- November 1st: Trek through Ohio’s Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail for gorgeous views
- November 2nd: Hike Southeast Ohio’s Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail
- November 3rd: Picture-perfect Cedar Falls is an amazing hiking location…check it out!
- November 4th: Brewfontaine in downtown Bellefontaine was voted #1 beer bar in Ohio
- November 5th: Use this Visitor’s Guide to explore Mount Adams in Cincinnati
- November 6th: Order a Detroit-style pizza from The Merchant House in Greenville
- November 7th: Sip some wine at Powell Village Craft Winery
- November 8th: Find Yourself Crossing Two States on Cincinnati’s Purple People Bridge
- November 9th: Watch how Dum-Dums are Made at the Spangler Candy Factory
- November 10th: Grab a cold beer at Mother Stewart’s in Springfield
- November 11th: Hike the Dyer’s Mill Trail at Battelle Darby Creek near Columbus
- November 12th: Enjoy a Home-Cooked Meal at Cecil and Lime in Springfield
- November 13th: Leisure Time Winery is the perfect way to enjoy Wine Wednesday
- November 14th: Choose from several amazing donuts at Stan the Donut Man
- November 15th: Happy Hour is best spent at Brandeberry Winery in Yellow Springs
- November 16th: Breakfast at Boyd and Wurthmann is a great way to start the day
- November 17th: Can’t resist Clifton Mill’s selection of desserts? Have two!
- November 18th: Listen for the train while sampling wine at Barrel Run Crossing Winery
- November 19th: Bring a cooler to stock up on snacks at Grandpa’s Cheese Barn
- November 20th: Explore Malabar State Park near Mansfield
- November 21st: Sample locally produced beers at Father John’s Brewery in Bryan
- November 22nd: Red Brick Tavern in Lafayette has served several US Presidents
- November 23rd: Create your own Wine Pairing at Sarah’s Vineyard
- November 24th: Dine at historic Kewpie Hamburgers in Lima
- November 25th: Arcanum’s A.R. Winery offers unique wines that are sure to please
- November 26th: Search out Eagles’ nests at Highbanks Metro Park
- November 27th: Historical John Rankin House was a safe haven for slaves on the Underground Railroad
- November 28th: Order wings and locally distilled brews at Deadlow Brewery
- November 29th: It’s a great day to hike Cantwell Cliffs in Hocking Hills State Park
- November 30th: Visit Ferrante Winery in Geneva that offers several local sweet wines
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Harry Potter at Universal Studios
It was a beautiful July day in Orlando and we decided to visit Universal Studios to see the Harry Potter section of the park. Here are several photos from our little adventure. See if you recognize some of these attractions from the park or from the movie.
Visiting Universal Studios’ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley was an entertaining way to spend the day. From Diagon Alley to Hogwart’s Express, you’ll feel as though you walked onto the movie set.
What to See and What to Do:
Universal Studios Orlando
6000 Universal Studios Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32819
Telephone: 407 363 8000
- Hours of Operation: 9AM to 9PM, but check their website for any changes and updates.
- Admission: Visit their website for discount tickets and multi-day passes.
- Universal Studios: $119
- Islands of Adventure: $119
- Volcano Bay: $80
- Tips: Arrive as early as possible to make the most of your visit. Wear comfortable shoes. Purchase your tickets prior to arrival as you will find better deals when buying your tickets in advance.
Where to Stay:
Wyndham Garden Orlando Universal
5855 American Way
Orlando, FL 32819
Telephone: 407 996 8888
Where to Eat:
Butterbeer
Universal Studios Orlando
407 363 8000
What to Eat:
- Frozen Butterbeer
- Egg, Leak and Mushroom Pasty
- Traditional English Breakfast
- Beef, Lamb & Guinness Stew
- Fish & Chips
- Great Feast
- Loaded Jacket Potato
What to Read:
All of the Harry Potter Books!
A Collection of Blog Posts: 2016
ASIA
Philippines: General Santos City, Naomi’s Heart Mission
CARIBBEAN:
San Juan, Puerto Rico: Walking Tour of Old San Juan and Walking Tour of Old San Juan, Part 2
Caribbean, St. Kitts
CENTRAL AMERICA:
Costa Rica: Exploring Central Costa Rica
Costa Rica: The Caribbean Side
Costa Rica: Jaguar Rescue Center
Mexico, Mazatlan
Mexico, Puerto Vallarta
EUROPE:
Italy, Venice: The Clock Tower of Venice
UNITED STATES:
United States, Arizona: Grand Canyon
The Colorado River in the Grand Canyon
The Painted Desert
United States: California, San Diego
United States: Colorado: A Weekend in the Rockies
United States: Louisiana, New Orleans
United States: Maine, Rockland
United States: Massachusetts: Walden Pond
United States: Michigan: Four Days in Hale
United States: Nevada: Las Vegas: The Paris Hotel
United States: Ohio
BadaBing: This Restaurant is Now Closed
Pizza at BadaBing
Brewfontaine in Bellefontaine
Cincinnati: Abby Girl Sweets
Cincinnati: BowTie Cafe
Cincinnati: Cincinnati Art Museum, The Divine Felines Exhibit
Recumbent Lion, Ptolomaic Period, 305 – 35BC, Reportedly from Giza
Fragmentary Inscription, Dynasty 25 – Dynasty 26, 670 – 650 BC
Cincinnati: Interview With Artist, Jimi Jones
Jimi Jones Artwork
Jimi Jones
Cincinnati: Cincinnati Children’s Museum – Leonardo da Vinci Exhibit
Exploring the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci at the Cincinnati Children’s Museum
Cincinnati: Jungle Jim’s
Cincinnati: Yeatman’s Cove
Cleveland: The Cleveland Art Museum, Pharaoh King of Egypt Exhibit
The Pharaoh Exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art
An Egyptian Sarcophagus
Cleveland: La Pizzeria
Cleveland: Maltz Museum, Operation Finale
The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann
The Holocaust Survivors
Columbus: Franklin Park Conservatory
Gorgeous Orchids at Franklin Park Conservatory
Amazing Butterflies at the Franklin Park Conservatory
Ohio: Columbus, Old Bag of Nails
Ohio: Columbus: Olentangy Caverns
Ohio: Greenville: KitchenAid Store
Springfield: Art Museum, Jason Morgan
Jason Morgan Artwork
Springfield: Art Museum, Jimi Jones
Jimi Jones Artwork
Auschwitz Exhibit at The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Celebrating 70 Years of Auschwitz Closing
Enjoying a Reuben at Sam & Ethel’s
Sampling craft beer at Yellow Springs Brewery
Ohio Christmas:
Drive Thru Christmas Lights
A Tunnel of Lights
Exploring Central Costa Rica
We spent a couple of days hanging out on the beach, cooking fresh seafood and making daily trips to the grocery store. It was time for us to travel inland towards the Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall and spend a night at Tabacon Hot Springs. Our route took us northwest up the coast where we would make a quick stop in Jaco before making the trek towards our first stop at the waterfall. We crossed the bridge saying goodbye to the alligators before stopping at the market for some road snacks then hopped on route 34 passing quaint little coastal towns along the way.
La Fortuna was an impressive 200 feet tall and we couldn’t wait to see one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls. The roar of the falls could be heard before we reached this magnificent cascade. This spectacular force of nature is one of the most popular sites in Central America. It didn’t take us long to descend the steps to the rocky base but took note that somehow we would have to make our way back the way we came down.
We had packed a picnic, so we found a space to admire the waterfall and the incredible mist that called us to take a swim. I couldn’t help but test out the water, but even in the tropics, I was surprised the water was so cold and decided against jumping in.
It was difficult to break away from this magical spot, but we wanted to hike up to the Arenal Volcano where we would find several viewpoints and scenic lookouts. The national park is the second most visited in the country and for so many reasons. This was once the most active volcano in Costa Rica, but it has remained dormant since 2010. The last time Arenal exploded was 1968 which destroyed the towns of Tabacon and Pueblo Nuevo. At the time of my visit in 2006, there were rumors that the top could blow off at any moment, but we decided not to let that stop us.
I was pleasantly surprised that there were only two trails and that they were so short with the maximum length measuring 2.1 miles. Hikers can pass through lava beds from blasts from the volcano’s past and capture scenic views of Lake Arenal.
While the hike in the park has a beautiful scenic area we decided to visit the Arenal Observatory for views of the volcano and lake. Both were stunning, impressive and worth the detour.
Lake Arenal is Costa Rica’s largest lake measuring 33 square miles. There are a wide range of activities that revolve around this large, man-made body of water such as boating, windsurfing, hiking, biking and of course spectacular fishing. Arenal is known for its guapote, a local fish with sharp teeth and aggressive attitude. I was surprised to learn that the ancient villages of Tronadora and Arenal are actually below the current lake, while newly built hotels around the volcano offer spectacular views and luxury accommodations.
It was getting late and we stopped at the Tabacon Hot Springs before checking into the Thermal Resort & Spa for the night. Sitting under the grandeur of Arenal Volcano, this gorgeous hideaway is the perfect location for exploring and experiencing the natural pools of Costa Rica. Visitors are not required to stay at the resort to enjoy a day of pampering and can book a day pass. While the Resort and Spa are family friendly, the Shangri-La Gardens is more private and accommodating for an adults-only experience.
The thermal spa was perfect for soothing our muscles after a long ride in the car and the luxurious bed was the perfect spot for an amazing night’s sleep, and what a restful night it was.
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 central Costa Rica and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
La Fortuna Waterfall
Alajuela Province
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 2479 9515
- Admission Fee: 18 US dollars to enter
- Hours: All year around from 7AM to 5PM
- Amenities: third party tours provide more details; check Viator for more information
- Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
- Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking. The busiest time is midday and early afternoon, so it is suggested to arrive in the morning.
Arenal Volcano
Alajuela Province, Costa Rica
Lake Arenal
Arajuela Province, Costa Rica
Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Noreste de Centro de la Fortuna de San Carlos 13 Km
Provincia de Alajuela, Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica
Telephone: 877 277 8291
- Admission Fee: No charge to visit the hot springs at the resort.
- Hours: Check with the resort for hours of operation
- Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
- Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bathing suit for enjoying the hot springs.
Where to Stay:
Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Noreste de Centro de la Fortuna de San Carlos 13 Km
Provincia de Alajuela, Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica
Telephone: 877 277 8291
Where to Eat:
Jaco:
Los Mahi Tacos de Cholo
Centro Commercial Urena, Local 3
Avenida Pastor Diaz Diagonal a Calle El Bohio
Jaco Central, Jaco, Garabito Municipality
61101 Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 8741 0562
La Fortuna:
Spectacolar Cantina
Meters west from La Fortuna Church 125
Arenal Volcano National Park
La Fortuna de San Carlos 21007 Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 8569 7676
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.
- 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 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
Costa Rica’s Jaguar Rescue Center
It was another incredible day of surfing and water sports before we packed up our belongings to continue our journey towards Panama. We made one last stop at the bar to thank our bartender and host for the last couple of days and to say good bye to the friendly toucan. We each ordered an Imperial for the road, took a few photos of the spectacular view of the endless coffee fields and confirmed our route for Playa Chiquita.
The Casas del Caribe in Playa Chiquita was perfect for our short stay. Situated on the beach, we could also reach the little town for dinner, shops, grocery and bars. We were interested in visiting the Jaguar Rescue Center for the day and then make a few stops before arriving back to the house in Playa Palo Seco.
Jaguar Rescue Center is located on the beach of Playa Chiquita and we did not have a difficult time finding it. The refuge was founded by Encar Garcia of Spain and the late trained biologist Sandro Alviani. Built as a temporary home for injured and orphaned animals, there were several other native Costa Rican animals such as sloths, monkeys, birds and reptiles that were briefly held here for veterinary care to ensure their health and safety before returning to the wild.
The highlight of my trip was seeing a black jaguar at the center. Also known as panthers, these amazing creatures are nearly extinct due to illegal hunting and habitat loss. Seeing these elusive big cats are rare and are protected in the country’s reserves and national parks.
In addition to the jaguars, we were able to see the ocelots, wooly possums, baby monkeys and a few sloths. I had the opportunity to feed one of the baby sloths. He was such a tiny little guy and so docile.
A baby monkey had just been brought to the rescue during our visit, too small for human interaction. He had been found on the side of the road without its mother and a motorist rescued him and brought him in for medical care. We learned that his survival rate was excellent and that the reserve would keep him under medical surveillance until he was well enough to thrive back in the wild.
We spent a few hours at the reserve, purchased some Imperial, Cacique Guerra and juice before setting up a chairs on the beach. We had a few drinks before dinner and decided to try out another amazing restaurant and nightclub on the beach. We turned in early that night because we had a long drive ahead of us the next day. It was amazing to fall asleep with tunes of Bob Marley in my mind along with the sounds of crashing waves from the beach. It was one of the best night’s sleep I had experienced in a long time.
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:
Jaguar Rescue Center
In front of Villas del Caribe
Punta Coclas
41001, Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 2750 0710
Where to Stay:
Casas del Caribe
Oficinas Caribe Sur Limon
Playa Chiquita
70403, Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 8976 7543
Where to Eat:
Paradise 2.0 Beach Hub
25 meters al norte y 100 mts.
al oeste del Supermarcdo El Duende Gourmet
Playa Chiquita Limon Province, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
70403, Costa Rica
Telephone: 506 2750 0544
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 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