Participants march down State Street during the Chicago Memorial Day Parade

When I was growing up,  Memorial Day meant that most Chicago neighborhoods boasted huge American flags proudly waving from every porch.  I remember my grandmother visiting the cemetary to put tiny flags on the graves of my grandfather and great uncles and most people I knew followed the same traditions.  Those customs aren’t so common today but one  Memorial Day activity that remains is the annual Memorial Day Parade in downtown Chicago. Read More »

Waimea Canyon Lookout at 10 mile marker - Kauai

Mark Twain called it “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. Wherever you stay on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, you must make time during your stay to visit the famous Waimea Canyon State Park. We like to stay on the north side in Princeville, which is on the opposite end of the island, so we chose to dedicate a day to seeing Waimea Canyon stopping at Koloa town along the way.

If you stay in Princeville or Hanalei Bay you will need an early start if you want to see the famous Kalalau Valley, because clouds come in as the day heats up. Early morning is the best time to hike the 11-mile trail down steep cliffs, through waterfalls out to the Pacific Ocean. A great hike for families with teenagers but not one I would take with young ones.

There are still LOTS of stunning lookouts along Waimea Canyon Road if you skip hiking.  Peer over railings and see the layers on the sides of the canyon representing different eruptions and lava flow. Though not as deep, Waimea Canyon reminds you of its larger Arizona sister. Lots of great spots for family photos! Read More »

Ice fishing in Door County

The ground is frozen and the wind whips wickedly, which mean that winter has set in and its prime ice fishing time.  On the scenic Wisconsinshorelines, the lakes don’t freeze to a proper four 0r five inches of thickness until late December. Ice varies in different area so ice fishers follow this quirky rule, “thick and blue, tried and true. Thin and crispy, way too risky.”  By this time in January, most lakes are covered with good “thick and blue” ice and ice fishers flock to Door County, which offers some of the best ice fishing in the Midwest. Read More »

Ice Skating in Walnut Creek

When was the last time you went ice skating?  If you’re like most Californians it’s probably been awhile. Well if you happen to find yourself in the vicinity of Walnut Creek, CA any time between now and January 29, 2009, be sure to check out Walnut Creek on Ice.

Located in Walnut Creek’s Civic Park , WCOI offers skate rentals, gift certificates, skating lessons and field trip specials. Looking for an out of the ordinary idea for a birthday or corporate party?  Walnut Creek on Ice offers private rink rentals and the ability to customize everything from music to catering.

We visited the rink last year and the wife and kids had a blast. Granted, my wife is an ex-professional ice skater and relishes any chance to hit the ice, while the boy just relishes any chance to move quickly on a slippery surface. I, on the other hand, am a danger to myself and others so after the obligatory lap or two I’ll typically grab some hot chocolate and find an out of the way corner to read my book.

The rink is open 7 days a week. Hours of operation are 10 am – 10 pm Monday – Thursday; 11 pm Friday and Saturday, and 11 am – 8 pm on Sundays. Cost is $15 per skater for a 1.5 hour session. Price includes skate rental.  If you go during the “off-peak” hours (*Monday through Thursday, AND Friday until 5pm with the exception of Holiday Weeks (Nov. 24 – Nov. 30 & Dec. 22 – Jan. 1) the cost is just $11 per skater.

Still not convinced? Maybe you’re thinking “Well, it sounds nice but maybe it’s really a dump.” Well put those fears to rest with a quick gaze through the WCOI webcam. Seriously now, doesn’t that look like fun? What are you waiting for, let’s hit the ice!

Photos by Lisa Romano