Young Life’s Saranac Village in Upstate New York

12 February 201531 August 2024

My brother, Mike Ambuske, has been involved with the Young Life organization for over 20 years. He is currently serving with this amazing association as Young Life’s Area Director for North Butler County, Pennsylvania. During the time of our family visit to Saranac Lake, he was working out of Argyle, NY. That summer, he was preparing to bring a group of teens for a week long spiritual journey to learn more about Jesus in hopes that they would give their lives to serving Christ. He wanted to bring us to Saranac Lake to show us where he would be traveling and to share with us some amazing opportunities to get involved with the Young Life organization. Please see below for a way to support Young Life Butler or your local Young Life leadership.

Young Life North Butler
PO Box 4
Butler, PA 16003
Phone: 724 406 9790

Select this link to give: Give

To learn more about your area’s Young Life organization, select the Link and search for your location.

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Our Adirondack Family Vacation in Photos 2005

5 February 201531 August 2024

The Great Escape in Lake George, NY

Downtown Lake Placid

Saranac Lake

Young Life Saranac Lake

Beaver Meadow Waterfalls

My brother and I at the rental house in the Adirondacks

The Dock at the Lake House in the Adirondacks

The beautiful mountains in the Adirondacks

The Adirondack Mountains

Surrounded by mountains while on vacation

Driving through the Adirondack Mountains

Sunday Driving in the Adirondacks

Meeting my Brother’s Girlfriend, Emily, for the First Time

What to See and What to Do:

Six Flags Great Escape
1172 US-9
Queensbury, NY 12804
Telephone: 518 824 6000

Sixty miles north of Albany, Six Flags is not only an amusement park but a water park named Hurricane Harbor.

Where to Stay:

We stayed in a rental home that we booked through VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner)

Where to Eat:

Black Bear Restaurant
2409 Main Street
Lake Placid, NY 12946
Telephone: 513 837 5166

Cozy, casual lakeside American eatery offering meat, seafood & pasta dishes, plus cocktails.

What to Eat:

Chicken Riggies (Chicken Rigatoni)
Dry Rieslings from Seneca Lake
Egg Cream – milk, seltzer and chocolate syrup
Frozen Custard
The Garbage Plate – Originating in Rochester, this dish includes burger patties with baked beans, macaroni salad and home fries slathered with ketchup and hot sauce.

What to Read:

Books by Author, Julia Spencer-Fleming

Photo Guide for the Upstate New York:

Kaaterskill Falls
Letchworth State Park
Mount Marcy, Adirondacks
Chimney Bluffs State Park
The Egg, Albany

Maine’s Acadia, Watching Whales and Exploring Doubling Point Lighthouse

2 February 201531 August 2024

As a family, we booked an RV vacation which took us along the east coast of the United States. Each of my siblings and I were given the task of coming up with an itinerary for an assigned stop on our RV adventure. We visited northern Ohio, Niagara Falls, Maine, Boston, New York City and Philadelphia.

Each of us was given a location to research and select the activities for the day. My sister, Shelly mapped out our itinerary for our visit to Maine and I was so excited she included Acadia National Park. Sprawling nearly 50,000 acres on the east coast, this mesmerizing, scenic park is full of stunning landscapes and amazing wildlife. I was hoping to see moose at Acadia, and viewing the majestic whales on our cruise of the harbor was such an awesome experience as well.

We started our day by stopping by Hulls Cove Visitor Center to pick up a map and additional information about the park. We were curious to find if there were any educational sessions or ranger talks scheduled. From here, we picked up Acadia’s 27-mile scenic Park Loop Road, eventually reaching the top of Cadillac Mountain. From 1500 feet, we caught an amazing panoramic view of the Atlantic, the park and its nearby islands.

By the late 1800’s, this land became the playground for the rich and famous to include the Carnegies, Vanderbilts, Astors, Fords and the Rockefellers. It was John D. Rockefeller who gifted the park its 45 miles of carriage roads used for automobiles, bikes, horses and carriages. In addition to its carriage roads, the park offers over 150 miles of hiking trails and is one of the most-visited parks in the United States.

Another feature of the park that we thoroughly enjoyed was walking across the Bar Island Land Bridge. At low tide, we could walk across for spectacular views of Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island. We were warned in advance that we would have about an hour and a half to cross and return before the tide would rise.

The views of Bar Harbor were breathtaking from this charming coastal town. Boats anchored in the cove while others were prepared to transport passengers on a number of whale watching excursions. We enjoyed an afternoon of shopping and made lunch reservations at a nearby restaurant with a seaside overlook.

Shortly after lunch, we boarded a small boat for our own whale watching tour. The weather was perfect for our brief sea escape with the opportunity to see humpbacks breaching out of the water. While mid-April is the best time to see these gentle giants, we could not have been happier spotting a couple of whales during our three-hour tour with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company.

After we returned from our trip, we boarded our RV and decided to check out the most visited lighthouse in Maine, the Doubling Point Lighthouse. Located along the Kennebec River, it was not an easy route to reach the light, but we loved the beautiful scenery and remote location. We spent about a half an hour here before piling back into the motor coach for our next stop on our itinerary, Boston.

Have you toured around the state of Maine? What were your favorite places to visit? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my lovely visit to Maine and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Acadia National Park
PO Box 177
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Telephone: 207 288 3338

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $30; Motorcycle: $25 and Hiker/Biker: $15 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Acadia National Park is $55 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase.
Hours: The park is open seasonally and hours vary, so check the National Park Website for the most up-to-date information.
Amenities: camping, hiking, boating, swimming, biking, bird watching, climbing, fishing, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
Scenic View: Take in the view from Cadillac Mountain and along the various trails throughout the park.
Length of Visit: Three days is the minimal recommended time to see all of the attractions at Acadia.
Tips for Your Visit: If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate. Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies. When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park. For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Summer is the busiest time for the park you may find road construction and traffic.

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company
1 West Street
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Telephone: 207 288 2386

Rates: Rates range from $32 to $63 for adults on a variety of trips; $20 to $33 for children ages 6 – 14 and $14 for children ages five and under.
Hours: The activities take place from May to October. Visit the website for each activities and the departure times for these events.
Amenities: Ferry services
Length of Tour: Varies by tour, refer to the website
Tips for Your Visit: Take medication for seasickness should you think the seas may affect you.

Doubling Point Lighthouse
Doubling Point Road
Arrowsic, ME 04530
Email: mspencer@student.uchc.edu,jaehs@aol.com

Admission Fee: No Admission Fee
Hours: 8AM to 6PM daily
Scenic View: The lighthouse and surrounding area
Length of Visit: No more than one hour
Tips for Your Visit: Wear bug spray during the summer months. Refer to the website for detailed directions to the lighthouse. The lighthouse is not accessible, but you can look inside only.

Where to Stay:

Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA Holiday
136 County Road
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Telephone: 207 288 3520

Where to Eat:

Fish House Grill
1 West Street
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Telephone: 207 288 3070

We shared the New England Clam Bake and I also ordered the bacon wrapped scallops served with a maple and brown sugar glaze.

What to Eat:

Baked Beans and Hot Dogs
Blueberry Pancakes
Clam Roll
Clambake
Haddock Chowder
Indian Pudding
Italian Sandwich
Lobster, of course and served with butter
Lobster Pie
Lobster Roll
Maine Potato Fries
Maple Sugar and Syrup
New England Boiled Dinner

What to Read:

The Cider House Rules by John Irving
Empire Falls by Richard Russell
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
The Maine Woods by Henry David
Most Stephen King books

Photo Guide for Maine:

Acadia National Park
Cadillac Mountain Summit

San Francisco’s Iconic Golden Gate Bridge

26 January 201514 September 2024

Whether it is the Arch of St. Louis, the Alamo in San Antonio, or the Space Needle in Seattle, very few iconic images compare with the glorious representation of a city than San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.

It is impossible to imagine San Francisco without thinking of its spectacular bridge. Regardless of the number of times I travel to San Fran, I am not satisfied until I drive over it or walk the span for breathtaking views of the city. Once the largest suspension bridge in the world, visitors can walk, bike, drive or ride over the two-mile platform that connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County.

It was an overcast day on my last visit, but I layered up and made sure I would be comfortable for a stroll across.

The Golden Gate Bridge was not named for its color but for the strait that it spans, Opening in May of 1937, this steel suspension bridges retains a main span measuring 4,200 feet.

As cars drove across the bridge during my walk, I could hear the whirring sound of the tires and the hollow thumps from the grates that offer views into the water below.

The men who designed the bridge were Joseph Strauss, Irving Morrow, and Charles Ellis. But it was Joseph Strauss, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, who provided oversight for the day-to-day construction of the bridge beginning in January of 1933.

It is said that Strauss became fascinated by bridges during a hospitalization in Cincinnati. With a view of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge from his hospital room, he would later be employed by a company that specialized in building them.

The view of the bridge from the southeast side visitor parking lot shows the roadway straight through to the other side. The visitor’s center, gardens and café are accessible from this lot and it is a great starting point for enjoying scenic overlooks and vistas.

The Golden Gate Bridge is open 24 hours a day and it is estimated that approximately 110,000 vehicles travel over the bridge on a daily basis. That does not include the 10,000 pedestrians and 6,000 cyclists that cross as well.

Tolls are only collected in one direction as you head into San Francisco from Marin County. There is a toll charge of $7.25 for 2 axles and motorcycles (as of this writing).

Enjoy the San Francisco rite of passage by walking or biking the Golden Gate Bridge and you will see San Francisco from a whole new perspective.

Have you visited San Francisco and was the Golden Gate Bridge on your itinerary? How did you cross it? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my short post about the Golden Gate Bridge! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Golden Gate Bridge
P.O. Box 9000, Presidio Station
San Francisco, CA 94129-0601
Telephone: 877 229 8655 or 415 486 8655

Admission Fee: Walk or bike the Golden Gate Bridge at no charge. There is a fee to travel by car, so check the website for the most recent information.
Hours: The Golden Gate Bridge is open 24 hours, seven days a week.
Amenities: Parking, welcome center, cafe, bookstore, historical site
Scenic View: From several vantage points from the Golden Gate Bridge, explore the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains.
Length of Visit: 1 – 5 hours depending on how you explore the park
Tips for Your Visit: Access the bridge from both the north and south. Where comfortable shoes for walking across the bridge. The six lanes for cars is tight, so be mindful of other drivers and keep your eyes on the road.

Where to Stay:

Sheraton Palace Hotel, now The Palace Hotel
2 New Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Telephone: 415 512 1111

Where to Eat:

Castagnola’s – The restaurant is known for its soups served in bread bowls. Select the clam chowder bread bowl or the lobster bisque bread bowl.
Ghirardelli Chocolate Company – The world famous hot fudge sundae is the best seller.

Where to Drink:

Iron Horse – Their signature drinks include the James Bond Martini, Goldfinger, Alice in Wonderland, Tiki Temple and Happy Fortune.

What to Read:

Cool Grey City of Love by Gary Kamiya
San Francisco Stories by Jack London
Zodiac by Robert Graysmith
Alcatraz-1259 by William Baker

Photo Guide for San Francisco:

Aquatic Park is the best place to photograph San Francisco’s waterfront
Broadway Street in North Beach for its neon signs and was formerly known as the area’s “red light district”
Chinatown is absolutely amazing for taking photos of America’s oldest Chinatown.
Coit Tower for 360 degree views of San Francisco and the harbor
de Young Museum Observation Deck located at Golden Gate Park is perfect for panoramic photos of the city. Bypass the line to enter the museum to reach the Hamon Observation Tower to take your photos.
Fort Point is a decommissioned military base on the waterfront which provides outstanding views of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge
The Marin Headlands is one of the best places to photograph the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge
Treasure Island for spectacular views of San Francisco’s skyline
See the entire city of San Francisco from Twin Peaks

Phenomenal Cliff Dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument

19 January 201531 August 2024

Well-preserved and protected from the elements, an ancient Indian cliff dwelling is said to have been built between 1100 to 1425 AD. Standing five stories tall, an estimated forty-five to sixty rooms have been built into an alcove of limestone.

When I arrived in the small town of Camp Verde, Arizona, I could not have imagined the beauty of the Montezuma Castle National Monument. What I found most impressive was the craftsmanship of the Sinagua and the incredible cliff dwellings they had built nearly 100 feet above Beaver Creek Canyon.

Approaching the site, I immediately noticed the detail of Montezuma’s construction and how the large stones were held together by a primitive mix of clay and mud. The walls were built from layers of mud measuring about an inch thick protecting the interior rooms and providing a barrier from the wind and heat. The thatched roof was constructed of local Arizona sycamore intertwined with mud. According to the artifacts found at the site, these rooms were used for both living space and storage.

Researchers believe that the Indians may have fled in the mid-11^th century when nearby Sunset Crater Volcano erupted. They would later return in the late 1100s as the area was then perfect for growing crops following the event. The aftermath of the eruption gave the Indians a strong, reliable watershed for irrigation and a much richer soil.

Montezuma Castle National Monument became a US National Monument in 1906 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. Early visitors could climb up into the ancient apartment complex through a series of ladders until it was prohibited to do so in 1951. While the interior of the settlement is not accessible today, the site is a spectacular example of Indian life of the Southwest. There are approximately 400,000 visitors that tour the park and visitor’s center each year. The Visitor’s Center displays artifacts and provides a historical account of the lives of the Sinaguan culture. Even today, this location remains a place of religious ceremonies for the local Hopi and Yavapai Indians.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Montezuma Castle National Monument in Arizona? What did you think of your experience? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Montezuma and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle Road
Camp Verde, Arizona 86322
Telephone: 928 567 3322

To reach Montezuma Castle National Monument, follow these directions:

Follow I-17 to exit 289 (90 minutes north of Phoenix, 45 minutes south of Flagstaff). Drive east (through 2 traffic circles) for approximately ½ mile to the blinking red light. Turn left onto Montezuma Castle Road.

Admission Fee: Montezuma Castle Entrance fees are Adults (16 and older): $10 which is good for seven days for the castle as well as the Tuzigoot National Monuments; Children under 16 can enter at no charge. There are several holidays where entrance is free to include Martin Luther King Jr. Day, First Day of National Park Week/National Junior Ranger Day, National Service Park Anniversary, National Public Lands Day and Veterans Day
Hours: The visitor center, museum and trail are open daily from 8AM to 5PM; Montezuma Well Trail is also open daily from 8AM to 5PM and for all attractions, the last vehicle admission is 4:45PM. For additional discounted fees visit the park’s website.
Amenities: Educational opportunities and bookstore
Scenic View: Montezuma Castle is spectacular dating over 800 years
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Bring water and sunscreen as the site is in the middle of the desert. Consider arriving early (around 9AM) when the sun will be behind you. Parking may be difficult because it is small, but spaces are more available after lunch on most days. Don’t forget that your entrance fee also includes the Tuzigoot Ruins!

Where to Stay:

The Lodge at Cliff Castle Casino
333 Middle Verde Road
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Telephone: 866 925 7881
Website: https://www.cliffcastlecasinohotel.com/

Where to Eat:

Mountain Springs Buffet at Cliff Castle Casino Hotel

What to Eat:

Avocado Fries are sliced avocados dipped in spiced bread crumbs and deep fried.
Chiltepin Peppers….very hot!
Cholla, a cactus found in the area, that is boiled and the gooey acid is removed to eat directly or added to salsas.
Cochinitos are a puffy, doughy cookie usually found in the shape of a pig. This light dessert is seasoned with molasses and cinnamon.
Prickly Pear Cactus which is made into a candy and a sweet syrup
Sonoran Hot Dog, popular in Phoenix and Tucson, this Mexican creation is topped with beans, onions, and tomatoes along with mayonnaise and mustard.
Tamales!

What to Read:

The Women in the Castle, by Jessica Shattuck
The High House, by Jessie Greengrass
The Cave Dwellers, by Christina McDowell

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

The Energy of Times Square in New York City

12 January 201531 August 2024

I am always fascinated by all of the lights in New York City! I wished I could have experienced the city at night, but it is just as spectacular in the day! I have visited New York City before, but usually it was a stopover flight to my next destination. New York is a fast paced city in the northeast United States and Times Square is at the heart of it all!

I learned quickly that Times Square is not a square but actually a long stretch of roadway that eventually meets at Broadway and Seventh Avenue. It is not a view that is unfamiliar to me as I have watched the New Years’ Eve ball drop from this location for quite a few number of years. There are over 300,000 people who visit Times Square on a daily basis to total about 50 million annually. Here is a view of the northern part of Times Square where the central building’s address is Two Times Square.

In a city where you can buy just about anything, Times Square is also the place to find discount tickets for the theater. Don’t be alarmed when the top shows are not available, as these sell out pretty quickly. Most likely you will find tickets for the Off Broadway shows or the long running productions. Look for the TKTS booth at the north end of Times Square for some of the best deals!

It is no doubt that Times Square is one of the most recognized pieces of real estate. From its humble beginnings to becoming one of the most popular metropolitan cities throughout the world, New York City is definitely a city with a rich history and an energy that compares with such a few.

So as I am standing amidst what is also known as the Center of the Universe, I take in the bright lights and neon signs, the crowded streets and passing taxis. My senses encompass the pulse of the city and I am mesmerized by it all. What an amazing experience!

Have you been to New York City? Did you visit Times Square? I would love to hear your favorite attractions and restaurants when you visit the Big Apple! Just leave a message in the comments below! Many thanks for reading my post and Happy Travels!

Where to Stay:

The Manhattan at Times Square
790 7th Avenue
New York, New York 10019
Telephone: 212 581 3300

Where to Eat:

Gramercy Tavern
42 E. 20th Street
New York, New York 10003
Telephone: 212 477 0777

A Collection of Blog Posts from 2014

29 December 201421 July 2024

What a great year for travel! Here are some of my adventure blog posts for 2014:

ASIA:

Philippines

Arriving to the Mission by Tuk-Tuk

Pre-School and Pampering at Naomi’s Heart

Haircuts for the Amazing Women at the Mission

CARIBBEAN AND PORTS OF CALL:

Antigua

The Bahamas

Freeport, Grand Bahama

Barbados

Malibu Beach, Barbados

Belize, Honduras and Mexico: Altun Ha

Altun Ha Mayan Ruins

Costa Rica: A Photographic Review

Gorgeous Beaches in Costa Rica

Jamaica: Dunn’s River Falls

Climbing Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Mexico: Cozumel

Downtown Cozumel, Mexico

Hurricane Gilbert

The Massive Destruction of Hurricane Gilbert to the Yucatan Peninsula in 1988

EUROPE:

Italy: Venice

A Morning Stroll Through Venice

Monaco

Views from the Perfume Factory

UNITED STATES:

United States, Arizona: Jerome Historic State Park

Hotel at Jerome State Park

Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater, Arizona

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Wood

United States, Arizona: Sedona

The gorgeous rocks of Sedona

United States, California: San Francisco

Alcatraz Island

Approaching Alcatraz Island

United States, Florida: Cypress Gardens

Enjoying the Beautiful Grounds

United States, Florida: Key West

Beautiful Sunset from Mallory Square, Key West

United States, Florida: Walt Disney World

The Magic Kingdom

United States, Hawaii: Diamond Head

The Hike is Worth the View

United States, Hawaii: Pearl Harbor

USS Arizona Memorial

United States, Hawaii: Hanauma Bay

Amazing View of Hanauma Bay

United States, Hawaii: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Exploring Hawaii’s Volcanoe National Park

Hawaiian Luau

Enjoying the Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center

The Epic Kauai Experience

The Gorgeous Landscape of Kauai

United States, Illinois: Chicago

Chicago Fountain, Illinois

United States, Louisiana: New Orleans

Jackson Square, New Orleans

United States, Michigan: Hale

Arriving in Michigan – The Start of our Vacation

United States, Michigan, Hale: 1st Day of Vacation

The View from Our Vacation Rental

United States: Michigan

Mackinac Island

Shepler’s Ferry

A View of the Grand Hotel from the Ferry

Mackinac Island Harbor

Bike Rentals on Mackinac Island

Beautiful Flowers in the Shopping District of Mackinac Island

Transportation to the Grand Hotel

United States, North Carolina: Bodie Island

Bodie Island Lighthouse, Outer Banks

Bodie Island Lighthouse

United States, North Carolina: Carolina Beach

Choosing our Campsite

Currituck Heritage Park, Corolla

Currituck Heritage Lighthouse

United States, Ohio: Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail

Exploring the Gorge

United States, Ohio: Eagle Sighting at Highbanks

Spending the Afternoon Searching for Eaglets

United States, Ohio: Marietta

Road Trip to Marietta

United States, Ohio: Living Word Outdoor Drama

The Resurrection of Jesus

United States, Ohio: Renaissance Festival

Strolling the Medieval Town During the Festival

United States, Ohio: Battelle Darby Creek

A Lovely Winter Hike

United States, Ohio: Living Word Outdoor Drama

Living Word Outdoor Drama

United States Ohio Christmas:

Columbus: Alum Creek Lights

Drive Thru Christmas Lights

United States: Rhode Island: Cliff Walk

The Chanler in Newport

United States: Sioux Falls, South Dakota

My First Buffalo Sighting

United States, South Dakota: Needles Drive

The Needle

United States, South Dakota: Sylvan Lake

Beautiful Reflections off of Sylvan Lake

United States, South Dakota: Custer Park

Custer Park’s Wildlife Drive

United States, South Dakota: Yellowstone

Where the Buffalo Roam

United States, South Dakota: Yellowstone

A First Impression of Yellowstone

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

United States, Texas: Galveston

Todd Shipyards, Galveston

United States, Wyoming: Yellowstone

The Grand Lodge at Yellowstone

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

My First Visit to San Diego, 2002

22 December 201431 August 2024

It’s hard to believe it has been fifteen years since I first visited San Diego. I remember how much I fell in love with this city. Its history, weather and scenic views were the reasons I returned so often each year and eventually moved to Southern California.

Attending a conference with several colleagues, I always welcomed their recommendations for an amazing hotel and fabulous restaurants. We spent many a night at Old Town Mexican Café and Restaurant drinking margaritas and noshing on chips and salsa.

Although we spent the majority of our day at the San Diego Convention Center, we had some time to entertain our clients and plan dinners with potential customers. Each time I visit San Diego on business, I extend my trip to catch up with friends, hike and explore new places.

My first weekend stay was at the Catamaran Resort Hotel on Pacific Beach, about twenty minutes from the trade show. I loved the location because it was on the water, it offered privacy from the convention and I wanted to learn how to surf. Pacific Beach, known as PB to the locals, is the perfect getaway from business meetings and events. While it is known as the “party beach” for the twenties crowd, I enjoyed its laid-back atmosphere and spectacular sunsets.

One of my favorite places to visit is Balboa Park, a short drive from downtown. A mega-complex with seventeen museums and extraordinary gardens, it is also home to the city’s famous San Diego Zoo. While I have not attend a cultural event here, I have strolled through its 1200 acres making a stop at The San Diego Museum of Art.

Within minutes from Balboa Park is the Bazaar del Mundo, a shopping plaza in the heart of Old Town. When in search of Mexican-inspired gifts, I visited Artes de Mexico and the Guatemala Shop with their colorful, hand-crafted souvenirs. For colorful, hand-painted ceramics and authentic Mexican salsas and sauces, Home Accents offers a variety of kitchen and home décor products.

After shopping for an hour or two, I looked forward to stopping by Old Town Mexican Café to watch them prepare the tortillas in the window. For lunch or dinner, I always start with a margarita and an order of their traditional Molcajete or chicken tamale.

My final weekend visit was a trip to Torrey Pines State Park located north of San Diego in the upscale town of La Jolla. Sitting on 2000 acres along the coast, this amazing oasis of hiking trails is perfect for watching the whale migration from December to April. I spent the afternoon exploring the park and packed a picnic lunch for the afternoon before returning back to PB for dinner.

San Diego is one of my favorite places to visit and with beautiful weather all year long, there are plenty amazing outdoor adventures and excursions to experience.

What are some of your favorite places to visit in San Diego? I would love to hear from you if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to San Diego and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure: Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

What to See and What to Do:

Balboa Park: There is no fee for visiting the park, but there are additional fees for visiting the museums.

San Diego Museum of Art
1450 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
Telephone: 619 232 7931

Admission Fee: Adults: $15, Seniors (65+) and Military: $10, Students: $8
Hours: Open from 10AM to 5PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; Open from 12PM to 5PM on Sunday and closed Wednesday.
Amenities: Daily docent tours, Museum store, restaurant, mobile app, parking
Length of Visit: Over 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Check for discounts. San Diego city and county residents enter for free on the third Tuesday of each month. February is Macy’s Museum Month and all participating museums are half price entrance with coupon. Check the website for rotating and visiting exhibitions prior to visiting. During the summer, visit Balboa Park for Food Truck Friday. Bags can be checked at the front door of the museum.

Bazaar del Mundo
4133 Taylor Street
San Diego, CA 92110
Telephone: 619 296 3161

Admission Fee: There is no charge for visiting Bazaar del Mumdo
Hours: Open Sunday and Monday from 10AM to 5:30PM and Tuesday through Saturday from 10AM to 9PM
Amenities: Shopping, restaurants, events
Length of Visit: 1-2 hours

Torrey Pines Natural Preserve
12600 North Torrey Pines Road
San Diego, CA 92307
Telephone: 858 755 2063

Admission Fee: The facility use fee depends on which parking lot you use. South Beach parking during high season (starting at Spring Break until the end of September) costs $15 from Monday – Thursday and $20 from Friday – Saturday. Low season begins in October until Spring Break where fees are $12 from Monday – Thursday and $15 from Friday to Sunday. Note that high season prices may be charged during holidays, so be prepared. For parking on the North Beach, high season (from Spring Break to end of September_ are $10 from Monday – Thursday and $15 from Friday – Sunday. Payment is accepted at the Automated Pay Machine if no staff is available at the kiosk. Low season rates are $3 from Monday – Thursday and $10 from Friday – Saturday. Annual passes are available for $195.
Hours: Open all year from 7:15AM to sunset
Amenities: Visitor center, museum shop, guided nature walks, fishing, parking
Scenic View: Gorgeous views of the coast from the hiking trails and this is the perfect place for watching the sunset.
Length of Visit: 3 – 4 hours, but there are hikes that will take under 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: This is a popular location for sunset and holidays can be extremely busy. Bring water especially if you are hiking. Food and drink (with the exception of water) is not permitted on the Reserve, but are permitted on the beach. No alcohol on the Reserve and the beach. Dogs are not permitted and there is no smoking allowed. Drones are also banned from the Reserve and beach.

Where to Stay:

Catamaran Resort Hotel
3999 Mission Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92109
Telephone: 858 488 1081

Where to Eat:

Old Town Mexican Restaurant and Café
2489 San Diego Avenue
San Diego, CA 92110
Telephone: 619 297 4330

What to Eat:

Mexican cuisine, especially tamales
California wood-fired pizza
Southeast Asian foods
Sushi
Seafood
Local Wines

What to Read:

The Dawn Patrol, by Don Winslow
San Diego Noir, by Maryelizabeth Hart
I So Don’t Do Mysteries, by Barrie Summy
Under the Perfect Sun: The San Diego Tourists Never See, by Mike Davis

Photo Guide for San Diego:

The Botanical Building and Lily Pond at Balboa Park
Greetings from San Diego mural on the sidewall of Belching Beaver Brewery
Sunset Cliffs
Old Town San Diego

Exploring the Caribbean Side of Costa Rica

15 December 20148 February 2025

The view of the Arenal Volcano could be seen from miles away as we approached central Costa Rica. The most beautiful blue background accented the green and grey contrast as thin clouds hovered over the peak. Drawing thousands of visitors to central Costa Rica each year, We had time to explore the volcano one last time before departing for the Gulf Coast where we would reach Puerto Limon. It would be nearly a 7 hour drive to the coast with a stop in Poas.

We could not have had a more relaxing drive with just a few wispy clouds moving through to provide some relief from the hot, burning sun. The trek was absolutely stunning with its scenic views, local gatherings and surprises behind each turn. We shared the drive and I was happy when I could turn the car over, relieving my knuckles from holding so tightly to the steering wheel. I quickly learned that the Costa Ricans drive somewhat aggressively, and the roads are a little unstable along the cliffs.

Reaching nearly 9,000 feet, the Poas Volcano is another one of the most visited attractions in Costa Rica. This protected area in the Central Valley region is Costa Rica’s amazing geothermal feature with a milky blue sulfuric lake at its center. Smoke and steam rise up through the cracks and crevices created in the hot rock. Recorded as the largest active crater in the world, the hot water geyser shoots up over 820 feet high, but at that height is not dangerous to visitors. We hiked up to the crater overlook trail which only takes about 10 minutes each way, measuring .3 miles for spectacular views.

I could have stayed here, mesmerized by its beauty, staring out over the volcano, but we had plans to reach the Caribbean side before nightfall. We took in the amazing view and returned back to hiking the overlook trail leading to the parking lot.

Update: Poas Volcano erupted on October 1, 2019 and the park is temporarily closed.

It took us nearly 8 hours to reach Puerto Viejo, but the ride was incredible with scenic views of farmland and tropical trees. When we arrived on the coast, we were elated to find our hotel and unpack the car to explore the east coast for a couple days.

The next morning we sprinted down to the beach to find a great place to catch some waves and rays. The weather was hot enough to take the cold edge off of the water, so we spent hours surfing the Salsa Brava. We found hammocks to take some time to snack on the local food, especially the fruit and my favorite, ceviche. With our suntans and sun-baked cheeks, we returned back to our room, showered and prepared for dinner and a night on the town.

Our hotel was close to the beach so we didn’t have far to drive. I was ready before everyone else, so I took a seat outside of our room to enjoy the palm trees, beautiful bay iguanas and a gentle breeze. I enjoyed the few minutes to myself just taking in the scenery and wondering what lay ahead for dinner and drinks. I was hoping we could stop by some of the shops as well to find a new bathing suit or cover up and another supply of Sex Wax for our boards.

We all agreed that we wanted to find a beachy restaurant where we could hear the waves and look out onto the water. We could not get enough of the local ceviche and found an eatery that checked all of the boxes, Restaurante Tamara. When it’s a place that the locals eat, it’s sure to be amazing.

A couple of drinks in and Edwin the owner introduced himself to us. He was extremely hospitable and gave us a few tips for local attractions and sites. The fresh seafood was absolutely fabulous, the ceviche did not disappoint and the drinks continued to flow.

After dinner, we walked over to the Salsa Brava Beach Bar for more drinks and dancing. The reggae vibe of Puerto Viejo is infamous and the laid-back music made for a relaxing evening. We were so tired from spending the day at the beach, so we left earlier than usual for another sunny day at the beach tomorrow.

Have you visited Costa Rica? What was your favorite place and do you have any recommendations for where to spend my next stay in this beautiful country? I would love to hear from you if you would leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my journey through Costa Rica and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Arenal Volcano
Alajuela Province, Costa Rica

Poas Volcano
Alajuela Province, Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo Beach and the Salsa Brava wave

Where to Stay:

Casitas Las Flores
Casa Amma Road
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
41001, Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 8343 7810
Website: http://www.casitaslasflores.com/

Where to Eat:

Restaurante Tamara
Avenida 71
Limon, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
70401, Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 2750 0148

What to Eat:

Arroz con Leche is translated to rice with milk and is a popular dessert in Costa Rica. Additional ingredients include milk, cinnamon, salt and lemon zest, making this a delicious end to your meal.
Casado, which means marriage which is an interesting combination of meat such as beef, pork, chicken and fish as well as rice, beans, tortillas, fried platano maduro and salad. In addition, the dish also includes a fruit juice.
Ceviche is raw fish that has been “cooked” with citrus juices.
Gallo Pinto is a mixture of rice and beans with red bell peppers, onions, cilantro and other spices. The secret ingredient is the Salsa Lizano. It is a popular breakfast dish.
Sopra Negra is translated to black soup, which is the base of this delicious soup. Included with the black beans, there are onions, peppers, tomatoes, soft boiled eggs and spicy spices.
Tamales are similar to their Mexican cousin, but there are some differences, one of which is the wrapping. In Costa Rica, tamales are wrapped in banana leaves rather than corn husks.

Where to Drink:

Salsa Brava Beach Bar
100 MTS South Discoteca Stanfords
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
70002, Costa Rica

What to Drink:

Agua Dolce (sweet water): which is sweetened with cane sugar
Cerveza (Beer): Imperial
Guaro: sugar cane liquor which sneaks up on you. Cacique is the most poular brand.

What to Read:

It’s Every Monkey for Themselves: A True Story of Sex, Love and Lies in the Jungle by Vanessa Woods
Oro by Cizia Zyke
Green Phoenix: Restoring the Tropical Forests of Guanacaste, by William Allen
Monkeys are Made of Chocolate: Exotic and Unseen Costa Rica, by Jack Ewing
Costa Rica: A Traveler’s Literary Companion by Barbara Ras, Oscar Arias
The Year of Fog, by Michelle Richmond

Photo Guide for Costa Rica:

Manuel Antonio National Park for wild animals such as sloths and monkeys
Tortuguero National Park for amazing loggerheads and hawksbill
Poas Volcano National Park for its impressive view of the interior of the volcano

Capuchins in Quepos

8 December 201431 August 2024

My first week in Costa Rica flew by as we began to make our drive south towards the Pacific Coast. It felt great to arrive at our beach house for an afternoon of relaxation and then to host a bonfire for our neighbors in the evening. Cheffy cooked an amazing meal for us and we watched a couple of movies before turning in. We had a big day planned with a day of surfing and exploring Manuel Antonio Park in Quepos, about an hour drive from Playa Palo Seco.

We stopped by to see our neighbor Maria to see if she needed us to pick up anything from the grocery on our way back. She had decided that she had a freezer full of quick and easy prepackaged meals and a a refrigerator stocked with Imperial beer. She should be good for a couple of days.

Known for its white sandy beaches and outdoor bars, the sleepy town of Quepos is most known for its local park full of monkeys and sloths. We were so excited to take a few hours to explore Manuel Antonio National Park to interact with the white faced capuchin, hired a local guide and broke out our binoculars to find the elusive three-toed sloth.

As we walked the main path through the park, we felt as though we were being followed by the same troop of monkeys at the start of our adventure. These cheeky capuchins have become accustomed to humans and love to interact. Whether you find it charming or a bit invasive, the adorable primates are determined to be center stage.

Most white-faced monkeys travel together in numbers that reach between 18 to 20. We learned from our guide that it was mating season and that the gestation period lasts for close to 160 days. Their diet consists of both plants and animals such as nuts, fruits, insects, birds, squirrels, lizards and tree rats.

The two-toed sloths, on the other hand, could care less about their surroundings and stay high towards the top of the trees to maintain their privacy. Because they are nocturnal, these “smiling” sloths are very difficult to find. The sloths are synonymous with laziness, but in fact, they do as least they can to conserve energy. It takes nearly two weeks for a meal to be digested for the sloth and lucky for them, their diet consists of tree leaves and branches. It is rare to find a sloth near the ground as they only leave their treehouses about once a week to relieve themselves. One of the easiest ways to spot a sloth is to hire a guide, while some find sloth spotting easier on a night hike when they are wide awake.

Hiking the Punta Catedral brought us to the park’s island, where we could easily see the diversity of the park. From its snow white beaches, life sustaining rain forest and colorful coral reefs, we decided to cross over a small stream of water to reach the stunning isle.

Nearly a half a million visitors explore Manuel Antonio National Park each year and it has recently opened its elevated trail. Each year we would make our pilgrimage to one of Costa Rica’s most visited attractions to practice spotting sloths and tracking monkeys. We would end the day watching the sunset from our local friends’ home and reflecting on our spectacular adventure would agree that this is Pura Vida.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Manuel Antonio National Park? What was your favorite part of the day? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading through one of my favorite places to visit in the world and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Manuel Antonio National Park
Quepos, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 2777 3339 or 800 280 2597

Admission Fee: $18.08 for adults; $5.65 for children ages 2 – 12; children under the age of 2 is free
Hours: Daily from 7AM to 5PM with the exception of Tuesday. The park is open on holidays unless the holiday falls on a Tuesday. The nearby beach closes at 3 and the park rangers will notify the remaining visitors that they will need to leave the park by 4PM, starting towards the exit by 3:30PM.
Amenities: Guided tours ($51 for adults, $35 for children); Private tours ($71 for adults and $55 for children) The tours last for about 2.5 to 3 hours. You can purchase your tickets through a third party (i.e., Viator) that will provide a guide. Guides are available to show you around the park. They will tell you about the flora and fauna as well as show you were the animals are hiding within the parks. Most tours will last only a couple of hours, but should you want to stay longer, the guide can explain how to take the bus back or where to grab a taxi. Independent guides should wear their badges showing their ICT certification. For 2, expect to pay $20 per person for 2 hours and if they charge more, you can easily find another guide that will accept the $20 per hour/per person rate.
Parking: Parking is available at the park and there are several parking lots. Follow the sign at the entrance and an attendant will assist you with parking. Remember to note which parking lot you have parked your vehicle. Do not leave valuables in the car, roll up your windows and ensure the doors are locked. Pay for parking in Costa Rican colones, not American dollars. Depending on the season, you can expect to pay 3000 to 6000 colones. On your way to parking, look for restaurants and shops on the left and this will let you know that you are close. There may be attendants that will tell you that you must park in their lot, but this is a scam. After passing the shops and restaurants, you will see the Super Joseth convenient store. You will notice a small road to your left, so turn left here and past the Hotel Vela Bar to reach the parking lots. Drive carefully as this is a narrow road.
Scenic View: The park’s animals…the sloths and monkeys in the wild.
Length of Visit: 2 – 3 hours to include the beach
Tips for Your Visit: Arrive early before the crowds. Tickets must be purchased online as they are not available at the entrance. If you arrive without a ticket, you will not be able to enter. The park only sells approximately 3000 tickets per day. December through April and June through August are high season, so purchase your tickets well in advance. The website provides instructions for purchasing the tickets and you can select the English language. The tickets are only valid for one day as there are no multi-day tickets available. Your ticket can only be used once, which means you will need to purchase multiple tickets for the dates you would like to enter. Ensure that you hire a certified guide who can point out the elusive sloths. You should ask for their ICT (Institute of Costa Rica Tourism) credentials. There will be scammers dressed in park ranger uniforms or fake badges and name tags. When you arrive at the park, bring a printed copy of your reservation (the reservation number or barcode) in addition to your passport. Should you not have your passport, you can show a copy of your passport for entry. Alcohol, guns, cigarettes, drugs and speakers are prohibited. Set your GPS or Google Maps to “Welcome Center Manuel Antonio” or “Hotel San Beda” for the correct directions.There are three bathrooms at the entrance of the park and three additional bathrooms within the park. There is one facility where you will find bathrooms, showers and changing booths. Visitors are not permitted to being food into the park. In 2023, the park added a cafeteria where visitors can purchase sandwiches, salads and drinks. There are also restaurants at the entrance of the park.

Where to Stay:

We stayed at our private residence located at Playa Palo Seco during our stay

Where to Eat:

Rico Tico Jungle Grill
Near Manuel Antonio Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 2777 0777

What to Eat:

Arroz con Leche is translated to rice with milk and is a popular dessert in Costa Rica. Additional ingredients include milk, cinnamon, salt and lemon zest, making this a delicious end to your meal.
Casado, which means marriage which is an interesting combination of meat such as beef, pork, chicken and fish as well as rice, beans, tortillas, fried platano maduro and salad. In addition, the dish also includes a fruit juice.
Ceviche is raw fish that has been “cooked” with citrus juices.
Gallo Pinto is a mixture of rice and beans with red bell peppers, onions, cilantro and other spices. The secret ingredient is the Salsa Lizano. It is a popular breakfast dish.
Sopra Negra is translated to black soup, which is the base of this delicious soup. Included with the black beans, there are onions, peppers, tomatoes, soft boiled eggs and spicy spices.
Tamales are similar to their Mexican cousin, but there are some differences, one of which is the wrapping. In Costa Rica, tamales are wrapped in banana leaves rather than corn husks.

What to Drink:

Agua Dolce (sweet water): which is sweetened with cane sugar
Cerveza (Beer): Imperial
Guaro: sugar cane liquor which sneaks up on you. Cacique is the most popular brand.

What to Read:

It’s Every Monkey for Themselves: A True Story of Sex, Love and Lies in the Jungle by Vanessa Woods
Oro by Cizia Zyke
Green Phoenix: Restoring the Tropical Forests of Guanacaste, by William Allen
Monkeys are Made of Chocolate: Exotic and Unseen Costa Rica, by Jack Ewing
Costa Rica: A Traveler’s Literary Companion by Barbara Ras, Oscar Arias
The Year of Fog, by Michelle Richmond

Photo Guide for Costa Rica:

Manuel Antonio National Park for wild animals such as sloths and monkeys
Tortuguero National Park for amazing loggerheads and hawksbill
Poas Volcano National Park for its impressive view of the interior of the volcano

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