Do you always feel like someone is watching you? Don’t worry, Rockwell, it’s just this seal. Or the Navy Seals, it depends on what you’ve been up to.

See, now the idea of this seal watching you doesn’t seem nearly as creepy! You’re welcome.

Actually, this seal was spotted (Get it? That’s a spotted seal joke! For free!) off the shores of Iceland — most likely by an avid golfer.

This photo is a Wordless Wednesday entry with words. Also, water. Go figure.

Photo: cheesy42 via Flickr

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.

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The ubiquitous saguaro cacti of the Arizona desert.

The great thing about living in the Phoenix area is that in the winter we only have to experience snow if we want to. Snow is an outright novelty reserved for the adventurous who wish to travel the two- to five-hour drive to get to elevations that receive snowfall. Otherwise, for the most part we enjoy balmy temperatures and only the occasional rainstorm. So, if you’re currently stuck in a snow drift and craving a non-arctic getaway, might I recommend a visit to Arizona? Here are eight great winter activities to do in the state.

One – Visit Kartchner Caverns State Park. The caves have a year-round average temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Check out this article for more information.

Two – Stroll among the shops of Old Town Scottsdale. Sunny days get up into the high 60′s in the winter, and there’s no slush on the sidewalks! Take a look at this article for more information.

Three – Hike the Superstition Wilderness. Take a stab at finding the Lost Dutchman’s hidden stash of gold!

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Shopping at the San Tan Village in Gilbert, Arizona.

Gilbert Arizona is enjoying a considerable amount of commercial and residential growth, while still being able to maintain an approachable atmosphere. After achieving a position in the top twenty most secure cities in America (they rated seventeenth in 2010, up from twenty-fourth in 2009), interest in Gilbert as a vacation destination has grown. Gilbert draws its share of out-of-state visitors by virtue of its golfing, luxury accommodations, and proximity to the Phoenix metropolitan area. For locals, the town has become a shopping, entertainment, recreational, and dining destination.

It was the latter that turned my interest toward Gilbert. After visiting Wyoming back in 2009, my husband and I developed a taste for wild game. In the search for some fine game dining, we discovered a gem of a restaurant in the Gilbert area, just twenty minutes away from our home in Chandler.

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