Snoqualmie Falls are 100 feet higher than those other falls in Niagara - believe it

Snoqualmie Falls is located 25 miles east of Seattle just off Interstate 90. The water powers two Hydro Plants and your imagination.

There is a hiking trail down to the 65-foot-deep pool at the bottom (about half a mile, which isn’t bad but don’t forget up).  That’s the Salish Lodge in the top-left corner.  Their view costs more and can’t be nearly as exciting (but I’m sure it’s nice).

Photo by Whit Honea

Orlando - We Still Have Palm Trees In January

January is a great time to visit Orlando, Florida if you’re not a fan of crowds or oppressive heat.  The humidity is usually next to nothing, and most of the holiday visitors have packed up and headed home.  But there’s still plenty of things to do in Orlando in January.

7 Things To Do In January In Orlando

Disney Marathon in Orlando in January

1.  Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 7 – January 10, 2010

Strap on your sneakers and run 26.2 miles through all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks.   The weekend also features a half marathon, a family 5k run and races for the kids.  Disney’s Health & Fitness Expo also runs all weekend long at the Wide World of Sports Complex and features celebrity athlete speakers, fitness seminars and a product expo for health and exercise fans.

Rescued Manatee at Blue Springs State Park

2.  Blue Spring Manatee Festival – January 23 & 24, 2010

North of Orlando, in Volusia County’s Orange City, you’ll find a local festival offering crafts, face painting, games and rides. But the highlight of the event is the chance to catch a shuttle over to Blue Spring State Park to watch hundreds of manatee in their natural habitat.

Scottidsh Highland Games in January

3.  Central Florida Scottish Highland Games – January 16 & 17, 2010

Hosted in Winter Springs, the Scottish Highland Games provides a truly unique festival experience. Watch (or participate in!) athletic events like the open stone put, hammer toss, and caber toss. The festival also includes a dance competition and a whisky tasting event. Tickets for the weekend are $20 for adults.

4.  Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities – January 23 – 31, 2010

Taking place the last week of January each year in Eatonville and throughout Orange County, Florida, this multi-day, multi-disciplinary event celebrates the life and work of 20th century writer, folklorist and anthropologist, Zora Neale Hurston, as well as the cultural contributions of people of African ancestry across the world. The festival features writers’ forums, lectures by well-known novelists, art exhibitions and live music. January 30th is the festival’s Family Day and features an outdoor art festival. Event details available online.

5.  Sunshine Regional Chili Cook-Off – January 17, 2010

Each year, Kissimmee, Florida hosts this International Chili Society sanctioned event at the Kissimmee Lakefront Park. The competition will offer more than $4,000 in cash/prizes, including $1,000 for the 1st place winner and airfare to attend the World Finals. Although pre-registration is required to compete, the public can watch, sample and vote as all the cooking is done on site. The event also features live entertainment, a beer garden, children activities, and, of course, food vendors.

6.  Light Up UCF – January 1 – 10, 2010

Light Up UCF starts in November and continues on through the first week of January. Enjoy ice skating, a light show, film festival and live music. Visit the website for specific event information for each day.

7. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus – January 14 – 17, 2010

Run away to the circus in January

The circus is coming to Orlando’s Amway Arena this January. Catch the animals, the tight-rope walkers, the clowns and the motorcycle troupe. Beginning 90 minutes before each show, families can get up close with some of their favorite animal performers in the free Animal Open House. And then, starting one hour before the show, guests can join on the arena floor for the All Access Pre-show, free to all ticket holders. Tickets start at $25 and are available at www.ringling.com.

Of course, all of the amusement parks, museums and shopping malls are still open all over Orlando in January, too!

Photo Credits: Britt Reints, mighty-J, Britt Reints, Scottish Highland Games, Ringling Bros.

A cactus strung with Christmas lights in Arizona.

Hop in the car, take a drive around town, and see businesses and neighborhoods who have gone all-out to bring holiday cheer in the form of elaborate Christmas light displays.

The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale, Arizona, hosts train rides among more than 100,000 lights and displays. Nightly from 6:30 to 9:00 running from December 11th through January 2nd, excluding December 24th, 25th, and 31st. Train rides are $2.00 and carousel rides are $1.00 each with children under three riding free with a paying adult.

The Red Rock Fantasy in Sedona, Arizona, is entering its nineteenth year. The festival is open each evening (weather permitting) from November 19th through January 2nd, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for children aged 5-12 and free for children 4 and under. Dozens of southwest-themed displays and millions (yes, millions!) of lights make this one of the premier Christmas light festivals in Arizona. The route begins at the Los Abrigados Resort & Spa lobby under the lighted Red Rock Fantasy arch, and is clearly marked with reflective strips. It takes approximately 60 minutes to complete the tour by foot, and assistance is offered by the resort staff for those who are physically challenged.

The lights strung on the Mill Avenue bridge.

The Mill Avenue shopping and college district in Tempe, Arizona, comes ablaze with Christmas lights every year from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. Visitors can walk along the sidewalks enjoying the sights, pop into a cafe or restaurant for a hot cup of coffee or a meal, then resume their stroll among the stores and boutiques. Get some Christmas shopping done while enjoying the festive atmosphere, sidewalk entertainment, and people-watching that is unique to Mill Avenue.

An impressive neighborhood display of Christmas lights can be found at Natal Circle in Chandler, Arizona. From the intersection of Arizona Ave. (Country Club Dr.) and Guadalupe, head west on Guadalupe, and turn north on Cherry Rd. Find a place to park, and walk around the neighborhood. Nearly every household has thrown themselves into the festive spirit of things. As a courtesy to everyone enjoying the Christmas light display, please drive with your parking lights only when making your way through the neighborhood.

Having a destination in mind is all well and good, but sometimes it’s just that much more fun to jump in the car with no particular direction in mind, turn down random streets, and enjoy the lights that your neighbors have worked on so hard to display for your enjoyment.

Photo credits (in order of appearance):
- “Christmas cactus” by Kevin Dooley on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “Mill Avenue Bridge two” by twak on Flickr Creative Commons.

Girls sing during the Andersonville St. Lucia Festival of Lights

Skip the glitz of the Magnificent Mile and head to Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood for the quaint, culturally rich yuletide excursion of the  St. Lucia Festival of Lights.  You’ll hear greetings of  en riktig god jul (a very merry christmas) echo the area’s deep Swedish roots, of which the St. Lucia festival is the most dramatic.  December 13 marks  St. Lucia Day, the most significant celebration of the Swedish holiday season.  Traditionally, Swedish Christmas officially begins on Sankta Lucia, the shortest day of the year.  The eldest daughter of the household, dressed in a white robe with crimson sash and a crown of lighted candles, sings the Santa Lucia song and carries a tray of  coffee and special saffron buns.  The entire Andersonville neighborhood turns out to watch the glittering procession of  white clad girls carrying candles through the darkened streets.

The festival starts at 4:45PM at the Swedish American Museum, at 5211 N. Clark and the candlelit procession winds down Clark Street, where shop owners stand outside with candles lit to honor St. Lucia.  Afterwards, the museum hosts holiday singing and serves  traditional Swedish treats like pepparkakor ginger cookies and non-alcoholic glogg.  Enjoy the rest of the evening by exploring Andersonville’s Swedish bakeries, shops and restaurants filled with old world charm.

Photo courtesy of the Andersonvile Chamber of Commerce

Ice skating at Millennium Park

A dip in temperatures means that Chicago weather is moving back to its natural state but it also means that it’s the season for ice skating in Millennium Park. A Chicago tradition for 9 years, skaters can spin around the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink until March 14, weather permitting and it always does. Glide around the 200 feet long and 80 feet wide rink with the glistening  Cloudgate “Bean” sculpture as the backdrop. Skate rental is $10 if you don’t bring your own. I defintitely recommend bringing a scarf, hat, mittens and thick socks to shield your skin against the notorious Chicago wind.

Hours of outdoor exercise demands a hot, gooey indulgence. A day ice skating at Millennium Park wouldn’t be complete without a stop by the nearby Ghiradelli Chocolate Shop. I’d suggest the sea salt caramel hot cocoa topped with lots of whipped cream but that’s just me.  There’s a host of other chocolate goodies and ice cream, if you dare.  Take in Macy’s Christmas windows and the array of Michigan Avenue shops and then head to the Chicago Cultural Center. The center always offers free programs and events, including a Dance-Along Nutcracker on December 6 and a photography exhibit by local artist Barbara Crane through January 10.  Rest at the  elegant and close by Sheraton Chicago and build your stamina for a whopping  deep dish dinner at the iconic Pizzeria Due.

Photo courtesy of Millennium Park

A view from the Apache Trail.

The Apache Trail – officially designated as AZ Rt. 88 – is forty miles of steep, winding, and mostly unpaved roads that connect the Arizona towns of Apache Junction and Globe, through the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest. It was developed in the 1800’s as a stagecoach trail running through the mountains, and named after the Apache Indians who originally used the trail.

The hike up to Tonto National Monument

Traversing the Apache Trail is tricky and not for the faint of heart, but travelers are rewarded with magnificent views of the mountains and local flora and fauna. It is along this route that some of the most dense forests of saguaro cacti in the state can be seen. There are several large lakes along the route for boating, picnicking, hiking, and swimming – Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, and Apache Lake all lead up to the Theodore Roosevelt Lake and Roosevelt Dam. Other attractions along the route include the Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine Tours, the Lost Dutchman State Park, Tortilla Flat (population six!), Fish Creek, and the Tonto National Monument, before finally reaching the town of Globe.

The Theodore Roosevelt Dam.

To get to the Apache Trail, take U.S. 60 east all to Apache Junction, to the turn-off for AZ88/Idaho Road. Follow the signs through Apache Junction toward Canyon Lake. Once in Globe, the ride back to the Phoenix metropolitan area is a quick drive north on I-10. It is NOT recommended to drive large vehicles or RV’s along the Apache Trail due to very narrow roads and switchbacks.

Photo Credits (in order of appearance):
- “Apache Trail” by eflon on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “The Hike up to Tonto” by randwill on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “Theodore Roosevelt Dam” by randwill on Flickr Creative Commons.

Poinsettias at Garfield Park Conservatory Holiday Flower Show

Grab some green during your holiday excursions and visit Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory  for the annual holiday flower show, which runs through January 10.   Nestled in a historic building on Chicago’s west side, the  Garfield Park Conservatory is the nation’s largest “glass house”  in the country and offers tons of earth-centered, family-friendly activities.  Start with the holiday flower show, which features an explosion of color highlighting poinsettias, Jerusalem cherry plants, ornamental peppers, Christmas trees and more.      

Next, explore the Elizabeth Morse Genius Children’s Garden and let kids trace a giant vine from root to blossom, touch a sensitive plant, which crumbles up when touched and help a jumbo-sized bee pollinate a flower. Children can also search for plant clues with the Sugar from the Sun Fold & Find Scavenger Hunt or learn to build a tropical habitat.  Stop by the gift shop and browse through potted plants, botanical arts and handcrafted, gourmet honey.  Head to nearby MacArthur’s Restaurant, a west side institution and Obama favorite, for a filling meal of  smothered chicken, collard greens and macaroni and cheese.  Make it a leisurely holiday weekend and stay at The Silversmith Hotel & Suites, located close to Michigan Avenue and public transportation.

Photo courtesy of Explore Chicago

Mexican folk art

Don’t think you’re stuck shopping for the same old gifts and stocking stuffers this holiday season.  A visit to  Chicago’s  National Museum of Mexican Art’s Mercado Navideno holiday market will reveal all the colorful options to spice up your shopping.  The Mercado Navideno runs November 27-29 and offers an array of authentic Mexican folk art gifts. Choose papier mache figurines, pottery, vividly-colored textiles, paintings, carvings or silver jewelry to thrill your friends and family. Don’t miss a visit to the overflowing gift store, Tienda Tzintzuntzan.

As the nation’s largest Latino arts institution, the National Museum of Mexican Art supplies lots of engaging historical art exhibits to browse through.  Located in the thriving and culturally rich neighborhood of Pilsen,  the museum is the anchor for exploring the areas galleries, restaurants and boutiques. Stop by the Pilsen landmark, Cafe Jumping Bean, to grab their famous mango licuado and a black bean burger while watching local chess players battle it out.  Continue shopping at Knee Deep Vintage  for funky accessories, fashion and housewares.  Top off your experience at the trendy Nightwood,  for a hip dinner of   braised rabbit ravioli or whatever else is on the daily changing menu. Stay at nearby Chicago South Loop Hotel and make a weekend of holiday shopping and nibbling. 

Photo courtesy of National Museum of Mexican Art

Chicago's Christkindl Market in Daley Plaza

Gliding down the Magnificent Mile and piling up credit card charges might signal  the start of the  Chicago  holiday season for some but for me, the official launch comes with  the fresh stollen, gingerbread and hot spiced wine of  the Christkindl Market. Considered one of the best German Christmas markets in the world, this open air, month-long event offers a more authentic (and cheaper)  holiday shopping experience.  Inspired by the famous Nuremburg  Christmas Market that started in 1545, the Chicago Christkindl features an official  November 25 launch by Nuremberg’s past Christkindl, a fairy-like character who wears a  shimmering, golden robe with a crown perched atop golden locks.

Under candy-striped awnings and a sparkling Christmas tree in Daley Plaza, the market bustles with German food and handicrafts. Many local vendors like the Chicago institution, Dinkel’s Bakery, which sells delicate stollen holiday cake, occupy stalls but a good portion travel all the way from Germany, including Frank’s Bavarian Gift Shop, which offers marzipan, beer steins and wooden ornaments.  Browse the market for handcrafted nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks and hand-painted toys and then perform the requisite gorging with homemade schnitzel, strudel, bratwurst, sausages and pretzels, washed down with gluhwein or mulled, spiced, wine.   Once you’ve properly insulated yourself with food, sit back and catch choirs, dance troupes and Alpine brass bands performing.  I recommend staying at a nearby hotel, like the iconic Palmer House Hilton, so walking in the Chicago cold and lugging goodies remains an enjoyable holiday excursion.

Handcrafted wooden toys

Photos courtesy of  Explore Chicago

The Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer

Twilight fans, get ready to get your squee on!!!

The next movie in the saga, New Moon, hits theaters this Friday. In anticipation of this august occasion, the town of Surprise, Arizona, is preparing a pre-movie party sure to whip all Twilight fans – adolescent and not-so-adolescent – into a frenzy of Team Edward and Team Jacob hysteria the likes of which the world may never fully recover.

The town of Surprise is hosting New Moon Rising Over Arizona on November 19th from 6:00 pm to midnight at the UltraStar Cinemas 14 (13649 North Litchfield Rd.). This FREE party features costume and trivia contests with prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place; a blood drive hosted by the Red Cross; Twilight memorabilia and merchandise; raffles, cars, costumes, and props from the movie on display; a free “New Moon Rising over AZ” t-shirt for the first fifty folks in line; and live music.

The party culminates in the first showing of New Moon just after midnight on November 20th. Be the very first among your friends to see the movie! Brag about it the next day at work! Save your ticket stub in an album and regale your grandchildren with the tale of how you were First In Line on Opening Midnight to see the second installment of the Twilight saga!

The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites at 16540 N. Bullard Ave is even offering discounted rooms for attendees of New Moon Rising Over Arizona. Regular room rates of $108 for double occupancy have been reduced to $89.00 for the night of November 19th.

Head on over to Surprise and mingle with your fellow Twilight fans! Vampire teeth recommended but not required.

Photo Credit: “Twilight books” by annafur on Flickr Creative Commons.