There is nothing like spring season. The world is starting to wake up from its winter sleep and the flowers are opening up to greet the earth like old friends. It's the time of the year where inspiration hits us like the break of dawn and we are overflowing with plans to get out on the road and seek adventures. There is no better way than being surrounded by earth's beautiful bounty to appreciate nature. Areas with good rain and sunshine are the perfect ingredients for a blooming field of flowers. Here are some states bursting with all sorts of flowers to make spring time absolutely magical.
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As I fretted over a Mother's Day gift a few weeks ago, I found myself, as I often do, turning to the Internet for ideas. As I was frantically ticki-tacking at the keyboard, I ran across a 2012 Harris Interactive survey which highlighted a big disconnect between what men think moms want and what is actually atop most moms lists. While 72% of male respondents thought moms wanted flowers for Mother's Day, nearly half of the women surveyed said what moms really want is a spa day. Quite the variance!
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Summer's just around the corner, and for many of us, that means getting out the map and figuring out where the family should go for a week or two. It can be a challenge getting a consensus on where and what everyone wants to do and see. This year, I decided that my family should experience a different culture with excellent cuisines and Old World Customs - all without leaving the continental United States. What, you say? It's easier than you might imagine.
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With baseball season chugging along and Spring Training in the rearview mirror, it's time to take a look back at the 2 cities that host your favorite teams every year. Many Major League Baseball fans make the journey to follow their favorite teams to their respective sides of the country for some casual baseball and warm weather.
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With St. Patrick's Day approaching, there are two things you need to be ready: Stylish green apparel and somewhere lucky to show it off. Here are a few suggestions for a charmed vacation.
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They say everyone should have a passion and I agree. My passion is and always has been travel - a need to keep moving, exploring and experiencing everything this planet has to offer. This past year my husband and I set our sights set on visiting the Iberian Peninsula of Portugal and the beautiful White Hill Towns of Andalusia in Spain.
We were anxious to see the cobblestone streets of Lisbon, sample their exquisite Port and ride the ancient trams up the daunting hillsides. A short train ride outside Lisbon took us to the charming village of Sintra where we wandered through the fairy-tale castle of Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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I learned how to ice skate at an early age. It's a magical feeling, strapping on your skates and swooshing around on the ice with the frigid winter air blowing in your face! Of course, the first lesson you learn very quickly is how to determine if the ice is thick enough to hold you without breaking through into the freezing cold water!
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Literally translated as "Spring Festival", the Chinese New Year is the most important holiday on the traditional Chinese calendar. This year, the Year of the Snake, the celebration starts on February 10th and will last 15 days until February 25th. Each of the 15 days has a uniquely beautiful manner of celebration. For example, Day 1 is celebrated with a thunderous explosion of fireworks, music and dancing in the streets. The second day is traditionally set aside for married daughters to make a special visit to their parents, relatives and friends.
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Sports fan or no sports fan, there is no denying that the Super Bowl is one of the biggest and most watched events in American sports. The 47th annual Super Bowl between the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers will be held on February 3, 2013 in the famed New Orleans Superdome.
New Orleans is no stranger to hosting big, supersized events and this Super Bowl will be the 10th that the city has hosted. In addition to the action on the field between the 49ers second-year quarterback Colin Kaepernick and the Ravens fifth year pro Joe Flacco, New Orleans can throw a party like no other city on earth.
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The holiday season is over and many of us will be back on the road traveling for business. Traveling around holiday time can be stressful and hectic enough, but having to travel extensively right after for "work" is just adding insult to injury! For this reason I've put together a shortlist of some key things you can do to keep yourself as rested and rejuvenated as you possibly can be, amidst your upcoming business travels. These tips are so simple, yet they can make a big difference on the R&R scale, so take note!
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Holiday vacations almost always include going to a sunny, southern locale, like Florida, but what if you don't want to leave the snow behind? If a Winter Wonderland is your picturesque holiday, there are plenty of cities in the Northland that are more than willing to take visitors and show you real holiday cheer. Here are three destinations that will give you reason to wear something cozy, while feeling that refreshing, cool air:
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Many of us in the so-called 'business world' have had the opportunity to attend a tradeshow or convention. Does it get much better than seeing another part of the country or world as part of your business travel? At the same time, you have the opportunity to expand your knowledge through seminars and break-out sessions. In my many years of experience, I've learned a few things about traveling for conventions.
Here are some Do's and Don'ts:
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Well, the election is over! But all of the talk about the election has called my attention once again to Washington, DC. I have been fortunate enough to visit there quite a few times. It is a great city that has a lot to offer. If you're going to be traveling that way any time soon, I can recommend some 'must-see' places while you're there.
First and foremost, don't miss any of the memorials or monuments. They are amazing. The memorials for Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln, and of course the Washington Monument are nothing short of awe-inspiring. And I still get chills just thinking about my visits to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veteran's Memorial. While I haven't yet had the opportunity, I am really looking forward to visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial, as well as some of the others that I haven't been to yet.
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Did you know that Halloween is one of the world's oldest celebrated holidays? Did you also know that the tradition of carving pumpkins started in Ireland and not with pumpkins, but with turnips and potatoes? Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America where the turnips and potatoes were set aside for the pumpkin. There is also a very old Irish tale concerning a man called "Stingy Jack" from which the name "jack-o-lantern" was derived. If you have a few minutes, it's a very entertaining story and worth your time reading. Now, here are a few spooktacular jack-o-lanterns to inspire you as you set out to carve your own this Halloween along with a few great carving tips.
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Have you found yourself suffering from boredom on your business travel or while traveling with family for vacation? Sure there's plenty to do on your laptop or iPad, but the juice only lasts so long. If you're looking for something to do on your flight or while in your vehicle and worried about the battery running out on you - fear not, we have you covered!
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By the calendar, fall has officially arrived. However, when you live in the southwest and temperatures are still hitting over 100 degrees, it makes it a little more difficult to accept that fact. Nonetheless, fall is here and my thoughts start turning towards holiday travel and fall festivals. One of my personal favorites is Oktoberfest whether I celebrate here in my own neighborhood or travel to Munich for the mother of all beer festivals. This year should be a particularly good year for those people who enjoy a refreshing frosty mug or two due to the increase in popularity of brew pubs and craft beers.
So, here are a few hints for any of you that might be thinking about going to Munich for Oktoberfest, which runs from September 22 - October 7, 2012.
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So anybody who knows me knows how much I love international travel. The food, the trains, the hotels, the history, and the culture! There isn't anything about traveling internationally that I don't like. I don't even mind all the extra passport checks and security pat-downs. It really isn't so bad! I've been through Ireland and Great Britain, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa and South America. However, I have yet to get to France or China. I would like these countries to be next on my list.
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Traveling with your kids is one of life's greatest adventures. It can be a splendid memory that they'll remember when they have children of their own, or if your kids are like mine, there had better be plenty to do while on those long hours on the highway or airplane otherwise chaos will ensue.
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In Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic 1945 musical State Fair, viewers were able to watch the drama unfold of the glory and excitement surrounding a state fair, whether attending as a contestant or to revel in the American tradition of bringing the best of a state into one central location. It's no wonder that the most popular song from the musical is, " Our State Fair is a great state fair... it's the best state fair in the state!"
Over 65 years later, a lot of state fairs have faded into history, but there are a few that are as popular as they ever have been. Here are three that still put on quite the show each summer:
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So, you've decided to go on vacation, awesome! Well, nothing will get your trip off on the wrong foot than the stress of packing.
Remember, you'll be hauling your luggage in and out of your car, through the airport, on and off the airplane, on and off the bus, we've all been there - so here are a few tips so you will thoroughly enjoy your vacation - without throwing your back out.
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If you've ever had to plan a wedding, you know how stressful it can be. These days, destination weddings are becoming more and more popular. Packaged deals fitting any budget can make planning easier on your wallet. Destination packages can also eliminate the stress of interviewing countless caterers, bakers, florists and other wedding vendors. Additionally, as soon as your wedding is over, you can roll right into your honeymoon as the last of your guests leave.
I've listed my top 10 favorite destination wedding spots around the world, from faraway weddings to destinations closer to home. Regardless of where you decide to have your wedding, you can be sure there's a Best Western nearby! What other places would you add to the list?
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We love Best Western fans. We love their sense of humor. Nowhere else is this more evident than with the Best Western Travel Caption contests. So we wanted to showcase a few of our favorite Travel Caption contest winners and celebrate their humor. You can find some of our favorite images below (HINT: We really love puns!) and if you're on Pinterest feel free to pin away!
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What do all 50 states as well as the ten provinces of Canada have in common that also make each unique? They all have a motto, many of which are abstract, but others that today live up to the short phrase coined years ago. Canada's motto, A Mari Usque Ad Mare means "From Sea to Sea," and the United States of America's E Pluribus Unum is translated to be, "Out of Many, One."
When each of these states, provinces or countries were formed, their motto was chosen to formally describe the general motivation or intention of that particular territory of land. There are many mottos that are completely ambiguous, but others that do a great job of describing the experience there. Here are five favorites who live by their mottos that I really love to visit:
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This year, I've decided to break out of the old routine and pack my bags for a road trip to new places that are slightly off the beaten track. Having grown up in the Midwest, my family traveled to surrounding states, but North Dakota got left out of the plans. I thought it was way past time to check out the state for myself and see what I missed seeing.
The first step in planning a road trip is to do your research and for me, that is learning about the state's past as well as the present. North Dakota sits in what is called the "Great Plains" - something I know I was taught in grade school, but it wasn't until now that I actually was interested in that bit of information. One other interesting fact is that North Dakota is considered to be the "Geographic Center of the North American Continent." This is actually a good piece of information to keep in mind for the next trivia game.
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The first Mother's Day celebration was held on the 2nd Sunday of May in 1908 and in 1914 US President Woodrow Wilson declared the 2nd Sunday in May Mother's Day. The rest, as we say, is history.
Mother's Day is this Sunday and if you haven't made plans for Mom's big day - time is quickly running out. Trust me; if you just put a little planning into the day, everyone wins by seeing mom so happy.
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I remember in my younger years, thinking that if I could dig a hole all the way to China and jump through it, I would fall all the way through and end up standing on my head. You know, because it's on the other side of the world and, obviously, that's how gravity works. Well, when I was about 8 years old I decided to try it - I'm sure you did too when you were a kid.
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Cinco de Mayo! Here in the United States, it is a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. Ironically, the day is barely noted in Mexico. Commonly mistaken with Mexican Independence Day (which is September 16th), it is actually an observation of the day that the Mexican Army had an unlikely victory over French forces in the Battle of Puebla. If you travel the country on May 5th, particularly in the Southwest, you are likely to find the kinds of festivals, concerts, and celebrations that rival those of St. Patrick's Day.
If you happen to find yourself in the Phoenix area, there is a great family-friendly celebration downtown that includes live bands, boxing, dancing and other entertainment, as well as plenty of food and drinks. Around town, there are many other celebrations as well. Visit Macayo's annual 'Cinco de Macayo' at the Depot Cantina; Aunt Chilada's Squaw Peak; the Enchanted Island at Encanto Park and the Chandler Cinco de Mayo Festival in Chandler.
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Does it still feel like winter in your neck of the woods? Is spring disappointing you and the sun shining just a pleasant memory? If your thoughts are turning to summer already, don't despair. It is summer - you just have to go a little further to find it. While it may be winter here in the Northern Hemisphere, there are many exciting new destinations just waiting for you to explore in the Southern Hemisphere. So spread your wings a little and head out to countries that are in the throes of their summer. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
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Taking on the planning for a traveling sports team can be overwhelming. If you know the ins and outs of making the plans and how to have a successful trip, everything will go much more smoothly and you will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the trip once it finally arrives.
Kids are notorious for losing their homework let alone losing their important travel documents like IDs! You will want to make copies of all of the documents to have at home in case you would lose anything and need them faxed or sent to you.
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"La Fheile Padraig Sona Daoibh" and "Erin go Braugh". No, it's not gibberish, translated it means Happy St. Patrick's Day and Ireland Forever in Gaelic.
Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, I've come up with a list of the notable Irish Pubs around the U.S. and Ireland; who knows, some of you might just be lucky enough to live by one of these popular institutions. I can attest to the wonderful pubs in the Temple Bar area of Dublin, having wandered into one or two of them. I would be hard-pressed to name my favorites, since I thought every one of those pubs were delightful, charming and perhaps offering the best draw of a Guinness that I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying. For those of you that enjoy a draught or two, a Guinness is something to be savored and leisurely lingered over, while joining in on a chorus or two of Danny Boy. (Warning, singing along with Danny Boy while enjoying a Guinness may produce a tear or two).
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St. Patrick's Day is here again! What a great holiday celebrating Irish culture and heritage! Since its original parade in 1783, March 17 has evolved into feasts and festivals and celebrations of the pride and culture of Ireland - regardless of your own national heritage. As they say, "Everyone's Irish on March 17th!"
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Are you thinking the ol' same ol' has got to go and it's time to take a little trip to get away from it all? But you don't have the time to stray too far from home, but you want to go far enough away to feel like you're not home. Who hasn't been there before?
First things, first - decide where you want to go. Are you driving or flying? Warm or cold weather preferred? Is Fido or Fluffy coming along for the trip? Well, no matter where you chose, you can be sure a Best Western hotel will be there and you're sure to be welcomed as well.
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SPRING HAS SPRUNG!!!! How great is that?! I don't think it matters where you live, the 'spring feeling' has to be world-wide phenomenon. I also believe that the best spring travel destinations kind of depend on where you live and what you like.
For me personally, living in Arizona now, my favorite spring travel destination is southern California. Did you know there are more than 26 Best Westerns in the greater San Diego area? Including Coronado Island! I love walking around the Gaslamp Quarter, wandering the streets of Coronado, golfing for a few rounds, and of course hitting the beach!
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President's Day is here! And who doesn't love President's Day? I know, most of you hear "President's Day" and immediately think of sales - everything from cars and refrigerators to old Christmas blow-outs. But Presidents Day is more than fighting for parking spots, finding the best deals, waiting in lines to check out.
Did you know that Presidents Day was originally created to honor George Washington's birthday? In fact, some states still refer to it as that. For me, President's Day makes me think of a 3 day weekend and where I can travel next. On this President's Day it seems only appropriate to consider Washington DC as a travel destination. And while DC may be the seat of our federal government, that is only one VERY small part of what makes the city so great.
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Gentlemen (and Ladies) - start your engines! It's not too late to plan a romantic road trip with your favorite sweetheart this Valentine's Day. This year, forget the box of chocolates and flowers and surprise your loved one with planning a romantic weekend for two by hitting the open road. The possibilities are endless! You can pack your bag with clothes for every occasion and see where the road takes you or come up with a detailed itinerary with a planned destination in mind. Personally, from a woman's perspective, I would like to know where I'm headed so I can pack too many outfits, 10 pair of shoes that I will never wear and everything in my cosmetic drawer! Of course, this itinerary all depends on what part of the country you live in. Here are a few suggestions along with several great Best Western hotels to help you enjoy your romantic Valentine's Day:
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If you've traveled with your kids over the holidays, you know exactly how exhausting and taxing it can be for everyone involved. From deciding on whose relatives you're going to stay with this time, how you're going to travel there and how you're going to get all those presents there without ruining the surprise. It's a challenge, to say the least. It takes a lot of pre-planning and most of patience! Here are a few of my tried and true travel tips for traveling with the kids over the winter break.
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The holidays are over, but College Bowl Games have just begun!
It always makes for an interesting, rousing discussion at parties about the differences between college and pro football and which one is more exciting. Personally, I'll watch all of it and enjoy each and every game. But for the purpose of this blog post, I'm going to focus on the College Bowl games. It may not be too late to get your tickets, hop in your car and head out to the nearest bowl game for a real thrill of watching these collegiate athletes leave it all on the field, some for the last time of their college career.
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This year, beginning at sunset on December 20th and concluding at sunset on December 28th will be the time when many Jewish Americans will celebrate the Hanukkah holiday. Hanukkah is generally known as the festival of lights and is an eight day celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple. This is recognized by the lighting of the Menorah (or candelabrum) and an exchange of gifts, along with traditional games and songs.
Each year there are many festivals that take place across the U.S. inviting people to enjoy the holiday together in celebration. Take a look at some of the festivals below and the Best Westerns to stay at along the way!
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Those of you who follow my blogs probably know by now that I have a passion for travel. When I am not traveling, I am dreaming and plotting my next adventure. I'm happy to say that this love of travel has been passed along to our daughters and they are searching out their own new adventures to destinations either close to home or halfway across the world. This past fall, our youngest mapped out her own dream vacation backpacking through Southeast Asia.
A plan that both excited me but also made me more than a little nervous as she would be making this journey entirely by herself. Well, she spent five weeks meandering around Lao, Thailand and Cambodia and made it safely back home, to my relief. Simply put, she had an amazing time and fell in love with all of the countries she visited. For this blog post, I've decided to focus on Cambodia and three of her favorite stopovers.
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As the weather turns cold, now is the perfect to time to visit a film festival. There are many great film festivals coming around the corner. So silence your phone and prepare yourself for new, innovative and often independent stories on the silver screen.
Sundance Film Festival
Park City, Utah
January 19-29, 2012
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The changing of the seasons and the approach of Thanksgiving always bring to mind the history and charm of the New England states and in particular the picturesque village of Plymouth, Massachusetts. Also known as "America's Hometown", Plymouth offers a glimpse into the United States' early history as well as a sophisticated, thriving community offering many diverse outdoor recreational and cultural activities.
I must admit that I mainly associate Plymouth with the pilgrims' voyage across the Atlantic aboard the Mayflower and the landing at Plymouth Rock. When I visited the area several years ago, I was surprised to discover the town and surrounding area have so much more to offer. As Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, I thought it would be a good time to check out a few of the seasonal celebrations surrounding this holiday.
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Fall has arrived! A time for nostalgia, personal reflection and the beauty of Mother Nature at her finest in the changing landscape from summer to fall. Although living in the Southwest sometimes makes it difficult to tell the difference between one season and the next. Personally, I love the fall and the way the light plays out across the sky in the early morning and evening. Every year, I plan a trip back to the Midwest just to see an Iowa Hawkeyes football game and to experience the display of changing leaves near the banks of the mighty Mississippi. It is a breathtaking sight.
This year, I thought it would be nice to have a change of scenery and branch out to other locations around the country to see how this fall ritual plays out across the United States. Below are several outstanding scenic drives worth considering this fall:
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The costumes are ready. The candy bowl is full. And the jack-o-lanterns are set--glowing like a beacon to Halloween lovers nearby. While most people look at carving pumpkins as a fun and gooey family activity, for some individuals it's a serious competition.
Some competitions are regional and require all participants to carve their pumpkins at a pumpkin carving showdown. Others merely require a photo to be sent before an appointed deadline. Here are a few favorite contests:
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I'm packing my bags again and this time we're off to Italy. I've been busy planning our itinerary down to the last detail. The planning is almost as fun as the actual travel in my book. Once I decided which country to visit the rest was easy as this would be our third time traveling to the country that is full of history and culture.
Our first destination after landing in Rome will be Florence, located in the heart of Tuscany. It's a quick and easy train ride out of the Roma Termini Station to Florence, just about 90 minutes. Florence is known as the "cradle of the Renaissance" because of the many treasures it holds - Santa Maria del Fiore, probably better known as the Duomo, the Medici Chapel which holds the remains of the most powerful family in Florence from the 15th to the 18th century, the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia housing the famous statute of Michelangelo's David. There are so many historical places to see in Florence not to mention making time for the shopping and dining. Yes, pasta, pasta and more pasta! If you need a break from the museums, the hills of Tuscany are waiting just outside the city.
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If you think you've seen the sights and sounds of the world, you haven't seen anything unless you've experienced life under water. More than 70 percent of the earth is covered by ocean occupied by 230,000 forms of marine life. Scuba diving is truly awe inspiring and should not be missed during coastal travel.
To fully experience the world below the surface, you better plan ahead. Although some tourist destinations have scuba adventures for non-divers, you'll be able to explore more of the underwater world when you become scuba certified before your coastal vacation. If you don't live near the ocean, don't worry, there are scuba certification courses available in many landlocked states. By certifying before your trip you'll be able to become familiar with scuba safety and equipment before you dive into another world.
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If your family loves the silver screen and thrill rides that may cause some to scream, Universal Studios is the place for you and your family this summer. Universal Studios is one of the oldest movie studios in Hollywood. The first theme park originated in Hollywood when it began giving studio tours. This theme park has expanded and has also led to the creation of other Universal Studios theme parks located in Hollywood, California, and Orlando, Florida.
Between the two locations and handful of Universal Studios theme parks there are plenty of rides and attractions to keep the family busy for days! Since time is of the essence I'm highlighting the "must see" attraction of Orlando and Hollywood.
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Washington D.C. is one of the most picturesque spots in the entire country. Situated on the banks of the Potomac River and with so many things to see and do, it's difficult to see it all, but you can be sure that a Best Western Hotel is in the middle of it all.
You can start your tour with a visit to the Smithsonian Museum one of the largest museums in the world, you can see the countries national treasures and a range of subjects exhibits from art to space exploration.
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January may be the time for making life improvements, but summer is the time for seeking adventure. The increased intake of revitalizing sun, the more carefree way of life during summer makes me hungry for something new, something daring.
This summer I hope to break out of the norm with a unique outdoor adventure that originally hails from New Zealand -- Zorbing. In this extreme recreational activity the individual climbs into a double-sectioned, large, plastic orb (almost 10 feet in diameter) and rolls down a hill.
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Ever heard the expression "everything that glitters is not gold"? Well, if you're going to go panning for gold, you might want to keep that saying top of mind.
How did panning for gold get started? Well, talk of gold in California had been around for years before the Gold Rush and in December of 1848, President James Polk told Congress there were confirmed accounts of finding gold in California. By 1849 the Rush was on and people from all over the United States were jumping on the wagon train and heading to California with a touch of "Gold Fever."
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Back in March, I decided to revisit some of my favorite posts to a few of You Must Be Trippin's contests. I hope you enjoyed re-reading them as much as I did. I love that so many of you take the time to respond and write your touching, funny and always entertaining comments. I am following up with Part II - Sit back, relax and read-on!
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The kids are finally out of school. Now you have time to relax and the open road is calling your family to take an adventure. Whether you decide to go to another part of your home state or to take a drive from sea to shining sea, there is no more fun-filled method of travel than hopping in your car with the kids in the back seat and miles of pavement ahead.
When I was growing up my family drove thousands of miles each summer to places like Yellowstone National Park, the shore of Lake Superior in northern Minnesota and the Gateway Arch in Saint Louis. Although these trips made great memories, the younger siblings sometimes didn't get as much enjoyment from the hours of togetherness and sitting in a car. To help beat backseat boredom, we played car games that didn't require a board, cards or pieces and could begin within seconds of those younger children being on the brink of a panic attack. Here are four of my family's favorites that the whole vehicle can play together, no matter how big, small, young or old your family may be.
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A few years ago when planning our annual summer road trip with the kids, my husband suggested that we visit the rainforest in Washington state when traveling through the Seattle area. I must admit at that time, I didn't know there was a rainforest in the United States.
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My girlfriends and I are planning our annual 4-day getaway. We like to pick a place where we can do some heavy-duty discount shopping with a side of sightseeing. We want no distractions for the main event: finding deals.
We love outlet malls because there are so many different kinds of stores grouped together--we can all find something we love. The bargains are easy to find and we like the outdoor walkability of most modern outlet malls.
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I am a beach bum. Given the opportunity, I would pick going to a beach and just chillin' as my premier vacation destination. Being from an island in the Caribbean, I have developed what I describe as a connoisseur's standard for what a "nice" beach is. Some people call me a "beach snob". Connoisseur/Snob...Tomatoe/Tomato; the bottom line is that if someone in my friends' circle of friends wants advise on a beach vacation, they call me.
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I'm not a runner. NEVER have I been a runner. I've tried over the years to be a runner. I never could get the rhythm of it. I still will give it a go on my daily walks with the dog. I think about how nice it would be just to go out the door and take off on an effortless run. It seems like it would be so exhilarating to run for miles without stopping to catch your breath.
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You Must Be Trippin' will celebrate its third year of blogging this summer. It's been a lot of fun featuring up great travel ideas and tips; but the best part of this travelogue journey has come from reading all the wonderful comments from readers.
We have written about summer vacations, business trip tips, traveling with the kids, best music for your driving travel, Harley Davidson road trips and the list goes on. There have been some great contests too. We've asked our readers to send in their favorite fall photos, vote in the "Who's Gonna Win" NASCAR races, best romantic vacation, time travel machine and our latest, "Where's the Ultimate Travel Destination". If you missed any of these posts, take some time and go back and read through some of them. You'll find they're even better the second time you read them!
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January 1, 2011. The older you get, the more times you say to yourself "where did the year go?" This year is no different - the year just flew by. Statistically, 50% of us make New Year's Resolutions; how many of us keep them is anyone's guess. We say we'll go to the gym more, lose weight, eat better, work harder so we can play harder and the list goes on. This year my resolution is going to be to travel more....maybe revisit places I've been and explore new ones. So, below are a few travel resolutions that I'd like to make a serious attempt at keeping this year:
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My husband and I decided to make the trip back to the Napa and Sonoma vineyards with friends and visited in November. The weather was perfect; the leaves on the vines had turned into breathtaking autumn colors and best of all, no crowds. At times it seemed we were the only ones traveling up and down the scenic roads in search of the smaller, quainter wineries. Another positive in touring at this time of the year is that with fewer people, the wineries have more time to tutor you in the fine art of wine tasting.
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Ansel Adams is one of my favorites. Photographers, that is. I think perhaps he was the best at capturing some of America's most beautiful and breathtaking scenery, most notably his black and white photographs of the West. There are so many places here in the United States and Canada that will simply take your breath away if you are fortunate enough to be able to travel and see them in person. I really wanted to be able to take photographs like you see in Arizona Highways or National Geographic; unfortunately my pictures were always slightly off- kilter, slightly out of focus or my hand in the picture. Ah well, I did the next best thing and married a man who has an eye and knack for capturing the perfect photograph.
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Growing up on the north shore of Long Island, in a town where sailing is as common as brushing your teeth, it's no surprise any kind of boating activity is on my top 10 favorite things to do and see. And the Head of the Charles Regatta in Cambridge, Massachusetts is the ultimate location for the ultimate boating experience.
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"Are you ready for some football?"
Ok, so I didn't coin this phrase, but every time I hear Hank Williams, Jr. or Faith Hill sing this song at the beginning of Sunday night and Monday night football, I get goose bumps. I'll just say it once, I LOVE FOOTBALL. Everything about it: looking ahead at the schedule for my favorite teams; checking on the weather to see if it's going to be hot or just merely hot (I live where it's always hot); what I'm going to wear (either the team jersey that's for hot weather or the team jersey that's for merely hot weather) and the all important questions - what time does the tailgate party start and what food are we going to have?
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When my girls were younger, there would be those days when the dishes, laundry, schoolwork and shuttling them around to all of their activities, that I would just throw my hands in the air and wish I could just go away for a few days with a few girlfriends who were also experiencing mom "overload". I'd start dreaming about all the places I would go - just for a few days to regenerate - and then come home a happier and rested mom. My girlfriends and I would plot and plan our dream trip, but we never managed to get it done. Well, my girls are now off on their own and I have the time and the means to plan a weekend trip with my girlfriends.
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For those of us lucky enough to get past the ever threatening cloud of volcanic ash and the British Airways strike, there is a lot to look forward to in London this summer.
My personal favorite is the Hampton Court Palace Festival in June. Picture a picnic in the Palace Gardens followed by an open air concert in the Palace courtyard. Nine big name artists perform during the 10 day festival and, as of this writing, there are still openings for the likes of Michael Bolton and classical British favorite, Katherine Jenkins, just to name a few.
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It's hard to have an appreciation for history when you're a kid. Sundays were always a day of rest for my family which always translated into all of us piling into the backseat of the family car and taking a "Sunday drive". Most of that time was spent with my head buried in a book and barely glancing out the window until we pulled back into our driveway at the end of the day. I'm pretty sure we covered every square inch of Iowa during those drives. Looking back, I wish I had looked out the window more than I did.
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Despite having been to London several times and making sure to cover all of the 'must see' landmarks, museums, theater...the list goes on. I have never had the time or opportunity to explore the English countryside beyond that. A recent business trip to Swindon, England changed all of that.
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As Alice Cooper sings it "School's out for summer, School's out forever". Literally music to the ears for thousands of young adults graduating from college this May. However, the most enthusiastic people singing this song may be the parents of those graduates. However, my lines to the song might be more of "School's out for summer, School's out forever, no more tuition payments"!
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I just returned from a trip to southern Ohio with my oldest daughter, where we had the good fortune to have a day to wander over the border into Kentucky for a little impromptu sightseeing. I really started out to wander the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, but got sidetracked into the Kentucky bluegrass country and the thoroughbred horse farms scattered all around the Bourbon Trail.
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If you've traveled at all recently, then you must know the challenges we all face trying to pack your suitcase to: a. avoid paying baggage fees, b. stay under the 50 lb. weight limit, c. not pack anything that causes you to be pulled aside and have your personal belongings rifled through (yes, it is sometimes embarrassing). I could go on and on and on, but I think you get the idea. Traveling has become more and more difficult with the increased security measures that are well intentioned and put in place to keep us all safe. I should add that my goal when traveling is to only pack what I can carry on the plane with me. Easy on, easy off.
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It seems that every day a new recall is hitting the news. It's been a tough couple of years for automakers, but Toyota has been hit particularly hard. Understandably it makes everyone rethink car safety and wonder just how safe the car is that you're driving.
I thought it might be a good time to go over some general car safety tips and who better to give out advice on car safety than AAA. We have been members of AAA for many years and have signed up our three daughters for coverage. It's inexpensive and invaluable when your car breaks down on the freeway, you have a flat tire with no spare or when you're planning a vacation and need some great discounts. Not to mention the peace of mind when your teenagers or young adults are out driving around at all hours!
Here are some great tips and advice from the AAA experts themselves:
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I do like to fish, really. My parents loved to fish and many a Sunday we'd pack up the fishing pole and find a creek, pond, stream or lake to throw in a line. I didn't particularly care for the cleaning part (too many eyes and guts), but I did enjoy the eating part. Then I married a guy whose passion is fly fishing, so I transitioned from simply trolling for fish to becoming actively engaged in the sport of catch and release. My dad took me ice fishing - once - and I have to say it was a very different experience. I learned you have to be prepared.
Basics of Ice Fishing
For those new to the idea of ice fishing, here is a brief summary from Wikipedia:"Ice fishing is the activity of catching fish with lines and fish hooks through an opening in the ice on a frozen body of water. Ice anglers may sit on the stool in the open on a frozen lake, or in a heated cabin on the ice, some with bunks and amenities".
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Do you ever wonder how all those people get on your favorite television shows? You know, the ones that get picked to be on a game show, provide the laughter for the sitcoms or get to see Leno, Conan, Ellen or Letterman in person?
I know I did. I'd watch those shows and say to myself - I know I could answer all those questions and win a million dollars or provide a good laugh track for that sitcom or even be in the front row to shake Leno's hand or to dance with Ellen. A few years ago, I knew I was going to be in the Los Angeles area, so I requested tickets for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and I was fortunate to be able to get them in the time period that I would be visiting. You do have to arrive early, stand in a long line, go through security and then find a seat - but it was well worth it. It was pretty exciting to be in on the taping and see what goes on behind the scenes. I also tried in vain to get tickets to "The Oprah Winfrey Show", but it was a last minute thought while in Chicago.
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It seems like every January ushers in the start of "wedding season" as wedding planners and vendors start gearing up for the busy months ahead for weddings. It's a very wonderful, romantic and stressful time in a couple's life as they start to plan the perfect wedding day. As destination weddings have become more and more popular the last few years, I decided it might be a good time to do some research into the most wedding-friendly cities around the country and for the guests that are lucky enough to be invited to the "Big Day".
I also thought it might be interesting to list a few statistics about the wedding industry first, just to give you an idea of how coveted the wedding market has become and how important it is for cities to court this industry. According to Wedding Industry Statistics:
2010 is upon us. And I am as guilty as anyone of living most of my life with my head down, looking at my Blackberry. While laptops and smart phones have made our lives easier, we must not forget to look up every once in a while - literally. At risk for sounding too new-age, we're missing one of the most beautiful and natural forms of entertainment... stargazing.
I mean, really, when was the last time you stopped what you were doing and just stared upwards at the millions and millions of lights shining down on us? The night skies are fascinating. There's a reason that so many make a career, or at least a hobby, out of simply studying and watching the stars. While there are numerous places (including your own backyard) to gaze upon the stars, there are a few environmental conditions under which viewing is best.
Obviously, leaving society behind is an important first step... clear skies with small (or nonexistent) populations can be aided by high altitudes and dry climates. Combine all these elements, and you have the perfect environment for getting back in touch with your inner-dreamer.
Here are some spots to get you started:
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Our family summer vacation to Yellowstone National Park was one for the record books and it got me thinking about visiting in the winter. Blanketed in snow and free from the throngs of summer visitors, the park takes on a magical quality.
The first thing I figured out is that most of the roads in the park are closed to traffic and you must plan to explore in over-snow vehicles only. Given that the weather in the winter can be severe, you may choose to schedule a commercial snowcoach that will tour through Yellowstone, stopping along the way for a closer look at wildlife or some of over 10,000 hydrothermal features. This is an ideal way to take in the crystalline winter landscape and stay warm along the way.
For the hearty and adventurous out there, you may opt to reserve snowmobiles or tour the many miles of incredible cross-country ski trails in the park. Snowmobile permits are limited and you must be accompanied by a guide so be sure to get details and make your reservations early.
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You know, this time of the year can be, and usually is, very stressful. The planning, the baking, the shopping, the presents and the relatives (even the ones you like) add to the stress. As the mom, most of these tasks usually fall to me and I wonder every year if I can create and recreate the wonderful memories that will hopefully stay with my girls until they leave the nest and start their own traditions. All of this running around and planning brought back memories of when the girls were younger and we always traveled back to the Midwest to celebrate Christmas with our families. So, I decided to offer some unsolicited advice on one more thing that might add to parents' stress over the holidays and that is - traveling to Grandma's and Grandpa's house (or relative of your choice).
At our home, we celebrate Christmas, so here are a few of my tried and true tactics to traveling with the kids that might help make this year's travel a little more relaxing and put the true spirit of the holidays back where it belongs - in your heart.
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I've been fortunate enough over the past few years to either travel on business for myself or tag along with my husband on his business trips which have taken us to places around the world I never thought I would see. I'm a lucky woman. My last trip for work to California had me thinking about how to combine a business trip with pleasure. It is one of those perks that make you feel like you've had an extra vacation added in to your year.
Trying to mix business travel with pleasure can be a tricky balancing act, but with some careful planning and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone, I found it can be done.
It doesn't matter what city or country you're traveling to, plan ahead. When I find out what city or country I'm going to be traveling to, I spend some time online checking out the activities, events and local highlights that might be worth exploring. If I'm traveling to another country or even a different time zone, I try to arrive a day early just to get over jet lag, get some exercise and a good night's rest. You'll be amazed at how much better you'll feel and have a clear mind heading into your work week.
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I know you all have experienced this. You're out of town on business and you wind up with about 2 hours before you have to leave to catch your plane or check out of your hotel. Not a ton of time, but enough to do something interesting besides hanging out in your room watching old movies.
After some thought, I decided to put together a list of things you can do when faced with a little time on your hands and you'd like to do or see something memorable before heading home or to your next destination.
You can start by asking your hotel concierge about local landmarks, parks, zoos, antique shops or museums that are located nearby. It's a great way to soak up some of the local landscape and get a feel for the people living there, especially helpful if you will be returning to that city again. I know that all of the Best Western properties list local attractions and distance from their hotel property which you can find on www.bestwestern.com.
To get even more specific, I thought I would suggest a few things in three different cities across the U.S. that could turn your run-of-the-mill business trip into something a little more memorable.
New York City. Head over to the West Village (the original, western portion of Greenwich Village) and take a leisurely 2 hour stroll around the virtually unchanged 19th century neighborhood. The West Village was originally home to quite a few literary artists, but that has changed in recent years. It's a delightful diversion from the hustle and bustle of Times Square and Central Park. You'll find beautifully renovated brownstones and some great neighborhood restaurants, some offering locally grown food. If walking around New York neighborhoods aren't your thing, how about a helicopter tour around Manhattan getting a bird's eye view of Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty or the Hudson River? Some companies offer as little as a 7 minute tour up to 30 minutes, perfect for the 2 hours or less!
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"The Land of 10,000 Lakes" is where you will frequently hear the greeting "Velkommen" or "Welcome" in Norwegian and is home to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-Saint Paul.
The Minneapolis-Saint Paul cities offer all the culture, shopping, theatre, arts and sports that you would expect from any large metropolitan area but without some of the other hassles. There is a great vibe that surrounds these cities many unique and interesting things to do while visiting.
Starting with the arts, Minneapolis is home to the Walker Art Centre, considered one of the world's best contemporary art museums. In addition, they also have an outdoor sculpture garden that features some fantastic sculptures including a few by Frank Gehry that is definitely worth seeing. If you enjoy theater, you'll need to pay a visit to new Guthrie Theater, featuring both classic and contemporary plays. If you're a fan of birding, this is a great bird watching venue considering the urban setting. Spend a day simply wandering the art center and the outdoor gardens. It is worth the trip.
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You've heard the song. It's referenced in movies. As a child growing up in Arizona, we're taught about the "historic highway" in our state. But what is Route 66, really?
It's a road starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica that stretches over eight states. The highway oozes with nostalgia, history and Americana as it once was. Some see it as a link to the past - to the ways our grandparents traveled that we just simply don't know in today's hustle and bustle. A road where travelers can really get away from the rat race and experience a shell of the extravagant life that existed along this extended stretch of road.
In 1926, Route 66 was known as the "Super Highway." It followed the railroads that moved coast to coast and with the advent of the automobile, people were given a new way to travel, a new way to experience America. Route 66 represented freedom - a super highway for Americans traveling from the Midwest to the West coast. Bursting with brightly-lit hotels, drive-ins, diners, tourist attractions and natural spectacles, the highway was as exciting an experience as the destination.
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Fall is a great time of year to visit Baltimore and there is plenty to do to celebrate the season. Whether you are looking for fall festivals, autumn hikes or Victorian cemeteries you will find it in Baltimore and more.
Families will enjoy everything from apple or pumpkin picking to hayrides, straw mazes, fall crafts and petting zoos at several area farms including Baugher's Orchard & Farm, Spring Meadow Farm Fall Harvest Festival, Irvine Nature Center Pumpkin Fest and Weber's Cider Mill Farm. Most are open Saturday's and Sundays through October. Another seasonal favorite for families might be autumn hikes to take in the fall colors at Gunpowder Falls State Park, Oregon Ridge or Patapsco Valley State Park.
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I have just returned from my end of the summer escape, holiday, vacation, getaway - it was all of those things and more.
It was my fortunate parental "duty" to accompany my youngest daughter to the south of France to help her situate for a semester of French immersion at the University of Lyon. Of all the parental duties involved with raising children, I must say this was one of the more pleasant. After having traveled all that way, it seemed only logical that I seek out some rest and relaxation from all that work. I set my sights on the Mediterranean, specifically Antibes, a mere 4 hour high-speed train ride from Lyon.
I prepared for my sojourn by buying fresh baguettes, cheese and of course, a bottle of French wine to enjoy while watching the vineyards of the Cotes du Rhone region speed by and then watch the landscape start to ease into the lovely Mediterranean Sea. This was my third time through the French Riviera and it never loses its "wow" factor for me. It boggles the mind that water can be so many shades of blue and that there are even more shapes and sizes of yachts bobbing along the coast.
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Early fall is an ideal time to visit Chicago. The weather is typically mild and when the sun is shining Chicagoans don't waste a minute of it. On the weekends the beaches might still feel like summer with hoards of people soaking up the sun, playing volleyball, riding along the path on bicycles or just reading in the shade of a big tree watching the sailboats go by.
Want to veer away from the water's edge? I am amazed to find that there is always some kind of festival going on. Old Town is one of my favorite spots for great restaurants, street fairs and unique boutique's. Whether you experienced the Old Town Art Fair during the summer or are headed to the Wells Street Crush, Music and Comedy Fest in September, you will enjoy wandering through this Chicago neighborhood on a beautiful day.
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I will admit that I never miss a season skiing at one of the many incredible Colorado Ski Resorts in the winter and never really considered the possibilities for summer fun in the mountains. That is until some friends convinced us to join them for the 4th of July in Telluride, Colorado - I am a convert! There is something for everyone in these mountain resort towns during the summer without the sticker shock of lift tickets for the entire family.
Led by the example of the laid back local crowd, we quickly learned to relax and make the most of the incredible natural resources all around us. We wandered down Telluride's charming main street past unique shops, fabulous restaurants and historic buildings. Be sure to venture into Town Park on the east edge of town if you are looking for the ideal spot to picnic and play. It doubles as celebration central for the 4th of July festivities and other festivals throughout the year. From the town of Telluride, we rode the free gondola for stunning views and easy access to Mountain Village. Don't forget to try the disc golf course across from Mountain Village Market. Everyone loves to throw a Frisbee around and it is free to the public!
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One visit to Yosemite is not enough given the 747,956 acres of impressive granite cliffs, waterfalls, glaciers, streams, giant sequoia groves and flora and fauna waiting to be discovered.
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When my husband and I were in Munich a few years ago, we made sure we made it to the Hofbrau House to sample their "liquid gold" or in layman's terms - beer. A trip to Munich or anywhere in Germany would not be complete without sampling some of their famous beer. I'm not particularly fond of beer, but as the saying goes "when in Rome, do as the Romans do". I have to admit; sitting in the famous Hofbrau House with the locals and watching the women carry the huge steins of beer and singing "Eins, Zwei g'suffa" was a lot of fun. I thought maybe this beer thing wasn't so bad after all! I thought at the time that it would be a kick to come back and visit the beer tents during Oktoberfest.
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Any time of year, a visit to Lake Tahoe is spectacular! Most recently we enjoyed a perennial June favorite - America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride. Every year in early June nearly 3,000 cyclists from all over the United State and beyond journey to Lake Tahoe, Nevada to participate in a bike ride around the lake boasting breathtaking views from every angle.
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I saw the Disney-Pixar "Up" movie over the weekend. Besides the fact that my family and I absolutely loved the movie, it reminded me of the hot air balloon festival I went to years ago in Iowa. I thought the balloons were so whimsical, beautiful and breathtaking as they filled with air and slowly rose into the early morning sky. It also inspired me to do a little research into hot air balloon festivals around the country and find out just what it is about ballooning that draws such a huge following.
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Jackson Hole, Wyoming. If you haven't been, this really needs to be on your "places to see before you die" list because it really is one of the most beautiful places on earth...at least it is to me.
As you may or may not know, Jackson Hole is actually the ski resort located 12 miles outside of the town of Jackson and many people mistakenly refer to the town as Jackson Hole. However you care to refer to the area, it still remains a great summer escape to experience what the valley surrounding Teton County, Wyoming has to offer.
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If history happens to be your thing, you really need to put Deadwood, South Dakota on your radar. The entire city is on the National Historic Landmark District. Not to mention that the town's early history is the storyline for the HBO TV series "Deadwood". Not one to confuse fact with fiction, I decided to look into Deadwood and its past as well as the present. What I found was a great destination spot with plenty to do for the whole family.
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To coin Alice Cooper, "school's out for summer". This is still my favorite time of the year when families start to plan their escape from their everyday routine. Ours was no different, and it seemed like every summer our family car headed the same way- to Yellowstone and no one complained that we were going back to the same place we'd been so many times before. We loved it! Then when our children were old enough to stand the car ride, our family van headed off in the same direction. I couldn't wait to share the thrill of experiencing Yellowstone with our girls. So, here are a few facts about the park as well as a few of my favorite sights around the park that shouldn't be missed.
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After posting my last blog about Lesser Known National Parks of the Midwest, I started thinking about other parks and refuges around the country that may not be as well known as they should be. Or, maybe that's part of their charm, lesser known, more intriguing. This particular park was brought to our attention by one of our You Must Be Trippin' readers so, we thought it would make a good spotlight.
J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located on a subtropical barrier island of Sanibel in the Gulf of Mexico. Sanibel is located 15 miles southwest of Ft. Myers, Florida. I knew that any park or refuge with a name like that must have a story behind it. I wasn't disappointed! I like to think that I've been environmentally conscious for quite a few years now, but Jay Norwood Darling was well ahead of the curve when it comes to being green. I discovered that Darling was a well-known nationally syndicated cartoonist working for the Des Moines Register and was honored with a Pulitzer Prize in 1924 and l942. As an avid hunter and fisherman, Darling was concerned about the loss of natural wildlife habitats and the extinction of many species. At Mr. Darling's urging, President Harry S. Truman signed an Executive Order creating the Sanibel Wildlife Refuge in 1945 which was renamed in 1967 to the J.N."Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
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Spring has arrived in most parts of the country or is at least around the corner, which turns my thoughts to summer and vacations. This year with the uncertainty of the economy, families may be considering vacations a little closer to home or possibly to parts of the country that may not be as crowded or as well-known. National Parks are always a favorite of summer travelers, but can be extremely crowded and difficult to find lodging. So, I've set out to list a few lesser known National Parks in the Midwest, a part of the country I am familiar with.
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Let's face it - this can be a tough time of the year. The holidays are over and as I write this, a good part of the country is in a very big deep-freeze. The winter doldrums set in and you wonder if you'll ever see spring again. Reading about all the sub-zero temperatures prompted me to think about what you could do when it's cold outside and cabin fever sets in. Well, there are places around the country that embrace the outdoors in all its icy beauty. Here are a few cities that do just that:
Saint Paul Winter Carnival, St. Paul, Minnesota - Begun in 1886, this carnival is a popular annual event from January 22 through February 1, 2009 that draws in people from the surrounding region. There are numerous activities and events to keep you busy starting with the Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Championship, a Sleigh Rally, Blues Festival and Queen of the Snows Fashion Show - just to name a few of the events taking place. The Carnival wraps up with a torchlight procession of floats through downtown St. Paul.
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Well, they're not flying in a V formation - but this is the time of year that snowbirds flock to sunny locales; searching for endless sunshine, balmy beaches or a place that offers a little fun in the sun mixed in with a few wintertime activities.
When sitting down to write this blog, I contemplated what criteria are needed to make the perfect winter escape from shoveling driveways and navigating treacherous icy highways. Having lived through a few frigid winters in the Midwest to living where the sun almost always shines, I feel I can offer a fairly good prospective on what would make a good winter escape when that day comes for my husband and me to kick back and relax.
I tried blindfolding myself and throwing a dart at a map of the United States in order to give equal opportunity to every state, but I found out that I'm a lousy dart thrower and my family got tired of dodging the darts. So, I had to resort to good old fashioned research and what follows are my three top choices based on my in-laws advice that sunshine, shopping, restaurants and good medical facilities are the basics to finding the perfect winter escape.
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I love Thanksgiving Day. I love that it is a day to gather with our family and friends to simply give thanks and express gratitude for all that we have. No shopping for presents, eggs to dye, candy to hand out or hearts to sprinkle with glitter. I like to do those things, but I find pleasure in the simplicity of this holiday and the opportunity to give thanks. As we all were taught in grade school, Thanksgiving is the day we commemorate the Pilgrims persistence and courage in coming to America to a "new world" filled with possibilities, hope and gratitude. So, with that thought in mind, I thought it would be a nice time to mention a few places connected to the spirit of gratitude and some traditions that reflect the history and traditions of the Thanksgiving holiday.
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It's fall - that can only mean one thing to a midwestern girl like me....
I was born and raised in Iowa before I left for the ski slopes of Colorado, but having spent all of my youth and college years in Iowa, I feel I'm a pretty good expert at judging corn mazes either because I've eaten my fair share of corn on the cob or because I spent a lot of time playing hide and seek in the cornfields.
Before you head out with the family to your nearest farmer's maze, you can either brush up on your map reading skills, study a few of the ancient labyrinth's, or do as I do - just go and enjoy getting lost and finding your way out again. For those of you not familiar with corn mazes, they are carefully planned out in a pattern and the idea is to navigate your way through a series of paths which go around the entire pattern to either end in the middle or find your way back out again. I found that finding my way in and out of a maze much easier and less hyperventilating during daylight hours but if you're an adrenaline junkie, you might try a maze during Halloween - at night. I did, twice; first time I jumped so high I lost my cell phone and they had to temporarily shut it down, turn on the lights and search for my phone. The second time, I was running away from the zombie carrying the chainsaw so fast, I fell and seriously hurt my ego.
So, in the "spirit" of Halloween and fall, here are some great corn mazes to check out with the family or friends in the next month or so:
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I grew up in the Midwest, Iowa to be specific. You don't grow up in the Midwest without visiting every small town community in every neighboring state. It's the "neighborly" thing to do after all. We Midwesterners also know our own state and the surrounding states history pretty well - it's all part of our well-rounded history lessons in school. That brings me to Minnesota, the "land of 10,000 lakes" (who counted?) Local folk lore has it that a larger-than-life lumberjack named Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe, created all those lake beds years ago. However, Minnesota's official motto is "Star of the North", which describes the state's latitude and its veritable constellation of stars.
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Well, as the saying goes, "everyone is entitled to their opinion" and so the following is purely my own opinion on good fly fishing spots (with the help of a fly fishing spouse). If you know any fly fisherman, you know that you will never get a consensus on the top 5 rivers as fisherman tend to be pretty fickle and biased based on first- hand experience. Fly fisherman also tend to put fishing spots into categories such as large rivers that you would fish from in a drift boat; small rivers that you would hike into and stalk the fish and everything in between. And let's not forget some fisherman love the intimate style of fly-fishing where the only thing separating you and the fish is a 3 wt. rod and a short cast. So, all this being said, here are my picks. If you know of some you'd like to add, be my guest!
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The Last Business Trip of the Summer? 5 Quick Tips
- Take the family along! Plan ahead and extend your business trip into a mini-vacation by an extra day or two. With airfare skyrocketing, at least your ticket will be paid for by the company - and possibly a night or two of the hotel charges.
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I'll just say it now and get it out of the way - I love everything about Santa Fe, New Mexico. The sunsets, the food, the art galleries, the ambience, but most of all, I love the shopping. And, to be even more specific, the Southwest jewelry that includes everything from beautiful turquoise pieces to uniquely designed silver bracelets, rings and necklaces. Strolling along the Plaza, you will ultimately wind up at the grassy square surrounded by historic homes and the Palace of the Governors, the oldest public building in the United States. This is where all the action is - you'll find many local artisans displaying and selling their handiwork here.
No shopping trip in Santa Fe is complete without a sampling of the local cuisine. A meal at Pasqual's is a must - breakfast is fabulous and many enjoy grabbing a seat at the big community table to catch up on interesting local conversation. Another local favorite is Tiny's, a Santa Fe tradition since 1950 serving a wide variety of food at very reasonable prices. With so many unique restaurant choices in Santa Fe, you definitely will not go hungry!
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JVC Jazz Festival - Newport, Rhode Island August 8-10, 2008
What better way to spend a hot, sultry August weekend than in Newport listening to the soulful sounds of jazz. The Newport Jazz Festival started in 1954 and is still going strong and has featured lineups from the great Miles Davis and Duke Ellington to the popular Chris Botti and Herbie Hancock. When you want a break from the music, Newport has the beautiful beaches, mansions and historic downtown to enjoy (the Best Western Mainstay is located just off of the historic downtown area). You can also choose from 11 other Best Western hotels in the vicinity of Newport.
Austin City Limits Music Festival September 26-28, 2008
Wind down the summer inside the city limits -the Austin City Limits that is. Three days, three stages and 130 bands make up this eclectic lineup of performers. Whatever your taste in music is, you can find it here. You can start with Foo Fighters, go to John Fogerty, skip over to Gnarls Barkley and finish with Erykah Badu. This year the sponsors of the festival are helping our planet go green by showcasing local non-profit environmental groups - so check it out. When night falls and you've had enough of the nightlife, there are 13 Best Western hotels in the Austin area including the Best Western Atrium North which is only a short drive away from the festival.
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Chris McGinnis
Cesar Millan
Sam Lowe
Jason Fogelson
Bryson Forbes
Amy Graff
There is nothing like spring season. The world is starting to wake up from its winter sleep and the flowers are opening up to greet the earth like old friends. It's the time of the year where inspiration hits us like the break of dawn and we are overflowing with plans to get out on the road and seek adventures. There is no better way than being surrounded by earth's beautiful bounty to appreciate nature. Areas with good rain and sunshine are the perfect ingredients for a blooming field of flowers. Here are some states bursting with all sorts of flowers to make spring time absolutely magical. 
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
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