Madera Canyon, Arizona

Madera Canyon is a lovely little tucked-away spot in southern Arizona. My husband and I discovered it one weekend while we were whiling away the day in the Tucson area. We followed a winding road that crossed over low desert, then started to climb until we suddenly found ourselves among tall trees and greenery. Madera Canyon and Madera Creek traverse four different “life zones” which supports a variety of flora and fauna in a relatively small area.

The area is considered to be the third-best birding destination in the United States – ornithology enthusiasts will be able to sight over 256 documented species of birds, including 15 different kinds of hummingbirds and 36 species of wood warblers. Patrons of the canyon’s parks and trails will frequently come across small herds of deer and flocks of wild turkeys – even black bears, mountain lions and bobcats have been spotted on occasion.

A Mexican Jay spotted in Madera Canyon.

Madera Canyon has close to 100 miles of hiking trails that vary from paved, handicap-accessible trails and gentle walking paths in the lower canyon (including the Bud Gode Interpretive Nature Trail), to steep, expert trails leading to the top of 9,453-foot Mt. Wrightson. As higher elevations are attained, hikers are presented with some spectacular views of the mountains and the Sonoran Desert.

Since the area is part of the Coronado National Forest and is designated a National Forest Recreation Area, the U.S. Forest Service charges a small fee for daily use which can be paid by cash or check. The Santa Rita Lodge is a favored place to stay for visitors of the area. Keep in mind there is no food service in Madera Canyon, so bring your own food! The cabins and apartments of the Santa Rita Lodge have kitchenettes for cooking. March, April and May are considered peak birding season so make your reservations in advance.

My husband and I passed the Chuparosa Inn along the drive and we are bound and determined to stay there. I’ve never seen a more picturesque little place in my life!

To get to Madera Canyon from the Phoenix area, take I-10 East towards Tucson. Merge onto I-19 towards Nogales, then take the Continental Road exit.

Photo credits (in order of appearance):
- Madera Canyon by Tiffany Joyce
- Mexican Jay by Alan Vernon on Flickr Creative Commons.

Grapefull Sisters Vineyard

Wine tasting can be a lot of fun, what with all that sipping of various wines, but a trip to Grapefull Sisters Vineyard creates a total wine experience that’s not just about tasting.  Located 17 miles north of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, this sprawling working vineyard offers gardens, a bed and breakfast, an RV camping ground and yes, wine tasting.

Grapefull Sisters non-alcoholic wine

The 28-acre Grapefull Sisters Vineyard has been in the Suggs family for nine generations. Surrounded by tobacco farm land, the picturesque vineyard boasts a pond with roaming geese and ducks. But the star of the place is the Muscadine grape, native to the area and reputed to be 40 times higher in antioxidants than regular grapes. I can’t attest to the health benefits of Muscadine wine but I can verify the flavorful sweetness.

Wine tastings are held every day for $5, and I tasted eight different wines using the handy tasting notes that the sisters provide. Bottles are sold for $12 to $15, and I guarantee you will be compelled to buy a few. The vineyard also sells homemade jams and non-alcoholic wine.

The three-bedroom inn, Inn D’Vine, supplies a country cottage themed cozy space with antiques and handmade quilts. For the more adventurous, the sisters also offer glamping or glamorous camping, in an elevated, heated, two-bedroom tent outfitted with a wine basket and strawberry and blueberry stuffed French toast.  For a more traditional hotel experience, Inlet Sports Lodge provides rustic yet elegant rooms and an upscale gourmet restaurant.

Photos courtesy of Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Disclosure, the wine tasting was part of a sponsored media trip.

Ugly Holiday Sweater Pub Crawl

Sure fruitcake and egg nog are nice, but what if you crave a little more holiday fun?  Well, the Windy City has got you covered with a new holiday tradition that will keep you very jolly.  Pull out that hideous holiday sweater, the one that’s bedazzled, and get ready for the Limos Alive Ugly Sweater Holiday Pub Crawl.

Just when you thought holiday traditions were getting old, you can grab the chance to create a new one.  Hop on a three-hour holiday bus tour of Chi-town’s hottest bars and holiday spots for lots of merry mayhem. Limos Alive offers the choice of a three-hour charter bus or limo bus tour that stops at four bars as well as a holiday light show and the Christkindlmarket.  The festivities unfurl at 5:15 PM at Shenanigans House of Beer.  Gather in a circle of fuzzy, blindingly unattractive knit wear and enjoy your first toast for the occasion. Each bar stop includes a drink and a digital photo of all your sweater-clad glory will be emailed after the end of the tour. Tours are available on December 20, 21 and 22 and tickets include drinks and you can choose a public or private package.  Unwind after all the revelry at Hotel Indigo, which offers quiet respite near the Magnificent Mile.

Photo courtesy of Limos Alive

A Seaport Village Sunset

Looking for a getaway to warmer climes this winter, for you and your significant other? Consider San Diego, California! You can have a FANTASTIC time for around $300! That includes lodging, meals, and entertainment – if you drive, you’ll have to figure in the price of gas. If you fly, you’ll have to figure in the price of airfare and vehicle rental. This is for a two-night stay, including two breakfasts/lunches/dinners, and two days of activities.

Here’s where you stay:

I used Expedia to find hotel rates at around $80 per night – trust me, there are a TON of them. The Best Western Mission Bay and the Wyndham Garden San Diego are each a couple of blocks from Mission Bay, and fifteen minutes from the Gaslamp District or the ocean. The Pacific Shores Inn is a mere 100 yards from the Pacific ocean and San Diego’s famed boardwalk.

Total Cost: about $175

Here’s where you eat:

Breakfast:
Each of the hotels above offer complimentary breakfast – for this budget to work, you need to count on eating a free morning meal at your hotel of choice.

Lunch:
Day One: The Boardwalk Bistro (on Mission Beach) – grab two lunch combos (salad, soup and 1/2 sandwich) and a drink for $10.00 each.
Day Two: Greek Island Cafe (Seaport Village) – share a Combo Platter which includes Gyros, Souvlaki, Salad, Pita, Dolma, and Spanikopita. Add a couple of drinks and get out of there for under $20.

Dinner:
Day One: Split a pizza and a house salad at the Sidebar in the Gaslamp District. Throw in a couple of glasses of wine and spend about $35.
Day Two: Time to spoil yourselves a little bit! Indulge in dinner at the Coronado Boathouse – seafood entrees are about $25 per person, so if you add drinks you’ll probably spend about $65.

Breakfast = $0
Lunch = $40
Dinner = $100

Total Cost: about $140

Here’s what you do:

Day One: Hit Mission Beach and the Oceanfront Boardwalk. People watch, wander shoeless in the sand, soak up the sun, and be lulled by the sound of the waves. In the evening enjoy the culture and vivacity of the historic Downtown Gaslamp Quarter.

Day Two: Check out Seaport Village during the day – watch the boats meander about, window shop, and enjoy the fresh sea air. In the evening cross the bridge over to Coronado Island and experience the energetic yet serene island atmosphere.

Total Cost: The $35 you have left in spending money! The perfect amount for some San Diego themed souvenirs!

Photo credit:

- Seaport Village by Jay Martinez on Flickr Creative Commons.

Biking Chicago

Chicago is a great scenic city and the views are best appreciated up close and in motion. Biking is one of my favorite ways to enjoy Chi-town, which is pretty bike friendly.  You’ll see lots of bikers whizzing down Lake Shore Drive but I don’t recommend that for tourists. If you want to gaze at Windy City landmarks as well as roll down the lively streets, a bike tour is just what you need. One of the city’s most engaging bike tours is “Bikes, Bites and Brews” at Bobby’s Bike Hike.  You really haven’t seen Chicago unless you’ve tasted it as well.

This tour not only allows you to cruise through popular Chicago neighborhoods but it also supplies samples from the major Windy City food groups: pizza, hot dogs, cupcakes(this is a new one) and beer. Hop on a bike and you’ll glide through the Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Wrigleyvile neighborhoods during the four hour, 13 mile tour. I’d make sure that leg and arm muscles are in good shape for this trek because some streets can be steep and narrow. As you work up an appetite, stops for deep dish pizza, overflowing hot dogs and gourmet cupcakes in flavors like Key Lime and Twix, will definitely fill you up although I’d take it easy on the gut-busting Chicago-style pizza. Vegetarian options are also available. A mini- beer tasting tops the excursion off  and self control  here is strongly encouraged, nothing worse than a half-drunk tourist trying to peddle down Lake Shore Drive. “Bikes, Bites and Brews” runs Monday-Friday at 11:30AM  through October. The $59  fee covers bikes, food and beer. After this tour which requires only a  moderate  level of experience, relax in the eco-friendly luxury of Hotel Felix and hang out at the stylish bar pod .

Photo courtesy of Bobby’s Bike Hike

The backdrop for spa services

I don’t usually travel for relaxation specifically.  For me, the very act of exploring another location is usually very soothing in itself . With that being said, I’m not a huge fan of spa services and typically view them as unwanted intrusions that suck up valuable time that could be used for experiencing something a tad more exciting.  So I was slightly surprised when I discovered myself relaxing to the point of  dozing into a light sleep during a Swedish massage treatment at Villa Del Palmar Resort in Playa Mujeres, Mexico.

Villa Del Palmar Tiki Bar with Swings

I really think it was the palapa. I’ve had massages and body wraps and other spa treatments before but none that transformed me into a sleeping zombie. Stepping into the thatched roof cabana called a palapa, steps from the ocean with a gentle breeze drifting over the crisp, white sheets of the massage table, I figured I was in for a treat but I just didn’t know it would be such a big one.  Spa services include Swedish, sport and deep tissue massage as well as body wraps and couple massages so I chose the most basic, which is Swedish. My masseuse Ana instructed me to lie on my stomach with my face down, inhaling an invigorating blend of oils.   As her hands kneaded my body, I felt kinks and blockages that I didn’t realize I had melt away. I can’t discuss the specific details of her techniques because quite frankly, I drifted off through most of the hour-long massage. Suffice it to say that when I was gently awakened, I felt refreshed and limber.

The Miami Vice

I also felt hungry so I  glided over to the tiki bar conveniently located near the spa palapa.  I sat on a  bar swing as I munched on a heaping plate of fresh guacamole as the waiter slung down a deadly specialty, the Miami Vice. A hypnotic concoction that blends a pina colada with a strawberry daiquiri, I spied several people sipping these and falling off their swings. Needless to stay, I didn’t finish mine but between the dream-inducing massage and the tiki bar antics, I was quite entertained.

Photos courtesy of Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Disclosure-Spa services and lodging were part of a media trip sponsored by the resort.

A rental lodge on Sebago Lake, Maine.

One of the best things you can do for your family is to spend a week in the summer on Sebago Lake in Maine. I guarantee you that you will have the best family vacation you’ve ever experienced, and you will create memories that you will cherish for your entire lifetime. Indeed, I pretty much guarantee that once you visit, you’ll find yourself going back again year after year.

Sebago Lake (also known as “Big Sebago,” and yes there is a “Little Sebago”) is the second largest, and the deepest, lake in Maine. It’s located just a half-hour from Portland, making it a very convenient location to many tourist destinations and activities. It is a very popular spot in the summertime, which means you need to plan in advance to find a camp that suits your needs.

In Maine, a “camp” refers to a cottage or cabin on or near the lake. Accommodations range from the truly rustic to the truly luxurious. Many camps are not “winterized”, meaning they do not posses the construction or the insulation to be inhabited in the winter. Some camps have only the basics – a loft with bunks for sleeping, simple furnishings, and no television or internet. Other camps are really decked out with luxurious bedrooms, gourmet kitchens, television and cable and internet.

I ask you, though, who the heck wants to spend all their time indoors watching TV or on the computer when they have a lake, fireflies, campfires, canoeing, and loons beckoning outside the door?

Sunset at Thompsons Point on Sebago Lake, Maine

Let me describe to you the place that my family used to rent each summer. It was nestled among the pine trees a short distance from the water, with a private beach and a float that made a perfect diving platform. A fire pit was a few yards away from the shore, with a hammock, picnic table and charcoal grill nearby. The cabin had a screened-in porch facing the water, with several Adirondack chairs, lounge chairs, and rocking chairs. The kitchen was fairly basic – a refrigerator and a range, with water that was hand-pumped into the sink (the bathrooms had regular faucets, though). There was one bedroom downstairs with a queen bed, another bedroom with bunk beds, and a full attic/loft that was accessed by a pull-down ladder which had several full-sized beds. Living room and dining room furnishings were basic but comfortable. There was no television (and the internet had not yet been invented… God, I’m old). There was a cache of board games and decks of cards, plenty of books and an ancient AM/FM radio.

My grandmother would let me invite a friend along, and we would spend all day every day swimming, feeding the ducks, exploring along the shoreline, reading in the hammock, and playing games. At night we’d have the whole family over for a cookout (lobsters, steamed clams, corn on the cob, potato salad, steaks and hotdogs and burgers…). Then we’d have a fire and toast marshmallows, catch fireflies in Mason jars (and let them go again before we went to bed), and lay back on the grass counting stars while listening to the loons call from the lake.

Sound idyllic? Yes, it certainly was.

Most camps are owned by families and individuals who wish to rent them out for part of the year to supplement their income. Many camp rentals are managed through such services as Jordan Rentals and Kranin Real Estate. Book very early – six months to a year in advance – to ensure that you get the perfect rental. Read the notes on the rental carefully – many places require that you bring your own bedding, linens and towels. Some properties allow pets, and some properties have a private beach while others have a shared or association beach. Most places require a minimum stay of one week, many can be rented for weeks or months. The best camps are right on the waterfront and have moorings, docks, or “floats” (a floating platform anchored some distance from shore – kids can swim to it and spend hours diving off and climbing back up again). Some places have row boats or canoes, jet-skis and motorized boats are available for rental at several locations around the lake. Check out the Sebago Lakes Chamber of Commerce for more information about the lake and surrounding areas.

Do yourself and your family a favor, and don’t miss out on this extraordinary experience.

Photo credits (in order of appearance):
- “Heaven on Earth” by Dawnzy on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “Evening at the point” by Chris Dag on Flickr Creative Commons.

Town Square in Prescott Arizona.

The town square in Prescott Arizona is the hub of the area’s cultural activities. My husband and I headed up there this weekend and wound up attending an art festival that we didn’t even know was scheduled (the 37th Annual Western Art Show and Sale). It’s summertime, and the event calendar is in full swing.

Prescott Town Square

The first thing that strikes you about this Town Square is how absolutely perfect it is. Beautiful, soaring green trees, lush green grass, peace and quiet even in the middle of a bustling festival, happy dogs and happy kids. After walking around the festival we just planted ourselves in a shady, grassy spot and watched the world go by. We stayed and stayed… we just didn’t want to get up. It was a breezy, 80-degree day that just begged to be lounged in.

Art Festival in Prescott Town Square.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience beautiful downtown Prescott and their festival atmosphere this summer:

• June 4 -5 Folk Arts Fair – Sharlot Hall Museum
• June 9 – 25 Sweeney Todd (Prescott Fine Arts)
• June 11 – 12 Territorial Days Arts & Crafts Show (Courthouse Plaza)
• June 18 Tsunami on the Square
• June 25 – 26 30th Annual Bluegrass Festival (Courthouse Plaza)
• June 28 – Jul 4 World’s Oldest Rodeo
• July 2 Rodeo Parade – 9:00, downtown Prescott
• July 2 – 4 Arts and Crafts Show (Courthouse Plaza)

Stay at the Hotel St. Michael, right across from the Town Square, and make a lovely romantic or family-fun-filled weekend of it! Whiskey Row has the best night-life (and buffalo burgers if you hit The Palace Saloon) in Arizona.

You’ll love this place. I promise.

Photo credits (all): Tiffany Joyce

Case de Benin art gallery

The wild and colorful images of Brazil’s Carnival celebrations stir up fond memories of my travels to the heart of Brazil’s rich culture, Salvador, Bahia.  Salvador’s carnival is arguably the most authentic of the non-stop street parties but the city also offers a real glimpse of  Brazil’s history and culture that you won’t get anywhere else in the country. Salvador was Brazil’s original capitol and it boasts so many historical places, monuments and people that you can literally visit one every 5 minutes. There’s also truckloads of tourists traps so here’s my list of  slightly less touristy activities:

1. Eating Moqueca at Iemanja Restaurant

I slurped this rich, coconut, fish stew down almost daily when I was in Salvador.  The sea goddess Iemanja is Salvador’s most popular deity and the restaurant plays proper homage with an interior covered in turquoise blue walls and sea shells.  The waitress wear long white gowns with blue accents and serene smiles. Bahian cuisine is the soul of Brazil and this is one of the best places to experience it.

2.Viewing The Eight Orixa Sculptures On  Lake Torroro

This dramatic spectacle is not to missed.  Rising out of a small lake, eight life-sized, fiber glass statues demonstrate Salvador’s spiritual heritage. The Candomble religion plays an important part in everyday Brazilian life and this stunning park sculpture shows just one of the ways.  The main deities are displayed with their symbolic effects, such as Xango with his ax and Oxum with her mirror.  They loom in brilliant color, almost blending in with the splashing waves, trees and fishing boats.

3.Strolling Through Salvador Museums

I’m an art freak. No trip is complete to me without a visit to at least one gallery or museum.  Salvador actually has scads of them clustered in Pelourinho and beyond.  I loved the City Museum, which displays contemporary Brazilian art  and Case de Benin,  which showcases artifacts from Benin, West Africa. The culture of Benin influences a large portion of Bahian culture through art and spiritual customs.

4. Visiting the Zumbi Palmares Statue

Zumbi  was a famous freedom fighter who represents African pride to many Brazilians. An imposing bronze monument was erected to honor his historical significance in Pelourinho Square in 2008.  He led rebellions at the end of the 17th century and 300 years after his death, Brazilians pay tribute with a national day of remembrance  on November 20.

The Dr. AJ Chandler Park in Downtown Chandler, directly across from the San Marcos Resort.

I’ve been living in Chandler Arizona for about sixteen years. Most of the time when my husband and I are looking for a romantic weekend, we venture outside of our home town. However, there are some great lodging, dining, and entertainment options within just a few miles of our house that, when combined with an overnight stay, make for a romantic weekend without traveling all that far.

The Crowne Plaza San Marcos Resort is located in historic downtown Chandler. The hotel was built in 1912, is on the National Register of Historic places, and recently underwent a $4 million dollar renovation. The resort itself features an 18-hole golf course, tennis, and swimming. AJ’s Cafe features award-winning dining and the resort’s famous buffet – folks come from miles around for the Prime Rib buffet on Saturday nights. Or you can stroll along the sidewalks of the downtown area and partake of several options from casual to fine dining, then window shop among the stores and galleries. Downtown Chandler is enjoying a boom in economic development, and the San Marcos is an anchor for the town square. Events regularly held in the downtown area include classic car shows, farmers markets, movie nights, art shows, and food festivals.

Historic Downtown Chandler

Downtown Chandler is home to several of our favorite restaurants. Many weekends we have partaken of a huge breakfast at Brunchies, and lunch at the San Tan Brewing Company or Murphy’s Law (an Irish pub with great fish and chips). We’ve enjoyed an elegant steak dinner at the DC Steak House, and my husband will occasionally patiently sit while I enjoy a glass at The Bistro at Kokopelli Winery.

The Chandler Center for the Arts is located just across the street from the San Marcos Resort. Its extensive event calendar regularly includes free concerts performed by the Chandler Symphony Orchestra. Dancing On Ice makes a regular stop, as well as concerts by such performers as Rita Coolidge, The Lennon Sisters, Frank Sinatra Jr. and Ricky Scaggs. Various companies perform ballet and modern dance, or you can take in a play or a magic act.

The best thing about indulging in a romantic weekend in Downtown Chandler is that you can just park at the hotel and wander around by foot for a couple of days. You will find all of the entertainment and gastronomical goodness you need in and around the town square.

Photo credits – Dr. AJ Chandler Park, and Downtown Chandler, by ogachin on Flickr Creative Commons.