Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, is the first stop for many visitors to Hawaii. Some of the sights attracting visitors include: Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, Waikiki Beach (and many other beaches). This is the view from my hotel balcony (Ala Moana Hotel) yesterday morning. Paradise!
Read MoreBlog Archives
Postcard from Lake Apopka
Located about 15 miles northwest of Orlando, Lake Apopka’s waterways and wetlands have been reclaimed and are being restored as an eco-preserve. An 11-mile wildlife drive, open on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, dawn to dusk, gives visitors a chance to see some of the wildlife living here. On my visit I saw alligators and a variety of birds, including this Blue Heron who was strutting through the water like it owned the place. Which perhaps it does.
Read MoreHiking in Sedona is Seeing Red (Rocks)
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 […]
Read MoreWaking up on Kauai
I woke up on Kauai this morning. Very early, before the sun came up. It’s one of my favorite times to sit on my deck and look out at the ocean. It’s quiet and peaceful. The sun slowly slips out from behind the clouds, leaving me to wonder about what the day will be like here on the Garden Isle.
Read MoreChickasaw 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 MoreHotel Review: Hotel Giraffe, NYC
Hotel Giraffe Address: 365 Park Avenue South (at 26th Street), New York City Value Luxury Rating: (out of 3 hearts) Features: Located in the recently named NoMad area of New York City (North of Madison Square Park), Hotel Giraffe is conveniently situated between midtown and downtown Manhattan. The hotel, part of the Library Hotel Collection, offers a generous package of complimentary amenties including continental breakfast buffet each morning (served 7-10:30 am weekdays, and till 11 am on weekends), wine and cheese reception every evening (5-8 pm), wi-fi throughout the hotel, reading material (books, magazines, newspapers), DVD library, bottled water in guestrooms, and passes to New York Sports Club (various locations throughout Manhattan, closest one is three blocks away). Price Range: A search of room rates for April 2015, show rates starting at $287 night. Check for specials and promotional rates. Personal Notes: Hotel Giraffe […]
Read MoreHotel Review: The Kimberly, NYC
The Kimberly Address: 145 East 50th Street (50th Street between Lexington and 3rd Avenue, Midtown), New York City Value Luxury Rating: (of 3 hearts) Features: Located in the heart of the midtown, The Kimberly is an upscale property that is well situated for business, shopping, or just a sightseeing getaway. The 192 European-styled rooms, most of which are suites, feature flat screens and satellite TV, kitchen or kitchenettes with microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, sink and untensils; robe and slippers, electric shoe-shiner, complimentary water, and the expected upscale bathroom amenities. Some rooms have balconies and jacuzzi tubs. Price Range: Low winter rates range from $160 night for a deluxe guest room to $223 for an executive 1-bedroom suite. Rates jump up in spring to $430-550, and if you can bear the heat of summer, drop down to $320-440. (Prices based on a random […]
Read MorePostcard from Nintendo World, NYC
Located by Rockefeller Center, the Nintendo World Store is the only store of its kind, offering games and merchandise that are otherwise only available through online purchases. With two floors of interactive games, it’s an assault to the senses – like being a kid in a candy shop.
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 More