Archive for the ‘Adventures’ Category

Every time my eyes land on an image of the Dallas skyline a wave of nostalgia washes over me. I’ll never forget the first time I saw the city in 1989 when my family moved to the Big D. It was my first chance to see a “real” skyline, as the cities in Louisiana, while loaded with culture, just don’t have the same wow-factor. My high school days were spent in the northern suburb of Plano and I said goodbye in 1994 when my family moved to Colorado.

Last month, I was invited to a media event celebrating the release of the new Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet. The weather was perfect and driving the car was a kick but seeing the Dallas skyline up close and a from a distance while riding in and driving a top-down convertible was fantastic.

My favorite building is probably the most recognizable landmark in the skyline, Reunion Tower, the “ball” on the far right. The lights are turned on in the evening and flying into either DWF or Lovefield you can catch a glimpse. I recall the time the lights were designed to look like a soccer ball for a huge tournament (don’t ask me what event). And then there was the Friday night my high school clan and I went to the observation tower and looked in awe over our vast city. Dallas is a spectacular city and certainly holds a special place in my heart.

During our test drive I didn’t pass up the chance to snap a few photos…

Hotel ZaZa in Dallas is everything I imagined: swanky decor, plush beds, delicious food and fabulous everything else. It was the perfect setting for the Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet media event. You can read more about the new convertible on The Vacation Gals. And in the meantime, check out some of the shots I took of Hotel ZaZa. The entire property is a work of art…

Lobby:

Details:

Guest Room:

Here we are in the throes of winter, so in celebration of these long snowy months I thought I’d share some of my favorite photos from my winter trip to Quebec City, Canada. It’s one of my favorite destinations. When you go, plan your visit during Winter Carnival, take time to explore the city, and, if you dare, spend a night in the Hotel Glace (Ice Hotel). Enjoy!

Quebec City:

Ice Hotel:

Winter Carnival:

Sunset over Quebec:

There is no doubt 2010 flew by. My family was still settling into our new home in Minnesota learning tidbits like setting the humidity to high forms ice around windows and doors and it is possible to get stuck on the driveway on a sheet of ice (that would be me – I had to text Jeff to tell him I was stranded). The best part was summer. Every morning we woke and ran to our bedroom window to see what new colors arrived in our yard overnight. We visited the farmer’s market and grilled every chance we had. We found heaven.

As usual, we had quite a bit of travel highlights. It was during 2010 our kids became reacquainted with Mickey and Minne and other Disney characters during our trip to Orlando. It was cold and rainy but the kids didn’t care. I learned to ski in Park City, Utah during a girlfriend getaway with my Vacation Gals friends Kara and Jen. Then, in June my mother and I spent almost two weeks exploring Alaska with the rest of the Princess Cruises #FollowMeAtSea gang. We made memories, new friends and had some of the most exhilarating experiences of our lives.

In August my family was featured in Woman’s Day magazine for their travel column A Woman’s Day in…Minneapolis. Back in May may we had a photo shoot for the feature in our front yard – the neighbors were oh, so curious. In the meantime, I worked with the editors as we pulled together a list of my favorite attractions and eateries in the area. The experience was great fun.

At the end of August we took a two-week road trip to the East Coast to meet my eldest step-son in New York and see him off to college. Along the way we stopped at Niagara Falls, indulged in Buffalo wings and enjoyed time in Lake Placid. The kids saw the Statue of Liberty for the first time, we ate Philly cheesesteaks, stopped by the Liberty Bell, and saw the PBS Sprout Sunny Side Up Show filmed live. The kids were in awe that they got to meet the stars Chica and Dennisha. Next, we spent time in the Sweetest Place on Earth, Hershey, Pennsylvania. It’s no surprise the kids are still asking to return.

School started two days after we returned from our trip so we quickly fell back in the swing of school routine. In October I was asked to sit on the Minneapolis-St. Paul Social Media Breakfast panel talking travel and tourism and in November I had the wonderful opportunity to present at the I_Blog Conference in Iowa on the subject of writing. Throughout the year I continued my (second) journey with Weight Watchers and as of today have lost 25 pounds – the cherry on top.

Overall, I’d say 2010 was a thrilling year and I look forward to seeing what 2011 brings.

Happy New Year to all of my old and new friends. I’m honored to have each of you in my life.

This summer during our Princess Cruises Cruisetour through Alaska my mom and I had the opportunity to land on Yanert Glacier by helicopter. It’s serene and stunning and will take your breath away if you ever get the chance to travel to these amazing parts. Photos and video don’t do the experience justice. But I do try in the following video.

Every region and destination is known for something…food, music, culture. But there’s one thing that’s guaranteed…each location also has its famed beverage: cocktails, martinis, beer, wine or, as we experienced, even chocolate milk. Here are some photos of the liquid delights I’ve encountered over the years…

Lake Placid…Classic Shirley Temple at the Boat House

Hershey Lodge is known for its Chocolate Martini. How could they not be…

And Hershey Park sells their classic Chocolate Milk…

Princess Midnight Sun Express Rail Alaska

Quebec’s Hotel Glace…Vodka cranberry in an ice glass

Turks and Caicos Ocean Club….Turks Head Beer

Bahama Mama

Cocoa Caicos

Turquoise Dream

Sunset Sail Rum Concoction…

Puerto Rico…Pina Colada

And another one…

Sangria at the table-side guacamole place…

Park City, Utah…whiskey and more at High West Distillery

Bourbon tasting on the Bourbon Trail, Kentucky

Huntington Beach…Brewbakers

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most cherished landmarks in the United States. For me, she has always been the symbol of strength, courage and opportunity.

I remember being a child and thinking to myself that one day I would see the Statue of Liberty in person. In 1998 my dream came true and I did get to see Lady Liberty when I was working for an airline and I was based out of Newark and JFK. Unfortunately, I do not have any photographs of that day because my camera was stolen as I went through the pedestal security. But today I do have photos.

During our two-week family road trip this summer, we stopped in New York City to see my step-son off to college. My children had never seen the Statue of Liberty, so my husband and I were enthralled to get to introduce them to her in person. Like most landmarks, photos and TV just don’t it justice.

The Crown is currently open to visitors but my daughter doesn’t meet the height requirements. By the time the boat arrived at Liberty Island, we decided to forgo the pedestal and interior all together. The weather was chilly, very windy and there was a drizzle. The kids were content with our decision, especially because they received the Statue of Liberty hats they wanted so badly. I’m sure we’ll be back one day to explore inside when the children have a deeper appreciation. Below are just a few of the shots my husband and I took during our memorable voyage.

Ever since I was a child the first thing I would do upon entering a hotel room was run to the window and look out at the view. Today, when my family travels it’s no surprise my children do the same. Sometimes during our stay I will catch them simply staring  out the window watching the sites. They’re also a big fan of balconies, especially the rare time a hot air balloon floated by. (Just as a reminder to parents, never let your children go out onto a hotel balcony alone.) Here are a few photos I’ve taken over the years of my children enjoying our hotel rooms with a view during our travels. The last photo, taken this summer, is my absolute favorite.

Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort 2008

Omni San Diego 2008 (watching the planes land on the other side of the city)

JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa 2009

Hyatt Regency Downtown Albuquerque 2009

Hyatt Regency Downtown Denver 2009

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate 2010

Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate 2010

Hampton Inn and Suites Buffalo Downtown 2010

We couldn’t have picked a prettier day to visit Niagara Falls and take a ride on the Maid of the Mist. The mist wasn’t too bad on the boat ride, but the walk up to the falls was another story – we left drenched! My husband took some beautiful photos during our journey as you can see below.

Niagara Falls

Rainbows

Maid of the Mist

Stairway along American Falls

Before departing on Maid of the Mist

American FallsHorseshoe FallsBase of Horseshoe FallsDream come true! Visiting Niagara Falls and riding Maid of the Mist

Wet and Wild at Niagara FallsRainbow Bridge

The last time my husband, kids and I were in Chicago my sister-in-law was showing us around her beloved town. Unfortunately, as she was giving us a tour of Millennium Park it started to rain and the kids never got to experience the Bean firsthand. This time as we cruised though Chicago we decided to give it another shot. The kids had a blast and it was a great way to stretch our legs and break up the monotony of the road miles. Here are some of my favorite photos from this stop: