Exploring London on the Hop On/Hop Off Bus

10 December 20243 May 2025

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” – Samuel Johnson

Wellington Arch

The sky was overcast and the Hop On/Hop Off bus was scheduled to arrive at the stop in about ten minutes. I would have hardly noticed the young guy in his mid-twenties, except that I could hear the heavy metal music coming through his ear buds. Dressed for the cold weather, he wore black boots, dark skinny jeans and a NorthFace Bubble jacket to match. We were the only two waiting at the stop when the double decker pulled up to the curb.

I boarded the bus, selected a map and headset, taking the stairs to the upper floor. I felt the hipster close on my heels and noticed plenty of bucket seats available as I reached the top of the staircase. Finding the perfect row with an unobstructed view, I prepared myself for the ride, adjusting my headset in preparation for the self-guided tour. As the bus pulled away from the pavement near Trafalgar Square, I heard the mystery man’s voice welcome us aboard the bus, introducing himself as our tour guide, Bobby.

Passing by Hyde Park, Bobby explained that this beautiful piece of land was once the property of Westminster Abbey. Stocked with wild boar, deer and bull, King Henry the VIII acquired the land and converted it into his private hunting ground in 1536.

Several landmarks within Hyde Park are worth a visit, including the Wellington Arch. This beautiful monument was commissioned by King George IV in the 1820s and is located at Hyde Park Corner. Visitors can reach the first floor of the arch to learn more about its history and proceed to the fourth level for spectacular views of London’s skyline.

Statue of Achilles at The Royal Park’s Hyde Park

Stretching from Westminster to Kensington, Hyde Park was opened to the public by King Charles I in the early 1600s. Over the years, the lineage of royal families had made many updates and improvements, including a lighted byway, an artificial lake, several statues and a memorial fountain to the late Princess Diana.

The Achilles statue was the first to be erected in Hyde Park in 1822. Commissioned by the Ladies of England, an upper class society in London, its purpose was to commemorate the first Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley. Reaching a height of eighteen feet, the monument caused quite a controversy when the nude statue was unveiled. With such a reaction, the fig leaf was added shortly after the bronze was installed.

Children rode bikes along the paved path while maintenance workers took advantage of the beautiful weather for a bit of yard work. Pedestrians, bundled up in warm coats with mittens and hats explored the afternoon away from the city, enjoying the fountains, monuments and the colors of early spring.

Hyde Park seemed to stretch for miles as we passed the Joy of Life fountain. In the 1860s, this area, known as Park Lane, was once a Victorian sunken garden, a popular site for locals and guests. Our guide explained that the beautiful bronze Huxley-Jones water feature dates back to 1963, replacing the previous Boy and Dolphin Fountain. The whimsical fount of children playing in the pool sits amidst 60,000 daffodils that bloom in the beauty of springtime.

Within minutes, the bus reached a gorgeous, gated entrance which could only be described as befitting of British royalty. In the distance, the Victoria Memorial stood guard to the entrance of Buckingham Palace and its surrounding gardens. The memorial, made of marble and gilt bronze, was built to commemorate the rule of Queen Victoria. The statuesque monument was designed by Thomas Brock and was unveiled to the public in 1909.

Our tour continued passing the Palace of Westminster before crossing the bridge towards the northern part of the city. The sun was struggling to shine through the cloudy sky, but the cold temperatures continued to rise on this brisk, blustery day, providing much needed warmth for the double decker bus.

The Palace of Westminster dominated the banks of the River Thames and has been the governmental seat of Houses of Parliament (the Lords and the Commons) for over 500 years. The large, gorgeous neo-Gothic structure was once the home of the royal family until a fire in 1834 forced the family to move their home to nearby Whitehall Palace. Westminster Hall and Jewel Tower, dating back to 1097, are what remain of the original palace after the fire.

There is no doubt that Big Ben is the superstar of the Houses of Parliament. Located at the north end of the grand structure, the famous bell resides in the clock tower standing 316 feet tall. While the five bells of the Westminster Chimes strike every fifteen minutes, Big Ben continues its loyal keeping of time, tolling upon the hour.

Royal Courts of Justice

Seeming more like a castle or a cathedral, the Royal Courts of Justice reviews civil matters such as divorce, civil liabilities and libel. Built in the late 1880’s, the sprawling, Victorian Gothic contains one thousand rooms. Standing at the center of this magnificent architectural masterpiece, I admired the spires, rounded turrets and stained glass rosette, attempting to count the number of windows, both great and small. The public are permitted to enter the courtrooms to observe the civil hearings, while criminal cases are decided at the Old Bailey, a short walk east of the Royal Courts.

I have fond memories as a child watching my great grandmother enjoy a cup of Twinings tea. Sarah Hodgson came to the United States from Manchester, England aboard the Caronia in 1921. I enjoyed hearing about her life as a child and loved sharing in her afternoon tea rituals. I was able to hop off at the nearby stop for a visit to Twinings on Strand. It was a memorable experience and an homage to my great grandmother.

The cheery entrance into the Twinings store on Strand reminded me of Christmas with its colorful bulbs flanking the simple, white Romanesque columns on each side. Gorgeous mahogany doors were an added element of elegance to the store made famous for selling some of the best teas in the world. Twinings dates back to 1706 when it was first called the Golden Lion and a long list of poets, writers and artists have graced through its doors.

The overwhelming, sensational scent of tea drew me in and I was captivated by the store’s regal interior. A stunning variety of teas were displayed upon the dark wooded shelves such as Breakfast Blend, Chamomile and the famous Earl Grey tea. I left Twinings with a few souvenirs and a memory I would cherish for a lifetime.

Fleet Street Sculpture

With shopping bags in tow, I came across this most spectacular, sinister dragon, standing upright on Fleet Street. Lurking between the divide of the City of London and Westminster, this Temple Bar Memorial dates back to 1880, replacing the former archway that was designed by architect Christopher Wren.

Many playwrights, publishers and authors began their careers here on Fleet Street after the city’s first printing press was introduced in the late 15^th century. With the increase of publishing, large newspapers set up shop here until the late 1980s, when many of them closed and relocated outside of the city proper.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral was my first glimpse of London when, as a young girl, I awoke early to watch the televised wedding ceremony of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. I remember the train of Lady Diana’s gorgeous gown as she slowly walked down the aisle to recite her marriage vows. Not only was it the wedding of the century, Americans were introduced to the British monarchy, architecture and the belief that fairytales can come true.

The original St. Paul’s Cathedral dates back to 604 AD, but it is Christopher Wren’s English baroque architectural masterpiece built after the Great Fire of London that draws thousands of visitors each year. St. Paul’s impressive triple-built dome is one of the largest in the world, second only to that of St. Peter’s in Rome.

I couldn’t wait to enter St. Paul’s Cathedral and looked forward to the scenic view from its dome. With a total of 528 stairs to reach the top, I was happy to learn that there were three galleries to explore along the way. Within minutes, I had miraculously reached the halfway mark of my journey looking down at the parquet flooring and circular starburst from the Whispering Gallery. With the power of acoustics, even a whisper is said to carry from one side of the dome to the other.

A shorter trek of stairs leads to a platform on the dome’s exterior for a view of the city referred to as the Stone Gallery, but it’s the tight, winding black staircase that reaches an additional outdoor viewing arena with spectacular 365 degree views of the city of London. Referred to as the Golden Gallery, this is the highest point of the dome reaching 365 feet in height.

The wind begins to pick up making it the perfect time to exit the viewing area and make the descent back down to the nave. A group of schoolchildren are gathered under the dome, so I slip out of the exit and wait for the next Hop On/Hop Off bus to transport me back to the north side of the Thames.

I was surprised at how quickly the red double decker bus arrived on Whitehead Street. Earlier that morning I had referenced Rick Steve’s City Walk of Westminster before the Horse Guards had arrived at their post. The horses stand on each side of the arch which leads to the Household Cavalry of the Queen. I had strolled through the courtyard prior to the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at 11 AM, deciding instead to complete the walk and tour London on the Hop On/Hop Off bus. I was determined to wake early the next morning for the ceremony in all of its pomp and circumstance as the bus arrived to the stop where I first hopped on.

What is your favorite way to explore London? Walking or by bus? I would love to hear about your London favorites and recommendations for places to stay, eat and visit if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. I have provided the contact information for the British sites I explored on my bus ride. Many thanks for reading about my beautiful day of touring London and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Hyde Park
London W2 ZUH, UK

Buckingham Palace
Westminster, London, SW1A 1AA UK
Phone: +44 303 123 7300

Admission Fee (Royal Day Out): £45.00 for adults (17 – 59); £24.50 for children ages 6 -16; children five and under are free; Seniors (60+) are £40.00
Hours: Open July to September: Open from 9:30AM to 5:15PM
Amenities: Access to 19 State Rooms, special exhibits, multimedia guide in nine languages; walkthrough of the gardens, royal stables and carriages, local guides
Scenic View: Beautiful gardens and gorgeous staterooms
Length of Visit: 5 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking. According to the site, re-admission is free for a year should you treat your ticket as a donation.

Palace of Westminster
Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA UK
Phone: + 44 20 7219 3000

Admission (Houses of Parliament Audio Tour): £18.50 for adults (17 – 59); £7
Hours: Open Wednesday to Friday between December 21 to January 4, 2019 and every Saturday until May 25, 2019
Amenities: Audio tour in 9 languages; access to the Commons Chamber and the Lords Chamber, following footsteps of the Queen at the State Opening and visit Westminster Hall which is over 1000 years old.
Length of Visit: 1 – 1.5 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Royal Courts of Justice
Strand, London, WC2A 2LL, UK

Excursion booked through Strawberry Tours:

Admission Fee: £12
Hours: 9AM to 4PM
Length of Visit: 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: The Royal Courts of Justice only deal with civil issues. Additional attractions inside and outside of the court include the Bear Gardens, the Painted Room, the Crypt, the Great Hall, and the sculpture/costume room. Visitors are only permitted to sit in the final two rows of the court room. Dress conservatively and avoid wearing jeans, t-shirts or any revealing clothing, You must bow your head to the judge when both entering and leaving the court room. Do not enter any rooms marked as “In Camera,” “In Private,” or any other rooms with clouded-out windows.

Twinings
216 Strand, London, WC2R 1AP, UK
Phone: +44 207 353 3511

St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AD, UK
Phone: +44 20 7246 8350

Admission Fee: £18.00 for adults (19 – 59); £8 for children ages 6 -17; children five and under are free; Seniors (60+) are £16.00
Hours: Open Monday to Saturday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM, last admission at 4 for sightseeing and 4:15 for the galleries;
Amenities: multimedia guides and guided tours; dome accessibility
Scenic View: Amazing views from the gallery and the dome
Length of Visit: 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, especially if you enter the dome; photography is limited and not permitted inside of the Cathedral.

Horse Guards
Whitehall, London, SW1A 2AX, UK

Where to Stay:

The Clarence
53 Whitehall
London, SW1A 2HP, UK
Telephone: +44 20 7930 4808

Where to Eat:

Boyd’s Grill & Wine Bar
8 Northumberland Avenue
London, WC2N 5BY, UK
Telephone: + 44 20 7808 3344

The restaurant is absolutely gorgeous and I started out with the Heritage Tomato Salad of buffalo mozzarella, tomato powder and basil oil. For my entree, I could not pass up the Beer Battered Fish with triple cooked chips, crushed peas and tartar sauce. Malt vinegar was provided at the table.

What to Eat:

Fish and Chips – fried fish and French fries
Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding – usually eaten from noon to five on Sundays
Full English Breakfast – includes eggs, sausages, potatoes, mushrooms, blood pudding, tomatoes and toast
Pie and Mash – typically a simple steak and kidney pie or pork pies, this is a classic British comfort food served with mashed potatoes and gravy
Bangers and Mash – which is sausage served with mashed potatoes and gravy
Cockles – a small type of clam
Eton Mess – a dessert made of merengue, cream and strawberries
Sticky Toffee Pudding – a moist sponge cake baked with dates or raisins and smothered in toffee sauce served with custard or ice cream
Afternoon tea – with teacakes, scones, jam and clotted cream as well as champagne and tea
Beef Wellington – filet steak covered with pate and wrapped in puff pastry

Where to Drink:

Eclipse Bar
158 Old Brompton Road
South Kensington, London, SW5 0BA England
Telephone: +44 20 7259 2577

What to Read:

The Light Over London, by Julia Kelly
London: The Biography, by Peter Ackroyd
The Five, by Hallie Rubenhold
London: A Travel Guide Through Time, by Dr. Matthew Green
The Diaries of Samuel Pepys

Photo Guide to London:

Inside the Natural History Museum
Oxford Street and Regent Street – lovely street photos
Neal’s Yard – colorful surroundings
Notting Hill and Ladbroke Square- upscale architecture
Portobello Street and Hillgate Place – pastel colored flats
Leadenhall Market
Peggy Porschen Cakes
Coppa Club
Churchill Arms Pub
Tower Bridge
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Millennium Bridge

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Finding Inspiration in the Grand Tetons

23 March 202423 September 2024

The beauty of the Grand Tetons can hardly be explained in words. With its tall peaks, winding rivers, waterfalls and spectacular wildlife, I could not pass up the opportunity to visit here while making plans to explore Yellowstone National Park.

The sunlight glistened on Jenny Lake as I prepared to ride the ferry over to the south side. I would catch as soon as exiting the boat and venture towards Cascade Falls and Inspiration Point. From the top, there were spectacular views of the Grand Tetons and the surrounding area.

The wait was short and the ride most astounding. I heard the slight humming of the boat’s engine and the stirring of the water beneath. The fresh air was as intoxicating as the views from the small vessel that carried us across the lake. The crags and boulders appeared intermittently between the pines and provide the most beautiful reflection. The immense stature of the Tetons were noticeably present and grand and we arrived at our destination in a short time.

The moderate trail was broken in and we made our climb through the forest and over a large stream. Soon it was taking a more steep approach as we closed in on our final destination of Inspiration Point. The sounds of the falls in the distance challenged us to quicken our step and as we pressed on to the glorious view that we were about to witness.

We sat atop of the rocks overlooking the lake as a silence fell among us. It was a magical experience, so breathtaking that we could have stayed the afternoon taking in the scenery. It is no doubt, inspirational.

Have you taken the ferry to Inspirational Point? What other places did you visit at Grand Teton National Park? I would love to hear about your travel experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!

The Jenny Lake shuttle runs every 15 minutes for a cost of $9 roundtrip.

What to See and What to Do:

Grand Teton National Park
PO Box 170
Moose, WY 83012
Telephone: 307 739 3399

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $35; Motorcycle: $30 and Hiker/Biker: $20 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Grand Teton National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Grand Teton National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Check out their website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Refer to the Grand Teton National Park website for the operating hours of the Visitor Centers.
Amenities: camping, hiking, boating, skiing, biking, bird watching, climbing and mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding, 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: Scenic drives throughout the park include the Teton Park Road, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive and Signal Mountain Summit Road.
Length of Visit: To maximize your visit to Grand Teton National Park one would need at least a couple of days to experience all that the park provides.
Tips for Your Visit: The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. 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. Signal Mountain is perfect for sunsets.

Where to Stay:

Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
3385 Cody Lane
Teton Village, WY 83025
Telephone: 307 201 6066

Where to Eat:

The Deck @ Piste
Rendezvous Mountain
Jackson Hole, Wyoming 83025
Telephone: 307 732 3177

I ordered the Southern Belle made from White Wine with Orange and Passion Fruit. In addition, I had a glass of Henry Estate Pinot Noir to accompany my House Meatballs and Fries.

A Very Friendly Chipmunk

Incredible Vantage Point returning from Inspiration Point

Inspiration Point Hike

Gorgeous views of Jenny lake from Inspiration Point

The Shuttle Stop

Hidden Falls

A Chipmunk Waiting for Snacks

A Magpie

Featured Ohio Winery: Stoney Ridge Winery in Bryan

27 May 202210 March 2025

As I travel down the long graveled drive, coming into view is Stoney Ridge Winery appearing more like a schoolhouse or the church of a small congregation. The pristine white-sided structure with its red brick addition provides plenty of space for wine tastings, events and an afternoon out with friends. Located in the rural town of Bryan, Ohio, Stoney Ridge is a sprawling estate with over thirteen acres of vineyards to produce their award winning estate wines.

The winery was first opened by Philip and Pamela Stotz who began planting the vineyard in 1997. Among the varietals grown here are hearty, French-hybrid grapes that can survive the cold such as the Frontenac, Marechal Foch, Vidal and Vignoles. While all of their wines are produced here, they purchase a variety of grapes from Lake Michigan to Lake Erie to include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Riesling. The winery provides samples of not only their wines, but handcrafted hard ciders as well.

Entering the Stoney Ridge Winery, my eyes are immediately directed to the beautiful woodwork interior and stunning stone fireplace. A viewing tower and upstairs loft provides spectacular views of the outdoor landscape. In front of me is the long, light colored granite bar with plenty of space for a large number of wine tastings. The winery will be hosting an event for the Humane Society and I have arrived an hour before the occasion begins.

While sampling a few wines, I learned that the Stotz family property offered a local farmer’s market where they first began selling produce from their forty acres. As their endeavor grew, they planted their first acres of vines in the late 1990s. Visitors can tour the vineyard on a harvest wagon, enjoy samples of their wine and shop in the gift store for a wide variety of foods, gift baskets and crafts.

Stoney Ridge Winery has a great following with about eighty percent of their business local. Their best-selling wines include Sweet Barn Dance Red, Sunset Cruise, Stormy Nights and their semi-dry Riesling. I ordered a bottle of Barn Dance Blush and took a seat at one of the picnic tables by the pond admiring the well-manicured trellis vines in the distance.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Stoney Ridge Winery in Bryan, Ohio? What was your favorite wine? 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 winery experience and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Stoney Ridge Winery
07144 County Road 16
Bryan, OH 43506
Telephone: 419 636 3500

Where to Stay:

Colonial Manor Motel
924 E. High Street
Bryan, OH 43506
Telephone; 419 636 3123

Boutique in the heart of downtown Bryan, this motel also includes a complimentary breakfast.

Where to Eat:

Stoney Ridge Winery
07144 County Road 16
Bryan, OH 43506
Telephone: 419 636 3500

Stoney Ridge Winery offers a great selection of flatbread pizzas and appetizers.

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

Lighting Up Michigan’s Shores!

7 May 201918 September 2024

Since Michigan has the most lighthouses than any other state in the US, it only made sense to check out a few while we were on vacation. We couldn’t wait to explore The Holland Michigan Lighthouse, Grand Traverse Lighthouse and Old Mission Point Lighthouse.

We made a stop in Holland, Michigan which was the perfect detour on our way to the vacation rental in Traverse City. We strolled the beach and walked the pier while enjoying a cool breeze coming from the lake. We felt renewed after having driven four hours from Ohio watching the sailboats navigate the channel while passing by the lighthouse.

The Holland Harbor Light is known as Big Red by the locals. The lighthouse provides warning to ships and boats as they near the channel. The placard nearby provides an interesting overview of how the Dutch persevered in completing the channel by digging the waterway themselves when government funds ran dry. Access to the lighthouse is limited and is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from the middle of the morning to sunset.

Later in the week, I chose to visit The Grand Traverse Lighthouse on Leelanau Peninsula. It was a rainy day and the landscape was exceptionally green. To reach the lighthouse, I had to first pay a fee to enter Leelanau State Park before continuing the coastal drive to the tip of the peninsula.

The lighthouse that stands today was built in the late 1850s. To enter, there is an additional fee in addition to the cost to access the state park. Visitors can reach the top of the lighthouse for spectacular views of Lake Michigan.

Closest to where we were staying, Mission Point Lighthouse is about a 15 minute drive from downtown Traverse City. As we entered Lighthouse Park, we found the parking lot and made our way toward the light with a quick stop at Hessler’s Log Cabin with plans to explore the house on our way back.

What makes Mission Point Light so unique is that it is located along the 45^th parallel which is halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. According to experts, because of its location, this part of the state is optimal for growing grapes which is why Michigan also produces wine. The placard listed a few other locations along the 45^th parallel to include Bordeaux which is famous for its wine production in France.

Built in the late 1850s, the Hessler Log Cabin was once the home of Joseph and Mary Hessler. In the 1950s and 60s, it later became housing for local cherry pickers. The cabin was moved here so that visitors to the lighthouse could learn more about the lives of the first settlers on this peninsula.

Taking the scenic route of M-37, we looked forward to the beautiful drive back to Traverse City. We passed vineyards and cherry orchards before browsing the Old Mission General Store. We had such a great time visiting the Mission Point Lighthouse, but everyone was ready for a stop in Traverse City to order more of their amazing Grand Traverse Pie.

Are there certain attractions that interest you when you vacation? Are you a fan of lighthouses? I would love to hear about additional places to visit, so kindly leave a message in the comments section below!! Many thanks for reading about my trip to the lighthouses near Grand Traverse, Michigan! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Holland Lighthouse (Big Red Lighthouse)
2215 Ottawa Beach Road
Holland, MI 49423
Telephone: 800 506 1299

Grand Traverse Lighthouse
15500 Lighthouse Point Road
Northpoint, MI 49670
Telephone: 231 386 7195

Old Mission Point Lighthouse
20500 Center Road
Traverse City, MI 49686
Telephone: 231 223 7324

Restaurant Recommendation:

Grand Traverse Pie Company
525 West Front Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
Telephone: 231 922 7437

The perfect stop for soup, sandwiches, salads and of course pie!

The Fog Signal Building, Grand Traverse Lighthouse,1899

Beautiful view of Lake Michigan from the grounds of the Grand Traverse Lighthouse

Another view of the Old Mission Lighthouse, Michigan

Looking out from the Old Mission Lighthouse, Michigan

Inside the Hessler Cabin, Michigan

A Sunday Along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Michigan

30 April 201921 September 2024

The 7.4-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located off of M-109. The road was built by Pierce Stocking, a local lumberman who spent his childhood exploring the area. Great for driving or biking, the scenic route’s first stop is the Covered Bridge, which was also constructed by Stocking, adding additional charm to the drive.

Along the route are designated numbers that coordinate with the guided tour.

Stop number two is the scenic overlook of Glen Lake. The lake, divided in half by the M-22 bridge, is known as Little Glen to the south and Big Glen Lake to the north. The ridge that runs along the north side of Little Glen is appropriately named Alligator Hill as the outline of the alligator’s long snout can be seen near the bridge, to the right. Can you see it?

The Dune Overlook is our next stop and we exited the car to enjoy the scenic view. Stepping onto the platform, we were surrounded by water and sand. The beautiful blue of Lake Michigan could be mistaken for a Caribbean shoreline endlessly disappearing out into the horizon.

The nearby Cottonwood Trail is a 1.5 mile loop through the sand.

Checkpoint five explains the ecological traits of the dunes including the flora and fauna, the effect of the weather and its soil.

Leaving the sand dunes, we entered the Beech-Maple Forest and an amazing panoramic view greeted us at marker number eight.

The landscape was created by glaciers carving their way through the land, leaving behind scenic inlets and incredible coves.

As our scenic drive was coming to an end, we approached our ninth stop and exited the car. Heading towards the platform, we learned that we were approximately 450 feet above Lake Michigan. Excellent visibility allowed us a gorgeous panoramic view of Sleeping Bear Dune.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive was a great way to spend our Sunday afternoon. In addition to exploring our surroundings, we learned so much about Sleeping Bear Dunes and its beautiful lakeshore.

Have you visited Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore? What activities did you enjoy? 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 experience on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Sleeping Bear Dunes
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Empire, MI 49630
Telephone: 231 326 4700

Where to Eat:

Joe’s Friendly Tavern
11015 W. Front Street
Empire, MI 49630
Telephone: 231 326 5506

Michigan is known for its cherries, and this restaurant offered Empire wings sweetened with dark sweet cherries, so I had to try them!

Trailhead for the Cottonwood Trail

Nolan in the sand

Bodie Island Lighthouse, Outer Banks, North Carolina

9 April 201716 September 2024

Driving south towards Ocracoke on Highway 12, I caught a glimpse of the Bodie (pronounced “Body”) Island Lighthouse in the distance. I was halfway there, but decided to take the side road to have a closer look. Towering over 156 feet, there are 214 steps to reach the top with spectacular views of the Albemarle Sound, the Oregon Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse recently reopened in 2014 after an extensive renovation and is the third lighthouse to stand in this place.

Bodie Light initially opened in 1872, under the recommendation of Lieutenant Napoleon L. Coste who was tasked with deciding the placement of lighthouses along the North Carolina Coast. It was his opinion during his 1837 examination that “more vessels are lost there than on any other part of our coast” resulting in Congress’s decision to allocate funds to the project.

Unfortunately, the first lighthouse built on the site met with many challenges from the purchasing of the land and lack of experience to complete the project. At 54 feet in height, the initial lighthouse was not only leaning, it would have cost more for the repairs than to start from the ground up. This lighthouse project was abandoned in 1859. That same year, a second lighthouse was constructed in close proximity to the first light reaching 80 feet in height. Unfortunately, with the start of the Civil War, Confederate troops destroyed the lighthouse in fear that Union soldiers would use it in battle.

The lighthouse that stands today on the 15-acre site is north of the original lighthouses and was completed in 1872. Surrounded by saltwater ponds, marshlands and maritime forest, it too had its problems as geese were known to have been flying into the lens and adequate grounding had not been installed to absorb the electric from lightning strikes.

The lightkeeper’s quarters was completed in 1872 as well, but due to its isolating location, the family lived off site during the cold winter months. Eventually, there would be an improvement to access on the island and the families would live at the Keepers’ Quarters year around. Once the light was electrified in 1932, the former keeper’s quarters was eventually converted into the visitor’s center. Public tours of the lighthouse are permitted each year by purchasing tickets online.

Have you visited the Bodie Island Lighthouse? Did you climb to the top to see the spectacular views? 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 Bodie Island Lighthouse and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Bodie Island Lighthouse
8210 Bodie Island Lighthouse Road
Nags Head, NC 27959
Telephone: 252 441 5711

Admission Fee: There is a fee for climbing Bodie Lighthouse: $10 for adults (13+) and $5 for children 12 and under.
Hours: Visitor’s Center open daily from 9AM to 5PM, with the exception to Christmas; Bodie Island Lighthouse Climbing; Open 3^rd Friday in April through Columbus Day
Amenities: visitor center, lighthouse climb
Scenic View: Spectacular views of the Hatteras coastline from the top of the lighthouse
Length of Visit: less than 1 hour
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes and be careful climbing the lighthouse

Where to Stay:

Scarborough Inn
524 US-64
Manteo, NC 27954
Telephone: 252 473 3979

Where to Eat:

Fish Heads Bar & Grill
8901 S. Old Oregon Inlet Road
Nags Head, NC 27959
Telephone: 252 441 5740

What more can you want? Ocean views, seafood and a variety of craft beers? Starting with the conch fritters, I enjoyed the light breading on the outside, yummy conch on the inside with a side of Napoleon Complex Pale Ale from Wicked Weed Brewing in Ashville, NC. For my main meal, I decided on the crabcake without the bun and it was prepared perfectly! I ordered the Pineapple Cider from Austin Eastciders Collaboratory from Austin, Texas, which had a refreshing tropical taste.

What to Eat:

Crab Benedict at Sam and Ornies on Nag’s Head
Frogmore Stew Steamer Bucket from Armstrong’s Seafood in Nag’s Head
Donuts at Duck Donuts
Carolina Barbecue at Pigman’s BBQ on Nag’s Head

What to Read:

Hatteras Blue, by David Poyer
Early from the Dance, by David Payne
Surf Men by C.T. Marshall
Murder at Hatteras by Joe C. Ellis
Return to the Outer Banks by Diann Ducharme

Photo Guide for the Outer Banks

Pea Island Wildlife Refuge for capturing local birds
Jennette’s Pier to photograph local fishermen and beautiful sunrises
Ocracoke Horses
Triangle Shipwreck at Kill Devils Hill
Shipwreck artifacts at Seagreen Gallery
The Cape Hatteras lighthouse at Cape Hatteras
Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo

A Visitor’s Guide to Mt. Adams, Cincinnati, OH

24 November 201616 September 2024

Having lived in Cincinnati, I spent many weekends in Mt. Adams, enjoying its old-world charm and fabulous restaurants. Steep winding roads lead to a hillside neighborhood that towers over the city’s downtown district. With parks providing spectacular views, Mt. Adams is also a perfect getaway for locals who want to experience a location that seems more like a European village than a suburb of the Queen City.

I began this trip with a visit to Rookwood Bar and Restaurant which is located at 1077 Celestial Street. First established in 1892 as the location for the production of world-renowned pottery, a visit to Rookwood is one that will not soon be forgotten. Eat on the outdoor patio or request to dine inside of the kiln for a unique experience. I love the views from here and the food is spectacular.

UPDATE: Rookwood Restaurant now closed!

Across the street at 1071 Celestial is the upscale restaurant, The Celestial. This four-star restaurant requires a dress code, but the food is exceptional as well as the views of downtown Cincinnati. This piece of land was once part of Mt. Adams’ “entertainment district” where an amusement center and beer garden stood until they were destroyed by a fire in 1895.

UPDATE: The Celestial Restaurant has closed after 50 years.

I followed Celestial Street until it met Hill Street. Next to the Mt. Adams steps is a beautiful park. Quite often I would pass by runners and joggers along this path which opens up to phenomenal views of Kentucky and the Ohio River. This area was once owned by Nicholas Longworth who planted his vineyards along this hill. Soon thereafter, immigrants from Ireland and Germany took residence here. It was in this part of southwest Ohio that Longworth developed the Catawba grape which would be used to produce “America’s first champagne” known as Golden Wedding.

One of my favorite places to hang out with friends on the weekends was Mt. Adams Bar and Grill, located at 938 Hatch Street. This place has some great history and I love the fact that the backbar came from a speakeasy owned by “The King of Bootlegging”, George Remus. Remus was a Cincinnati criminal attorney that became famous for defending murderers, but was most known for making and distributing alcohol during the Prohibition. It is said that he was the inspiration for the famous character of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book, The Great Gatsby.

A small entrance leads to The Blind Lemon next door to Mt. Adams Bar and Grill and could easily be missed. Another hidden gem with lots of history, this amazing bar is the perfect place to enjoy the summertime garden patio or wintertime bonfires.

Most bars and restaurants on Mt. Adams are within walking distance, so finding a great streetside parking spot is essential. Since spaces fill up quickly, there is also the three-level parking garage on St. Gregory.

It was not unusual for us to start our night at Mt. Adams Bar and Grill for dinner, stop at The Blind Lemon for a couple of drinks and end the night at Yesterday’s Old Time Saloon where the drinks were strong and the prices were cheap.

A short walk from the Holy Cross Church is The Monastery that was once the location of the Cincinnati Observatory. Dedicated by President John Quincy Adams in 1843, the telescope was considered the most powerful scope of its time. Today the Monastery houses the property management firm of Towne Properties, while the Observatory has long been moved to the Mount Lookout neighborhood.

From the Monastery, I traveled down Pavilion to the next corner where I stopped for a Cafe Mocha at The Bow Tie Café. I took a seat at the Piazza where I took some time to enjoy the view, catch up on some of my notes and look over a few of my photos.

I sat under the shade of the monk statue who stood with grapes in his right hand and a cup of wine in his left. What a perfect representation of historical Mt. Adams when it was once a successful vineyard.

I continued my walk heading east on Pavilion where I reached Guido Street. Making a right, the street dead ends into The Holy Cross Immaculata Church. Built in 1859 for mid-19th century German immigrants, Mass continues to this day with one service on Saturday and two on Sundays.

Since the 1860’s, the Mount Adams steps leading up to the Holy Cross Immaculata have a great significance to Christians during the Good Friday holiday. The tradition is similar to the Santa Scala in Rome where believers start at the bottom and recite the rosary while advancing up each of the 85 stairs until reaching the top. Beginning at midnight on Holy Thursday until midnight on Good Friday, the ritual begins at the “Good-Friday Arch” on Adams Crossing, across Columbia Parkway.

Backtracking towards St. Gregory on Pavilion, I passed another popular spot on Mt. Adams, known as Crowley’s. Located at 958 Pavilion, Crowley’s is Mt. Adams’ oldest Irish Pub. Irish immigrants made Crowley’s their meeting place when it first opened and it has remained in the Crowley family for decades.

Mount Adam’s Pavilion has been a favorite bar on Mt. Adam’s for as long as I can remember. With a packed schedule of live entertainment, this location is also perfect for enjoying fabulous views of the river.

Along St. Gregory’s are several bars and restaurants to include:

Quincy’s, located at 111 St Gregory, Mt. Adams

Longworth’s at 1108 St. Gregory Street, Mount Adams

UPDATE: Longworth’s is now permanently closed.

Monk’s Cove, at 1104 St. Gregory, Mt. Adams

Tavern on the Hill, found at 1111 St. Gregory, Mt. Adams

Mt. Adams remains an artistic community and location for some of the best museums in Cincinnati. I have visited both the Cincinnati Art Museum and Krohn Conservatory. The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park is a two-time Tony Award winning theater which sponsors a wide variety of productions. For a period of meditation, visit Eden Park with its gardens, fountains and spectacular scenic views of the Ohio River, downtown Cincinnati and Kentucky.

I imagine Mt. Adams as it would have been when the German and Irish immigrants first lived here or when it was a community of artists, who enjoyed the quiet solitude away from the city.

I love this neighborhood’s strong history and its European charm where one can easily walk from one side of town to the next. So many things have changed over the years but one thing remains constant. Mount Adams is one of my favorite places to visit in Cincinnati.

Have you spent time in Mt. Adams or have a favorite Cincinnati neighborhood that I should visit? I would love to hear your recommendations if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for visiting Mt. Adams with me through my blog post and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Monastery
1055 Saint Paul Place
Cincinnati, OH 45202

The Holy Cross Immaculata Church
30 Guido Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 721 6544r

Where to Eat:

Mt. Adams Bar & Grill
938 Hatch Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 621 3666

The Bow Tie Cafe
1101 St. Gregory Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 621 2233

Where to Drink:

The Blind Lemon
936 Hatch Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 241 3885

Yesterday’s Old Time Saloon – permanently closed
930 Hatch Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 421 9998

Crowley’s Bar
958 Pavillion
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 721 7709

Mount Adams Pavilion – permanently closed
949 Pavilion Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 744 9200

Quincy’s – permanently closed
1101 St. Gregory Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 381 3132

Monk’s Cove
1104 St. Gregory
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 703 7600

Tavern on the Hill – permanently closed
1111 St. Gregory St, #1
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 421 3309

Where to Stay:

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Midtown
610 Eden Park Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Telephone: 513 381 8300

Mt. Adams is located on the east side of Cincinnati and can be accessed by taking Columbia Parkway. For more information about this fabulous hillside location, pick up a Mt. Adams map by the parking garage or visit their website at www.mtadamstonight.com.

View from the Celestial Parking Lot

Another View of Downtown Cincinnati from the Celestial Parking Lot

Mt Adams Steps

View from the park next to Mt. Adams Steps

The Monastery

A View of the Monastery from Guido Street

Mt. Adams Steps

View of Cincinnati from the Mt. Adams Steps at the Holy Cross Immaculata Church

Reaching the top step of the Holy Cross Immaculata Church, Mt. Adams

View of Downtown Cincinnati from Ida Street on Mt. Adams

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Cedar Falls at Hocking Hills

18 August 201616 September 2024

One of my favorite childhood memories of visiting Hocking Hills State Park was hiking to Cedar Falls. Starting our adventure at the trailhead of Ash Cave, we would pack a picnic lunch setting out towards Old Man’s Cave as our final destination. Today, I was hiking with my friend Sarah and it brought back such great childhood memories.

It was easy to follow the trail as the pathway was marked by blue blazes, a section of Ohio’s Buckeye Trail. At the start of our trek, we hiked inside of the gorge and later reached the rim for some spectacular views.

There was a small chill in the air as we were surrounded by the local Black Hand Sandstone and bare hemlock trees. The water had frozen over and waterfalls seemed suspended in ice.

We finally reached the fifty foot drop of Cedar Falls in the valley of Queer Creek. While not the tallest or most breathtaking, these falls are the largest in volume than other falls throughout the park. This was the reward for hiking Cedar Falls, so we took in the view and decided it was time for lunch before continuing the second half of our hike.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Cedar Falls? What other aspects of your hike did you enjoy? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments below. Many thanks for reading my short post about Cedar Falls and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Cedar Falls at Hocking Hills
21724 Ohio State Route 374
Logan, OH 43188

Admission Fee: There is no fee for hiking the trail.
Hours: Open daily
Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. The rim trail can be very dangerous, so check out the trail before bringing children with you. Stay on the trail. Visit the nature preserve’s website for a map.

Where to Stay:

Hocking Hills Inn and Coffee Emporium
13984 OH-664 Scenic
Logan, OH 43138
Telephone: 740 270 2697

Where to Eat:

Millstone Southern Smoked BBQ
12790 Grey Street
Logan, OH 43138
Telephone: 740 385 5341

What to Read:

Hocking Hills, by Doreen McMillian
Hocking Hills Day Hikes, by Mary Reed

Diamond Head, Hawai’i: What a View

22 September 201431 August 2024

After we arrived on the island of Oahu, unpacked and settled in to the hotel, we could not help but notice Diamond Head majestically looming over the island in the distance. We were ready to tackle the hike to its peak and to enjoy some much-needed time in the outdoors, so we loaded up the car, headed for the highway and made our way up the mountain.

Diamond Head is the remnants of a volcanic eruption that occurred over 150,000 years ago. The British gave it the name Diamond Head as they mistakenly thought that the calcite crystals nearby were diamonds. The Hawaiians know Diamond Head as Le’ahi, as to them, it resembles a tuna’s dorsal fin protruding from the ridgeline along its back. Lucky for us, the volcano has been dormant for many years. We began our ascent on this switchback trail, which is considered strenuous but only .8 miles in length.

The trail provided us with spectacular views of the Pacific. We made the climb with several switchbacks before reaching a long flight of stairs. The stairs brought us to a tunnel that lead us to the lower level of the Fire Control Station completed in 1911. More stairs, and we then entered the third level knowing we would soon reach the Observation station.

As we continued our ascent, we had the mountain to one side and a handrail on the other as we made our way to the first overlook. The trail was built in 1908 reaching a height of 760 feet and the views of Diamond Head and Waikiki were breathtaking.

On the other side of the station was the volcanic tuff cone which makes up Diamond Head. According to GeoLearning, a tuff (or ash) cone, is “formed by explosive (and therefore potentially hazardous) phreatomagmatic eruptions (the interaction of basaltic magma and water). Tuff cones thus tend to be found near the water’s edge or just offshore. Tuff is composed of extremely fine-grained cemented volcanic ash.”

It took us a total of about an hour to reach the summit, with some stops along the way to admire our amazing surroundings. Upon reaching the top, there was the Observation Station with a 360 degree view and a more stunning sight of Waikiki below. On a clear day you could see for miles. We took a few minutes to take in the moment and to catch our breath knowing it would probably only take about 30 minutes to return to the start of our journey.

As we finished the hike and reveled in our victorious climb with a view so spectacular and breathtaking, I realized that I would have been so disappointed if I had stayed back at the hotel or opted for a day at the beach. I promised myself that even if it took a bit of effort on my part, I would not want to miss out on an experience of a lifetime such as this.

Have you hiked Diamond Head in Hawaii or maybe you have another hike that made a long lasting impression on you? I would love to hear about your journey if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for taking this journey with me to Diamond Head and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Diamond Head State Monument
Honolulu, Hawai’i 96815
Telephone: 800 464 2924

Admission Fee: $5 per car or $1 per person for pedestrians, cash only
Hours: Open daily from 6AM to 6PM. The last entrance to hike the trail is 4:30PM.
Amenities: ADA Accessible, Snack Bar, Gift Shop, Picnic Pavilion and Tables, Restrooms and Water Fountains.
Scenic View: Spectacular views of Waikiki from Diamond Head!
Length of the Hike: 1.5 to 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Please note that the entrance fee is cash only. If hiking Diamond Head, wear appropriate shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks.

Where to Stay:

Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head
2885 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, Hawai’i 96815
Telephone: 808 922 1700

Where to Eat:

South Shore Grill
3114 Montsarrat Avenue
Honolulu, Hawai’i 96815
Telephone: 808 734 0229

Voted the best fish tacos on the island, I could not wait to order a couple and decided on the Grilled Cajun Ono Fish with Aioli….absolutely delicious! The chips and homemade salsa was a hit as well!

What to Eat:

Kalua Pig: Hawaii is famous for its Kalua Pig, similar to American pulled pork.
Poi: Made from taro root which is similar to a potato, the poi we sampled was “pounded” into a thick starch. This cooking technique results in a sticky pudding-like dessert which is purple in color.
Poke: Similar to Japanese sashimi, yet the fish is cut into chunky cubes and usually served over a bed of rice.

What to Read:

Waterman: The Life and Times of Duke Kahanamoku by David Davis
The Tattoo by Chris McKinney

Photo Guide for Oahu:

Diamond Head Crater Hike: 360 degree views of Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean
Hanauma Bay: underwater photos, photo of the bay from the parking lot
Kualoa Ranch: Jurassic Park scenery
Kualoa Regional Park and Mokoli’l Island: Palm trees and the triangle island
The Pineapple Plantations: Take the inland route from Waikiki to the North Shore and stop at Dole Plantation
Sunset Beach and Pipeline: the North Shore is the perfect location for surfing, so you will find LOTS of surfers here.
Turtle Bay: surfers and sunsets
Waikiki Wall and Beach: palm trees, surfers and highrise buildings, sunrises and sunsets

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