All aboard!

There are few things better than a long walk with the people that you love — assuming said people are also enjoying the walk. There are few things worse than a long walk with the people that you love when they don’t want to be there.

Hiking is not only great exercise, but it’s also (usually) a fantastic opportunity to enjoy some wonderful scenery. Also, bonding with the family (see above).

Chances are there are some hiking trails within a short drive from your home. Hello, staycation!

For more family-friendly travel photos visit DeliciousBaby’s Photo Fridays

Cascading waterfall at Gardens of the World

You’ve all heard of Pleasant Holidays, right?  That travel company that sells packaged vacations in various tropical locations?  Well, Ed and Lynn Hogan, who founded the company, loved what they’ve seen in their travels around the world so much that they built a monument to the world’s natural beauty right in their hometown.  It is called The Gardens of the World, and I literally stumbled upon it a few weeks ago.

There are other park-like gardens in Southern California that quite possibly hog the spotlight – Descanso Gardens, Huntington Gardens, the Los Angeles Arboretum – but then if Gardens of the World was more famous, my discovery would not have been so delightful.  I was taking a long walk on Thousand Oaks Boulevard, the thoroughfare that runs parallel north of the 101 Freeway in the Conejo Valley, while my car was being serviced.  And since I recently moved from that other famous valley, the San Fernando, I don’t really know this area very well so I decided to explore.

After walking for over an hour, I was hot and thirsty and feeling too much sun.  But after the car shops and panaderias and boutiques faded away, I came upon a block that was fenced in by a greenery-covered wall.  As I approached, I smelled the flowers.  I looked up to see a gateway.

Open to the public

A sign said “open to the public” and the gates were open, so I wandered in.  I saw this: Read More »

Uylsses S. Grant's home in Galena

Chicagoans plagued by cabin fever and nature lovers alike, flock to the charming respite of Galena, IL.   Located about 160 miles from Chicago, Galena offers a  nearby,lovely, pastoral getaway. Nestled in the rolling hills of Northwest Illinois, Galena is filled with historic French Colonial and Victorian architecture, art galleries and specialty shops. The small town also supplies a host of outdoor activities including horseback riding, fishing, hot air ballooning , ice skating and skiing.  Noted for being the home of Civil War hear and 18Th president Ulysses S. Grant, a visit to his expansive house is a Galena must-do. Read More »

Rows of mosaic materials at Hands On Art Studio

Dig up the creative fun of childhood at Hands On Art Studio, 8,000 feet of studio space nestled in the bucolic splendor of Wisconsin’s Door County.  Before you even venture into the studios, the joyful tone is set with flower gardens, whimsical sculptures and a a towering silo covered with ceramic tiles to benefit homeless animals. A  rambling, converted barn serves as the main building, where you’ll be greeted with music, art and if you need fortification, refreshments from the Starving Artist Snack Bar . An art helper will help you decide on what project to tackle, including furniture, ceramic figurines, metal pieces, hand-painted goblets or t-shirts and hats.