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Winter 2014-2015
Steamboat Springs Luxury
Go Over The Edge
in this magnificent
estate.
See page 36
Pg
Discover Sun Valley’s Secret
Pg
In Sun Valley, Idaho
Pg
House of Dreams
In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
VacationRentalTravels.com
44
In America’s Hidden Holiday Gem
Pg
Bright Lights - Small City
42
In Palm Springs, CA
26
1 - Vacation Rental Travels | Winter 2014/2015
Pg
Hollywood Glamour
21
In Rocky Point, Mexico
13
Secluded Oasis
Contents
OVER THE EDGE
Steamboat Springs luxury and grandeur
Ask Beth
Ask Beth Carson
Your VR Travel
Questions
MY SKYDIVING ADVENTURE
There’s a first time for everything...
Reach back to Palm Springs’ heyday
MY TRAVELING CIRCUS
Stories of Family Travel
26
6
7
9
FROM THE EDITOR
Beth Carson shares from the heart.
WHO’S ON THE INSIDE?
Find out more about our writers from this issue.
WHERE IN THE WORLD?
Have you been to this world class city? Take a guess before you turn the
page.
13
YOUR SECLUDED OASIS
The oasis of Rocky Point is no mirage... the sand meets crystal blue waters and
the beach seems to go on for miles. This is Arizona’s beach.
21
26
42
A magical holiday extravaganza found half way between Chicago and St. Louis,
it’s one of the most magical holiday secrets in the U.S. Check this out.
44
Designer touches in the heart of Puerto Vallarta, divine luxury, a soaking
tub and mountain views. Who could ask for more?
HOUSE OF DREAMS
FOOD & FUN
HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR IN PALM SPRINGS
34
36
41
Palm Springs is an unexpected haven of Hollywood glamour and small
town charm. Experience the city then check out Joshua
Tree National Park, and some good eats along the way.
There’s always some time for food & fun. This time we are in Puerto Vallarta
Mexico for food, drinks, and a festival.
42
Vacation rental specials and places to visit just for our readers.
OVER THE EDGE
A stay in the City by the Bay that provides 360 degree views inspires a
tour of the places locals go with their out-of-town friends.
10,000 square feet of pure luxury and style.
AND THE WINNER IS...
One of our readers has won a week stay in Fiji at the
wonderful beachfront Starfish Blue property. Find out if it’s you!
62
Wtih more and more of us choosing health and wellness at home, these
timely travel tips will help you continue these good choices on your vacation.
Art Remnet
SUBSCRIPTIONS
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well-being and general health while traveling for work or pleasure. Please click on the
logo below and visit the Sindelar Travel Wellness website:
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The information in Vacation Rental Travels
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MY TRAVELING CIRCUS
SAN FRANCISCO’S NORTH BEACH
The opinions expressed here are the author’s
or advertiser’s alone. The properties
featured or mentioned in this publication
are not owned or operated by Wabash
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contact the current owner prior to making
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WELLNESS TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
PRODUCTION MANAGER
It helps us out greatly when you click on their advertisments to visit their sites and make
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also signals to our partners that you are interested in what they offer.
Ever have vacation travel questions? Now you can get the answers from an
expert you know and trust Discover insider tips & tricks from our own travel
expert Beth Carson. 58
Marilyn Caro, Eileen Caswell
CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION
ASK BETH
memories with our families.
COPY EDITORS
We want to thank all of our partners for placing their property, location, event, and
products with our magazine. Each issue has a limited amount of space for our partners to
let you know about what they have to offer and how to get in touch with them.
My Skydiving Adventure. Come soar 10,000 feet above the Allegheny
Mountains in Bath Country, VA on this meaningful adventure that explains
why this lady jumped out a perfectly good airplane.
57
9
Vacation Rental Travels magazine covers
the best, most unique, quirky, beautiful,
amenities-laden homes for rent to
vacationers.
Beth Carson
A family trip, childhood memories, and a new perspective on creating new
THE MARKETPLACE
Can you guess before you look?
EDITOR & PUBLISHER
FOR THE LOVE OF TRAVEL
55
Vacation Rental Travels - where travel
inspiration is born! We are a free, digital
magazine that highlights the unique
experience of vacationing in stylish and
comfortable vacation rentals.
Explore hidden garden cottages,
sumptuous penthouses, and quirky
homes that make traveling a rich and
rewarding experience.
You can have any kind of experience in
a vacation rental... whether you are on a
budget or want lavish pampering. It’s all
available to you.
A hidden gem lights its way into the hearts of thousands
Be Well When You Travel
62
Welcome!
Where in the World?
BRIGHT LIGHTS - SMALL CITY
WELLNESS TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
BRIGHT LIGHTS, SMALL CITY
THE SUN VALLEY SECRET - IT’S AFFORABLE
Vacation where the jet set hangs out, with activities to suit all budgets.
52
57
48
52
Divine luxury and mountain views. Who could ask for more?
44
36
HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR
HOUSE OF DREAMS
Insider Tips and Tricks to
get the most from your
Vacation Rental stay
Facebook.com/VacationRentalTravels
Vacation Rental Travels | Winter 2014/2015 - 5
WHO’S ON THE INSIDE?
Each issue we have terrific content created by travel writers from around the world. Without their time and effort, we would not be able to share the
wonderful places, glorious vacation homes, and the fun and cool events and activities with you in each issue. We want to not only thank them, but invite
you as our valued readers to support them by visiting their websites, subscribing to their publications, and liking them on Facebook or any other social
media that you value. It’s how we help each other grow.
Editor
Christina Boyes - With no desire to sit still, it’s no surprise that Christina took up travel writing. She’s always
on the go, but spends significant time crafting copy and blog articles for science, engineering, and wellness
companies. Her articles are found in many places, including the Emmy-nominated TV show Travel Thru History’s
blog and Real Clear Science. Although Christina now spends a lot of time at her “desk,” she defines that term
loosely – the only requirements are coffee, her computer, and a strong wifi signal.
The
From the Desk of Beth Carson
Dede Sindelar lives her life driven by creativity and adventure as a freelance copywriter. She blends that with her
background in wellness and her insatiable appetite traveling to exotic destinations. Her family jokes saying they
never have to take out their cameras because she’s forever capturing the moment with her photographs. When
she isn’t busy writing or taking photos, Dede is throwing frisbees for her dog, spending time with her husband and
planning their next journey. Please visit Sindelar Wellness Travel to catch up with Dede.
Happy New Year!!
I’m writing this on January 2, 2015 in the Charlotte Douglas International Airport on my way to Cancun. I’m working with a brand
new vacation rental owner to furnish and decorate his new penthouse in TAO, near the beautiful Mayan ruins on the sea in Tulum.
What fun! Look for a future story on it.
I hope your 2015 brings unexpected delights, like my shopping trip
to Mexico.
We’ve put a lot of love into this issue. One of our readers won a
free stay in Fiji. Is it you? See page 41 for the winner.
Our writers have fanned out and brought us stories from a range
of vacation rental experiences. Indulge in reading about a mansion
in Steamboat Springs, Colorado with an indoor basketball court,
(the cover is a VR- can you imagine?) an affordable Sun Valley,
Idaho vacation rental with a fishable stream in the backyard, a chic
penthouse in a fun district in San Francisco, a luxury beachfront
condo in Puerto Vallarta, a Breakfast at Tiffany’s inspired Palm
Springs retreat, and a vacation rental within a resort setting in
Rocky Point, Mexico, known as Arizona’s Beach.
Email me: [email protected]
Welcome to 2015. We’re glad that you are with us. Please, share
this magazine with your friends.
We’d love to hear from you. Please email questions, comments,
and kind critiques to [email protected]
Happy Travels,
Rebecca Johnson is an Atlanta based travel journalist who writes about coffee and tea shops, charities, regional
arts and crafts and holiday travel all over the world. She is also an amateur photographer specializing in stylized
fine art photography. She is busy at work creating her blog which besides travel posts and photos will highlight
the intersection of travel and charity work.
Mary Beth Cooper is a freelance journalist and copywriter based out of Peoria, Illinois. In her spare time, she
researches future expeditions that you can follow from her site
Tawna Brown is a photographer, traveler, writer, and wine lover, and has been diagnosed with a serious case of
wanderlust. Born, raised and still residing in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (Canada’s western Arctic), Tawna
takes great pride in where she comes from, so much so that she is often considered the unofficial Ambassador of
the Northwest Territories. In addition to her photographic and writing pursuits, Tawna has a full time job with the
Government of the Northwest Territories. In 2015-2016, she will be taking a year off from work to travel the world,
camera in hand. Visit her website at TawanaBrown.com or subscribe to her blog
Kathleen Poole, who met her husband on a dive boat, considers herself an adventurer, someone who does
dangerous things safely. She has been blogging for years on various blogs including her own Adventuring
Women site. She will continue to expand on the San Francisco activities on her site. Stop by and read her
story, poke around and comment. It’s quite an adventure! .
Beth Carson
Publisher and Editor
Vacation Rental Travels
Marilyn & Jeff Escue have been extremely blessed to have the opportunity to travel all 50 US states and over
60 countries around the world. We also ask many “why” and “how” questions to satisfy our curiosity. Our
travels incorporate an abundance of history, architecture (especially art deco), local events, and museums of all
kinds. Over the course of our travel adventures, we’ve learned many ways to make the travel experience more
rewarding. Learn more on their website
We have 2 new departments by some of my favorite people.
Camille Miller is leading us through traveling with family, in Family
Circus. Dede Sindelar will be sharing stories and tips to guide us to
travel with wellness in mind, in Wellness Travel Experiences. Both
regular contributors, we are excited to have them as a more permanent part of our team.
Camille Miller - has been writing since 2011 on a variety of topics. She especially loves introducing people to their
next memorable vacation spot, and has a knack for picking out the unique homes and luxurious locations you want
to return to again and again. She often writes about her travels with her husband and three crazy kids, who are
chiefly responsible for keeping things lively, and who never disappoint.
Theresa St. John is a travel writer and photographer based in Saratoga Springs, New York. Her images can be found on
various stock sites and they sell as fine art. She works closely with restaurants on food styling images and is published
in many local magazines and on-line magazines. She works with Chambers of Commerce writing tourism articles when
visiting their areas. Theresa has two wonderful sons and is “Nonnie” to a number of rescue animals.
Read more about Theresa’s adventures on her blog
Lorna Barnett hails from the twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. As a New York based chiropractor she feels
she has stayed put for too long. She is on the move again writing about things she loves such as health and cycling.
She is working on her food blog at this time.
Noreen Kompanik is a published independent travel writer and photographer. Fortunate to have lived overseas
as Naval Officer’s wife, she has traveled extensively and her many Italian and other European adventures have
sparked her passions for cooking and wine tasting. She shares her latest adventures, photos, and stories on her
What’s In Your Suitcase? Facebook page. She is also a frequent contributor to Travel Post Monthly.
Vicki White - I was born and raised in the town of Seneca, South Carolina. I’m always up for an adventure, like hiking to
secret places to find waterfalls. It is my dream to discover new places to explore and to educate others about the little
jewels in small towns and cities that curious minds never knew existed. Writing, photography and poetry are passions I
enjoy. I’m a die-hard Clemson Tiger fan and my blood runs a little orange. To find out more, visit my site
Where in the World?
Each issue we challenge you to guess where in the world the photos were taken. Sometimes it will be easy
and other times not so easy. In every case, though, we bet that you
will learn something about the place being featured. Remember NO
PEEKING until you make your guess.
Oh, you want a clue?
Sure, here are a few. This is the only major city in the US largely
founded by a business woman who had, at one time, actually owned
the land where the city now stands. Once this sea port was a popular place for pirates to visit and find many hidey-holes to bury their
treasures. Famous pirates, such as Gasparilla, Blackbeard and
Lafitte were regular visitors and
many caches of gold, silver and
other treasures have been uncovered on and off the land in this city.
Not enough hints yet? Still
stumped? Okay, two more clues,
but then you will have to actually
make your guess.
This city hosts a wonderful attraction that began in 1936, with the
idea of a place where birds could
fly free. Today, it is a sightseers’
dream, having evolved into a park
where exotic flora, wild animals
and birds from all corners of the
world live in natural habitats. Visitors can spend the day wandering
down paths lined with the African
Sausage or Banyan trees while
feeding birds, or attending wellorchestrated shows on one of the
park’s many stages.
And, for any traveler who loves to
enjoy the outdoors and the beauty
of nature when they are vacationing, this city is on the border of not
one, but two national parks.
So, Where in the World are we?
Where In the World: Miami, Florida
Where Tourism, Nightlife, and Nature Meld
Article & Photos by Theresa St. John
Miami - What Does It Mean?
The name Miami comes from the Native
American tribe “Mayaimi”, which lived
around Florida’s Lake Okeechobee through
the late 17th to early 18th century. Translated, it means “big water.”
Everywhere you turn in Miami, there are
interesting things to learn about the city.
Ranked as a travel hot-spot, with more
nightlife than you might know what to do
with, more beaches than you’ll have time to
swim or surf in, more shops and restaurants
than you can count, you’ll never be at a loss
for what to do next.
Believe it or not, the city was largely founded
by a business woman in July of 1896. Julia Tuttle, known as the Mother of Miami,
owned the land Miami sits on today. Born in
Cleveland, Ohio in 1848, she saw Southern
Florida for the first time when she visited in
1875. After her husband passed away, she
moved to the area in 1886 and purchased
several hundred acres of land near the Miami River.
Tuttle was an intuitive woman and realized
quite early on that they’d need railroads in
order to see the area grow and prosper. Julia
teamed up with multimillionaire Henry M.
Flagler, who was thinking about extending
his railroad. A deal was sealed, with Julia
turning over hundreds of acres and Flagler
building a large hotel and bringing the railroad into Miami for the first time in April of
1896.
The Miami River
The Miami River Walkway is a wonderful
pedestrian walkway that runs along
the north side of the Miami River and
Biscayne Bay. The views are spectacular,
with both business and ultra-chic contemporary buildings on either side. The
walkway is about a mile long, starting
at the Bayside Marketplace and ending at the Metromover Station. Take a
moment to admire both artwork and
historic images that are part of the River
walkway’s curving wall.
Welcome to the Jungle
Miami’s Jungle Island marries a tropical
vista with rare birds and wildlife from all
around the world. Its ecosystem is stunning
and makes visitors feel as if they truly are
in a jungle, with African Sausage trees and
hundreds-of-years-old Banyan trees lining
its pathways. Begun in 1936 as Parrot Jungle,
it was first located in South Miami. Now in
a different location, under new ownership, it
houses many different exotic animals, birds
and unusual plants.
and watched adorable lemurs put on a show
with their trainers.
Flamingos were in abundance, walking
around leisurely and drinking from the still
waters in the corner of the park. Many large
cats paced in their natural habitats or slept
on long benches under the heat of summer
sunshine, and the call of birds could be heard
all around me. Jungle Island is a wonderful
place for families to go and spend the day.
It provides a learning experience about the
world around us, as well as an entertaining
showstopper.
Amazing Architecture
The architecture in Miami is astounding. Art
Deco is prevalent, with over 800 different
buildings showcasing the vibrant colors and
bold geometric shapes of a designer’s dream.
Most were built between 1923 and 1943.
Other ultra-contemporary architectural
features would make postcard shots to frame
and hang when you get home.
What About Sports &
Shopping?
Every major city is home to
one or more professional
sports teams. Miami is no
different, with the Miami
Heat (Basketball – World
Champion), Florida Marlins
(Baseball – former World
Champion), and the Miami
Dolphins (Football) all stars
of the show.
Jungle Island also hosts many activities, such as private safari tours and interactive shows on many different stages throughout the property. I saw Pinky, their high
wire, bike riding cockatoo, watched a six
foot cassowary swallow an apple and even
crouched in my seat a bit as vultures flew low
over my head. I laughed at orangutans antics
Whether you are enjoying
Lincoln Road during the
daytime shopping hours or
living the nightlife that’s so
hot here in Miami, you won’t
be disappointed. High-end
shops and farmer’s markets
are in abundance up and
down main streets. You
can sit at outdoor tables
and spend hours relaxing
as you people watch. After
dark, all along the many
beaches, you will see neon
lights from hotels or
eateries, inviting you
to come in and dance
to your heart’s content
or watch a live show on
any of the many stages.
The outdoor restaurants
for dining are too many
to count, serving savory
foods from all corners
of the world and fruity
drinks to go with the dish
you end up choosing.
A Sausage Tree?
Here’s description of a sausage tree (see image in lower
right corner) from a local:
A most unusual tree that
has huge, sausage like fruits
that hang down from long,
ropey stalks. Its blossoms are
nocturnal and because they
hang low, they are suited for
bats and other nighttime
insects.
These interesting trees can
yield fruit up to 2 feet long
and that can weigh a hefty
15 pounds!
Always Sun & Sand
Last but not least, the
beaches. Sun and sand and
absolutely nothing to do
but catch up on your R&R.
You’re on vacation after all,
aren’t you?
Your Secluded Oasis...
BY DEDE SINDELAR
A
s I stared out either side of my car, there was nothing but mountains, sand and more sand
with an occasional saguaro cactus lifting its arms to the hot baking sun.
At first I thought it was a mirage, a figment of my imagination, but there in the distance was a place
where the sand meets crystal blue waters and the beach seems to go on for miles...
the entire resort, including the two negative edge pools, hand-laid
stone streets leading to each casita and the Sea of Cortez.
I opened the balcony door, inhaled the salty air from the ocean, and
felt the humidity moisten my skin. Down here, I felt younger. Any
dryness from Arizona was whisked away.
Coming from Arizona where it’s called a
“dry heat” and there’s minimal water, I’m
always longing for a beach to dip my toes
in the soft powdery sand and float in the
warm water. I daydream about quick weekend getaways to this majestic place called
Puerto Peñasco.
My husband Jeff and I crossed through the
town of Lukeville on the Arizona/Mexico
border and drove approximately 65 miles
South to Puerto Peñasco. This is where the
Sea of Cortez, known for diving, fishing and
shrimping, meets the Sonoran Desert.
The Oasis of Rocky Point
This secluded oasis, nicknamed “Rocky
Point”, is located on a strip of land that joins
the peninsula of Baja California with the
rest of Mexico and draws the majority of its
visitors from California and Arizona.
We had finally arrived at what people call
“Arizona’s Beach.”
through the resortthe resort; their fanshaped fronds blew in the breezes”
We rode the elevator to our haven on the
6th floor, where the panoramic view of the
blue ocean captivated us. From each room
of the condo we saw landscaped courtyards with red flowers and indigenous rock
façade.
my body and raised my eyes to the ceiling.
There, beautiful brick and cantera domes
surrounded recessed fans.
To keep in touch with your family, or if you
need online access, a secure Wi-Fi is available for your convenience. If your desire is
to get away from it all, there are a variety of
DVDs.
We stepped into Old World architecture,
inspired by Mexican and Tuscan villas, with
all the luxuries you could desire. There is
a fully functioning kitchen with a full-size
refrigerator, granite countertops, dark
chocolate cabinets, beautifully laid tile, and
fresh water at the push of a button. Perfect
for dining-in when you want.
Then my eyes moved to the bedroom. Each
of the two bedrooms felt like a master suite
with their own individual bathrooms for full
privacy. The biggest choice was which bedroom to make our home for the weekend.
Passing through the dining room, we admired the wicker-backed chairs and enormous, decorative mirror which enhanced
the room. In the Great Room, I sat down
on the plush leather sofa that embraced
This lovely condo felt like our home away
from home, not your usual hotel room. We
were so excited and couldn’t wait to see the
view from the patio (photo below). From
the sixth floor we had decadent views of
We decided on the bedroom with a bathroom almost half the length of the condo.
In the distance, I saw boats and jet skis catching the waves in the
blue water and horses trotting along the soft white sand. If we
were lucky, we might see a Gray Whale’s tail slapping the water
when they migrate to the Sea of Cortez for the winter. These huge
creatures love the tasty krill that surface with the massive upswells from the tide and find the water ideal for calving.
Venturing Out
Now it was time to venture out to the ocean.
The tides from the Pacific Ocean pour in and rush out with 20-foot
tide changes, dragging and uncovering delicate creatures like starfish, tiny crabs, sea cucumbers and colorful seashells. I couldn’t wait
to see the aquatic life that washed into all the nooks and crannies.
As we strolled down to the beach, we saw massage vendors just
waiting to relieve your stress with your choice of treatments.
Imagine hearing the waves crashing on the shore and the pelicans
and seagulls calling to their friends, swooping down for their next
meal. Every now and then we looked up to see adventurous people
windsurfing, riding the banana boats or flying overhead in the Ultralight planes.
Get a Pelican’s view of the resort
Click to play
Our destination, Sandy Beach, was once
a place that college kids escaped to set up
their tents on the sand, but is now home to
beautiful highrise resorts dotting the beach.
When we had enough sand for the day, we made a path to the swimup pool bar for a light snack of shrimp ceviche or tacos washed
down with a beer or Mai-Tai. Island music, top 40s and Classic Rock
shuffled in a playlist as we floated around the pool with our cocktails in hand.
Along The Road To Town
After sunning ourselves, we traveled into town for some authentic
Mexican food and to select some souvenirs.
Along the few miles between Bella Sirena and Old Port Rocky Point,
you’ll see ATV rental shacks dotting every corner and straightaway,
luring you to the miles of trails in the desert and sand dunes.
If you’re feeling courageous, discover Competition Hill (photo
below) that’s adjacent to Cholla Bay, a 300-foot hill with a 30-degree slope. You’ll see 4-wheelers and sand rails sprinting up the hill
from early morning til the nighttime. There’s never a lack of trails to
fulfill your passion for speed, nature and excitement.
The best part about Rocky Point for many visitors is the seafood
market place and the hole-in-the-wall restaurants. At Federico’s
and Perico Marinero Restaurant Bar and Grill, you can personally select your clams for a delectable appetizer. You’ll be amazed
at the size of these humongous shells that fill the palm of your
hand. Chefs sauté the freshest clams with garlic, tomatoes, onions,
white wine, butter, lime juice and cilantro to create that authentic
Mexican flavor, then serve them in the opened shells with warmed
tortilla chips.
Drivers converse during a break on Competition Hill
(Internet connection required)
Bella Sirena
Since I visit this particular condo yearly, I
knew that beyond the gates an oasis overlooks the ocean, with lush tropical foliage
and water cascading down rock formations. The negative edge pools beckon for
me to grasp the edge and watch the water
plunge down below me. Queen Palms and
Royal Palms towered above me as we drove
Fun Filled Facts: Rocky Point
As we waited for our meal, we enjoyed the open-air alcove at the
corner of the restaurant overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Every once
in a while we heard a cracking noise and saw the pelicans all dive
for a shell that didn’t make the cut for our meal. The massive shell
fragmented into hundreds of pieces, drawing colonies of seabirds to
devour the meat.
This was the perfect outlook to scan the horizon for clouds of mist
rising from the blowholes of the whales. We also watched for spinner dolphins, and sea lions basking in the sun on one of the rocks.
p
p
p
After a taste of clams, we ventured down to the souvenir shops.
There brightly colored garments hung from the racks, and silver
rings, bracelets and necklaces called out to me…asking me to pick
them up and try them on.
one of the biggest colonies of sea lions in the Gulf of California.
One eclectic shop you don’t want to miss is Galeria Mercedes
Rusticos.This classic Mexican artisan shop includes art, furniture,
glassware, colorful linens and Christmas decorations all under one
roof. As you walk around, you find yourself reaching out to touch all
the decorative accessories. It’s the place to find that perfect gift for
someone.
On our return to our condo, we passed roughly fifteen shacks selling piña coladas. But one caught my eye with its Rastafarian figurine. At La Cabanita shack choose between authentic Piña Coladas
with real minced coconut in your drink, or eat shrimp meals and
Underwater canyons reach 1.9 miles deep, causing large
tidal changes.
Al Capone used Rocky Point as a staging post to run illegal
alcohol during Prohibition.
Nick-named Rocky Point in 1826 by retired official, William
Hale Hardy, who traveled there searching for pearls &
precious metals.
In 1978, this Biological sanctuary was declared a Reserved Area of
shelter for migratory birds such as blue-footed boobies, other tropical birds and wild fauna.
Another ecotour is Estero Morua, where oysters are bred in an
organic manner. Not only will you find oysters, you’ll see other
aquatic creatures as you kayak around this clear water lake.
CET-MA Aquariums, a marine study center, is the perfect destination to educate your kids. Its calm waters allow you to view sea
horses, octopuses, and sea turtles.”
If you need a break from the water, come on down to Rocky Point
in November for one of the biggest motorcycle rallies south of the
border. Music, sun, bikes and fun are all available on Sea of Cortez’s
shores.
Fun Foodies
For the best sunset views, we ventured to the top of Whale Hill in
fruit dishes out of these carved coconuts. Watch as they chop
through three layers, drain the coconut water and scrape out the
meat. Preserving the coconut water, they serve it in a plastic bag
with a straw to thirsty customers.
After our fill of coconuts, we drove back to the condo for an evening of desert stargazing from the balcony of our condo. Away
from the downtown lights, we gazed into the sky, picking out
planets, clusters of stars and counting occasional shooting stars.
Bring Out Your Adventurous Side
If you seek adventure, you don’t have to go very far in Rocky Point
to experience it. Have you ever wanted to see 3500 sea lions as
they frolic around you? If you said yes, then you don’t want to
miss the Islands of San Jorge, or as they are known locally, Bird
Island. They consist of several rocky islands about 11 miles from
shore. Excursions take you kayaking, snorkeling, or swimming to
the Shrimp Market District to La Casa Del Capitan. Perched high
above the Sea of Cortez overlooking Puerto Peñasco and Sandy
Beach, you’ll find amazing authentic food and exceptional service.
The owners used to drink beers on the hillside and watch the sunsets in the distance. They commented how cool it would be to have
a restaurant on top of the hill. Shortly thereafter, they struck a deal
with the landowner and built their home with a restaurant below it.
It’s a must see for spectacular photos of the ocean, marketplace
and the surrounding area. We launched our quadcopter from this
vantage point to capture unique aerial footage.
Sandy beach, serves tacos and burritos. Wash your food down with
some Mexican beer while you watch the locals swim in the bay. Enjoy pool tables and sports on big screen TV’s. Bult to feel like a true
Mexican cantina, it’s been around for over 24 years. JJ’s caters to
the locals and visitors that drift down for an authentic Mexican feel.
Sailboat races, fishing tournaments and chili cook-offs are just some
of the events that JJ’s hosts.
At Cholla Bay, you’ll find an eclectic assortment of custom homes,
from mansions to small cottages, all with a Mexican flair. Years ago,
it was the ideal place to launch boats into the Sea of Cortez for fishing. Today, it’s grown into one of the largest American expat neighborhoods in Mexico.
So, if you’re looking to get your beach groove on and return home
with some adventure stories, the Sea of Cortez and Rocky Point is
the perfect place for your escape. It’s more tranquil than the Pacific
side and is abundant in rich marine life. The skies are so clear that it
gives the illusion of crystal diamonds reflecting off the blue ocean.
The most popular place in port is Flavio’s. If you haven’t already
overdosed on shrimp, try their mammoth shrimp cocktail or some
tasty Costa Brava Shrimp covered in cheese, wrapped in bacon and
fried to perfection.
When you need some rest and relaxation, real luxury with the finishing touches and average of 340 days of sun, consider Bella Sirena
on Sandy Beach in Puerto Peñasco for your secluded oasis.
Max’s Café, a local café bar, is ideal for curing your morning hangover with their spicy Bloody Mary’s and yummy huevos rancheros.
Feeling like Italian seafood? Try Mare Blue Ristorante serving Italian & Continental Cuisine. Located next to Wrecked
at the Reef, your eyes widen as you enter the eclectic
seafood restaurant with lime green colors and classical
piano music. White tablecloths with black napkins adorn
the tables, giving it that upscale feeling. In 2013, the
town voted it the best Italian restaurant. Delight in filet
mignon cooked to perfection, set atop veggies, surrounded by Gorgonzola cheese sauce, garnished with whipped
potatoes. Or savor flounder with white wine, lemon
capers and artichokes on a plate dusted with parsley
sprigs. You’ll find this establishment along the outskirts
of Sandy Beach, close to Cholla Bay.
For rates and availability at the Bella Sirena Resort
please click through to their website.
La Curva, off the beaten path, is voted the best place for
breakfast. There are no views of the ocean, but the food
melts in your mouth. You’ll find locals here all the time,
so you know it’s authentic. A blend of spicy salsa and
cheeses melted on tortilla chips is the highlight of this
visit. It’s typically closed for a month in summer but open
for breakfast, lunch and dinner other times.
JJ’s Cantina, located in Cholla Bay just minutes from
Sun Valley’s Secret –
It’s Affordable
By: Marilyn & Jeff Escue
Photographs: Marilyn Escue
W
hen you think of the Sun Valley/Ketchum
area, movie stars, business titans, and wellknown writers come to mind. However,
you can vacation where the jet set hangs
out as the area offers accommodations and activities to
suit all budgets. The reality is that while it’s still a yearround playground for the rich and famous, it is also quite
affordable for the average family. This is especially the
case with a vacation rental.
Vacation Rental Travel - Affordable & Fun
Being new to vacation rentals ourselves, we weren’t quite sure
what to expect. How would this be different from staying in a
hotel? We contacted Black Diamond Management, LLC and
were able to book one of the 35 properties they manage. Black
Diamond specializes in affordable, quality vacation rentals with
nightly rates starting as low as $150 off season to $450 during
high season.
Property manager, Beth Grinstead, directed us to a condo with a
trout stream running just behind the property. Approximately 30
feet from the patio, we could try our hand at fly fishing, hoping to
land an 18” rainbow trout. This certainly sounded intriguing.
The properties that Black Diamond manages are mostly the
second homes of owners. Each owner reflects a unique style in
the furnishings and décor of their home. As an added advantage
of renting one of these units, each property contains features
that the owner actually uses and the renter is likely to use as
well. Property management companies can direct a renter to a
property that will also meet their desires, whether they want it to
be a secluded site, a certain price point, close to a bike trail, close
to town, ski-in/ski-out, or on a creek, like our particular rental.
Beth was well-versed on the properties and able to direct us to a
great location.
Our Arrival
When we arrived, the condo with a Dutch door and a hanging
basket of red and white flowers welcomed us to step inside.
Rather than focusing on the inside first, however, we made a
beeline to the back door to see the promising trout stream (photo
above). Yes, there it was, gently meandering past the backyard.
The sun began to set and enhanced the show of fall colors on the
cottonwood and aspen trees. Beth told us that deer, elk, and even
moose sometimes saunter through the area.
Inside, the property manager provided a binder on the dining
table to inform us about the area. The owner also placed a handchalked sign on the kitchen counter welcoming visitors. Already,
we were seeing how the owner had individualized the condo,
making it different from all the others as well as different from
cookie cutter hotel rooms. The condo offered a cozy fireplace and
a gas grill on the patio in addition to a washer and dryer to freshen clothes during the stay.
We had a choice of a king bed at the back of the condo or a queen
at the front. Because of the stream out back and the bay window
taking advantage of the scenery, we chose the king bed. The
moonlight glistened on the stream, rewarding our decision to stay
here. In the middle of the night, we peeked out the window a few
times, hoping to catch sight of an animal in the moonlight as well.
Restaurants are Plentiful
While we missed catching our own
rainbow trout, The Pioneer Saloon
offers fresh Idaho boneless rainbow
trout filet. This enticing dish is served
with drawn butter and lemon as a daily
special. Known by the locals as “The
Pio,” this restaurant also boasts the best
prime rib in the Valley for 4 decades.
We can attest that the prime rib sandwich is one of the best we can recall.
No such luck on this particular trip.
Vacation Rental Travel - Affordable & Fun
To further help the budget-conscious travel, a gourmet kitchen,
well-stocked with cooking utensils and pans
allows visitors to prepare their own meals.
Groceries can be purchased at the Main
Street Market, just 3 blocks away. Just one
block further, renters can visit NourishMe.
Their homemade sauerkraut is rich in probiotics. Organic produce and products from
local farms provide health food enthusiasts a
tasty selection. Other grocery choices include Atkinson’s, another Valley favorite, and
Albertson’s in Hailey, about 12 miles south of
Ketchum.
After finishing our dinners, our waitress
Christine informed us that the chef was
asking customers to try a new dessert…
homemade sourdough bread pudding
with pecans, raisins, bourbon caramel
sauce, and ice cream on the side. Spectacular! We spoke with Jim, a manager,
and gave a big “thumbs up.”
We made a few attempts at fly fishing in the
enticing Trail Creek. The rainbow trout eluded us, despite our best efforts. The only thing
we caught was a yellow leaf from the abundant cottonwood trees along the creek.
Most of us recognize Sun Valley as a resort
destination for world class skiing and winter
sports. However, the area is home to numerous annual events,
including Sun Valley’s annual Jazz Jamboree, Film Festival,
Nordic Festival, and Writer’s Conference. The natural beautyof
this resort area make it a year-round destination.
A Pleasant Surprise
Despite being off season when we visited in the fall, restaurants were packed with locals as well as visitors soaking up the
fall colors. As an added benefit, the condo was only 3 blocks
from downtown Ketchum and its 10 square blocks of restaurants, shopping, and galleries. Each person in the family is sure
to find something appealing. This condo is an ideal location in
any season and especially during high season, when parking is
at a premium downtown.
During the winter months, kids of all ages enjoy horse-drawn
sleigh rides in addition to skiing and ice skating. In warmer
weather, the Sawtooth Botanical Garden offers a giant sandbox
for creative play for the youngsters. Redfish Lake Corrals and
The restaurant boasts a Tim McCoy
poster from his “Wild West Show” in
the main dining room. Tim was one of
the genuine cowboy movie stars of days
gone by. Think of being a 10 year old
dreaming about the Wild West and seeing a poster about cowboys and Indians
that invites you to attend the next show
in your hometown.
Galena Stage Stop Corrals both feature
guided horseback rides for riders ages 6 and older. Families also shop
at The Toy Store, which carries the latest toys as well as many classic
ones.
Walkable Downtown
The walkable downtown is intriguing, with some of its stores and restaurants repurposing buildings that are well over 100 years old. The
wealth of the town results in another bargain for visitors. The town
has a few thrift shops and several upscale consignment shops, such as
Consign Design, our favorite, and Gold Mine Consign. These consignment shops carry interesting furniture, home décor, and designer
clothing at affordable prices. Shoe aficionados can purchase a pair of
lightly used Prada shoes for $60 or Manolo Blahnik’s for $70. We also
saw a stunning set of 4 antique bamboo chairs and wondered how we
could rearrange our furniture back home to include them.
A hunter’s paradise, the restaurant
features mounted game on birch bark
lined walls, along with framed firearms and ammunition. The kitchen is
adorned with hand-painted tiles of fish
and mountains (see backsplash above).
Locals lounged expectantly in the bar
area, sipping drinks as they waited for
their tables either in the main dining
area or in the quieter downstairs on
this packed weeknight.
The Power House is a combination
restaurant and bicycle shop where customers can purchase helmets, gloves,
and bicycle clothing or have their bike
repaired. This unique combination
of restaurant and bicycle repair shop
works and makes the experience quite
interesting. The Power House also
sponsors the annual Cyclocross Fest
that combines racing with Oktoberfest.
Okay, but what’s an Oat
Burger?
Never having eaten Oat Burger Tacos
before, we decided to be adventurous
and give them a try. The oat burgers
served here are locally made patties
that consist of oats, sweet onions,
red peppers, sunflower seeds, garlic
powder, and sweet basil and are fully
cooked just like a hamburger. For the
tacos, the cooked oat burgers are crumbled into small chunks in your choice of
hard or soft shell tacos with all the typical dressings. Even for carnivores, the
oat burger tacos were delicious. The
French Dip on sourdough bread was
a special of the day. Being made with
grass fed Wagyu beef, we couldn’t pass
it up either. The restaurant also offers
around 19 different beers on tap with
a constantly rotating lineup, in addition
to roughly 75 types of bottled beer.
The Real Reason You Should Ski
Sun Valley, Idaho
By Mary Beth Cooper
Picture this…
You take in the stunning scenery from the top of the nation’s
longest high-speed quad. Miles of snowcapped mountains
unfold in the distance-seemingly untouched. There are no
crowds. It’s like having a mountain all to yourself. The wind
runs through your hair as you traverse the sunny slope that
awaits. That’s the magic that can only be found in Sun Valley,
Idaho.
The birthplace of destination skiing, this mountain lover’s
paradise tops our list of the best places to ski or board in
the U.S. So just why did we pick Sun Valley? The reason is
simple: we love the boutique ski experience that can only be
found here.
There’s a reason Hollywood’s finest flock to this charming
Idaho town. With two mountains and virtually no lift lines,
a day in Sun Valley feels like you’re a part of a mountain
club that’s all your own. Best of all, there’s no need to plan
around the snow. This resort possesses the largest and most
sophisticated automated snow making system in the world.
With 1,000 skiable acres and a 3,400 foot vertical drop,
Sun Valley offers something for everyone. Skiers and
boarders can choose from two spectacular mountains: Bald
and Dollar. Beginner to expert, the variety of options are
unparalleled. In addition, it’s home to the longest 22’ Super
Pipe on the continent.
Here’s another added bonus. You won’t get stuck on a flat
in this world class resort. That’s right, it’s all downhill. The
pitch is consistent.
Further, finding that perfect lunch or snack is a breeze. With
five mountain lodges to choose from, it’s easy to refuel on
the go. From salad bars to traditional ski fare, it can all be
found right on the slopes.
The restaurant at the Sun Valley Club
also comes highly recommended for
lunch. Most entrees are $15 or less.
During the off season, tables are
plentiful, including on the terrace
overlooking a meticulously groomed
golf course and Bald Mountain.
In nearby Hailey, the Power House restaurant also filled all 20 tables indoors
as well as extra tables outdoors on a
Wednesday evening. During high season, our waitress Ingrid said customers
line up outside to get a table and can
play boccie ball while they wait.
Inspired choices such as Rocky Point Fish Tacos, Turkey Club sandwich, and a well-appointed Rueben sandwich are available. After
lunch, the wait staff presented us with a complimentary cookie to
share. We were informed that they usually serve chocolate chip
cookies, but this day they had white chocolate cookies for us. Quite
yummy!
We were curious what a pawn shop would be like in an upscale
resort. Ketchum Pawn wasn’t like a traditional pawn shop. Not only
do they help customers sell items on eBay, but the merchandise is
classy and well-presented. When we visited, a cute, log cabin style
dog house was for sale (photo on prevous page). The store also had
an ancient-looking padlock from Nepal, perhaps used to secure
someone’s yak.
More Pleasant Surprises
The local library is another great surprise. Privately run, the library
will issue a library card to adult visitors with a valid ID. Books, CDs,
DVDs, and even a Nook can be checked out from the block-long
library. This enables even short-term visitors to enjoy these items
at their vacation rental.
Need to get around town? Hop on the Ketchum bus, it’s free! And if
you need to go farther, the bus to Hailey costs only $3.
Getting to Town
Another secret which lowers the cost of visiting the Sun Valley
region is that the air service is subsidized by the local businesses.
This guarantees the airlines (Delta, Alaska, and United) a certain
amount of revenue, resulting in affordable flights to Sun Valley
non-stop daily from Seattle, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco,
and Salt Lake City. As an alternative, Boise airport is only a 2.5 hour
drive through the foothills to Sun Valley.
Skiing Anyone?
Except for the holidays and President’s week, the winter months
are no longer considered high season for most activities, even
though Sun Valley is the #3 ranked ski area in North America.
This means that skiers get more downhill time on the slopes rather
than standing in lift lines through most of the winter. The cost
per vertical foot on the slopes is one of the most affordable in the
country. No wait time and low cost… that’s a win-win for skiers.
Sun Valley on a Budget
After a busy day exploring the Sun Valley area, the vacation rental
condo provided a lovely retreat to call “home” and made the trip
very affordable. A great experience and we already look forward
to returning to Sun Valley.
For rates and availability of Vacation Rentals in the Sun
Valley area, contact Black Diamond by clicking here
What to See and Do in Sun Valley
A Year Round Visitor Friendly Playground...What’s not to like?
By Marilyn & Jeff Escue
While the obvious activities in the winter include skiing, ice skating, and
snowshoeing, the Sun Valley area offers many affordable and fun things
to see and do throughout the year.
52,000 square feet for only $5. This is a different take on miniature
golf, with 18 putting holes to play. The breathtaking scenery while playing the rolling greens is worth the admission. Bring the whole family.
1. The mountains and streams have plentiful trees lining the banks for
fall leaf peeping. The golf courses have some of the best array of colorful leaves.
6. Christina Potter’s Ice Rink is open from Christmas through President’s Day weekend and offers free skating and also free skate, helmet,
puck, and stick rentals. The Sun Valley Outdoor Ice Rink offers affordable ice skating at one of the country’s few year-round rinks.
2. Bicycles are popular most of the year, with over 30 miles of paved
paths to enjoy. Bicycles, fishing gear, and sports equipment can be
rented from several different shops in town.
3. Penny Lake is well stocked with fish to help ensure success for the
youngsters to catch their own rainbow trout.
4. The Sun Valley Museum of History showcases the first inhabitants
in the area as well as miners and ranchers and, ultimately, destination
skiers, artists, and athletes. Many Olympic gold medalists have trained
here and quite a few continue to reside in the area. This museum was
formerly the skiing hall of fame. Now, the museum covers a much
broader view of Sun Valley’s history.
5. The Sun Valley Club golf course has an 18 hole putting course on
7. Drinks or a $3 hot cocoa can be enjoyed on the terrace at the Sun
Valley Club, overlooking the golf course and views of the ski runs on
Bald Mountain.
8. The Sun Valley Opera House shows first run movies and offers free
showings during most of the year of the classic “Sun Valley Serenade”
featuring the Glenn Miller Orchestra and skater Sonja Henie.
9. Skateboarders flock to the Hailey Skate Park in nearby Hailey. This
skate park is recognized as the best in the northwest.
10. Numerous art galleries and antique shops delight treasure hunters looking for that quintessential piece to add to their own home.
including formica countertops, a
spacious enamel sink, the patio umbrella, and two pink lawn flamingos,
completed the ambiance.
My husband, tired from the day of
travel, collapsed onto the king-sized
bed, saying “I don’t know why we
didn’t just stay at the Hilton.” He
slept immediately, and I’m not sure
he was able to take in any of the
rental’s features before his eyes
closed for the night.
The following morning, he woke before I did, greeting me with a cheery
“Hey, this is nice!”
Martinez’s passion for the movie
Breakfast at Tiffany’s is evident, and
not only in the unit we stayed in.
Number 4, the unit located across
from Number 3, where we stayed, is
painted with Tiffany blue walls and
features the same cabinetry and accents.
HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR IN PALM SPRINGS
EXPERIENCE RETRO HOLLYWOOD PALM SPRINGS IN A DELIGHTFUL AND CHARMINGLY DECORATED
MID-CENTURY VACATION RENTAL PROPERTY, WITH A BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S TWIST. N
ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY: CHRISTINA BOYES
N
estled in the heart of the desert, Palm Springs is an unexpected haven of Hollywood glamor and
small town charm. The community is largely comprised of mid-century homes, built during its
heyday as the getaway spot for movie stars and their entourage. Judy Garland, Lucille Ball, Gene
Autry, and Clark Gable number among the dozens of movie stars who settled here. Sonny Bono was
mayor of Palm Springs from 1988 to 1992, and created the globally acclaimed Palm Springs International
Film Festival during his tenure. The area has also been called home by Ray Bradbury, Truman Capote,
Cher, and an impressive list of movers and shakers in all aspects of entertainment, business, and
government, including former Presidents and Vice Presidents of the United States.
For a town with such an impressive
list of past and current residents,
Palm Springs is surprisingly unpretentious. In the off season, the heat keeps
most tourists at bay, but the beauty
is still undeniable. As a result, it is a
popular vacation spot year-round.
This charming oasis is home to over
1,000 vacation rentals.
Finding an enchanting place to stay
can be a challenge – not from a lack of
options, but from the overwhelming
number and style of available rentals. In September, it draws a crowd
of seismologists and engineers who
study the earthquakes in California
– they attend a conference known as
the Southern California Earthquake
Center meeting. My husband is one
of them, and as a result of his work,
we find ourselves in Palm Springs, CA
yearly.
Nestled on a quiet street, just a few
minutes’ walk from downtown Palm
Springs and a ten minute drive from
the famous Movie Colony, Jorge Martinez manages four vacation rentals.
The units, free-standing apartments
Largely decorated with a vintage
Coca-Cola theme, the unit includes
comfortable mod décor from modern
designers with a flair for vintage, as
well as a George Nelson clock that
fans of mid-century décor will appreciate.
The owner tells a delightful tale about
the creation of the Tiffany blue walls.
When he had determined that he
wanted to use the Breakfast at Tif-
built in the late 1950s and early
1960s, are charming and perfectly
sized for small groups of one to five
guests.
We arrived late in the evening, exhausted and ready to shower, relax,
and sleep. Jorge had prepared the
unit meticulously, with an excellent
eye for the smaller details – our unit,
decorated with a Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme, and complete with
cabinets in the style of Holly Golightly’s (Audrey Hepburn’s) New York
kitchen, was a delight. Period pieces,
fany’s theme, he drove to the Tiffany’s guests, accommodating up to 4.
in Coachella Valley in his SundayEach unit in the complex includes a
drive Mercedes, dressed to the nines. private outdoor patio as well as access to common areas, including the
heated outdoor pool, hot tub, and
He stepped down from the car, and
community patio. Grills are supplied
watched as the sales people inside
for each area, as well. Free parking
scrambled to their positions.
and optional housekeeping services
are also available.
“May I ask a strange question?” he
asked the first salesperson he encountered.
Many of the furnishings are ecofriendly finds from
“Yes.”
vintage stores in the
local area, although
“Well, you know the movie Breakfast
some are modern
at Tiffany’s? I’m decorating my vacareplicas. Each unit
tion rental with a theme based on
includes modern features guests expect,
the movie, and would love to paint
as well. Flat screen
the walls Tiffany blue. Could I have
TVs, modern heata square of the wrapping paper you
ing and cooling, and
use?”
a selection of books
“You won’t be able to match the color. and DVDs are readily available in each
It’s patented.” The sales clerk said.
unit, along with up“But here you go.”
dated appliances.
The clerk reached into a drawer,
The owner lives in
pulled out a square of Tiffany blue
one of the apartpaper, and proceeded to cut it in half
ments on the property,
- Jorge still wonders why the clerk
and is always available to
didn’t just hand him the entire 1’ x 1’
piece – which Jorge promptly took to address guest questions
and concerns. The privacy
Home Depot, where he matched the
of each unit, constructed as
color with relative ease. He plans to
apartment-sized homes that
frame the wrapping paper and story
stand independently but
as a whimsical treat for the unit’s
share common walkways,
guests in the near future.
is such that you only notice your neighbors if you
Since he acquired the vacation
choose to.
rental property in 1996, more than
$250,000 in upgrades have been
We found Jorge’s vacation
made, including the addition of plantation shutters to 3 of the units, and
rental to be a delight, It is modestly
Saltillo tile flooring to all of the vacapriced for the area, but well equipped
tion rentals on the property. Copper
and carefully furnished. The owner’s
trim, new roofing, and fully-renovated decades of experience in the hospitalplumbing, as well as a total bathroom ity industry shine through in the careful attention paid to every detail.
remodel in number 3 and careful
preservation and restoration of the
This mid-century vacation rental
period décor in the bathrooms of the
apartment complex in Palm Springs
remaining units, represent some of
received an award on FlipKey for exthe extensive care Martinez has put
cellent guest comments, and although
into the property.
the rental has no website, Jorge delivers a 100% response rate to inquiries.
Number 3 is 1000 square feet, with
two bedrooms and two full baths.
After we’d locked the unit and reThe others are 1 bedroom layouts,
with a single bath and additional pull- turned the keys, my husband turned
to me and asked, “Why don’t we stay
out sofa in the living room for extra
There’s Life in the Desert
A day of explorating Joshua Tree National Park
Written By: Christina Boyes - Photos By: Christina Boyes
D
riving out of Palm Springs, my husband, two of his Master’s students, our son, and I thought the desert couldn’t get any hotter.
It was a sweltering 100 degrees outside, and the rains earlier in the
week left the desert air dense with a humidity uncommon in the
area. The air was infused with steam, as if you removed the lid from
a boiling pot of pasta.
When it’s hot and nearing midday in the desert, most sensible
people would stay indoors. We opted to go for a hike in the heart of
the Mojave and Colorado deserts, at Joshua Tree National Park.
Missing the first sign for the park, we drove to the entrance located
farthest from Palm Springs – a fortuitous mistake. If it weren’t for
our communal oversight, we would have missed many of the park’s
most astounding views, as we’d only planned a small walk around
the western end’s rock features, and a quick visit to the Joshua
trees themselves.
Now before we go any further into this tale, I want to tell you something about myself. I’m an avid photographer with a passion for
landscapes and wildlife. We lived in Colorado for years, and I spent
two months of driving daily to an area supposedly populated by one
of the largest wild herds of Bighorn sheep. The result? Not a single
sighting. Although I was excited by our trip to Joshua Tree National
Park, I was also skeptical that we would find anything other than a
few trees that looked like something out of Tim Burton’s imagination for me to photograph.
I was wrong.
Let’s get back to the story…
E
ntering the park, we were greeted by an all too familiar sight –
road work. We spent thirty minutes waiting in the visitor center
and learning about the park’s varied ecosystems while the asphalt
dried. Those thirty minutes were priceless. We acquired a park
map, learned the names of the cacti, and also asked the park rangers for a few tips on places to stop, hike, and explore. We stopped at
each one, with wildly different and beautiful results.
here
next year? I really like
it.”
Looks like we’ve decided on a new
Palm Springs favorite. In a city with
thousands of options for vacation
rentals, hotels, and resorts, that’s an
impressive feat for any property to
accomplish.
For rates and availability on these
charming Palm Springs vacation
rentals, please click here
Joshua Tree National Park straddles two deserts, the cooler, higher
Mojave and the lower, hotter Colorado Deserts. Both are a part
of the larger Sonoran desert. Within its bounds, there are three
ecoregions, formed by volcanic activity, plate tectonics, and stark
erosion. In the lower regions of the park, the Joshua Tree doesn’t
grow – a fact which surprised us all. This area is largely populated
by brush and low-growing cacti. I managed to catch a glimpse of a
lizard and several insects, too.
G
etting down from the car, we debated the need to trek water
bottles with us on the 1.1 mile loop to Barker Dam – a small
walk on an average day, but the heat was notable at well over 90
degrees, and signs advised carrying water.
The trail to Barker Dam was easy, and we were able to spot quite
a few antelope ground squirrels as they scurried away to hide. The
greenery was surprising, flowers were blooming along the path,
and evidence of recent rainfall was apparent. We were excited
about the possibility of finding water in the desert.
What would the dam look like?
Impressive vistas of mountains, valleys, and geologic features such
as faults and granitic monoliths, created a stunning impression of
the park on all of us. The heat in the Colorado Desert was almost
unbearable, so we spent little time exploring, stopping at small
exhibits and paths along the main road through the park. A brief
saunter through the Cholla Cactus Garden was followed by our
first real walk around Skull Rock, where the bouldering opportunities are incredible, the views breathtaking, and the geology remarkable. Hidden Valley was a feast for the eyes, but the real surprise
came at Barker Dam.
Quick Snacks and Scrumptious Eats in
Palm Springs
A
rriving at the end of the trail, my husband’s students stopped.
Written By: Christina Boyes - Photos By: Christina Boyes
They pointed.
If
After years of desperately searching for an opportunity to photograph them, the bighorn sheep had found me, in the middle of the
desert. And I didn’t have the right lens.
there’s one thing I can’t resist, it’s good food. Palm Springs
never fails to impress on that count, and our yearly trips there
are something my palate anticipates with glee. Last year,
a new name popped up on my radar – LuLu’s. My husband and I
stopped by, and were treated to a delightful breakfast. This year, I
knew we had to go back. Another favorite from last year is quickly
rising in popularity and making gym owners everywhere happy –
Great Shakes. Rounding out my list of temptations for the trip, I also
paid a dangerously sweet visit to Balboa Candy. If you’re planning
a trip to the area, the following places will leave your palate happy
and your sweet tooth satisfied.
Sometimes life forces you to take a moment and enjoy the view. We
did. As we sat on the rocks, out of the sun and staring at the grassy
field that was once Barker Dam, a herd of bighorn sheep grazed
nearby. Soon, more came down from a nearby rock pile to join them.
Our energy fading under the hot desert sun, we walked back to the
car. All the landscapes leading up to this moment paled in comparison…the day was complete, and I’d finally seen the animal I’d actively
sought for years, in the place I least expected.
LuLu California Bistro
LuLu California Bistro is the second restaurant in its family, and was
opened in 2011 by the owners of Acqua Pazza California Bistro in
nearby Rancho Mirage. From its conception, Palm Springs awaited
the opening of this restaurant. The air of excitement is still palpable
in LuLu today, where the off-season dining is still fairly full. In fact,
according to the restaurant’s managers, the primary problem the
location faces is the challenge of a 500 person seating capacity.
From it’s opening, the restaurant has been busier than expected.
In order to keep up with public demand, they had to double the
kitchen size, and currently have a staff of over 200 employees.
Each of us took away something different from that trip, but the
beauty of the park will stay with us for years to come.
Entrance fees to Joshua Tree National Park are $15 per car for a
seven day permit, or $5 on foot for a single entry permit that lasts
seven days. A one year pass to the park is $30. For more information
on Joshua Tree National Park, please visit their website.
My stomach was right – this is one hot dining spot.
LuLu isn’t pretentious, however. Despite offering everything from
escargot to a Tower of Ahi Tuna & Avocado (pictured), the prices
are modest. Most plates cost between $6.99 and $15.99, despite
their gourmet preparation, fresh flavors, and satiating portion sizes.
Even the large and decadent Lobster Salad (pictured), crowned
with shrimp, fresh fruits, and a hefty serving of lobster, and drizzled
with a delicious passion fruit vinaigrette, comes in at a reasonable
$26.99.
The most tempting treat? Early Bird three-course dining, between
3 and 5 PM. This service is only $16.99, and can be combined with
the all-day Happy Hour specials for a perfect outing – especially
if you feel like catching a show in the evening. The dinner service
is ok, but if you’d like to experience LuLu at its best, pop in for the
Sunday brunch, where you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy items
from both the breakfast and lunch menus, while pleasing even the
pickiest eaters.
Great Shakes
If you’re on the go and don’t mind gulping your daily calorie
requirements in one drink (I don’t!), then swing by Great Shakes.
This retro-inspired shake shop features flavor combinations
that will make your mouth sing, like Caramel Coffee Crème
and Blueberry Lemon Lavender. Each shake is topped with
homemade whipped cream, and either a fluffy homemade
marshmallow or delicious mini donut.
I’m guilty of guzzling more than a few of these on my trips to
Palm Springs. Once you’ve had one Great Shake, you’ll crave
them for life.
Great Shakes has won numerous awards in the local area for
their malts and shakes. Each shake is generously portioned
and crafted with gourmet flavor combinations and ice cream from a local
dairy. The shop also boasts a wide assortment of vintage candies, fitting
with the overall retro vibe.
My only complaint is that I can’t eat more than one.
Great Shakes and LuLu California Bistro are located within one block of
each other on North Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs.
After a visit to these eateries, you’ll need to take a hike through the
Joshua Tree National Park to burn off a few of those calories. Or you can
ride the aerial tramway, for a hike at the top of the mountain, and enjoy a
different perspective on the desert scenery of the Palm Springs area. If
hiking isn’t your thing, check out the area casinos on the Agua Caliente
Indian Reservation, or browse through the shops in the area. While you
shop, keep an eye open for Balboa Candy, another tempting spot for
adults and children of all ages.
Balboa Candy
Also located on North Palm Canyon Drive, Balboa Candy is the third
location of this family candy store chain. Specializing in nostalgic
sweets and treats, the shop caters to adults, not kids – although
that amount of candy in a concentrated space is sure to grab the
attention of the younger crowd, too.
Balboa Candy opened their Palm Springs location in February
2014, and offer a unique perk for their employees – free
merchandise while working. If you have any questions about
the candies you find inside, you’re guaranteed an answer from a
person who knows the ins and outs of the store’s treats.
The main attraction of Balboa Candy isn’t their array of vintage
sweets, however. The company specializes in salt water taffy, with
over 61 flavors available. Homemade fudge is another favorite
here, and both are fresh all the time. Sugar-free and diabetic
candies are also available.
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Compton Cottage Charm
Little Compton, RI is a beautiful
seaside New England town known
for its rolling hills, stone walls, sandy
beaches, and a town common
featuring a white steepled church.
This newly renovated cottage has an
eclectic mix of vintage and modern
materials and features an amazing
westward view over the Narraganset
Bay. A perfect setting to relax and
enjoy your vacation.
Click for details and availability
North Shore Beauty
We have a vintage, family beach
house in Hawaii, on the North
Shore of O’ahu. It is beach front,
and has been in our family 80
years. We have two bedrooms and
two bathrooms, a separate kitchen
with a pass--through view through
the house of the lawn, coconut
trees and ocean.
Starfish Blue - Fiji
Nothing says relaxation like a
hanging bed. Enjoy the view as
you gently sway with a stellar view
of paradise. Starfish Blue is on Fiji’s
vivid Suncoast- lush greenery and
tropical water. Honeymooners
love the master suite with 2 person
jetted tub, and families love the
three bedrooms and bathrooms
and private pool.
Gardener’s Cottage
Puerto Rico Beachfront
The Gardener’s Cottage -This
beautiful 1920’s art & crafts cottage
in quaint Hendersonville, NC,
boasts 9 foot ceilings, gourmet
kitchen, Italian tile baths, claw foot
tub, walk in shower, king master
& queen guest room, spacious
front porch with Grandpa’s swing,
central air & heat.
Choose from 2 beachfront units in
a freestanding home, with owners
living onsite. Each sleeps 5 and only
costs $100 a night. We are the best
value for oceanfront on the island.
Come here to experience the real
Puerto Rico. WIFI, HBO, dishes, linens,
appliances, washer, dryer and phone.
Luxurious Lofts
Orlando Vacation Villas
Enjoy the comforts of home in
the heart of downtown Asheville.
Experience the charm of our
recently renovated historic building
just steps from the vibrant
cosmopolitan center of Asheville.
Surround yourself with the warmth
of abundance of natural light and
handsome decor. All modern
amenities and off street parking.
Welcome to your vacation home
just minutes south of Orlando...
Coconut Hideaway
Coconut Hideaway Beachhouse
sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico
with your private beach just off
our front deck. Our charming
Caribbean-inspired beach house
is decorated with antiques and
oriental carpets and features
hardwood floors and soaring high
ceilings.
Two fully air-conditioned villas are
situated across from each other on
a quiet no-through court. They can
be rented individually or together.
Designed in a contemporary style,
both villas have all of the features
you need, and more.
North Shore Beach Home
Kawailoa Beach Paradise
Ready for lounging in the sun or
floating in the sea? Surf awaits at
MJ’s & Gators, as well as snorkeling
& fishing. Protected swimming
perfect for the family. Whale watch
in the winter & spot turtles year
round. Enjoy TV, internet, games &
2 covered lanais when it’s time to
escape the sun.Unbelievable sunsets
and stargazing!
Over The Edge
Story By Camille Miller
10,000 Square Feet of Pure Luxury
Magical
on the privately-accessed ski run located right outside the
door on National Forest land.
There is something magical about a snowstorm in the Colorado Mountains. Every time it happens to me, I feel a tingle
of pleasure and a touch of guilt. This morning, I’m waking up Steamboat Springs
to a warm fire at my bedside, and fourteen inches of freshly- Steamboat Springs is unique among the resort areas of
fallen snow outside. Surely a snowstorm shouldn’t feel this... Colorado. Unlike other mountain towns which developed
around the ski industry in the 1970’s, Steamboat has been
indulgent.
a community for over one hundred years...it just happens
Our ten-thousand square foot luxury vacation rental, which to have a world-class ski mountain nearby. At least half of
the residents live here year-round, and more Olympians call
goes by the name Over the Edge, is like a five-star hotel we
Steamboat home than any other city in the world.
get all to ourselves. Guests here are greeted by a personal
concierge and a butler, who arrange everything from ground
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors enjoy snow
transportation to private massages and more. Every detail
has been considered to make this home feel like a
secluded resort; from the fine bed linens and spa-like
bathroom, to the seven beautiful fireplaces throughout its spacious floor plan.
The storm which has surrounded us in this decadent
setting is expected to drop two more feet of powder
over the next three days. Ski season opens next weekend, and the trails are already being groomed, so the
timing of this storm is perfect. Over the next four
months, hundreds of thousands of visitors will come
to this little valley from around the world to take
advantage of the slopes on Mount Werner – a giant
winter playground for people of all ages. This ski-in,
ski-out house is on a “green” run, which means that
it’s good for beginners, and the nearest ski lift is only
a short walk away. In fact, the most popular service
provided by Over the Edge during the winter season
is an in-house ski fitting and personalized instruction
tubing (which, if you’re unfamiliar with snow activities, is like tubing on a river but
faster, colder, and more thrilling). Another popular attraction is nearby Strawberry
Hot Springs, a one-of-a-kind destination up in the mountains where you can soak
your stress away in natural, mineral-rich 104-degree water while gazing at the
Milky Way. There are plenty of locally-owned shops to visit and gourmet restaurants to try. Or, visitors can rent a pair of snowshoes to explore the natural beauty
of the Yampa Valley on foot.
Once in a Lifetime Experiences
Our concierge has asked us if we’d like to try a hot air balloon ride, describing the
aerial view of the Rockies during winter as absolutely surreal. Apparently it gets
hot enough in the basket that people end up removing their coats, and I am strongly tempted to try it. There are other incredible experiences available as well, from
dining at Mount Werner’s peak to dog-sledding behind a professional team. I start
taking mental notes of all the options. We’ll definitely have to return to take advantage of all of them. For now, I’m happy to stay in this incredible house, and my only
regret is that we didn’t bring more people with us to enjoy it.
Over the Edge goes over the top to make large gatherings comfortable and convenient. It’s easy to imagine fancy holiday dinners being held here, complete with
“Winter Wonderland” décor and Bing Crosby’s voice on the sound system that
plays throughout the house. There are seven bedrooms, with beds for sixteen, and
overflow properties just around the corner can accommodate even more guests.
I’m told this property is a favorite for multiple-family or extended family vacations,
and corporations use it regularly for retreats and strategy sessions. The private
chef can easily prepare a three-course meal for twenty-four people: salmon, or
lamb, or locally-raised bison on the menu, with vegetarian options available. The intimate seating area that looks out over the slope through floor-to-ceiling windows
would be great for cocktails; it is the perfect aprés ski sanctuary.
Things to Do - Inside
This home provides enough amusement options inside to make it a destination
in itself. My family has really enjoyed the game room, with two large flat-screen
televisions, a pocket billiards table, shuffleboard table, board games, and more. It is
a great blend of family room and sports bar. When they’ve had enough games, the
kids disappear into the gym downstairs, where they can run around playing tennis, basketball, or pickle-ball. A Wii and Xbox in the family room and a flat patch of
ground off the deck which is perfect for snowmen are two
more favorite places to play.
End of the Day
At the end of a full day, the children get into their pajamas
and head to the theater for an unforgettable family movie
night. The theater room downstairs has stadium seating
with reclining leather seats and cozy blankets, and we prepare pizza in the gourmet kitchen to serve during the film.
I’ve brought glow sticks with me, to make it extra special,
and the kids have a blast making chains and necklaces in the
dark.
When the movie ends, my husband and I tuck the kids in
and head to the rooftop hot tub for a soak. We start a fire in
the fireplace and pull out the wine glasses, pleased to have
a few quiet moments alone. The snowflakes softly melt on
my shoulders as the hot water jets massage my back and I
wonder again if I’m allowed to enjoy being here this much.
Secretly, I hope it keeps snowing until spring.
To arranage a visit to Over The Edge in Steamboat
Spings, please click through to their website
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Bright Lights, Small City
Who Knew, Right?
Now here’s a story you haven’t heard before…Folepi
began when six guys rented a plane and flew to Niagara
Falls in search of a new holiday tradition. The goal was
simple: to lift the spirits of the people of Central Illinois.
Upon return, Folepi was born.
America’s #1 Hidden Holiday Find
Article By: Mary Beth Cooper, Photos Courtsey City of East Peoria
The song may say “Bright Lights, Big City,” but the tune
at this holiday extravaganza is just the opposite. Half way
between Chicago and St. Louis lies one of the most magical
holiday secrets in the United States. And of all places…in
the small town of East Peoria, Illinois.
Once a year, this traditional Midwestern community transforms itself into a winter wonderland that draws holiday
enthusiasts of all nationalities. Often called the Disneylike spectacular of the Midwest, this 30-year tradition has
grown into a hot spot on the December map.
Folepi began as a simple holiday parade. Christmas
carols served as the vision for floats. Original floats
consisted of plywood combined with Christmas lights.
But that soon changed.
wind and twist through a
nearly one mile drive that
can only be described as
phenomenal.
By the third year of Folepi, plywood began to give way
to pencil steel. Hometown welders projected pictures
on walls and floors for inspiration. Volunteers began to
donate cars and floats were built around them.
With 310 lighted attractions, you’re in for a 360
degree visual display unlike
any other. A true planes,
trains and automobiles
experience, there is something to see at every turn.
Folepi (Festival of Lights East Peoria Illinois) kicks itself
off right around Thanksgiving with an evening parade of
elaborately lit floats. True to its Midwestern roots, a festival queen waves to the crowd of thousands. But the true
magic appears just after - in the form of four enchanting
holiday themed events.
Look up and you’ll see a skier coming down a high jump and
right over your car while his seven friends look on. Glance
to the right and you’ll be astounded by the brilliantly lit
tiger jumping through hoops. Next up, a full-size 1957
Chevy amazes car buffs.
Saddle up your reindeer, folks. We’re about to take you
for the holiday ride of a lifetime. And hey - don’t forget to
bring Rudolph.
Take a quick turn and a gigantic fire engine lit in red and yellow blinks as if it’s on a run. And, of course, every car appropriately stops to take in the animated bear family cheerfully
tossing brightly colored balls back and forth.
1. Folepi’s Winter Wonderland
Grab your car keys and get ready for the show. Our first
stop is Folepi’s Winter Wonderland. You are about to
Meet Folepi
Folepi (pronounced FO-LEE-PEE) is the official mascot of
the Festival of Lights. A wooden soldier dressed in red and
white, he salutes each and every visitor. Folepi symbolizes
East Peoria pride and the volunteers who keep the show on
the road.
Other attractions include: a western town, animated Bat
Mobile with speedy yellow wheels, larger than life multicolored train, working elf candy cane factory, and even a
family of jumping dolphins.
Most interesting, nearly every single display has been hand
crafted by volunteers. That’s 2,000,000 colorful lights - all
carefully placed to create a spellbinding experience.
2. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
A visit to Folepi isn’t complete without this “must see”
experience. East Peoria is home to the nation’s longest
running production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Highlighted by costumes in every color
of the rainbow, Joseph takes place every December at the
nationally renowned Eastlight Theatre. This high energy,
all music show sets the stage for the best of holiday memories. Side note: Eastlight Theatre is known as the test
market for Broadway productions transitioning from
tours to the local theater
market. Recent examples
of first runs include: Mary
Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang
Bang, Rent, and Les Mis.
3. The Narrated Nativity Scene
If the Christmas story warms your heart, you won’t want to miss
this magical display. Funded by private donations to the Narrated
Nativity Display Association, this attraction was originally created
by local artists way back in 1985.
As time went on, static displays changed to moving
displays with simple animation techniques. A foot
would kick or a hand would wave. Crowds were
amazed.
30 years later, many of the older displays still exist,
now with modern flair. Crowd favorite return displays
include: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Enterprise
(a favorite of Star Trek buffs) and the Clydesdales.
When wear and tear took its toll, the scenes were restored as vinyl prints. Open day and night, this exhibit tells the story of Mary
and Joseph in five nearly life-sized scenes that become threedimensional at night.
4. Folepi’s Enchanted Forest
Our last stop is Folepi’s Enchanted Forest. Enter and you’ll find
the city’s official 35- foot tall Christmas tree covered in twinkling
red, white and blue lights. This testament to American patriotism
is one not to be missed. Continue your stroll and you’ll pass more
than 30 decorated Christmas trees. In true Central Illinois style,
you’ll be sent off with a view of a lighted replica of a memorable
Cat® tractor (above).
Author’s Note: To avoid long wait times, consider visiting Folepi
during the week. Weekend wait times can exceed two hours. For
more information, please visit the Festival of Lights website.
The Falling Cost of
Magic
In 2007, volunteers began to convert displays to LED
lights. The result was shocking. The once $80,000
electric bill has dropped to a mere $5,000. Wow!
House of Dreams
Pleasure abounds at Casa de los Suenos in Puerto Vallarta
By: Beth Carson
Smug. It’s not an emotion I’m
particularly tapped into.
But, in the heat of June, I watched
people parading on the malecon (or
boardwalk) from my vantage point in the
shade of the palapa of the swim up bar,
from the deliciously cool pool, and met
the longing glances of the thirsty masses
clutching warm water bottles with a
smile and a feeling of immense pleasure.
From the pool bar, my friend Alicia and I
indulged in a freshly blended drink and
hand-diced guacamole at the swim up
bar. I felt like I had been welcomed into
a secret club where only 20 or so other
people received invitations.
The pool, nestled serenely in a Type A,
lovingly pedicured garden, is deceivingly
long. Take a few laps in the sparkling
clear water and you’ll know what I mean.
of the year you’ll be happy to have the
floor to ceiling doors open to capture
the sea breeze.
Upstairs, Casa de los Suenos, in an
upscale, gated community at the south
end of the boardwalk, is a haven from
the vibrant city that is Puerto Vallarta.
Paty, the manager of Casa del los
Suenos and other properties, is a gem.
She’ll greet you, answer questions, and
show you around your new home away
from home. She’ll also do a departure
check out, where you will instantly get
your deposit back. As we were leaving in
the pre-dawn darkness, she phoned our
taxi driver and came running out with
my Kindle, something I would have been
very unhappy to have found missing on
my flights home.
Inside, cool limestone floors and
powerful air conditioning are a welcome
reprieve from the hot season. But much
Three bedrooms and three bathrooms
make the perfect retreat for families.
The condo association is concerned
Loungers, both in the shade and sun,
offer a place to enhance your tan. If you
tire of floating or swimming, you can
enjoy a spectacular sea view, complete
with sunset view, from the private
beach area, just a few steps across the
malecon.
with keeping the integrity of the building away
from the party atmosphere, so they only rent to
families in weekly increments. Our week there
was utterly peaceful.
Designer touches in the heart of Puerto Vallarta
were a complete joy. We both felt we could stay
much longer in the home, spread out over 3000
square feet. While the first two bedrooms are on
par with an above average hotel room, the master
suite is a divine luxury, complete with soaking tub
with mountain views.
While we ate out mostly, the kitchen is a chef’s
playground. Be sure to hit the market if you want
to cook fresh, flavorful, healthy food.
One of our favorite parts of the experience of
staying in this particular vacation rental was the
proximity to absolutely everything. Just across
the boardwalk was a private beach with chairs just
for our building. To the right was the main part of
the malecon, and to the left, places to eat on the
beach - where you can dig your toes in the sand
and listen to the surf while you sip a
margarita.
Just a few blocks back, we found
a bit of the undiscovered Puerto
Vallarta - unique boutiques, incredible
restaurants and eclectic artist
galleries. Wandering was a decadent
pleasure. We didn’t take a taxi once.
It was all at our feet.
There are plenty of massage
therapy spas within easy walk.
Check ahead of time to make sure
that the temperature is to your
liking - we experienced one that
was far too hot for comfort. When
we rebooked, we asked that
they turn the air up for our next
appointment, which they did. Perfection at a true
bargain price - something we indulged in a few
times during our week’s stay at the lovely Casa de
los Suenos.
Please click for rates and availability of the
house of dreams that is Casa de los Suenos
The days flowed into an easy rhythm. Sleep in, fix a quick
breakfast of fruit and yogurt and coffee, then spend the
afternoon at the aqua pool. Lunch was freshly prepared at the
pool bar (note- the pool bar closes in the off-season.)
Late afternoons and evenings were for strolling. We explored
new shops, found dresses and jewelry we were happy to wear
there and at home, and indulged at a different restaurant each
night, often with a view of the sunset. Just a few blocks to the
left of the vacation rental, you’ll find a pier where locals and
tourists gather to swim, watch the sunset, and take photos.
Casa de los Suenos, a wonderful place to relax, refresh and
renew body and soul. The perfect place to stay when you visit
Puerto Vallarta.
LA PALAPA
Dining with an Alluring View
By Noreen Kompanik
O
ne step inside La Palapa Restaurant and
you know you are in for one memorable
night. A seasoned traveler proclaimed “If
you only had one restaurant to choose from
in Puerto Vallarta, this is definitely it.” This
place has it all. Ambience, charm, innovative
mouthwatering cuisine, and yes, magic.
Romance is in the air at La Palapa.
Located on Playa los Muertos in the Romantic
Zone of Old Vallarta, La Palapa literally means
“thatched roof.” And it is perfectly fitting.
Amber colored chandeliers cast a warm glow
over the tables inside the open-air dining
room. Casual tropical elegance just steps
from the beach. Talented musicians serenade
diners nightly with jazz, rhythm and blues, and
flamenco sounds.
Outside seating features linen covered,
candlelit tables in the sand under an extended
palapa. Diners with their feet in the sand and
cocktails in hand breathe in the warm balmy air.
The sun is setting in the distance as palm trees
sway softly in the breeze.
Two tables, strategically placed near the water
offer a private dining experience second to
none. A candlelit path guides diners to their
seats. Tiki torches add tropical enchantment.
The sunset over the horizon sets the sky
ablaze with splashes of color. Anchored fishing
boats sway with the movement of the tide.
Mountains tower in the distance and city lights
begin to twinkle softly. The soothing sound of
waves gently caresses the shore. An attentive
waiter offers a cocktail from an extensive
beverage menu to whet the palate. Pinch me, is
this just a dream?
But, it just keeps getting better. The food is
tantalizingly diverse and delectable. Appetizer
selections read like a tapas menu with thirteen
offerings ranging from soups, salads to other
delectable delights. The tempting main entrees
feature gourmet Mexican cuisine with a slight
Asian twist.
Though seafood is the more prevalent offering,
other equally enticing menu options make
for a difficult decision. But, at La Palapa,
there are no wrong choices. The shrimp with
guanabana, a tropical fruit with strawberry
banana taste topped with coconut sauce,
accompanied with corn and potato mash
and crispy plantains titillated the palate. The
pork tenderloin encrusted with goat cheese,
chorizo, pecans and topped with a chile mulato
sauce was grilled to perfection and exploded
with flavor. Entrees are ushered out by smiling
waiters eager to see diners’ reactions to their
magnificent presentations.
The chef’s sampler of Mexican desserts
accompanied by a flaming Mexican coffee
perfectly closes out a magical, enchanted
evening. It is no secret that La Palapa
bewitches and beguiles all who dine here. One
experience will never be enough. Returning
travelers wanting to try something new instead
find themselves once again answering the
siren’s call of La Palapa’s charms. I know we did.
Location:
L L Púlpito 105-3 Col. Emiliano Zapata
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, México
Tel: (322) 222 5225
Food and Fun -
Mexican Holiday Style
Sand, Sun and Sipping Cocktails:
Christmas in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Celebrate Mexican Culture at
Our Lady of Peace Festival in Bucerias
Article and Photos By Tawna Brown
By Rebecca Johnson
“Eat, drink and be merry” should follow Feliz Navidad if you’re spending
the Christmas holidays in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. There’s no need
for snow and freezing temperatures to put a rosy glow on your face
as you slip into the Christmas spirit in this beautiful, romantic beach
destination. Located on the Bay of Banderes with the dramatic Sierra
Madre Mountains as a backdrop, there is natural beauty everywhere you
look and plenty of abounds to give you that winter tan. With average daily
temperatures in the low 70’s and very little chance of rain, December is
the perfect month to enjoy all the holiday festivities Puerto Vallarta has
to offer.
After deciding to spend Christmas away from home, but wondering
if we’d miss some of our holiday traditions, my husband and I were
delighted to arrive in a city decked out with sparkling decorations and
palm trees wrapped in Christmas lights. Christmas trees are few but
fortunately poinsettias are plentiful, and in combination with other
tropical flowers like bougainvilleas, orchids and birds of paradise, they
make for exquisite floral arrangements.
Christmas celebrations begin December 1 and continue through
January 6, so no matter when you arrive you can be sure to see, if not
participate in, some unique festivities. During the first 12 days of the
month candlelight processions by thousands of residents and visitors
alike proceed to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Participants come to
commemorate the appearance of the Virgin Mary to the peasant Juan
Diego. Events culminate on the evening of December 12 with a mass
followed by parades, floats, dancing and fireworks.
Los Posadas, a procession reenacting Joseph and Mary’s travel to
Bethlehem takes place December 12-24 in various parts of the city.
You may come across children dressed as Joseph and Mary being
symbolically turned away from people’s homes until they are finally
welcomed with an ensuing fiesta.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are spent with friends and family
with celebrations beginning early in the morning and continuing all day.
Generally businesses are closed, but there is no shortage of impressive
places to dine in Puerto Vallarta. Without last minute shopping or frantic
holiday cooking ahead of us, we enjoyed an afternoon of sunshine on the
beach sipping tropical cocktails piled high with luscious fruit.
Looking for a romantic Christmas Eve dinner, we made a fabulous choice
with Rincon de Buenos Aires, an Argentinean restaurant known for
its imported cuts of meats cooked over a wood fire. The steaks were
perfectly prepared, sizzling hot and juicy, but the pasta and seafood I
saw at other tables looked tempting as well. Be sure to order the flan,
creamy and sweet as a special treat. Not ready for the evening to
end? Consider a stroll to the historic district where festively dressed
people enjoy lively music and dancing well into the early morning
hours.
Christmas morning is typically very quiet in Puerto Vallarta but by
afternoon restaurants are eager to serve a holiday meal with turkey and
all the trimmings. Having had one delicious meal after another over the
past few days we opted for lighter fare at Route 66 in the Marina area.
Decked out with a 50’s rock and roll theme with dancing waiters, this is
a lively choice with great marina views. With an American owner on site
greeting you like family, enjoying a traditional holiday meal at a diner like
restaurant didn’t seem unusual at all. We visited here several more times
enjoying more traditional fare like hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken fried
steak and shakes.
Once we had our fill of poolside cocktails and hunted for our next favorite
restaurant, we checked out what activities the city has to offer. There are
plenty to pick from like dolphin swimming to sailing day trips to shopping.
We settled on whale watching. Puerto Vallarta is known for its large
Humpback whale population this time of year as the mammals migrate to
warmer water. In what seemed like nothing more than a rubber boat we
headed out into open water. Our guide, a Marine Science Ph.D. student,
explained how each whale can be uniquely identified. He also stated
that it would be a great day if we saw a whale “breach,” or jump out of the
water. We were in luck as multiple whales treated us to this spectacular
scene.
Bucerias, Mexico (January 16-24) – Cameras, phones and iPads
were held up in the air. I shuffled through the hundreds of people
that were gathered on the beach, eagerly awaiting the arrival of
the boats. I firmly stuck my feet beneath the hot sand and got
into position; I managed to score an unobstructed view near the
shoreline. Music was playing; kids were running around; excitement
was in the air.
Each January, the small town of Bucerias (25km north of Puerto
Vallarta) honors its patron saint, Our Lady of Peace, during a nineday festival. This annual event brings hundreds of residents and
tourists together.
Celebrations include a carnival with numerous rides, games, arts,
crafts. There are food vendors, live music and performers, and
nightly fireworks. The festival culminates on January 24 with its
grand finale, the “Blessing of the Fleet” for the local fishermen and
their boats.
Fiesta Highlight
Back on dry land we spent another day walking along the famed Malecon,
the seaside pedestrian walkway. Lined with beach front restaurants, bars,
shops, art galleries, and commissioned outdoor bronze sculpture there is
enough to do and see for an entire day.
The Blessing of the Fleet is the highlight of the fiesta, taking place
on the beach near the central plaza. Spectators begin to appear midmorning, growing to several hundreds by midday.
where they will receive a formal blessing for the next year during
a Catholic mass. The festival ends that evening with an elaborate
fireworks display.
New Years Eve is yet another reason for a fiesta in this party city with so
many fine hotels and restaurants offering elaborate celebrations with
dining and dancing a unique and romantic place to ring in the New Year is
Las Caletas, the former estate of film director John Huston.
While the excited crowd eagerly awaits the arrival of the boats,
dancers dressed in Mayan costume perform in the Santa Cruz
church grounds and talented horse riders dance to the music of the
marching band.
This is a must-see event! Be sure to bring your camera, as you
are guaranteed to have countless photo and video opportunities!
Bucerias’ Our Lady of Peace Festival will not disappoint!
We took a sunset cruise to a secluded torch-lit cove and enjoyed a
candlelit dinner, an open bar and Rhythm of the Night, a spectacular, high
energy contemporary dance show. No matter how you choose to spend
the evening, be sure to have your champagne glass full as the magnificent
fireworks explode and light the sky over the Banderes Bay at midnight.
A Christmas holiday in this festive, enchanting and romantic city can be
all you hope for. Puerto Vallarta offers enough variety and activity for the
Christmas visitor looking for lazy sun drenched days on the beach, or the
high energy party goer looking to be out and about morning, noon and
night.
At noon, several colorfully decorated fishing boats (“pangas”) will
arrive across the Banderas Bay from La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. The
pangas float in the distance, and take turns driving towards the beach
at full speed while the excited crowd applauds. Once they have all
arrived, the fishermen are greeted and blessed by the Padre (Father),
and are led in a procession one block away to the Santa Cruz church
Worth the Trip
If your travel dates don’t overlap with this annual festival (January
16-24), a visit any other day to Bucerias is still well worth it. Aside
from the artisans market, where you can buy Mexican handicrafts
including glassware, pottery, embroidery, jewelry and Huichol Indian
beadwork – all at lower prices than the markets in Puerto Vallarta,
Upper right, boy walks through
carnival during the 9 day Our
Lady of Peace festival. The
Blessing of the Fleet highlights
the event when colorfully
decorated fishing drive to the
beach for their annual blessing.
QUICK AND DELICIOUS
Drink Your Way through the Market
Bucerias’ cobblestoned streets are lined with several boutique shops,
galleries and restaurants, many of which are located along Lázaro
Cárdenas Street. You can also rent a lounge chair outside one of the
restaurants along the beach and enjoy a cold beverage as you catch some
rays and people watch.
By Lorna Barnett
One of the best things about renting a vacation rental is the
kitchen. Often the hub of the home, even on vacation, it can
store left-overs or be a chance to let you be the chef you
want to be at home, but don’t have the time.
Getting There
Bucerias has become a favorite among vacationers who are looking to
get away from the faster pace and “been there, done that” nature of
neighboring Puerto Vallarta. Bucerias has a population of around 7000,
and is described by many residents and visitors as the Puerto Vallarta of
25 years ago.
If you’re staying in a spot like Puerto Vallarta, the fresh fruit
is too good to ignore. Once you have settled down in your
vacation rental your next thought might be what to eat. Make
a visit to the local marketa one of your first stops. The variety
of tropical fruits and vegetables is exciting. Some of them
you might be familiar with, such as mangoes. Some like
nopalea, might be new to you. Ask the vendors questions
about their goods. They are always willing to explain how to
prepare their vegetable and some might even tell you their
health benefits.
Transportation options between Bucerias and Puerto Vallarta are easily
accessible; a 40-minute bus ride will cost 12 pesos (less than $1USD),
while a private taxi will cost approximately $25USD (30 minutes). You
will need pesos for the bus, but you can pay for the taxi in either pesos or
dollars.
At the marketa your purchases should include ripe mangoes,
pineapple, papaya, bananas, (the baby bananas are
sweetest), and a fresh green coconut. These ingredients are
necessary for your liquid breakfast. They also make good
dessert.
Hint: Carry a quart size container with a wide mouth so you
can collect the coconut water and jelly. Have the vendor cut
the coconut so that you can collect the water and scoop out
the jelly. Feel free to drink the water on the spot but get the
jelly to go. Some vendors have plastic bags for the jelly. You
might want to have your pineapple peeled.
Clockwise from above: Crowds gather waiting for the
colorfully decorated fishing boats to arrive on the beach
for the Blessing of the Fleet, to be greeted and blessed by
the Padre (below), prior to celebrating a formal mass and
blessing for the year at the near by Santa Cruz Church.
After a restful night you are ready for breakfast. This liquid
breakfast is sure to refresh and energize you. It is so quick
and easy you will want to have it every morning. Be sure and
interchange ingredients. One day you might want to blend
mangoes, pineapple and banana with coconut. Another day
you might blend mangoes, papaya and coconut. Experiment.
Have fun with your creations. You can’t go wrong with any
combination of fruits you choose. You may use the following
recipe as a guide.
Blend:
• 1 mango flesh
• 4 to 6 one inch cubes pineapple
• 2 baby bananas or 1 regular banana
• 1/2 cup coconut jelly
• 1 cup water or coconut water if you didn’t drink it.
Serves 2 to 3.
Remember to have fun while creating. This is not an exact
science.
Bon appetit!
For the Love of Travel
My Skydiving Adventure &
the Circle Rainbow
Story from: Vicki White
Photos By: Vicki White, Ashley Hise, Anthony Thompson & Chase Nicely
Soaring up to ten-thousand feet high
above the Allegheny Mountains in
Bath Country, VA, with Team Fastrax
was scary. I will have to admit, until I
placed both feet on that small step,
I felt unsure if I could jump out of
this plane. Four of us packed in the
back like a can of sardines made me
claustrophobic. Paul Peck, the pilot,
gave the signal to open the door to
Matt Harvey, one of the instructors
who sat beside us attached to a
gentleman who was sixty years
young. Witnessing them fall into
mid-air, knowing I was next, left me
in shock.
Sitting in the lap of Paul Stanford,
my instructor, and hearing the
clicks of his safety gear attaching
to mine is when I came face to
face with reality. I am strapped to
another human being! With a lot
of encouragement and persuasion,
I followed Paul’s instructions
carefully as we maneuvered our
way to the exit. I was thirsty and
found it hard to breathe looking
at the distant horizon. The wind
was powerful against my eardrum.
My body was violently shaking
from within because of the colony
of butterflies in my stomach.
Adrenaline, not fear, had taken
control. I had reached the point of
no return.
We rolled out of the door, hurtling
toward the earth’s surface at
approximately 120 mph. During
the free-fall, my heart had the best
cardio workout at the age of fortythree I had ever experienced in
my lifetime. When he pulled the
parachute cord, it felt like the force
of gravity only reversed. The straps
rose up around me, and I had the
worst mammogram ever!
To my surprise, in contrast to the
tumult of the free-fall, it was
now amazingly silent. We could
only hear our voices and shared
the pounding rhythm of one
another’s hearts. Until I yelled,
“Yeah!” As I began to relax, the
majestic mountains astounded
me. The warmth of the sun sent a
calmness to my inner soul. Views
from that altitude are spectacular.
The sky is unlike any blue you have
ever seen. Bright colors of the fall
foliage enhanced the beauty from
above as the trees prepared to bow
down their heads to the winter. It
reminded me of a painting that you
have to stop and look at, and I had
become part of its canvas.
The reason I decided to jump out of
a perfectly good airplane is because
of my children and their friends.
At first they thought I was crazy. I
had overheard them discussing the
current events taking place in this
world and on top of that, they lost
two of their close friends in one
week. I felt led
to do something. We dedicated this life event to them
and I wore a bracelet honoring them both (see photo on
previous page).
Having two guardian angels, one on each shoulder, Alex
and Ali gave me the confidence I needed. Sensing their
strong personalities and hearing their angelic laughter
and whispers cheering me on gave me cold chills.
I wanted to show my children not to be afraid of living
life to the fullest. It’s not all about working and making
money. The best part about it is cherishing those special
moments that make us laugh so hard we cry. We did both
that day. For once I became pretty cool in their eyes and
for me, time stood still. It taught them that their Mom
was not so old after all.
Being playful, Paul aimed for a huge cloud and began to
descend into it. My sight became fixed on an object that
I was not sure I was actually seeing. Am I having a vision?
Had I passed out? Then it appeared, a circled rainbow
in all its glory! We were falling into a portal of our
reflection. A mental photographic image that will be in
my mind always. All of a sudden I could see mother earth
and she caught us with her gentle hands.
About a week later I received the video in the mail and
couldn’t wait to sit down to watch it. In the beginning,
Paul asked me if I had any last words. I expressed my
love to my family in South Carolina. I also stated that
I was jumping in memory of, then paused saying Alex’s
name twice. It was almost as if he was picking on me for
acknowledging him. I think that he wanted his name to
be said on YouTube two times. Mainly so his loved ones
would know he was there in spirit.
Ali in her quirky, humorous, way must have wanted to
send her mother a message from Heaven. I said; “In
memory of April,” which is her mother’s name. Maybe I
was just nervous or had her on my mind. On the other
hand, Ali may just have wanted the day to be about her
mom, and if you knew her, you would just grasp her
concept of love. God sure can work in mysterious ways.
It is my belief that some things in this world don’t have
to have an answer. That is what faith is all about.
During the flight, I gave my kid’s a message from my
heart. Struggling to get my words out, I told them that
if they have a dream in their mind to just go for it! This
whole experience brought me through the transition of
a mid-life crisis. I will dance in the rain and sing praise
through the best and hard times. I’ll chase my dreams
and encourage others to do the same no matter what
their age may be.
Special thanks to Team Fastrax, they seem to have
the gift of making smiling contagious. Having the
opportunity to meet them became a divine appointment.
I have made the decision to live every day as if I am
getting ready to jump out of a plane. On to my next
journey. And if leaving this world is anything like
touching a cloud as your falling into a circled rainbow,
I’m ready whenever the good Lord calls my name.
My skydiving adventure took place at Ingalls Field Airport
located in Bath County, VA, at the annual event called
“Wings and Wheels.” It combines an air, car and bike show
and includes fun activities for kids like face painting,
mechanical bull riding, and bouncy houses. You also will
find the most unusual items from vendors and sample
some of the best foods this side of Southwestern Virginia.
V
ASK THE EXPERT
acation Rental Travels receives questions about vacation rental
travel from our readers each week. VR expert and our editor
Beth Carson provides the answers help you get the most from your
Vacation Rental Travels.
Contact the Bath County Tourism Director for
information on the “Wings and Wheels” event scheduled
for 2015.
VRT Reader: I’m new to vacation
rentals, and am overwhelmed with
choices. How do I choose one?
I highly recommend Natural Retreats for lodging. Their
nearby vacation rentals are fantastic. Bringing families
together one stay at a time, while exploring the great
outdoors.
Beth: Great question!
As an owner, while I’m not perfect,
I strive to answer my emails
immediately. However, as a renter,
I’m utterly annoyed with owners who
don’t have the courtesy to respond,
don’t keep their calendar up to date,
and have outdated information.
Natural Retreats Meadow Lane Lodge is set within the
region of Virginia known as The Allegheny Highlands
and is enveloped by over a million acres of National
Forest, pristine Conservation Easement lands and the
magnificence of the Jackson River.
I try to reserve with owners who
allow me to book just like a hotelonline, with a credit card. There are
some situations in which the owner
does need to communicate with you. I
know owners who have 10 bedrooms
homes in upscale beach communities,
and one bad renter could cost them
their livelihood, so I understand the
need for owners to make sure they
aren’t renting to a group that will be
wild and create problems.
The setting is private, pastoral and agrarian in nature, and
is located just a few minutes’ drive from the beautifully
historic villages of both Warm and Hot Springs, Virginia.
The Lodge and Cottages are located throughout this
area of breath-taking natural beauty, providing a distinct
vacation lodging experience time after time.
Lodge photos and descriptions courtsesy of Natural Retreats
and Meadow Lane.
However, the Book it Now feature on
HomeAway and the Book on FlipKey
(on FlipKey) have made the process
so much easier for travelers. The
owner still has 24 hours to connect
with the guest and accept the
booking, but the owners who have
this feature turned on are the ones
who get my attention.
For rates and availability of lodging at
Meadow Lane , please click here
It shouldn’t take longer to reserve
your vacation than it does to enjoy it. VRT Reader: Why a vacation rental?
Beth: Ooh- really great question!
Vacation rentals make up 20% of the
accommodation market in the US.
With a vacation rental- you generally
get a kitchen, separate bedroom(s),
outdoor space, and the amenities go
up from there. Private pools, maid
service, private chef, hammock,
indoor theater—you can have
everything from a beach front value
condo to a penthouse on top of the
Ritz. (See our Spring 2014 issue
for a peak into life on vacation in
the penthouse in the Ritz in Beaver
Creek, Colorado.)
Here’s a personal story- my daughter
was performing in a national dance
competition in Panama City, Florida.
We found a beach front condo
with 2 bathrooms (key if you have
teenagers) for $1650 for the week.
This rental included beach front
lounge chairs, pool, and a large,
furnished patio, wifi and covered
parking. We went to a grocery store
about an hour before we arrived,
(hint- the beach ones are usually
super busy, especially on check in
days) and ate breakfast and lunch in
the condo each day. Being able to stay
right there, and not have to leave for
meals, gave us hours extra each day.
BETH CARSON
Author, Speaker & VR Expert
VR Fusion
homes and duplicate the listing, with
of course, no knowledge of the owner.
And, of course, the owner has no
access to correspondence, payment,
or booking information. If it is a scam,
there is no repercussion. You will
likely lose your money and show up at
a destination with no reservation.
To stay safe- book with a credit card.
Go with a listing on HomeAway,
VRBO, or FlipKey or other reputable
sites. Look to see how long the owner
has been listing and their reviews.
Avoid Craigslist. Or, look there, then
follow up on the vacation rental
through a major listing site. Be
careful.
Also, with eating something easy
like a sandwich or yoghurt for lunch,
we weren’t spending a lot of time
prepping meals. We saved hundreds
on dining, had a well-decorated
condo with everything we needed
(including laundry) and a great view
of the emerald waters of Panama
City Beach. We also had privacysomething sorely lacking in a hotel
room.
Look at the articles in our magazine.
Our writers have stayed in these
homes. We never print an article
without going ourselves and being
absolutely delighted. It’s our promise
to you.
VRT Reader: I found a great deal on
Craigslist. Should I book it?
Have a travel question?
Beth: Buyer beware!
While many owners use Craigslist
as a way to promote last minute
specials, Craigslist is the playground
of scam artists, who take legitimate
Just email Beth directly at
[email protected]
and who knows, your question
could appear in the next issue!
My Traveling Circus
by Camille Miller
Bluebird
There once was a small glass bluebird hanging
above the deck at my grandparents’ “cabin”
near the Snake River. Of all of the details I
remember about this little Eisenhower-era
two-bedroom trailer, this bluebird was always
one of my favorites.
As a child, I was lifted up on my father’s
shoulders to touch the beautiful bird. I’d beg
to swat at it with my chubby little hands again
and again, to make the bird sway and the
chimes below it dance and sing. We drove up
to Palisades each summer, and as I grew up I
watched my parents perform that same ritual
with each of my younger siblings. I remember
with pride the summer I was tall enough to
reach it on my own.
After college, when I had married and moved
far away, my husband scheduled a surprise
trip to Palisades, our six-month-old son in the
back seat, cutting his first tooth. Tears filled my
eyes as I watched my husband lift my boy into
the air to take his first swat at that beautiful
bluebird.
When my grandparents passed away their
property passed to my father. Last year, he told
us he was considering selling it, so we made
plans to travel the long distance to stay there
one last time with our three children. “I need to
warn you,” my Dad said. “It has changed a lot.”
Even with his warning, I wasn’t prepared for
the shock I felt upon seeing it again. Much of
the forest had been removed in our 8-year
absence and there weren’t as many animals.
Palisades Lake was still a beautiful sight from
the deck, but it was hard to see through the
buckets of unseasonal rain that kept falling for
hours.
And the bluebird was gone. When I called my
parents to ask about it, I was told that the
bluebird had fallen from its perch and broken,
never to make its sweet music again.
I don’t know what it is that causes us to cherish
our childhood memories so deeply, but when
I heard that I felt a deep personal loss. I spent
a day and a half crying with the rain that
never stopped. I mourned my grandparents. I
mourned the changes my childhood paradise
had undergone. I mourned the memories of
Palisades my own children would never have. I
mourned the bluebird.
My husband could see how deeply I was
affected, and held me quite often, and then
finally he said something very wise. “You know,
our children don’t know they are missing
anything. You remember this place as it used
to be and you’re sad that it is not the same still,
but to them this is a wondrous new place, full
of excitement and possibility. They can’t have
your memories, so let’s give them theirs.” Of
course, he was right. So the third day, though
it was still drizzling, we decided to leave the
cabin and go adventuring.
Adventuring is something we make time for
during every trip. We pack the car with kids,
snacks, sunscreen, jackets, and camera, and
take off in any direction that looks promising.
We never know what we’ll find, who we’ll
meet, or what will happen, but we are never
disappointed.
This time, we decided to more fully explore
the Snake River Valley, which had held me
captivated from the backseat of my childhood
road trips. It holds a kind of mystery for me
still. It’s such a beautiful place, with hardly
any people in it, I was certain it was hiding
wonderful secrets.
Rather than staying on the main highway that
cuts directly through the valley, we decided
to head off into the mountains, picking a road
which made its way through farmland and then
up into a green canyon.
This close-up look at land that stretches for
miles and miles with only the occasional barn,
was just as fascinating for my kids as it was
for me. They pressed their noses against the
windows and yelled at each other whenever
they saw something new.
I smiled for the first time in days as my son
began telling us his plans to become a farmer
when he grows up. I felt my throat catch when
my daughter asked if she could take a baby
goat home with her. I looked at my husband
and saw that he was wondering the same thing
as I: Will they remember this?
When we reached the canyon we discovered
empty campgrounds next to a small stream.
We decided to stop and continue adventuring
on foot, despite the mud (and the mosquitoes).
Kids make a lot of noise, especially my kids, and
since no one was around, I let them wander
freely knowing I’d hear it if something either
dreadful or exciting happened. I watched them
disappear into the thick willows at the water’s
edge, swatted at a mosquito, and then strolled
through the campground hand-in-hand with
my husband.
It didn’t take long before we heard the shriek,
“Mom! Dad! You’ve gotta come see this!”
We followed the sound of their voices to the
stream’s edge. It was swollen and roaring
so we had to shout to make ourselves
understood. My son was standing on an
enormous boulder at a bend in the stream, and
pointing down into a pocket of deep water at
its base. “Mom,” he shouted to me, “We just
found the PERFECT fishing spot.”
Call me sentimental, but that moment is
crystallized in my mind now. The rain, the
mosquitoes, the rushing stream, the ecstatic
look in my son’s big brown eyes. It was a new
memory, shared only between the members of
our little family, and it was just what my aching
heart needed. It was a new bluebird.
The stillness of it didn’t last long. Only a
second later, my daughters were throwing
rocks into the very spot their brother had
declared perfect for fishing. First there was
horror, and then there was laughter. Before I
knew it, all of my children had removed shoes
and socks, and were up to their knees in icy
mountain water. One moment more, and my
husband had joined them — everyone throwing
rocks into the water to see who could make the
biggest splash. Before leaving, my son made us
promise that we would come back to this spot
someday, with our fishing rods.
It’s now been months since we took that trip,
and my son can barely remember what he ate
for dinner yesterday. But he still gets out his
fishing pole from time to time and asks when
we’re going back to the Snake River.
Memories are delicate things. They sway in the
breeze and chime out a song to remind us how
sweet life is. I never can tell which memories
will crystallize in my children’s minds, but I can
ensure that there are plenty to choose from.
We travel and go adventuring together, in spite
of the sacrifice, the work, the drama, and the
cost — in spite of the circus it is — because we
long for new memories to take home with us…
like little glass bluebirds.
San Francisco’s
Old North Beach
The City By The Bay
Article & Photos by Kathleen Poole
F
or those of us who live in the Bay
Area there is only one city, that city
is San Francisco. From the cypress pines
on Land’s End’s rocky, ocean cliffs, to Coit
Tower in North Beach and glittering art
galleries in Union Square, San Francisco
offers lifetimes of experiences. Come
along, and I’ll show you the places locals
go with their out of town friends.
Look at any map of San Francisco,
and you’ll see that it consists of
neighborhoods. Each one has its
atmosphere and appeal. Part of the
charm of visiting is meeting, dining and
watching San Francisco residents go
about their business while pretending
you are one, also. Staying in a private
home allows a gentle flow of moving into
the life of a local, without the workday
grind of back home.
San Francisco is a walking town, and it’s
a climbing town, don’t complain about it,
embrace it. It’s like visiting Paris, when you
get home, you may find you weigh a few
pounds less.
Car share and bicycle share opportunities
are easily accessible, especially in North
Beach, the neighborhood where you will be
staying.
The Roofs of San Francisco
Far from the modern, high rise buildings
south of Market, you feel like the star of
your personal story when you enter your
Telegraph Hill penthouse. You see the
Golden Gate Bridge, spires of the Church
of Saints Peter and Paul and the San
Francisco Bay through sparkling clean, wall
to wall picture windows. The same view at
night takes your breath away.
It’s easy to get around without a car. The
best place to get a taxi is in front of a major
hotel. If you aren’t close to a major hotel,
Uber, the private driver ride, is affordable
and fast. Download the app from Apple’s
App Store, Google Play or Windows Phone
Service to get your ride within minutes.
Really, once you are in a neighborhood it’s
easiest to just hoof it.
Pick up a Clipper Card at local outlets
for a $3.00 fee then load it with cash
for Bay Area public transportation. San
Francisco MUNI (Municipal Transportation
Authority) Busses, Trolley cars, BART, and
Ferries accept the Clipper Card.
convention or media shoot, this penthouse
will serve as a perfect VIP accommodation.
Modern leather and wood furniture and
original art decorate this exceptional
apartment. If spacious, well-organized
luxury is what you are looking for, you
have found it in this three-bedroom, four
bath penthouse. Persian area rugs cover
bright, hardwood floors. You find antique
Asian sculptures, art, glassware, and floral
arrangements placed throughout the
apartment.
Prepare eggs, bacon and toast using
professional gas appliances in the modern
kitchen while regarding Coit Tower out of
the kitchen window.
Then there is the roof.
Upstairs a third bedroom suite at the right
of the stairs contains a queen bed and
full bath. The owner has paid attention to
even small details so you’ll feel pampered,
right down to the small flashlights next to
each bed in case you need to get up in the
When you go up one more level to the
roof deck, you gaze on the neighborhood,
Golden Gate Bridge, Maritime Museum
and SF bay that fan out below. There is
Coit Tower and the Transamerica Pyramid
building.
You can see so many roofs. Very few
roofs are higher than this one. The
photographer in your party will spend time
up here taking pictures of the 360 degree
view and the birds. You feel giddy and
moved in the high, rarified atmosphere,
looking at classic San Francisco
architecture on three sides below. The
beauty of the city dazzles. It’s obvious why
this is a desirable neighborhood to live in
and visit.
The roof is like an open-air living room with
succulents in large pots, a well maintained
deck, numerous redwood seats, cushions,
and tables. The professional gas barbecue
and heaters turn the roof into an enjoyable
look out over the roofs of San Francisco
any time of the year.
middle of the night and earthquake kits in
case the big one strikes.
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story for consideration from your travels, please email the story and photos to [email protected]
Across the hall is a small apartment with
bedroom, kitchen, and a full-sized cedar
lined closet complete with back packs.
You can access the latest media and Wi-Fi
from any room. The master suite holds
a king-sized Japanese floating bed with
a 60” Samsung HD TV on the wall. You
find a Jacuzzi hot tub, two glass pedestal
sinks and a shower that doubles as a
steam room. The full-sized, cedar lined
closet is large enough for the most clothes
Located in a lovely, 1930’s era building, the
thoroughly modern interior is appropriate
for a comfortable family reunion or
corporate event. If you are in town for a
I absolutely love the shiny, modern key-pad
entry system. It saved minutes – hours of
time and frustration looking for the key
before leaving and finding it in a pocket or
bag on returning.
conscious permanent resident and her
partner. If you wake up in the middle of
the night and look out the wall to wall,
floor to ceiling windows at the lights of
Russian Hill, you may not be able to go
back to sleep, wanting to capture the
vision and keep it forever.
In addition, there is a wine room big
enough for a caterer to set up and manage
any reception.
On the way back from breakfast, one
morning, I watched a French couple
struggle with a key in an old lock during
the time it took me to walk half a block. He
was sweating by the time the creaky gate
was secured. “Voilá,” he said, snapping the
keys into his palm in triumph. I went to my
vacation home feeling smug because my
key was in my head.
The proximity to North Beach and the city
beyond make this a singular property. You
won’t find another like it. Your friends,
family or colleagues will be impressed and
thank you for bringing them here. They will
remember their stay, for the rest of their
lives.
Contact T. Payne at 415/572.5064 for
details and reservations. This property
books early. Plan now, for an unforgettable
San Francisco getaway.
Columbus Street and North Beach
Columbus Street, beginning at Broadway is
the heart of North Beach.
If you are remotely a literary type you
In the mornings, you see a flock of green
birds drifting below. These are the famous
Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill. When they
aren’t flying they perch on ledges looking
for food. If you whistle sweetly, they’ll turn
and look.
must go to The City Lights Bookstore at
251 Columbus Ave. Still independently
owned, this bookstore began as the hang
out of Beat poets back in the 1950’s. The
interior is plain wood, and there are no
straight paths as you explore the most
famous bookstore in the Bay Area. You’ll
find a diverse selection of books here, get
at least one. It’ll get you in the mood of the
time.
On the west side of Columbus Ave, walk
down to Washington Park, where small
white lights wrap trees lining the sidewalk.
You walk in a verdant tunnel formed by
tree canopies connecting to awnings
above the sidewalk. Stop to read menus
in the windows and walk past outside
tables and chairs for alfresco dining. More
restaurants, bakeries, and banks line the
east side of the street. You’ll find the best
traditional Italian cuisine in the city here.
When it comes to restaurants, you can’t
make a wrong choice. Use your guide book
but don’t be afraid to step into a restaurant
that isn’t in the book.
Places you don’t want to miss
Mo’s Grill; 1322 Grant Avenue, (415)
788-3779. Down the hill and left on Grant
Street is the perfect breakfast diner. After
a large meal the night before, you can have
eggs your way and substitute a fruit bowl
for potatoes. The potatoes, however, are
cooked in a cage that hangs 12” above an
open flame so they are delicious. Moe’s
offer basic breakfast fare with a San
Francisco flair at reasonable prices.
Testing the concept of employing artists to
make public art,” said Davy Crockett, the
tour director.
“The murals portrayed a snapshot of San
Francisco in 1934. It was a rough time
in San Francisco. Before the highway
system was in place, the only way to get
to San Francisco was by boat or rail and
no one was coming.” Mr. Crockett went
on. “The Tower used to leak like a sieve;
hadn’t been cleaned for 25 years. We just
spent $2,000,000 bringing it into the 21st
Century.” Be sure to visit Coit Tower to
hear more interesting stories for yourself.
Eighty percent of the people who visit,
walk up Filbert Street from North Beach
or walk up Green Street to Montgomery
Street and turn left. There are steps on
each side of the dead end wall; go up these
and follow the signs. Both routes involve
lots of stairs, but it’s worth the effort.
XOX Truffles; 754 Columbus Avenue,
415 421-4841. “I had a heart attack on the
last day of my honeymoon. It was due to
stress, and I knew I had to make a change,”
begins Jean Marc, chef, entrepreneur and
owner of XOX Truffles. Jean worked in
a French restaurant and a hotel, but the
stress didn’t ease. “I got my big break
when Chocolatier Magazine selected
me as one of the top 10 best artisan
chocolatier’s in the United States the first
month I was open.” Now Yelp and Trip
Advisor are important reviewers. You can
stop in and get a free truffle with coffee
Caffé Creco; 423 Columbus Avenue,
415-397-6261. Looking for a Panini
and salad with vinaigrette dressing?
Caffé Grecco at the corner of Columbus
and Stockton offers reasonably priced
sandwiches served by men with Italian
accents. Well, the servers are Latino, who
practice their Italian with Italians who
come in to eat. You’ll get a worthwhile
meal of cappuccino and gelato at what
many recognize as the most authentic
Italian Café in The City.
Coit Tower; 1 Telegraph Hill. “This was
the first WPA Public Art project in the
1930’s. You could say they were Beta
and buy some for the road. He gives truffle
making demonstrations for the food tours
participants who stop by the shop. It’s a
cult, but in a good way
Artists & Craftsman Supply; 555 Pacific
Street, 415 931-1900. “This floor used
to be a dance hall. Downstairs was a
brothel, and we are certified haunted” said
Justine, the assistant manager. “There
is a cave entrance to the tunnel system
that used to connect North Beach to the
waterfront and China Town. You can see it
downstairs.” Could you turn down such an
invitation? Artists & Craftsman Supply is
located in the Hippodrome Building, built
in 1907, right after the earthquake. This
store is chocked full of every art supply
from 16 oz. tubes of oil paints, articulated
wood manikins, quirky toys and magic
kits for kids of all ages. The floor in the
basement is covered in 14 foot circular
Jerry Garcia’s dream-come-true type spin/
tie-dye motifs. Check it out on the way to
the cave.
Pacific Avenue lies in the center of the
old Barbary Coast now known as the
Jackson Square Historic District. You
walk by bright for-the-trade-only interior
design emporiums, explore clean, shiny
stores with museum quality antiques and
auction houses that don’t advertise on
PBS. The tech company Weebley is in this
neighborhood.
The Church of Saints Peter & Paul; 666
Filbert Street, 415-421-0809. The twin
steeples of this church, along with Coit
Tower are North Beach icons and shouldn’t
be missed. Italian artisans created the huge
marble altar, shipped to San Francisco and
reassembled it into its present location.
The Catholic Youth Organization of the
1930’s produced Joe DiMaggio and is still
going strong. It is worth your time to stop
and explore this magnificent example of
Romanesque architecture. This church is
the fairest of them all. While there, take a
few minutes to sit quietly and open your
heart.
Union Square. Union Square is San
Francisco’s best-known shopping district
and the city’s formal downtown. Beyond
Macy’s and Niemen Marcus, you’ll enjoy
high-end art galleries and boutiques
carrying interesting and unusual items.
Looking to hang a Picasso on your wall?
How about Chagall, Matisse or Miró?
You’ll find their work and more on Geary
Street. Brightly lit, marble and glass art
galleries line both sides of the street.
You find the Martin Lawrence Gallery at
366 Geary Street and the Christopher
Clark Gallery across the street at 377
Geary Street. For a bit of whimsy, take
down that Elk’s head from above your
fireplace, and replace it with a Dr. Seuss
character from Dennis Rae Fine Art at
351 Geary Street.
Wander round the corner, and you
may be intrigued enough by the denim
bombed horse and flower power VW
bus to venture into Desigual at 101
Powell Street. The Spanish Brand store
is full of colorful, artistic clothes for
men and women that you won’t find
anywhere else. No Little Black Dress’s
here. Stop in and buy something to make
a splashy entrance at your next outing.
Cable Car Admittedly, the best ride
in town, there are no seat belts or
shoulder straps to keep you safely
harnessed into your seat. It’s just the
thrill of hanging on as you ride up the
hills, then down the other side. If you
want to shorten the hour or more wait
to get onto the cable car, walk up a
couple stops to catch your ride. Look
for this sign and stand beside it. If you
arrive late, you’ll probably need to stand
on the rails and hang on to the outside
for the most desirable position to ride
the car.
Napa Valley Winery Exchange; 415
Taylor Street, 415 771-2887. “We
taste everything and, before we buy it.
All staff have to love it.” This business
philosophy drives what wine is sold,
according to John Sumners, the
general manager. There’s no
tasting, but you’ll want to check
out this store for the education
and a chance to buy and try
something exceptional. The wine
exchange specializes in small
California producers. “80 -85%
of what is here you’ll find only
here or at the winery for their
wine club. Small producers
baby the wine-making process
and give unique, focused
expression to their wine.”
Mr. Sumners continues,
“We’ve been here since 1988.”
If you’re lucky you’ll meet Ron
Sciandri, who drives his pickup
in from Napa County to deliver his
extraordinary wine.
You can get any number of guidebooks
about San Francisco but there is nothing
like venturing out on your own and
letting the atmosphere of a store
or restaurant reach out, take you
gently by the shoulder and reel
you into where you meet friendly
people and see unique objects
and delicious food. Your private
home accommodations, in this
desirable neighborhood, make
you feel pampered and special,
only because you are.
Wellness Travel Experiences
by Dede Sindelar
A
recent study done by Wellness
Tourism Worldwide reported that on
average people spend up to 4 hours per
week outside.
Imagine if you could spend more time with
nature.
How do you think that would affect your
mood, productivity and your health?
Have you ever noticed how being around
trees, plants and nature ease your pain and
help you cope with stress better?
RECONNECTING WITH NATURE by
traveling to destinations that blend their
landscapes and indigenous surroundings
with activities reduce stress and bring a
positive change to our moods. We know
how stress at work and bad environments
can make us anxious, sad and increase our
blood pressure.
Well, natural environments have the
opposite affect.
Steps to interact with nature…
The first step is to do some research on the
destination. It’s less stressful to plan ahead
and it’s exciting when you start planning
your trip. You start to visualize your trip
and feel yourself relax.
What season are you traveling and what
types of activities take place during that
time?
Is it spring, summer, winter or fall? Are you
going to be near a mountain where you can
go skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling?
Or near a beach where you can parasail,
jet-ski or scuba dive? Will you be taking
your own equipment or renting? If you
need to rent, make a list of companies that
provide services and know the hours to
pick up and return the equipment.
Bicycle riding is easy on the joints and you
get cardiovascular benefits in the serenity
of nature. Make sure you have a helmet or
can find a place to rent a bike and helmet.
There’s scenic woodland trails or biking
tours that lead to wine vineyards.
If you love animals, check to see if the
destination has horseback riding. Some
of the best ways to see a state’s natural
beauty is by horseback because you can
relax and experience the place in a different
way.
For those of us who don’t have beaches
nearby it’s an incredible experience to ride
horseback along the powdery sand and
through the water. One place I know takes
horses to a beautiful waterfall where the
horses can laze around in the water with
you. Hear the different birds and spot
unusual animals along your ride. Check for
guided trails and find out the best time to
ride and how long the tours last. Your bum
may not be able to handle an entire day in
the saddle.
What animals are indigenous to the area?
One of my friends just returned from the
islands in the Bahamas where he swam
with adorable piggies, fed grapes to the
iguanas and got up close and personal to
stingrays. Are there marine reserves where
you can view aquatic creatures in their
natural habitat?
Photograph national parks with exotic
foliage and animal preserve parks. Take
them home and frame them as a memoir of
your trip.
Journaling in nature and writing about
wildlife in their habitat is a way to release
tension, unleash your creativity and keep
records of your journey.
Engage in meditation to release any
negativity and cultivate deep states of
concentration.
Print up trail maps of your destination. Hike
through the forest or in the mountains.
Investigate if hot springs or thermal springs
are indigenous to the area.
Hot springs, or geo-thermally warmed
waters, bubble up from the earth’s core and
deliver minerals that are known to improve
certain skin conditions and ease arthritis
WELLNESS TRAVEL IS…more important
now than ever because of the added stress
that we encounter in our workplace, home,
relationships and finances. Wellness intersects
with everything from lodging… to food and
beverage… to shopping… activities…and
excursions.
ARE YOU… generally healthy and motivated
to travel to recharge your batteries, take a
break from work, improve your health, reduce
stress, or to be more productive when you
return home? Do you want to take personal
responsibility for your health? Do you want fun,
adventure and to experience something new?
If so, then you’re like the majority of wellness
travelers that go on vacation for authentic
experiences and meaningful transformations.
You like to engage in wellness activities as part
of a trip.
WHAT ARE WELLNESS TRAVEL ACTIVITIES?
Spa and Beauty
Mind-Body
Spiritual & Connection
Personal Growth
Eco & Adventure
Fitness
Healthy Eating
These activities ensure Physical Health,
empower the intellectual health, encourage the
emotional health, extend the community health,
enhance the environmental health, and evolve
the spiritual health of travelers. According to
“Institute for Healthy Destination Accreditation”,
this is the PIECES MODEL that meeting
professionals, business travelers and general
consumers regard as valuable pieces when
seeking wellness destinations.
As Founder of Sindelar Wellness Travel and
a wellness traveler myself, I have an interest
in personal well-being and participating in
wellness activities. It’s not a luxury anymore, but
a necessity to reduce stress and enhance the
quality of life.
and muscle pain. It’s one of the oldest spa
experiences known today.
Some places have Cenotes, or natural
swimming holes formed by the limestone
bedrock. While floating and swimming,
gaze at all the iridescent colors from the
limestone.
If you research different activities before
you arrive at your destination, you’ll lower
your stress and have a transformative
vacation…one that reawakens your senses
and cheers you up, helping you to be more
productive when you get there and return
home.

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