Category Archives: US travel

Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail

There was a dead quiet as I approached the trail head for the Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail.  I had just completed the two and a half mile Conkle’s Hollow Rim Trail and was ready to tackle the three mile hike through the gorge.  Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve is a part of the Hocking Hills State Park near Athens, Ohio with some of the best hiking in Ohio.

The temperatures had been below freezing for several days.  While the gorge sheltered me from the cold winds from the rim, the wintry conditions within the crevices and caves protected the spectacular frozen waterfall formations.

Looking up from the gorge trail, I noticed the path I had just taken along the rim. As I took a moment in search of a hiker or two along the edge, I became more aware of the tall, still trees and the outcropping of rocks.

Through the trees there were several small crevices that were not reachable from the path.  Escaping the cold, I wondered what animals could be hibernaring inside of them.

I passed a cave-like structure of sandstone to my right and then climbed the stairs to explore the beautiful colors and pitted markings unique to each of the rocks.

Looking up into the rock formations, the porous sandstone seemed to make a great home for insects.

Ice Formations

Several frozen water features seemed to be growing up from the rocks below.

One of the largest frozen waterfalls along the trail.

I enjoyed finding images in the rock formations.

The scenic views of hiking

Exposed root systems

What a spectacular sight

I looked up towards the sky one last time making my way back to the trailhead.  I was reminded of the beauty of winter hikes and the unique features of the gorge.  Considered a favorite of many, I have always made a stop along the gorge and the rim during my visits to Hocking Hills State Park.

The trail took nearly an hour to complete and I was ready to move on to Old Man’s Cave.  What a great start to a beautiful day of hiking.

Have you hiked Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve Gorge Trail?  I would love to hear if you enjoyed it as much as I did if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks and Happy Trails!

What to See and What to Do:

Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve
24858 Big Pine Rd.
Rockbridge, OH 43149
Telephone:    614 265 6561

  • Admission Fee:  Free. All state parks in Ohio are free.
  • Hours:  Open daily and closes at dark.
  • Tips for Your Visit:  While there are no campsites nor lodges, cottages and cabins.  There are several local business that offer these services.  Stay on the trails to ensure you do not become lost.  Wear appropriate hiking shoes/comfortable shoes for hiking. While dog are permitted at the park they are not allowed in the state nature preserves such as Conkle’s Hollow and Rockbridge.

Where to Stay:

Pine Creek Horseman’s Camp
23937 Big Pine Road
South Bloomingville, OH  43152
Telephone:  740 478 2520

While I usually stay with my sister and her family in nearby Athens, I learned about Pine Creek Horseman’s Camp for a local friend.  This property offers gorgeous luxury cabins as well as campsites and is perfect for visitors bringing their horses for trailriding.

Where to Eat:

Cutler’s Restaurant at the Ohio University Inn
331 Richland Avenue
Athens, OH  45701
Telephone:  740 589 3714

If you visit the park on a Saturday, take time to enjoy brunch at the OU Inn.

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

Rockland, Maine: Kayaking out to Owl Island Lighthouse

When I learned I would be attending a pharmaceutical conference in Boston, I called my friend Kristen to see if she wanted to meet me in Mass.  Instead, she graciously invited me to their beautiful home in Rockland, Maine for the rest of the weekend.  They were preparing to move to Chicago and asked if I would be interested in a day of kayaking and sightseeing.  I couldn’t turn down this amazing opportunity to spend time with her and her husband, so I added a couple of days to my business trip.

The exhibit lasted a couple of days and soon I was taking I-95 north to US-1.  I began the three hour drive making a stop in New Hampshire (no tax for alcohol) and soon arrived on the Penobscot Bay.

Waking early, we ate a robust breakfast and loaded up the kayaks.  As we made the short drive to the harbor, I took in the gorgeous scenery along the coast.  The sunny weather and mild breeze made it the perfect day for exploring the bay and Rockland Harbor. 

The water was as smooth as glass when we paddled out towards the Atlantic.  Passing the sailboats in the harbor, the sounds of sea gulls could be heard in the distance.  We continued paddling as our route hugged the shore and I couldn’t wait to reach the lighthouse.

The peninsula was covered in pine trees and small islands of beachrock emerged from the Atlantic to offer a resting place for a siege of herons.  They hardly noticed us as we quietly sailed past them.

The stroke of the oars brought us closer to the peninsula where the Owls Head Lighthouse came into view.  With its stubby base, this gorgeous light stands 80 feet along Midcoast Maine.

Standing along the edge of Owls Head, the lighthouse was first built in 1825.  South of Rockland, the light aided sailors with navigation along the shores of Penobscot Bay.

Consisting of the lighthouse and keeper’s house, Owls Head sits along a rocky outcropping. It was said that the former light keeper’s dog, Spot had been trained to pull the rope on the station’s fog bell and bark to keep passing boats from running aground,

Panoramic views of the coast and nearby islands are worth a visit to Owls Head Lighthouse, especially during the early morning sunrise.

It was a spectacular day to kayak the Atlantic off the coast of Maine.  Once we returned to Rockland, we would prepare for dinner at one of the local lobster stands.  For seven or eight dollars per pound, we were sure to enjoy our fresh catch of the day.

Have you visited Owls Head Lighthouse or kayaked around the area?  Let me know about your experience with a quick not in the comments section below.  Many thanks for checking out my amazing kayaking excursion and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

Owls Head Lighthouse
186 Lighthouse Road
Owls Head, ME  04854
Telephone:  207 594 4174

  • Admission Fee:  Lighthouse Climbing Tours:  From Memorial Day to Columbus Day; Free, donation of $3 suggested
  • Hours:  Monday from 1PM to 4PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00AM to 4PM
  • Scenic View:   The view from the top of the stairs is stunning.
  • Length of the Tour:  ½ hour to 1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes to climb the stairs of the lighthouse.

Where to Stay:

Strawberry Hill Seaside Inn
886 Commercial Street
Rockport, ME  04856
Telephone:  800 589 4009

Where to Eat:

The Lobster Shack
346 Main Street
Rockland, ME  04841
Telephone:  207 390 0102

What to Eat: 

  • Blueberries
  • Clams
  • Corned Hake – a meal made of salted pork with potatoes, onion and vinegar
  • Crab
  • New England Clambake
  • Crab Cakes
  • Fiddleheads – a fern that grows near fresh bodies of water
  • Lobster
  • Lobster Rolls
  • Maple Syrup
  • New England Chowder
  • Ramps – wild leaks that grown near fresh bodies of water

Books to Read: 

    • Bull Mountain, by Brian Panowich
    • That Camden Summer, by LaVyrie  Spencer
    • The Poacher’s Son, by Paul Doiron
    • High Tide at Noon, by Elisabeth Ogilvie
    • A Seal Called Andre: the Two Worlds of a Maine Harbor Seal, by Harry Goodridge

Photo Guide for Owl Harbor, Maine and surrounding area:

  • The View from Owl Harbor lighthouse
  • Windjammer on Penobscot Bay

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

Mardi Gras: Let the Good Times Roll

Mardi Gras, NOLA

Having spent the month exploring the beaches of Costa Rica, I decided to meet some of my best friends in New Orleans for the Mardi Gras festivities.  It had been a few years since my last visit while working for the cruise lines, so I was looking forward to experiencing one of NOLA’s most famous festivals, watching the parades and revisiting the city I had loved so much.

The Mardi Gras celebration is most known for its flamboyant festivities  throughout the world.  Starting as an ancient pagan holiday in Rome, many other European countries followed suit, observing the annual event which continues to this day.

The timing of the holiday coincided with the knighting ceremonies of the medieval times where extravagant feasts would follow.  It was during this time that small gifts such as coins would be given to the poor of the kingdom.  The tradition continues as doubloons are tossed into the crowd from parade floats and the feasting on colorful King Cakes.

While Mardi Gras was influenced by the Roman festival, it was also a religious celebration as well.   In some European countries, this day is known as Shrove Tuesday.  Festivities and parties are actually halted on this Tuesday providing an opportunity for Christians to atone for their sins, confessing in preparation for the Lent season.  Shrove, comes from the Hebrew word meaning “to confess”.

So how do all of the extraordinary costumes and masks play into the celebration of Mardi Gras?  Since the celebration prohibited activities in which one would “delight oneself”, this not only included eating, but other activities which would have been highly forbidden for religious reasons.  Therefore, for those who insisted on reveling in those restricted pleasures, they found a way to wear costumes to indulge but remain unidentified by the wearing of masks.

New Orleans has made this celebration most famous.  From parades, to parties, the wearing of beads and costumes, the multi-day event that starts January 6th until midnight of Fat Tuesday, takes place primarily in the French Quarter. At the close of the festivities, there is a meeting of the Courts of Rex and Comus which takes place at the Ball of the Mystick Krewe of Comus.  First celebrated here in 1699, the Mardi Gras festivities have been embraced by the Louisianans and were given its own tradition.  It is not uncommon to see banners, beads, floats and costumes in the traditional colors of purple (justice), green (faith) and gold (power).

The parades are over the top and have themes for various aspects of the history of Mardi Gras as well as social organizations (called Krewes) that continue on the tradition to this day.    The floats are lavishly decorated and manned by prestigious members of the Krewe where they throw out beads, candy and doubloons to bystanders.  The first Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans is said to have begun in 1837.  Some of the oldest known organizations that participate in the parade events are Comus, Momus, Original Illinois Club, Proteus and Twelfth Night Revelers.  But it is the Rex, King of Carnival that has been around the longest and is the most popular of all of the organizations,

Other Mardi Gras celebrations take place throughout the world.  For Brazil, the event is known as Carnivale and is the country’s most important holiday of the year.   And it is Rio de Janeiro that is credited as having the largest carnival celebration where over 2 million people from all over the world come to participate in the event.   In Belgium, it is the Carnival of Binche, one of the most important celebrations in their country as well, lasting from dawn until dusk with the playing of traditional carnival songs.  In some countries such as Germany, there are additional festivities such as “Pancake Day” where the tossing of pancakes and pancake races which continue today.  There is also “Fat Thursday”, the day in which all of the lard that was stored up for the winter must be consumed.  The start of Germany’s carnival season is November 11th at 11:11am.

And of course there is Italy, the birthplace of Carnival celebrations, stemming from the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which celebrated the Roman god, Lupercus.   Venice is the most known of the cities where the celebrating of Martedi Grasso (Fat Tuesday) occurs, but there are other festivities that take place in cities such as Viareggio and Ivrea.

So if you have the opportunity to attend a Mardi Gras celebration, whether in New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro or where it all began in Italy, just take in the festivities, the parades and as they say in Louisiana, Laissez les bons temps rouler (Let the good times roll)!

I would love to hear about your Mardi Gras experience whether you have traveled to some of the top locations to celebrate or if you have your own Mardi Gras party each year!  Tell me all about it by leaving a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks for reading about my past visit to New Orleans and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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

What to See and What to Do: 

Mardi Gras (official website)

Spanish Plaza
2 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA  70130

The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis King of France (also known as St. Louis Cathedral)
615 Pere Antoine Alley
New Orleans, LA  70116
Telephone:  504 525 9585

  • Admission Fee:  Free, with the option to leave a donation
  •  Hours:  Open daily from 8:30AM to 4PM with daily mass held at 12:05PM.
  •  Amenities:  Gift shop, can light candles for a charge of $2,
  •  Guided Tours and Informational Booklets:  Self-guided brochures are available for a $1 donation.  Guides are available for groups with a prior reservation.
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The cathedral may be closed on Saturdays due to weddings, so check their website to inquire if a wedding is on the schedule.  Please respect fellow visitors who may be entering the cathedral for prayer and refrain from taking photos during mass.

Where to Shop:

The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk
500 Port of New Orleans
New Orleans, LA  70130
Telephone:  504 522 1555

  • Open:  Monday – Saturday: 10AM – 9PM; Sunday: 10AM – 7PM

French Market
700 – 1010 Decatur Street
New Orleans, LA  70116
Telephone:  504 522 2621

  • Hours:  The market is open daily from 9AM to 6PM.   The Farmer’s Market is open from 10AM to 6PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
  •  Amenities:  Shopping, food, crafts bazaar, flea market and live entertainment
  •  Length of Time to Spend at The French Market:  2 – 3 hours

Where to Stay:

Omni Royal Orleans Hotel
621 Saint Louis St.
New Orleans, LA  70130
Toll Free Number:  866 538 9295

This hotel is located in the middle of all of the action in New Orleans!  It is an absolutely beautiful property with a rooftop terrace, outdoor pool and balconies with a street view!

Where to Eat:

Acme Oyster Bar  – affordable seafood!
735 Iberville Street
Telephone: 504 522 5973

Try the oysters or a local po-boy sandwich or if you have a bigger appetite, the New Orleans Medley allows you to try a sampling of gumbo, jambalaya, red beans & rice and grilled smoked sausage.

Brennan’s – upscale Creole cuisine since 1956
417 Royal Street
Telephone:  504 525 9711

This is one of my favorite restaurants in New Orleans not only because the food is so fabulous but its courtyard and patio are picturesque and remind me of dining at a southern plantation. During a recent visit, I ordered the Roasted Oysters prepared with smoked chili butter and a manchego cheese crust.  For my entree, I decided to order a selection from the starters section and could not wait to try the New Orleans BBQ Lobster.  The wine list is extensive with over 30,000 bottles on site!  We ordered a bottle of Bartolo Mascarello.  Save some room for their signature dessert which is the Bananas Foster and is world-renowned!

Court of Two Sisters – Jazz brunch buffet, expensive
613 Royal Street
Telephone:  504 522 7261

Once a home for a Louisiana governor, this restaurant is one of the most accommodating eateries in New Orleans with four dining rooms and a French menu to die for.  David had been begging me to try the Turtle Soup and it seemed as though every restaurant we visited, it was on the menu.  I started out with the Turtle Soup Au Sherry, which was actually quite good, but I will probably not order it again.  At least I can say I tried it and I hope he doesn’t encourage me to try the Frog Legs!  For my main entree, I could not pass up the Vegetarian Lasagna to save some room for the Creme Brulee!

Commander’s Palace, Creole and Jazz brunch buffet
1403 Washington Avenue
Telephone:  504 899 8221

A New Orleans landmark, this restaurant is the epitome of Creole and Louisiana cuisine! It is here that I first experienced Creole gumbo and Crawfish. Note that there is a dress code for Commander’s Palace.

Many people visit New Orleans to experience Emeril Lagasse’s restaurants and here are the links to these wonderful establishments as well!  I have not had the pleasure of visiting his restaurants as they are usually booked far in advance!  It is best to call ahead for reservations!

NOLA
534 St. Louis Street
Telephone: 504 522 6652

Meril
424 Girod Street
Telephone:  504 526 3745

Emeril’s New Orleans
800 Tchoupioulas Street
Telephone:  504 528 9393

Emeril’s Delmonico
1300 St. Charles Avenue
Telephone:  504 525 4937

What to Eat:

  • Crawfish Etoufee  – shellfish over rice, using a technique called “smothering”
  • Andouille Gumbo – a stew consisting of a strong-flavored stock with meat or shellfish, a roux, celery, bell peppers and onions. Andouille is a type of spicy sausage usually included in gumbo.
  • Jambalaya– a dish of meat and vegetables mixed with rice
  • Beignets – fried fritters, sometimes filled with fruit and topped with confectioner’s sugar
  • Zapp’s Potato Chips!– a thick cut, kettle style potato chip that includes cajun and creole spices.  My favorite flavor is the spicy cajun crawtators!

Where to Drink: 

Pat O’Brien’s Bar
718 St. Peter Street
New Orleans, LA  70116
Telephone:  504 525 4823

  • Hours:  The bar opens daily from noon; the piano lounge show typically begins at 6PM and the courtyard is available from 11AM;  The kitchen is open until 10PM.
  • Amenities:  Restaurant, bar and live entertainment
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Try Pat O’Brien’s signature drink, The Hurricane.  Additional specialty drinks on the menu include The Cyclone, Bloody Mary, Pat O’s Lemonade, Mint Julep, Skylab, Rainbow, Pat O’s Rainstorm, Category 5 Margarita, Fuzzy Leprechaun.  For a small fee you can keep the souvenir cup, which your server will carefully wrap up for you.  The piano bar is extremely fun to sing along with the dueling pianos and check out the flaming fountain at night, which is absolutely spectacular!

What to Read: 

  • New Orleans, DK Eyewitness Travel, by Marilyn Wood
  • A Street Car Named Desire, by Tennessee Williams
  • Interview with the Vampire, by Anne Rice
  • The Axeman of New Orleans: The True Story, by Miriam C. Davis
  • Voodoo Dreams, by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Photo Guide for New Orleans:

  • Mardi Gras is an amazing time to take photos for the floats, people, decorations, etc.
  • French Quarter:  The architecture is absolutely stunning, so look for the Creole houses with wrought-iron balconies.  Some of the most beautiful buildings in the Quarter include St. Louis Cathedral, the Old Ursuline Convent, as well as the Cabildo.
  • Jackson Square:  The square is located in front of St. Louis Cathedral and was once the location for public execution.  Today, there are musicians and tarot card readers that provide local entertainment and are accustomed to photographers shooting their pics.
  • Food photos are a must in New Orleans, so order a muffaletta, beignet or plate of oysters and shoot away.
  • Garden District:  With million dollar homes lining the street of St. Charles, you will want to hop on the streetcar to explore these amazing homes and their spectacular architecture.
  • Cemeteries of New Orleans:  While St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is home to some of the most famous mausoleums and interesting history, there are several cemeteries which are also accessible by tour.  These cemeteries include St. Louis Cemetery No. 2, Metairie Cemetery, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, Charity Hospital and Katrina Memorial Cemetery and Greenwood Cemetery.
  • Frenchmen Street is the new Bourbon Street just across the esplanade from the French Quarter.  A safe option for exploring New Orleans at night, visitors can browse a local art market, listen to local music at one of the amazing clubs and explore the fabulous street art throughout this district.

An Afternoon at Niagara Falls

Unique in the fact that Niagara Falls straddles two countries (the US and Canada), this lovely New York destination offers a wide range of activities including a state of the art aquarium and nearby wineries. But it is the magnificent waterfalls that have been bringing visitors to the area since the mid-19th century.

Our family added the falls to its east coast vacation agenda as a stop on our way to Maine.  Making a quick visit to the Official Visitor Center, we decided to purchase tickets for the Maid of the Mist boat ride. For a closer look at the falls, our voyage would take us around the Niagara River towards the magnificent Hurricane Deck where we could feel the exhilarating spray from the tons of water crashing down over the cliffs.

The thunderous sound of the falls greeted us as we approached the 400-acre state park. In the distance we could see the horse-powered. steel passenger boat ferrying its 600 guests.  We were so excited to start the boarding process and put on our rain ponchos.

We found a spot on the upper deck for the best view and guarantee of becoming drenched by the waterfalls.   The double-decker boat cruised towards the semicircular gorge where over 2.5 gallons of water flows per second.  Flocks of seagulls and vibrant rainbows appeared as we sailed further into the mist.

The Maid pulled up to the stairs leading to the Hurricane Deck at the Cave of the Winds.  As we exited the boat, we stood in awe of the spectacular waterfalls with a front row seat of Bridal Veil overwhelmed by its majestic force.

We had only a few moments to experience the whipping winds and back splash from the gorge before returning to the boat and completing our 20 minute ride.  Drenched from head to toe, the sunshine felt amazing as we tried to dry ourselves before finding a restaurant for lunch.  We agreed that a ride on the Maid of the Mist is an epic adventure for travelers to Niagara Falls and wondered why we had not done this before.

Have you visited Niagara Falls?  Did you take the Maid of the Mist boat tour?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for checking out my fun family visit to Niagara Falls and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Niagara Falls State Park
332 Prospect Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Telephone:  716 278 1794

  • Admission Fee:   There is no entrance fee but parking costs $8 to $10 depending on the parking lot.
  • Hours:  Open all year
  • Amenities:  Niagara shuttle,  Top of the Falls restaurant, hiking, biking, souvenir shop, downloadable map from the app,
  • Scenic View:   Gorgeous views of the falls from various vantage points from the park.
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 3 hours, depending on which activities you select
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Download the walking tour app to maximize your experience.  Wear comfortable shoes for walking and take the Maid of the Mist boat tour to explore the falls up close.  Bring water during the summer if hiking.

Maid of the Mist
1 Prospect Street
Niagara Falls, NY  14303
Telephone:  716 284 8897

  • Ticket Prices:   $22.25 for adults, $13 for child ages 6 to 12,
  • Hours:  Tours start each day at 9AM and depart every 15 minutes throughout the day.
  • Amenities:  Rain poncho, wheelchair accessible, complimentary WiFi
  • Scenic View:   Gorgeous views of the falls from the boat and the Hurricane Deck
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Be prepared to get wet on the boat ride.

Where to Stay:

Fairfield Inn & Suites Niagara Falls
643 Rainbow Boulevard
Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Telephone:  716 970 4290

Where to Eat:

Top of the Falls Restaurant
Niagara Falls State Park Visitor Center
332 Prospect Street
Niagara Falls, NY  14303
Telephone:  716 278 1794

I couldn’t help myself and ordered the Buffalo Chicken Wings as a starter and the Niagara Fish & Chips for my entree.

What to Eat: 

  • Street cart Hot dogs
  • NY-style Pizza
  • NY-style Cheesecake
  • Baked Pretzels
  • Buffalo Chicken Wings

What to Read:

  • The Day the Falls Stood Still, by Cathy Marie Buchanan
  • The Falls by Joyce Carol Oates
  • The Odds: A Love Story by Stewart O’Nan

Photo Guide for Niagara Falls:

    • “Journey Behind Niagara Falls” platform
    • The falls from the Maid of the Mist
    • Horseshoe Falls tunnels
    • Views of American Falls from the Canadian Side

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

Winter Olympic History at Lake Placid, NY

My brother, Mike had moved to Argyle, New York outside of Saratoga Springs, and my parents had planned a family vacation to visit him.  On the road for 12 hours, we arrived at the charming dairy town, where my brother had been working with the Young Life organization.  After a long day, we settled into Mike’s home, ordered a pizza from Squirt’s and turned in for the night.

Sleeping in after a long day of driving, we began our two hour drive towards Lake Placid located in the Adirondack region of New York.  Known as the location of two winter Olympic Games, Lake Placid is best visited during the fall. We had arrived just in time to watch the changing of the leaves and the beautiful early fall sunsets.

What I remember most about Lake Placid was that it was the location where the United States hockey team took home the gold medal in 1980.  I had a huge crush on goalie Jim Craig and sat on the edge of the couch as Eric Heiden took home five gold medals for speed skating.  Visiting the location where it all took place was super exciting as it brought back such awesome childhood memories.

As we approached the Olympic grounds, we could see the Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Compound where the 90 meter and 120 meter jumps towered over the simple country roads.  Once home to the Lake Placid Club, this was the location of the area’s first ski jump built in 1920.  With funds to improve the jump towers, the complex will be ready to host several major games over the next few years.

Another highlight of my day in Lake Placid was a stop at the Olympic Sports Complex.  I was hoping to book the Bobsled Experience, but it was closed for the season.  The track, close to a half mile long, races up to 55 miles per hour.  In addition to the experience, thrill seekers will also receive a complimentary photo, a t-shirt and discount on an upcoming session.

We continued our exploration of Lake Placid by driving the country roads towards Saranac Lake.  The fall colors were in their early stages of changing color and the air was crisp.  It was the perfect day for checking out the Adirondacks.

Have you visited Lake Placid or have a favorite village in the Adirondacks?  I would love to hear about your experience, recommendations or best of list if you would leave a message in the comments section below.  Thank you for reading about my amazing time in Lake Placid and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Lake Placid Olympic Center
2634 Main Street
Lake Placid, NY
Telephone:  518 523 1655

Where to Stay:

Adirondack Vacation Rentals
Telephone:  518 524 7335

Where to Eat:

Whiteface Lodge
7 Whiteface Lane
Lake Placid, NY  12946
Telephone:  518 523 0505

Check  out Kanu for its exquisite dining overlooking the Adirondacks.

What to Eat and/or Drink:

    • Adirondack Seltzer
    • Beef on Weck Sandwich: Roast beef and grated horseradish on a kimmelweck roll (seasoned with caraway seeds and coarse salt)
    • Boston Shake is a milkshake with a sundae on top
    • Chicken Riggies: a dish made of rigatoni, chicken, hot and sweet peppers, covered in a tomato cream sauce
    • Croghan Balogna: smoked beef links
    • Garbage Plate: a combination of macaroni salad (or baked beans), fried potatoes, meat (such as beef, hot dogs, fried fish),
    • Grape Pie (in the Finger Lakes region)
    • Jell-O
    • Aunt Rosie’s Loganberry or PJ’s Crystal Beach: non-carbonated and carbonated drinks
    • Michigans: a hot dog smothered in meat sauce
    • Peppermint Pigs
    • Saratoga Chips
    • Thousand Island Dressing

What to Read:

  • Dancehall, by Bernard P. Conners
  • Wild Fire, by Nelson DeMille
  • Mountain Shadows, by Patricia Reiss
  • Adirondack Mysteries & Other Mountain Tales by Dennis Webster

Photo Guide for Lake Placid:

  • The summit of Cat Mountain for a view of Lake George
  • Schroon Manor State Campground for views of Schroon Lake
  • Copeland Covered Bridge
  • Moose River for morning and evening photos
  • Bog River Falls for cascading waterfall

Imitating the Napoleon Dynamite movie

Young Life’s Saranac Village in Upstate New York


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.

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

Our Adirondack Family Vacation in Photos 2005

The Great Escape in Lake George, NY

Downtown Lake Placid

Saranac Lake

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Montezuma, AZ, 1999

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-11th 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.