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 […]
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Chickasaw 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 MoreHow to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in New York City’s Five Boroughs
Ringing in the New Year in New York City is a bucket list item for many people. The annual ball drop in Times Square, as well as other celebrations throughout Manhattan, plus events in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island, makes New York City an ideal spot to ring in 2015. For a visitor, however, the thought of researching and putting together all the details of a New Year’s getaway may be overwhelming. NYC & Company, the official marketing and tourism organization for the City of New York, has put together some tips and ideas to make New Year’s Eve planning just a little bit easier. (If it’s too late to make your plans for this year, start making your plans today for next year.) In Times Square The Ball Drop: The iconic ball drop (and yes, in this […]
Read MoreTourism Economics: As Explained by a Greek Cab Driver
I learned a lot about the impact of Greece’s tourism economy from my cab driver. This isn’t trickle down economics. This is real. This is personal. Enjoy the story and photo essay here.
Read MoreUp Next: Traveling to Israel
I’m just back from two weeks in Athens, the first week for TBEX related work, the second week for traveling and touring about the country. Although I miss Greece already – the food, the people, the sights, did I mention the food – I was glad to be home to family, pets, and the real world of work and running a business. I’m sleeping a lot, getting caught up on laundry, and wading through my email inbox. I’m not a nomadic traveler, and I have no interest in becoming one. I find joy in quick weekend trips as much as I do in longer, extended trips. And at the end of the day, I like having a home to return to after my travels. So while I’m missing my daily baklava and coffee fix from Greece, I’m looking ahead to […]
Read MoreChanging of the Guard at Presidential Mansion in Athens
The Presidential Mansion is located across the street from Athens’ National Gardens, and I happened upon it at the changing of the guard. Called the Evzoni, the guard is an elite ceremonial unit drawn from the Greek Army, and members are usually identified early in the military career while in basic training. The Evzoni are responsible for guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Presidential Mansion, and the gates of the guard’s camp. The Evzoni are easily recognized by and are a bit famous for, their traditional uniform which dates back to the Ottoman occupation of Greece. The everyday uniform is a Farion (a scarlet fex with a black tassel), Doulamas (a navy blue tunic), and Periskelides (white woolen stockings, two pairs are worn) with Anapastos (a type of garter to hold the stockings in place). The shoes they wore are […]
Read MoreHotel Review: Cherry Wood Bed, Breakfast & Barn, Yakima Valley
Cherry Wood Bed, Breakfast & Barn Address: 3271 Roza Drive, Zillah, Washington (Yakima Valley) Value Luxury Rating: (out of 3 hearts) Features: Set on a working farm in the Yakima Valley, Cherry Wood Bed, Breakfast & Barn offers overnight accommodations in 22-foot teepees. This specialty bed and breakfast has barbeque grills, compact refrigerators, separate super-clean and private water closets, along with an open-air shower to round out its amenities. The property is horse and dog-friendly, and the teepees have a special bed in your teepee so your dog can sleep right along with you. No children permitted. Price Range: $245/night based on double occupancy. Full breakfast included. Cherry Wood is open during the “season”, generally from late spring into early fall. Reservations required; make them early as they book up for the season quite quickly. Personal Notes: I’ve been interested in […]
Read MorePhoto Essay: Compelling Kuala Lumpur, A Value Luxury Travel Destination
Malaysia is not a country on the to-visit list of most Americans. It can be hard to get to (it’s a full day-plus-some from the West Coast), but this exotic Southeast Asia country offers some of the best value luxury experiences in the region. Set aside your preconceived notions about this predominantly Muslim country, and be prepared for some great history, cultural, shopping, art, and food experiences in this fascinating corner of the world. Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, Click here to enjoy my photo essay on this compelling value luxury travel destination. Note: I visited Malaysia in November 2014 as part of a press trip organized by Tourism Malaysia.
Read MoreEuphoria in Greenville, South Carolina
Come September, I’ll be heading to Greenville, South Carolina, for Euphoria, a weekend-long event that includes exclusive tasting events, cooking demonstrations and wine seminars, as well as multi-course dinners and live musical performances. Dedicated to excellence, euphoria features domestic and international wines, celebrity chefs, master sommeliers, and national recording artists. The annual event shines a spotlight on Greenville, South Carolina’s thriving Culinary and Arts Communities. Greenville, situated at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, stands out with its award-winning downtown, vast entertainment options, and diverse population. And as a charitable organization, Euphoria gives back to the community that supports it, with all net profits providing sustenance to those in need, providing educational opportunities, and supporting children. And what about Greenville? Centrally located along I-85 between the long-standing Southern urban centers of Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC. Greenville and […]
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