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Hidden Gem: The Hood Canal, Washington USA

10/10/2016

We finally visited the Pacific Northwest last month and I'm in love. My favorite spot was along peaceful shores of the Hood Canal - a fjord located on the Olympic Peninsula about an hour outside of Seattle. We spent four tranquil days kayaking through smooth waters, eating massive oysters washed ashore on our backyard beach, hiking in the rainforest, and watching our toddler search for otters, seals, heron and bears (of the wooden variety).

Team B at the Hood Canal

I feel a little guilty writing about the Hood Canal because it's truly a hidden gem. Most people we met were local and when we told them we were from Boston, they responded, surprised, and asked us how we heard about the canal all the way "out east".

The truth is I had never heard of the Hood Canal until last year, when guest blogger Elizabeth raved about her family vacation there. After reading her story, Chris and I immediately added it to our 2016 travel list.

We rented a fantastic house on VRBO called Once Upon a Tide. This house had everything - a private beach with endless amounts of oysters, a kayak, SUP, a lovely deck, fire pit, BBQ, cozy living room overlooking the canal, comfortable beds and even a boat house with a ping pong table. The owners even left us a bottle of the local wine to enjoy.

Once Upon a Tide, Tahuya, Hood Canal House Rental Picture

Hood canal house rental, once upon a tide, fire pit , tahuya Picture

Hood canal house rental, once upon a tide , tahuya Picture

Hood canal house rental, once upon a tide , tahuya PicturePicture

Hood canal house rental, once upon a tide , tahuya, oysters, Picture

We enjoyed grilled Hamma Hamma Oysters and Washington State wine on our deck while watching the seals play in the canal. So relaxing!

My son LOVED the little details of the house like this little wooden bear that he hugged every time he stepped through the front door. There was a also a mimi moose chair inside that he hugged about 10x a day and ample games and toys in the living room closet.

Unlike east coast beach houses in places like Cape Cod, the Hood Canal is much more reasonably priced and there are no crazy crowds (at least when we were there during Labor Day week). It was the quietest, most peaceful place I've ever been in the USA.

Sunset on our stretch of the canal.

Every day incorporated a different adventure - hiking in Olympic National park, lunch at the stunning Alderbrook Resort (the only really nice resort along the canal), or oysters al fresco at Hamma Hamma (they sell their oysters to Island Creek Oysters in Boston - one of our nicer seafood restaurants).

Olympic National Park, Staircase Trails, Baby Hiking, Osprey Baby Backpack, Picture

We hiked the easier trails along the Staircase area of Olympic National Park. We are huge Osprey backpack fans. We used them for our trip around the world and they are still in amazing condition so we purchased the Osprey baby pack and LOVE it.

I've added this to a the list of tall people problems:)

Olympic National Park, Lack Cushman, Picture

Beautiful Lake Cushman

Olympic National Park, Alderbrook Resort, Washington Resorts, Hood Canal Hotel, Picture

Alderbrook Resort - the only fancy resort in the area. Beautiful property and friendly staff. This would be a great spot for a destination wedding.

Painting en plein air at the Alderbrook Resort. I could spend a week (or more) doing this every single day.

Kayak Hood Cancal, Baby Kayak, Hood Canal Activities, Once Upon a Tide, Picture

B and I taking a spin in the kayak at our home rental (Once Upon a Tide) . The house provided adults sized life vests, we brought B's life vest from home. The were barely any waves and I stayed in the shallow water near the shore while B was in the kayak. He loved it.

This was the perfect family getaway because of the beautiful destination, cozy house rental (ideal for a toddler who wants to run around and explore), outdoor activities, animals (we watched seals playing from our dining room) and delicious food from the market. The other special thing about the Hood Canal was it's tranquility. It was so quiet, which was incredibly welcome after a chaotic summer of work and events. Not only was this place tranquil but it was also very spiritual. It's hard to explain - maybe it was a combo of the beauty and silence - but I felt closer to nature and myself here. I haven't felt this way since biking through the mountains of Yangshuo China or stargazing on Heron Island, Australia. If you seek a quiet destination, quality family time and variety of outdoor activities, definitely check out the Hood Canal!

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What to Pack for a South African Safari in Winter

5/31/2016

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So you've booked yourself on a winter safari. Wondering what to wear? No need to invest in a new green and beige wardrobe because you might have everything your need in your closet.

Here are a few things to consider when packing for a South Africa safari in winter (and remember, winter in South Africa is June-Sept):

Don't wear anything bright and colorful that might distract the animals (or worse - attract them to you!). Stick to neutral or dark colors.
Prioritize comfort. When you aren’t sitting in your Jeep, you’ll be on foot exploring.
June through September is technically winter in South Africa which may sound chilly, but is rather mild for those of us that hail from colder climates . Typically high temperatures are in the 70s F (20s C) and lows are in the 40s F (6 C). Given the typical safari schedule of touring at dawn, mid-day and evening one must pack carefully with lots of layers. Despite those temperature ranges, it can often drop to close to freezing in the early morning or after dusk, which feels even colder when riding in a jeep with the top down!
Cover your feet at all times.
Don’t over-pack, because most safari lodges offer complimentary same-day laundry.

I'm a light packer and safaris are casual. Here are the items that I found most useful.:

Here is the breakdown of what to bring:

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Our 15 Day South Africa Itinerary

5/10/2016

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Last week I received three separate emails from people inquiring about my South Africa itinerary and my South Africa page has received a lot more traffic than usual. I’m thrilled more people are thinking about visiting this stunning country, and admittedly a little jealous of their forthcoming trip. I thought it would be helpful to share our full (self-planned) South Africa itinerary in one blog post since I’ve only written posts about specific destinations within the country.

Below is how we spent our time in South Africa as well as what we’d change or add to the itinerary.

Our 15-day itinerary in South Africa:

Day 1: Travel (NYC-London-Cape Town)

Arrived in Cape Town at 8am, picked up car rental at airport

V&A Waterfront for lunch
Checked in to the Taj downtown (highly recommend!)
Drove to Kirstenboch Botanical Gardens
Sunset drive back to the Taj along the coast
Read more about day 1 here

Day 2: Cape Town

Morning: Were had colds/jet lag so we rested at the hotel and enjoyed the incredible breakfast spread at the Taj
Afternoon: District Six Museum
Dinner: Mama Africa (you can sample all the African game meats here)
Read more here

Day 3: Cape Town

Huge daytime storm - severe wind & hail
Two Oceans Aquarium
High Tea at Hotel Mt. Nelson
Watched a spectacular sunset on the west side of town
Read more here

Day 4: Cape of Good Hope

We spent the day driving the Cape of Good Hope
Stopped at the Penguin Colony
Cape Point National park
Dinner: Royale Eatery, a gourmet burger place on Long Street
Read more here

Days 5-6: Winelands

Drove to Franschhoek, passing through Stellenbosch
Stayed at the most lovely little guesthouse called Fransvliet
Visited vineyards/wineries. Check out our favorites in my "Wineland Awards" post.
Dinner: Ryan's Kitchen - easily one of the best meals I've ever had

Day 7: Winelands to Hermanus

We visited a few more wineries and then spent the day driving to Hermanus - several hours from the Winelands.
Stayed at Quarters in Hermanus
Dinner: Cocos (average bar & grill)

Day 8: Great White Shark Diving in Hermanus

Spent the day with Great White Shark Tours and came face to face with four majestic sharks!
Dinner: La Pentola
Read more here

Day 9: Hermanus to Cape Town

Drove 2-3 hours back to Cape Town
Stayed in Greenpoint at the Villa Zest hotel

Day 10: Cape Town

Morning: Hiked up Table Mountain
Afternoon: Camps Bay
Dinner: Gold Restaurant
Read more here

Day 11: Flew from Cape Town to Hoedspruit

Picked up rental car - drove 45 minutes east to Tanda Tula in the Timbavati game reserve.
Advice: if you plan to drive into the game reserves, book an SUV or truck with high ground clearance. Many roads are nothing more than sand covered tracks through hilly scrublands. We ended up with a Toyota Corolla and it’s a miracle we made it out in one piece.

Day 11-13: Tanda Tula Safari

Our favorite experience in South Africa! Read more here.

Day 13: Drive to Nottens

Nottens Bush Camp is in the Sabi Sands game reserve, a three to four hour drive south of Tanda Tula
Evening safari, sundowners & dinner

Day 13-15 Nottens safari

A very different safari experience from Tanda Tula.
Read more here.

Day 15: Drove from Nottens to JoBurg Airport

Looking back, we’d recommend spending the extra money to fly from Kruger to JoBurg. The drive was six hours long with nothing much to see along the way.

The two things we wished we’d done in Cape Town but didn’t have time:

Robben Island tour (Nelson Mandela's jail)
Visit a township

The weather was pretty bad during our Cape Town stay, causing the Robben Island tours to be canceled. We’ve also heard Sundays are the best time to visit the townships, as they have barbecue parties for locals and guests. Unfortunately the scheduling didn’t work out. We will definitely be heading back to South Africa some day, and these items will be at the top of the list!

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I'm so glad I did THIS on my first solo flight with the baby

3/17/2016

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I recently flew from Boston to Puerto Rico with the baby - and without Chris.

B, at eight months old, was incredibly curious, wiggly and wanted to crawl everywhere. How would I keep him entertained for the 4 hour flight?!?

To ease my nerves (a bit) we purchased a seat for B, and am SO GLAD we did. The flight would have been miserable if I didn't have the extra space. Here is why:

The flight was completely full. Jam PACKED. Even on JetBlue - a plane with slightly more leg room - nobody wants an extra person in their row, no matter how small he may be.
B is very active - he jumps, bounces, crawls and plays. Luckily I had packed an arsenal of toys, books, and teethers that I stored in a tote under the seat. Had he been on my lap, I wouldn't have been able to reach the bag without repeatedly invading my neighbor's space in a really awkward manner.
B has started eating solids and is a messy eater. Had he been on my lap, he would have likely managed to fling food at a neighbor. I don't know how he does it, but I find bits of food in the farthest, oddest places after he eats!
You never know who might be sitting near you. For example, we were seated amidst a huge party. Half of our plane was comprised of sales people who had won an incentive trip to PR. Naturally, they started boozing right after take-off. Since B smiles at EVERYONE he became an item of entertainment for the group. Many a drunkard yelled words of affection in his direction...which he LOVED. I, on the other hand, was about to faint from holding him up so he could jump above the seats and smile at his audience. Every jump was received with a cheer from the crowd, a squeal from B, and what felt like a torn shoulder muscle for me. I was so thankful to have a moment when I could put him in his seat, pop in the pacifier, and cover him up with his blanket to give him "quiet-ish" time. I also send major gratitude to the guy next to me who was the only member of said sales team to hold back on the boozing. He even played peek-a-boo with B.
Speaking of peak-a-boo, one way of entertaining him during the flight was to cover his seat with a blanket and play peak-a-boo. It got him to stop crying several times (he mainly cried because he wanted to crawl).

After this flight, I don't think I'd ever attempt to fly solo with a baby on flight that is longer than an hour, unless he had is own seat and the extra space it affords.

On the way home Chris traveled with us so we kept B on our lap. It's not so bad when there are two people because you can take turns holding the baby. When he eats, one person serves as a buffer between the baby and row neighbor. B loved the plane and especially liked greeting people as they boarded! Here he is in action:

Welcome aboard!

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Warm Thoughts

3/7/2016

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We're so close. SPRING!! Although it has been a mild winter compared to the avalanche that fell on Boston last year, I've recently had a few unpleasant run-ins with mother nature. One involved me, a cheap (borrowed) Captain America umbrella, wind gusts and a sleet storm. This of course led to the unavoidable onslaught of mockery from my fellow Bostonians and Cantabrigians on the way home ("Sweethaaaht, that umbrellahh is a piece of S*^t!!!")

So, to get me through the last few weeks (days?!) of winter, I'll be dreaming about these tropical images from our recent trip to Puerto Rico.

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Las Casitas Village, Puerto Rico: Why These Resort-Apartments are Ideal for Families

2/15/2016

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Now that we have a baby, we take slightly different approach to traveling.

We travel slowly. We have to stick to some semblance of a schedule. We have more stuff. And we stand out because everyone loves (or hates, depending on circumstances) a baby. It used to be easy to relax wherever we were, but now it's challenging to find time to just do nothing. So when planning vacation, we now put a more value on convenience.

On a recent trip to Puerto Rico to visit family, we spent a few nights in Fajardo to get away from the city and enjoy the beach. Knowing how much time we'd spend in our rooms because of the baby's nap schedule, we sought out an apartment style accommodation - one with a kitchen where we could prep and store B's food and also a place we would enjoy while the baby slept.

We found the perfect place in Las Casitas Village in Fajardo. Puerto Rico. We had stayed at the neighboring/affiliate hotel, El Conquistador, last year before the baby arrived and very much enjoyed the cliff-side sea view and spectacular beach at Palomino Island.

This time, since we were traveling with an eight-month old and my grandmother, we opted for a two-bedroom ocean-front apartment. It was PERFECT!!!!

This place is an ideal option for families. Here is why:

Space & Kitchen: Our two-bedroom apartment had a large living area, three full bathrooms, and two patios - one overlooking the ocean and one over the garden. If you aren't a fan of direct sun (important with a baby) there was always a patio with shade. Also, one of the bathrooms had a stand-up shower which was ideal for my elderly grandmother who has trouble getting in and out of deep bathtubs.

Service: While the apartment amenities are convenient, equally important is that it's a resort. This means your apartment is cleaned every day, there is a concierge, butler and room service at your disposal, and you don't have to go far for a bite to eat, a drink, the pool or beach. Apartment rentals are great, but traveling with a baby is a lot of work so the last thing you want to worry about is cleaning or cooking. All of that is taken care of for you (if you want) at a resort-apartment.

The entrance to our casita. One advantage of the top floor unit is the view.

We spent most of our time on this HUGE balcony overlooking the ocean.

The light-filled living room was spacious and you could see the turquoise ocean from every corner.

The kitchen came fully-equipped so all we brought was food/drinks. Here is my grandmother, probably about to make a cafe con leche, which she drinks like water.

The master bedroom was huge and opened up to the ocean view balcony.

Balcony with a View: We spent most of our time on the ocean-view patio while B napped. It was stunning and so relaxing. We brought our own drinks & apps and enjoyed the warm ocean breeze. Better view than any restaurant in town!

The views from our oceanfront balcony - paradise in every direction!

We overlooked a (recent) shipwreck - see it there on the bottom right?

We set up B's crib in the massive en suite bathroom off the master because it was dark and quiet. We would hang out on the patio while he napped a few feet away. Hopefully this isn't a major parenting fail and you won't judge us harshly for putting the baby to sleep in the bathroom. He loved it!

We rolled him out for air every now and then :)

Early morning wake-ups aren't that bad when this sunrise is right outside your window. Here was the morning view from our patio.

Family Friendly without Chaos: Many families were vacationing at Las Casitas - especially parents with babies & toddlers. All of the families we encountered were well behaved and if a little one cried, the parents would whisk them out of the pool area to calm down - much appreciated by all! Guests and staff were all very considerate. It never felt crowded either. The eternity pool was popular, but always had available chairs. There is a second pool in the central courtyard - we had this pool to ourselves both times we visited!

A father and son enjoy the eternity pool.

We typically had the central pool to ourselves. It didn't have a sea view, but it was surrounded by gorgeous flowers in every color.

B is clearly a fan of swimming. That third pic was actually a squeal of delight thought it might seem otherwise!

Enjoying the view and likely pondering why anyone would buy an apartment on that tiny island in the distance with no land access. Why?!?

Peace & Quiet: Another advantage to staying at Las Casitas was that we avoided the corporate crowd. Resorts in desirable warm destinations often book large corporate groups this time of year. Las Casitas Village was void of the corporate crowd and mainly full of families and couples on vacation. However, lots of action was available a short walk away at the resort if desired.

Palomino Island: Palomino Island is the resort's private island and the location of its white sandy beach. Ferries run every 30 minutes, and this is included in your stay at the main resort or the Casitas. Palomino is GREAT for kids. The water on the side of the island facing the mainland is calm, there is a restaurant on-site and lots of activities for older kids (mini golf, bags/cornhole, giant chess, basketball, sandbox, horseback riding, kayaking).

Our spot on Palomino Island

One of the many reasons why I like this beach for kids is the gentle tide.

Missing that turquoise water already...

Nani's first game of bags (or cornhole depending on where you live). B was cheering her on!

The beach-side mini golf course - a new addition to the island.

On the ferry ride back to the resort we saw our casita in the distance (the blue one on the top of the hill!)

Access to El Conquistador: As previously mentioned, another benefit of Las Casitas is that you have access to the main resort pools, restaurants, golf course, shops and other amenities. Each apartment at Las Casitas has 'butler' service. If you aren't up for the walk, you can call up and they'll drive you over tot the main resort in a van or golf cart. B particularly loved meeting this talking parrot that said "Hola". B is learning how to speak (in two languages) and the talking parrot is bound to confuse him even more!

This place was so beautiful. I'll include some more pictures of the grounds in my next post!

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10 Tropical Getaways For Winter 2016

1/10/2016

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January is the time of year when people inquire about tropical vacation ideas. For those of us in the Boston area - and despite record warmth so far - we are particularly antsy for a winter escape plan as we fear another blizzard scenario like the one that kept us shut-in for months last year (although I think many secretly enjoyed it!).

Most of our readers are from the US, so they are typically looking for something in the western hemisphere, ideally a short flight away. Therefore, we've listed 10 of our favorite warm weather getaways that are relatively easy to reach from the US. No red-eye required (though maybe for West Coasters), and minimal (if any) time zone change, so you can start enjoying your vacation the minute your feet hit the sand!

For the Diver: Caye Caulker, Belize

Also good for: friends, backpackers, solo travelers

"Go Slow" is the island motto and for good reason. This tiny island has no paved roads or cars, and the only way around is by foot, bike or golf cart. It's a 45 minute ferry ride from Belize City and is situated in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef - the second largest barrier reef in the world. It was here that we dove with sharks, dolphins, turtles and green moray eels. There are no wide, expansive beaches on this caye, but jump off any pier to swim, take a short boat ride out to the reef for a snorkel or stroll over to the The Split for a cold drink and watch the spectacular sunset over the ocean. Finally, Caye Caulker is an ideal launching pad from which to visit the Blue Hole, one of the top dive sites on every diver's bucket list. Interested? Read more here.

For the Surfer: Rincon, Puerto Rico

Also good for: families

Surfers from all over the US flock to Rincon each winter to enjoy the big waves, warm water and laid-back vibe. Instead of long white sand beaches common in the northeast of Puerto Rico, Rincon is comprised of several little coves. Here you can find many quirky, locally owned hotels or house rentals and there are plenty of little beach bars and restaurants to provide fuel for the grueling work-out that is surfing. Many families also love Rincon for the home rentals and safe, laid-back atmosphere. Read more about Rincon here.

For the Adventurous Beach Bum: Tulum, Mexico

Also good for: couples, friends

The beach surrounding Tulum is one of the most beautiful we've ever seen. It's your quintessential Caribbean paradise - white sand, turquoise water, crashing waves, tall palm trees and fresh margaritas (best we've had anywhere in the world!). It offers something for everyone - sun, snorkeling, parties, culture, and adventure. Here you can sleep on the beach all day or, for those of us who like a little adventure, there are plenty of fun things to do nearby - diving, fishing, ruins, cenote snorkeling (highly recommended!), and zip lining. And let's not forget that it's home to the best food in the world. Read more about the Riviera Maya here.

For (Almost) Guaranteed Sun: Eagle Beach, Aruba

If you want guaranteed sunshine, white sand beaches and calm turquoise water then look no further than Aruba. Prices spike in the winter because perfect weather is 99.9% guaranteed on this desert island. There isn't much to do here except sunbathe, swim, snorkel, shop, eat and drink. Direct flights can be found from most cities on the East Coast. Eagle Beach also ranks in our Top 5 Beaches in the World. And this is why it's a perfect long weekend winter getaway. Read more about Aruba here.

For the Thrill Seeker: Arenal, Costa Rica

Also good for: families with older kids

Located a three-hour drive from San Jose, this symmetrical volcano is encircled by jungle, rivers, lakes and a wide variety of flora and fauna. Until 2010, Arenal was Costa Rica's most active volcano, regularly spewing lava while villagers and tourists watched from a safe distance. Although it has recently entered a resting phase, it is still a tremendous natural attraction worth visiting. This region offers so many unique activities - white water rafting, volcano hikes, zip lining, canyoneering, waterfalls, nature walks and natural hot springs. Read more about Arenal, Costa Rica here.

For the Culture Seeker: Havana, Cuba

Also good for: Solo travelers (go on an organized cultural tour)

Cuba has become a hot destination ever since the US relaxed its travel restrictions to the island nation. This destination holds a special place in my heart since I have family that lives here. However, even if it didn't have a personal meaning, I'd find it fascinating. One could spend a full week in Havana enjoying the culture, history, artwork and music. As long as you remember that this is an island of limited means (don't expect the same level of service as elsewhere in the Caribbean) and really try to get to know the people, you will have an extraordinary experience. Also there is little/no internet so you will have a perfect excuse to disconnect from the virtual world for a little while and remember what it's like to be 100% present. Read more about Cuba here.

For the Romantic: Cartagena, Colombia

Also good for: culture seekers; friends

Now that JetBlue flies directly to Cartagena from many major US hubs, it's easy to discover the colorful culture of Colombia. The cobblestone streets, flower-covered buildings, and ocean sunsets make this city perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway. Cartagena is full of boutique courtyard-style hotels that are surprisingly quiet, even though they are in the midst of the lively old city. Soak in the Spanish Colonial decor (obsessed!), enjoy the huge variety of fresh fruit drinks (guanabana is my favorite) and if you are a seafood lover like me, sample all the ceviche you can. Read more about Cartagena here.

For the Family: Fajardo, Puerto Rico

Also good for: couples

Puerto Rico is super easy for those of us on the East Coast and in the Midwest US. Last year, Chris and I went to Fajardo and stayed at El Conquistador. Both of us agreed that it was an ideal destination for families since it has something for everyone. Its private island, Palomino, has a calm beach (a must for young kids), restaurant, horseback riding, hiking trails, outdoor games, and sea kayaks. The main hotel has a water park, several pools, incredible views, a variety of restaurants, golf, and a host of indoor facilities that we didn't have time to try. Nearby is the rainforest and beautiful Luquillo Beach if you are looking for a change of scenery. There are also several great restaurants close to the property. Also consider going to nearby islands Vieques (I hear the W is amazing) or Culebra for a more remote beach getaway. Read more about the Fajardo area here.

For the Sailor: Tortola & Virgin Gorda, BVI

Also good for: couples; families; people seeking solitude

Offering tall green hills, serene turquoise water and soft white sand, Tortola and neighboring Virgin Gorda are the poster children of the Caribbean. The Caribbean Sea is very flat here despite consistent winds, making it an ideal place for sailing. The BVIs are a bit more difficult to get to than some of the other destinations on this list since you typically have to fly there via St. Thomas or San Juan, or arrive via boat. However, if you have a full week, considering renting a sailboat and captain for a few days to explore all the remote beaches, islands and reefs. We stayed on land and while VERY quiet, there is lots of fun to be had at the marina bars in the evening, especially if you are there for the full moon party at Bombas on Tortola or Jost Van Dyke's Soggy Dollar Bar.

For the Glitz & Glam: Miami

Also good for: friends, couples

If you're seeking a fun weekend complete with spa retreats, fabulous parties, amazing restaurants and beach time then look no further than Miami. This city has a huge variety of fantastic hotels to choose from and its art deco architecture will motivate any weary winter traveler to get dolled up for a night on the town. Read more about our weekend in Miami here.

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Happy Thanksgiving (and my favorite fall pictures)!

11/24/2015

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Hooray - it's Thanksgiving week! For me, this week marks the beginning of a month of celebrations (holidays! birthdays! parties!). Sadly, it also means the end of autumn (well, not officially but all the leaves have fallen and I almost slipped on black ice today so...yeah...winter has arrived in New England). As we bid adieu to our most colorful season, I'll leave you with my favorite pictures from this fall, starting with my sweet little boy:)

Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels to all!

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Dreaming of Cavas Wine Lodge in Mendoza, Argentina

11/12/2015

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Several years ago we visited Argentina and fell in love with the country - particularly the food, wine and diverse, dramatic landscapes. Regrettably, we didn't visit Mendoza and it remains one of the world's big wine regions we have yet to experience.

I met someone from Argentina the other day that told me about her favorite getaway in Mendoza called the Cavas Wine Lodge. After looking it up online, I was floored and now it's all I can think about! It's a small 18 room boutique hotel located on a 55 acre vineyard set against the Andes mountains. They boast adobe style villas, rooftop fire pits, incredible mountain VIEWS, cozy rooms and award-winning food and wine.

Check out the pictures below and see for yourself. And if any readers have been here, please share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Obsessed with the Adobe architecture!!! Photo Source: Emiliano.tv

The villas located in the vineyard overlooking the Andes. These villas are pricey, but they get rave reviews! Each one comes with a private roodeck (with fireplace), plunge pool and patio.
Photo Source: Fodors

The rooms are decorated in a colonial-bohemian style. This one could be the setting of an epic story where artfully dressed characters happen upon each other in the midst of horseback ride in the Andes foothills. Both competitive spirits, they race each other back to the lodge. She wins the race, and his heart, and they enjoy a glass of Malbec together on this oversized velvet chaise. Photo Source: TripAdvisor

SWOON!

Imagine enjoying these rooftop fireplaces with a glass of wine, enjoying the sun setting over the Andes! These private villas would be a fun, private getaway for couples, families and groups of friends. You can evan hire a private chef one night to cook for your group. Yes, please.

Stunning sunrise picture from Cavas' Facebook page. Those colors!

They offer many activities to help guests work off all the food & wine - hiking, biking, horseback riding, rafting and zip lining. I love the idea of biking between wineries to fully experience everything the region offers.

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Family-Friendly Things to Do In Seattle

10/29/2015

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Guest blogger, Elizabeth, shares the second part of her two week journey to the Olympic Peninsula with her eight year old son. Last week, she shared a fantastic list of things to do in the Hood Canal. This week, she is taking us to Seattle!

Getting to Seattle from the Hood Canal

After spending one week in the Hood Canal, we left for a more urban setting - Seattle! It was rather easy getting to Seattle from the Hood Canal. We drove to Bremerton and hopped on a car ferry to Seattle. The ferry system in Washington is impressive. Only a few of the ferries take reservations so at certain times you have to be prepared to wait in long lines. We had no problem getting on with our car and paid a whopping $13 for the car and three passengers! This was quite a shock for us since we are used to Martha’s Vineyard and Cape May ferries that require reservations and cost quite a bit more.

Where to Stay in Seattle

In Seattle, we stayed at the Crowne Plaza downtown. I recommend staying somewhere downtown so you can easily walk to public transportation like the Monorail and the Light rail. These make it very easy to get around Seattle without a car. We picked the Crowne Plaza because it was close to the convention center where we had to attend some meetings. If I were to return to Seattle, I would consider renting an apartment or something with a kitchen. I wanted to buy fresh food at Pike Place but had nowhere to cook it.

Things to Do in Seattle

Take an Argosy Cruises Locks Tour. This takes you through the Ballard Locks that separate Puget Sound from Lake Union. You’ll get a great science lesson and learn a lot about the history of Seattle. You’ll even see the Sleepless in Seattle House floating on the lake.

Pictured Above: A couple of the unique house boats we saw on Lake Union.

Take the Monorail from Westlake to Seattle Center. It was built for the world’s fair and is still operating. At Seattle Center you will find The Space Needle, The Pacific Science Center and the Chihuly Garden and Glass. The Science Center is fun for kids but is a bit tired and in need of renovation. The Chihuly Garden is worth every penny is costs for admission. It is spectacular! Dale Chihuly is the leading glass artist in the world and his work is just amazing.

Pictured Above: Dale Chihuly's glass sculptures - a must-see when visiting Seattle!

A view of the Space Needle from below at the Seattle Center

Take the Seattle Underground Tour. Admittedly, we didn’t have time for this but were told by many that it was really good.

Visit Pike Place Market. It is HUGE. You could easily spend the day strolling through the many levels of the market. I wish I’d had a place to cook some of the amazing food that was for sale there! My son’s favorite was the Gum Wall…which is just as gross as it sounds!

Visit Beecher’s Handmade cheese! They make delicious fresh cheese there. Make sure to try the cheese curds. These are the halfway point product when making cheddar and have a unique taste and texture.

Where to Eat in Seattle

There is a lot of good food in Seattle. My favorite by far is Wild Ginger. I first discovered this restaurant in 1995 when they were just a hole in the wall. They now have a huge space downtown and the food continues to be amazing. We had both lunch and dinner there during our visit and both meals were outstanding.

Our other favorite is Ray’s Boathouse in the Ballard neighborhood. They have a more casual restaurant with a deck upstairs and a more elegant dinner restaurant downstairs. We sat upstairs for Sunday Brunch and it was lovely. The neighborhood is about 8 miles from downtown Seattle so we went on Sunday while we still had our car. You could take a taxi from downtown but it would cost quite a bit. Might be better to rent a zip car downtown for a few hours!

Coffee is good and cheap in Washington. Don’t be afraid of the tiny little boxes that sell coffee. They are all good. Starbucks is unnecessary.

There is a ton to do in both Seattle and the Olympic Peninsula and we only scratched the surface on this trip. I definitely want to go back!

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Family-Friendly Things to Do In Seattle

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Things to Do in Seattle

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For the Diver: Caye Caulker, Belize

​For the Surfer: Rincon, Puerto Rico

​For the Adventurous Beach Bum: Tulum, Mexico

​For (Almost) Guaranteed Sun: Eagle Beach, Aruba

​For the Thrill Seeker: Arenal, Costa Rica

​For the Culture Seeker: Havana, Cuba

​For the Romantic: Cartagena, Colombia

​For the Family: Fajardo, Puerto Rico

​For the Sailor: Tortola & Virgin Gorda, BVI

For the Glitz & Glam: Miami

Getting to Seattle from the Hood Canal

﻿Where to Stay in Seattle

Things to Do in Seattle

Where to Eat in Seattle

Author

Archives

Categories

For the Surfer: Rincon, Puerto Rico

For the Adventurous Beach Bum: Tulum, Mexico

For (Almost) Guaranteed Sun: Eagle Beach, Aruba

For the Thrill Seeker: Arenal, Costa Rica

For the Culture Seeker: Havana, Cuba

For the Romantic: Cartagena, Colombia

For the Family: Fajardo, Puerto Rico

For the Sailor: Tortola & Virgin Gorda, BVI

Where to Stay in Seattle