G Adventure Tours

                                                                     

                        I am obsessed with G Adventures!! They offer such beautiful tours with small groups (usually no more than 12 people) that I can't stop daydreaming about being on one of their adventures! Experiencing everywhere from the mountain tops of Macchu Picchu to exploring the tea fields of Sri Lanka. There is a special place in my heart for this tour company that really tries their best at making their travelers have the best experience while truly get to know each destination!  They offer tours on all different levels. Based on how active you want to be or how 'local' you want to live. They even offer accommodations for the younger free spirit travelers staying in hostels. You travel with a tour guide the entire time and have a city tour in most cities as well as daily breakfast and some meals which allow enough free time on your own to get a taste of each place. G Adventures takes traveling to an all new level and I hope you explore all G Adventures has to offer!  https://www.gadventures.com/ . Call/Text me for your next G Adventure!

One Happy Island

Aruba is the reason I travel! To meet people, taste local cuisine and explore the beauty of  the destination. This was my first visit to the Dutch Caribbean island and can't wait to return! The beaches are beautiful, the locals are super friendly and I loved that all-inclusive resorts did not dominate the beauty of the views.

There are so many restaurants, bars and shopping just outside the hotel areas you could easily experience the local flavors of the island and nightlife on your own. Although I did stay at the RIU Palace Antillas, which is all-inclusive it was modest in comparison to some resorts in Punta Cana and Mexico I have been too. It was nice to have that options during the day and then head into town at night. I stayed on Palm Beach, which is know as the high rise beach and then Eagle Beach a few miles down is the low rise beach. There are plenty of casinos around the island for those that are feeling lucky and renting a car is much safer and easier to do here than most other Caribbean islands. You do feel the influence of Venezuela being only 15 miles from shore and the Dutch spirit as well. Most locals on the island speak 5 languages and the drinking water is voted top 5 in the world! Pretty impressive for an island home to 108,000+  multi cultural residents!

The Arikok National Park consumes 20% of the island and is worth a day of exploring along with a bar crawl on the Kukoo Kunuku Party bus! The people of this One Happy Island love to dance, drink and have a good time whatever they are doing and make sure you feel like a local when you are right there along with them doing it!! 

Secrets Playa Mujeres, Mexico

Blood Moon Over Mexico

 

I just returned from Secrets Playa Mujeres  and must say I was beyond impressed and can't say enough about this resort and the amazing staff! The layout is nice. I love that the main lobby, nightly shows and some of the restaurants are located in the front buildings and the rooms and other amenities are located near the pool and beach. The golf cart ride is only 2 minutes to get back and forth and they are always there waiting there for you so it was not a problem. It was nice getting to take in all the tropical vegetation and sights going back and forth.

Playa Mujeres Beach

Beachfront Master Suite

The beach here is beautiful!! Super soft sand and there was barely any seaweed at all. The food was great and the again the staff was so friendly and seemed as if they were really eager to serve you and did not only give you good service if you tipped. There was never a problem getting chairs at the pool or beach and I LOVED the palapa beach bar with hanging swings. We did get some rain while there so I would definitely bring bug spray as a precaution and also to help avoid any disruptions if dining at the beachfront Oceana Restaurant.

What I really loved about this resort is all the vegetation surrounding it making you feel as if you were really somewhere special. If you like Baileys you must go to Coco Café and have the frozen Baileys Coffee!! It was the best. Overall it was an excellent experience and people please don't let the weather forecast ruin your expectations. Before I arrived it showed 100% rain everyday and I was able to enjoy the sun everyday (except for 1 afternoon). Great job Secrets Playa Mujeres can't wait to come back!!

Swim Out Rooms

 

JUNE MOVIE OF THE MONTH: THE GOOD LIE

**** 
         I have watched this movie at least 10 times so far this month! A heart aching story about 4 Sudanese refugees that are picked from a government lottery and sent to the USA for their chance at a better life. Three brothers end up going to Kansas City and their sister surprisingly goes to Boston. Met by an unforgiving job placement worker (Reese Witherspoon) they soon find themselves battling their heartfelt homegrown desires against their new found curiosities.  Unable to grasp the frequent waste of American culture they find themselves yearning for what it is we have that makes us comfortable and then chasing a common goal , freedom for everyone.  Determined to be reunited with their sister again it becomes the motivation for all involved in their existence. The story ends with a twist that shows the true spirit of a soul that has experienced such atrocities is willing for those unknown to grow and a offer them a chance to become their fullest self.  My favorite thing about this movie is that real refugees are preforming the story so it's not quite acting but reenacting their lives. I LOVE this soundtrack too!Get a sneek preview here: http://www.thegoodliemovie.com/tagged/videos

                                                   ST THOMAS, US VIRGIN ISLANDS
                                                    

Magen's Bay Beach

       St. Thomas located in the Caribbean within the US Virgin Islands is a beautiful paradise not to missed! If you are a US citizen you do not need a passport to travel there and you can explore the  US Virgin Islands as much as you like. The islands are made up of St Thomas, St Croix and St John with St Thomas being the largest island of this family and rests peacefully at 32 square miles in the sea. Its history brags of pirates, politics and beautiful scenery making it easy to find reasons to chase tales all over the island.



Blackbeards Castle



Charlotte Amalie

             Blackbeard has made it clear his legend will not be forgotten  as his castle sits perched atop a hillside near the center of town. The castle was built in 1679 and watches over the Caribbean while offering stories of pirate adventures and lost treasures surrounding it. I love St Thomas with it's stunning island views,  amazing restaurants and the beaches are unbelievable! The picturesque white sands lining the green seasides are a photographers dream and also offer great snorkeling, swimming and day trips to explore the adventurous side of the island. St Thomas can get crowded at times like any popular destination that doubles as a cruise stop but the island mellows out again in the evenings for you to enjoy the unique vibe like a local!                                                              
Want to know about the US Virgin Islands? Check it out at http://www.visitusvi.com/stthomas/homepage or contact me for more information!



Hubby and I having a Caribe after a day in the sun!

A Journey Of Spirits And Souls

 

 

                   I'm not a religious person but I am spiritual soul and when I travel I like to take a weekend getaway or a longer trip that helps me escape the chaotic routine that everyday life seems to bring me. We as people are always looking for some sort of journey that reminds us that we are not just living our lives to work, pay bills and go through the motions of what is called, 'Happiness'.   One spot that is a perfect place to help you connect with your spirit is Lilly Dale, NY.  

       Home to a variety of mediums and healers , Lilly Dale is a unique village that offers a different kind of journey for those looking for a spiritual getaway. After paying a modest fee to enter the village you can visit one of the many spiritual sites, meditation ceremonies or cemetaries that respect the living and the dead. Offering classes and private one on one readings throughout the day you will be guided by one of the various spiritual guides that can be helpful in answering questions about lost loved ones, journeys ahead and a little guidance on bettering your life.
      I experienced a one on one medium reading that seemed spot on with things that have happened and currently occurring in my life. I did leave the reading feeling as if someone or something had been whispering my story into the mediums ear as we spoke. I also attended an hour long healing session with a spiritual guru that preformed prayers over me while cleansing my aura with burning sage. If anything it was a once in a lifetime experience that left me feeling blessed. The narrow streets of the village are lined with cottages that have signs hanging from the front porch with the name of the medium that lives there and a request book that you are able to sign in an make an appointment for a session. There are a couple hotels and restaurants to make your stay comfortable if you visit overnight. I'm glad I decided to stay overnight since after the sun sets behind the lake in the evening there is a ghost walk under certain moons that reminds you of the history that lies beneath the ground in the cemetery of the lost animal spirits and departed that have chosen to keep their stay here in Lilly Dale. There is no question that a visit to this spiritual village will carry with you when you depart as if your soul has gained an angel and a new aspect on life. For more information you can visit: http://www.lilydaleassembly.com/

Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort, Punta Cana

 

 

Bavaro Beach

 

                      I just got back from my 4th trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and I must say I fall a little more in love with this tropical paradise each time I go! This trip I stayed at the Barceló Beach Punta Cana. It's an adult only resort only about 20 minutes from the airport. The nice thing I found about this place is that it's made up of actually 2 resorts, an adult only side and a family friendly side. Since we stayed in the adult only resort it made the distance from our almost beachfront room only a couple minutes walk to get  to the lobby, beach, pool, bar  and restaurants.

 

               The beach in front of the resort is white sugar sand and the water is so clear I stayed in it for hours each day! The bonus of staying at this resort is that you also have access to the much larger Barcelo Bavaro Princess resort right next door. Our resort was perfect for a more quiet, intimate atmosphere where the Palace is family friendly and offers more restaurants, entertainment, pools and plenty of shopping! There is a walkway along the beach to go from one to the other and is about a 10 minute walk or you can take the resort tram that goes back and forth 24 hours a day. 

 

If you choose to walk, WATCH OUT FOR PALMTREES! There is a reason Punta Cana means Point Of The Palm Tree. There are a few palm trees right in the middle of the path and if you are admiring the beautiful beach while you walk you might just walk right into one of them. Yes I was guilty of this crime and found myself icing my head with a frozen cocktail the rest of the day! The casino on the Princess side is actually much better than the others I have been to. It is a decent size and I happened to get lucky and win a little every time I walked in the place. The food is decent as I could always find something delicious including goat and lobster one night.



Barceló Bavaro Princess Golf Course

 There's a huge golf course, tennis courts as well as many sports included  and an active kids club section offering something for everyone. The weather was perfect while there and I managed to get some much needed sun considering I came back to Cleveland and our cars were buried in 5 feet of snow! There's something about Punta Cana that makes me keep wanting to go back and I'm always excited for my next return trip before I even leave!

 

TASTECATION

          I'm always surprised when people find it hard to believe that Key West is a food mecca. It's one of those places that every time I return from a visit I find myself craving a certain fish taco, oyster or even a Philly Cheese steak that I had eaten while there. There are so many great restaurants and cafes that it's impossible to fit them all in 1 visit but I do have my go to favorites. Usually people visit Key West for the sun, fishing and the non-stop partying on the island but my husband I recently went on a 'TASTECATION' and once again it did not disappoint my taste buds! My husband is a total foodie and since we've been home he won't stop talking about the food and how amazing the island is. I have narrowed down my overwhelming list of favorites to my top 10 and why. If you get the chance to visit the Southern most place in the US be sure to check out a few (or all of these) yummy restaurants and you can thank me later!

Half Shell Raw Bar

1: Half Shell Raw Bar
This Raw Bar has been a celebrity for 43 years! As the name suggest this is THE place to go for the best Oysters in town. They offer a great Happy Hour including 1/2 dozen Raw Oysters on the Half Shell for $4.50. It also offers a perfect view of the Marina.
http://www.halfshellrawbar.com/

2: Blue Heaven
This is a unique Key West dining experience! Serving breakfast,lunch and dinner you can taste some of Key West finest dishes here. I like to go for breakfast and the Lobster Benedict will make your mouth water just thinking about it. It's one of the few places you will find chickens roaming around the tables and also served on your plate. The treehouse bar offers some amazing Bloody Marys too!   http://www.blueheavenkw.com

3: Pepe's Café and Steakhouse
Claiming the title as the longest standing restaurant in Key West  Pepe's continues to do what it does best, serve amazing food and drinks! Offering something for everyone it's best known for it's steak  
 and fish dishes. Also they have amazing hand squeeze Mimosas, Screwdrivers and Greyhounds!
http://pepeskeywest.com/

4: BO's Fishwagon
My husbands main mission on this trip was to eat fresh fish tacos from BO's! It really is the best for fresh fish sandwiches, conch fritters and fish tacos. The fish served depends on what's in season and caught that morning. The décor and setting makes you feel as if you truly are on a fish wagon!! http://www.bosfishwagon.com/

 

Mahi Fish Tacos and Conch Fritters

 

 5:Peppers Of Key West

Ok, it's not technically a restaurant but it does offer over 100 varieties of hot sauce flavors so it gets a spot on my list! I love that this place has a sauce tasting bar. You can easily spend an hour or so sitting at the bar, sampling hot sauces. You can purchase bottles in store, have them shipped to you or even order online. One insider tip is to be sure to get a beer at the Cigar shop next door and bring it in with you since beer goes great with hot sauce! http://www.peppersofkeywest.net/



6:Smokin' Tuna Saloon
This is my go to place for the best peel and eat shrimp I've ever had in my life!! The Soy, Ginger Tuna is also unbelievable!! They have an impressive  Raw Bar along with Stone Crab Claws when in season (Oct15- May15). It's a great place to go for live music in the evening and grab a snack or dinner. http://smokintunasaloon.com/

Soy Ginger Tuna

 

7: Mr Z's


Mr Z's (Cheese Steak Heaven)

Before I took my husband to Key West for the first time he honestly thought Mr Z was an ex boyfriend of mine. I would constantly say I can't wait for Mr Z's! I miss Mr Z's! I can't stop thinking about Mr Z's! And then he met Mr Z's and was hooked too.It might be hard to believe you can find an amazing Philly Cheese Steak in The Florida Keys but it's true! Mr Z's offers pizza, hoagies and the most amazing cheese steak you will ever put in your mouth !! There is something magical in the combination of the way they cook it, the bread and the sauce that you will seriously find yourself daydreaming about this cheese steak on a regular basis. If I had one last meal in order this just might be it!    http://www.mrzskeywest.com/index.html

8: Caroline's Café
This is a great lunch, dinner restaurant located right on busy Duval street with open air patio dining. It's a great spot for taking a break and people watching. I used to eat here regularly when I lived in Key West. They offer a nice variety of  menu items but my absolute favorite thing on the menu here is the Bamboozled Salad with an Asian Vinaigrette dressing. Your taste buds will cry because it's so good!  http://www.carolineskeywest.com/index.html

9: Louie's Back Yard
If you are looking for amazing oceanfront dining you need to make your way to Louie's Back Yard! This place is perfect for lunch or dinner to taste local seafood and a variety of wines. It's impossible to not be in awe of the view and flavors here! Once an oceanfront Victorian home transformed into a restaurant this is must on your visit to Key West!  
http://www.louiesbackyard.com/

10: El Meson de Pepe's
No visit to Key West would be complete without sampling some Cuban cuisine and this is the place to do it! Located near Mallory Square it's a perfect place to go before or after watching the sunset celebration at Mallory Square! Cuban culture can be seen and felt everywhere here and  Meson de Pepe's is the perfect place to get a taste of it! http://elmesondepepe.com/menu/menu.htm