Hocking Hills Ohio

March 21, 2018 by 2 Comments

Pristine Ohio, Ready For Adventure

Hocking Hills Ohio is a destination for any nature enthusiast. Come, stay, and enjoy the outdoors day and night with hikes, high flying tours, rock climbing, and stargazing. Located just 90 minutes south of Columbus Ohio, the Hocking Hills State Park should definitely make your vacation ‘To Do’ list- there really is so much to do there. Then when you need a break from the great outdoors, head inside with some of the local shops, do some antiquing, or check out the artwork on display in the Historic Square Art District.

Hocking Hills Eco-Tours High Rock Adventures is just one of the many options for visitors to get out and enjoy this stunning landscape while keeping active. For the adventurers in your family, there is repelling and rock climbing that will have your pulse pounding. If that is not your style, a gentler option is the hiking tours through the pristine wildlife and unique rock formations. The Ecotour Adventures are informative, insightful about nature, and are just good old fashioned fun. High Rock Adventures goes so far as to issue a Rock Challenge. Spend time in rock halls, experience ascents, descents, squeezes, tunnels, narrows, and scrambles. You won’t need to wear a harness, but you will get your hands on time with the local rock formations.

If rock climbing doesn’t get you high enough, try Hocking Hills Canopy Tours for another opportunity at a bird’s eye view of Ohio. They offer a variety of tours to meet your needs, even ones under the light of the moon. Rated one of the top zipline adventures, this is sure to thrill you. Their Dragonfly Tour even allows the younger members of your family to get in on the zip lining. Spend time as a family speeding through the tree tops, or this is a perfect adults only activity too.

If your days aren’t already booked, drop in at the John Glenn Astronomy Park. There is plenty to see when the sun is up, too. At night you do get the full view.  Since the area is known for its lack of light pollution, the night sky puts on a real show. Inspiring you to look up and wonder at the greater universe around us, the John Glenn Astronomy Park blends science, history, and imagination in one destination.

For your creature comforts after an evening under the stars, give a log cabin a try. Cedar Grove Lodging offers the perfect place to rest your head while in the Hocking Hills area. With six cabins and two lodges, there are options available for any size group. Just a short drive from all of the most popular hikes in the State Park, guests can enjoy those trails or even hike on the 65 acre property.  Hot tubs, gas grills, fire pits, and wi-fi along with their rustic cabins offer a balance of the outdoors and everything you need for a great nights sleep.

Don’t miss spending time in town while on your trip. A great, and somewhat quirky destination in the Hocking Hills Region is the Columbus Washboard Company located in Logan, Ohio. Started in 1895, they are now the only washboard manufacturing company in the United States. Their products are still assembled by hand, a process you can see when taking a guided tour of the factory. If you are in the area Father’s Day Weekend be sure to get tickets for the Washboard Factory Music Festival. Appalachian Bluegrass and Folk music fills the town for three days every year. Take the time to visit, and choose your own souvenir to take home (or check out the Columbus Washboard Company’s Online Store)to get your own piece of American made history. They have a variety of fun items including soaps, Fostoria glassware, instruments, and vintage laundry. This sounds like something you might glaze over- don’t. It’s one of those things you will be glad you decided to see. And at this point, it’s truly one of a kind.

No matter your interests, the Hocking Hills Region of Ohio has something to offer. You can enjoy the natural splendor of the area, as well as the art and shops in town. No matter what you like to do, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy your trip. For more details and activities visit Hockinghills.com.

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The Fritz, Salida Colorado

March 18, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Small Plates, Great Big Flavor

Don’t read that wrong, The Fritz in Salida, Colorado has options of all sizes, but they are known for their deliciously tempting variety of small plates on the menu. Literally every person we spoke to in town recommended The Fritz as a place to enjoy heart and tummy warming favorites and each had a personal favorite small plate to recommend. So our approach to the menu was to give as many as we could a try and I confess we were successful and left more than satisfied.

The Fritz in Salida Colorado near Monarch MountainWe hit the Fritz after a long day of skiing at nearby Monarch Mountain and with embarrassingly noisy stomachs. Options like Tuna Sashimi & Poached Prawn’s which are served with crispy onion, pineapple Ponzu sauce, and jalapeño jam were instantly eye catching. Our first pick, this dish was a cool treat for the palate, refreshing and light with a nice spicy heat giving each bite contrast and depth.

The Fritz near Monarch Mountain in Salida ColoradoPick 2: Brussel sprouts tantalizingly prepared with an orange reduction, walnuts, parmesan, and brown butter. On a cold winter night this is comfort food at its best. I am always a sucker for the warm richness of butter on my vegetables, but the addition of the orange reduction, the sharp flavor of the parmesan, and the crunch of the walnuts took this dish to the next level. It also came highly recommended by our ski instructor.

Pick 3: As suggested by our awesome waitress the Grilled Romaine with dates, pears, Manchego cheese, and finished with a creamy avocado dressing. I nearly stabbed my dining partner with a fork to get the last bite. A mix between a cooked greens and a fresh salad, this is a unique approach I have not had before and thoroughly enjoyed. Plus anything with dates! Which brings me to our next selection and which comes neck and neck with the grilled romaine as my favorite…

Pick 4: Bacon Wrapped Dates! Stuffed with Gorgonzola cheese, hazelnuts, and red wine gastrique this could have been sweet enough to serve as our dessert, but the cheese and other flavors tempered the sugary date to perfection. I can not recommend this highly enough.

To close our meal at The Fritz we had the tough decision of one more small plate or pie… when I saw the baked Portobello Ravioli with marinara and basil pesto dropped off at our neighbors table and they raved about it the decision was made. Hot melty cheese, the portobello flavor of the ravioli filling, and the bite of the pesto is something I would enjoy any evening.

When you find yourself in Salida make sure to drop in at The Fritz for a relaxed atmosphere and some divine food. I definitely had the energy to hit the slopes again the next day after refueling here.

Find out more on their website – TheFritzSalida.com

Or on Social Media – Facebook – Instagram

 

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LA Travel & Adventure Show

February 25, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Where in the world do you want to travel to next?

LA Travel & Adventure Show

Whether you are planning a trip or just a travel enthusiast the Travel and Adventure Show is a must. Meet wonderful representatives from destinations near and far while getting travel tips from experts, and experiencing some of the culture. Camel rides, live music, and costumes make this a colorful event enhanced by the fascinating information at the different booths.

Travel and Adventure Show Camel Ride

Want an adventure close to home? The Travel and Adventure Show is a perfect place to get a taste of all the destinations nearby too. There are shows all over the country, this one was in Los Angeles and I was impressed by all of the local travel opportunities. There are so many fun trips within driving distance it was eye opening. It was also a geography lesson finding out about all the nearby counties and their attractions. Mammoth Lake, San Bernardino County, the town of Buellton all caught my attention.

mammoth lake at the LA Travel and Adventure Show

New Destinations added to my “To Visit” List?

Tonga – The Kingdom of Tonga is an unspoiled Pacific island nation. They offer attractions like swimming with the whales, scuba diving, snorkeling, and more in pristine natural beauty.

The Azores – This Atlantic chain of islands is one of Europe’s best kept secrets. Part of Portugal, though autonomous, this is a location recognized for its commitment to the environment. With nature reserves and other protected lands this is an opportunity to support conservation efforts.

Taiwan – The country is gorgeous, they have so many interesting cultural activities that this destination has moved up on my list.

2018 is my year to travel, so who is with me? You don’t need to go far, find a local museum or festival, try a new restaurant and check out the shops in a town you have never been to. Embrace adventure where you can, if that means visiting another continent, country, state, or county, whatever works for you. Let the Travel and Adventure Show inspire you.

Check out their website – Travelshows.com or find them on Social Media – Twitter – Facebook – Instagram

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A Visit to Cooperstown NY

February 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and MuseumNatural Beauty and our National Pastime!

Baseball fans you have heard the name because Cooperstown NY is home to the The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, but there is so much more to this area for visitors to enjoy. Museums, breweries, farmers markets, and historical locations are all attractions just a few hours drive from NYC. These fun destinations are surrounded by nature that will inspire you to get out and get moving!

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Learn more about the game, the history, and the players all in one place with exciting exhibits, and displays that will capture baseball fans and newbies alike. Then let the action really come to life with the Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum. Stand next you favorite players and see what they look like outside of their baseball cards. Maybe even take in a game at the birthplace of America’s pastime, Abner Doubleday Field.

The Fenimore Art Museum & The Farmers’ Museum

Fenimore Art Museum Court yard

If you are looking for more museum options Cooperstown is loaded with interesting stops to keep your visit filled with learning and culture. The Fenimore Art Museum is a collection of American fine and folk art, Native American art, and photography as well as visiting exhibitions. Considered one of the nation’s premier art institutions this is a must see for everyone from the views on the walls to the lovely grounds of the museum.

The Farmers' Museum

The Farmers’ Museum, New York State circa 1845. What does that look like for families in their day to day life? You can find out and even try your hand at some of these activities while visiting this living history museum. See demonstrations, learn about trade, enjoy the farmstead, the historic village, and the carousel!

Cooperstown Beverage Trail

Brewery Ommegang

Beer enthusiasts, wine sippers, and cider lovers will not want to miss these stops on your trip. Cooperstown Beverage Trail is New York State’s first official cuisine trail made up of eight stops, Bear Pond Winery, Cooperstown Brewing Company, Brewery Ommegang, the Fly Creek Cider Mill, Butternuts Beer & Ale, Rustic Ridge Winery, Cooperstown Distillery and Pail Shop Vineyards. Take tours, enjoy tastings, and take some goodies home from their shops. You can find out all the details and a map of locations here to get going on your tour.

Get Out in Nature!

Otsego Lake and Cooperstown NY

Hike, bike, or get out on the lake! There is camping, fishing, winter recreation, and so much more to show off the gorgeous countryside. Enjoy the delicious food that grows locally by visiting the farmer’s market or visiting the wide variety of eateries in Cooperstown.

For the indoor or outdoor portion of your vacation planning, Cooperstown has everything to appeal to all interests. Be sure to visit their website Thisiscooperstown.com to get tips for your time in the area. See more on social media and get inspiration for a trip to Cooperstown. Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – YouTube

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Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival and Highland Games

February 19, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Kilts, Kilts, Kilts, Lads and Ladies!

Travel is a great way to get a feel for other cultures, but there are options closer to home, like the Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival & International Highland Games. For one weekend a year Long Beach California becomes home to a boisterous celebration of Scottish food, dance, and athletics.

Queen Mary's Scotsfestival Dance CompetitionFashion, history, and accents are just the start of all the fun to be had. There were so many competitions to watch it was hard to know where to go next. The Queen Mary is a destination not to be missed on any visit to Southern California, being inside this magnificent ship to watch dancing competitions with live bagpipe accompaniment is epic. Outside in the sunshine men and women put themselves to the test in the Highland Games and I was equally captivated. These Scots have developed some sports you likely have never heard of, but man are they fun to watch!Highland games at the Queen Mary

Yes, the competitors are wearing kilts while they take part in nine feats of strength in these different events. Nine! Talk about endurance. They throw a number of different heavy items at varied weights, a stone, a Scottish hammer, a caber (the caber is a timber like a telephone pole at 15 to 23 feet long and weighing in at somewhere between 70 and 130 pounds), a sheaf toss (straw in a burlap sack tossed over a high bar with a pitchfork), and weights tossed for height and distance. They are wild to watch as men and women take their turns at each contest.

Highland Games at the Queen Mary weight throw

Seeing a 56lbs. weight hefted 12 feet in the air is addicting. Watching as round by round the bar goes higher and the crowd cheers the contestants was a highlight of the Highland Games. I honestly was surprised how addicting the games were as a spectator. I am not usually a fan of live sporting events, but this is one I will be looking forward to again next year. I will be better prepared though and carry an umbrella to keep off the sun so I can plan to spend more time watching the action.Sheep herding at ScotsFestival on the Queen Mary

The whole day was filled with fiddles, harps, drums, and bagpipes. If dancing and other human athletics are not your cup of tea there were animal displays to entertain you. Birds of prey, war horses, and a display of sheepherding were all options. As a dog lover and sheep enthusiast I had to see what goes into training a sheepherder. The intensity and concentration of these canines when they are working is clear. The information at all of the animal shows was great!

ScotsFestival Reenactment

Reenactors give the history a new dimension. They’re also interactive, and another opportunity for visitors to learn in a fun Q&A or through their demonstrations of crafting and daily life. All of the costumes and kilts running around brings to mind the Renaissance Faire. Modern items are available in the venders stalls and shoppers will enjoy the wares. The t-shirt “Sassy Lassie” caught my eye, but if you want to gear up to dress up this is the place.

What really stands out? Not the haggis, though like the Scottish sports it is an interesting invention. No, it is the people I met who came from all over the country, some from Scotland, their warmth, their love of the Scottish culture, and the enthusiasm they have for sharing it. You will want to add the Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival and Highland Games to your yearly calendar just like I am adding it to mine.

Find out about this event and others going on at the Queen Mary on their website –  Queenmary.com
Or on Social Media – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

 

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TheBroBasket Gifts for Him

February 13, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Gift from anywhere with these innovative gift baskets!

I am in love with the BroBox from TheBroBasket! Lets face it, gifting can be hard. Gifting from afar even harder when you want something fun and cohesive. Personally I like to send items that all go together and not linked things that arrive separately when you are online shopping. I adore a good gift basket. TheBroBasket has options for every interest and taste, whether you want to send them a drink, a snack, or a themed basket for the golfer in the family.

The Bro Basket Gift BasketsThere are plenty of occasions when a little something will cheer someone up, show that you care, or add a little something to a celebration. Valentine’s, Christmas, Father’s Day, and birthdays are the obvious ones, but there are so many more. Heading off to college, house warming, engagement parties, bachelor parties, weddings, Boss’s Day, and get well soons all come to mind. Maybe you have someone in particular in mind? TheBroBasket site makes it easy to search with suggestions for dads, boyfriends, husbands, brothers, and sons.

The Bro Basket Gift Baskets for Him

The BroBox from The Bro BasketSo for the holiday, in this case Valentine’s Day I picked out a BroBox for my special someone. The Executive BroBox looked too slick to pass up. Plus it had chocolate for me to steal. I shared it with him, I promise…

Now they have options for those that exercise and want a protein punch, candy lovers, coffee lovers, and plenty without booze, and with a healthier bent. I will be completely honest, this one just seemed like a great option. When my gentleman has a guest over this is a nice bottle to share, the whiskey stones are a neat way to keep from watering down your drink, and the package is classy. He was completely won over by it.

There have been many times in my life that I needed to send a holiday gift and spent hours searching for something that felt tailored and special. This is the place to look, TheBroBasket has so many options for everyone. Yes they are geared towards men, which is great, cause they can be tricky to shop for. Their site is easy to search and their products are varied. If it hadn’t been this one I would have picked one with beef jerky, or maybe BBQ, the one with popcorn…

Check out TheBroBasket online for yourself at their site thebrobasket.com or on Social Media – Facebook – Twitter

They have amazing last minute shipping so all you procrastinators keep this one in your back pocket!

 

 

 

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Mount Airy Casino Resort in the Poconos

February 1, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains are home to the Mount Airy Casino Resort. Centrally located just 90 minutes from Philadelphia, NYC, and Northern NJ the casino offers 1,800 slot machines and 80 table games for visitors that are looking for some excitement. Mount Airy spa and golf course will appeal to visitors looking to relax and be pampered, or get out on the course for some sunshine. Catch a show or go for a swim while you escape to the pleasures of a casino resort.

Water features, sculptures, and a 51,000 square foot pool will be a highlight for hotel guests. A four season attraction complete with indoor/outdoor access, poolside bar, and luxury cabanas will keep you and your party occupied, relaxed, and refreshed. Families should keep in mind that kids and teens need to be accompanied by an adult while in the pool area.  They also need to be escorted by an employee when on the main floors and between rooms and restaurants- this might be a location that is best suited for couples or a girlfriend getaway/men’s weekend away.

Enjoy the food network? Check out one of their star’s restaurants Guy Fieri’s Mt. Pocono Kitchen. No matter what time you start to feel a craving for American favorites like hearty chicken soup or chicken fried steak you can head to Guy’s. The kitchen is open 24 hours as day. Another option is Bistecca by Il Mulino. Open for dinner every night the experience and luxury will make any evening a special event.

The food at Mt. Airy is delicious- every restaurant we tried was better then average at worst, while most of the dishes went into the “amazing” category. We ate more then we should have, and more then we intended.  It was a filling kind of weekend.

The resort also offers live shows and performances by all sorts of artists and musicians- both the general public and hotel guests are able to attend. There are many acts and much variation in types and genres,  so something will surely appeal to nearly everyone.

If you are looking for a good time in a nearby local, this is certainly one to look into. Valentines Day is right around the corner, see what they still have open and book a romantic weekend!

 

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ScotsFestival at the Queen Mary Giveaway!

January 25, 2018 by 4 Comments

Kilts are not required, but are encouraged… Comment and Enter Below

The 25th ScotsFestival is taking place at the Queen Mary in Long Beach California this February 17-18 from 9am-6pm and we are giving away 4 General Admission Passes for opening day! Food, fun, and family activities are all on the agenda with live music, dancers, and the Scottish Highland Games. If your only connection to Scotland is Braveheart than this is the perfect opportunity to get an authentic feel for the culture and the history.

So what are the Scottish Highland Games? They consist of some activities you might be familiar with and others that might sound strange. Putting the Shot is similar to what we do in track and field today, but then the Scotts start throwing the interesting stuff. The Caber Toss – a large pole, The Hammer Throw – an actual sledgehammer, The Sheaf Toss – throwing a burlap bag of straw with a pitchfork. Who doesn’t want to check that out?

After watching the athletics you might want to put yourself to the test. ScotsFestival comes complete with a sixty-foot obstacle course FEAT OF STRENGTH. No joke. You can see where you stand after competing against your peers and rising to the challenge. I am for sure going to give it a try! For the little ones there is a whole section of kids activities to enjoy so everyone can get involved in the games.

There is plenty to see and hear with piping competitions, drums, dancing, and at night the Greyfriar’s Pub for live entertainment and a few cold pints. The athletic displays are more than just those involving pitchforks and sledgehammers. The dancers are there to compete as well with the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance, and the Scottish Lilt.

Food and other venders fill the rows of the Scottish Market offering traditional wares and tasty treats for visitors. You can take home your very own kilt or other authentic garb so when you come back again next year you are ready to rock it. Find out more at the Queen Mary site – Queenmary.com or on Social Media – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

So one more time – Enter here to win 4 General Admission Tickets for Saturday February 17th to the Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival in Long Beach California. Be sure you are close enough to travel to the Queen Mary before you enter!  Giveaway ends February 13th.

Leave a comment on the post and enter below!
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