Operating for over 100 years is Seattle's famous Pike Place Market. When I heard they were starting renovations in April of 2009 in order to preserve the history, I figured I had to visit, surprised that I hadn't been there already. The Market consists of nine acres of historic buildings all housing an eclectic array of meat purveyors, bakers, farmers, fishmongers, artists and musicians. My kind of place.
As a child, I can remember going to the Wisconsin Dells for summer vacation and decided it would be worth investigating as a vacation spot for my family. I was amazed to find that it has evolved into the "Waterpark Capital of the World" and the list of FUN family activities is endless.
With a nod to nostalgia, I wanted to make sure we took in the Dells "classics" and that starts with a river tour of the Wisconsin River. This river has unique sandstone formations along the banks, hidden grottos and hemlock trees clinging to the cliffs. It was discovered over 150 years ago and continues to be a big draw to the region. You can tour the river in amphibious vehicles called "Ducks", as well as, on the paddle wheel riverboat or on a jet boat. However you get there, be sure to look for the swallows nest built into the bluffs.
Where can you catch performances by Stevie Wonder, Dave Matthews Band, Conan O'Brien, Jay-Z, John Fogerty, Weezer and Norah Jones all in one place? Yep, you guessed it. Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival happening June 10-13. Bonnaroo has taken over in the past decade as the king of all music and arts festivals featuring attractions like comedy shows, a movie tent, yoga classes, art, environmental talks and education, and of course, music genre diversity like folk, punk, rock, soul, rap....you name it.
One day, while sitting in a natural spring in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, I had a true spiritual awakening. It was January of 2000, the beginning of the new millennium, and the snow was falling as I sat in a 100 degree natural sulfur spring with the steam lifting off the water in a surreal swirling motion. Snow covered mountains, that I had just snowboarded on earlier that day, surrounded me. And every little snowflake that hit my head created a cold sensation in contrast to the hot water beneath me. It was unlike anything I'd ever experienced. It was then that I decided to take a different path in my life and that path eventually resulted in the decision to have my first child. I attribute that meditation-like experience with helping me to make important decisions in my life that created the wonderful life I have now. So as you can expect, I take trips to natural hot springs whenever possible.
As a Mom, I can attest that although getting flowers on Mother's Day is delightful, I'd much rather spend quality time with my family on a vacation. So even though Mother's Day has come and gone, surprise her again with appreciation and take her to a beautiful garden!
Claude Monet's garden at Giverny in France seems to be the top pick for avid travelers. The inspiration and product of one of the most famous impressionist artists ever to have lived, this garden looks more like a piece of art than real life. Monet was meticulous in creating the perfect space for the gardens including ensuring symmetry with precise designs and layouts. As you can imagine, this landscape was the backdrop for inspiration for his breathtaking work.
With the onset of spring and summer just around the corner, my favorite place to be in London is in one of the many outdoor parks and gardens. What better way to get a sense of the people and take in the history along the way?
Hyde Park is one of the most popular parks. On a beautiful day you will see boats and even swimmers in Serpentine Lake. I found it particularly charming to see horse and riders roaming this central London Park. Also, if you like to "get on your soapbox" then you have to visit Speaker's Corner near Marble Arch where anyone can get up on a soapbox and address the crowds. The kids will love the Princess Diana Memorial Garden playground at Kensington Gardens, a continuation of Hyde Park.
As warmer weather approaches, the quest to find a fun, family get-away heats up. One of my favorite childhood memories is climbing up the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes in Glen Arbor, Michigan and rolling back down. Kids of all ages love the Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, not to mention swimming and picnicking on the sugar sand beaches of Lake Michigan.
My family loved exploring and learning about the shipping history of this area. South and North Manitau Islands form a passage with the mainland that was often dangerous for ships passing through the shallow waters when the winds were fierce. At the Glen Haven Maritime Museum and Life Saving Station children are encouraged to participate in a daily reenactment of a ship wreck rescue using a tool called the Lyle Gun.
You've seen one tree, you haven't seen them all.
My husband and I decided to do something romantic for Valentine's Day this past year and thought it might be nice to visit the California Coastal Redwood Parks. Located along the Northern coast of California, the Redwood Parks cover a combined area of over 100,000 acres of land and is home to the tallest trees on the planet. In addition to the huge trees are miles and miles of beautiful coastline, streams, mountainous terrain, prairie land and more natural beauty to admire than you can imagine. While most couples were zooming by the Redwood Parks towards Wine Country during Valentine's weekend, we preferred to sit quietly under these massive trees that are seemingly from another planet.
Ah, St. Patrick's Day...
Second to Halloween, my favorite holiday - and the one I hold very dear to my heart. Why? The green beer? Yuck! No. The ridiculous green top hats? Um, no. The shamrock bead necklaces? Cool, but no. Celebrating the patron saint of Ireland? Sorry, not really. For me, nothing says St. Paddy's Day like the music.
Just thinking of March 17, I get excited for the yearly ritual that is sure to come. My Irish relatives and friends (and my friends unfortunately not lucky enough to have ancestors from the Emerald Isle) take a holiday from our careers and map out the day according to where the best music will be, at which Irish pub and at what time. The fun begins around 10:00 a.m. I know what you're thinking. This is an excuse to start drinking in the morning. No. Surprise, surprise...To me, St. Paddy's Day doesn't have much to do with drinking at all. Instead, it's about sitting in an old Irish pub with my loved ones, slamming our glasses on the wooden table, screaming the words to every traditional folk song from the homeland that we've heard over and over and over, but somehow never gets old.
As the World's Largest Hotel Chain, we know it is a big world out there
with lots of places to see and experience. Best Western's You Must Be
Trippin' travel blog offers travel tips, ideas and feature destinations
to make your next trip a success. We are also interested in where
you've been trippin' and invite you to share your travel ideas, tips
and destinations with us.
Please wait while my tweets load
Fall Travel Contest
View full screen >
View past contest photos >
Sam Lowe
Cesar Millan
Chris McGinnis
Jason Fogelson
Bryson Forbes
Amy Graff
Karla Henriquez
