Summer Lovin’

The first day of August and the day is bright and sunny. Summer has always been my favorite time of year. The warmer weather evokes a more relaxed setting. It is also a time when I become curiously nostalgic. This morning I woke and immediately thought of tropical islands.

Since traveling is complicated at the moment. I decided to share some photos of the beautiful islands that I visited in the past. Enjoy!

Top left- Bora Bora     Top right – Big Island of Hawaii      Middle right – Capri

Bottom left – Tahiti     Bottom right – St Lucia

Pearl Beach Inn

The first week in June, my husband and I took a road trip to Englewood, Florida which is located on the southeast coast of Florida. My husband wanted to stay on one of the keys. I searched Trip Advisor and found an inn on the Manasota Key.

Being the good wife that I am, I did my research. Pearl Beach Inn is truly one of those locations for the person that wants to get away from the typical tourist areas. If you’re looking for a 5 star hotel, you will be disappointed. There is no restaurant, or cafe on site, the nearest Starbucks is a good 20 min drive away. There is no daily housekeeping. Each suite contains a comfortable bed, tv, hot plate, coffee machine, refrigerator and microwave. There are also outdoor grills.

My daughter, her husband and our son accompanied us. Before we arrived, a welcoming phone call from Lindy (she’s an absolute doll), set the stage for our arrival.

Armed with snacks and drinks, we arrived at the inn after dark. We made our way to the rooms, which Lindy left unlocked, and was surprised by how comfortable they were. We were expecting something more rustic.

In the morning, I opened the door and was greeted with a view of the ocean. The few couples we met around the inn were amiable and low-key. The area is sandwiched in a neighbor of quaint seaside homes and waterfront mansions.

The beach is well known for shark teeth. An occasional guest will be out searching the beach for these teeth.

We spent three tranquil nights at the inn. I loved the low key atmosphere and the feeling of having the beach all to myself.

If you are looking for a relaxing sojourn, try the Pearl Beach Inn. A true hidden gem.

 

If you need some cultural stimulation, Venice, Florida is a 20 min. drive away. There you can find colorful shops and a nice selection of restaurants and cafes.

The Big Island of Hawaii – The North Shore

Day 5-6 of our 9 day trip, we drove along the north side of the island. Before heading toward the north shore, we visited Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center in Hilo. I never knew there were so many flavors of macadamia nuts. The best part about visiting this center is it’s free and there are samples to taste. After purchasing several different flavors of nuts, our next stop was Queen Lili’uokolani Park and Gardens in Hilo.

This lovely park sits next to the ocean and is perfect for a relaxing stroll and/or taking pictures. We spent a half hour walking around the park before heading to North Kohala.

On the road to North Kohala, we passed the road leading to Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano and boasts the highest peak in Hawaii. There is an observatory, however, in order to reach the summit at 13,803 feet, a 4 wheel drive vehicle is required. You can visit the observation deck at 9,200 feet. If you’re interested in visiting, call first. Be sure to bring warm clothes. The weather averages from 43-47 degrees fahrenheit during the day.

Our next stop was Kapaa, Kapaa boasts the original statue of King Kamehameha which is appropriate because King Kamehameha was born nearby.  After several pictures, we enjoyed a leisurely late lunch at Kings View Cafe which sits across the street from the statue.

After lunch we headed to our hotel in Kamuela. The west side of the island is the dry side of the island. Beautiful golden sand beaches and black lava beaches litter the coast. After 4 days of rain, we were definitely ready for some sun. The hotel where we stayed sits next to the beautiful white sand of Hapuna beach.

 

 

 

 

The Big Island of Hawaii – Waterfalls & Gardens

Day 3 of our trip, we decided to visit Akaka Falls which is north of Hilo, approx. a 25-30 min drive. We started driving and the light rain quickly turned into a deluge. We almost had to pull over to the side of the road due to visibility concerns. We finally made it to the Falls. There is a $5 fee to park. The path to view the falls is approx. .4 miles. It is a relatively easy walk down to view the falls, however, there is a short uphill climb back to the parking lot.

There was only two other couples the morning we visited the falls, so we felt as if we had the place all to ourselves. The walk through the tropical lush forest is relaxing and beautiful to view. Due to all the rain, the 442 foot Akaka Falls plummeted down the cliffs in all its glory. After taking numerous photos, we decided to visit Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.

My husband questioned my sanity when he heard the entry fee to the garden is $20 per person. Any qualms about the fee was quickly assuaged as we entered the garden. Yes, it was still raining. The wooden pathway down into the garden can be quite slick, especially if it’s raining. There are numerous signs recommending that visitors employ the use of the hand rail. I was thankful for my Olukai sandals that gripped the surface on the way down.

 

Even my normally blasé husband was impressed with the array of tropical plants. To see blooming orchids springing from tree trunks, instead of bursting from planters, is a rare treat.

Just when we thought we discovered all the surprises the garden had to offer, we found a colorful friend and a view of the ocean. This “Garden of the Valley on the Ocean” certainly lives up to its name. Akaka Falls and Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden were definitely two of the highlights on the big island of Hawaii. I definitely recommend visiting both of these locations.

The last waterfall we visited was Rainbow Falls, about 10 min outside of Hilo. This waterfall is not as impressive as Akaka Falls, still if you love waterfalls, which I do, you might want to visit this one. There is no parking fee. The parking lot is a few steps from the parking lot. You can gain a different perspective of the falls by making a short climb up a nearby trail. You might want to visit this waterfall before viewing Akaka Falls.

The Big Island – Day 1-2

The week of Apr. 10-18, my husband and I visited the big island of Hawaii. We’ve visited Oahu, Maui and Kaui, but this was our first time on the big island. Since we allocated 8 days for the trip, we divided the time equally between the east side of the island, Hilo and the west side of the island, the Hapuna beach area.

The east side of the island is definitely the rainy side. It rained almost continuously the first four days we were in Hilo. Not a problem for island travelers who came equipped with umbrellas and light rain jackets.

Thursday the 11th, our first day of exploration we visited Volcano National Park. It’s approximately a 40 min drive from Hilo. We opted to rent a 4 wheel drive SUV and explore on our own. We arrived at the entrance to the park at 7:00 am (we were still on central time) and my first expectation was squashed, there has been no active lava flow since August 2018.

With map in hand (I’m old fashioned) we headed toward the steam vents. I was amazed at the amount of heat the steam emits. It was especially appreciated since the temperatures were hovering around the upper 50’s with intermittent rain and strong winds.

 

Next we followed the road down to the sea arch which is located at the end of the chain of craters road. It took us approx. 3 hours with frequent stops and short trails to explore along the way. Previous eruptions inundate the landscape interspersed with new vegetation peeking through.

The sea arch is a 90 foot high natural arch formed from the waves of the Pacific Ocean pounding on the lava cliffs. The arch is made of basalt.

When we arrived back at the Visitor Center, at approx. 11:00 am, the hoards of tourists had arrived. The Visitor Center has maps, videos to view, and rangers to answer your questions. The Visitor Center is interesting, but when it is packed full of people, it is a challenge to see anything.  I would recommend visiting first thing in the morning.

After our volcano filled morning, we headed back to Hilo. Along the way, we stopped at Akatsuka Orchid Gardens. Guests are welcome to wander freely in the showroom and purchase orchids that can be mailed to the states. We purchased 7 of the beautiful plants and they already arrived. The people that work there are more than willing to answer any questions you may have about these beautiful plants. There are tours available for a price, if you’re interested you can visit their website at akatsukaorchid.com

 

Hidden Gems at Disney World

I hope everyone is having a fabulous week. This past weekend, I was at Disney World for the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot. While walking around the World Showcase, my daughter asked if I wanted to see the waterfall in Canada. My response was, “What waterfall?”

I’ve made many trips to Disney World and I never heard of a waterfall in Canada. I followed her as she led me towards the entrance of the O’ Canada! film. I’ve never seen the film, because my family and I are normally racing around the park.

As we strolled through a mini mountain pass, we were rewarded with a view of this waterfall.

A memo to me to slow down and look around.

 

Getting into the Spirit of Fall

This past weekend, my oldest daughter and I visited the Dallas Arboretum. Right now, Autumn at the Arboretum is on display through Nov. 21. The display I was most interested in viewing is the Pumpkin Village with more than 90,000 pumpkins on display. As I mentioned in a previous blog, Fodor’s lists this Pumpkin Village as one of “America’s Best Pumpkin Festivals.” The theme this year is Neverland. The Darlings house in London has been charmingly recreated in addition to the Lost Boys lair, Captain Hook’s pirate ship and Pixie Hollow. This is a family friendly event for all.

If you are interested in visiting the Dallas Arboretum, check the website dallasarboretum.org for a listing of events. There is plenty to see and do for all ages. The day we went, there was a petting zoo for the kids and characters from Peter Pan available for photo ops. For the adults, there was live music and food tasting. Who knew a garden could be so entertaining?

If you crave more solitude, there is a lovely area of the garden that we discovered with relaxing waterfalls. We fervently wish we had discovered this area when we visited the gardens over the summer and the temperature was 95 degrees. That day, we seemed to find every garden that was in full sun.

If you live in the Dallas/Ft Worth area and intend to visit the garden more than once a year, you may want to consider one of their membership options. I purchased the Family option which allows myself and up to 5 family members admittance. In addition, I enjoy free parking for up to two vehicles per visit. If there is a special event being held, for instance, the 12 Nights of Christmas, I can purchase tickets at a reduced rate.

If you love to wake early, there are early morning walks from 7-9 a.m. for members only.  I noticed there was a sign advertising a yoga class at 7:30 in the morning. We were doing good to get to the gardens at 9:30 that morning.

Packing for the Perfect Trip

I can hear my family laughing as they read this blog. I am notorious for bringing as much luggage as I possibly can. When my kids were younger, I once brought 13 suitcases on a trip. When we checked in at the airport, the lady at the counter assumed we were moving. In my defense, my kids were competing in a dance competition and we were going to be gone for two weeks. Believe it or not, I have reduced the amount of luggage I bring, somewhat.

What to bring? The minute I know I am going to be traveling somewhere, whether it be for the weekend, or a couple of weeks, I sit down and make a list. The reason I make the list so early is that I can delete and add as the days go by. If I wait until the last minute, I’m sure to forget something.

Here are some of the items I bring.

The first items on my list, include: I.D., itinerary, tickets (if needed), a small amount of cash (because I’m not traveling anywhere that doesn’t take a credit card), but you never know, and no more than two credit cards.

Second, medication. If you have prescriptions, make sure you fill them at least a week before you travel. The reason for this is because it’s easy to forget, or you discover that you don’t have any refills left and your doctor’s office needs to be contacted. On one trip, my mom assumed she had enough pills to last through her vacation. She would have, except she decided to stay another week.

If you’re traveling to a big city, you should have no problem purchasing standard over the counter medication, however, what if you become ill in the middle of the night? A couple of years ago, my husband and I took a Mediterranean cruise. At the last minute, I threw a couple of Immodium pills into my toiletry bag. Both of us were afflicted with stomach ailments. My husband used the meager pills I packed which meant I had to wait until we docked to purchase additional medication.

Third, electronic devices and chargers. Most hotels have chargers that you can use, but you should always bring your own. Usually, other family members clamor to borrow my chargers, because they forgot their own.

Fourth, shoes. I’ve streamlined my packing when it comes to shoes. Years ago, I would bring a suitcase full of shoes. Out of all those shoes, I only wore 2-3 pairs, max. The lovely high heeled shoes were useless on European cobblestone streets. I only take shoes that I have tested extensively on a variety of surfaces. If you need a fancy dress pair, pick one pair that you can wear with different outfits.

Fifth, toiletry items. Almost every hotel, even cheap ones, provide shampoo. I usually bring a small toiletry sized bottle anyway, however, when it comes to conditioner, I bring a full sized bottle. Besides my makeup bag, I always bring sunscreen and bug spray (especially, if I’m traveling to a tropical destination).

Last, clothes and misc. items. When I pack clothes, I try to stick to basic colors with maybe a couple of colorful blouses for a dressier look. For flights, since I’m always cold, I love my soft cashmere shawl. It’s light, yet, warm and can double as a mini blanket. Sunglasses, umbrella and a hat are easy items to forget. Once I had a flight that left at three in the morning, since it was dark outside, I forgot my sunglasses.

The last thing you should worry about on a trip is about something basic that you forgot. Bon voyage!!!

 

Which Hawaiian Island to Visit?

Oahu, Maui or Kauai? All three islands are gorgeous with their own particular charm. Years ago, I did such a great job raving about Kauai that a friend of mine decided to move there with her husband. They have since bought a piece of property, built a house and opened their own tour agency. Yes, I am jealous.

If you plan on visiting one of these islands, but are not sure which one, here is a little guide. With a population of close to one million, Oahu is the most populated island. It is known for housing the state capital, Honolulu, Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach. For me, this island is wonderful for people who want a taste of the island life, but still crave the amenities of a big city.

The second most populated island is the big island of Hawaii. I have yet to visit this island. I hope to visit within the next year. According to one of my friends, the island is beautiful and rustic. She remarked at the number of farms on the island. From volcanos to deserts to snow clad peaks to waterfalls, you can travel through all, but four of the world’s different climate zones.

Many of my friends pick Maui as their favorite island. The island, like the other Hawaiian islands, is beautiful but can be quite windy. The highlight of our trip was a small tour we took on the road to Hana. I would definitely recommend taking a tour and not trying to drive yourself. The sights are gorgeous but driving is arduous. The road is only 52 miles from Kahului, however, the drive can take anywhere from 2-4 hours because of the numerous turns and one lane stretches. Several times, we marveled that the small bus was able to stay on the road, since part of the road had fallen into the ravine below.

Kauai is a lush tropical paradise and the place to go if you want to truly feel like you’re getting away from it all. If you crave access to big city life, this is not the island for you. My husband, who normally is ready to go home after 3 days, wanted to stay another week. We went kayaking and hiking in addition to numerous water sports. The Na Pali Coast has served as the backdrop for several hollywood movies, for instance: King Kong, Jurassic World and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. My daughter was ecstatic to swim in the water that Johnny Depp had been in.

So, which one is my favorite island? For me, it’s a toss up between Oahu and Kauai. I love the shopping and restaurants on Oahu, but I cherish the lush, quiet atmosphere of Kauai. What’s your favorite island?

 

The Perfect Trip

In 2009, I visited Paris with my cousin. Before visiting the city, my cousin assured me that  her itinerary covered all the “highlights of Paris.” The first day, after waiting in line for a couple of hours, we finally made it up the Eiffel Tower. The rest of the afternoon and the next couple of days we visited family, which was enjoyable however our main focus was to explore the city.

The second trip to Paris, since I didn’t learn anything from the first lesson, I decided to repeat the learning process and allow another cousin to plan the itinerary. She assured me that she was adept at navigating the city. When we arrived at the Louvre, we noticed that it was closed for the day. Not a problem, we’ll just stroll over to another museum. An hour later, because it takes a long time to walk anywhere, we arrived at another museum that was just closing. I’m sad to admit that I saw even less then my first trip.

In 2014, the third time is the charm, I planned the itinerary. Months before my husband and I made the trip, I carefully read, plotted and scheduled each day according to each individual arrondissement (administrative districts/sections). Wherever I could, I purchased tickets in advance via the internet (this allowed me to obtain some killer deals, however be careful to ensure they are legit sites. I checked with Fodor). Instead of taking the metro, we opted for the hop on/hop off bus. This way we could see the city from above ground.

Instead of assuming hours for museums/churches and other landmarks, I carefully noted days and times. Since we visited Paris during the summer, I noted the days and hours that would be less crowded. The result was a fabulous trip that ensured that we were able to enjoy this beautiful city. The last thing you want to do when going a trip is to waste hours waiting in line or running around in circles. I wouldn’t recommend renting a car, there is no need to wait in traffic.

If you decide to hire a tour guide, check reviews and hire one that explores the areas you want to visit, not the ones where he/she receives commissions. Bon voyage!