There are plenty of reasons to make hiking part of a daily activity routine – it’s a perfect way to jump-start a healthy routine. Hiking in Sedona offers a few off-the-beaten-path trails that are not only breathtaking but also range in difficulty suitable for someone just starting out, or experienced pros looking for the next great challenge. These trails offer options ranging from biking and trail running to horseback riding and climbing and much more. With Sedona as the backdrop, visitors will rush to the illustrious trails spanning the red rock terrain, with jaw-dropping views of Sedona’s landscape and topography. Taking advantage of the backdrop, mountain-goers can bask in the sunshine while keeping their resolutions to be fit in the new year. Pro tip: If you’re not the hiker in your travel group, you can still get an appreciate for […]
Read MoreWaking up on Kauai
I woke up on Kauai this morning. Very early, before the sun came up. It’s one of my favorite times to sit on my deck and look out at the ocean. It’s quiet and peaceful. The sun slowly slips out from behind the clouds, leaving me to wonder about what the day will be like here on the Garden Isle.
Read MoreChickasaw Country: 9 Spots Well Off the Beaten Path
Chickasaw Country is steeped in history, culture, beauty and natural wonders. Well off the beaten path in Tishomingo, [amazon_textlink asin=’1493012789′ text=’Oklahoma’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’travelingwithmj-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’3e7f4aca-6971-11e7-95da-859be83f32ba’], are several interesting attractions. Here are 9 essential places and things to see while in Tishomingo: Chickasaw National Capitol The Victorian, gothic-style building served as the Chickasaw Nation Capitol until Oklahoma statehood. The largest exhibit in the 8,000 square foot building focuses on Chickasaw government history from 1856-1907. Accurate replicas of Chickasaw Governor Douglas Johnston’s office and the National Secretary’s vault are key exhibits. The building’s historic significance and unique architecture led to its inclusion in the National Registry of Historic Buildings. Guided tours are available. The Chickasaw Bank The Chickasaw Bank Museum served as the Chickasaw Tribal bank from 1898 until 1902. Thanks to the Johnston County Historical Society, it has been restored into […]
Read More60 Years of Innovation at Disneyland’s Diamond Celebration
Walt Disney observed that Disneyland will never be complete so long as there is imagination left in the world, and since Opening Day, July 17, 1955, the Disneyland Resort tradition of innovation has continued, inspiring classic theme park attractions such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, Star Tours, Soarin’ Over California, Toy Story Midway Mania and Radiator Springs Racers. The Diamond Celebration continues this tradition with three fantastic new shows that expand the boundaries of after-dark entertainment – Disney’s signature “kiss goodnight.” New Shows Nighttime will glitter as never before with three, sensational shows that expand the 60-year tradition of innovative and immersive storytelling: the brilliant, high-energy “Paint the Night” parade and “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular at Disneyland Park, and the all-new “World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” at Disney California Adventure Park. In […]
Read MorePostcard from Heidelberg, Germany
Heidelberg was the first stop on the Viking River Cruise. The town deserves its label of romantic and picturesque, and is well known for Heidelberg Castle, Heidelberg University and its baroque-style Old Town.
Read MoreCelebrate World Book Night with a Good Book
World Book Night is about celebrating the joy of reading. Nothing quite matches the enjoyment that comes from losing oneself in a good book. Oh sure, we all have plenty to read for business purposes, but when was the last time you picked up a book just for pleasure? It may have been a classic, read in your local coffee shop, or it may have been the latest chick lit or popular mystery read on your last flight or by the pool. Since World Book Night is about promoting ready and literacy, it’s also my opportunity to share some of my recent favorites reads. I hope you’ll find one you like. These are all nonfiction travel books this time. sometimes it goes like that. Remember, reading is for winners. Pass it on. Thailand’s Best Street Food In Thailand’s Best Street Food, freelance […]
Read MoreHotel Review: Hotel Giraffe, NYC
Hotel Giraffe Address: 365 Park Avenue South (at 26th Street), New York City Value Luxury Rating: (out of 3 hearts) Features: Located in the recently named NoMad area of New York City (North of Madison Square Park), Hotel Giraffe is conveniently situated between midtown and downtown Manhattan. The hotel, part of the Library Hotel Collection, offers a generous package of complimentary amenties including continental breakfast buffet each morning (served 7-10:30 am weekdays, and till 11 am on weekends), wine and cheese reception every evening (5-8 pm), wi-fi throughout the hotel, reading material (books, magazines, newspapers), DVD library, bottled water in guestrooms, and passes to New York Sports Club (various locations throughout Manhattan, closest one is three blocks away). Price Range: A search of room rates for April 2015, show rates starting at $287 night. Check for specials and promotional rates. Personal Notes: Hotel Giraffe […]
Read MoreAnother Month, Another Two Countries Visited
March was a busy month of travel for me, including return visits to Berlin and Bangkok, and first time visits to Stockholm (Sweden) and Seoul (South Korea). While I don’t think travel is completely about checking off a to-do or to-visit list, I do think it’s fun to keep track of places I’ve been and things that want to do. Here’s my map of the world showing where I’ve visited. Only 16% of the world, leaving me lots of places left to visit. Create your own travel map – TravBuddy
Read MoreMonthly Instagram Favorites
It’s been a busy month of travel for me, hopping between time zones (and continents) like jet lag was a figment of my imagination. While most of the time it was, this month, for the first time that I can remember, jet lag laid me low and interfered with my ability to enjoy several of my traveling days. Is it because I’m getting older? A combination of back an;d forth over a short period of time? Maybe it was merely situational. Whatever it was, I’ve been missing in action here on the blog and I wanted you to know why. With all the travel though, I did manage to keep my Instagram account rolling. If you’re not following me there, I hope you will now. Here are my top Instagram photos from last month (February). This first photo was taken in […]
Read MoreHappy Kahlua Day
I think I first tasted Kahlua, the coffee flavored, rum-based liqueur from Mexico, in some sort of coffee drink whose purpose was more to stave off winter chill, rather than to tantalize my taste buds. It took many years into adulthood, and many trip to Mexico where I brought home Kahlua as the value proposition souvenir that it is, before I understood the many other ways to enjoy it. Kahlua dates back to 1936 Pedro Domecq combined rum, vanilla, corn syrup, and coffee creating what was to become this popular liqueur. Named for a meso-American tribe that lived in Mexico, the drink gained popularity throughout the country, and eventually around the world. Kahlua is often enjoyed in specialized cocktails and desserts, but it is also delicious plain, drizzeled over ice cream, or added to coffee. To help you celebrate Kahlua […]
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