plenty to do.  There are hourly ferries to Cozumel and surrounding islands.  There are jet ski and parasailing rentals.  There are deep-sea fishing tours.  There are Mayan ruins nearby.  I heard all that--personally, I didn't step off the beach or the main strip. 

To Eat:

• For the friendliest service, try La Parilla Mexican Grill,  located at 5th Avenue and 8 Calle.  Every time we went, the entire staff went out of their way to make us smile and laugh and feel right at home.  When I say 'every time' we went, you can tell we went there a lot.  Every day for lunch.  Every.  Single. Day.  And, it wasn't just because of the great service.  First, La Parilla is the best spot in town for people-watching.  There is a rooftop and an open bar area and shaded tables right on the busiest street.  You can sit for hours and never see the same people twice.  Secondly, the margaritas are so good, you just might want to sit there for hours.  Delicioso!  Pair that with the tastiest chorizo queso I've ever had and this trumps as my favorite restaurant.  On our lunch night there, the manager gave me a calendar for being such a 'good customer'.  For more information, en espanol, visit La Parilla Mexican Grill.
• In our quest to find the perfect margarita, we stunbled onto the best pico de gallo on Earth at Tropical Playa Del Carman, located at 5th Avenue and 8 Calle.  While I am always a fan of good pico, this stuff was addictive---which probably explains why we went back so many times!  Combine that with half-price happy hour and fabulous seating right on the street, and you can't beat Tropical for a great place to start your adventure in fine dining.  For more information, en espanol, visit Restaurante-Bar-Hotel Tropical Playa Del Carmen.
• El Pirata.  Yep, a pirate bar!  Right on the beach!  This little place was too much fun.  When the sun and surf just gets to be too much to bear, take short stroll to El Pirata, located at 10 Calle, just keep walking until you hit the water.  Each table is a little grass hut and the seats at the bar are swings.  The margaritas are cold and the nachos have real steak.  Really, what else does one need in life?

Las Vegas is a Safe Bet Any Time of Year

I'm not going to write about the Las Vegas you probably already know--the gambling and drinking and partying.  Mostly because I don't do those things.  I am going to write about my kind of Vegas--one that is indeed an adult's play land, full of wonder and excitement and beauty.

There are more shows and restaurants and shopping than any other location on Earth. (That isn't actually a researched fact but I'm sure I'm right.)  Any thing that a human being would want to do can be found in or near there: outside adventure (racing in the desert at Desert Race car Adventure); natural beauty (the Grand Canyon at Grand Canyon National Park); man's greatest achievements (Hoosier Dam); man's greatest follies (Mob Museum); art; food--I could go on and on.  Las Vegas has it all for any adult on the list.  There are only two types of people who would not enjoy this vacation--non walkers and children.  To truly experience everything, a stout pair of walking shoes is in order.  It is nearly impossible to see and do anything in Vegas without walking a major part of your day.  Taking a taxi or the convenient public transportation (Deuce and Double Deuce) is nice but you still walk almost everywhere you want to go.  And, people, leave the kids at home.  While many of the shots of Vegas look like a kid might enjoy them with rides and carnival type atmospheres (Circus Circus Casino for example), there are hardly anything for kids to do and at nights, some really questionable characters come out. 

As far as the climate goes, there really isn't a bad time to go.  The summer might be the least fun with rising temperatures and huge crowds.  In my opinion, fall is really ideal since the pools are still open and the heat isn't quite so bad.  But,the holiday season is just jaw-dropping with no limits to Christmas and other holiday decorations.

To See: 

Of course, the casinos have to figure in any conversation about Las Vegas.  But, I didn't go there to gamble.  I actually tried it for about 10 minutes before I was bored out of my skull.  Maybe I didn't get the point but sitting and pushing the same little button and watching some numbers and pictures flash in front of my eyes at rapid pace just didn't seem entertaining.  Mind numbing, maybe.  One should really go to the casinos for the absolute pure wonder and delight that each instill throughout their unique buildings.  While you can travel from Paris (the best way to see the Bellagio Fountain Show is from the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino) to Venice (the best Italian experience is eating under the"sky" at The Venetian Las Vegas) to New York (the famous inside and outside roller coaster is at New York-New York Las Vegas Hotel and Casino) in just a few steps, these are my favorites: 

• The Wynn is more of a museum than a casino.  The gambling tables themselves are discreetly  set back within the buildings and tourists can freely walk through the most amazing shopping on the Strip.  More amazing than that, though, is the center garden area.  Located inside, this area has greenery and floral designs that have to be seen to be believed.  The decorations change fairly often but you could easily spend an afternoon just walking around looking at one amazing sight after another.  For more information, see The Wynn Las Vegas.
• The Bellagio defines the word opulence.  Every wall and hallway and door oozes sophistication and class.  Even the chairs by the cheap slots are some of the nicest in all of Las Vegas!  My favorite part, though, would have to be the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.  Right in the middle of the hotel, an entire room is devoted to some of the most beautiful flora and fauna I have ever seen.  While it isn't a huge area, it more than makes up for that with spectacular displays that change with each season.  This area is typically packed with tourists and even waiting to get into the area is amazing because the lobby ceiling is also an art piece.  The chandelier is by artist Dale Chihuly and many of his pieces are scattered throughout the hotel.  The Bellagio also has the nicest swimming pool and although it is exclusively for guests, it is worth looking at.  Of course, what trip to Las Vegas would be complete without the spectacular Fountain show.  For true Vegas style, time your visit to Elvis's "Viva Las Vegas" or visit during one of the classical numbers for a show that is breath-taking and where the water seems to literally dance right before your eyes.   For more information, see Bellagio Las Vegas.
• The Luxor is one of the farthest on the Strip but is worth the trek.  Just stepping foot into the immense lobby gives one the idea of what those Egyptian pyramids must have been like.  The inside is large enough to host a village but the real treat is the elevators.  Since the rooms are built on the inside of the pyramid, the floors are slanted.....which makes the elevators go sideways.  Truly a unique and unsettling experience.  While you're there, try out T&T (Tacos and Tequila).  They have dozens of tequilas--unique and pricey and their Blue Agave Margarita is the finest I have ever drunk.  For more information, visit Luxor Las Vegas.

To Do:

I am not going to suggest the top attractions of Vegas.  Anyone acquainted with the Internet can surely research those.  Instead, I am going to suggest a couple of out-of-the-way ideas that a one-time visitor might skip.  And, while it is impossible to do it all, put at least one of these ideas on your to-do list. 

• The Auto Collection at the Quad Resort and Casino (formerly Imperial Palace) is showcased as "The World's Largest Classic Car Showroom" and it is truly spectacular. While I am not a gear head by any stretch of the imagination, wandering around looking at these beauties was a great time.  Some of the cars are valued at $1 million and there are many shoppers walking around looking to buy!  The 250 cars are valued at over $100 million and a new audio feature gives in depth information about each car. What is even more surprising is that the whole thing is free.  If you need to take a few minutes out of your busy day, stop by here.  I guarantee you'll see things here you won't see anywhere else in your lifetime.  For more information, visit The Quad.
• You might think zip lines belong in the forests or woods but Zip lining Fremont Street is a must-do experience!  Fremont Street could be suitably named 'Freak Street' because this is where the most colorful people in Vegas hang out--with snakes, and chains, and piercings and anything else your imagination could think of.  Seeing all that from above is just too incredible.  Climbing five stories and then shooting down the street would be amazing on its own but what truly sets it apart is not what is under your feet but what is over your head--Viva Vision!  Viva Vision is like a music video on rocket overload.  Hundreds of feet long, the screen lights up with video and music feeds from classic rock (like Kiss) to more recent rock (like Bon Jovi).  Plus, the older, vintage signs have been installed so it is also like a neon museum of the Strip in its glory days.  It is truly an experience that only Vegas could bring.  For more information, visit, Fremont Street Experience.
• Who would go all the way to Las Vegas just to waste one day at the pool?  If you're smart, that answer should be you!  The pools at Vegas aren't like your local YMCA variety.  They are more like oases, full of music, incredible food and drink and the best money and DJ's to rival any nightclub in Vegas.  The servers are really showgirls in skimpier outfits and each pool is meant to relax visitors.  Honestly, a day spent at a Vegas pool feels like relaxing in some faraway tropical location.  My favorite was at the Flamingo, one of the oldest on the Strip because it also includes a small zoo/aviary and the final resting place of Bugsy Malone.  For more information, visit Flamingo Las Vegas.

To Eat:

If you were to live in Las Vegas, you could literally eat at a different restaurant every single night and still have plenty of restaurants to choose from.  I am going to avoid obvious chain restaurants since you could indulge in that in practically any city and also avoid choices that are too expensive.  It would be possible to go broke during a single dinner in Vegas and since I am a modest schoolteacher, none of those options were available to me.  Here, instead, are my top three choices for a culinary experience that is one of a kind:

• For breakfast, nothing can beat Hash House A Go-Go inside The Quad.  This restaurant has been featured on Man Vs. Food, so make sure to share all entrees.  Just trust me on this one.  Their panckaes are as big as tires and you can literally add any ingredient to it you can think of.  I did blackberries and granola and it was so good!  They also have a Snickers pancake that is pretty much sinful.  My favorite is the Waffles and Chicken.  Who in the world thought of this lovely concoction and why have I wasted my life eating other things?  It is literally as tall as a toddler and I am ashamed to say we ate almost every bite.  You will be full the entire day but it's worth it.  For more information, visit Hash House A Go-Go:  Twisted Farm Food.
• For lunch, you can't find a more delectable menu than Chocolate By the Bald Man at Caesar's.    Honestly, any restaurant that has MAPLE SYRUP as a SIDE DISH should go to the top of any one's list.  A huge copper vat sits right inside the store, beckoning to all who enter with the smells of liquid chocolate.  Hints of spices of cinnamon and other exotic smells practically swallow the patron and no seat is a bad one.   The menu is pure decadence.  But, hey, this is Vegas, right?  For more information, visit Chocolate By the Bald Man:  Max Brenner.
• For dinner, there is no view more spectacular than the VooDoo Steak and Rooftop Nightclub atop the Rio Casino.  Located a couple of blocks off the Strip, it is definitely worth the trip over.  The restaurant is on the 50th floor of the hotel and offers a romantic view that has to be the best in the city.  You can see up and down the Strip with views of every hotel and the busy lives far below.  The food is amazing and lives up to the height.  When you finish, go up one floor to the 51st nightclub.  This outdoor establishment has clear glass walls and it feels as if you are floating over the city.  An amazing experience.  For more information, visit Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino.

The Waterpark Capitol of the World

Water, Water Everywhere and Fun at Every Turn

When you think of Wisconsin, you might automatically think 'Cheesehead' or beer.  If you're more refined, perhaps you picture the winged Milwaukee Art Museum.  If you're a little less refined than that, it's that place where they did American Idol a couple of seasons ago.  But, Wisconsin has so much more to offer than cheese, beer, cow and art.  Although, to be fair, they do those things to the ultimate degree. 

Another well-known tourist destination is Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.  Just short drive away from the Windy City, Wisconsin is a 3 and 1/2 hour drive (a little over 190 miles from Chicago).  Many people, when asked, might fondly remember a Wisconsin Dells of their youth, with outdoor water parks and a picturesque downtown.  You don't have to squint too hard to see that 1950's version but the 'new' Wisconsin Dells will surely blow you away.

The Dells has something for every age and every season, from the high to the low brow, from those who like quiet country drives to those who zip through the trees hanging by a thread.  Summer weather finds amusement and water parks, literally the largest in the United States.  Fall and spring are astounding for the foliage and boat trips to see the majestic and unique 'Dells'.  (Fun Fact:  The 'Dells' is actually a striated rock formation that is only found in three other places on earth, one of which is underwater and another in a foreign country)  Winter won't leave you bored since many of the water parks are indoors and it is also home to many indoor amusement parks, one of which has a three-story ropes course which was amazing even for someone deathly afraid of heights!  It's full of fun, eats, water and culture from one end of the county to the next.

To Do:

• You may have heard of the 'Ducks' before--the partly amphibious, partly terrain open-air vehicles that are major tourist attractions all over the US.  Well, that tradition started right here in Wisconsin Dells.  The Original Wisconsin Ducks are actually WWII-era vehicles that still patrol the quiet woods and deep waters of the Wisconsin River, Dell Creek and Lake Delton.  This trip will take you over eight miles of both land and water that have to be seen to be believed.  Quiet woods and out of the way lake spots led us to view our very first sighting of a bald eagle, once endangered, calmly drinking water by the lake, standing nearly as tall as a human!  Wildlife abounds and the foliage during the fall was breathtaking.  The tour guide was full of history and was so funny that both teenage daughters laughed out loud in spite of themselves!  For more information, visit The Original Wisconsin Duck Tours.
• If thrill and adventure are your thing, you must visit Kalahari Indoor Theme Park.  To me, this seemed as if it must be the largest in the world, although they didn't advertise that.  They have over 100,000 feet of space devoted to fun both in the water and out, all for families and the young at heart.  The water park is amazing with a lazy river that feels as long as the Congo.  The water slides are breathtaking (literally) with spots for babies and toddlers, a wave pool, various water slides and a toilet-flush bowl that had me laughing out loud, spurting up water and holding on to my top.  Of course, the next day, my body rudely reminded me I wasn't quite as young as I thought!  Still, wow!  What fun.  When you get dried off, there's another world awaiting you with an indoor Ferris wheel, a race track, a three-story ropes course, climbing walls and laser tag--all under one roof!  Not to mention the 24 lanes of bowling, movie theater and gourmet food spots.  You could literally spend an entire day here with the family and not be able to do everything.  Amazing fun for any age!  For more information, visit Kalahari Resorts and Conventions.
• I do not consider myself an amateur at ziplining.  I have been before and to pretty extreme places--Fremont Street on Halloween Night at Las Vegas; Branson Missouri and the tallest zipline in America at Christmas with twinkling lights guiding me on the way down. But, I must say, this zipline was.....simply the best I've ever done!  The Wilderness Canyon Zip Line Tour is not so much a zipline as a zipline adventure.  The course winds through the trees and over a gully or two (canyon seems extreme when you've seen the Grand Canyon from the air).  In reality, the trip is 5 ziplines to 6 platform towers that meander through a forest way, way, way up high.  I hate heights but hurtling through space and the colorful leaves during Autumn was an experience I will never forget.  And, I will also never forget having to be rescued by the guide because I couldn't quite make it to the platform.  The guides were amazing and funny and so very competent that they made us all feel like the professionals.  For more information, visit Wilderness Territory.
• After all that adventure, mom and and dad needed a little time to themselves to relax and unwind.  Fall Creek Winery provided just the rest and fun we needed.  We always try to visit a local winery on our trips and so we have seen and tasted dozens.  But, this one was truly unique!  Their winery is located a few miles out of town and the drive, in the fall, was gorgeous.  They were just getting ready for the fall and putting up scads of pumpkins and gourds.  I suspect they go out for every holiday and the grounds were just gorgeous.  The inside was also a delight with a full tasting bar, tables to enjoy some artisan cheese, an outside deck that features bands and even a shopping area.  What made the winery so unique was their wine blends.  I've never seen this before but I am a fan now.  They take dry wines and mix them with different flavors to create a brand new seasonal or fruit wine that is truly unlike anything I've tasted.  I avoid most fruit wines because they are too tart but these were heady and full of aroma and tasted so wonderful.  A full case made the long trip back home and will be enjoyed in short order!  For more information, visit Fawn Creek Winery.

To Eat:

• New Orleans seems a world away from the cold, frozen North. And, yet.......Taste of New Orleans brought all those memories from the deep South back!  This charming restaurant is located on a quaint downtown street that has probably looked the same for decades--and I mean that in the most flattering way.  Inside, the decor is so cheesy, so quaint, so absolutely adorable that my girls and I had great fun taking pictures everywhere we could--A Bourbon Street sign with beads in Wisconsin!  Who woulda thought?  And, the food!  Oh, my!  We had Gator Bites and Cajun Swamp Balls and they just tasted New Orleans though and through.  And, the Shrimp Po Boy was so very, very Po (that's a compliment!) Everything was so delicious. The only, slightest disappointment was the beignets, but, really, what were we thinking?  That kind of pleasure can only be found in the French Quarter.  For more information, visit A Taste of New Orleans.
• Any restaurant that has a moose straddling a VW bug is a friend of mine--what a mascot!  The inside of this restaurant, Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co., is true North, true Wisconsin, true Canadian!  At least, that's what calls to mind when you step inside and see wooden beams and tables and soaring wooden balustrades and a roaring fireplace easily two stories tall.  If the cozy atmosphere doesn't get you, the food will.  The Mozzarella Sticks are literally true sticks--as thick as a branch you would find on a tree. Deep-fried and served with warm Bruschetta, it is more mouthwatering than any words can describe.  And, the pizza!  Ahh, the pizza.  It isn't one of those cardboard chain stores.  This pizza is made to order with any variety of toppings you desire and so thin (if you want), it snaps when you bite into it.  My favorite kind.  They also have an onsite microbrewery and for a very reasonable fee, you can indulge in your brews.  Tastings and dozens of beers and a generous growler made for one very happy poppa. For more information, visit Moosejaw Pizza & Dells Brewing Co.
• What is beer without brats?  Okay, so I'm not big into beer but brats is a whole 'nother thing and Brat House Grill had those in abundance.  This place is more like a bar and probably not something you want to bring small kids to, but the brats and dogs are so good.  The Chicago Style Dog was dripping with toppings--onions, peppers, relish and tomatoes and the Parmesan Fries were so good.  Watching a wall-size TV made for a very laid-back, fun night.  For more information, visit Brat House Grill.
• All the pizza and hot dogs and beer had to be balanced with a nice, fancy meal and we weren't disappointed by Sarento's.  A true Italian feel met you at the door and followed you all the way to your table.  This was no poser!  An authentic Italian meal awaited us and we waddled to the car on our way home rather than walked.  The insalate was so delicious--finger licking good, although I refrained because this was a fancy place but I wanted to!  A unique and truly amazing dish, dare I say award-winning if there were such awards for this, was the Chicken Sarento, a dish of grilled chicken, arugula, basil, tomatoes, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  It is almost worth my 8+ hour drive just to go back and get this dish.  For more information, visit Sarento's Restaurant and Pizzeria.
• What week would be complete without Mexican and Margaritas?  Not mine, certainly!  The Mexicali Rose is located just on the Lower Dells and has a most awesome view.  The entire back wall is glass and almost every table sits in front of the windows.  In addition to the scenery, the food was quite good and while the margaritas didn't match the local ones from home, they did the the trick.  The food was absolutely authentic and the Carnitas and Salsa and Guacamole hit the spot.  For more information, visit Mexicali Rose.
• For a conclusion to our tour of the world in Wisconsin Dells, we decided to do Carribbean at Marley's.  I am so glad we did.  What a fun time!  When we entered, a Zumba class was just warming up on the dance floor and we were able to enjoy some great music and a some laughs at locals being silly (I hope!).  Everyone in the place seemed intent on having a great time.  Even the table wait was fun--the table covering was a big piece of butcher paper with crayons and we played tic-tac-toe and had drawing competitions until our food arrived.  That, also, did not disappoint.  Our appetizer was so good, a nibbles sampler that was served in a bucket.  So cute. The fish tacos were wonderful and any Caribbean would be proud to know their food was being represented well.  For more information, visit Marley's:  A Taste of the Caribbean.