Tag Archives: carousel

A Day in Morro Bay

Morro Bay was one of my last stops down the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1) before heading over to Bakersfield to meet up with some friends.  This charming fishing town is most known for its large rock formation which rises 576 feet up from the harbor.  Morro Rock is one of nine volcanic plugs called the Nine Sisters that stretches along California’s Central Coast.  The Rock, as it is known by locals, is one of the best surfing spots, so I wanted to check it out for myself.  Surfing among dolphins, sea lions and harbor seals, I had the time of my life. I was so excited to see the large population of adorable otters that make their home in Morro and couldn’t wait to explore additional sightings of these playful little mammals while immersed in this charming town.

Built as a wharf to transport dairy and food products, the Embarcadero waterfront is now a boardwalk full of locally-owned shops and restaurants.  I decided to dine at the Great American Fish Company and catch another view of the otters frolicking in the sea.

With so many options on the menu, I decided to order the local back bay oysters. With a little hot sauce and horseradish, I slurped them down in seconds.  I was also intrigued by the GAFCO clam steamers and having dipped them in warm butter, they were the perfect taste of saltiness and fish.  Someday I will return for the ceviche, calamari (which comes highly recommended) or the local abalone (ab-ah-LOW-nee), a mild mollusk, which is also referred to as a mild tasting sea snail.

Before leaving Morro Bay, I purchased some salt water taffy at Carousel and made a trek around the base of The Rock to stretch out before leaving this beautiful place.  Rock climbing at Morro Rock requires a permit to ensure the protection of the peregrine falcons that nest here.  Once added to California’s Endangered Species list, there are two nesting pairs of falcons in the area.

I had an amazing adventure in Morro Bay.  Having my fill of seafood, a morning of surfing, an afternoon of otter watching and my lucky box of salt water taffy, it was time for me to set out for the Central Valley.

Have you visited Morro Bay?  What was your favorite experience?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for following my short trip to The Rock and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Morro Bay

  • Admission Fee:  Free
  • Hours:  Open daily 24/7
  • Scenic View:  See wildlife and surfers from Morro Rock; hike the local trails.
  • Length of Visit:  1 hour
  • Travel Tip:   Bring a sweater if stopping by in the evening. The weather may include fog, so be prepared.  Bring binoculars to see the peregrine falcons that nest on The Rock.

The Embarcadero

  • Admission Fee:  Free
  • Hours:  Varies depending on the shop/restaurant you visit
  • Scenic View:  See wildlife near the Great American Fish Company
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 3 hours
  • Travel Tip:   Bring a sweater if stopping by in the evening. The weather may include fog, so be prepared.

Where to Stay:

Inn at Morro Bay
60 State Park Road
Morro Bay, CA  93442
Telephone:  805 772 5651

Where to Eat:

Great American Fish Company
1185 Embarcadero
Morro Bay, CA  93442
Telephone:  805 772 4407

What to Eat:

  • Calamari
  • Ceviche
  • Fish and Chips
  • Local Oysters
  • Oyster Shooters
  • Steamed Clams and Mussels

What to Read:

  • Eyes Wide Open by Andrew Gross
  • Vanishing Point by Marcia Muller

Photo Guide for Morro Bay:

  • Photograph The Rock from Morro Creek Beach at sunrise or sunset
  • Morro Bay Dunes
  • The sea otters next to Great American Fish Company

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

WILDLIGHTS, Columbus Zoo, Ohio

+111226, Colorful Entrance, Columbus Zoo, 2011

There is nothing that makes the holidays more festive than lights.  And if you visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium during its Wildlights event, you will not be disappointed as millions of LED lights bring the zoo to life.

The exhibit runs from November 16th, 2018 to January 6th, 2019.  Hours of operation are from 5PM to 9PM from Sunday to Thursday and an extended hour until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.  The Zoo will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Holiday Lights, Christmas 2011

Spreading holiday cheer for nearly 30 years, the Columbus Zoo has expanded its Wildlights exhibit to include a visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus and his reindeer.  You can see him at the Santaland Zoo which is made of gingerbread.  There are three animated musical shows to include Rudolph’s Remix and Holiday Magic Animated Musical Light Show.  Many of the food stands will be open and additional offerings will include seasonal treats.

There is also a Holiday Skate Rink which offers skate rentals, $4 for zoo members and $5 for non-members.  The Animals on Safari will be putting on a seasonal show called “Another Character Christmas” while animated bears will put on a Jingle Bear Jamboree at the Battelle Ice Bear Post.

And as if that is not enough holiday cheer for a day, there is also a tribute show which includes characters from holiday shows and movies.

+122611 Zoo Lights, Columbus Zoo, 2011, 1

Regular admission applies, so check out the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium’s website for up-to-date prices.  And if you are a member of the zoo, there is no additional fee to enjoy Wildlights.  Private tours are available for an additional cost.

Columbus Zoo, Carousel, 2011

The Carousel is also open during the event, so make sure you take some time to enjoy the ride. You can also board the Polar Bear Express Train Ride or a camel ride for an additional charge.

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Some of the animal exhibits remain open during the Wildlights festivities, but make sure you arrive before 4PM so you can see the gorillas and polar bears before they turn in early.

An outing to the zoo is a wonderful way to experience the holiday season.  Enjoy all of the activities and events the venue has to offer to maximize your trip.

Is a visit to the zoo over the holidays a tradition in your family?  I would love to hear what keeps you coming back each year.  Please leave a message in the comment section below.  Happy Zoo Year!

What to See and What to Do:

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
4850 Powell Road
Powell, OH  53065
Telephone: 614 645 3400

  • Admission Fee: For non-zoo members, the entrance fee is $17.99 for adults and $12.99 for children.  Parking is $8.  You can purchase your tickets online and save $1 on admission.  Franklin County residents will save $3 with valid identification.
  • Hours:  Wildlights hours are from Sunday through Thursday from 5 PM to 9 PM and Friday and Saturday from 5 PM to 10 PM.
  • Amenities:  Limited animal enclosures open, holiday events and exhibits, restaurants, restroom, some rides are open during this time
  • Scenic View:  Beautiful holiday lights
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Come early as parking fills up quickly.

Where to Stay:

Cloverleaf Suites
4130 Tuller Road
Dublin, OH  43017
Telephone:  614 766 7762

Where to Eat: 

Congo River Market Food Court at the Zoo

While visitors can choose from cheeseburgers, fresh salads, deli sandwiches and kids’ meals, we opted for the Donato’s Pizza.

Here are more of my favorite Columbus Classics:

  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream:  Known for her unique flavor combinations, Jeni Britton Bauer has made ice cream famous in C-Bus!
  • North Market:  A one-stop shop for universal cuisine, Columbus’ North Market is worth a stop in the Short North District of the city.
  • The Thurman Cafe:  The Thurmanator is the burger of all burgers at this longtime local cafe in German Village.  There may be a wait all burgers are made to order.
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant:  While the sausage at Schmidt’s is the official food of Columbus, it’s the amazing Cream Puffs that have the locals lining up at the door.

What to Read: 

  • Columbus: The Story of a City, by Ed Lentz
  • Columbus, Ohio: A Photographic Portrait, by Randall L Schieber and Robin Smith
  • Ohio in Photographs: A Portrait of the Buckeye State, by Ian Adams
  • Secret Columbus, by Anietra Hamper

Photo Guide for Columbus: 

  • Coffman Park: small ponds, bridges, white barn, pavilion, landscaping, public art
  • Columbus Museum of Art:  the grounds, inside artwork and special exhibits
  • Everal Barn and Homestead:  landscaping, white barn, beautiful lake
  • Frank Fetch Park:  gardens, brick paths, beautiful trees and landscaping
  • Franklin Park Conservatory:  beautiful gardens, artwork, flowers and special exhibits
  • Gantz Park:  barn, beautiful trees,
  • German Village:  brick streets, landscaping, parks, charming architecture, Old World charm, historical buildings
  • Grove City:  brick roads, small town, shopping area
  • Hayden Falls: wooden walking path, waterfall
  • Historical Village of Hilliard:  a small village to include a schoolhouse, train car, chapel, log cabin, covered bridge, gazebo and granary
  • Homestead Park in Hilliard: walking path, covered bridge, barns, trains, tractor, pond and pet park
  • Inniswood Metro Gardens:  gardens, lily pond, herb garden, play area for children, secret garden
  • Ohio State House: rotunda and landscaping (photo permit required)
  • Ohio State University:  campus, landscaping, Mirror Lake, Ohio Stadium (you can pay a small fee to take photos inside)
  • Park of Roses in Clintonville:  various types of rose gardens
  • Riverfront Park:  city view, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Schiller Park:  gardens, walking paths, stone columns, wooden bridge, small lake
  • Scioto Mile:  city views, Scioto River, landscapes, fountains, walking paths
  • Scioto Park in Dublin:  statue of Chief Leatherlips, river views, landscaping, and paths
  • Short North:  restaurants, italian village, shops, city views, murals
  • Topiary Park:  depiction of George Seurat’s 1884 painting, landscape, fountains, small pond, gazebo

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

+111226 Faster Carousel at Columbus Zoo, 2011

Carousel at the Zoo

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Polar Bear Exhibit

Reflection of Lights at Columbus Zoo

Columbus Wildlights

The Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas

114 Fremont Street Experience

Images reflecting off of the canopy, screaming teens riding the zip-line, and stages of entertainment on the outstreets of Fremont Street summed up my Fremont Street Experience in the Old Town of Las Vegas.

It was a short distance for our hotel where we picked up the shuttle for Old Las Vegas. Dave and I grabbed a seat on the local city bus and within fifteen minutes we had arrived.  Fremont Street spans four blocks with casinos, buffet specials and bars on each side.  Three stages provide live music and we were excited to take in the tunes of the Beatles with look-a-like musicians dressed up as John, Paul, Ringo and George.  The electric atmosphere and intimate space differs than the wide open spaces of Las Vegas Boulevard and the prices were less expensive as well.

123 The Golden Gate, First Casino

We enjoyed our time strolling the old strip where historical casinos have existed since the early 1900s.  The Golden Gate & Casino Hotel, once known as the “Hotel Nevada” was the first casino in Las Vegas, built in 1906.  More casinos would soon follow in the early 1930’s and Vegas’ gambling industry would grow over the next few years.  People continue to visit the Golden Gate with a bit of nostalgia, but most will stop by for their cheap shrimp cocktails and best odds of winning.

115 Fremont Casino

The Fremont Hotel & Casino opened in 1956 and was the first high rise to be built in Las Vegas and was considered to be the tallest building in the whole state of Nevada. This hotel makes up one of the “four corners” located at the crossroads of Casino Center Boulevard and Fremont Street.  It is here where Wayne Newton made his Las Vegas debut in 1959.

117 Binions Casino and Hotel

Fascinated with the crime show, “Snapped” I had somewhat of a morbid interest in the Ted Binion case.  Strolling the slots of Binion’s Gambling Hall and Casino I thought of the episode in which Ted Bunion was allegedly killed by his girlfriend and her lover.  The indictment would eventually be overturned in 1998.

The hotel first opened in 1951 under the name of the Horseshoe Club and was owned by the Binion family until 2004.  Poker players will recognize this building as the venue of the annual World Series of Poker which began in 1970.  The hotel portion of Binion’s was closed in 2009.

121 The Golden Nugget

The Golden Nugget was completed in 1946 and is said to be the largest of the downtown casinos. With close to 2,500 rooms and suites, it is known as the first building built as a casino from the ground up.  The resort’s famed attraction is the 960 ounce gold nugget called the “Hand of Faith” and is on display inside.

122 The Glitter Gulch

Whether it is the Fremont Street Experience or the endless wandering among the Fremont Street casinos, visitors leave the strip to explore Old Vegas made famous by the Rat Pack.  A trip to “Glitter Gulch” is an experience of unusual dimensions.  Given this nane due to the number of neon signs, many of the originals have since retired and can be found refurbished in the Neon Museum exhibit.

127 Vegas Vic

The most famous of the neon signs on Fremont Street is Vegas Vic.  With his cowboy boots and cigarette, it is one of the most prominent of all figures representing Las Vegas.  The number of lights can be overwhelming yet its animation is entertaining.

Classic movies such as Elvis Presley’s “Viva Las Vegas”, the James Bond film “Diamonds are Forever” and the 1997 comedy “Vegas Vacation” will forever memorialize the original Las Vegas.  What an amazing Strip of history.

Do you prefer the atmosphere of “Old Vegas” or “The Strip?”  I would love to hear your opinion, so please leave your comments below!  Many thanks for joining me on my Fremont Street Experience and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Fremont Street Experience

Golden Gate & Casino Hotel
1 Fremont Street
Las Vegas, NV  89101
Telephone:  702 385 1906

The Fremont Hotel & Casino
200 Fremont Street
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Telephone:  702 385 3232

Binion’s Gambling Hall and Hotel
128 Fremont Street
Las Vegas, NV  89101
Telephone:  702 382 1600

The Golden Nugget
129 Fremont Street
Las Vegas, NV  89101
Telephone:  702 385 7111

Where to Stay:

Harrah’s
3475 S. Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Telephone: 800 214 9110

Where to Eat:

Golden Gate for its cheap shrimp cocktails!

What to Eat: 

Anything!  Las Vegas has it all!

What to Read:

  • Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, by Hunter S. Thompson
  • Leaving Las Vegas, by John O’Brien

Photo Guide for Las Vegas:

  • “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” Sign
  • The Paris Hotel Entrance and Eiffel Tower
  • The Luxor Walkway and Sphinx
  • The Excalibur Hotel
  • New York New York Hotel
  • The Arc de Triomphe at the Paris Hotel
  • The Eiffel Tower view from the Bellagio
  • The Bellagio Fountains and its Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
  • The Rose Covered Entrance to the Mayfair Supper Club at Bellagio
  • The Linq Promenade with views of the High Roller and Inside the High Roller
  • The Venetian Stairs and Lobby
  • Gondola Ride at the Venetian
  • The Venetian Bridge
  • The Stairs at Wynn Las Vegas
  • Neon Museum signs
  • Fremont East District sign
  • Retro Vegas Sign
  • Abbey Road
  • The Empty Club
  • Fremont District Murals
  • Red Rock Canyon’s Red Rocks and Joshua Trees
  • Valley of Fire State Park – Slot Canyon, Fire Wave, Mouse Tank Road, Pastel Pink Canyon
  • Seven Magic Mountains
  • Mrs. Coco’s Cafe (book in advance)
  • Hoover Dam
  • Canyon West (about 2 hours from Vegas)

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