Tag Archives: holiday

A Girl’s Trip to Turkey and Greece: Arriving in Istanbul

It was June and my best friend, Melissa was trying to put together a girl’s trip to Turkey and Greece.  She had spent last summer there and wanted to bring a group of us to experience these amazing countries with the friends she had made there.

At the last minute, I learned that I would have to leave early because of an FDA audit, but I was so excited to meet up with our friends, old and new, for an opportunity of a lifetime.

From left to right:  Shawna, Amye, Melissa, Trish, Me and Maria

Since each of us lived in different states, we met together in Newark enjoying drinks and snacks at the United Club’s lounge.  Most of us had arrived early, so it was a long day of waiting but so much fun catching up and getting to know each other.

We decided to have dinner at the airport before our flight and agreed upon Vino Volo.

Our flight was scheduled for an evening departure the flight but was continuously delayed until we learned that the pilot bringing in the flight had too many hours and therefore, the Istanbul flight was cancelled.

We found a local hotel for the evening and would be back the next day in hopes of catching the next flight out.

We woke early the next morning only to learn that there had been a shooting at the hotel so we were sequestered in the lobby until they could finish their investigation.  About an hour later, we called a taxi and began our quest for reaching Istanbul the next day.

We were able to board a flight to Frankfurt instead of the direct flight we had attempted the night before.  At least we would be closer to our destination and have more opportunities in the event there were more flight cancellations.

Our flight from Frankfurt to Istanbul was a couple of hours away, so we found a corner to drop our bags and wait while Melissa took care of all of the details.  We had fun listening to music from Bruno Mars, Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams, which became our trip’s theme songs.

As the time approached to check in, It was down to the wire. We were worried that we would be split up so that some of us could make the trip and the rest would follow.  Luckily, they had just enough seats for all of us and we were becoming more excited about our arrival into Turkey.

I had the perfect seat to watch us land into Istanbul.  The sun was shining and we could see the beautiful city and the Bosporus.

As soon as we had arrived, Melissa’s friend Timur had met us at the airport.  He had arranged a couple of cars to pick us up, provide a driving tour of the city.  We had a few minutes to stretch out while we were in the heart of Istanbul and I couldn’t get enough of this amazing city.

After strolling around for a couple of hours, we continued our carpool tour escaping near accidents with wild drivers and narrow tunnels.  The sound of car horns is prohibited adding to the charm of the Old Town and its cobblestone streets.

The traffic was in full force as we had arrived during the Muslim holiday of Ramadan.  Locals filled the streets and vendors were selling their Turkish Taffy (Ottoman candy) and trinkets.  Restaurants were open as usual but hardly filled due to the fasting that is required of the Muslims during this time.  We found a cute little cafe for lunch, ordered pita bread with hummus and drank the local beer.

Timur was hosting a welcoming party so we decided to go back to his extravagant house along the Bosporus.  Timur is an art dealer and has done exceptionally well in the city.  He was so happy to host us, enjoy some time at his home and then go out on the town for the evening.  We were excited to have the opportunity to spend time with him and learn more about the customs of Istanbul and make plans for our afternoon in Istanbul the next day.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Istanbul?  Were you on a guided trip or had the pleasure of meeting one of the locals to take you around?  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 first-ever visit to Istanbul and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Contact a Local Tour Guide to take you around the city!

Where to Stay:

Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel Istanbul
Alemdar, Ticarethane Sk. No. 10
Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone:  +90 212 522 32 00

Where to Eat:

Cozy Pub and Restaurant
Alemdar, Divan Yolu Cd. No. 60
34110  Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Phone:  +90 212 520 09 90

Tip:  Take the elevator up to the rooftop for spectacular views of the Blue Mosque and surrounding area.

What to Eat: 

  • Baklava:  made with puffed pastry, this dessert has chopped nuts (my favorite is pistachio), and is covered in honey.
  • Gozleme is a type of bread that is shaped in a square and stuffed with various fillings such as meat, cheese, potatoes or vegetables and then cooked over a griddle.  The cheese and spinach reminds me of spanikopita.
  • Iskender Kebab:  thinly sliced lamb is smothered in tomato sauce and served with traditional bread, then topped with yogurt and butter.
  • Mezze is a sample of several small bites that may include yogurt with herbs, hummus, olives, dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), meatballs, eggplant, white cheese and warm bread.
  • Simit is a fun street food bread that is similar to a pretzel.
  • Turkish Apple Tea is absolutely amazing and was one of my favorite drinks while visiting Turkey.
  • Turkish Delight:  a delicious dessert is made up of dates, pistachios, hazelnuts, which is pink in color.
  • Turkish Ice Cream, also known as Dondurma, is a little thicker in consistency, but it will not melt.  A must try.
  • Turkish Pizza is outstanding and tastes so fresh.  Made from Turkish Pide (a type of pastry), it is similar to a flatbread with a variety of toppings.
  • Turkish Ravioli:  dumplings stuffed with beef or lamb served with yogurt.

What to Read: 

  • Istanbul: Memories of a City, by Orhan Pamuk
  • The Bastard of Istanbul, by Elif Shahak
  • My Name is Red, by Orhan Pamuk
  • Istanbul Passage, by Joseph Kanon

Photo Guide for Istanbul: 

  • Galata Tower for views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus River
  • The Blue Mosque for its amazing blue tiles
  • The Rainbow Stairs at Sali Pazari Yokusu
  • The Rooftop Terrace of Seven Hills Hotel for views of the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace AND the Hagia Sophia
  • Rooftop Terrace of Cozy’s Restaurant for views of the Blue Mosque
  • Inside the Hagia Sophia in the afternoon when the light shines in from the windows
  • The Grand Bazaar
  • Balat for colorful structures in the former Jewish neighborhood

The Clifton Mill Holiday Lights, Ohio

The Clifton Mill Holiday Lights

Sometimes I find myself lost in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and realize that there is so much more to Christmas than mall shopping for gifts.  I decided to take an evening to escape the madness and planned a visit to Clifton Mill for their spectacular light show.

Each year, the Mill sponsors a legendary holiday event that takes place in Clifton, Ohio.  From the day after Thanksgiving to December 31st, visitors can experience this over-the-top display with more than 3.5 million lights.

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For over 20 years, the mill has been lighting up the holiday season by illuminating the mill, the bridge, the gorge, and the riverbank.  In preparation for the event, it takes six men approximately three months to put up the light display.

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Located just outside of the mill is a miniature village that displays some of Clifton’s local, historic buildings as well as other structures that would be found in town.  For example, there is a drive-in movie theater where a movie is actually playing on its “big screen” as well as the county fair with its moving ferris wheel.  I watched the men working in the  auto mechanics shop and firefighters climbing on a ladder to put out a fire at the village’s log cabin.

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A 1950’s re-creation of Clifton Mill, and the Ohio State band creating its script Ohio as the Goodyear blimp hovers over the field are additional  displays which are absolutely spectacular.  Before Christmas, visitors can see Santa working out of his workshop.  through the frosty glass, I stepped up to the window to see what kinds of toys he was making.

The Santa Claus Museum displays the Satariano family’s private collection of over 3,000 Santas. Some of the items date as far back as 1850 and has taken the family about 40 years to collect.  You will find a wide variety of Santas from over the years that range from interesting, odd and elegant.

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One of my favorite features was the 100 foot “waterfall” of red and white lights along the riverbank.  From here I had a wonderful vantage point to view the synchronized light show that includes the covered bridge and gorge.

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After perusing the fascinating holiday display, I strolled over to the mill where  I had my choice of hot dogs, sandwiches, popcorn, soft drinks, cookies and pies.  I just couldn’t resist a hot chocolate.

Have you made visiting the Clifton Mill’s Legendary Light Display a holiday tradition in your family?  I would love to hear from you, so leave a message about your experience in the Comments section below!  Happy Travels!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Clifton Mill
75 Water Street
Clifton, OH  45316
Telephone: 937 767 5501

The light display begins the day after Thanksgiving and open nightly through December 31st.  Gates open daily at 5PM and the light show starts at 6PM. Gates close at 9PM and the lights are turned off 30 minutes after the gates close.  Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, the gates close at 8PM.

Parking is free and there is an admission of $10 for guests, 7 years and older, while children 6 and under can enter at no charge.

Where to Stay:

Mills Park Hotel
321 Xenia Avenue
Yellow Springs, OH  45387
Telephone:  937 319 0400

Where to Eat:

Clifton Mill
75 Water Street
Clifton, OH  45316
Telephone: 937 767 5501

Clifton Mill is open on New Year’s Eve with a full menu from 5PM to 8PM, and open daily for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is served all day.

One of my favorite meals at Clifton Mill is the order of pancakes. They are huge!  Their pies are delish as well.

What to Read: 

Not That I Could Tell, by Jessica Strawser

Photo Guide to Yellow Springs: 

  • Clifton Gorge
  • Colorful, Artsy Streets
  • Glen Helen Nature Reserve
  • John Bryan State Park
  • Sunflower Field, located at 4625 US-68, Yellow Springs (The Tecumseh Sunflower Field)
  • Wall Murals
    • Preparation for Life Work by Axel Horn hangs in the Yellow Springs Post Office
    • Village Cyclery is the location of the oldest mural in Yellow Springs
    • “Keith’s Alley” located behind the shops on the east side of Xenia Avenue between Cory and Glen Street showcases several murals
    • Winds Cafe displays one of the largest murals in town
    • Ohio Silver Co. displays a beautiful painting by Maxfield Parrish
    • The patio of Sunrise Cafe
    • The Smoking Octopus displays the works of Sarah Dickens
    • The Xenia Avenue Shops’ painting was created by local Mandy Knaul (Mandy Sue)
    • Corner Cone mural designed by Pierre Nagley
    • Kings Yard murals

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The beautiful Clifton Mill Holiday Light Display

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The County Fair, Auto Mechanics Shop and Firefighters at the Scene

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1950’s style diner

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The Ohio State Football Game

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A re-creation of the Clifton Mill 

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Santa and his reindeer

Alum Creek Lights is now Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights

For nearly twenty years, Alum Creek has hosted a spectacular light show for the Christmas holiday.   Hundreds of cars arrive for the drive thru event which features piped in music and thousands of lights on display.  Visitors are invited to stop by Cross Creek Camping Resort to visit Santa and enjoy free cookies and hot cocoa.  The event, now known as Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights, begins on November 17, 2016 until January 1, 2017.

Fantasy of Lights

Rejoice!

Noel Display

Joy to the World

Santa’s Ship

Snowball Fight!

More Snowball Fun

Nativity Scene

Holiday Lights

God Bless the USA

Twelve Days of Christmas

Christmas Lights

Happy Holidays!

What to See and What to Do:

Butch Bando’s spectacular light show is open Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM.  Weekend hours for Friday and Saturday are 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM.  Entrance fees for the event are calculated per vehicle as follows:   Cars (Monday – Thursday): $20; Cars (Friday – Sunday): $30; Limos, Large Vans and Motor Homes:  $40 while Motor Coaches up to 30 people:  $60;  Buses and Large Motor Coaches:  $100

Alum Creek State Park
Lewis Center, Ohio 43035
Telephone:  740 548 4631

Cross Creek Camping Resort
3190 S. Old State Road
Delaware, OH  43015
Telephone:  740 549 2267

Where to Stay:

Staybridge Suites Columbus Polaris
9090 Lyra Drive
Columbus, OH  43240
Telephone: 614 880 9080

Where to Eat:

House of Japan
8701 Sancus Blvd
Columbus, OH  43240
Telephone: 614 781 1776

This is my favorite restaurant close to home in Dublin and I love to stop here when shopping in Columbus because they have the freshest sushi.

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.

Arlington National Cemetery, A Tribute to US Veterans

With the approaching Memorial Day holiday in sight, what better way to honor the brave Americans who have served our country and fought to protect our freedom than to plan a visit to Arlington National Cemetery?  The Cemetery in Arlington

Located in Arlington, Virginia, across from the Potomac River, Arlington National Cemetery has been the final resting place for American War heroes since the Revolutionary War.  Spanning over 612 acres, the site is a beautiful and serene location that reminds us of the lives that were given for America’s freedom…a nation where we are provided the opportunity for “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”.

The endless rows of white headstones represent over 300,000 brave Americans who fought for the united cause of independence.  The numbers will continue to rise until we are no longer at war.  We have our military to thank for making our country what it is today, totally open to worship in the manner in which we choose and to voice our opinions for ideals for which we support.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

One of the most important events at the Arlington National Cemetery is the Changing of the Guard which takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  At every hour, on the hour, this ceremony takes place to pay due respect to all soldiers who have died during a time of American conflict.    In front of the tomb there are also graves of unknown veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam, identified by white marble slabs that are prominent among the brick foundation.

Preparing for Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Once the officer salutes the unknown soldier retiring from his post, another sentinel takes his or her position at the tomb.  The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of the weather.

At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, 1996

During my visit, there were several young children who seemed interested in the  service and began discussing the recent ceremony with the officer on duty.  I was deeply moved by their curiosity and impressed with the questions they were asking.

JFK Tomb

Among one of the most visited graves at Arlington National Cemetery is that of former President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.   At the request of his wife, Jacqueline, Kennedy was provided a final resting place on the Arlington National Cemetery grounds.  It was also her wish that an eternal flame be lit to mark his grave.  On November 25, 1963 at 3PM, the services began for her husband’s funeral.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Grave

Nearly 30 years later, in 1994, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis would be laid to rest beside her husband, her infant son, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy and their unnamed stillborn daughter.

Gravesite at Arlington Cemetary

Robert F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy’s brother is also buried in the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, next to his brother.  A presidential candidate, Robert Kennedy was assassinated in 1968 as he left the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles.  Robert’s body was brought to Arlington National Cemetery from New York City by train to his final resting place.

Arlington Cemetery Headstone

There are a number of  monuments and memorials throughout the National Cemetery that are significant.   They are a reminder of many who died during times of war, near and abroad, and for those that gave their lives in service to the United States.  For a full list of monuments, visit the Arlington Cemetery’s website. Some of the more notable memorials include the Civil War Unknowns, PanAm Flight 103, Pentagon Group Burial Marker, Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial  (shown) and the Spanish-American War Monument.

Entrance to Arlington Cemetary

While leaving the cemetery, I could hear the faint sound of military taps being played in the distance.  I paused for a moment of respect as my eyes filled with tears and feeling grateful for these American soldiers.  It is important that I never forget….never forget that freedom isn’t free, because in the end, someone has given their life so that I could live in one of the greatest countries of the world.  I should never take that for granted.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Arlington National Cemetery?  What was the most significant aspect of your 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 my post about Arlington National Cemetery!  Happy Travels!

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

What to See and What to Do: 

Arlington National Cemetery
Address:  Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211
Phone:  877.907.8585
Hours:  Open 365 days per year
Cost:  Free, except for guided tours*

How to Get There:

  • Take the Washington DC area’s MetroRail’s Blue Line to the Arlington National Cemetery Station.
  • MetroBus stop on Memorial Avenue

*Arlington National Cemetery has partnered with Arlington Cemetery Tours, Inc. as the only provider of tour bus services within the cemetery.  $12 for adults; $6 for children; $9 for seniors and free for military personnel in uniform and disabled with valid handicap placard. (Please visit the Cemetery’s website to confirm admission fees).

The Welcome Center is located at the entrance to the cemetery and is open daily from 8AM to 7PM from April 1st to September 30th and closes at 5PM from October 1st to March 31st.  It is closed on December 25th.

You will find a number of resources at the Welcome Center as well as a bookstore.  Here you can find maps, kiosks and information services as well as restrooms and water fountains.   Extensive exhibits and displays document the history of the cemetery, from its beginnings as a gravesite in the backyard of Robert E. Lee’s home, Arlington House, to the formal designation of the land as a national cemetery.

Where to Stay:

Hilton Garden Inn Arlington/Courthouse Plaza
1333 N. Court House Road
Arlington, VA  22201
Toll Free Number:  866 538 1314

Hotels in the Arlington area can be quite expensive, so if you can stay in close proximity to the Cemetery and take the Metro, I highly suggest it!

Where to Eat:

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill
2424 Wilson Road
Arlington, VA  22201
Phone Number:  703 528 3030 (for reservations) or use Open Table

If you visit during a warm, sunny day, this rooftop restaurant is fabulous, located in the Clarendon area of Washington DC/Arlington area. They have an outstanding weekend brunch menu!

What to Eat: 

  • Fried Eggplant at Peter Chang
  • Smoky Barbecue at Rocklands
  • Chinese Hot Pot at Mala Tang
  • Spanish plates at Ser
  • Peruvian dishes at El Pollo Rico
  • Russian and Uzbek cuisine at Rus Uz
  • Filipino food at Bistro 1521
  • Best Wine Bar is Grand Cru Wine Bar and Bistro
  • For sweets its Buzz Bakeshop

Photo Guide for Washington DC:

  • Arlington Cemetery
    • Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
    • Gravesites of John F. Kennedy and Jackie Onassis
  • Air Force Memorial
  • Netherlands Carillon