My husband and I spent a wonderful, leisurely afternoon yesterday at the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix, Arizona. Despite the 90 degree heat, we managed to stay comfortable among the shady lanes, blessed with a lovely breeze and a cool glass of lemonade.

We were happy to discover that our visit coincided with two extremely popular exhibitions currently on display in the Gardens. One was the Butterfly Pavilion, which runs annually from March through May, and which keeps us coming back every year. It adds an extra $3 to our general admission (we’re not Garden members, otherwise it would be free), but it’s always worth it.

The pavilion is accessed through an “airlock” so none of the inhabitants can escape. With a gentle warning from the administrators we were instructed not to touch any of the butterflies, but to allow them to come and go as they pleased (and sometimes they were “pleased” to land on us).

The other exhibition currently on display throughout the park is the collection of Chihuly Glass Sculptures. This exhibit has been present in the Gardens since November 22, 2008, and runs through May 31st, 2009. They truly add a unique and beautiful element to the lovely features of the Gardens.

The use of such vibrant colors against the desert landscape was truly dramatic.

There was another fine example of exquisite glass artwork around every corner.

The Gardens are lovely at any time of year, though they truly shine in the spring months when all the desert plants are blooming.

The Desert Botanical Gardens are part of a park complex that includes the Phoenix Zoo and Papago Park. Admission for non-members is $15.00 for adults, $5.00 for children under twelve, and $7.50 for students aged 13-18. Self-guided audio tours are available for an additional $3, and special exhibits and events (such as the extremely popular Spring Jazz in the Garden concert series) may also be an additional charge.

Whether you’re looking to create a unique family memory, or you want to spend a day in solitude and quiet contemplation, or you wish for a romantic outing to share with a loved one, the Desert Botanical Gardens are an excellent choice to wile away a sunny afternoon.

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My husband and I are constantly on the lookout for weekend day trip ideas. Our weekends are spent filled with the awareness of all the useful things that we’re supposed to be doing around the house, yet we are severely lacking the willpower to do those things. One Saturday afternoon not too long ago, our desperate escape from the horror of chores took us in the direction of Scottsdale, and the Arts District.

The Old Town area of Scottsdale is a treat for window shopping enthusiasts, and a mecca for Southwestern oriented artwork and decor. Parking can sometimes be a challenge, though it’s easier during the day than at night, when Those Who Wish To See and Be Seen come out to play.

Art galleries mingle seamlessly with souvenir stores and restaurants. Every Thursday the art galleries host an evening Art Walk from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., displaying their artwork and crafts along the walkways and sidewalks. Come for the art, stay for the free wine!

It’s easy to spend hours looking through the hundreds of shops in the area. My husband and I broke up the day with regular stops for refreshment, first at the Rusty Spur Saloon:

Then at the Sugar Bowl:

There is absolutely no way to forget that you are in the heart of the Southwest.

Nothing says Arizona like a good old fashioned cow skull:

Scottsdale is family and pet friendly - though they discourage pets coming into the stores and restaurants themselves. To get there from Loop 101, exit on Indian School Road and travel west to Scottsdale Road. If you’re taking the 202, exit on Scottsdale Road and travel north to arrive in the Old Town area. The heart of the Arts district is on Scottsdale Road and Fifth Avenue.

The Old Town area of Scottsdale - just like the rest of the city - is an excellent place to spend very little money and enjoy the sites; alternately, you can spend a WHOLE LOT of money and indulge in some truly unique arts and crafts.

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We talk a lot about family vacations on this blog.  We give you tips for traveling with kids and point out things for families to do and see.

But what about traveling without your kids?

For couples with children, a getaway as adults and not as parents can be rare.  And the longer you’ve been parents, the easier it is to find yourself alone with your significant other in a hotel room asking “what should we do now?”  (I mean, you know, after you’ve done that.)

15 Things To Do On A Vacation Without Your Kids

(And for those of you without children who get to travel with adults frequently, don’t laugh at our need for some guidance!)

1. Go to an amusement park

While it’s true that most amusement parks market themselves as gateways to “family fun”, they are also great places for adults to have fun.  Imagine going on the roller coasters together - without having to worry about height restrictions or taking turns sitting with the stroller.  When you visit an amusement park with other adults, you almost never find yourself crawling out of a ride that’s just started because someone is afraid of the dark.

You’re never too old to throw your hands up in the air and scream at the top of your lungs.

2. Go to a casino

You don’t have to gamble your life’s savings to enjoy a trip to a casino.  Even if you only play the penny slots or place the minimum bet at the tables, it’s nice to spend some time in a place that caters to adults.  And casinos are masters at making sure grown ups have a good time.

3. Lay on the beach

I adore taking my kids to the beach.  Truly, I do.  But it’s also nice to be able to lay on the sand and close my eyes without worrying about someone drowning.  Take a book and allow yourself to get lost in it, or venture out into the water and enjoy the waves that would normally be too big for children.

4. Eat dinner late

As a parent, meals are about getting people fed before they get cranky and overly tired.  When you take a vacation without your kids, take the opportunity to skip the early bird crowd and enjoy a restaurant with ambience.  This is your chance to take advantage of the available 8pm reservation slots at a place you’d never get to enjoy otherwise.

5. Take a nap

A great vacation should allow time to relax.  One of the most indulgent things to do on a vacation is head back to your hotel room and take a nap.  Don’t set the alarm or feel guilty about all the things you’re not accomplishing.  When was the last time you slept until you woke up all on your own?

6. Have drinks in a restaurant you can’t afford

When I go to a place like New York City, I tend to get most of my nutrition from street vendors.  What can I say - I usually travel on a budget!  But when you’re not traveling with kids, you can get dressed up and be part of that trendy restaurant, even if it’s just to grab a few drinks at the bar (before you head off for hot dogs on the corner).

7. Visit a museum

I’m a huge proponent for exposing children to art and culture.  Museums provide great learning opportunities for kids.  But going as an adult without kids provides a great opportunity for you to enjoy the exhibits without shushing anyone or having to enforce the “no touching!” rule.

If you go to a museum alone, you’ll have plenty of time to sit and ponder without interruption.  If you go with another adult, you might find you have something totally new to talk about together.

8. Attend a dinner theater

Dinner theater is good, cheesy fun.  Let yourself laugh at corny jokes.  Revel in being in a room full of other adults and not having to cut anyone else’s meat.

9. Take a walk

When you get to explore a new city without having to worry about little ones darting off into traffic or running into strangers, you find you notice details that would otherwise get ignored.  Allow yourself to get lost in the architecture.  Stroll hand in hand with someone who isn’t tugging to break free.

10. Get a spa treatment

A trip to the hotel spa is rarely on the family vacation itinerary.  Taking a vacation without your kids provides the perfect chance to pamper yourself with a spa treatment you’d never splurge for at home.  If you’re traveling with your spouse, I highly recommend couple’s massages - even if one of you scoffs at first at the idea of fluffy robes and candles.  You’ll both come away relaxed and grateful for the time to unwind together.

11. Take a carriage tour

One of my favorite ways to learn about a new place is with a guided carriage tour.  A good guide will provide you with all sorts of information and interesting details about the things you’ll see.  And you can’t deny there’s something romantic about riding around in a carriage.

12. See a concert

When I was younger, I used to save for months to see my favorite band play.  Even the best iPod and home stereo system can’t compete with the thrill of live music.  One of the greatest vacations I’ve taken as an adult was a trip to Vegas planned around a Prince concert.

The next time you hear your favorite 80s band is doing a come back tour, consider booking a room and making a vacation out of seeing them perform one more time.

13. Go skydiving/bungee jumping/zip lining

In other words, be adventurous!  Do something that scares the crap out of you!  Get your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping in ways you can’t experience when you’re being the responsible adult.

14. Go shopping.  Together.

Yes, really.  Maybe a husband and wife shoe shopping marathon isn’t ideal.  And maybe one of you cringes at the very idea of stepping into a mall.  But when was the last time you visited a store with breakables?  Your everyday trip to Great Clips and the grocery store is not the same as browsing through antique shops or fawning over fancy electronics.

When my husband and I get the chance to shop together, we find ourselves talking about things we want, things we love, and things we can’t imagine anyone being interested in buying.  But we’re talking - and not about work or school or whose turn it is to fold laundry.

15. Go dancing

Who cares if one - or both - of you has two left feet?  The mantra on vacation is “I’ll never see any of these people again!”  Let your hair down and don’t be afraid to make fools of yourselves.  There are few things more romantic than spending a night together on a dance floor.

As an avid traveler, I wholeheartedly support frequent vacations with your kids.  It’s important to let them see the world and get exposed to new places - and experiencing those places as a family is great.  But it’s also nice from time to time to remember who you are without your kids and nurture the parts of you that have nothing to do with nurturing other people.  Get out there and live a little!

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A delicate kiss at Delicate Arch, Utah

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Beautiful Percheron Horses

“Dashing through the snow, in a two-horse open sleigh …”

Well, we did have to diverge from the song a bit on our recent winter sleigh ride. Our group of 20 couldn’t be pulled by a single horse, even a single 2300 pound Percheron. But what a magnificent ride they gave.

Brandt’s have been doing horse drawn wagon and sleigh rides for years. With temps just above zero, we bundled up on the sleigh, sang some songs and enjoyed a smooth ride through the woods east of Antigo, WI.

Family Enjoying a Sleigh Ride

The ride includes a stop to make a big fire in the woods where we heated up some soup, cooked hot dogs on a stick and passed a few bottles of wine and whiskey to warm our innards.

Brandt’s takes reservations and the father-daughter team are great about answering questions, adjusting the ride to suit your needs and giving all the little ones a turn to hold the reins where they also get a view of these giant Percheron horses.

It’s a semi-annual tradition for my family and one that I’m sure will continue.

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With its upscale restaurants, landmark buildings, beautiful bridges and breathtaking views, San Francisco always tops the lists of favorite US cities and tourist destinations.  Many people come to visit during the summer months and get disappointed by the cold fog and damp weather. However you would be pleasantly surprised if you made a trip to the city during this time of year.  The winter months often bring cold temperatures but very blue skies during the day and nights full of stars.

San Francisco is almost more beautiful at night during the holidays than any other time of year – and that is saying something.

During the holidays living in the City is such a gift: the bright lights on the Embarcadero Center row of buildings, outlined to look like giant present boxes; the beautiful window displays in high-end stores like Gump’s and multi-colored lights adorning neighborhood parks and homes. Walk through any of these areas of the city and you can’t help but smile and get a little more into the holiday spirit.

If you are visiting the City or planning to in the future and want to experience a uniquely San Francisco evening, I have the perfect recipe for you. The itinerary will need a little planning but should only require one phone call for the dinner reservation.  This evening is a local favorite for a romantic date but it can be adjusted for just a great night out with friends or family.

First thing you want to do is plan on wearing some warm layers of clothing, especially a scarf and gloves.  San Francisco at night, during this time of year, can be very cold. Wear some nice holiday clothes and comfortable shoes and you will be set for the evening.

Begin the evening with a drink at the beautiful Big Four Restaurant on Nob Hill. Located inside the Huntington Hotel, this secret spot doesn’t have the view that you can get from the Top of the Mark, but this is the place locals go. Filled with beautiful dark wood, the bar area is rich and a historic reminder of the robber barons that built San Francisco.

After a glass of wine or cold cocktail, walk slowly across California Street, watching out for the cable cars and taxi drivers heading across town. Criss-cross the street and stroll through Huntington Park, a wonderful small city park situated between Grace Cathedral and The Fairmont Hotel.  It is one of my favorite parks to visit at night during the holidays because the neighborhood association installs beautiful old-fashion lights in the trees.

Walk through the park towards your dinner reservations, at Venticello Ristorante on Taylor Street. This wonderful Italian restaurant has a warm intimate setting that reminds you of San Francisco society pages from the 1920s. I have had dinners where I have watched patrons walk in that could have been related to Grace Kelly or Kim Novak, in their style of dress and manner. The food is classic Italian with homemade pastas, risotto and roasted meats. The fireplace and wood oven add warmth to your dinner setting along with a backdrop of cable cars going up and down California Street.

After your dinner walk down Taylor Street to Jackson Street and catch the Powell-Hyde Cable Car, with its maroon colored sign, to head towards the waterfront and Hyde Street Pier.  The cable car ride will be very chilly but you can cuddle up inside the center of the car or wrap your scarf tighter and hang onto the outer poles like a local.

Your ride will take you up past Nob Hill and across Russian Hill until you head down Hyde Street to the end of the line. Hop off and turning your back to the bay, walk into The Buena Vista Cafe - home of the perfect Irish Coffee!

Irish Coffee

The recipe of this famous drink was created in 1952 when the restaurant owner and a well known travel writer worked to re-create a highly touted “Irish Coffee” served at Shannon Airport in Ireland.

The Irish Coffee served here at the Buena Vista is the perfect night cap any night of the year, but especially in winter.  How and when you decide to end your evening is up to you, but after all the lights, rich foods, fresh air and drinks - I recommend taking a cab home. Enjoy!

Photo credits to bill lim, tinou, shayne kaye and rick

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If you live in central Florida, you know that it is not 90 degrees for 12 months out of the year.  However, if you live anywhere else in the world, you’ll mistakenly assume that the “Welcome To The Sunshine State” signs are sincere and equates to tropical paradise even in the dead of winter.

You have only to visit Florida’s famed Daytona Beach between October and March to realize the error of your thinking.

While even northern tourists will find it much too cold to swim in the Atlantic during the colder months, the beach is still a great place to find fun and relaxation.

How can you possibly enjoy coastal Daytona Beach with all of your clothes on?

Take A Walk Along Daytona Beach

Take a walk.

Sure, it sounds cliche.  But kick off your shoes, roll up your pants, and stroll along the edge where the tide changes its mind over and over again and you’ll soon understand how long walks on the beach became a romance movie staple.

It feels good.  It’s relaxing.  It’s cheap and easy entertainment for the kids that makes for very impressive pictures to take home.  Time flies by and before you know it’s time for everyone to head to bed, the sun and wind having sapped your children’s will to argue.

If you get tired of staring at the endless stretch of white sand, rolling waves and disturbingly unaware birds, Daytona Beach pier and boardwalk area offers slightly more commercial attractions as well.

A small amusement park provides the opportunity to have yourself shot into the air at a freakishly fast speed via The Slingshot for $25 per person, per ride.  A two story strip mall (it is still Florida) offers tourist style shopping and Starbucks as well as several themed restaurants.

But perhaps the most unique experience at Daytona Beach that can be enjoyed year round is the sea chairs ride out over the pier and the water.

Daytona Beach Sea Chairs

It’s an old, rustic attraction that scares the crap out of some people.  But if you’re a fan of nostalgia and old fashioned charm, a tour along the skyline trolley is a true can’t miss.

And if you ride in December, for Pete’s sake, bring a jacket!

All pictures taken by Britt Reints.

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The Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas.

Looking for a certain je ne sais quoi for your next Las Vegas vacation? Luckily the era of themed resorts added a little French to the center of the Las Vegas Strip. Whether planning a risqué weekend with a partner or a rendezvous with family and friends, the centerpiece of a French inspired vacation is Paris Las Vegas. The resort, along with a variety of French restaurants and stage productions on The Strip, offer vacationers who can’t afford a trip to Paris a taste of the famed City of Light with the added excitement of Sin City, of course.

Upon arrival at the 2,915 room Paris Las Vegas Resort & Casino the essence of Paris is overwhelming apparent as the front facade of the elaborate and luxurious structure is designed to emulate elements of the Paris Opera House and the Louvre. Its architecture also incorporates many of the famous sights of Paris, including a 540-foot tall replica of the Eiffel Tower, now a signature of the LasVegas Skyline, a neon sign in the shape of the Montgolfier balloon, a two-thirds size Arc de Triomphe and a La Fontaine des Mers. This picturesque resort is sure to make any vacationer utter “c’est magnifique!”

The Eiffel Tower
Start your vacation on a high note with a trip up the Eiffel Tower. Don’t forget your camera because the observation deck provides extraordinary views up and down the Las Vegas Strip and a 360° panorama of the entire Las Vegas Valley.

Tickets may be purchased at the Eiffel Tower Box Office located inside the casino. The cost is $10 for adults; $7 for seniors 65 and older and children 6-12; free for children younger than 5. From 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., when the Las Vegas Strip lights up, admission is $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and children. Family packages (two adults and two children) are available for $30 from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Las Vegas Strip north from the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas

A Culinary Adventure
If you’re like me, you’re really into food. Paris Las Vegas’ restaurants turn vacationers into the bon vivant with an offering of everything from the classical French cuisine to the Pan Asian Parisian.

Popular for its al fresco dining, with an up close view of the impressive Fountains of Bellagio, Mon Ami Gabi French Bistro offers a simplistic French menu with everything from traditional Hors D’Oeuvres to Steak Frites. The restaurant’s desserts, including profiteroles and crème brûlée, are awe inspiring. A children’s menu offers a number of kid-friendly meals, including macaroni and cheese and burgers.

Reservations at Mon Ami Gabi are highly recommended for indoor seating. Unfortunately, seats on the patio are first-come, first-serve. Since they are highly sought by guests, a request may result in a long wait as guest tend to stay a while. Of course, who can blame them for enjoying a café au lait and the stunning view after their meal?

Another great restaurant with al fresco dining is Ah Sin, offering an Asian Fusion menu with a diverse collection of flavors and cooking techniques from the Pacific Rim. Reservations are recommended for both patio and indoor dining.

You’ll say “bon appetite” as you make a toast to the dazzling lights 100 feet below your table at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant. Located on the 11th floor of the iconic structure, the restaurant is fine dining with view. The restaurant serves the most acclaimed French cuisine available in the city, including a flawlessly seasoned lamb and foie gras that’s unrivaled. To ensure a seat with the best view, reservations are required.

It’s all about great food and ambiance at the two-story, art deco inspired Les Artistes Steakhouse. The restaurant’s à la carte menu offers a variety of specialties, including grilled rack of lamb, a 50-ounce porterhouse steak, and roasted whole Maine lobster and tasty poultry dishes. Reservations at Les Artiste Steakhouse are recommended.

In all, Paris Las Vegas offers 11 dining options, from the low-cost, no-frills to the epicurean experience. There are also a variety of French restaurants in the Las Vegas resort corridor, including Daniel Boulud Brasserie at Wynn, Alizé at the Palms, Fleur de Lys at Mandalay Bay, Joël Robuchon at the Mansion at MGM Grand, Le Cirque at Bellagio, and finally the famous Pamplemousse, located at 400 E. Sahara Avenue.

No matter your appetite, you’re sure to find the right French meal for the occasion.

Bring on the Night
After the sun sets behind the Spring Mountains to the west and the neon glows, Paris Las Vegas’ nighttime establishments come to life. From the ultra-chic Risqué Nightclub, to the charming Le Cabaret lounge to the lively Napoleon’s Bar, guests are sure to find the right setting for an all night vacation celebration.

Paris Las Vegas’ location at the center of the LasVegas Strip also provides for easy travel to city’s most popular nightclubs, including Pure at Caesar’s Palace, LAX at Luxor, Tao at the Venetian and Tryst at Wynn. Take a taxi, limo, the Las Vegas Monorail or a walk along the Strip to find your ultimate party spot.

And who can forget the shows of Cirque du Soleil. Okay, the shows are not a product of France, but Canada’s Quebec province, so they are still essentially French. There are now six Cirque du Soleil shows at various hotels in Las Vegas: O at Bellagio, Mystere at Treasure Island, Ka at MGM Grand, Zumanity at New York-New York, Love at the Mirage and the newest show, Criss Angel’s Believe. Tickets for these shows are expensive, but well worth the money.

From the street, the 540-foot Eiffel Tower extends into the clouds.

The Spa Treatment
After a night out, a spa treatment at Paris Las Vegas’ Spa by Mandara provides the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation. Massages and facials, as well as other beautification packages are available. For folks not willing to skip their fitness routine, the spa also features a fully equipped fitness center, personal training and steam and saunas rooms.

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