This virtual wine tasting features Jodi and Josh Rosnowski from Smoky Rose Cellars in Walla Walla, Washington. We had some technical difficulties (user error) and despite our best efforts, we are unable to resuscitate a playable video or audio version of the virtual tasting. We’re gutted about this, it was a fun conversation and tasting, and will be trying to put together a follow up recording to post here later. Smoky Rose is a family-owned and operated business. Josh, a retired Air Force meteorologist is the winemaker and vineyard manager. Jodi, a food microbiologist, runs the tasting room and events side of the business. Sister Amy, currently a Cobra Helicopter pilot wth the USMC, is poised to jump in once she retires. Mom and Dad, Jill and Bill, help out with everything from harvest, errands, retail, and anything else that’s […]
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Wine with MJ: Virtual Wine Tasting with Eternal Wine & Drink Washington State
Our first virtual wine tasting launched with guest Brad Binko, owner and winemaker at Eternal Wine in Walla Walla, Washington. Brad also owns a sister label, Drink Washington State. For this tasting, Brad has selected three wines: 2018 Drink Washington State White Blend, 2016 Eternal Foundation Syrah, and 2018 Eternal Bliss fortified Syrah. If you want to purchase these wine for the tasting, you’ll need to order direct from the winery as they only self-distribute locally in Walla Walla. Watch the episode below. We’ve also set up this wine series as an audio podcast. So if you prefer audio only, perhaps while out for a run, in your car, or while traveling, you can listen to the audio file below. We also have the feed set up in several of the major podcast players. You can find it on Spotify […]
Read MoreAwesome Things to Do in Mansfield, Ohio
Located in Richland County, Ohio, Mansfield may not be your first choice for a weekend getaway, but there is certainly enough here to keep you occupied. In fact, you may find that there are so many things to do in Mansfield that you’ll need to make a return trip. Mansfield has many claims to fame: it professes to be the haunted capital of Ohio, the number one movie of all time – The Shawshank Redemption – was filmed here, and America’s first working robot, Elektro, was built in the city, to name just a few. While we’re all taking a pause on international travel, and much of travel in general, I’m featuring smaller, perhaps overlooked destinations, that are perfect for a road trip, a slower getaway, or just don’t want to be sandwiched in with a throng of people. Of […]
Read More5 Tuscan Towns for a Perfect Day Trip
It’s been a while since we’ve traveled to Italy, and it’s time to start making plans for a return visit. Our travel preference is to travel with friends and rent a home in Italy to use as a home base. Having a home base lets us set up a combination of days at leisure to relax and soak up the Italian way of life along with busy days of day trips to see the countryside. There are many things that we love about Italy, especially the hill towns in Tuscany. Here are a few of our favorite Tuscan towns that are perfect as a home base, day trip, or weekend getaway. Castiglione d’Orcia Where it is: In the Siena province in Tuscany. Population around 3,000. What to do: Visit the Castle of Tentennano and the Santi Stefano and Degna to […]
Read MoreSpend an Afternoon at Miners Landing, Seattle
Located on Seattle’s historic Pier 57 overlooking Elliott Bay, Miners Landing is so named for its role in the Klondike Gold Rush; it was the site where the first gold was brought back to the city, inspiring more citizens to head out in search of riches. Today, Miners Landing is a popular tourist destination with lots of attractions, arcade games, restaurants, and rides to enjoy. To help you plan how to spend your time here, here is our guide to what you can see and what you can do at Miners Landing. Things to Do at Miners Landing You don’t have to be a kid to have all the fun, there are attractions on Miners Landing suitable for all ages. Seattle Great Wheel Seattle’s answer to the London Eye, the Seattle Great Wheel is one of the most popular attractions […]
Read More100 Free (and Almost Free) Things to Do in Washington, DC
With all the attention on Washington D.C. during the presidential election cycle, it’s easy to think that the city is all about bickering between the various branches of government. In one of the United States’ most visited cities, there are plenty of attractions and things to do that are budget friendly – free or almost free – whether you politically lean left of right. This list should provide you enough ideas no matter what time of year you’re visiting. If you’re looking for something family friendly: Marvel at the National Zoo’s conservation efforts firsthand along the Asia Trail. Pay a visit to giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, as well as their offspring, Bao Bao and Bei Bei (the youngest cub). Be sure to take a peek at their tiny neighbors, the red pandas, too. Stare up at the […]
Read MoreUNESCO Site: Visiting Malbork Castle, Poland
A visit to Malbork Castle Museum will feature both the historical and artistic aspects. There are also some archaeological activities and research, always looking for ways to add depth to the layers of history of the Teutonic Order and the Castle. The Order of Brothers of the German House of Saint Mary in Jerusalem, usually referred to as the Teutonic Order, is a Catholic religious order dating back to the 12th century. Although it was originally founded as a German military brotherhood, it’s purpose has changed over the years and since 1929 it has been strictly a religious order, although it harkens back to those early years with the conference of honorary knighthoods. Today the Catholic branch of the Order has about 1,000 members, and while originally no women were permitted, members today include a couple of hundred nuns. The Castle of […]
Read MoreWeekend Getaway: River Spirit/Margaritaville Casino Resort, Tulsa
Plan a weekend getaway trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma, for a perfect combination of relaxation and fun activities. It might not be top of mind when planning a getaway, but it offers the same amenities you expect at a resort for a fraction of the price. For your getaway weekend, I recommend River Spirit/Margaritaville Casino Resort as a great choice for a couples getaway, a girls spa weekend, or even a bachelor/bachelorette weekend. Located on the banks of the Arkansas River, the Oklahoma resort has two casinos set within the complex along with diverse restaurants and bars, stylishly themed rooms, a spa, and a whole host of entertainment options. Here is what you can expect on your getaway weekend to River Spirit/Margaritaville Casino Resort: Rooms There are two types of rooms available at River Spirit/Margaritaville Casino Resort, along with two types […]
Read MoreEnjoy Barge Cruising in Burgundy with European Waterways
We are big cruise fans. We enjoy ocean cruising, river cruising, and earlier this summer we fell in love with barge cruising. We cruised the Burgundy canals, drank fabulous wines, met wonderful people, and enjoyed the history, culture, and cuisine of the area. Burgundy (Bourgogne in French) is located about three and a half hours southeast of Paris and is probably best known for its pinot noir and chardonnay grapes. This was a wine region we wanted to learn more about and the reason we selected the Classic Northern Burgundy itinerary. We were also familiar with the food from this region of France (delicious cheeses, beef bourguignon, coq au vin) and some of the history. This was a perfect itinerary for first-time barge cruisers who are food, wine, and history lovers! We’re excited to review our hotel barge, the itinerary, […]
Read MoreYou’ll Never Want To Leave: Tulalip Resort & Casino
If you are visiting Washington State and looking for a luxury getaway outside of the downtown Seattle area, a stay at the Tulalip Resort Hotel and Casino is a great choice. Located in Quil Ceda Village, about an hour north of Seattle, the Tulalip Resort may be best known for its casino – but that’s not the only reason for a visit. You’ll find beautiful hotel rooms, great restaurants with an impressive cocktail and wine menu, and a decadent spa, as well as top-class entertainment throughout the year. We loved all of our stays at Tulalip Resort & Casino and never wanted to leave. We think you’ll feel the same way, too. This is part of a series of themed features talking about places we’ve stayed and never wanted to leave. This post may contain affiliate links, sponsored travel, sponsored […]
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