The Romantic Colors of Burano, Italy

17 May 202517 May 2025

Forty-five minutes later and the ferry from Venice was approaching the island of Burano. Vibrant waterways with pastel colored homes came into view and small fishing boats were docked in front of the homes like cars parked in their driveways. A woman and her child stood at the edge of the dock waving out to the open sea and the blast of a boat’s horn rang out. Local folklore claims that fishermen would paint their homes different colors to identify their family as they departed the island and I could have bet that I had witnessed a legend in the making.

Before the crowded ACTV (ferry) approached the dock, I caught a glimpse of the miniature bridges connecting the waterways and in the distant background, the campanile (bell tower). I looked forward to getting lost among the walkways to purchase some white wine, sample local seafood and shop the lace boutiques in the heart of town.

Reflections of the colorful row houses appeared along the canals as I strolled through the charming isle of Burano. The calmness of the water gave off an identically perfect reflection with only a ripple to disturb the scene. Hardly a tourist was to be seen and I felt as though I had the island all to myself.

Adding to the appeal of Burano were the decorative flowers that seamlessly flowed from their window boxes. The homes were pristine, well maintained and demonstrated the pride of the residents who had lived here. Many generations have made Burano their home which has made this an incredibly tight community.

Twenty-eight hundred residents live on the island of Burano and most of them are farmers and fishermen. A part of the Veneto archipelago, Burano is located on the northern part of the lagoon, near Torcello, known as the birthplace of Venice.

The symbol of Venice, the lion, can be seen throughout the island of Burano. A symbol of strength, the lion is also a representation of St. Mark, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ.

An occasional glimpse through a back street revealed colorful walls and doors of gold, purple and teal. Heading towards the square, I looked forward to exploring the restaurants, gift shops and charming boutiques. The island is most known for its delicate lace and I was hoping to find a beautiful tablecloth to take home as a souvenir.

Within a couple of hours, I noticed the island was more crowded than when I had arrived. Galuppi Square was bustling with tourists who were ready to enjoy a relaxing lunch and spend time enjoying their surroundings. Local restaurants surrounded the perimeter of the square while the tables were conveniently set up in the center of the plaza. The menus offered plenty of fish dishes, including a local favorite, the “risotto de go” made with Arborio rice and the small spiny-finned fish of the lagoon. Pizzerias also offered a variety of pies and slices with a wide range of toppings. For dessert, Burano is known for its Bussola Brunei or Esse (the Venetian butter cookies) which should be purchased at the pasticceria, Carmelina Palmisano.

Walking through the maze of streets and over a a few narrow bridges, I enjoyed the sights of the colored homes for a final time. I thought once again of the fishermen’s legend as I boarded the water taxi for Venice. Standing towards the back of the vaporetto, I stared at the purple home and watched it until it disappeared into the distance.

Have you seen the colorful homes of Burano? I would love to hear about your visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for taking this voyage with me to Burano. Happy Travels!

Where to Stay:

The Centaur Hotel
San Marco
Campo Manin 4297/a
30124, Venice (Italy)
Tel. +39 041 5225832

Where to Eat:

Al Gatto Nero Da Ruggero
Fondamenta della Giudecca
Giudecca di Burano 88
30142 Burano, Italy
Telephone: +39 041 730120

The locals claim that this restaurant makes the best Goby Risotto! Their website suggests the homemade noodles with spider crab which sounds absolutely delicious. The prices are inexpensive and the service is superb!

What to Eat:

Aperol Spritz is made with Prosecco (bubbly) wine, Aperol and a splash of soda.
Bellini’s were invented at Harry’s Bar and is my favorite brunch drink made with Prosecco and peach puree.
Seafood, especially sea bass. Black goby is a local fish from the lagoon and another local dish is fried sardines.
Vegetables from the Rialto Market
Instead of pasta, Venice serves rice and polenta. Rice and peas (risi e bisi) is a very popular dish.
Appetizers such as Venetian meat and cheese (the salami is amazing!) or cicchetti (similar to Spain’s tapas) are small servings that are the right portions. Baccala Mantecato is a topping for cicchetti made of creamed white fish.
Polpetta are deep fried meatballs
For lunch, the locals will order Tramezzino (sandwich) which is triangular in shape.
Dishes served with Nero di Seppia (Squid Ink Sauce) are a delicacy and the squid ink is very dark, so it may come as a surprise when your dish arrives.
Fritto Misto (Fried Fish and Seafood) can also include fried vegetables.
Venetian cookies (Buranelli – from the island of Burano and Sfogliatine) can be purchased at the local bakery.

What to Read:

Donna Leon has a series of crime novels all based in Venice.
The Glassblower of Murano, by Marina Fiorato
A Venetian Affair, by Andrea di Robilant
The City of Falling Angels, by John Berendt
Dead Lagoon, by Michael Dibdin
A Thousand Days in Venice, by Marlena De Biasi

Photo Guide for Venice:

The Bridge of Sighs leads to the waterfront dungeons and is best photographed from the Ponte della Paglia.
Burano is one of the islands within the Veneto was once a community of fishermen. The colorful homes can seen from a distance as the vaparetto approaches. The colors of the island and reflections make memorable photographs.
Piazza San Marco / St. Mark’s Square is the main meeting place in Venice to explore the Doge’s Palace, the Campanile and the Clock.
Pont de l’Academie translates as the Academia Bridge and is the second most popular bridge behind the Rialto Bridge.
The Rialto Bridge at Sunrise and Sunset; Take a trip on the vaparetto along the Grand Canal for some amazing photo opportunities.
Rivi degli Schiavoni is where the gondolas are “parked” with the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore in the background.
St. Mark’s Campanile is the bell tower in the square. Visitors can purchase tickets to ride up to the top for spectacular views of the lagoon and nearby buildings.
If you can visit during the Venice Carnival celebration, you will have many opportunities for some amazing, dramatic photos of people dressed in costume.

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Bodrum: Relaxation and Retail Therapy

24 April 20233 May 2025

We slept in late after a long day of travel and enjoying the pier for a swim and some sunbathing. It was looking as though we would have another perfect day to spend on the water at our resort home in Bodrum. We ate a hearty breakfast and then strolled the ten minute walk where we found some chairs and umbrellas to protect us from the hot sun.

We set out our belongings and carefully eased into the water from the ladder on the pier. We floated, swam and failed to improve our artistic swimming skills, though we did try. We took to the Aegean Sea which was crystal clear. Some of us snorkeled, while others went back to sunbathing. We couldn’t seem to stay out of the water for long and eventually worked up an appetite.

We had lunch at the outdoor restaurant and decided to take a walk through the maze of streets within the community. Houses of brick and stone were built along steep cliffs with gardens of tropical flowers as well as petunias in flower boxes and hanging baskets.

What I found most intriguing as we passed each of the homes was that they were decorated with a symbol that resembled an eye. I had first seen it in Istanbul on key chains and jewelry, but hadn’t taken much notice until it began appearing on street number signs and embedded in walkways and doorframes.

The Nazar Boncuk, or “Evil Eye”, is said to protect a person from an evil glare. The superstition dates back to the ancient Greeks who believed that receiving the malevolent stare would cause injury or misfortune. Since the look could take place even when the innocent person is unaware, there was a need to protect oneself from this supernatural force. The Nazar Boncuk reflects off the bad energy back onto the person who is inflicting the negativity towards another. This symbol is often hung throughout homes, offices and cars in the form of jewelry or ornaments.

We returned back to the house to take a car into the casual town of Bodrum. We started out strolling the streets, looking at menus along the way in search of seafood. In Turkey, most families will dine late at night for their final meal of the day, even as late as 10PM. Since we had plenty of time to explore the town, we got lost along the bustling maze. Beautiful homes hung to the cliffs, many whitewashed with clay-tiled roofs and accented with colorful bougainvillea.

After dining at Onikon Beach and Restaurant, we decided to shop for clothes and souvenirs. The shopping district was full of unique gifts and familiar boutiques. From inexpensive Turkish lanterns to luxurious carpets and towels, there were so many great products to purchase. I had such a difficult time choosing which items to buy, so I selected several: Turkish Delight, ceramic bowls, Evil Eye pendants and Raki.

With our hands full and wallets growing smaller, we were ready to head back home for a quick dip in the pool and another day to explore Bodrum.

Have you visited Bodrum, Turkey along the coast? I would love to hear about the places you visited, restaurants where you dined and shops that you absolutely loved if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my amazing adventure in Bodrum and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Explore the seaside shopping area of Bodrum

Where to Stay:

METT Hotels and Beach Resorts, Bodrum
Heramton Cove, Eskicesme Mahallesi
Haramton Sokak, Degirmenler Mevkii
48400 Bodrum City/Mugla, Turkey
Telephone: +90 252 316 48 48

Where to Eat:

Onikon Beach and Restaurant
Menemene Yall, Mevkii No 57/A
Turkbuku/Bodrum, Golturkbuku
48400 Turkey

What to Eat:

Fruit: pomegranates, figs, peaches
Kumpir: potato with toppings
Lokmasi: deep-fried dough drenched in honey syrup
Peynirli borek: similar to Greek spanikopita
Sebzeli doner: meat, potato and vegetable skewers
Simit: bread that is between a bagel and pretzel

Leaving Istanbul for Bodrum

10 April 20233 May 2025

Our flight departed from Istanbul early in the morning, arriving in Bodrum at 10:30. After collecting our luggage, we waited for the bus to take us to Salim’s house along the coast where we would spend several days before sailing the Greek Islands.

The bus was half full with tourists and residents visiting their second homes. Looking out the window, my eyes were taking in all of the beautiful resorts along the coast. Colorful flowers decorated the rural route where we entered tunnels with exquisite carvings which led to small, populated towns.

Passing by coves, we saw large yachts, small sailboats and the occasional fishing vessel. Occasionally, a community of homes appeared as quaint villages along the Aegean Sea and within forty minutes we had arrived at the entrance to our resort community.

At the secured entrance, we waited for our driver to take us to the house and help us unload our luggage. On our short drive to the house, we decided we would first have lunch and the attendant suggested the cafe where we could order the best pizza in town. We could see the cove where we would be staying and noticed the crystal clear waters, bathing areas and restaurants with outdoor seating.

Our accommodations were conveniently located within walking distance to the beach, pier, restaurants and shopping. The summer home of Salim was two story and surrounded by delicate flowers, large enough to accommodate the six of us.

We immediately unpacked our belongings, grabbed our swimsuits and walked down the hill to the pier where we found the restaurant to enjoy lunch. The stroll in itself was full of jaw-dropping views where whitewashed guesthouses were covered with vibrant blooms. Sitting along the waterfront, we ate fresh watermelon and made-to-order pizzas.

We swam for a couple of hours until it was time to meet up with Salim to discuss dinner plans. We decided to stay in, ordering takeout from a nearby food stall. From Turkish köfte (meatballs) to kebabs, we selected a wide variety of local dishes to sample.

After dinner, we strolled down to the swimming area as the light began to dim. Checking out the sailboats that had arrived to anchor off the shore, we eagerly waited for the sun to set.

We posed for photos, listened to Bruno Mars tunes and fought off sleep in fear of missing out. With what energy we had left, we stopped by the pool and shared bottle of wine before turning in. On the short walk home, we all agreed that we could have never imagined the beauty of Bodrum and reminisced about Ramadan in Istanbul until we just couldn’t stay awake much longer.

Have you had the wonderful opportunity to visit Bodrum, Turkey? Which places did you visit or restaurants did you enjoy? I would love to hear about your recommendations if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my Girl’s Trip to Turkey and wishing you many Happy Travels!

The Turkish Flag

Beautiful Flowers in Bodrum

The Evil Eye – This circular symbol keeps evil thoughts from harming you

Enjoying the Sunset in Bodrum

Catamarans and sailboats in the Bodrum Harbor

The Barn Inn in Amish Country, Ohio

22 August 202214 June 2025

Mom and I planned a long weekend in Holmes County, Ohio and it would be my first visit to learn more about the Amish community. We agreed to stay at the Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast in Millersburg as Mom had stayed there in the past. She explained that the owner had grown up Amish and decided to leave as an adult. With her knowledgeable insight, we would learn more about the Amish customs, culture and religious practices.

After driving a couple of hours out of Columbus, we finally arrived at The Barn Inn, easy to find with its beautiful barn red exterior. Stepping inside, I was amazed with the open floor plan and rustic design The upstairs bedrooms can be accessed by stairs that follow the edge of the large room. We reached our respective rooms and unpacked before wandering the beautiful grounds.

At the time of check-in, we learned about the resident goat and llama. Of course, I couldn’t wait to visit the dynamic duo within the enclosed fence. We made a quick stop before driving into town that afternoon.

The hotel staff is extremely knowledgeable with a list of great recommendations for the area. We requested a restaurant for later and some options for shopping the next day. I was interested in booking a horse and buggy ride over the weekend while Mom inquired about the bakeries.

We walked the surrounding grounds which pristinely manicured. A path led to the garden where we found a darling gazebo and small pond. I imagined that this was the perfect spot for weddings, special events and prom photos.

The fountains scattered within the property are well-maintained. Sitting next to the trickling water was relaxing and therapeutic.

Mom and I had a wonderful day in the surrounding Amish towns outside of Millersburg. We shopped for baked goods and unique grocery items such as Nehi Peach soda. We wanted to travel back to the bed and breakfast before dark so we could enjoy sitting on the deck and turning in for bed early for a full day.

I slept so well the previous night and loved the beautiful room set up….very Fixer Upper.

In the morning, we met Michelle, the Inn-keeper. Over breakfast, she presented the highlights of Holmes County, an overview of Amish traditions and a list of places to visit.

Breakfast included homemade French Toast, breakfast casserole and a side of oatmeal. Such an incredible selection as guests could also order eggs, bacon or sausage.

Where my seat was located, I could see the beautiful stone fireplace that was the gorgeous centerpiece of the great room.

Before checking out of The Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast, I toured the upstairs of the property. What a great view from the second level where there was so much space with additional rooms and public space.

The Barn Inn is an historic Bed and Breakfast that offers next-level service from its gourmet, scratch-made breakfasts and homemade country-style dinners, some of their famous meals include stuffed French toast and stick-to-your-ribs casseroles. From the beautiful accommodations, peaceful property with walking paths and the exceptional service, The Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast is the perfect location to explore Holmes County, Ohio, the largest Amish community in the United States.

Where to Stay:

The Red Barn Inn Bed and Breakfast

6838 Co Rd 203
Millersburg, OH 44654
Telephone: 877 674 7600

The Island, Pigeon Forge

28 January 202119 September 2024

The Island at Pigeon Forge is a vibrant entertainment complex with activities, shopping and restaurants. Located on Parkway, the main thoroughfare, our family was ready to end our day watching the sunset and exploring the Island.

The girls were excited for the shopping, the guys were hungry for the restaurants and Nolan couldn’t wait to ride the Ferris wheel. To work up an appetite, we shopped for souvenirs at the Southern Charm Boutique, kitchen goods at the Paula Deen Store and grocery items at the Island Tiki General Store.

Nolan was entertained by the parrots and begged to have his photo taken with him. When the attendant put the bird on his finger, he panicked a little, but finally warmed up to “Reggie” the blue and yellow Macaw. By the time we had collected his photo, Nolan wanted to take Reggie home.

We passed the Ferris Wheel and everyone agreed it would be best if we boarded the ride prior to eating. There was a short line, so we waited about ten minutes as Nolan danced around in excitement. He would later tell us it was his most favorite thing to do on our Tennessee vacation.

We decided on the Mellow Mushroom for dinner, ordering the Buffalo Chicken, the Great White and the Mighty Meaty. With our leftovers in hand, we went in search for dessert. About half of us decided on The Fudgery while the other half couldn’t resist the aroma of Cinnabon. So, with our desserts in hand, we found seats near the fountain and watched the light show until leaving for home.

The Island is a fabulous way to spend an afternoon or evening surrounded by so many attractions and eateries, all for a reasonable price. It was the perfect ending to our busy day of sightseeing.

Have you been to The Island at Pigeon Forge? What were your favorite things to do here? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

What to See and What to Do:

The Island, Pigeon Forge
131 The Island Drive
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Telephone: 865 286 0119

Where to Stay:

We stayed in a rental through VRBO called the Firefly Chalet.

Where to Eat:

Bennett’s Bar-B-Que
2910 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
Telephone: 865 429 2200

I ordered the Carolina Pork Sandwich and the Salad Bar.

What to Eat:

Barbecue

The Village in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

11 September 202019 September 2024

One of my favorite places to visit in Gatlinburg is The Village, especially at dusk. Resembling a charming, European town out of a Grimm’s Fairytale, the collection of shops is perfect for picking up last minute souvenirs or enjoying an ice cream before turning in for the night.

Strolling the cobblestone streets under twinkling lights, we explored the 27 shops within the miniature town. Some of the shops open as early in the morning, while others continue into the night.

The Donut Friar is like donut heaven, with the smell of pastries starting at 5 o’clock in the morning. Opened in 1969, it is one of the original tenants of The Village.

Also opening in 1969, the Hofbrauhaus Restaurant and The Cheese Cupboard is one of my favorite shops. Whenever I purchase wine from the local wineries, I can’t pass up the opportunity to pair them with a wide assortment of cheeses.

The Coffee & Company Shop is one of the late-comers opening in 1993, but it is a favorite for the early-risers waiting for their caffeine fix.

We stopped by the Pepper Palace to purchase some salsa to go along with our chips and Mexican feast we were planning for the evening.

The dusk began to darken as the lights from the fountain shone brighter. I was mesmerized by the sound of the water falling into the basin below.

The Old Word feel is a mix of German Village meets British Countryside.

The aesthetic detail of its construction is absolutely amazing. Careful attention was applied to the design of the stained glassed windows and additional accoutrements.

Finally, though it is not technically within the Village, I can’t pull myself away from the large picture window, watching the candy makers prepare their taffy as little children watch wide-eyed waiting for a fresh piece to be wrapped in wax paper and watching the joy on their faces for that one piece of joy.

Have you visited The Village Shops in Gatlinburg? What did you buy? 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 The Village Shops and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Village
634 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Telephone: 865 436 3995

Where to Stay:

We stayed in a rental through VRBO called the Firefly Chalet.

Where to Eat:

Bennett’s Bar-B-Que
2910 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN
Telephone: 865 429 2200

I ordered the Carolina Pork Sandwich and the Salad Bar.

What to Eat:

Barbecue

Tips for Planning a Caribbean Cruise

20 May 202022 September 2024

Cruise vacations are perfect for enjoying several ports of call in a short period of time. They are also fabulous for vacationers who want activities already planned for them. From days at sea where one can enjoy the shows, shopping, gambling and bingo, there are several activities that can keep the passenger entertained, 24 hours a day. While in port, shore excursions are provided by the cruise line for an additional fee.

So why then would a passenger need to make any plans for their cruise? For one, there is the opportunity for pre- or post-trip travel. Most ports of origin are exciting and interesting in themselves and should be explored. Secondly, some passengers would rather go on their own than purchase the ship’s excursions, even if it is only to walk around the port.

I had just booked a seven day Caribbean cruise on Carnival’s Liberty that departs out of San Juan. I found a great deal through Vacations to Go but needed to find a flight that would work around the ship’s schedule. I had learned that Southwest Airlines flies to San Juan, Puerto Rico, so I booked the flight in tandem with the cruise and we were all set for our trip…..except for planning our time at the various ports on the itinerary.

The most exciting part of the vacation planning process is researching what to do in each port. There are a couple of research applications that I use so that I can select the best activities for each island I will be visiting. My objective is to explore the ports I have not yet seen, check out any activities that may interest me and then maximize the time I have on each of the islands.

First, I visit the ship’s website and review the shore excursions that I find interesting. If there are specific attractions or points of interest, I make note of them. I compare the cost of going out on my own to how much we would pay for them through the cruise line. I also determine the number of hours that I will spend on the excursion to see if it leaves room for me to explore the local town where the ship is docked.

Secondly, I check out my local library and search for various books and magazines that will give a thorough overview of the ports I will be visiting. I love the travel books that have pictures, but I found that Fodor’s Caribbean Ports of Call was one of the best resources for cruise vacation planning. For each port, this book provides the following information:

A brief overview of the island (currency and use of telephone)
Coming Ashore: This information is very helpful as it outlines how far the port is from the central town so I can determine if I need to take a taxi. Car rental information is also provided, In addition, there is a list of recommended items to purchase for each location.
Exploring [Port of ???]: In this section of the book, there is a listing of attractions as well as where one would find the locations in regards to direction (North, East, South, West) or by major city. Fodor’s ranks the attraction as recommended and also let’s the reader know which places are great for families to visit. A small synopsis of each attraction or area is detailed along with the address to the location, its contact information such as phone and website, its hours of operation as well as the estimated cost for visiting. There is also a map of the island and may be a more detailed map of the port town for each. Of course there are also sections in regards to the best beaches, shopping, restaurants, nightlife and other activities that may be of interest.

Third, I will search the internet for the country’s designated tourist information website. I make a note of the attractions or activities that are of interest and compare it with the information provided by Fodors or other resources that I have read. If I can download a visitor’s guide or order information ahead of time, I sign up for the tourist packet and wait for it to arrive.

At this point, I will also look at tour providers online and review the comments and/or recommendations that are provided by previous customers. Some of the best reviews include Cruise Critic and TripAdvisor. Since the cost is somewhat important to me, I like to compare the amount I will pay versus the number of hours spent on the tour to see if I can find a great deal. Not all tours are alike. Some operators may include a sightseeing, beach and shopping tour while others may only include limited sightseeing, etc. For example, since I prefer not to shop but rather see as much of the island as possible, I am most likely to find a tour that focuses more on attractions with as little shopping as possible. As I gather the information and begin to compare our options, I soon become aware of how overwhelming this process can be and narrow my focus to the top five things that we would like to do and then go from there. I also want to ensure that the places we want to visit will be open during the time the ship is in port.

Finally, I will do a search on maps of the ports central town to see if there are walking tours already outlined with the highlights of that port. I tend to move towards those sites that also include a map, making it easier for us to navigate my way through town and providing us with a summary of information for those attractions.

Here are some of the best walking tours that I found for our upcoming cruise:

San Juan, Puerto Rico:

Self Guided Tour of Old San Juan – Part 1 Puerto Rico Day Trips Travel Guide

Self Guided Tour of Old San Juan – part 2 Puerto Rico Day Trips Travel Guide

Hop Aboard the Free Trolley in Old San Juan

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI: Historic Walking Tour

Barbados: Walking Tour of Bridgetown

St. Kitts: Basseterre Walking Tour with Map of Basseterre

St. Maarten: One Day in Philipsburg, St. Maarten

While on the ship there are additional resources that can also be very helpful for my ability to enjoy the cruise. The first is picking up a copy of the ship’s deck plan. The plan is usually posted on each floor and at each elevator, but having a copy in my back pocket can also be very convenient in deciding how to manage my way around the ship. There are also Port of Call sheets that are available at the customer service desk or in a kiosk nearby, which we find to be very helpful as well.

Once the ship has docked and cleared customs, the passengers will begin the process of disembarking the ship once it has arrived into port. Nine times out of ten, there will be a cruise ship representative handing out shopping related advertisements and a map, along with some helpful hints, when provided. I like to browse through them carefully and take in the information as there may be some recommendations for places to eat or local attractions that may be of interest. For those that enjoy shopping, these advertisements are for you! They provide a listing of all the cruise-sponsored shops and the specials that are offered at each of these shops. But, because I am not an avid shopper, I can still appreciate the map for reasons of my own. For example, the map details the downtown area to include the name of each of the streets as well as handy information such as how long it will take to arrive at the city’s center by taxi from the dock. It is also helpful in getting the passenger back to the ship in the event that they may become lost.

Finally, ask your room steward, bartender or wait staff for their recommendations and what they like to do when in port. This may lead you to the perfect restaurant or excursion that you have not experienced otherwise. Don’t be afraid to ask the wait staff on the island. While you are being served, ask them for places to eat and what to see and even where to shop. You would be surprised at the information you can gather, even at this stage of your trip!

I am never without a long list of recommendations, but I certainly appreciate someone who can lead me to an opportunity I may not have experienced otherwise. With enough pre-cruise, on board and local planning, I am always sure to find the perfect solution for enjoying our day in port! And be flexible! You never know where the day could lead you!

Do you like to plan for cruise vacations? What are some of the resources that you use? I would love to hear your recommendations and tips on how to make the most of your time in port! Leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

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

CincyCinco

7 May 201817 September 2024

Did you know that an estimated 81 million avocados will be consumed on Cinco de Mayo? Major cities all across the US will be celebrating this annual holiday and Cincinnati, Ohio is no exception!

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending the city’s 13th Annual Latino Festival Cincy-Cinco at Fountain Square where I enjoyed listening to Latin music, learning some of the cultural dances and feasting on some spectacular Latino food!

While joining in on the festivities, I was surprised to learn that Cinco de Mayo is not widely honored as a national holiday in Mexico. The date is more important for the residents in Puebla, Mexico who celebrated their defeat over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. California began observing the event in the late 1860s and it has grown in popularity over the years in both Mexico and in the United States.

So why celebrate in Cincinnati? According to information posted on the Cincy-Cinco website, Latinos make up 25% of the area’s increase in population over the past 10 years. This event is a great venue to bring awareness to their culture, values and traditions. It also provides an opportunity for interaction among the growing Latino population and its community. The proceeds that are collected from the event will provide financial support to important health and educational charities that assist the Latino community.

Cincy-Cinco
May 7, 2016 12 – 11PM
May 8, 2016 12 – 7PM

Official Address:
520 Vine Street (Fountain Square)
Cincinnati, OH

Fun Facts about Cincy-Cinco:

In 2006, Cincy-Cinco set the record for the world’s largest Piñata and lays claim to the world’s largest taco!
The first Cincy-Cinco festival took place at Coney Island and was re-located to Fountain Square in the heart of downtown Cincinnati!
There were ten participating restaurants offering a wide range of items, including empanadas, nachos, burritos and more!

In addition to enjoying some amazing Latino food, there are so many reasons to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! I hope you include the festivities at this year’s Cincy-Cinco in your plans and support the local Latino community! You can visit the Cincy-Cinco website at www.cincy-cinco.com to learn more about the event and to confirm the date of the celebration each year!

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten Walking Tour

26 March 201817 September 2024

A gorgeous scene awaited us as our cruise ship docked in the port of St. Maarten, the Dutch side of the island. We were met with an overcast sky and light rain, but by the time we finished breakfast, we had a beautiful day ahead of us.

St. Maarten is a working port, so there are container ships and cargo within reach. A short distance from the dock, signs leading into downtown Philipsburg pointed us in the direction of shops and restaurants. We estimated that the one mile walk would take us about thirty minutes into the center of town.

The dock led us through a shopping area where taxis and tour guide drivers waited to take passengers on excursions throughout the island. Continuing through the commercialized center, we decided to walk into Philipsburg for the day to take in the scenery.

Soon we reached a number of leisure boats anchored in the shallow end of Great Bay Beach. Thick, full palm trees hung over the beach and provided shade along the boardwalk. Strolling along Voorstraat (Front Street) we would soon be arriving into the outskirts of town.

Before reaching the beach, we made a stop at Chez Delphine located on Old Street to try a couple of freshly handmade fruit drinks. I ordered the local Guavaberry while Dave selected the Mango with Pineapple drink, which were fresh and fabulous (but a little pricey…$20 for 2).

We found outdoor seating on a perfectly combed, white sanded beach located across the restaurant. It was the perfect setting for us to enjoy our drinks and relax before entering town.

Strolling along the beach, we came upon two piers, so we walked out, looking back to enjoy the view of the Great Bay Beach and the surrounding area. We learned that we could have taken unlimited rides on the water taxi from the ship for seven dollars. Chair and umbrella rentals were also available for a small fee.

Enjoying the view from the pier, we nearly missed a turtle down below in the beautiful clear Caribbean waters and we took a few moments to watch it swim out into the ocean.

We decided to leave the beach behind and to start exploring the town’s center. Noticing Wathey Square (De Ruyterplein) and the 18th-century courthouse, we enjoyed the West Indian architecture with its delicate gingerbread fretwork.

One of the biggest attractions and the best place for souvenirs was the Guavaberry Island Folk Liqueur. We decided to find a store to purchase a few bottles to take home and also found spices and sugar cane. The store clerk informed us that they export the Old Man Brand to Florida, but we wanted to take some home to share with family and friends.

We were wrapping up the end of our walking tour and began our return back towards the shopping area.

Sint Maarten was the last port on our cruise and we would be staying in San Juan for a couple of days to rest and explore before our flight. We agreed that this was one of the cleanest ports on our itinerary. We enjoyed the small town feel with the option to relax at the beach. The weather cleared up just as we had expected and the temperature ended up in the mid 80’s. Just another beautiful day in paradise!

Working on cruise ships, I was often asked which port of call was my favorite. It was always such a difficult question to answer because each island/port has something different to offer and depending on my mood for that day, I may prefer one over the other for various reasons. Some of the reasons include, the food, the beaches, the locals and the nightlife, just to mention a few. Do you have a favorite port of call? Why? I would love to hear about it in the comments section below! Many thanks for joining me on my tour of Sint Maarten and wishing you Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Chez Delphine
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
Telephone: 721 522 2313

I loved the guavaberry smoothie that I tried here! Yum!

Pirates in Paradise
69 C Front Street / Beach Side
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, 00001 Netherland Antilles
Telephone: 721 999 9999

More delicious frozen cocktails to enjoy inside of the sports bar or the beach bar.

Where to Stay:

Oyster Bay Beach Resort
10 Emerald Merit Road
Sint Maarten
Telephone: 866 978 0212

UPDATE: Oyster Bay Beach Resort was devastated by Hurricane Irma in 2017. The resort will be reopening in June of 2018.

Where to Eat:

Ocean Lounge
45 Boardwalk
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
Telephone: 721 542 1572

The Ocean Lounge is located in the Holland House Beach Hotel offering a spectacular ocean view. We ordered the Tuna Tataki to start and the Red Snapper with jasmine rice.

L’Escargot Restaurant
96 Front Street
Philipsburg, St. Maartin
Netherlands Antilles
Telephone: 721 542 2483

On a return trip, and with a new boyfriend David, we took the advice of our concierge and made reservations at L’Escargot for French cuisine. We each placed an order for Les Escargots de Bourgogne (snails in butter), while I decided upon the Surf and Turf (lobster and filet mignon), while David was completely satisfied with the La Langouste Thermidor. Of course we shared, and I am still dreaming about the lobster with crabmeat baked in the shell, served with white wine, mushrooms and cheese. It doesn’t get any better than this….oh yes it does, Edith Piaf was playing in the background. Ahhhh…sublime!

What to Eat:

Callaloo – a soup made with fresh greens, onions and okra as well as pork
Codfish Fritters
Conch and Dumplings
Crabmeat-Stuffed Shells (Crab Backs)
Guavaberry Liquer
Johnny Cakes – similar to pancakes but made with cornmeal
Locri – a dish of rice, chicken and a variety of vegetables
St. Maartan Spareribs
Whelk soup – a soup made from saltwater mollusks that are smaller than conch. Usually stewed in coconut milk, additional seasonings are added to give it a unique taste.

What to Read:

Gone Bamboo, by Anthony Bourdain
St. Maarten, by Jaron Summers
The Marigot Run, by John Ballern
Island in the Sun, by Alec Waugh

Photo Guide for Sint Maarten

Anse Marcel Viewpoint
Cupecoy Beach
Fort St. Louis
Friar’s Bay Beach
Happy Bay Beach
Maho Beach
Mullet Bay Beach
Phillipsburg
Pic Paradis
Trou de David (David’s Hole)

Chez Delphine

St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church

Sint Maarten Water Taxi

The Port of Sint Maarten

Ships at Sint Maarten

Beach in Sint Maarten

Water Pad in Sint Maarten

Sea Turtle from the Pier

The Springfield Farmer’s Market, From History to the Here and Now

11 August 201716 September 2024

Update! Vendor List Revised on August 13, 2018

During the summer months, the Springfield Farmer’s Market sets up shop downtown outside the Heritage Center. With vendors lining the side pedestrian area, the market brings visitors here each Saturday from 9 AM to 12:30 PM.

I had the opportunity to visit the Market on its opening day and was excited to see the diversity in products that were available. From baked goods to produce, local services and artwork, this venue is the perfect location for learning about some of the small businesses that are helping to revive the economy of Springfield. The Painted Pepper, a well known food truck from town, was on hand for visitors to purchase breakfast items.

Here is just a small list of wonderful vendors that I met during my visit:

Slice of Heaven Bakery

En.Jamb.Ment

Davidson Family Growers

Sobaby Jam Company

Stevens Bakery and Orchard

Robin’s Nest Granola

Champion City Jam

Additional services and products were provided by:

OSU Food Training
Baker’s Vegetable Market and Greenhouse
MAD Sweet Heat
Wags N Wiggles
The Lady Mugs
Classy Trash
Little Hoot’s Boutique
Birth Photography
On the Rise
Covered Wagon Farm Market
Meyer’s Premier Berries
Mawmaw’s Gardens
Reaver Farms
Blue Jacket Dairy
The Hippie and the Farmer
Annabelle’s Blooms
Friends Cupcakery
Mama Nola’s Pies
Unbelievable Bakery
Jenny’s Sweet Shop
PURE by Mimi
Hope Essentials
Joyce Gerhardt
Ladybugs
VOICE Birth Options
One Hundred Feathers
Alisa Domer
Russell Shatto
Connie Chappell
Wanda Harris

One of the great advantages of shopping at The Springfield Farmer’s Market, is that they make it easier for those on federal food assistance programs to use their benefits at the market by using tokens and with the use of EBT.

Unbeknownst to many local Springfielders, the downtown Springfield Farmer’s Market was first established in the late 1800s. After the completion of the new city building by Oliver S. Kelly (today’s Heritage Building), the first floor was designated as the location for the new city market, which replaced the old market house.

The opening of the City Building and Market included “parades, opening exercises and the illumination of natural gas standpipes and arches”. The event was covered nationally as over 40,000 people joined in the festivities. It was a grand night for the city of Springfield.

Over the years, the market assigned stalls to vendors where they would bring their produce, meats and items for sale. It was described as having an “accumulated fragrance of the…annual crops of pork and cabbage – not always the freshest – ascended to the upper floor – and where the fumes of tobacco and possibly stronger stimulants, penetrated from the time-honored Springfield forum to the vicinity of the market stalls…”

I can imagine that the Springfield Farmer’s Market would have been similar to a small version of the North Market in Columbus, Ohio. Measuring only 50 x 500 feet, each vendor was provided with a permit authorizing him to sell his merchandise. A copy of this permit can be seen at the Clark County Historical Society located in the Heritage Center.

Establishing the rebirth of Springfield’s Farmer’s Market has added a level of depth to the revitalization of this once prosperous town. The downtown continues to add a number of new businesses and restaurants and the Farmer’s Market has only added to the growing attraction to my hometown of Springfield.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the Springfield Farmer’s Market? What items did you purchase? I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!

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

What to See and What to Do:

Springfield Farmer’s Market (Heritage Center)
117 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone: 937 207 1950

Where to Stay:

Courtyard by Marriott Springfield Downtown
100 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH 45502
Telephone: 937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

The Painted Pepper Food Truck
Telephone: 937 969 0877

I ordered the breakfast burrito with extra jalapenos and it was amazing!

More favorite Springfield eateries:

Schuler’s Donuts: Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
Simon Kenton Inn: This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue. With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
Guerra’s Krazy Tacos: One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
Salato Deli: I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
Le Torte Dolci Bakery; Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
Mike & Rosie’s Deli: This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Where to Drink:

Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company: Springfield’s only brewery, Mother Stewart’s showcases nine craft beers produced onsite.

What to Read:

The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
Springfield, Ohio: A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
Still Standing: A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:

Hartman Rock Garden
Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
Heritage Center of Clark County
Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs (seasonal sunflowers)
Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio