This July has to be one of the most exciting months on the calendar. Adventure Woman is celebrating its one year anniversary and we are becoming more adventurous than ever. Check out the new video footage added all over the site. It is meant to give you a tour of our Adventure Woman Basecamp and all the wonderful adventures and extraordinary women you will be able to find at AdventureWoman.com
There are some fantastic July festivals on the horizon. The Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland starts on July 2nd, as well as, the Copenhagen Jazz festival.
Who can stay away from the Roswell UFO Festival? This is taking place from July 1 to July 5 in Roswell, New Mexico.
In addition to the great fireworks at the 4th of July. Celebrate American history by visiting the Battle of Gettysburg reenactment in Pennsylvania from July 2 to the 11th.
The Il Palio horse race is running in Sienna, Italy, starting July 2nd to the 4th. The Savonlinna Opera Festival is on in Finland from the 2nd to the 17th. And Festival d' Avignon is on in France from the 2nd to the 26th of July.
There is much, much more happening. Check out the Adventure Woman Events Calendar to learn more.
Have a great adventure! And visit us at AdventureWoman.com
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Adventure Woman loves Athens, Greece!
Seven Must-Do Sights of Athens, Greece
Beth Walz, Basecamp Manager, Adventure Woman
With the Winter Olympics fresh on our minds it is a great time to visit Greece – the birthplace of the games. Greece is a treasure-trove of wonderful antiquities and awe-inspiring ruins. The majestic city of Athens is filled with an unrivaled amount history and art. Try our Seven ‘Must-Do’ sights as a starting point.
1. The Agora: This is where Socrates spoke and St. Paul preached his sermons. As early as the 6th century BC this ancient marketplace was the bustling city center of Athens. The heyday of Agora lasted for over 1200 years and if these was could talk it would speak volumes. Sit on the grassy lawns and try to imagine the sounds of the past.
2. Fliopappos Hill: This rocky hill is known for it’s inspirational powers. Often referred to as the “Hill of Muses” this slope was a ‘Mecca’ for poets and dreamers. Today, it is visited by curious tourists, and on the first day of Lent; a multitude of carefree and colorful kite flyers.
3. The Temple of Zeus: This is home to not only the Temple of Zeus, but the Temple of Kronos and Rhea, the Temple of Apollo Delphinos, the Law Court at Delphinon, and Hadrian’s Arch, among others. In other words it is a visual cornucopia of wonders. Construction began in 515 BC and lasted almost 700 years.
4. The Acropolis: See, our current (March 3, 2010) edition of Adventure Howl.
5. National Archaeological Museum: This museum houses the greatest and most significant collection of antiquities from the magnificent ancient cultures. See the Bronze collection, the vase collection and the Egyptian wing for starters. A world-class museum not to be missed.
6. The Roman Forum & Tower of Winds: After the Agora became old news the Romans built this unforgettable forum for commerce and conversation. The Tower was the focal point with a water clock fed with water from the acropolis.
7. The Kerameikos: It may sound morbid but this cemetery is worth the visit. It is rich in statuary, elaborate tombs, and history. Behind these walls lurk not only the remains of nobleman and great warriors, but memories of prostitutes and shady financial deals.
As always, if you go, let Adventure Woman know. Please send us a photo of you wearing your Adventure Woman shirt in Athens and we’ll post it on AdventureWoman.com on Adventure N Around. Submit@AdventureWoman.com
See other travel destination suggestions at our Archive Tent (Adventure Howl).
Visit our current travel destination at Adventure Howl.
Better yet, check out our Basecamp at AdventureWoman.com
Beth Walz, Basecamp Manager, Adventure Woman
With the Winter Olympics fresh on our minds it is a great time to visit Greece – the birthplace of the games. Greece is a treasure-trove of wonderful antiquities and awe-inspiring ruins. The majestic city of Athens is filled with an unrivaled amount history and art. Try our Seven ‘Must-Do’ sights as a starting point.
1. The Agora: This is where Socrates spoke and St. Paul preached his sermons. As early as the 6th century BC this ancient marketplace was the bustling city center of Athens. The heyday of Agora lasted for over 1200 years and if these was could talk it would speak volumes. Sit on the grassy lawns and try to imagine the sounds of the past.
2. Fliopappos Hill: This rocky hill is known for it’s inspirational powers. Often referred to as the “Hill of Muses” this slope was a ‘Mecca’ for poets and dreamers. Today, it is visited by curious tourists, and on the first day of Lent; a multitude of carefree and colorful kite flyers.
3. The Temple of Zeus: This is home to not only the Temple of Zeus, but the Temple of Kronos and Rhea, the Temple of Apollo Delphinos, the Law Court at Delphinon, and Hadrian’s Arch, among others. In other words it is a visual cornucopia of wonders. Construction began in 515 BC and lasted almost 700 years.
4. The Acropolis: See, our current (March 3, 2010) edition of Adventure Howl.
5. National Archaeological Museum: This museum houses the greatest and most significant collection of antiquities from the magnificent ancient cultures. See the Bronze collection, the vase collection and the Egyptian wing for starters. A world-class museum not to be missed.
6. The Roman Forum & Tower of Winds: After the Agora became old news the Romans built this unforgettable forum for commerce and conversation. The Tower was the focal point with a water clock fed with water from the acropolis.
7. The Kerameikos: It may sound morbid but this cemetery is worth the visit. It is rich in statuary, elaborate tombs, and history. Behind these walls lurk not only the remains of nobleman and great warriors, but memories of prostitutes and shady financial deals.
As always, if you go, let Adventure Woman know. Please send us a photo of you wearing your Adventure Woman shirt in Athens and we’ll post it on AdventureWoman.com on Adventure N Around. Submit@AdventureWoman.com
See other travel destination suggestions at our Archive Tent (Adventure Howl).
Visit our current travel destination at Adventure Howl.
Better yet, check out our Basecamp at AdventureWoman.com
Adventure Woman loves the Hotel Grande Bretagne!
Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens
Athens, Greece
Beth Walz, Basecamp Manager AdventureWoman.com
Imagine having breakfast looking on to the regal Acropolis or watching the golden Athens sun pouring over the majestic Parthenon. Magical? Absolutely. But magical is exactly the word to describe this over-the-top wonderful hotel in the heart of Athens.
This hotel is 140-years-old and is still in her prime. She is on virtually every list and has won every award there is to win. You will also be privy to spectacular views of Constitution Square and the Parliament, Lycabettus Hill or the original Olympic Stadium. The Roof Top Garden is a glorious place to have a glass of champagne and reveal in what may be the best views of the city.
But the views are as glorious inside the hotel as they are outside. The classic interiors pay homage to the best of the Greek culture with beautifully intricate moldings and elegant décor. The outside pool is a haven from the hectic and noisy city as you relax and bask in the glow of one of history’s grandest cities in the comfort of your lounge chair. Alternatively, enjoy yourself in the luxurious surroundings of equally intoxicating indoor pool.
Try a delicious Ouzo Oil Massage at the Grande Bretagne Spa or immerse yourself in the warmth of the premier Thermal Suite. The Cellar has an impressive collection of over 3000 bottles of wine and you may indulge yourself in an evening tasting. A fitness center and hair salon is also on site. Sightseeing tours can be arranged with the concierge.
If nothing else, make a reservation for dinner or visit for drinks. Make sure you check on the dress code before you visit. The sheer opulence and history of the Hotel Grande Bretagne is worth the trek and you’ll have a wonderful few hours in pure Grecian paradise. For more information: http://www.grandebretagne.gr. And tell them Adventure Woman sent you.
For more great hotels see our Archive Tent.
Visit our current accommodation feature at Retreat to Relaxation.
Better yet, check out our Bascecamp at AdventureWoman.com
Monday, June 28, 2010
Adventure Woman loves the Acropolis!
The Acropolis
Adventure of the Moment
Visiting the Acropolis (Athens, Greece) is more than just another excursion; it is an event. This hilltop spectacle overlooking the city of Athens is not only one of the ‘must visit’ places in Athens, but also one of the ‘Must Visit’ places in the world. Yes, it’s wonderment ranks up there with the Pyramids of Egypt, the statues of Easter Island, the Taj Mahal of India or Machu Picchu of Peru. You just have to visit it in your lifetime.
This “Sacred Rock” has had a profound impact on the architecture of the western world and is considered one the world’s most important historic sites. Built during the late 5th Century BC from beautiful ivory marble; the perfect artistic proportions and expansive visual grandeur of the Acropolis is breath-taking.
One of the most famous temples at the Acropolis is the Parthenon. The world renowned Parthenon was created for the virgin goddess Athena. The imposing columns and intricate carvings are representative of the best of classic Greek architecture. At one time a gold and ivory statue of Athena was housed inside.
Another favorite site is the Erechtheion. This structure unites separate temples of Athena and Poseidon. Handsome human sculptures replace columns as support structures for the temples. Myth has it that the two deities fought over the patronage of Athenians on this very location.
The new Acropolis museum is a requirement when visiting. The museum replaces the older, less sophisticated Acropolis Museum. Glass floors and windows allow visitors views of an ancient Christian settlement beneath the museum and outside views of the Acropolis Temples.
Criticisms have been waged that the museum is so sleek that it doesn’t mesh with its surrounding, however, the world can no longer claim that Greece is unable to care for her treasures. Namely, the campaign has grown stronger for the return of the Elgin Marbles (taken by the Earl of Elgin in 1799 from the Acropolis and now housed at the British Museum in London). While the return of the marbles is doubtful; the heightened care of the invaluable antiquities is a gift to the world.
Like this article? Then check out our Archive Tent.
Or see our current Adventure of the Moment.
Better yet, visit our Basecamp at AdventureWoman.com
Adventure of the Moment
Visiting the Acropolis (Athens, Greece) is more than just another excursion; it is an event. This hilltop spectacle overlooking the city of Athens is not only one of the ‘must visit’ places in Athens, but also one of the ‘Must Visit’ places in the world. Yes, it’s wonderment ranks up there with the Pyramids of Egypt, the statues of Easter Island, the Taj Mahal of India or Machu Picchu of Peru. You just have to visit it in your lifetime.
This “Sacred Rock” has had a profound impact on the architecture of the western world and is considered one the world’s most important historic sites. Built during the late 5th Century BC from beautiful ivory marble; the perfect artistic proportions and expansive visual grandeur of the Acropolis is breath-taking.
One of the most famous temples at the Acropolis is the Parthenon. The world renowned Parthenon was created for the virgin goddess Athena. The imposing columns and intricate carvings are representative of the best of classic Greek architecture. At one time a gold and ivory statue of Athena was housed inside.
Another favorite site is the Erechtheion. This structure unites separate temples of Athena and Poseidon. Handsome human sculptures replace columns as support structures for the temples. Myth has it that the two deities fought over the patronage of Athenians on this very location.
The new Acropolis museum is a requirement when visiting. The museum replaces the older, less sophisticated Acropolis Museum. Glass floors and windows allow visitors views of an ancient Christian settlement beneath the museum and outside views of the Acropolis Temples.
Criticisms have been waged that the museum is so sleek that it doesn’t mesh with its surrounding, however, the world can no longer claim that Greece is unable to care for her treasures. Namely, the campaign has grown stronger for the return of the Elgin Marbles (taken by the Earl of Elgin in 1799 from the Acropolis and now housed at the British Museum in London). While the return of the marbles is doubtful; the heightened care of the invaluable antiquities is a gift to the world.
Like this article? Then check out our Archive Tent.
Or see our current Adventure of the Moment.
Better yet, visit our Basecamp at AdventureWoman.com
Santa Monica Pier & the Ivy at the Shore
A famous restaurant to see the Hollywood elite and celebrities is the charming restaurant in Santa Monica, Ivy at the Shore. On our visit we didn't see any familiar faces, but we had an excellent lunch (rivaled only by the lunch at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel).
The airy restaurant has an outdoor terraced area near the sidewalk and a distinct pink and green tropical theme. The waiters (I only saw men) were dressed in pink shirts with leafy green ties. They were both friendly and efficient. It is a California haunt and an experience to taken in if your willing to drop a few extra dollars to get the celebrity treatment (the meal was delicious).
The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most famous places on the California Coast. It has numerous rides, and food vendors. The roller coaster is "okay" and doesn't compare to the thrill of the Giant Dipper on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. The best ride is the Ferris Wheel which gives you eye-popping views of Santa Monica and the endless azure coastline.
The Beach is lovely, but was very crowded (I went on a Sunday). But everyone was well behaved: creating sandcastles, swimming, boogie boarding and tanning.
Certainly, any curious tourist must visit the Santa Monica Pier. It is classic California and beautiful (and photogenic)in every direction.
The Promenade is nearby and is filled with great restaurants and terrific shopping. Take a short walk to view it or stop for a coffee. Again, people watching is always entertaining in California.
Two thumbs up from AdventureWoman.com.
The airy restaurant has an outdoor terraced area near the sidewalk and a distinct pink and green tropical theme. The waiters (I only saw men) were dressed in pink shirts with leafy green ties. They were both friendly and efficient. It is a California haunt and an experience to taken in if your willing to drop a few extra dollars to get the celebrity treatment (the meal was delicious).
The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most famous places on the California Coast. It has numerous rides, and food vendors. The roller coaster is "okay" and doesn't compare to the thrill of the Giant Dipper on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. The best ride is the Ferris Wheel which gives you eye-popping views of Santa Monica and the endless azure coastline.
The Beach is lovely, but was very crowded (I went on a Sunday). But everyone was well behaved: creating sandcastles, swimming, boogie boarding and tanning.
Certainly, any curious tourist must visit the Santa Monica Pier. It is classic California and beautiful (and photogenic)in every direction.
The Promenade is nearby and is filled with great restaurants and terrific shopping. Take a short walk to view it or stop for a coffee. Again, people watching is always entertaining in California.
Two thumbs up from AdventureWoman.com.
Universal Studios. A Universal Adventure!
Universal Studios is one of the best theme parks in the world. Nothing beats the interesting, and exciting, Studio Tour. The Studio Tour takes place on a tram and escorts you through the actual Universal Studios lot. You get to see the set of sitcoms (like Desperate Housewives)and many of the Universal block-buster films.
The Studio Tour is pleasant and effortless. You sit and listen as you watch film and video segments and play while seeing the real deal. The prompts are cool to see, too. They display an extensive collection of film cars and then a show a demonstration of how the studio can get the stunt cars to turn, crash and burn. The tour is well over an hour so grab some frozen lemonade before you board (sold at the entrance to the ride).
The rides at Universal are good, but not plentiful. To save time consider spending more money as getting the express pass (Head of the line) to cut down on wait time. You'll still have to wait - however, not so long. Minutes versus hours.
The Simpson Ride is a must. It's loads of fun and just an amazing combination of thrill ride and technology. The same goes for the Revenge of the Mummy Ride but, visitors complained that the ride was too short.
The Jurassic Park water ride is worth a whirl and doesn't get you too wet if you don't sit on the sides or in the front (an 84 foot plunge is at the end). Also, don't leave without taking in the Shrek Attraction. It is in 4-D and extremely entertaining.
Adventure Woman recommends Universal as a great way to entertain the kids and learn about the film industry. Try the Banana Split Dipp'n Dots. A real treat.
The Studio Tour is pleasant and effortless. You sit and listen as you watch film and video segments and play while seeing the real deal. The prompts are cool to see, too. They display an extensive collection of film cars and then a show a demonstration of how the studio can get the stunt cars to turn, crash and burn. The tour is well over an hour so grab some frozen lemonade before you board (sold at the entrance to the ride).
The rides at Universal are good, but not plentiful. To save time consider spending more money as getting the express pass (Head of the line) to cut down on wait time. You'll still have to wait - however, not so long. Minutes versus hours.
The Simpson Ride is a must. It's loads of fun and just an amazing combination of thrill ride and technology. The same goes for the Revenge of the Mummy Ride but, visitors complained that the ride was too short.
The Jurassic Park water ride is worth a whirl and doesn't get you too wet if you don't sit on the sides or in the front (an 84 foot plunge is at the end). Also, don't leave without taking in the Shrek Attraction. It is in 4-D and extremely entertaining.
Adventure Woman recommends Universal as a great way to entertain the kids and learn about the film industry. Try the Banana Split Dipp'n Dots. A real treat.
Hollywood Walk of Fame - Fab!
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is just plain fun. Not only is it fun, but it is one of the few really thrilling attractions in the Los Angeles area that is free. Imagine over 2400 stars on the Walk featuring your favorite celebrities. Not only will you find people from Hugh Heffner to Shirley Temple,but you'll also find animated characters like Mickey Mouse.
The Walk was created in the late 1950's and opened in 1960. The Walk is approximately 18 blocks long (1.3 miles) and is located on Hollywood Blvd and Vine. Each star on the walk has five points - each point representing the five categories of the entertainment industry: motion picture, broadcast television, theater,radio and record/recording. Gene Autry is the only person to have a star in all five categories.
You must also check out thehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif hand and footprints in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater. Here, the stars (such as Marilyn Monroe) have written their names in the cement and placed their hands and feet in the cement as well. It's just an exciting experience to imagine all of these legends were once in this very spot!
Check out the wax museum nearby, too. It's just a great time seeing all of the stars and having the opportunity to pose with them (however, silly). There is a charge for the wax museum so make sure you have the time to really take int he attraction.
This will be an adventure you won't forget!
The Walk was created in the late 1950's and opened in 1960. The Walk is approximately 18 blocks long (1.3 miles) and is located on Hollywood Blvd and Vine. Each star on the walk has five points - each point representing the five categories of the entertainment industry: motion picture, broadcast television, theater,radio and record/recording. Gene Autry is the only person to have a star in all five categories.
You must also check out thehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif hand and footprints in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater. Here, the stars (such as Marilyn Monroe) have written their names in the cement and placed their hands and feet in the cement as well. It's just an exciting experience to imagine all of these legends were once in this very spot!
Check out the wax museum nearby, too. It's just a great time seeing all of the stars and having the opportunity to pose with them (however, silly). There is a charge for the wax museum so make sure you have the time to really take int he attraction.
This will be an adventure you won't forget!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
The California Road Trip - Beverly Hills!
Beverly Hills, Baby!
A trip to Beverly Hills is an adventure. For those who want to see, smell and feel the "good life" take a stroll around the Regent Beverly Hills Wilshire Hotel meets the Rodeo Drive Area. You'll see expensive cars pull-up,and zoom by like you've never seen them before.
The Regent Beverly Hills Wilshire Hotel (on Wilshire Drive)was the scene of the hit 1980's movie, "Pretty Woman" with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. It still retains that quiet elegance and chic that put Vivian (Robert's title role) into a nervous frenzy.
However, intimidating the hotel maybe to out-of-towners the staff could not have been more pleasant and patient. We had one of the best lunches (if not the best lunch) at the outside terrace of the hotel as we leisurely ate while people watching.
Breezy had the pea soup and the caterpillar of sushi and I ate the carpaccio and the 'to-die-for' cheese plate. Gusty, the fish and with the creamiest most buttery mashed potatoes ever created.
While people watching we managed to catch a glimpse of Scott Disick (Kourtney's baby's daddy) from the Keeping Up with the Kardashians reality show who was looking very, well, slick and dapper. As if he went through the fine-grit polish of the rock tumbler maybe one extra turn. Nevertheless, it was exciting spotting a celebrity-type in Beverly Hills. Isn't that what every tourist hopes for after all?
A trip to Beverly Hills is an adventure. For those who want to see, smell and feel the "good life" take a stroll around the Regent Beverly Hills Wilshire Hotel meets the Rodeo Drive Area. You'll see expensive cars pull-up,and zoom by like you've never seen them before.
The Regent Beverly Hills Wilshire Hotel (on Wilshire Drive)was the scene of the hit 1980's movie, "Pretty Woman" with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. It still retains that quiet elegance and chic that put Vivian (Robert's title role) into a nervous frenzy.
However, intimidating the hotel maybe to out-of-towners the staff could not have been more pleasant and patient. We had one of the best lunches (if not the best lunch) at the outside terrace of the hotel as we leisurely ate while people watching.
Breezy had the pea soup and the caterpillar of sushi and I ate the carpaccio and the 'to-die-for' cheese plate. Gusty, the fish and with the creamiest most buttery mashed potatoes ever created.
While people watching we managed to catch a glimpse of Scott Disick (Kourtney's baby's daddy) from the Keeping Up with the Kardashians reality show who was looking very, well, slick and dapper. As if he went through the fine-grit polish of the rock tumbler maybe one extra turn. Nevertheless, it was exciting spotting a celebrity-type in Beverly Hills. Isn't that what every tourist hopes for after all?
Venice and Venice Beach
Venice Beach is simply beautiful. It is a wonderful beach to visit with the kids. The sand is warm and golden and the coastline has lots of shells (mostly tiny) for collecting. Remember to bring a bag for them if you'll be shell searching. I forgot and ended up with broken shells in the bottom of my purse!
The city of Venice, California, was actually named after Venice, Italy and canals were created to mirror its namesake. At one time gondolas floated in the canals of Venice creating an Italian feel and spirit. It is this 'off-beat' crazy vibe that still persists today.
Today Venice Beach is most famous for the body builders bulging with obscenely developed muscles. The original "Muscle Beach" was located in Santa Monica but shifted to Venice Beach starting in 1952. The weight pen is an attraction in its own right with spectators watching the athletics workout. This was a regular hangout of now governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The restaurants around Venice Beach and the promenade are stellar. Many have open-air seating and fresh seafood. The people in the area are especially Bohemian and colorful which makes for fabulous people watching.
We stayed at the Inn at Venice Beach. It's close to the beach (a 3 minute walk)and offers a nice breakfast every morning (complimentary) in an open air courtyard. The location is excellent for those who want to take advantage of Venice Beach and all the fun and excitement it has to offer.
The city of Venice, California, was actually named after Venice, Italy and canals were created to mirror its namesake. At one time gondolas floated in the canals of Venice creating an Italian feel and spirit. It is this 'off-beat' crazy vibe that still persists today.
Today Venice Beach is most famous for the body builders bulging with obscenely developed muscles. The original "Muscle Beach" was located in Santa Monica but shifted to Venice Beach starting in 1952. The weight pen is an attraction in its own right with spectators watching the athletics workout. This was a regular hangout of now governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The restaurants around Venice Beach and the promenade are stellar. Many have open-air seating and fresh seafood. The people in the area are especially Bohemian and colorful which makes for fabulous people watching.
We stayed at the Inn at Venice Beach. It's close to the beach (a 3 minute walk)and offers a nice breakfast every morning (complimentary) in an open air courtyard. The location is excellent for those who want to take advantage of Venice Beach and all the fun and excitement it has to offer.
Santa Cruz Boardwalk and the Dream Inn.
Santa Cruz is a vibrant and colorful city. It is one of my favorites. It's fun, beautiful and has a bevy of delicious restaurants. Santa Cruz is a respite from the craziness of San Francisco to the North and Los Angles to the South. It has a fun, beach vibe that lifts your spirits and put s a spring in your step!
The historic Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a focal point of Santa Cruz. It is the oldest surviving amusement park in California and was created to be the west coast version of Coney Island in New York.
The highlight of the Boardwalk is the famous wooden roller-coaster, "The Giant Dipper." The Giant Dipper is the 6th oldest roller coaster in the United States opening on May 17, 1924. It is one heck of a twisting, turning scream-fest and a sheer thrill to ride (I actually rode it twice). It plunges into a dark tunnel and just gets better from there.
There a lot of other terrific rides in the park and it is anything but sleepy. In the summer they have bands on the beach to liven things up even more. You can purchase single tickets for the rides or buy a wristband if you're staying all day.
If you're not wanting to eat the 'junk food' from the Boardwalk (try the deep-fried Twinkies)then head over to the Pier. The Pier has one great restaurant after the other and the menus are fabulous. The views are equally exciting with the surfers on one side of the Pier and the Boardwalk rides the other. Of course, the seafood is fresh and mouth-watering.
We stayed at the Dream Inn and it really is a dream. The views are spectacular with the hotel located right on the beach. The Dream Inn has a beautiful outdoor heated pool that has direct access to the beach.
You can see the lights of the Boardwalk from the hotel (a 3 minute walk) and the whole scene is just "California Dreamy." I left the sliding door of our hotel room open all night (all rooms have balconies or patios) and listened to the waves crash as I fell asleep. Heavenly!
The Aquarius Restaurant at the hotel served a yummy breakfast and the large windows offered morning scenes of kids learning to surf and running on the beach.
A great stop for any road-trip.
The historic Santa Cruz Boardwalk is a focal point of Santa Cruz. It is the oldest surviving amusement park in California and was created to be the west coast version of Coney Island in New York.
The highlight of the Boardwalk is the famous wooden roller-coaster, "The Giant Dipper." The Giant Dipper is the 6th oldest roller coaster in the United States opening on May 17, 1924. It is one heck of a twisting, turning scream-fest and a sheer thrill to ride (I actually rode it twice). It plunges into a dark tunnel and just gets better from there.
There a lot of other terrific rides in the park and it is anything but sleepy. In the summer they have bands on the beach to liven things up even more. You can purchase single tickets for the rides or buy a wristband if you're staying all day.
If you're not wanting to eat the 'junk food' from the Boardwalk (try the deep-fried Twinkies)then head over to the Pier. The Pier has one great restaurant after the other and the menus are fabulous. The views are equally exciting with the surfers on one side of the Pier and the Boardwalk rides the other. Of course, the seafood is fresh and mouth-watering.
We stayed at the Dream Inn and it really is a dream. The views are spectacular with the hotel located right on the beach. The Dream Inn has a beautiful outdoor heated pool that has direct access to the beach.
You can see the lights of the Boardwalk from the hotel (a 3 minute walk) and the whole scene is just "California Dreamy." I left the sliding door of our hotel room open all night (all rooms have balconies or patios) and listened to the waves crash as I fell asleep. Heavenly!
The Aquarius Restaurant at the hotel served a yummy breakfast and the large windows offered morning scenes of kids learning to surf and running on the beach.
A great stop for any road-trip.
The Avenue of the Giants and the Benbow Inn
The Avenue of the Giants is one of the "Must See" sights of the world. These trees will leave you in awe and give you a new appreciation of nature and time. The Avenue is a scenic section of US Highway 101 in the Northern section of California.
You can stop your car and walk right up to these magnificent beauties. Several are fallen and you can check out their amazing root systems - which are huge (as one can imagine). The Southern entrance is in Gaberville and the Northern entrance is in Fortuna. The Avenue is a great tourist attraction and is completely free. You can literally spend the day admiring this gentle giants.
There are other more 'curious' tree attractions along the way. Such as the Immortal Tree which is 950 years old and has withstood a logger's axe, a lightening strike and a flood. Next to the tree is a hollowed section of a log which makes a great photo opportunity.
Founder's Grove takes you on a 1/2 mile self-guided walk where you can see some fantastic trees - most notably the Dyerville Giant (370 feet tall) which fell in 1991.
The Tree House is a lot of fun for kids. It is a hollowed out tree that is now a playhouse with windows and doors. A must see.
My favorite is the Drive Thru Tree. Drive your car through a real tree. It is wildly fun and tests your nerves (wondering if your car will fit through the tree!).
The Benbow is a wonderful historic hotel and a terrific place to relax and unwind. The hotel has had its share of famous visitors from US Presidents to Spencer Tracy and Clark Gable. It is still a causally elegant place to relax set in the forest with a beach on a river below.
The bar is a charming hang-out and the restaurant absolutely superb. Don't miss it if you are traveling near the Humboldt Redwoods.
If you're looking for a great family adventure that combings nature, history and lots of fun try this fabulous combination.
You can stop your car and walk right up to these magnificent beauties. Several are fallen and you can check out their amazing root systems - which are huge (as one can imagine). The Southern entrance is in Gaberville and the Northern entrance is in Fortuna. The Avenue is a great tourist attraction and is completely free. You can literally spend the day admiring this gentle giants.
There are other more 'curious' tree attractions along the way. Such as the Immortal Tree which is 950 years old and has withstood a logger's axe, a lightening strike and a flood. Next to the tree is a hollowed section of a log which makes a great photo opportunity.
Founder's Grove takes you on a 1/2 mile self-guided walk where you can see some fantastic trees - most notably the Dyerville Giant (370 feet tall) which fell in 1991.
The Tree House is a lot of fun for kids. It is a hollowed out tree that is now a playhouse with windows and doors. A must see.
My favorite is the Drive Thru Tree. Drive your car through a real tree. It is wildly fun and tests your nerves (wondering if your car will fit through the tree!).
The Benbow is a wonderful historic hotel and a terrific place to relax and unwind. The hotel has had its share of famous visitors from US Presidents to Spencer Tracy and Clark Gable. It is still a causally elegant place to relax set in the forest with a beach on a river below.
The bar is a charming hang-out and the restaurant absolutely superb. Don't miss it if you are traveling near the Humboldt Redwoods.
If you're looking for a great family adventure that combings nature, history and lots of fun try this fabulous combination.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Baskadora's 25th Birthday!
Horse'n around on Baskadora's 25th Birthday.
Baskadora is one of my oldest friends. I received Baskadora for my 22nd birthday (February, 1987) twenty-three years ago. She was just 1 1/2 years old and the prettiest thing you'd ever seen at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show.
Over the last 23 years Baskadora and I have been through a lot together. We both have had daughters (she had a filly and I have a 21 year-old and a 9 year-old). We have moved around the country together (Arizona, Oregon, Oklahoma, Florida and back to Oregon) and have seen our fortunes rise and fall together more than once.
She has been around longer than any other other beloved pet, child or husband. The man that gave me Baskadora was my first husband, Gerry, and he died in 1995. Her significance as a friend, stabilizing force, and constant source of happiness cannot be underestimated.
We have had great times together. We played polo in Arizona in the early years, and then did endurance rising in Tulsa. We took jumping lessons together and tried a little cross-country in Florida. Today we ride occasionally, and she lives at a barn with lots of other horses and friends. Baskadora is one of the only horses at the barn who will come by name - from across several fields - to say, "hello" or to be put in her stall for the evening.
My first Adventure Woman newspaper article featured me sitting on Baskadora. We made the cover of the paper and a there was a terrific inside shot of Baskadora at the entrance to the barn with the sun pouring down on her. She glowed majestically (several people asked if she was a statue or a real horse). Yes, she has been around for every significant event in my life for the last twenty-three and a half years. Lucky me.
People love their horses. And if I may say so, women especially love their horses. Personally, I have been blessed to have such a wonderful companion in life and it is my privilege to say, "Happy Birthday Bask. May the next twenty-five years be just as good as the first twenty-five. I love you!"
Baskadora is one of my oldest friends. I received Baskadora for my 22nd birthday (February, 1987) twenty-three years ago. She was just 1 1/2 years old and the prettiest thing you'd ever seen at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show.
Over the last 23 years Baskadora and I have been through a lot together. We both have had daughters (she had a filly and I have a 21 year-old and a 9 year-old). We have moved around the country together (Arizona, Oregon, Oklahoma, Florida and back to Oregon) and have seen our fortunes rise and fall together more than once.
She has been around longer than any other other beloved pet, child or husband. The man that gave me Baskadora was my first husband, Gerry, and he died in 1995. Her significance as a friend, stabilizing force, and constant source of happiness cannot be underestimated.
We have had great times together. We played polo in Arizona in the early years, and then did endurance rising in Tulsa. We took jumping lessons together and tried a little cross-country in Florida. Today we ride occasionally, and she lives at a barn with lots of other horses and friends. Baskadora is one of the only horses at the barn who will come by name - from across several fields - to say, "hello" or to be put in her stall for the evening.
My first Adventure Woman newspaper article featured me sitting on Baskadora. We made the cover of the paper and a there was a terrific inside shot of Baskadora at the entrance to the barn with the sun pouring down on her. She glowed majestically (several people asked if she was a statue or a real horse). Yes, she has been around for every significant event in my life for the last twenty-three and a half years. Lucky me.
People love their horses. And if I may say so, women especially love their horses. Personally, I have been blessed to have such a wonderful companion in life and it is my privilege to say, "Happy Birthday Bask. May the next twenty-five years be just as good as the first twenty-five. I love you!"
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