St. John
The gem of the Virgin Islands
City Guides, Travel Planning and Dream Vacations
Despite the misfortune of prospectors, this outpost of the Wild West began to be settled by permanent residents around 1884. Today it is an eclectic mix of western icons, tourist shops, upscale hotels and eateries.
As I write this blog I can’t help but think about how important it is to take care of yourself, body and soul, by taking an escape from the uncertainties that life can throw at us. It feels amazing to finally plan and enjoy a relaxing oceanfront getaway. We hope your dream trip will soon become a reality, just as ours was this Summer.
Having made numerous trips to the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii and more we’ve always had Turks and Caicos (TCI) on our bucket list. Hearing from trusted friends about the perfect turquoise waters and white sand beaches, exceptional food, endless activities and friendly people we finally booked it. And once there we left asking ourselves…why? Why did we wait so long to experience this gem of a destination?
See why we absolutely fell in love with TCI and can’t wait to return!
‘Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans’ – John Lennon
My favorite quote. And with all the travel disruptions over the past two years, this never rang more true.
However, with restrictions easing worldwide, it seems that our pent-up wanderlust is kicking in big time. Carla’s travel bookings are soaring with trips being booked everywhere from Hawaii to Egypt. So, great news for those of us longing to get back on the road.
This particular trip was to check off a bucket-list experience. For a die-hard Yankee fan like Carla, a trip to Tampa for Spring Training promised to be a major event. So what happens? The players and owners get into a contractual dispute and the Spring Training games we planned to see were canceled!
So…a not so bad plan B. A trip to sunny Florida to set out and explore the Best of Tampa and The Gulf shores.
Crossing the heart of New York State is one of the most scenic, serene and breathtaking landscapes in America: The Finger Lakes. Carved by glaciers over 30 million years ago, Mother Nature blessed the region with 11 beautiful lakes. The lakes themselves are quite deep, up to 600 feet, and with this immense volume of water, temperatures remain moderate allowing grape varieties such as Riesling and Pinot Noir to flourish. Add just the right soil and drainage and you have over 100 wineries producing some of America’s finest wines.
That alone is enough to fill days of exploration and relaxation. But there is so much more to take in…waterfalls, hiking, museums, restaurants, water sports…quaint inns and lodges, rolling hills and valleys, farmland and forests… So here is a long weekend itinerary of great finds we experienced and a plan to take and make your own.
“All water has a perfect memory and is forever trying to get back to where it was.” – Toni Morrison
From the minute you approach the first of 832 stone steps of the Gorge Trail, the sound of rushing water transports you to another world…one that can only be created by Mother Nature.
Hospitality: ‘the activity or business of providing services to guests in hotels, restaurants, bars, etc‘…or better yet, ‘given to generous and cordial reception of guests‘.
Some places get it and some don’t. Jimmy Buffett gets it. The Margaritaville Resort in Pensacola Beach gets it. On our first visit seven years ago we fell in love with the place. From the friendly staff who can’t do enough for you, to the bartenders who make you feel right at home…and personalized text messages throughout your stay, just checking in to make sure you’re relaxed and happy. Plus the setting on beautiful shores of the Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding area that offers something for everyone. That’s why we came back a second time, and loved it even more.
There’s no denying that the connection we have with water runs deep to our soul. The deep blue stirs our emotions, evoking calm and serenity.
Water is the source of life itself, making up more than 70% of our bodies. So it stands to reason that just being in proximity of a lake, river or ocean is where we can return to a naturally calming state of mind and embrace gratitude.
Nestled in the Pocono Mountains of Eastern Pennsylvania is a sparkling gem: Big Boulder Lake, located in the town of Lake Harmony. This laid-back getaway is the perfect place to recharge and relax. There’s nothing quite like a peaceful paddle in your kayak around the calm waters. And the surrounding area has is filled with adventures for hikers, boaters, foodies and all around nature lovers.
“Life is a combination of magic and pasta.” -Federico Fellini. And a perfectly paired wine completes the experience.
We compliment those creative entrepreneurs who have re-invented themselves during these days of social distancing. They have found ways to provide virtual escapes, and bring us together to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Lindsay and Gabriel’s Food and Wine Events turned our Saturday at-home date night into a truly memorable evening. It was wonderful to invite them into our home as we spent two hours together, enjoying preparing our meal just as much as eating and drinking.
Gabriel started us with a crisp, sparkling wine that set a festive mood.
If you’ve been missing travel, think about Henry David Thoreau.
Thoreau was born in Concord, Massachusetts on July 12, 1817, and died there on May 6, 1862. And except for just a couple of brief excursions to nearby states, he pretty much spent his whole life in his native town…and he found great inner peace and happiness there. He was quoted to say: ‘…I have been nailed down to this my native region so long and steadily, and made to study and love this spot of earth more and more’.
So, during this pandemic we’ve been essentially ‘nailed down’ as well. To keep sane, happy and healthy, we’ve rediscovered our local natural wonders and have logged in miles of trails over the past year. This Winter we braved the cold, and got outside to marvel and appreciate the beauty around us as we wait for better times ahead to explore further. Here are just a few thoughts on why we love walking in nature.
A river runs through it. How beautiful is the sound of rushing water as it travels along its bed, bubbling over rocks and branches? Creating pools and eddies, one can sit, stroll and hike along the riverbank and watch it for hours.
Rise early, when the sun is just peaking over the horizon and the water is smooth as glass. This is the time when the calm, peaceful serenity on the lake puts your soul at ease.
Whether you enjoy all the activities the lake has to offer, or simply choose to relax with the gentle lap of waves against the shore, an escape to a lake holds the promise of a return to simple pleasures. This Summer we discovered a destination with so much to offer we could barely fit all we wanted to do in the time we had.
Carla is standing by with travel advice, ideas, recommendations and the best deals you'll find anywhere. Reach out now to make your travel dreams a reality! Email Carla@vacationkids.com or call 973-370-5584