Yes, you heard me, my dream Christmas Destinations! Christmas Eve and Christmas Day must be spent with family, of course. I really would not have it any other way…but I can dream of visiting other locales during the Christmas season. I imagine sailing on a river cruise in Europe to the Christmas Markets with Viking River Cruises! What a dream come true that would be! [Read more…] about Here are My Dream Christmas Destinations! Where are yours?
To say that I have been haunted by mystical Cornwall all of my life is an understatement! Just the name thrills me! Cornwall is a land where fairies, and piskies (“the little people”), and ghosts roam; where Percival threw Excalibur into Dozmary Pool; the birthplace of Arthur Pendragon (Tintagel) and the lovers Tristan and Isolde….and the setting of the novels I avidly read growing up. Daphne du Maurier’s classic novel, Jamaica Inn; and a host of novels written by Victoria Holt, aka Phillippa Carr, aka Jean Plaidy. While growing up my imagination took wing, and I could see the ghostly images of the Nine Maidens turned to stone because they danced on a Sunday; the Hurlers and the Pipers who were also turned to stone for the same reason; Jamaica Inn, home of wreckers and pirates and smugglers; the Mermaids of Zennor and Padstow. I will never forget the Cheesewring, a granite geological feature on Bodmin Moor which was created by giants; St Michael’s Mount, where a young boy named Jack led an angry Giant to his death. Yes, Cornwall is a land of magic! For All Hallows Eve this year, I will haunt you with my dreams and memories of Cornwall. [Read more…] about I Have Been Haunted by Mystical Cornwall
#4TravelChicasinCozumel! Yes, indeed, that is our hashtag! Four travel bloggers who met online 3 years ago and who have formed a blog consortium of sorts, 4 Times the Fun, and 4 times the audience! with Adventures of Empty Nesters (Suzanne Stavert from Pasadena, CA), Travel with Sara (Sara Broers from Mason City, IO), Wherever I May Roam blog (Melody Pittman from Vero Beach, FL), and of course, me, Travels with Tam from Dallas, Tx! We are a support system, we share each other’s posts, guest blog, and promote one another whenever possible. We have met only a couple of times at travel conferences, but we have a connection and enjoy being together, so here we are, hanging out in Cozumel, at Villa Coronado, and having fun, often odd, adventures all over the island. There hasn’t been a dull moment! Check out the hashtag, #4TravelChicasinCozumel all over social media, and join in the fun we have had this week! It has been wonderful to see the island through the eyes of my friends! And it is a good thing they have a sense of humor (which is necessary when traveling with Tam). Stay tuned!
Guest Post by Emma Grant
Whatever the time of year, there’s always something interesting to do in Wonderful Whistler. During the winter, Canadians head to the slopes for skiing and snowboarding. The same ones come back again later in the year when the weather picks up for hiking, mountain biking, and relaxing. If you like the outdoors and want to get some fresh air, search the best Whistler vacation rentals and start planning your dream trip to beautiful Whistler. Here are a few more reasons to visit for those who still aren’t convinced.
Expect various slopes to suit any level of skill or ability in the 8000-acre resort. Some hills are smaller for the beginners. Instructors can also give you skiing lessons before you hit the piste for the first time. Others, especially on Blackcomb, are for the more advanced on challenging terrain.
People from around the world come to use the slopes in Whistler, and you’ll meet everyone from family vacationers to the pros. Snow begins to fall from October and stays at a consistent level until the end of February. Because of this, Whistler’s snow is some of the best in all of North America.
Whistler Village is everything you would imagine an alpine wonderland to be like. Small cottages line the streets with the towering mountains in the background. When the snow starts to fall, this really becomes beautiful. White snow covers the picturesque village as tourists wrap in layers to keep warm. The cafes are bursting at their seams as people crowd around the cozy fire with a hot drink watching the snow dance down from the sky.
Even if you’re not into skiing, Whistler Village makes a perfect mountain retreat to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. Families from around Canada bring their children here for a Christmas vacation.
So, we all know that Whistler is the place to be for skiing or snowboarding. But, many tourists love the other seasons too. As the snow melts, buds flower on the trees giving the area a colorful and vibrant appearance. Walking through the forests at this time of the year allows you to view the rebirth of the trees and the wildlife starting to come out again. Likewise, as fall approaches, the leaves change from green to golden colors and slowly drop from the branches. Hiking gives a different experience depending on which season you visit Whistler.
And then there’s summer. During summer, everyone comes to this mild mountainous region to take part in their favorite outdoor activities. Some bring their dogs and hike for days on end around the trails. Others come and visit the lakes or try to climb the peaks of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Other outdoor activities are available to keep everyone busy from kayaking to zip lining.
Regardless of when you’re in Canada, Whistler is sure to have something to cater for your needs and interests. Each season is different and gives tourists a different experience.
Zip-lining is growing in popularity for adrenaline junkies around the world. Mainly, the sport consists of a wire being attached between two points, with one being higher than the other. The Zip-liner stands at the top and straps themselves onto the small seat before plunging off the edge. As they race from the top to the bottom, they get their fix of adrenaline.
In recent years, Whistler is starting to take advantage of this mild version of an extreme sport. In some parts of the resort, you can take part on several lines, some are suitable for first-timers and others should only be attempted by the more adventurous. Spending an afternoon on the zip-lines is a great way to pass the time for the whole family.
A mountain resort that caters for skiers and snowboarders from around the globe should have a decent selection of food and restaurants. And this is the case in Whistler Village. The culinary experience at some of the restaurants ranges simple budget food up to world-class cuisine. You can find meals from a hot dog or spaghetti to veal.
Some cozy bars and cafes are in the village, where the skiers tend to hang out after a day on the slopes. You can find a selection of drinks from hot chocolate and tea to fine wine and top shelf liquors. Families are welcome too. Some hold shows in the evening, such as the fire and ice show, to entertain the children.
One of the advantages of having such a versatile array of cafes and dining options is that you can hit the slopes for a few hours while the non-skiers enjoy the facilities in the village. This also applies for the summer months when parents bring their children for a relaxing vacation. Several parks and playgrounds will keep the little ones busy.
Whether you want to come in the summer to hike to Whistler Mountain’s summit at 2182 meters or spend hours snowboarding down challenging slopes on Blackcomb, Whistler has something for you. Bring the family and enjoy the picturesque setting in the village before indulging in the wide variety of dining options later in the evening. Whistler makes the perfect retreat at any time of the year and visitors always want to return.
Here is your chance to see the museum exhibit, “Dressing Downton” at the Lightner Museum when staying at the St Francis Inn or Casa de Suenos in St Augustine, Florida this holiday season! I have stayed at Casa de Suenos and toured St Augustine, and I can tell you it is a beautiful, historical city and it is definitely worth a visit just on its own. During December, there is an incredible offer for you!
| As a midweek guest for two nights (Sunday thru Thursday) from October 4, 2017, to January 7, 2018, celebrate the phenomenal Dressing Downton™ Exhibition during its final stop, at St. Augustine’s Lightner Museum. The Exhibition highlights fashion from the widely acclaimed TV drama, Downton Abbey®.
The 2-night, 3-day stay with the Dressing Downton™ Special, a $60 value, at no extra cost includes: • Two “Golden” Admission Tickets to the Dressing Downton™ Exhibition, with entry at any hour of the date on the ticket. This awesome exhibition includes 36 costumes with jewelry and accessories, reflecting changing times from 1912 to the mid-1920s, displayed in the fabulous Gilded Age museum among vignettes of turn-of-the-century art and furniture. • Exhibition tickets include general admission to the entire Lightner Museum, the former posh Alcazar Hotel, home to one of the best collections of 19th century fine and decorative art in the U.S., built in 1888 by railroad tycoon Henry Flagler • Keepsake Tin of specially blended premium Downton Abbey® Tea • Fine Chocolate from Cadbury, a British company which has produced delicious specialty chocolate treats for nearly 200 years The Lightner Museum is the only stop for Dressing Downton™ in Southeastern US, and perhaps the best of all its stops! IMPORTANT: You must MENTION this special when you make your reservation. Based on double occupancy. * Not available during these holiday dates: December 26-29, 2017. NOT AVAILABLE WITH OTHER DISCOUNTS! |
The end of September found me in Georgetown, Texas enjoying their annual Wine Festival. I had the most wonderful weekend, and part of the reason why is the San Gabriel House Bed and Breakfast at University and Olive, across from Southwestern University.
San Gabriel House has a long history, it was built in 1908. There is a huge main house with a carriage house in back. Walking into the BNB is like going back in time. I almost wondered if my Grandmothers were around somewhere! Feast your eyes on these photos of this exquisite Bed and Breakfast, and click HERE for the history of this beautiful home! Sadly there are no photographs of my two breakfasts, which were incredible, but I ate them before I remembered to get photos! There was a Grilled Grapefruit and French Toast the first morning, with a never ending flow of coffee and juice. The second morning was an egg casserole, biscuits, and a couple from Zimbabwe with whom I spent a lovely hour.
Obviously, I give a wholehearted recommendation to visit Georgetown, and to stay at the San Gabriel House! Tell them Tam sent you!
