Page 19 – A Brit and A Southerner

Where to Enjoy the Best Dinner Cruise in Orange Beach?

Alabama

Oct 9, 2017

Where to Enjoy the Best Dinner Cruise in Orange Beach?

Delicious local cuisine, live entertainment and of course, enjoying the breathtaking scenery around the Gulf Coast. All of these are aspects that you can expect to experience when you board the best dinner cruise in Orange Beach. After a long day exploring everything Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has to offer, there is nothing better than relaxing with a late night dinner cruise around the Gulf.

During our recent trip to the Gulf Coast, we were guests on the Perdido Queen and can now well and truly attest that Hudson Marina of Orange Beach offers an amazing dinner cruise that you would be hard-pressed to find a better alternative.

best dinner cruise in orange beach alabama

We have been fortunate to experience a variety of dinner cruises across various destinations around the United States. The iconic Steamboat Natchez along the Mississippi River in New Orleans and the Spirit of Jefferson along the Ohio River in Louisville are two examples of dinner cruises that we thoroughly enjoyed.

However, neither of these could prepare us for an experience that we both believe was far superior to either of the aforementioned cruises. The Perdido Queen is undoubtedly one of the best dinner cruise options in Gulf Shores and hopefully, after reading this post, you will be ready to book your very own evening cruise and navigate the scenic waterway of Orange Beach and Perdido Key.

Hudson Marina of Orange Beach

The Hudson Marina of Orange Beach is the best place to visit if you are interested in experiencing a dinner cruise in Orange Beach!

However, it’s worth noting that if boarding a dinner cruise isn’t feasible on your next visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, there are plenty of other options offered by Hudson Marina. From fishing charters to dolphin cruises in the Gulf of Mexico, Hudson Marina has a distinctive blend of tour options to satisfy all visitors to the Gulf Coast.

For those of you that prefer a little more adventure, why not try the parasailing activities or jet-skis that you can rent from Hudson Marina.

History of Hudson Marina

The beauty of this organization is that it is family owned and it always has been! I really think this goes a long way to identifying why our cruise was so unique and “different” to anything we have experienced before.

It began as a Charter Boat Fishing Marina. It has always been family-owned. (Hudson Marina of Orange Beach)

The “Hudson Marina” picked up its name from the original owners, the Hudson’s. However, in 1998, the Jones family took over this marina but rather than changing any of the original philosophies, they continued this establishment as a family-run organization.

The Hudson Marina continues to thrive today with the tradition of allowing visitors to create everlasting memories and enjoy spectacular experiences at the forefront of their mission.

Before we share our own experiences onboard the Perdido Queen, let’s take a look at some of the key information regarding the dinner cruise option that we enjoyed.

Ticket Prices

Adults – $59
Children – $39

Cruise Availability

Dinner cruises on the Perdido Queen are seasonal and we strongly recommend checking out the Hudson Marina of Orange Beach website for latest availability.

Address

4575 South Wilson Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Tel: (251)981-4127
Website: Hudson Marina of Orange Beach

Best Dinner Cruise in Orange Beach

Welcome to the Perdido Queen! The vessel that will take you on an amazing adventure around Orange Beach and Perdido Key is a stereotypical paddlewheel cruise, perfect for both casual and formal events.

We arrived at the Hudson Marina about 15 minutes prior to the advertised departure time and we were able to board the Perdido Queen immediately. The “friendly” customer service was instantly noticeable as we were greeted and shown to our table.

Every table in the dining room had a name card for guests and given that it wasn’t a full cruise, many of us were able to enjoy a more private dining experience.

As I mentioned at the beginning, there are essentially three different components that you will experience while onboard the Perdido Queen – the cuisine, the entertainment and the breathtaking scenery that you cannot help but admire as you cruise around the waterway!

Delicious Cuisine

After leaving the marina and heading out toward the gorgeous Perdido Pass, the captain soon announced that the dinner buffet was open for everyone to enjoy.

After a delicious salad, we had the tough choice of selecting from a generous blend of entree choices and accompanying sides. Entrees during our dinner cruise included chicken and a shrimp pasta that I couldn’t resist going back for seconds.

Complimentary sweet (and unsweet) tea and water are served to all guests onboard while those of you looking for something a little stronger can enjoy a cash bar with all of your favorite alcoholic beverages.

Perhaps the best part of the buffet is when dessert was brought out. Having the opportunity to indulge in homemade bread pudding while peering out of the window and watching the sunset drop over the landscape was definitely a great way to end the dining experience.

Live Entertainment on the Upper Deck

For those of you that want to dance the night away, why not head to the upper deck to enjoy live music from local artists showcasing their talents.

We thoroughly enjoyed the music throughout the evening and regardless of your desire to wear your dancing shoes, there is no better spot to admire the breathtaking scenery around Perdido Key and Orange Beach than the upper deck of the Perdido Queen.

We take special Requests for music all night long!!

Be sure to share your favorite hits because requests are appreciated all night long. From modern day hits to old-time favorites, every genre is covered and you never quite know what entertainment will be on show from your fellow guests.

We had the opportunity to enjoy a group of talented ladies from New Orleans showing their dancing skills but most of all, just having a great time onboard the dinner cruise.

If you enjoy socializing, this is a great way to meet new people from around the globe. That’s right, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach may not be the first destination you think about for world travelers but onboard our cruise were folks from both India and South America!

Enjoy Amazing Scenery and Perfect Sunset

The pinnacle of enjoying the dinner cruise in Orange Beach aboard the Perdido Queen has to be the incredible sunset that we experienced.

It was almost destiny that we had the perfect weather conditions to enjoy the sunset and we had been told by some locals that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is blessed to have some spectacular landscapes. We didn’t leave disappointed!

Before enjoying the sunset, we had the opportunity to cruise around the bay, visiting Robinson Island and passing by a plethora of amazing sights.

Another amazing experience was spotting dolphins, though these elusive creatures made it almost impossible to capture a good picture.

But I will return to the amazing sight of the sunset which was the perfect way to end this dinner cruise! This experience alone would justify a return trip on the dinner cruise.

Summary

When you think about dinner cruises, you could be forgiven for associating this with subpar cuisine and poor entertainment. However, if you want to experience something that is everything opposite to this, be sure to hop on the Perdido Queen to enjoy the best dinner cruise in Orange Beach, Alabama!

A breathtaking sunset, a delicious array of cuisine options and amazing live entertainment all combine to create the perfect evening experience.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are both spots that are not short of things to do but if you want to enjoy something a little different, we strongly recommend heading to the Hudson Marina and boarding the Perdido Queen for an adventure that will long live in your memory!

Disclaimer – We would like to thank Visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for hosting us and in conjunction with Hudson Marina of Orange Beach, we received a complimentary dinner cruise in exchange for consideration of a blog post review. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

Kiva Dunes Golf Course – How to Relax on the Gulf Coast?

Alabama

Chris Boothman

Oct 5, 2017

Kiva Dunes Golf Course – How to Relax on the Gulf Coast?

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach may be renowned for having 32 miles of pristine white-sand beaches but I would argue that if you are looking for ultimate relaxation, you should head over to Kiva Dunes Golf Course. Ok, so let’s start by reiterating the fact that I am an avid golfer and whenever we are traveling around the world, I always love to have the opportunity to hit the links and test my skills on the best courses in the area. Even if golf isn’t your favorite pastime, taking some time to experience Kiva Dunes is definitely a worthwhile activity during your visit to the Gulf Coast!

When you think about a Gulf Shores and Orange Beach getaway, adding a round of golf to your itinerary should certainly be something that you consider. You could certainly choose far worse destinations to hit the links and what better place to improve your golfing skills than along the Gulf Coast.

You don’t have to be a scratch golfer to appreciate Kiva Dunes Golf Course and in fact, even Heather can attest that the breathtaking natural landscapes here are worth experiencing on their own.

Having previously visited Gulf Shores and enjoyed the gorgeous Peninsula Golf Course, when we heard rumors that Kiva Dunes was even more spectacular, well we were ready to check it out for ourselves. Let’s take a look at how my experience at Kiva Dunes Golf Course unfolded and perhaps you will be ready to enjoy 18 holes at one of Alabama’s finest courses to your next visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!

Kiva Dunes Golf Course Information

Aspiring golfers heading to Gulf Shores should certainly pack their golf clubs (or use the awesome Ship Sticks service!) and get ready for the round of a lifetime at Kiva Dunes Golf Course! When we read that Kiva Dunes was frequently ranked as one of the best courses in the nation, we knew that there was something pretty special awaiting us.

Kiva Dunes Golf Course consistently ranks as one of the top courses in the country and the top course in Alabama. (Kiva Dunes)

History

I think a great place to start with Kiva Dunes is to take a quick look back at the history of this golf course. When you hear about how this course came about, you will be raring to head to Gulf Shores and experience it for yourself.

Two University of Alabama golfers were playing in separate groups at their home course in Tuscaloosa. Jim Edgemon was playing behind a young golfer who was working on his putting on the green when he saw him motion to play up to the green.

When Edgemon struck his shot, the young golfer knew that it looked pretty good and he pulled out the pin to see the ball disappear for a hole in one! That youngster, by the way, was a certain Jerry Pate, the future winner of the 1976 US Open!

Twenty years later when Edgemon was getting ready to design Kiva Dunes, he didn’t seek out one of the infamous architects, instead opted for Pate! Together, they created the unique challenge that we see today and I can certainly confirm, they did a pretty amazing job.

Green Fees

Kiva Dunes Golf Course is not only unique in terms of design and character but also with the dynamic pricing scheme used for daily green fees. Determined by the demand of tee times each day, there is real-time constant change so it’s highly recommended that if you are considering playing Kiva Dunes that you continue to check out the website for the latest prices.

The real benefit of adopting this dynamic pricing structure is that it offers more flexibility for golfers who want to choose the right time and day to play the course! The philosophy is pretty simple…

The earlier you book your tee time, the more you will save.

Address

815 Plantation Drive
Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Tel: (888)833-5482

Website: Kiva Dunes

Golf on the Gulf Coast

After arriving at the golf course about 20 minutes before our tee time, we were greeted by a friendly employee who brought us a golf cart as we prepared for our adventure at Kiva Dunes.

With a few minutes before our tee time, we had the opportunity to hit a few balls on the driving range and also sample the immaculate greens that really looked like carpet!

If you don’t know much about golf courses, visit Kiva Dunes Golf Course and you will quickly realize that this is a perfectly manicured course.

I am not going to give you a shot by shot analysis of our performance at Kiva Dunes but rather let you know that there are some incredible golf holes out here. You cannot help but admire the gorgeous surroundings as you make your way around the course.

A distinctive blend of signature par 3’s, challenging par 4’s and rewarding par 5’s make this golf course one that you need to play well in order to have a good score.

The 17th hole is possibly my favorite at Kiva Dunes Golf Course, especially if you play it from the back (gold) tees. At 215 yards, it’s a solid par 3 but what makes this so spectacular is the water that covers the left side.

Sure, you can bail out to the right but if you have a good scorecard you will likely be tempted to hit directly at the green. It’s a definite risk-reward hole and a breathtaking sight from the tee box!

As you walk down the 18th, the impressive sight of the clubhouse is undoubtedly the focal point though it would be remiss of you to ignore the water lining the right side of the fairway all the way to the green!

The 18th green is 13,000 square feet, so you will want to hit your approach shot to the right spot otherwise, you may be faced with a pretty lengthy putt.

Kiva Dunes Vacation Rentals

If you fall in love with Kiva Dunes as much as we did, perhaps you will want to consider staying at one of their on-site properties. Whether you are looking for a romantic couples getaway, a family vacation or perhaps a spot for a guys getaway, Kiva Dunes is the perfect place to stay.

A range of spacious condominiums (Kiva Lodge and Kiva Village) along with a number of gorgeous coastal homes are available for rent, so you can be sure that there will be something to fit your needs.

The beauty of staying at Kiva Dunes is that you can enjoy the gorgeous beaches, the spectacular golf course but also for those of you that want something completely different, you are just minutes from historic Fort Morgan where you can explore a historic battlefield.

Summary

Kiva Dunes Golf Course is certainly in the upper echelons of courses that I have played around the world. The layout, condition, and challenge combine to create a perfect golf course experience and everything you could wish for when hitting the links along the Gulf Coast.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama may not be renowned as a golfing haven in comparison to some other destinations but we would argue that Kiva Dunes Golf Course certainly should put this location on the radar of aspiring golfers around the world. Be sure to pay this spot a visit, you won’t regret it!

Disclaimer – We would like to thank Visit Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for hosting us and in conjunction with Kiva Dunes Golf Course, we received a complimentary round of golf in exchange for consideration of a blog post review. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend – A Day with the Cardinals

Missouri

Heather Boothman

Oct 2, 2017

Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend – A Day with the Cardinals

Going back in time to my grandparents and even my great-grandparents, watching baseball was the best pastime you could ask for. Living in Arkansas, it’s all about the St. Louis Cardinals! From Ozzie Smith to Mark McGwire, the long list of memories on a baseball diamond has been passed down for generations and what better way to enjoy this history than by spending a day with the Cardinals.

It’s hard to imagine life without watching the Cardinals at Busch Stadium and having the opportunity to see some of the iconic legends in St. Louis is something that every Cardinal fan dreams of.

Whether you are a youngster getting ready to watch your first game or a lifelong fan that returns every year with the hope of seeing their beloved Cardinals reach the World Series, there is nothing quite like experiencing the action in person.

Fast forward to a recent trip that I took to St. Louis when I spent a memorable day watching history with many other Cardinal fans. With my girls by my side, we intended on making this the perfect weekend getaway and what better way to start this than by watching the St. Louis Cardinals.

Why not join us as we make our way to the “diamond” and find out exactly why they say “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend!”

A Day with the Cardinals

It doesn’t have to be a meet and greet with the players to spend a day with the Cardinals. The St.Louis Cardinals does not just represent the 40 plus players or those tied to the organization.

This team is about every fan, every worker, every supporter in and out of St.Louis. We met a couple of Uber drivers that spoke about how much fun it is to share a few minutes with fans and hear the stories about what brought them to Busch Stadium and the city of St.Louis.

We also met a security officer outside the stadium, I call him a security officer because his job and I quote “is to get you off the streets and into the stadium safely, because you paid for a ticket inside not out on my streets.” We found this hilarious because he was taking a prime opportunity to get to know the fans and make sure that in the hot and humid weather everyone still had a great experience. It was the epitome of the Cardinal friendliness that you find from everyone associated with this franchise.

Once inside the stadium, we navigated to our seats but first, of course, beer! We stopped by a stand closest to our section to find a lovely, sweet lady whose name was so close to my late grandmother, who loved her Cardinals, we thought it was identical. We took that as a sign she was there with us and she was ready to see the first pitch.

The Cardinals were still fighting for their lives to try and clinch a playoff spot and with a game against the Tampa Bay Rays, this was another opportunity to try and bridge the gap with their arch enemies, the Chicago Cubs.

The First Pitch

After finally making our way to our seats, we found ourselves sat next to a couple who were clearly very passionate Cardinal fans! They apparently had worn the same outfit to every game they attended because it was the luck the Cardinals needed to pull out the win. We chatted with them most of the night, yelled at the umpire when needed, and celebrated runs together.

To our surprise, the weekend we were there was the induction of three more players into the Hall of Fame for the St.Cardinals. We were able to see the Cardinals honor Tim McCarver, Pepper Martin and Mark McGwire who are the 2017 induction class before the game started. A few other Hall of Famers joined them on the field including Chris Carpenter, Ozzie Smith, and Tony La Russa to name a few.

To this day I remember watching McGwire hit his many home runs and listen to stories of those before watching the great Ozzie Smith. Regardless of your age, you cannot help but feel a sense of pride when you watch these legends honored at the home of the St. Louis Cardinals. Being a Cardinal fan does not mean that you only support the Redbirds, but it means that you support the legacy of St. Louis as well as the organization and fellow fans.

Spending the day in Cardinal nation is definitely something that if you are in the area everyone should experience.

Busch Village Park is located right across from Busch Stadium and you can visit the Brew House or any other of there 6 restaurant options if you are there during an event. It’s fair to say, they do not disappoint and they are the ideal spot to grab a bite to eat before or after the ball game.

Summary

For this girlfriends getaway, we focused on spending some time to shop and try new restaurants but the highlight of this trip was attending the game. The St. Louis Cardinals may not be every baseball fans favorite team but I would argue that they are possibly the friendliest.

Everything from the security guard to the Uber drive to the experience inside the stadium was more than we could have wished for. As we made the decision to head back home from our amazing St. Louis adventure, we all came to a mutual agreement that “Diamond’s are a Girls Best Friend” and I am talking about a baseball diamond rather than the stereotypical association we have with this phrase!

GO CARDS!!

Disclaimer – We would like to thank Explore St. Louis for providing us with complimentary tickets in exchange for consideration of a blog post review. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

How to Enjoy the Best Fall Weekend Getaways in North America?

Travel Tips

Chris Boothman

Sep 28, 2017

How to Enjoy the Best Fall Weekend Getaways in North America?

Are you ready for fall to arrive? Have you survived the long, hot summers and ready to get out and start exploring in what we consider to be the best season to travel? Fall, or Autumn depending on where you are in the world, is undoubtedly the ideal time to pack your bags for a long weekend and start exploring. Although we could write a post that highlights some of the best spots around the world to visit, we want to focus on the best fall weekend getaways in North America.

Whether you are intrigued by the myriad of destinations across the United States or perhaps want to head to Canada to celebrate the 150th anniversary, North America is home to a variety of locations that are perfect for those that love to be out and about in the fall season.

If you read our post on amazing fall foliage in Minnesota last year, you will know that this is one of the iconic spots worth experiencing. But…did you know that this is just one of many amazing destinations that are ideal in the fall season?

We are delighted to collaborate with a number of our friends around the world that are highlighting their best fall weekend getaways in North America. We are sure that after reading this post, you will be ready to pack your weekend bag and hit the road to one of these awesome destinations. I know we are! Let’s take a look at which locations should be on your radar this year.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Before delving into our friends’ recommendations, we want to share our personal favorite – Gulf Shores and Orange Beach! It’s the “ultimate” second summer destination where you can enjoy the very best of this destination at the best time of year. Slightly cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and cheaper accommodation options are all benefits of experiencing Gulf Shores and Orange Beach getaway in the fall season.

Did I also mention that you can enjoy 32 miles of pristine white sandy beaches? If this alone doesn’t sell this destination for you, don’t worry there is plenty more! How does a variety of amazing fall events sound including the National Shrimp Festival (takes place annually every October) or the Oyster Cook-Off and Craft Beer Weekend (takes place in November)?

For the seafood connoisseurs out there, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is the perfect place to sample a variety of local dishes, all using the fresh catch of the day from the Gulf! Be sure to check out our recommendations on the best places to eat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach if you need some inspiration.

Amazing golf courses such as Kiva Dunes Golf Course (if you have been following us for a while, you know I love golf!), a local arts and craft scene that will help you find your inner creativity and a number of charter fishing excursions make this an amazing destination for fall travel.

Why not finish your trip with an evening dinner cruise onboard the Perdido Queen courtesy of Hudson Marina of Orange Beach?

Ok folks, you can read about all of our personal recommendations for fall travel throughout our website but I’m sure you are ready to hear from some other folks and their top picks.

Agawa Canyon, Northern Ontario

Fall foliage is a natural transformation that truly blows my mind. Nature certainly is mysterious and magical in its beauty, practices, and actions. I love this phenomenon so much that each autumn I seek new places to see the transition in front of my own eyes.

Agawa Canyon Park in Northern Ontario is the perfect haven surrounded by leaves of red, orange, and gold. Hop on the famous Agawa Canyon Tour Train and enjoy a full day of history, scenery, nature, and of course, color changes.

Since the color swap is such a natural spectacle, it is no surprise that the price of train tickets is higher than for the rest of the year. But seriously, it is worth every penny. You get the chance to sit back and relax on a vintage steam train with comfy seats, clean windows perfect for photographs along the way (sit on the right side for better views!), a dining car with exceptional breakfast and lunch offerings, and tour guides pointing out the various points of interest.

Upon arrival at the canyon, you will have the chance to disembark and explore the natural waterfalls, trees, wilderness, and fresh air that inspired Canada’s most famous artists the Group of Seven’s many landscape paintings.

To get here, take the Trans-Canada Highway up to Sault Ste. Marie. If you are driving from Toronto, expect at least 8 hours of driving plus a few rest stops. There is also the option of flying to the Sault for a shorter travel time. Book your train tickets in advance online to avoid disappointment. There is no seat selection, but you will be assigned one of the many passenger cars.

Thanks to Janine Good from Fill My Passport for sharing just a few reasons why this part of Northern Ontario needs to be on our radar! It’s certainly inspired our wanderlust to explore.

Santa Fe

An ideal place to visit during the fall is Santa Fe, New Mexico. It makes the perfect weekend getaway. First, the weather is delightful. Not too hot and not too cold, usually between the 50s – 70s.

It’s such a vibrant and charming city, with gorgeous foliage. Second, visiting in the fall also allows you to enjoy various festivals in the vicinity. One my favorite is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta where you can see magical hot air balloons flying through the air or you can just simply enjoy a balloon ride locally with Santa Fe Balloons.

I highly recommend La Posada De Santa Fe Hotel and Resort because it’s very centrally located. I pretty much walked everywhere. The city center is a few blocks away and there you can enjoy the cathedrals, the architecture, the famous Santa Fe Opera, the museums and of course my favorite: the food and the shopping. Another reason to stay at La Posada De Santa Fe is their spa treatments (chocolate chile wraps and margarita pedicures).

Santa Fe is truly a foodie’s paradise: Enjoy their green chili burgers or just a special ancient drink (Mayan chile chocolate elixirs) – perfect for those colder evenings. I truly love the architecture and culture in Santa Fe, especially the Native American influence and unique shopping (such as precious stone jewelry, customized cowboy boots, etc.).

These are only a few of the reasons why Santa Fe is a perfect spot to visit during the fall in North America.

Thanks to Olga Maria Czarkowski from Dreams in Heels for sharing a few enlightening reasons why Santa Fe, New Mexico needs to be on our radar for the best fall weekend getaways this year! I don’t know about you but it’s certainly on our bucket list now.

Boston

If there’s one thing I miss after moving from New England to Texas it’s the gorgeous fall colors of Boston in September. If your idea of a perfect weekend getaway is to enjoy fall foliage while staying in the city, Boston is the right choice. Plan your trip in late September – October, before it gets cold and windy, then you are bound to experience magic.

Not only the parks look picture-perfect with colorful trees complementing Boston’s historic architecture, but a simple walk down the streets will leave you speechless. My favorite place in the city in fall is Boston Public Garden.

A short 15-minutes-walk away is historic Omni Parker House hotel where you can stay for the weekend. Rumor has it that John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie Bouvier in Parker’s restaurant located inside the hotel.

Besides, the famous Boston cream pie was created there over a hundred years ago. If you are looking to try the original recipe, this is the place!

Thanks to Yulia Dyukova from The Foodie Miles for highlighting why we cannot afford to miss Boston this fall season! Be sure to click on her website to check out the history of Boston cream pie.

New York City

There is nothing quite like New York City in the Fall. New Yorkers usually breathe a sigh of relief when it hits September and the brutal summer humidity is over. Since New York is a walking city, fall time is the perfect time to enjoy Central Park, walk the High Line and shop in The Upper West Side since it is not too hot or too cold.

Autumn is also a great time to visit some of the beautiful outdoor areas in the city like The Cloisters, Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Wave Hill, Storm King, and the New York Botanical Garden. If you’re also a foodie or beer drinker like me, Fall is the best time for beer festivals, beer halls, and food stalls – pumpkin everything!

When in New York, our favorite place to stay is at an Airbnb in either Brooklyn or Queens since it gets us out of Manhattan and is more affordable.

Thanks to Natasha and Cameron from The World Pursuit for sharing just a few reasons why the Big Apple, the ultimate 24-hour city, is an amazing place to experience during the fall season! We are convinced but then again, we love NYC all year round!

St. Michaels, Maryland

One of my favorite places to celebrate fall is the quaint nautical town of St. Michaels, Maryland on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay.

The colonial town, which dates to 1677, has its earliest roots in building tall schooner ships, and many of the activities you can enjoy today revolve around this history. When you arrive, stroll along the waterfront and tour the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and Hooper Strait Lighthouse. From here you’ll see a beautiful display of fall color along the bayfront.

For a unique water view of the eastern shore, book a sailing tour with one of several popular schooner ships. Fall is especially pretty in St. Michaels with the town’s streets and alleys decorated with colorful mums, pumpkins, and fall color. The Lyon Distilling Company is a must see, and fall is a perfect time to taste their Spiced Rum.

For an authentic stay that matches the town’s charm, choose the Old Brick Inn, an elegant historic inn just steps from the waterfront and town center.

Thanks to Lori Sorrentino from Travlinmad.com for collaborating with us and sharing a hidden gem in the heart of Maryland. We love stumbling across places like St. Michaels and this is a great addition to this post of the best fall weekend getaways in North America!

Julian, California

Julian is located one hour east of San Diego, in the Cuyamaca mountains and is my favorite Southern California town to visit in fall. The town’s history is tied to the 1870’s gold rush and today it continues to celebrate these roots. In autumn, the main draw is apple pie and apple cider.

You can’t visit Julian without enjoying a slice of apple pie during this season. There are many apple pie shops in town all making their delicious desserts from apples grown in nearby orchards. If you have time and the appetite, enjoy a slice of pie from different locations and try as many as possible!

Julian is a small town with an old-fashioned feel; you’ll find an Alpaca on the corner waiting for parents to let their kids take a ride and a local theater company called Desperados that put on a bank-robber gun show/play on weekends. While in Julian you can take a gold mine tour, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride and visit the many stores that are scattered along the main street.

Where to stay: Julian Gold Rush Hotel. An 1890’s national historic landmark and now a Bed & Breakfast Hotel.

Thanks to Alexa from 52 Perfect Days for introducing us to yet another hidden gem, this time on the west coast! Julian may not be the first spot you think about visiting but if you love apple pie, perhaps this is the place to go this fall season.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway, which connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina is a picturesque location in spring and summer, but something magical happens in the fall. This road travels through and over the top of the gorgeous tree-covered Blue Ridge Mountains.

In the leaf-season, the rolling mountains look like they’ve been covered with blankets of red, orange and yellow. It’s almost unreal. It’s gorgeous to simply drive the parkway, stopping at all the overlooks, but it would be a shame to skip over hitting some of the hiking trails that begin right off of the parkway.

The mountain views are much more dramatic in the North Carolina section, so if you are pressed for time, I recommend starting from that end. If you only have time for one hike, don’t miss Devil’s Courthouse for a spectacular view into four states!

Thanks to Paige Wunder from For The Love Of Wanderlust for sharing a breathtaking account of the experience you can enjoy should you venture along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Not only can you experience the beauty here, you can enjoy two spectacular national parks!

Acadia National Park, Maine

A place with colorful fall foliage, crisp New England air, dramatic coastline, a lighthouse, and the first bit of light to touch the mainland United States as the sun rises in the sky each morning: it’s hard to imagine a better spot for a fall weekend getaway than Acadia National Park in Maine.

Whether you want to drive along 27-mile Park Loop Road to take in all the sights, climb along the rocky coastline until you find a spot to sit and admire the crash of the ocean, or hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain or the summit of the Precipice Trail for amazing views, Acadia National Park has you covered.

Stay in Bar Harbor, Maine to be closest to the action (and definitely don’t miss visiting Jordan’s Restaurant for blueberry muffins, blueberry pancakes, blueberry habanero sauce… sense a theme?). Or, if you prefer a quieter spot, head to the less-touristy centered town of Mt. Desert. If you’d like to be totally alone, consider a cabin rental in the woods!

Thanks to Kate Storm from Our Escape Clause for sharing Acadia National Park and the nearby town of Bar Harbor as a great spot to visit during the fall season! Exploring any national park in the fall season is the best time to visit and Acadia is certainly at the very top of our list of parks we would love to experience.

Milwaukee

When most people hear of Wisconsin, they just think of the Green Bay Packers and cheese. Well, both of things are very present in Wisconsin but there is so much more! Milwaukee is a great and affordable weekend getaway spot during the fall.

Fall is my favorite time in Milwaukee, the weather is amazing, typically 55-70 degrees, the leaves are starting to change colors and beer gardens. I suggest staying in downtown Milwaukee at the Pfister Hotel. There are a ton of Milwaukee attractions within walking distance and great restaurants and bars.

One of my favorite things to do is walk the riverfront and visit the local microbreweries, visit the Wisconsin Cheese house (Wisconsin takes cheese seriously), and have a meal out on a patio watching the boats go by.

If you aren’t a fan of the cold weather or snow, the fall is the perfect time to visit Milwaukee.

Thanks to Hannah and Adam Lukaszewicz from Getting Stamped for highlighting why Wisconsin is more than just the Green Bay Packers and cheese (though we have to admit, it does have some pretty amazing cheese selections!).

White Mountains, New Hampshire

The best fall getaway in New England is New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The White Mountains offer excellent hiking including parts of the Appalachian Trail. There are 48 peaks in the White Mountains that are 4000+ft high.

Whether you are hiking, biking, fishing or one of the many other activities to try while visiting, the White Mountains are an ever-present canvas of beauty. Once you have had your fill of the outdoors, check out the White Mountain’s unique craftwork shops by local artisans or shop the quaint antique shops.

If you are not a big shopper or trying to keep spending to a minimum, cruise the Kancamagus Highway. The Kancamagus is a stretch of highway 56 miles with breath-taking views of the White Mountains, waterfalls, and endless foliage. Don’t forget your camera!

Of course, all that activity will bound to make you work up an appetite, so enjoy the wide-ranging culinary offerings throughout the White Mountain region, including many micro-breweries that offer great food and spirits. Cap off the perfect stay by enjoying the hospitality of a White Mountain bed and breakfast or resort hotel. There is nothing like waking to a vista that makes you say “Wow!”

Thanks to Frank Parrott of Nothing But New England for “wowing” us with these awesome pictures and stories as to why the White Mountains in New Hampshire are an area we cannot afford to miss as we all plan our upcoming fall travel plans!

Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio is a perfect spot to explore the expansive park and also enjoy fall colors in central Ohio.

The beautiful colors range in yellows, oranges to burnt reds from all the local trees that grow in the area – this is also a wonderful time of year to see some of the iconic waterfalls in the region including the boardwalk hike to Brandywine falls which is a spectacular and easy walk to do and experience.

There are so many adventure and recreational activities available in the park from kayaking, hiking, biking to bird watching activities to keep you busy on your weekend getaway in the national park.

Thanks to Noel Morata from Travel Photo Discovery for these inspiring words as to why Cuyahoga National Park is the perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty that the fall season offers.

Ridgedale, Missouri

Located just 10 miles south of the popular Branson, Missouri you’ll find the lesser known Ridgedale, Missouri which is the perfect fall getaway for those who are looking for scenic views, family-friendly activities, or a couples weekend. A cozy place to stay in Ridgedale is Big Cedar Lodge – a romantic, rustic resort that offers something for everyone.

In the fall, look out from your hotel room balcony or cabin porch and enjoy the autumn leaves that are wild with color. There are complimentary paddleboards, kayaks, and paddleboats for those who want to experience the scenic views of Table Rock Lake – lake boats and pontoons are also available for rent.

On cooler days, the Cedar Creek Spa is perfect for relaxing and after, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the eight on-site restaurants.

Another spot to enjoy the fall scenery is Top of the Rock where Big Cedar offers golf courses, a driving range, fine-dining restaurants, a wine bar, and scenic nature trails. In the evening, sip on the beverage of your choice at the Buffalo Bar while taking in the beauty of a sunset over the Ozark Mountains.

Thanks to Logan and Kallsy from Pages of Travel for including a location that isn’t too far away from us and we will definitely be adding this to this year’s fall travel itinerary!

Summary

What an amazing collection of destinations that will hopefully inspire you to book a trip this fall season. We have been fortunate to visit several of these locations but there are many that we haven’t but are certainly now on our radar.

Thanks to all of the amazing travel bloggers from around the world that shared their favorite spots in North America but of course, this is only a small number of places and we could easily write a whole series on this very topic. Please feel free to share your favorite fall destination in the comments below. Enjoy your upcoming fall travels!

How to Enjoy a Guys Getaway on Alabama’s Beaches in 48 Hours?

Alabama

Chris Boothman

Sep 25, 2017

How to Enjoy a Guys Getaway on Alabama’s Beaches in 48 Hours?

When it comes to the ideal guys getaway destination, what are the most important things to consider? Great golf courses, fishing charters, delicious cuisine and of course, a few spots to enjoy a couple of beers. We all know that Las Vegas may be a popular hotspot because of the glitz and glamor or perhaps Los Angeles for the Hollywood lifestyle but we would argue that another destination should be on your radar – Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach may not be the first spot on the tip of your tongue when considering a place for your guys getaway but after reading this post, I’m convinced that you will be ready to pack your bags and head to the gorgeous beaches along Alabama’s coastline!

Golfing, fishing, kayaking, biking and much more…there is one common theme here, ADVENTURE! And that’s what Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is all about. Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks may be popular spots for the thrill-seekers in your life but for the more “relaxed” adventure seekers, GSOB offers a unique blend of opportunities for all the guys to enjoy and perhaps allow their competitive instincts to show.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Mancation

Whether it’s a long weekend getaway to fine-tune your skills on the golf course or perhaps enjoy a fishing excursion to see who can claim the best catch of the day, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is the ultimate mancation destination!

Vacation + guys getaway = mancation

There I said it… Alabama’s Beaches are a “mancation” hotspot. This is a term that I haven’t used frequently but the more I hear about it, the more I feel it’s appropriate when thinking about Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

Forget the stereotype of guys getaways being associated with drunken bar crawls or late-night partying at casinos and instead, take a moment to think about some of your best guy friends and what you enjoy.

What better way to bond with your best man and groomsmen than by visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and experiencing a fun, relaxing weekend break.

Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to enjoy Gulf Shores and Orange Beach during a 48-hour guys getaway!

Golfing Paradise

The golf course has long been renowned as one of the best places to relax and also sign future business deals. The myriad of amazing courses on offer throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach means that you can head to this area with your favorite golfing buddies enjoy the perfect golfing getaway.

I have first-hand experience at the 27-hole Peninsula Golf Club complex but that’s only the start of the courses available along Alabama’s Beaches.

Long considered one of the Southeast’s best tracks, Kiva Dunes is a links layout hugging the Gulf Coast

Whether you prefer the parkland American style at Craft Farms or perhaps a more British-inspired links layout at Kiva Dunes, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has a distinctive variety of courses waiting for you to conquer.

guys getaway gulf shores and orange beach — **Photo: Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism.**

One of the great benefits to golfing in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is that you don’t even need to worry about packing your golf clubs as you can easily rent them at most courses (though if you are like me and enjoy taking your game seriously, you may want to pack them in the back along with your best buddies)!

Fishing Excursions in the Gulf

If you are looking for the ultimate fishing paradise, look no further than the Gulf Coast! Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offers a variety of distinctive daily fishing excursions that you and your buddies can enjoy. Both offshore and inshore fishing excursions are available, so regardless of your preference, there is likely to be something that will spark your interests.

guys getaway fishing charter — **Photo: Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism.**

After a late night enjoying a few beverages at the 19th hole, surely an early-morning fishing excursion is the perfect way to cure any hangover you may be suffering from! Visit one of the many fishing charter companies and listen to the captains who are the best in the business in finding the perfect spots to enjoy the perfect catch of the day.

Go after elusive blue marlin, yellow fin tuna, amberjack, cobia, red snapper and more!

If you are planning a trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach this fall, here are some of the fish that are biting in the latter part of the year!

gulf shores and orange beach fish season — **Courtesy of Alabama Gulf Seafood**

Did you also know that Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is home to a number of “cook your catch” restaurants? Clean your record catch and then head to one of these restaurants to enjoy a dining experience unlike anywhere else!

If a full-day fishing excursion isn’t feasible for your proposed guys getaway, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach fishing charters offer 4-6 hour trips that are perfect for a 48-hour weekend vacation.

Shopping Without The Girls

Take a moment to consider the topic of shopping…that’s for the girls in your life right? I would argue that a guys getaway is the perfect chance to explore every shop they wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to enjoy.

There is nothing wrong or embarrassing about guys heading to the store to expand their closet or perhaps find the latest tech products. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is certainly a destination that has all of your shopping needs covered.

Whether you enjoy spending time in Bass Pro Shops or perhaps heading to the Tanger Outlet Mall in Foley to visit Direct Tools to find the latest power gadgets, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is a great place for all the guys to spend a few hours getting their retail therapy fix.

Summary

So how would you spend 48 hours in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with your guys? Hit the links or head on a fishing excursion in the Gulf before spending a few hours at your favorite stores. This definitely sounds like the ideal “mancation” but regardless of your decision to visit Alabama’s coastline, I hope you will at least consider this as a viable option.

Who needs Vegas or NYC when you can have all of the above in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach! It may have sounded crazy when I first recommended this but after seeing all of the attractions that are perfectly suited to a guys getaway, I am convinced that this area of Alabama will be a perfect destination for you and the guys!

Hilton Orlando International Drive – How to Enjoy the Perfect Stay?

Florida

Chris Boothman

Sep 21, 2017

Hilton Orlando International Drive – How to Enjoy the Perfect Stay?

Orlando is home to a variety of theme parks and other attractions that make it crucial to find the perfect accommodation option to enjoy everything this city has to offer. Whether you are enjoying the very best of Disney World but also want to spend some time at Universal Orlando Resort, why not choose a hotel that is situated perfectly in between both of these in the heart of International Drive? The Hilton Orlando International Drive is an affordable yet luxurious hotel option that we can highly recommend following our recent stay here.

Rather than focusing solely on a hotel review, we are going to share several reasons why the Hilton Orlando International Drive is the perfect place to stay to experience all of Orlando’s top attractions. For those of you that are loyal Hilton brand followers, this is another amazing option that you should add to your portfolio of hotels that you need to experience.

But it’s more than just the stereotypical hotel experience that made us fall in love with this Hilton. Let’s find out a few reasons why we think this Hilton will be on your radar for your next visit to Orlando, Florida.

Hilton Orlando Resort Location

We frequently coin the phrase “Location, Location, Location” when it comes to reviewing hotels in destinations around the world and I think it’s fair to say this hotel epitomizes this philosophy. What determines whether a hotel is located in the ideal spot is subject to personal opinion but we would always argue that easy access to airports, public transportation and key attractions within the destination are integral components of this assessment.

hilton orlando international drive — Photo: Hilton Orlando Resort

However, you may argue that Orlando is home to a plethora of hotel options that are in a great location and this is a legitimate argument. But when you are situated no more than 10 miles from any of Orlando’s theme parks (Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and Sea World), and located on International Drive, a spot frequently renowned as the heartbeat of the city, it’s easy to see why we would choose the Hilton Orlando International Drive hotel over any of the competition.

Located only 13 miles from Orlando International Airport, this is also a convenient option for folks that are planning on renting a car to explore Orlando or prefer to take public transportation such as an Uber or Super Shuttle.

Distance and Directions to Attractions

Walt Disney World – 9 miles (Directions from Hilton Orlando to Walt Disney World)
Universal Orlando Resort – 6 miles (Directions from Hilton Orlando to Universal Orlando Resort)
Sea World – 4 miles (Directions from Hilton Orlando to Sea World Orlando)
Orlando Eye – 2.5 miles (Directions from Hilton Orlando to Coca-Cola Orlando Eye)

Above are just a few directions to some of Orlando’s most popular landmarks. We completely understand if you think staying “on-site” at one of these theme parks is the better option but if you are planning on experiencing a variety of spots, we are convinced that the Hilton Orlando International Drive is an excellent choice!

Address

6001 Destination Parkway
Orlando FL, 32819

Tel: (407)313-4300

Website: Hilton Orlando Resort

Click Here for Directions from Orlando International Airport to Hilton Orlando Resort

Nearby Attractions

If you have read any of our recent posts, you will know that this was our first visit to Walt Disney World and it will be no surprise when we say we had an AMAZING experience there. But we had a variety of “first-time experiences” during our recent visit to Orlando, including experiencing Universal Orlando Resort and also the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye.

If you are staying at the Hilton Orlando International Drive, here are 5 awesome attractions you won’t want to miss!

Walt Disney World

A trip to Orlando wouldn’t be the same without spending some time at Walt Disney World! Renowned as “The Happiest Place On Earth,” this is one of those iconic attractions around the world that everyone wants to experience at least once in their lifetime.

Heather and I visited here for the first time and we can well and truly attest that we cannot wait to return in the future (Heather is already planning a trip back there in the next few weeks!).

From the iconic Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom to the amazing variety of international experiences awaiting you at Epcot’s World Showcase, the challenge when visiting Walt Disney World is figuring out what to experience in the time you allocate to these theme parks.

Be sure to check out our post on the best things to do if you choose to try and explore Disney World in one day!

Universal Orlando Resort

If a day at Disney World doesn’t spark your interest, perhaps experiencing the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and much more at Universal Orlando Resort will intrigue you.

Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios are the two flagship theme parks but the brand new Volcano Bay Water Park is sure to inspire all the family to visit this part of Orlando.

Whether you are taking a stroll around Hogsmeade Village or stumbling across your favorite Simpsons character in Springfield, you can be sure that Universal Orlando Resort will have something that interests you.

We enjoyed two awesome days here exploring both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios and it’s fair to say that we left feeling like we barely touched the surface despite having such amazing adventures! You can read all about the best things at Islands of Adventure here.

Coca-Cola Orlando Eye

One of the closest attractions to the Hilton Orlando is the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye! This 400-feet Ferris wheel offers visitors the opportunity to admire a birds-eye view of Orlando while enjoying the comfort of a fully enclosed air-conditioned capsule.

Take a moment to escape, and discover the magic and natural wonder Orlando has to offer from above.

We had an amazing 23-minute experience on the Orlando Eye and we can highly recommend taking this during the late evening to enjoy a breathtaking Orlando sunset.

International Drive

International Drive is at the “center of the fun and excitement of your vacation!” When I read this slogan on the website devoted to promoting this part of Orlando, I knew that this was going to be the real heartbeat of the city. Renowned as a “dynamic destination,” International Drive is home to various restaurants, attractions, shopping and much more.

The Orlando Eye that we just referenced is in the heart of International Drive but this is just one of the many attractions that you can experience. A 7D (that’s right, 7D!!) dark ride adventure offers visitors the opportunity to be transformed into another world while SEA LIFE Orlando will transport you into an underwater adventure.

Both of these are part of the complex that houses the Orlando Eye, so even if strolling up and down International Drive doesn’t sound appealing, you can be sure to find plenty of things to do in one spot.

However, it’s the experience of walking International Drive or hopping on the I-Ride Trolley that makes this such a cool place to be. After all that walking, you will deserve a treat so be sure to check out Shake Shack or the Sugar Factory if you have a sweet tooth!

The benefit of staying at the Hilton Orlando is that International Drive is easily within walking distance, so you are never too far away from all the fun this area of Orlando has to offer!

Premium Outlet Malls

A visit to Orlando wouldn’t be the same without adding a little retail therapy to your itinerary. If you are staying at the Hilton Orlando International Drive, it’s only a short distance from not one but TWO awesome Premium Outlet Malls. The Orlando International Premium Outlets and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets offer similar stores (with some differences) but are both worth experiencing if you enjoy a little shopping on vacation.

Visitors to the Orlando International Premium Outlets will experience Florida’s largest and most unique outlet shopping destination with over 180 stores (many of them leading designer brands) available. It’s no surprise that folks can frequently spend a full day enjoying everything this outlet mall has to offer.

Conveniently accessible via the I-Ride Trolley service, the challenging aspect of visiting both of these malls is figuring out how to carry all of your bags following your shopping spree and determining how you will get all of your new purchases home!

Hilton Orlando Dining Options

For those of you that prefer to enjoy the on site restaurants at the Hilton Orlando International Drive, you won’t be disappointed by the variety on offer. Whether you are looking to enjoy breakfast before heading out to explore one of the aforementioned attractions or perhaps enjoy a late evening aperitif, the Hilton Orlando has various options available to its guests.

David’s Club Bar & Grill is a typical American “Gastro Pub” designed with a perfect blend of contemporary and luxury decor while offering a distinctive variety of cuisine options.

Local craft beers are available as are a myriad of stereotypical choices that you associate with a modern day bar.

If you are just looking to enjoy a light snack, this is definitely a great place to do this.

Spencer’s is renowned as being “sophisticated and approachable” but certainly adds a little something extra to your traditional steakhouse.

An evening you will never forget in a destination you will always remember.

A signature “raw bar” is one of the popular attractions of this restaurant and this is definitely a spot worth considering if you want to experience one of Orlando’s finest steakhouses.

The Bistro is the perfect spot to grab a refreshing breakfast while for those of you that want to enjoy the gorgeous swimming pool at the Hilton Orlando, check out the Tropics Pool Bar And Grill.

Amenities

Although most guests in a hotel are looking to enjoy the comfort and relaxation offered in the hotel room, having access to a myriad of on site amenities is certainly an appealing attraction. If you are staying at the Hilton Orlando International Drive location, you don’t have to worry about amenities because there are plenty of them to keep you at the hotel rather than venturing off to explore the city.

The gorgeous swimming pool and lazy river are spectacular amenities at the Hilton Orlando. The zero-entry feature means that you can walk into the pool without having to worry about clambering up and down steps. A winding water slide is an additional feature for all the family to enjoy while for those that prefer to relax out of the water, there is a 10,000 square-foot pool deck with lounge chairs. Those that want a little more privacy can rent one of the cabanas available.

hilton orlando international drive lazy river — Photo: Hilton Orlando Resort

Why not consider pampering yourself by heading over to the Eforea Spa and enjoy a relaxing massage in a tropical oasis in the heart of Florida!

eforea spa at Hilton Orlando is a place like no other where you will reconnect with self and emerge brighter

A variety of packages are available and guests are encouraged to consider this option as the ultimate relaxation experience, particularly after a busy few days exploring Orlando’s iconic theme parks. There is nothing quite like a massage to work out those aches and pains!

In Room Relaxation

I am sure you are all waiting to see what to expect when you enter your room (or suite) at the Hilton Orlando International Drive hotel. Don’t worry, you won’t be disappointed! Spacious, comfortable, modern and relaxing are all superlatives I would use to describe the overall look and feel of the guest rooms at this hotel.

We enjoyed a gorgeous view overlooking International Drive and the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye while others offer views across the gorgeous pool. The decor throughout the room offers a warm and relaxing feel, yet with the amount of natural light pouring in, it’s the perfect blend to create the ultimate relaxation experience.

The natural tile shower and granite bathroom vanity showcase the intricate details of the room design while offering yet another relaxing experience for guests to enjoy all of the in-room amenities associated with the Hilton brand.

As we frequently say when reviewing hotels, when you experience a room that makes it difficult to get up in the morning and leave for the day, you know you have found a great place to stay!

Summary

Are you convinced that the Hilton Orlando International Drive is a great place to stay on your next visit to Orlando? This is definitely at the very top of our list of the best hotels in Orlando, especially if you want somewhere that is perfectly located to explore the very best of Orlando’s attractions.

Although we didn’t mention price during this review, this is a very affordable hotel and you can frequently find rooms here for as low as $99 per night! It’s a real bargain for this type of location.

We are looking forward to returning to Orlando in the near future and are delighted to be able to add this Hilton Orlando Resort to our portfolio of amazing hotels that we will continue to stay at in the future.

Disclaimer – We would like to thank the Hilton Orlando Resort for hosting us for a one-night stay in exchange for consideration of a blog post review. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

Disney World in One Day – How to Enjoy the Best Attractions?

Florida

Chris Boothman

Sep 18, 2017

Disney World in One Day – How to Enjoy the Best Attractions?

If you are heading to “The Happiest Place on Earth,” surely you will want to spend several days experiencing everything Walt Disney World has to offer? But what about if time constraints or budget means that spending a few days at Magic Kingdom et al. just isn’t a feasible option? Don’t worry, we have the perfect guide for you as we recently embarked on a challenge to explore Disney World in one day!

Crazy, stupid, exhausting, unrealistic…all words along with a few expletives that were thrown out when considering the thought of exploring Disney World in one day. Most people visiting Disney will spend at least one day in each of the four parks so how on earth could we even contemplate experiencing the best attractions in less than 24 hours. We had read a few articles of some of our fellow travel blogging friends accomplishing this, so we were up for the challenge.

Let’s take a look at exactly what our challenge entailed, how we went about achieving our goals and the final outcome! You may just be inspired to visit Disney World in the future, regardless of how much time you plan to spend in Orlando…I don’t want to give too much away but Disney World in one day can be done.

Disney World Information

Opening Times

Ok, let’s start with a few of the basics. Here are the four parks in question along with their opening and closing times which essentially gave us the window we were working with.

Magic Kingdom – 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Epcot – 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (World Showcase opens at 11:00 AM)
Animal Kingdom – 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Hollywood Studios – 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Please note, these hours may vary at different times of the year and these are valid at the time of publication. For the latest hours, check out the following link: Disney World Park Times and Hours.

Admission Prices

If you only have one day to explore Disney World, you will likely want to purchase the “Hopper” pass to have unlimited access to all four parks. Here are the rates (at the time of publication) for the various options available:

1-Day Value Ticket for Magic Kingdom – $107 (Adults 10+) $101 (Children 3-9)

1-Day Value Ticket for Epcot, Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios – $99 (Adults 10+) $93 (Children 3-9)

1-Day Value Ticket with Park Hopper Option – $162 (Adults 10+) $156 (Children 3-9)

For those of you that have already figured out that exploring Disney World in one day isn’t feasible, check out all of the tickets and pricing options here: Disney World Theme Park Tickets.

Parking and Transportation

Visitors staying away from Disney World will enjoy the benefit of ample parking that costs only $20 per day and provides access to parking lots across the resort. If you are planning on visiting multiple parks throughout the day, we strongly recommend using one of the following public transportation methods:

Ferry – Water taxis and ferries offers visitors the opportunity to sail to and from Magic Kingdom. The cruise is only about 10 minutes but is definitely an experience you will enjoy, especially as you approach the infamous sight of Cinderella’s Castle.
Monorail – Two different monorail routes are a great way to get around the Disney World resort. One of the routes will take visitors between the Transportation/Ticket Center and Epcot, while the other route stops between Magic Kingdom and several of the onsite hotels.
Shuttle Bus – If neither of the other alternatives are available, you can be sure that a shuttle bus will be just minutes away from taking you to your chosen destination throughout Disney World. If you are planning a visit to Animal Kingdom from any of the other parks, a shuttle bus is your only option but the bus drivers will certainly make this an enjoyable trip!

Disney World in One Day

How do you even begin to contemplate exploring everything Disney World has to offer in just one day? The entire Disney World resort covers 40 square miles, essentially the same size as the city of San Francisco! Trying to accomplish as much as possible in just one day requires plenty of planning, research and a strong desire to achieve the goals you set.

We figured that we had about a 12-hour window to explore Disney World so rather than trying to visit all four parks, our challenge was made a little easier when we decided to visit just three. Easy right? Ok, maybe not given the vast size of these parks and having to take into consideration travel time between them etc. More on that aspect later.

Anyone visiting Disney World for the first time will certainly want to visit the iconic theme park, Magic Kingdom. It’s pretty much a given that everyone needs to experience the “magic” at least once so this was at the very top of our list of must-see parks.

As avid world travelers, the World Showcase at Epcot was another area we just had to experience so this was second on our list and the intriguing prospect of taking a Kilimanjaro Safari meant that Animal Kingdom was added to our itinerary.

After figuring out where we wanted to go and organizing times for “must-see” attractions using our Fast Pass privileges, we established the following “tentative” schedule to experience Disney World in one day!

Morning (8:00 AM to 12:00 PM)
Magic Kingdom

Afternoon (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM)
Epcot

Evening (5:00 PM to 9:00 PM)
Animal Kingdom

Could we have added Hollywood Studios to this itinerary? We spent quite a bit of time exploring Epcot so had we opted against experiencing everything there and also not made lunch reservations at the Rose and Crown Pub, we could probably have visited all four!

Let’s not get too carried away though because three Disney World theme parks in one day is more than sufficient…I know many of you will still think we are crazy for even attempting this.

Magic Kingdom

Rather than giving a full play by play insight into our visit to each of the three parks, I am going to save that for future posts. As I am sure you can imagine, it’s pretty easy to put together a 1000+ word post on each of these parks given the plethora of amazing things to do and experience in each one. However, I will give you a brief synopsis of what we accomplished in each one along with the transition phase to get from one park to the next.

As we mentioned above, our day started bright and early at Magic Kingdom. After parking our vehicle at around 7:20 AM, we headed through security (I will add that this was a breeze at that time!) and boarded the shuttle bus to the entrance.

The ferry and monorail are two other alternative transportation methods but at that time, neither of these were open.

TIP #1 – ARRIVE EARLY AT MAGIC KINGDOM TO BEAT THE CROWDS!

The beauty of arriving at Magic Kingdom “early” is that you can experience the Main Street which in itself is a cool themed area that you can enjoy before entering the main attraction through Cinderella’s Castle. Souvenir shops, restaurants, and even a Starbucks that fits the theme of the “turn of the century” American Main Street!

Moments before 9:00 AM, visitors that woke up bright and early are rewarded with the “welcome” from the one and only Mickey Mouse and a short introduction to some of the other iconic Disney characters ends with visitors having the opportunity to pass under the Arch of Cinderella Castle.

The masses of visitors all start scrambling to experience their favorite rides, so where do you even begin?

TIP #2 – DON’T LET THE ADVERTISED WAIT TIMES STOP YOU…FREQUENTLY EXAGGERATED!

Here are just a few of the rides and attractions that we experienced and again, we will share more details on these later:

Mad Tea Party
Princess Fairytale Hall
Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid
Swiss Family Treehouse
The Hall of Presidents
Jungle Cruise
Gaston’s Tavern

Needless to say, there is a myriad of entertaining experiences awaiting visitors to Magic Kingdom and we cannot argue against the fact you could easily spend all day here.

However, we were able to walk around the entire park and enjoy a variety of attractions before heading back to the transportation hub on the ferry and then hopping on the monorail to Epcot.

TIP #3 – EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC KINGDOM FERRY AT LEAST ONCE!

Epcot

Regardless of your chosen method of transportation to arrive at Epcot, the iconic sight of the geodesic sphere will greet you!

Spaceship Earth is one of the many attractions at Epcot and after heading through security, we waited about 25 minutes to take the journey through the dome and enjoy a look at technological advancements over the centuries.

Travel in time and explore the history of communication on a ride that takes you from the Stone Age to the computer age.

We quickly realized that Epcot offered a perfect blend of attractions for young and old alike. As avid world travelers, the World Showcase was undoubtedly our highlight attraction. Whether you have previously visited the countries in person or simply want to learn more about them, exploring the “themed” areas is definitely an inspiring experience.

Ready for a bite to eat? Enjoying lunch at the Rose and Crown Pub that we had previously made reservations for was a cool experience and definitely something that we recommend.

You will quickly realize that Epcot is far larger than Magic Kingdom in terms of size. Looking at the numbers, Epcot covers around 300 acres and Magic Kingdom is only 105 acres. This difference is particularly noticeable on your legs if you walk all around the World Showcase! But it’s well worth the effort.

TIP #4 – ENJOY LUNCH (OR DINNER) AT EPCOT! VARIETY OF WORLD CUISINES TO EXPERIENCE – WE RECOMMEND THE ROSE AND CROWN PUB IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AREA

If you are heading to Animal Kingdom as we did, you can leave Epcot and hop on the shuttle bus that will take you on the short journey to the entrance. Just to reiterate what we mentioned earlier, although the $20 parking pass provides access to all the Disney World parking lots, you will be better suited using the public transportation to get from one park to the next.

Animal Kingdom

We arrived at Animal Kingdom shortly after 5:00 PM and I will be perfectly honest, we were already pretty exhausted! Perhaps this fatigue clouded our experience and overall judgment of Animal Kingdom or maybe it was because of the poor weather we experienced throughout the evening.

As we began our journey around Animal Kingdom, we started to hear that many of the rides were temporarily closed because of the storms throughout the Orlando area.

Unfortunately, the Kali River Rapids ride was one of these that was closed and we had fast-pass tickets for this but our other highlight experience, the Kilimanjaro Safari was still scheduled.

TIP #5 – BOOK A SUNSET TOUR ON THE KILIMANJARO SAFARI FOR THE BEST EXPERIENCES WITH THE WILDLIFE!

We spent a couple of hours walking around and enjoying the sights and sounds of this theme park before heading to the Safari to experience a variety of African animals roaming around the plains.

The Tree of Life is certainly a focal point inside Animal Kingdom and definitely an impressive sight, especially as darkness falls and it is illuminated and an unmistakable attraction.

Shortly before 9:00 PM, we headed back to the bus depot and took the shuttle to Magic Kingdom where we enjoyed the final few minutes of the firework display.

Summary

What a day!! 14 incredible hours and undoubtedly well worth the effort to accomplish our goal of exploring Disney World in one day. Realistically, I think it’s feasible to explore two parks (Magic Kingdom and one other) in the same day, particularly if you don’t have children and you are not necessarily interested in experiencing every ride at Magic Kingdom.

However, for anyone that claims that Disney World is overrated and a tourist trap, we would certainly argue that this is far from the truth. Yes, it’s expensive! Yes, you will spend money! But everything you experience is well worth it because there is a reason why this place is renowned globally as the “Happiest Place on Earth”…do we agree? 100% YES!!

5 Amazing Things to Do at Islands of Adventure in Orlando

Florida

Chris Boothman

Sep 14, 2017

5 Amazing Things to Do at Islands of Adventure in Orlando

Visiting Universal Orlando Resort for the first time? You need to decide exactly where you want to start because there is a lot to see! If you read our recent post, you will know that we spent our 48 hours exploring both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios at Universal Orlando Resort. The reality is, you could easily spend 48 hours in each of these theme parks but we want to focus our attention on some of the best things to do at Islands of Adventure before heading over to explore Universal Studios.

It’s a pretty safe bet that when you are home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you are going to be an incredibly popular location. No longer do you need to think about crossing the pond to experience Harry Potter in the United Kingdom! However, the beauty of Universal’s Islands of Adventure is that there is a wide variety of other attractions waiting to entice you through the gates.

Whether you are a dinosaur lover and raring to visit Jurassic Park or perhaps the younger folks in your family are excited about the thought of visiting Seuss’ Landing, you can be sure that there of plenty of things to do at Islands of Adventure for everyone to enjoy!

Best Things to Do at Islands of Adventure

Seven different themes covering a large area means that Islands of Adventure is a theme park that you could easily spend several days enjoying. But when you only have 48 hours to experience this park along with one other, you need to be pretty organized and have an itinerary in mind.

Rather than trying to enjoy every single area, we opted to focus on the following three areas in addition to the Port of Entry and Hogwarts Express.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Jurassic Park
Toon Lagoon
Hogwarts Express
Port of Entry

However, don’t let this fool you! We walked around all of Islands of Adventure and caught a glimpse of a myriad of attractions throughout this theme park but the above areas are what really captured our attention.

Day 1 saw us spend several hours in “The World of Harry Potter” where we enjoyed lunch and also Jurassic Park before we hopped on the Hogwarts Express to explore Universal Studios. We did the reverse on Day 2 and also incorporated Toon Lagoon into our itinerary!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

It’s no surprise that the highlight attraction and one of the most popular spots throughout the Universal Orlando Resort is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter…and for good reason! After wandering through the Seuss Landing and Lost Continent areas, we arrived at the archway to Hogsmeade Village.

To our left was the impressive sight of Hogsmeade Station while in front of us, we couldn’t help but admire the breathtaking architecture that was incredibly realistic. The towering sight of Hogwarts Castle is awe-inspiring and you cannot help but be transformed into the world where Harry Potter enjoyed a lifetime of adventures!

But I’m sure it’s our adventures you are interested in reading about and hopefully inspiring you to have a few of your own in the near future.

Explore the variety of shops that epitomize the architectural brilliance of Hogsmeade Village and perhaps find a souvenir or two to remember your visit to this magical place. We certainly enjoyed browsing around the candy shops where a Chocolate Frog, Fizzing Whizzbee or Jelly Slug quickly caught our eye.

After spending some time enjoying life in Hogsmeade, we were ready to grab lunch and what better place to do this than the authentic Three Broomsticks restaurant in the heart of the village.

The Three Broomsticks is the place to go in Hogsmeade for good food, friendly conversation, and a Butterbeer (Universal Orlando Resort)

When I read the above review about the Three Broomsticks, I knew that this was a place we had to experience. A visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter simply wouldn’t be the same without enjoying lunch or at least a frozen butterbeer inside this restaurant.

The moment you walk into this restaurant, you cannot help but focus your attention on the intricate decor details and everything that portrays a stereotypical Harry Potter setting. The menu has a very British feel to it with options such as Fish and Chips and Shepherd’s Pie which Heather and I opted for.

Combine these delicious entrees with a frozen butterbeer or perhaps an apple cider and you are enjoying stereotypical Harry Potter fare!

If you are prepared to wait in line, there are a number of rides that will likely attract your attention. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is located inside Hogwarts Castle and understandably a popular attraction among visitors. Other rides that visitors are always raring to visit include the Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge (***Please note, as of September 5, 2017, Dragon Challenge is no longer available at Islands of Adventure but a new ride will be taking its place by 2019!***)

It’s no surprise that the true, hardcore Potter fans will quite easily spend a full day enjoying this part of Islands of Adventure! Our highlight was undoubtedly sampling the frozen butterbeer and enjoying lunch inside the Three Broomsticks.

Jurassic Park

Imagine coming face to face with a T-Rex or contemplating the thought of velociraptors chasing you around the compound?

Head to the Jurassic Park island for your very own experience with dinosaurs and learn all about how the various species once dominated the globe.

The highlight attraction at Jurassic Park is the River Adventure which is a stereotypical log ride…ok, who are we kidding!! The scenic water cruise starts relatively calmly but the reality is, this is leading you into a false sense of security. As you pass through the scenic landscape with a baby stegosaurus being the highlight attraction, you quickly veer into a “restricted area” and are faced with the towering sight of a T-Rex.

The towering 85-foot plunge is your only wait to avoid the razor sharp teeth piercing through your skin but I’m not sure the plunge offers much respite.

This thrill a second experience will not only make your heart skip a beat, it will also cool you down…be prepared to have a towel handy!

After enduring this exhilarating water ride, why not head over to the brand-new Raptor Encounter for an up close and personal experience with those lovable velociraptors. Learn all about the physical characteristics of this dynamic creature before it is let loose in the compound and those daring enough can enjoy a selfie…just don’t get too close otherwise you may be a tasty snack for the raptors that are sure to be hungry!

Toon Lagoon

For those of you that love water-based rides, head over to the Toon Lagoon island to experience all of the amazing attractions. Be prepared to get a little wet but it’s all part of the fun and just as the Universal Orlando Resort slogan goes, you have to “Vacation Like You Mean It” when you visit here!

There are primarily three iconic attractions that you cannot afford to miss at Toon Lagoon. Dudley’s Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls is renowned for being one of Islands of Adventure’s iconic rides, so be prepared to wait in line for this one.

It’s fair to say though, it’s worth the wait! Popeye and Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is another popular attraction for all the family to enjoy, so hop on one of the barges and help Popeye save Olive Oyl from Bluto.

A myriad of comic characters can be seen throughout Toon Lagoon, so have your camera handy and be prepared to capture a shot of your favorite comic book character.

If you are ready for a quick bite to eat, head over to the Comic Strip Cafe before visiting Gasoline Alley to purchase a souvenir to savor your visit to this island.

Hogwarts Express

It’s understandable that the majority of visitors to Universal’s Islands of Adventure will be raring to hop on the Hogwarts Express to take the magical journey from Hogsmeade to London.

For those of you that purchase the park-to-park pass (this attraction alone justifies this purchase in our opinion!), this experience is certainly one that you won’t want to miss. An “express” pass is beneficial given the wait times that can be pretty substantial, particularly in the middle of the day.

The moment you walk through the entrance to Hogsmeade Station, the theme of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade continues.

This is very different to the “urbanized” setting once you arrive at King’s Cross Station in London but helps set the scene for your experience as you wait to board the Hogwarts Express.

The journey is relatively short but full of adventure. As you pass through the rural countryside heading back to London, your eyes are constantly drawn to the action taking place outside the window. However, don’t be fooled, because there may be one or two encounters that will catch your attention to make this an even more interactive experience!

Port of Entry

One of the frequently forgotten areas at Islands of Adventure is actually your first experience at this theme park. After walking through the gates and being welcomed by the bridge that indicates “The Adventure Begins,” visitors are immediately part of the Port of Entry area.

Although this part of the theme park doesn’t haven’t any attractions (rides) per se, this is certainly an area that you can spend some time exploring the various souvenir shops before grabbing a bite to eat either before your experiences begin throughout the park or on your way out.

Holiday Cheer 365 Days A Year

The Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe is a popular location with the distinctive Christmas souvenirs combined with your favorite characters offering a perfect gift option to take home. Various dining options including Starbucks (grab your very own Universal Orlando Resort Starbucks mug!), Cinnabon, and several others ensure that the Port of Entry is a bustling area as you contemplate the adventure that awaits around the park.

Summary

If you are looking for the best things to do at Islands of Adventure hopefully, we have inspired you to check out some of our favorite spots. The reality is that anyone visiting this theme park will likely want to spend at least one full day experiencing everything but for those wanting to capture a glimpse of the very best this park has to offer, there are a few spots that you won’t want to miss.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is definitely an attraction that comes with plenty of hype but we both feel this is 100% justified. The incredible architecture is a breathtaking sight as are the interactions you can enjoy throughout Hogsmeade.

Enjoying lunch at the Three Broomsticks is as realistic as it comes if you are looking for the ultimate Potter experience but don’t forget to hop on the Hogwarts Express before exploring the rest of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Diagon Alley!

Disclaimer – We would like to thank Universal Orlando Resort for providing us with complimentary two-day, two-park tickets in exchange for consideration of a blog post review. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

Why Alabama Beaches is the Best Girls Getaway Destination?

Alabama

Heather Boothman

Sep 11, 2017

Why Alabama Beaches is the Best Girls Getaway Destination?

Enjoying a girls getaway is always needed, even though I tend to need one about every month. With varying schedules, it’s not always easy to find time to organize these trips and even if you do set aside a few days, the task of choosing a location makes it an incredibly daunting task. Las Vegas and New York City are always going to be popular suggestions but I bet you didn’t think of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. Well, you’re in luck because I am going to share why this part of Alabama is the best girls getaway destination. So what are you waiting for? Grab your best girlfriends and let’s hit the beach together!

I have always thought that visiting the beach is a very relaxing experience and it’s the only place that I can remember returning from feeling completely recharged. Only within the past 6 years have I been visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach but it’s quickly become a popular destination that I will recommend to my girlfriends.

The first thing we do when we plan for a girls getaway is to establish what everyone wants to do and then establish an itinerary around that. Some go for adventure while others might go for relaxation and obviously, everyone goes for shopping!

Let’s walk through a couple of options that will cover everyone’s interests but first, here are three awesome accommodation options you should consider as the perfect base for a girlfriends getaway.

Where to Stay

You know you have found a great resort when you always want to return to the same place! Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has three awesome resorts that are always at the very top of our list when we head back to Alabama’s beaches for any occasion.

Depending on what kind of amenities you are looking for and of course, your budget will determine exactly which resort is suitable for you.

The Beach Club

The Beach Club by Spectrum Resorts is located just a few minutes from the historic Fort Morgan site, ideally situated for those of you that have a fond interest in history. However, let’s talk about all the on-site amenities.

Guests have full access to a private and secluded beach and the ability to rent beach chairs makes this an ideal option for your girls getaway if beach time is of paramount importance.

Don’t worry about carrying your wallet around either, as they have wristbands so everything goes to the room for your convenience. At the clubhouse, you have access to the spa and the salon, gym, restaurants and even a bike rental. For all the coffee drinkers, be sure to head over to the clubhouse between 7:00-10:00 AM to enjoy a complimentary Cup of Joe!

Caribe Resort

Caribe Resort has over 30 acres of amenities including pools, slides and a lazy river that occupy 40,000 square feet. There is also a marina that has a full-service jet ski rental and boat rental. Guests at Caribe Resort are encouraged to take to the Gulf in style, with the Caribe Cruiser, a 50ft covered pontoon, available to rent to take a fishing excursion or just relax and spot a dolphin from any seat on the boat.

An on site fitness center (actually 3 of them!) equipped with cardio and weights is available to guests, while tennis and basketball courts are also on the property. Be sure to bring your racket or pick one up at the front desk for a friendly match.

After experiencing all that Caribe has to offer, you will definitely need nourishment. Stop by Cobalt, a restaurant renowned for being “the pinnacle of dining,” located on site where you can enjoy lunch or dinner while admiring the gorgeous panoramic views of the bay.

Turquoise Place

Turquoise Place has set a standard for luxury that is hard to compete with. Located directly on the beach, Turquoise Place is a one stop resort that leaves nothing to be desired.

When you check into the property you will be greeted with friendly faces and world-class customer service. Simply walking through the door at your condominium is a jaw dropping moment, as you are faced with the reality of having the opportunity to stay in ultimate luxury! A fully equipped kitchen with top of the line appliances, wet bar, private hot tub on the balcony along with a grill and outdoor sink to name just a few.

Turquoise Place prides itself on world class accommodation with outdoor and indoor pools, a lazy river, sauna, fitness center, and even on site grocery delivery directly to your condo. If this luxurious accommodation option doesn’t sound appealing, trust me when I say it’s even better than it sounds.

Things to do

Whether you have a full 7 days or just a long weekend with the girls, there is plenty to experience in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. From boutique shops to outlet malls, fishing charters to kayaking, there is something for every type of vacationer.

A girls getaway in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach encompasses three components: relaxation, adventure, and a little retail therapy. If you are ready to start planning the ideal itinerary for a Gulf Shores and Orange Beach girls getaway, perhaps consider the following:

Enjoy an ultimate spa experience.
Relax on 32 miles of white-sand beaches.
Experience a sunset cruise in the Gulf.
Wine and Dine at an annual festival.
Partake in a little retail therapy.

Getting Pampered

Why not start your girls getaway with a relaxing day at the spa? If you are staying at The Beach Club, you are minutes away from having the ultimate pampering experience.

With customized packages available, The Spa at The Beach Club offers a range of massages, body treatments, relaxation room with a soothing whirlpool and a full-service salon. Don’t worry, if you are not staying on site, The Spa at The Beach Club is open to the public.

Pro tip: Be sure to call ahead as reservations are required.

Stroll on the Beach

After a day of pampering, it is always nice to have a beach chair and watch the waves come ashore. In Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you are sure to have plenty of pristine sand to walk or relax on.

This stretch of coastline consists of 32 miles of white sand, made from quartz grain that washed down from the Appalachian Mountains thousands of years ago. If you are in the mood for relaxing on the Gulf coast, finding a public beach will not be a problem along the Alabama coastline.

Set Sail on a Sunset Cruise

A 53-foot catamaran and the open ocean, and dolphins, who wouldn’t be up for that? Sail Wild Hearts has several cruises, from the Dolphin and Blue Angels Sail that lasts 6 hours to a Sunset Cruise that lasts only 2 hours. Once you are onboard, there are snacks provided and plenty of room for everyone to relax on the open waters. Regardless of the cruise you choose, you will undoubtedly have the time of your life.

Wine and Dine at an Annual Festival

Before heading to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, be sure to check the Calendar of Events for the area as there are a number of awesome annual festivals scheduled. If you are visiting in the fall, The Wharf Uncorked Food and Wine Festival is a 3-day annual event that focuses on delicious local food and a diverse selection of wines.

I am particularly intrigued by this festival because, during my last girls getaway to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, we experienced the Waves of Wine Festival which was another awesome experience.

The Wharf Uncorked Festival offers renowned chefs the opportunity to showcase a wide selection of local cuisine options for everyone to enjoy. Wine tastings from over 150 labels is obviously another focal point of this event but regardless of whether you are visiting for cuisine or wine, the overall “Gulf Coast hospitality” will surely create the perfect experience.

Retail Therapy

Shopping in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is an experience all of your girlfriends are going to love! With a wide variety of boutique stores and outlet malls to choose from, there are a plethora of opportunities for everyone to find some great deals.

The Wharf in Orange Beach is home to a variety of boutique establishments and local shops along with a number of restaurants ensuring that you could easily spend a full day enjoying this attraction.

For those of you that prefer the “outlet” experience, the Tanger Outlet Mall is located in Foley, just a few miles outside of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. With over 120 brand named stores, this is definitely worth the trip to pick up a bargain or perhaps just a souvenir to commemorate the perfect girls getaway.

Summary

When planning your next girls getaway, be sure to keep Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in mind and consider experiencing everything the Alabama coast has to offer. If you want a jam packed schedule or prefer to relax on the beach, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is unequivocally the perfect destination for a girls getaway.

Picking a location is half the battle but now that is taken care of, when are you planning your next trip to Alabama’s beaches?

Universal Orlando Resort – How to Experience the Best 48 Hours?

Florida

Chris Boothman

Sep 7, 2017

Universal Orlando Resort – How to Experience the Best 48 Hours?

A trip to Orlando wouldn’t be the same without spending a few days experiencing the amazing theme parks at Universal Orlando Resort. I’m sure you are all familiar with Universal Studios but did you also know that this resort includes Universal’s Islands of Adventure and also the brand new Volcano Bay Water Theme Park? During our recent visit to Florida, we had the opportunity to enjoy 48 hours in Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure and hopefully, after reading this post, you will be inspired to add this to your next Orlando itinerary.

Are you ready to join us and “experience the epic adventure” of Universal Orlando Resort? You better be! Whether you are an avid Harry Potter fan, a hardcore Simpsons follower or simply love the Jurassic Park movie series, you can be sure that the Universal Orlando Resort will have something to satisfy your interests.

This post is going to focus solely on two of the three parks and we would strongly recommend adding at least another 24 hours to your Universal itinerary if you are planning on enjoying Volcano Bay’s amazing water park. Rather than spending 24 hours at Universal Studios and 24 hours at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, we opted to enjoy both parks each day and we think this is an ideal way to appreciate both of these.

If you are ready to join us on our journey through Universal…let the adventure begin!

Universal Orlando Resort Information

Let’s start with some of some of the important information associated with Universal Orlando Resort. Please note, much of this information is accurate based on the time of publication and we always recommend checking Universal’s website for the latest admission prices, opening times, new attractions etc.

Admission Prices

You first need to decide how many days you want to spend at Universal along with how many of the parks you want to experience. It’s a tough decision right? Don’t worry, there are plenty of pricing options available, so regardless of how much time you have in Orlando along with your budget, there will be a ticket option that is just right for you!

Universal Orlando Resort is really promoting the following package and I have to admit, it’s a pretty awesome deal if you want to spend a longer amount of time here.

Get 2 days free when you buy a 3-park, 2-day park-to-park ticket

Unfortunately, we only had 48 hours to explore these theme parks but I strongly encourage you to consider the above option!

Multi-Day Tickets

Universal Studios AND Islands of Adventure (2 Days) – $254.99 ($244.99 children)
Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure & Volcano Bay (2 Days + 2 FREE Days) – $294.99 ($284.99 children)

Single Day Tickets

Universal Studios AND Islands of Adventure – $165 ($160 children)
One Park – $110 ($105 children)

Opening Times

Times are subject to change but during our visit in August, the following times were applicable.

Universal Studios – 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Islands of Adventure – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Volcano Bay – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

As you will see with our recommended hotel option, guests staying at onsite accommodation options can take advantage of “early admission” and gain access to certain attractions one hour before the gates open to the general public.

Where to Stay at Universal Orlando?

If you are planning on spending multiple days at Universal, we strongly recommend staying at one of the onsite properties. We had an AMAZING experience at what we consider to be the best Universal Studios hotel – the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort!

Located just a few minutes away from the entrance to both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, Sapphire Falls is the perfect option for visitors that want to enjoy the amazing amenities at this hotel while also knowing that they are only a short water taxi ride from the adventures awaiting at Universal. Take a look at the breathtaking swimming pool…that alone was convincing enough for us to want to stay there!

Regardless of whether you choose to stay at Sapphire Falls or one of the other gorgeous Loews Universal Orlando Resort properties, you can be sure that this is the ideal hotel chain to cater your needs while enjoying everything Universal has to offer.

Plan Your Itinerary

Two iconic theme parks and only 48 hours…a realistic goal or a crazy dream destined for failure? Well, with sufficient planning before you head to Universal Orlando Resort, you can accomplish a great deal in 48 hours and definitely have an AMAZING experience at both parks.

Both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are distinctive and offer unique attractions that visitors will want to enjoy. The themed areas throughout both parks are surely going to spark your interest but the reality is, you should want to experience as much of both parks as is realistically possible.

Throw in some time to enjoy the fine dining experience at both parks and also the Universal CityWalk and you can quickly put together an action-packed itinerary across 48 hours!

Our adventure started at Islands of Adventure after collecting our two-day passes and we immediately started to explore. Be sure to grab a map and also consider downloading the Universal app which will give you up-to-date information on attractions, wait times etc.

The beauty of these parks is that you can easily connect between both using the awesome Hogwarts Express. That’s right, you can immediately fall into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter by heading to either King’s Cross Station at Universal Studios or Hogsmeade in Islands of Adventure and take the short scenic train ride just like Harry Potter did!

Islands of Adventure

It’s a tough choice trying to figure out where to start but after deboarding the water taxi in the heart of the CityWalk (more on that area later), we headed to Islands of Adventure to collect our tickets and start our adventure.

Rather than delve into the intricate details of our experience (we will save that for a later post given that we could easily write a whole series on each theme park!), we want to focus on an overview of Islands of Adventure and why you should want to visit this part of Universal Orlando Resort.

Universal Orlando Resort is advertised as the following and I think it’s fair to say the Islands of Adventure theme park is the epitome of this philosophy:

The only orlando destination where you are not just entertained; you are part of the most exhilerating entertainment ever created

Opened in 1999 and set on 101 acres, Universal’s Islands of Adventure is divided into the following seven “islands”:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
Marvel Super Hero Island
Jurassic Park
The Lost Continent
Seuss Landing
Toon Lagoon
Skull Island

Add to this vast array of themed islands the “Port of Entry” which is full of amazing restaurants and souvenir shops, you have a theme park that will undoubtedly have something for all ages and all interests!

It’s no surprise that the highlight attraction here is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The moment you walk through the arch into “Harry’s World,” there is a myriad of magical surprises and experiences waiting for you.

During both days at Universal Orlando Resort, we visited this area because it really does capture your imagination and make you want to return time and time again. It is definitely one of those areas that you could never tire of experiencing.

After spending the morning at Islands of Adventure, why not head over to Hogsmeade Station and join Harry and the gang as you venture back to the reality of King’s Cross Station by boarding the magical Hogwarts Express…next stop…platform 9 3/4!

Hogwarts Express

***Before considering hopping on the Hogwarts Express, you should first understand that this is ONLY available for visitors that purchased the park-to-park admission ticket!***

Pass through the gorgeous British countryside en route from Hogwarts back to London (or vice-versa!) The decor of both train stations is stereotypical of what Harry Potter experienced during his journeys but perhaps the real experience begins when you are onboard the Hogwarts Express.

Don’t think this is going to be like any other traditional train ride that you have encountered before! Be sure to keep your wits about you and realize that characters and creatures can come from all directions.

Although your eyes will likely be transfixed on the windows as you admire the breathtaking scenery, there will be a few moments that may surprise you! We will let you experience the journey rather than giving away too many details.

Universal Studios

Arriving at King’s Cross Station, we quickly realized that our journey around The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was just beginning. After catching a glimpse of the Knight Bus, we headed through the “secret passage” to Diagon Alley, yet another iconic location not only in the realms of Harry Potter but also in terms of popularity at Universal Orlando Resort.

For those of you that are not Harry Potter fans, well you soon will be! It’s hard to resist the temptation of exploring Diagon Alley and you cannot help but appreciate the architecture and realistic experience that you will enjoy as you stroll around. But as I am sure many of you already know, Universal Studios is so much more than Harry Potter!

Dating back to 1990 when the doors opened, Universal Studios covers a slightly larger area than Islands of Adventure at 107 acres. Be prepared to walk pretty much every acre here because around every corner is something intriguing that you will want to explore!

Whether you are a huge fan of the Simpsons, want to learn about life as a Minion or perhaps enjoy America’s favorite late night host – Jimmy Fallon, Universal Studios is home to a plethora of attractions that will surely entice you through the gates.

Here is the full list of the areas you can experience:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
World Expo
Springfield – Home of the Simpsons
Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone
Hollywood
San Francisco
New York
Production Central

As you can see, a diverse blend of themes awaits you when you arrive at Universal! But if you are ready to grab a bite to eat and prefer something outside of the theme parks, why not head over to Universal’s CityWalk, perfectly situated in between both theme parks.

CityWalk

Renowned as “The Epicenter of Awesome,” the Universal CityWalk is a dining and entertainment hub in the heart of Universal Orlando Resort. Whether you are looking to enjoy a quick lunch at the brand new NBC Sports Grill & Brew or perhaps a late dinner at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, there are a number of dining options to satisfy everyone’s palate.

One of the real attractions in the CityWalk is The Toothsoome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. Here you can sample a decadent dessert or indulge in classic steak or seafood dishes.

Our chefs create culinary alchemy with gourmet chocolates and one-of-a-kind desserts, ranging from artisanal milkshakes to sumptuous sundaes. (Universal Orlando Resort)

If this doesn’t make you salivate over the thought of sampling the finest desserts in Orlando, nothing will! The architectural brilliance of the exterior is equally matched by the gorgeous decor inside.

Visitors are made to feel welcome and you cannot help but love this relaxing environment which honestly reflects the vibrant feeling throughout the CityWalk area.

Summary

You can experience a lot at Universal Orlando Resort in only 48 hours but you should be prepared to want to come back for me. We had an amazing experience at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure but already we cannot wait to have an opportunity to return in the near future.

Our favorite highlight? It has to be The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in both parks! The combination of magical architecture along with iconic landmarks that we all associate with Harry Potter makes this the ultimate experience at Universal Orlando Resort.

We want to emphasize that this shouldn’t take anything away from any of the other attractions at Universal because they are all equally brilliant but there is something quite spectacular in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley! For the “Potterheads” out there that have yet to visit Orlando, you are in for a real treat when you visit this amazing attraction.

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