In need of wardrobe or packing ideas for your next trip? Look no further than Travel Fashion Girl! We don’t pretend to be fashionistas, so anyone who can walk us through the Nordstrom Summer Sale with some great travel ideas….is A-OK in our book!
Spring Break in the Middle East??? In a word: UNFORGETTABLE! When I told people in passing of our Spring Break plans, I was met with one of two expressions: “Wow- AWESOME!” OR “Why would you want to go there? Is it safe? You’re taking your KIDS there? Aren’t you worried about getting sick?” or similar well-intended but frankly misguided admonishments.
Leave your preconceived notions about this part of the world at the door. We weren’t visiting a war zone. We were visiting the Persian Gulf, specifically Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, Manama in Bahrain, and Doha in Qatar. No one got sick. No one’s safety was ever in question (in fact, these places are infinitely safer than Chicago). We spent less on our Emirates flight halfway around the world than many of my clients did to fly to Tampa. And the best part? Without sounding too preachy, we were able to expose our kids first-hand to a part of the world that is often misunderstood and misrepresented in the media, and they ATE IT UP. They were able to see people who, on the surface, look so different from the people in our neighborhood (i.e. their small milieu), but in truth, live their lives and have the same goals for their families and careers as we do. The cultural ROI on a trip like this is unmatchable…it will be hard to beat this trip in their eyes!
A highlight for everyone: riding camels into the arabian desert.
channeling t.e. lawrence…
First, let me just say this: as much as I love to travel, I absolutely HATE air travel during Spring Break (or Christmas). The crowds (oh, the crowds), the delays, the over-worked-and-underpaid-and-therefore-decidedly-snarky airline (and airport) employees, and the RIDICULOUS airfares. Try as I might, I just CAN’T stomach $900 a ticket to fly to Tampa, especially when a week later that same flight is less than half.
The other factor working against us, in 2018 in particular, is the placement of Easter on April 1. Maybe you didn’t know this, but here in the U.S., public schools located in the Midwest and the West generally have Spring Break over the last week of March (this does not include universities, whose Spring Breaks are typically earlier in March…to our great relief), whereas schools on the East Coast and in the South, as well as all parochial schools, align their Spring Break with Easter. Well, in 2018, that all happens in the SAME WEEK, so it’s really like the perfect storm of Spring Break craziness…and expense.
Why am I explaining all of this? Number one- for those of you who called me over the past couple months thinking you could score a great last-minute Spring Break deal and were sorely disappointed, this is why. Number two- not willing to be a part of the perfect storm madness provided the impetus for my family to figure out some kind of alternative experience that minimized the use of airports and planes. Enter Amtrak. Yes, you read that right: AMTRAK.
Chances are you’ve never been on an Amtrak train- I’m 44 and live within 8 miles of Amtrak’s biggest national hub, and I had NEVER ridden one. The trains always seemed kind of dingy and run-down from the outside, and from the looks of things on any given day in Union Station, not always full of the most savory-looking characters (except for the Amish). However, I also know that train travel has recently taken off again as a sort of vintage-style vacation, so we checked our preconceived notions at the door, crossed our fingers, and hoped that we could embrace this supposed “Renaissance of the Rails”. But, if we were going to do this, it was going to be ONCE, and it was going to be RIGHT. That meant full connecting sleeper cars with en suite facilities. That also meant, like most good travel these days, planning way ahead of time to secure these cabins (we booked at the end of last July).
So, on Friday afternoon, our neighbor drove us to the Metra station, where we lugged our bags onto the commuter train for the 25 minute ride into Chicago. We checked our bags in the Metropolitan Lounge (another nice perk for choosing the superior sleeper service). We grabbed a delicious dinner at Cochon Volant (see my December blog entry for more on this place), and at 8:30pm began our southbound trek aboard the Amtrak City of New Orleans. The connecting sleeper cars were comfortable and clean, if maybe a bit dated. The passengers in sleeper cars were completely separated from those sitting in coach, so from a security perspective, it’s not like you had random people passing through- just other sleeper passengers, the overwhelming majority of which were just other families like us trying something different for Spring Break. Our cabin steward was very attentive, and the kids got a kick out of watching him convert the benches to beds and lowering the upper berths. All in all a very comfortable night’s sleep….until we pulled into Memphis at 6am, stopped with a lurch, and woke the kids up for good. I was expecting the dining car to look like that scene in White Christmas with white linen table cloths and a bar where a happy barman makes milkshakes for everyone- you know, where they sing about the snow? Not so much. More like Mel’s Diner than anything else, but the food was palatable enough- better than airplane food (I know, low bar)
If getting there is part of the fun, this was definitely fun. Do I need to do it again? Nah. But if you’ve never traveled by train, or if you’re like me, and the only memory of train travel is a super-loud overnight slice of hell from Milan to Paris in your mid-20s, Amtrak is worth the time and effort….if only to replace said slice-of-hell memory. Best of all, just like the European trains, it lets you off right in the city center- no airport transfer necessary. Hello, Big Easy! (just where you want to be with your kids…..)
Riding on the City of new orleans- good morning, America! How are you?
I have many clients who will tell me they want a budget-friendly, all-inclusive resort that’s not Mexico. While I still firmly believe that you get the best product, the best food and drinks, and hands-down best service in Mexico, you have essentially two other options in the all-inclusive market: Jamaica and Punta Cana (Dominican Republic). I just returned from 5 days in Punta Cana on behalf of Vacation Express, one of the premier tour operators I work with. We toured about 15 different resorts in the Punta Cana/Bavaro region, which is where most American tourists would typically stay. The weather was PERFECT, and the beaches were so picturesque- if you’re looking for a relatively affordable all-inclusive experience, Punta Cana might be just what the doctor ordered, especially since so many major airlines (Southwest, American, United, Frontier) offer non-stop flights from Chicago.
I stayed at the Royalton Bavaro, a 5-star resort that just opened on December 28, and aside from the few understandable hiccups that go with the opening of a new resort, it really was an enjoyable stay. Other favorite resorts we visited were the Majestic Mirage (great family suite and separate adults-only area) and Nickelodeon Punta Cana for the kids, especially because as a Karisma property, they’re known for top-notch food and drinks.
While Punta Cana offers attractive pricing in the all-inclusive market, I do feel there are a few caveats that need to be addressed if you are planning to visit the DR:
Punta Cana or Mexico?
This was a frequent conversation I had with my fellow travel planners on this trip (there were 15 of us from all over the US). We all agreed the bad press to come out of Mexico last summer regarding tainted alcohol and violence against Americans was grossly sensationalized. To each his own, of course, but if pressed to make a decision, I would choose Mexico a hundred times over. (Cancun/Riviera Maya or Los Cabos in particular) Again, the Mexican all-inclusives of the 80s and 90s are dinosaurs compared to what is available today, so if your memory of Mexico was 1990 Spring Break in Puerto Vallarta, where you spent the whole week battling Montezuma’s Revenge with gecko lizards in your room, you need to move on. In the many times I’ve traveled to Mexico over the past several years, usually on my own, I have never felt that my safety has been threatened, but I also practice common sense. The level of service and the quality of resorts available in Mexico is just second to none.
Great skiing, in Wisconsin? Actually, YES! True, the Midwest is not Colorado nor Switzerland, nor even Vermont, but if you live in the Great Lakes region and are looking for an easy, drivable, long-weekend ski retreat, Michigan and Wisconsin have some wonderful options. Remember that the Great Lakes have their own mini-climates, which, depending where you are, produce some exceptional snow and ski conditions, even if a bit on the sub-zero temps side. Two of our favorites are Boyne Mountain near Petosky, Michigan and Granite Peak in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Boyne Mountain
What’s great about Boyne? The snow- it’s fresh snow all the time because it literally snows ALL. THE. TIME. Yes, over a January weekend you do need to cover up every inch of your body to protect from the freeze, but the slopes are second-to-none in the area. Additionally, the main resort, The Mountain Grand Lodge and Spa, is home to an unrivaled spa, an indoor water park for the kiddos, and fine dining at the Edelweiss Room, not to mention an indoor/outdoor pool (yes, even when it’s 10 below!) area. You never have to leave the property! While it’s a bit of a haul from Chicago (about a 6 hour drive, the last hour of which is 100% white-knuckle), and the weekend price tag is likely to induce sticker shock, there is no better Midwest ski option than Boyne.
Granite Peak
For an easier, more affordable Midwest ski escape, look no further than cute-as-a-button Wausau, Wisconsin (about 3 ½ hours from Chicago) and Granite Peak State Park. We just returned from our annual ski weekend with family friends, and as creatures of habit, we have the routine down pat. While there is no resort on the ski slopes, we opt instead to stay in town at the Jefferson Street Inn, right on the town square, which is definitely the best hotel option in Wausau (although there are numerous chains in the surrounding area). City Grill is our choice for dinner and drinks the first night- even by big-city standards they have delicious typical Wisconsin fare (read: fried cheese curds). We ski all day Friday and Saturday morning, then go ice skating in the town square, and tubing at a local park, which I think we might even like better than the skiing! Wrap it all up with the Wisonsin institution of Saturday night prime rib the Hiawatha Lounge, one of the Dairyland state’s numerous “supper clubs”.
Travelers Tip: If you’re renting skis, skip the lines and beat-up equipment at the ski area and rent at the ski shop in town. Prices are actually better, and the equipment is like-new.
Happy new year, and welcome to travel “WAVE SEASON”! Starting December 26, my phone has been ringing off the hook, as people are already sick of the cold and dreaming of a tropical spring getaway or summer family vacay. Wave season starts now and extends to roughly April 1 each year. If you’re thinking about planning a trip, the time to do it is NOW. People always ask me how far in advance they need to book a trip, and my answer is always the same: if you know where you want to go, the sooner, the better! The earlier you get booking, the better choice and better price you’ll have. And in most cases, if you have to cancel because you change your mind, travel suppliers’ cancellation policies are generally pretty liberal. Ride the wave, and let’s start planning how to get you out of the cold!
Spent the day downtown today playing food-tour guide for one of my best friends who RARELY goes into the city. It’s her birthday today, so the four of us made sure to do some fun Chicago things while trying to stay warm- winter is definitely in full swing! Highlights included:
Happy birthday, Diane! Bon appetit!
Obligatory tourist photo in front of "the bean"
How do you prevent the first half of November from being the blah and gray experience it always is in the Northern climes? Not quite early enough to get excited about the holidays, but too cold, brown, barren, and lifeless to really still be thinking cozy thoughts of pumpkins and apple-picking. Last year, my family remedied this problem in the absolute best way possible: a trip to Disney World!
Back in the summer of 1995, when I was selected to be part of Disney’s College Program, I’ll admit I got a little Disney-ed out. Let’s just say when it’s 100 degrees in the shade, you’re dressed in head-to-toe polyester, and you’re accosted by a barrage of Brazilian teens on an hourly basis, the bloom is off the rose. However, I also believe it to be a rite of passage for an American kid to experience Disney World at some point, so we chose November 2016 for ours.
Planning an enjoyable Disney vacation that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg becomes ever more of a challenge. As someone who HATES crowds (thanks to the aforementioned Summer of 1995), Disney sure does pack them in, and those crowds are not going to get smaller any time soon. That said, I’m offering my top three road-tested Disney tips to help you combat the madness while still watching the bottom line. If you do nothing else, following these guidelines. Everyone has their own way of doing Disney, but if you’re like me and just want to maintain your sanity while still looking back on it as a pleasant experience, these words or wisdom are for you:
1. Stay on Disney Property – I believe so strongly in this, I don’t even book Disney vacations anymore unless my clients stay on property. On a Disney vacation, time is you scarcest resource (well, and the endless flow of $$$$). Anything that can facilitate getting from Point A to Point B should take precedence over saving a few bucks. Disney resorts range from budget to 5-star luxury, but they all have one thing in common: proximity to the parks. My favorite: the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. You get your own free-standing HOME for the cost of a moderate hotel room at other Disney resorts. There’s a full kitchen, dining and living area, plus an outdoor patio with a grill…AND NO SCREAMING KIDS EXCEPT MINE. Don’t skimp here by staying in some crappy condo in greater Orlando. If you’re gonna do Disney, DO DISNEY.
2. Rent a Car – is this eco-friendly? No. While I am a huge proponent of public transportation, Disney just doesn’t quite have it down. Does it add to the endless laundry list of Disney expenses? Yes. HOWEVER, one must consider the overall VALUE of renting a car, in addition the PRICE. Unfortunately, as of March 2018, Disney will start charging a daily parking fee, but it’s still worth it to rent a car in my opinion. In the long run, you still save time and money. You don’t have to be dependent on the hopelessly unreliable bus system; rather, you can drive to the park of your choice and park for free as a resort guest (another perk of staying on property!) Secondly, you’re not locked in to eating the expensive, less-than-impressive food at Disney. There are myriad restaurants within 10 minutes of your Disney hotel that are much better quality for significantly less money. And if you do want to dine at Disney, it’s easy to drive from resort to resort, versus getting a bus to the TTC, then transferring the bus to the resort…and the whole thing in reverse after you eat. Finally, and I speak from experience, if someone gets sick (in our case, strep throat), it’s an easy drive to the Walgreen’s Minute Clinic, where you get treated, medicated, and on your way without dealing with Uber or a cab.
3. Do NOT Get the Meal Plan – Disney food used to be passable. (I realize I’m being kind of a food snob, but WDW doesn’t hold a candle to Chicago or any other major city’s dining options) Then they introduced the meal plan to contend with the all-inclusive resorts of the Caribbean, and the food lost all its love. Now, they’re just cranking out meals to feed the masses, and especially if you have young kids who barely touch their food, the meal plan is a lousy deal. Alternatively, if you just buy food piecemeal in the parks, you’ll generally spend less. There is also a fridge in each resort hotel room, so a trip to Trader Joes for some breakfast food to eat in the room saves a TON of cash. (Use the money you save to upgrade to a Park Hopper pass or the Memory Maker photo package, both of which I HIGHLY recommend).
My mom always says that there are trips and there are vacations – Disney is definitely a TRIP. It’s not relaxing. It’s not laid back. But it is FUN, even if you think you hate Disney. And your kids will never forget it.
When you stay at the cabins at disney's for wilderness, you literally have a free-standing home all to yourself. from here on out, this is the only way we will do disney!
The living space in the cabins allowed us all to stretch out a bit. we really appreciated the full kitchen and grill on the patio to break up monotony of the disney restaurant food....
When selling travel, there’s really no substitute for first-hand experience. I’ve just returned from the Nexion Group Sales Summit at The Grand at Moon Palace in Cancun, and let me tell you, this place sells itself! The Grand is part of a 3-resort complex, which also includes the original Moon Palace, as well as Nizuc. A golf-cart shuttle takes you from resort to resort until the wee hours of the morning. While I was working for almost the entire time (honest I was!), I was afforded the grand tour of this gorgeous five-star property, and it is truly a family mecca without being too “kid” oriented. Aside from spacious rooms decorated in floor-to-ceiling marble and a stunning beach I took advantage of each day with an early-morning run, the kids and teen facilities are just second-to-none. I knew showing my guys pictures of the water park/lazy river would make them green with envy, and as this is an all-inclusive, the water park and all entertainment really is ALL included. And while I’m not usually too concerned with hotel spas, this spa was one for the ages- one could disappear for days in there. Finally, what I was most impressed with was the food. Typically all-inclusive food is passable, if not remarkable. If you leave with your GI tract in tact, it’s a win in my book. The Grand at Moon Palace is the exception to this rule. Each of the a la carte restaurants were delicious and unique, particularly Habibi, a Lebanese-themed restaurant that really hit the mark in both cuisine and service.
I could go on and on about the resort, but the whole point of attending this conference was to brainstorm ways to improve clients’ experiences when putting together group vacations. It was a wonderful conference, and I cannot think of a more inspiring location to hold it. Looking for a foolproof family vacation? Look no further than The Grand at Moon Palace. A picture is worth a thousand words after all….
this was my early morning run. i seriously have the best job in the world!
"Lake Michigan: salt water and shark free for thousands of years!", or so the popular (around here) bumper sticker reads. If you're not familiar with our Great Lakes, you'll be surprised to know that 1.) you CAN'T see across to the other side, 2.) They have waves, beaches, and tides similar to the ocean, and 3.) they are so large that they, in fact, create their own weather system. So while the coasts battle threats of hurricanes and tsunamis, we Midwesterners enjoy the safety, convenience, and beauty of our landlocked "ocean". That said, if you want to experience a Lake Michigan beach, it's best to go to the Michigan side, where the aeolian winds create pristine sand dunes and beaches. Fortunately, our favorite harbor town of South Haven, MI is just over 2 hours away from Chicago, and more fortunately, it was a perfect-weather weekend to officially bid "Adieu!' to summer. There are more hotels, inns, and rental homes than one can keep track of, but we like the rustic camping comfort of "Lazy Bob", our trusty travel trailer, so named by my youngest because for the first several months of ownership, it just sat in our driveway "doing nothing". Most people who know me are surprised that I'm much of a "camper". The truth is that it did take me a while to get over what some perceive- at times deservedly- as a camping "stigma", but I would be remiss if I failed to mention that I had a few stipulations if I was going to throw a bone to my all-male household in the camping department: fully sealed and enclosed (i.e. no "pop-ups"), fully heated and air-conditioned, and full bathroom on board (cable-TV-ready was an added bonus). Once these demands were met, I officially embraced camping....and it has been a wonderful ride ever since. The kids can't get enough of the outdoors, and I know we are building life-long memories together. And traveling this way is of course ridiculously affordable.
Our Saturday culminated with sunset on the beach, followed by a family tradition of dinner at Clementines and dessert at Sherman's Dairy Bar, possibly the best local ice cream I've ever had. The next morning was spent picking apples and eating donuts at Jollay Orchards before heading home. What a great way to end summer...and usher in fall. Here's hoping your summer was just as memorable!
Enjoying our last bit of beach time and a beautiful lake michigan sunset. until next summer...
Labor Day weekend is always kind of a bummer for me, as the final curtain lowers on carefree summer fun. School’s back in, and with it the treadmill of appointments, meetings, sports, and assignments pick back up. This year, however, we were fortunate enough to be invited to our friends’ beautiful lake house in Wonder Lakes, IL. While the weather bordered on chilly, you can bet it didn’t stop these six boys from some serious lake-house fun in the water. Even though they spent most of the late-afternoon in sleeping bags trying to warm up, it hardly put a damper on the day.
So many of use grew up going to our own family’s lake or beach house, or that of a family friend. What great memories and friendships are forged there- life is truly better at the lake!
These hearty midwestern boys aren't about to let the 60 degree weather keep them out of the water!
1992 - At My Grandparents Lake house in Paw Paw, Michigan right after high school graduation with three of my besties, and while one is tragically no longer with us, the other two are still my BFFs
My alter-ego. My second home. For the past 40 years, I have been fortunate enough to call this place my home-away-from-home. In 1973 my dad purchased a gorgeous plot of land, complete with towering Ponderosa Pines, granite rock formations, and countless forms of wildlife, for the inconceivably low sum of $6000. A few years later, he and a few teacher buddies built a modest summer home for an even more inconceivable sum of $16,000. And for 40 years, we have been blessed with endless memories in our family mountain retreat. The weather is ideal. While the rest of the country is sweltering, at 8000 feet, we are a cool and comfortable 70-75. One tradition we never miss, year after year, is cooking out breakfast at Sprague Lake. My dad, at 78 years young, can still cook fried eggs in bacon grease like no one else. Add blueberry donuts from the Donut Haus (the BEST donuts in the world, in my opinion) to the mix, and you have a winning combination. And there’s just something about the breathtaking scenery that makes the food taste that much better.
Also on our annual Rocky Mountain National Park pilgrimage, Hubs and I are afforded one date-night to take our appetizer-crawl concept out West. This year, we started at the historic Stanley Hotel, inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining, and the “grand dame” of Estes Park, which is where this photo was taken, but we also make sure we never miss the kitchy Wheel Bar in town, and rustic Mary’s Lake Lodge on the outskirts of town. If I were to play tourist, this is where I would stay! I love that RMNP has become near and dear to my husband’s heart too, and that, no matter where else we might take them, our boys always look forward to our annual mountain respite!
On the Patio at the Historic Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado
Annual Breakfast Cookout at Sprague Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park
One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to play hometown tourist and celebrate our Windy City, Chicago. We take a lot of grief for our weather, our politicians, and more recently, our violent crime. Too many sub-zero days in the winter to mention (we call them “character builders”), and hot, muggy, humid days are the norm come July and August. But we natives know that the Chicago you might see on the national news is NOT the same place we hold near and dear to our hearts. Because, for every negative story to come out of this place, there are 1000 positive ones. Ask anyone off the street (except maybe in New York) where they stand on Chicago, they’re sure to say, “Chicago? I LOVE that town!” Where am I going with this? Chicago in the summer, when everyone is out and about in spite of the heat, is just second to none . My husband and I have a semi-annual ritual (once in summer, once at Christmastime- our anniversary) of going on a Chi-town appetizer crawl. We meet after work (he works in the Loop, I’m obviously all over the place) with no plan, no reservations, just a few ideas of places we’d like to visit for a drink and an appetizer. Then we move on to the next place- all within walking distance (ish). This is a great way to experience any city because there is a great degree of spontaneity, and you get to sample the best of multiple places. And, I’m always a fan of sitting at the bar to eat when it’s just the two of us! This time, we started at Noyane, the rooftop bar of the brand-new Conrad Hotel (on Erie, just behind the Crate and Barrel flagship store), which has only been open since May, and thankfully, as of yet, relatively undiscovered. Often when the rooftop managers see the over-40 crowd coming their way, the space is conveniently “full”, but we were able to walk right up! Delicious apps, great craft cocktails, lots of space- HIGHLY recommend. I found out about this place in early May when I was invited to do a travel industry site inspection of the new hotel, and this place definitely stuck out from other hotels! Next, we kept the Asian theme going at Sunda, where, and I’m not exaggerating, we had some of the best sushi I’ve ever eaten. Hello, surf and turf roll!! Washed down with a cucumber martini- yes, please! Finally, walking back to the train station, we stopped at City Winery, right along the Chicago River. I’m amazed at how the riverfront has transformed over the past 20 years. It used to be just a nasty no-man’s land. Now there’s a beautiful vibrant river walk with bars and restaurants abounding. And for all the talk about our crappy weather…when you get a good day, it’s REALLY GOOD. Just like today. Especially when you get to spend it with your favorite person….Cheers!
Hanging out at City Winery on the River on a Perfect Chicago Evening.
Behold the Surf and Turf Roll at Sunda, in Chicago's River North
Prior to this trip, I knew very little about Zion. I certainly did not realize that it is one of the most visited national parks (maybe 2nd, maybe 3rd?) in the country, but given its relatively close proximity to Las Vegas (it’s about a 2.5 hour drive without traffic), it makes sense. This was definitely the most crowded park we visited, however, if you’re a morning person, or can at least convince yourself that you are for the sake of this trip, you will handle the crowds swimmingly. You are required to park your car at the visitor’s center and ride the shuttle throughout the park (UNLESS you stay at Zion Lodge….more on that in a minute), and once late morning hits, even the wait for the bus can be over an hour long….no thank you. Get there early, get there early, GET THERE EARLY.
Traveling from the Grand Canyon, we entered Zion from the east, making the stunning drive on the Mt. Carmel Highway. Like so many of the places we’ve seen on this trip, not even pictures can really do justice to the spectacular vistas. Once you reach the canyon floor, the turnoff northward is restricted to shuttle buses and guests of Zion Lodge. I can’t stress enough the incredible convenience of staying at one of the national park properties. (and again, booking a year in advance was SO worth it). The setup at Zion is similar to Bryce and Grand Canyon, in that there’s a main lodge with lobby, gift shop, and restaurant, plus out buildings that are either groups of hotel rooms or cabins, which is what we were in. By the time we arrived, shortly before dinner, the masses had departed for the day, and only lodge guests remained relaxing on the huge front lawn, as nearly-tamed deer came in to graze, as if on cue.
Day 2 was a scorcher- 108 degrees by noon. We hopped aboard the shuttle bus for a morning hike. Thankfully we again- say it with me- GOT THERE EARLY, so we were down and back by the time the mid-morning heat set in. From there, we promised a little “kid fun” in the form of tubing down the Virgin River (just outside the park boundaries). Zion Outfitters is your go-to purveyor of all things outdoorsy in Zion and they’re located right next to the Zion Visitor Center next to the bus station. Normally they rent tubes for $25, put you in the river right there, and you leisurely float for 2 hours, where a shuttle then picks you up down river. That’s on a normal day. When the river is low, however, you’re on your own. In this case, Zion outfitters will sell you a standard issue pool tube (i.e. flimsy Wal-Mart version), fill it up for you…and bid you a fond farewell. Regardless, what ensued were about the most hilarious 2 hours we have ever spent as a family. Yes, we lost a Cubs World Series T-shirt somewhere in the rapids, and yes, we adults had seriously bruised tailbones (low water natural hazard I suppose), but we also laughed hysterically, and the kids were in absolute heaven. What a perfect way to beat the heat. And the image of my husband stabbing each tube with a sharp stick at the end of the ride so we were allowed to ride the shuttle back…will be etched in my mind forever.
Day 3 – The Narrows This is the must-do experience within Zion. “The Narrows” refers to the slot canyon cut deep by the Virgin River. This hike is done almost exclusively in the river itself. And in spite of the sweltering heat, that river is cold, especially at sunrise. Thankfully we did our homework and rented the appropriate gear from Zion Outfitters the day before: neoprene socks, hi-top water-proof hiking boots, and a sturdy walking stick, all of which, we soon discovered were essential to navigating this challenging hike. In the end, the boys were exhausted from traversing the fast-moving water and the uneven river stones (no “sandy bottom” here!), and while it was a bucket-list experience, it is NOT for the faint of heart! I wish I had photos of this hike, but unsure how deep the water might get, we thought best to only bring the Go-Pro. So this one taken back at Zion Lodge after the hike will have to suffice. Hey, we made it out in one piece, so that’s a win in my book!
Travelers Tip: More than any place else, when it comes to Zion- GET THERE EARLY, or as my son said, “wait in line with the chumps”.
Our cozy Western Cabin at Zion lodge - you can't beat the convenience of staying in the park boundaries!
Deer grazing on the front lawn, as if on cue!
As a kid, I remember visiting the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in the intense heat of an Arizona summer. Even back then, the tourist crowds were overwhelming, so my initial thought was to save this trip for a distant Spring Break or February long weekend down the road. However, in touring the Utah National Parks, it seemed a shame to skip the North Rim, since it really was right there. We were SO glad we made the 2.5 hour trek from Bryce Canyon to the North Rim, because it really was, from a nature perspective, a completely different experience than the South Rim of my youth. We stopped for a Tex-Mex breakfast in the border town of Kenab, which was super Hollywood-kitch in itself, as it’s where all of the film stars of the 1950s holed up while making the iconic cowboy westerns of that era. What struck me the most about the Grand Canyon North Rim entrance is that you’d hardly know you were in the vicinity of the Grand Canyon. Because the North Rim elevation is so much higher than the South Rim, it’s scenery is more pine forest green than desert brown; and comfortably cool to oppressively “dry heat”.
Again, Grand Canyon does not disappoint. I mean, it’s the GRAND CANYON. Massive. The many vantage points available from around the Grand Canyon Lodge allow visitors to see the canyon from many angles. We also enjoyed a few short hikes in the area before sitting down to a yummy lunch of elk chili and Navajo fry-bread tacos in the lodge. With of course the most spectacular view you’ve ever eaten a meal to. EVER. (even the restaurant in the Eiffel Tower paled in comparison…and it takes a lot for me to knock Paris)
Traveler Tip: not surprisingly, the Grand Canyon is most spectacular at either sunrise or sunset. Do be sure to catch the view at one of these times- so worth the effort!
Our lunchtime view of the north rim from the grand canyon lodge
"What a Grand....canyon." - Homer simpson
The Historic Dining Room at Grand Canyon Lodge... we were partial to the elk chili and Navajo tacos!
Is it possible for a scenic drive to be both awesome and terrifying at the same time? If you’re driving through Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, oh yes it is! Thankfully, Mike was doing the driving, as those “hogbacks” (stretches of road where there’s a complete million-foot drop-off on either side…and no guard rails) would have done me in! And while they say that getting there is half the fun, when the other half involves Bryce Canyon, well, there’s just little comparison. Like so many of our national parks, there’s just no way to put into words the enormity of what you’re seeing. As we drove up to Bryce Canyon Lodge, the scenery was pretty, but the rim of the canyon was hidden, and I kind of thought, “OK, what’s the big deal?” Then, we checked into our Western Cabin (again, which I had to book over a YEAR in advance), literally 50 steps from the rim, and I got that national park smack-in-the-face where you just can’t believe what you’re seeing. WOW. Even the kids just sat on a bench awestruck. (And speaking of kids, parents, you had better be on high alert, as there are NO guard rails anywhere. Let me just say, there’s no bouncing back from that fall!) We spent our first evening eating dinner at the lodge and hiking “Wall Street”, that only my pictures can begin to explain.
We spent the next two days hiking the other-worldly trails (get there early to avoid the hoards of international tourists!), taking in the scenic vistas, and we even rented bikes from one of the concessions in town (I mean THE ONE concession, Ruby’s Inn, who seems to own just about everything in town). We took the shuttle bus up to Inspiration Point, and rode (downhill) 5 miles on the multi-use trail back to town. And aside from my youngest wiping out HARD on the first big turn, it was a highlight for all of us!
I love too how places like these really almost force you to disconnect- there is spotty (at best!) cell service, no TV, and no wifi except for in the main lodge, so evenings were spent old-school: Jenga (National Park edition, of course), Left-Right-Center, Spot-It, and Carcassonne (our favorite game!)
Traveler tip: if Bryce Canyon is on your itinerary, make sure you’re not just passing through. Give it the time it deserves- ideally 2 nights and at least a full day and a half to really experience all there is to see and do. I promise you will not be disappointed!
Other-worldly beauty of grand staircase escalante NM
When your cabin is literally 50 steps from the rim of bryce canyon, you have no excuse to miss the sunrise!
Hiking to the bottom of the canyon via the perilous "Wall StreeT"
Torrey, Utah. Have you heard of it? Before this trip, me neither. It’s the town just outside of Capitol Reef National Park, about a 3 ½ hour drive from Salt Lake City. It’s one of Utah’s lesser known national parks, but just because it’s a little brother to Zion or Bryce Canyon, it is not any less awe-inspiring! When I was an undergrad at the University of Illinois many moons ago (GO ILLINI!), I took an elective Earth science class called Geology of National Parks, and it was one of my absolute favorites in all my time at U of I, not to mention a much-needed diversion from all the Econ, Accounting, and Finance courses. That’s where I first learned about Capitol Reef, and it has been on my radar ever since. First, we pulled into the Capitol Reef Resort. For a town of its size, Torrey does have a fair number of lodging options, but if you ask me, Capitol Reef Resort is THE place to stay. It used to be a garden-variety Best Western motel, but over the past few years, the owners have slowly started to convert it into a bona-fide western resort (cowboy kitch included). Aside from the standard “lodge” rooms, which all have AMAZING views, they have also added brand new luxe cabin options, as well as, and this was my favorite, glamping options of teepees and covered wagons surrounding a communal campfire. If you have kids, or are looking for a unique lodging experience, this was WAY cool. One of the maintenance guys was kind enough to drive me around and show me inside the different lodging options –check it out online.
Capitol Reef offers stunning hikes, gorgeous sunsets, and a real “out there” feel. And while understandably hot during the day, it's cool and comfortable (even chilly!) once the sun sets. One of our best surprises was a Michelin-worthy meal at Diablo Cafe- not sure how a restaurant of this caliber survives in teeny Torrey, but it was the best meal of the trip by far....even the kids ate rattlesnake cakes!
Traveler Tip: Don’t get injured! There’s no one to rescue you!
Capitol Reef national park at Sunset
Who Knew we'd find haute cuisine in the middle of the desert?
Standing under the towering Hickman Bridge, Capitol reef NP
Family Vacation! This year, it’s all about Utah. The national parks, to be exact. We are huge national park fans. Several years ago PBS did a special on the historic national park lodges (not the same show as the Ken Burns National Parks: America’s Best Idea by the way, which is also so good!), and we vowed to stay in each one before our kids go to college. This year we will mark 3 off the list: Bryce Canyon Lodge, Grand Canyon Lodge, and Zion Lodge. As you can imagine, these places are VERY popular, so much so that I had to book them over a YEAR in advance. (So much so also, that they don’t work with travel agents- BOO!) Today, however, we flew into Salt Lake City to collect ourselves before heading south. We have a standard formula when traveling as a family that always involves a stop at Target and Trader Joes for provisions. This year we also bought a $20 large cooler on Amazon to be delivered to our hotel when we arrived. We do tend to make and eat a lot of our own breakfasts and lunches (there comes a point where I just can’t eat out for 3 meals a day), so having a cooler on hand with sandwich fixings and snacks is always a good idea. Then when we’re done with the trip, we donate the cooler. PS- SLC is HOT, and when walking downtown, the stoplights seem to take immeasurably long to change to “WALK” while we fry on the sidewalk. We had some very crabby campers this afternoon… Headed to Capitol Reef tomorrow!
Happy birthday, America! What better way to celebrate our independence than by enjoying our national pastime with our “Boys of Summer”, the WORLD CHAMPION CHICAGO CUBS (it still seems surreal saying that). We rode the Metra and the El up to Wrigley Field with the kids, and were fortunate enough to score some fantastic seats. If you’re traveling to this great city, and you’re a baseball fan, a trip up to the North Side is an absolute must! I’m amazed too at how the neighborhood around Wrigley, for better or worse, is constantly changing. There’s even a huge hotel going in across the street to accommodate the corporate side of the Cubs, which I know a lot of Wrigleyville purists are irate about, but hey, that’s progress. I remember living 3 blocks away in 1997 in a flea-bag apartment with 2 girlfriends (where it was rumored that someone had been murdered in the laundry room 6 months before we moved in), and we thought we were just the height of sophistication (shout out to Sarah and Erika!)! How times have changed… I digress. So the Cubs game- PACKED, and they lost (more like the Cubs I’m used to), but a great way to enjoy 4th of July!
Wrigley gets the special 4th of July treatment!
Just returning from a week-long travel sales conference in Dallas, and my head is just spinning with wonderful ideas and unique ways to deliver travel to clients in smarter, more stream-lined, and more affordable ways than ever before! I was fortunate to meet about 20 fellow travel professionals from around the country and spend 5 days training, learning from each other, and spit-balling ways to make the travel experience the best it can be for our clients. What a fun, enthusiastic group, and I am so pumped to put some of our plans into action! Oh, and as many of you know, I am an intense foodie, so be prepared, as you read my posts, for a LOT of food discussion! It's my experience that food and travel go hand-in-hand, so if that sounds like your kind of gig, please keep with me! While much of my time in Dallas was limited to the office, I did have time to enjoy one PERFECT filet mignon. In spite of my Chicago roots, I'm not much of a red meat eater, however, when in Rome/Dallas... Huge shout-out to The Ranch at Las Colinas for furnishing this glorious piece of fork-tender heaven, and a huge thank you to the wonderful people I was able to share the week with! Back home now, and ready for your calls! Summer's here full-blast, and it's time to get traveling!
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