Page 28 – A Brit and A Southerner

La Guardia to Manhattan – Is It Really That Difficult?

New York

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Nov 28, 2016

La Guardia to Manhattan – Is It Really That Difficult?

La Guardia to Manhattan – it can’t be that difficult, right? Flying into New York City offers visitors three different international airports, each of which offers very different transportation methods into Manhattan. Having flown into JFK and Newark several times and found them both to be pretty easy to navigate into Manhattan, we recently headed to La Guardia (LGA) hoping for the same experience.

Unfortunately, we suffered the traumatic experience of a 3 ½ hour journey into Manhattan (more on that later). We wouldn’t wish this experience on anyone so let’s take a look at the best way to get from La Guardia to Manhattan…it shouldn’t be that difficult right?

New York Airports – Which One?

Booking flights and arranging accommodation may seem like the most important aspects of organizing an upcoming trip, but what about actually getting to and from the airport? It’s inevitable that the airport will be located quite a distance from the destination you are visiting and unless you are renting a car, it’s likely that you will be considering a myriad of options to get from the airport to your hotel.

As I mentioned, traveling to New York City offers three different options. Newark and JFK both offer direct methods of transportation into either Penn Station or Grand Central Station in NYC using the New Jersey Transit and AirTrain respectively.

Both of these airports are further out than La Guardia, so you would think that for convenience, LGA would be the best option. This will depend on the form of transportation you choose to take to Manhattan, so let’s go ahead and take a look at your options.

Super Shuttle

Prior to visiting New York City on our recent trip to experience the Millenium Memories package at the Millenium Hilton in New York City, we decided to book a Super Shuttle from LGA directly to our hotel. We made this decision hoping for a much smoother and efficient service.

It’s only 12 miles from La Guardia to Lower Manhattan, so we were anticipating a journey of maybe an hour at most. Perhaps we were being a little optimistic here but nothing could have prepared us for the journey that ensued.

I want to add a caveat here that our driver was awesome. He was incredibly friendly and apologetic but the reality is that the service was flawed. Our driver indicated that he was called in at the last minute to make an LGA pick-up because “drivers didn’t want to deal with the traffic caused by the La Guardia construction”.

We were the first passengers on the bus at 4:40PM and made several other pick-ups at various LGA terminals before our bus was completely full by around 5:30PM. That’s when the fun started. It took a little over an hour to actually get out of the airport and we arrived in Manhattan, specifically Broadway and Times Square at around 6:45PM. 2 hours later we arrived at our hotel at 8:30PM! By the way, we were the last passengers to leave the bus.

So the moral of this story is…if you are flying into La Guardia, do not use Super Shuttle, especially if you are staying in Lower Manhattan!

Best Way to Get from La Guardia to Manhattan

M60 Bus

There has to be a better option…and thankfully there is! It’s called public transportation and involves two different methods. It is efficient and cost-effective…which I am sure is what you are looking for when visiting NYC because everything else is pretty expensive.

Let’s start with the M60 bus which is what you will use to leave La Guardia Airport. Be sure to purchase your tickets prior to getting onboard the bus. Ticket machines are available and LGA staff will be on hand to point you in the right direction if you need assistance. Tickets are only $2.75 for a one-way trip.

If you are ahead of the game and already have a Metro card filled with credit, you can utilize this in exchange for a bus ticket.

The above map shows a red star at La Guardia and then three alternative spots where you can alight from the M60 bus before heading on to the NYC subway.

Here are a couple of iconic locations around New York City that you may be heading towards from La Guardia and our recommended M60 bus stops.

Lower Manhattan/Wall Street/Statue of Liberty – Astoria Boulevard (Yellow – N/Q line)
Times Square/Broadway – 125th and St. Nicholas Av.
Grand Central Station – 125th and Lexington Av.

A relatively new M60 SBS service now runs limited stops for transportation to and from the airport which definitely speeds up the service.

columbus triangle near astoria boulevard

The journey on the M60 bus is pretty comfortable and efficient. If you are alighting at Astoria Boulevard, it will likely take about 15-20 minutes from La Guardia (or vice-versa) which is much quicker than the Super Shuttle route we opted for.

New York City Subway

You have a couple of options once you are on the bus. Depending on whether you want to stay on the bus for longer or spend more time on the subway will determine which route you take. It will also depend on your final destination in Manhattan.

Of course, our journey was reversed because we took the subway from Lower Manhattan (Fulton Center) to Astoria Boulevard on the N/Q Line (Yellow). From here, it is a short journey on the M60 bus to La Guardia. Alternatively, you could take the M60 bus to 125th street but again, it’s going to solely depend on your final destination and which is the most convenient subway station to board.

The subway system in New York City is undoubtedly the best way to get around the city. If you choose to take an alternative approach to get from La Guardia to Manhattan, you will soon realize that the subway is a cost-effective way to get around rather than the iconic yellow cabs that are cool but rather expensive.

We encourage you to refill more money on your MTA Metrocard because you receive a bonus depending on how much you add. Each ride will cost you $2.75 regardless of the distance you travel, so be smart and make the most of your journey. You will find that New York is a very walkable city, so use the subway wisely and you will have a great experience.

Summary

Traveling between La Guardia and Manhattan may seem like a trivial task but the reality is that unless you are familiar with the options, you may well end up experiencing a similar fate to our Super Shuttle experience. I want to reiterate that this was nothing against our Super Shuttle driver who did his best to alleviate our concerns and create a positive atmosphere, but over 3 hours on a bus for only 12 miles is a little excessive.

We hope that you will reap the benefits from this post when you next travel to New York City and are looking for the best ways to get from La Guardia to Manhattan. The M60 and subway combination is a simple and effective method. Just be sure to follow the directions and have $5.50 handy and you will be in downtown Manhattan in no time!

Total Costs

M60 Bus – $2.75
Subway (Metrocard) – $2.75

Do you have any handy tips to travel between an airport and downtown area? What are the common mistakes travelers make when arranging transportation from an airport?

Why Are You Thankful for Being Able to Travel the World?

Travel Tips

Chris Boothman

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Nov 24, 2016

8

Why Are You Thankful for Being Able to Travel the World?

It’s that time of year folks, at least for those of you living in the United States, where we all reflect on what we are thankful for. There are obvious things that I am sure we can all agree on like our health, our family and our ability to live ‘normal’ lives in comparison to others that are not quite as fortunate around all corners of the globe. But as avid travelers, we are focused on addressing a question that has been posed to us before “Why are you thankful for being able to travel the world?”

We are delighted to collaborate with a number of our friends from around the world that also have a passion for traveling. To celebrate Thanksgiving, we are going to share a collection of our thoughts on why we are all thankful for having the opportunity to explore this wonderful world we live in. Hopefully, after reading all of these opinions, you too will be inspired to book a trip somewhere and start traveling the world.

Why Do We Travel?

We are incredibly fortunate (and I will emphasize the word INCREDIBLY!) to be able to travel as much as we do. Heather and I love what we are able to do and wouldn’t change anything but we also realize that this style of lifestyle isn’t for everyone. We work full-time jobs between 8-5 and then have a second full-time job after hours with our travel blog.

Our growth over the years has been exponential (or at least it has felt like that!) and the kind comments that we continue to receive on our website and social media networks just inspire us to keep traveling. But regardless of all of that, it’s our desire to explore and experience all of the amazing beauty that surrounds us that really inspires us to travel.

Why Are We Thankful for Travel?

When we sit down and take some time to reflect on our experiences traveling the world, I think ultimately for us it’s the ability to enjoy something together that we are most thankful for. It’s amazing to see all of the amazing sights around the world with a person you love and for me, I couldn’t wish to spend my travels with anyone but Heather!

I am also thankful for being able to learn as we travel. I would encourage everyone to travel, particularly young folks because there is nothing quite like learning a foreign language or understanding the intricacies of a culture than by experiencing this in person.

To celebrate Thanksgiving this year, I want to thank Heather along with our family and friends for being supportive to our adventures exploring the world. Every year we experience something different and that on its own is enough to be thankful for! We look forward to many more years of amazing experiences as we continue our journey around the globe.

Why Are You Thankful for Travel?

So you have heard our reasons for being so thankful for being able to travel the world but what about other opinions. Let’s take a look at what some of our friends from the travel blogging world have to say about this. We directed them to share why they are thankful and discuss a location that they are really thankful for having the opportunity to visit.

A Journey We Love

I’m thankful for the chance to have lived on three continents because of my full-time job. I’m also thankful for all the opportunities that traveling can give me business and personal wise. The main benefit of traveling is definitely to see new places, see how other people live, and learn more about new cultures.

The best place I have ever visited? Slovakia! Such a small town but steeped in history. Also, given that my husband is from that country, I’m a bit biased! I never knew that a European country could be so cheap and beautiful enough that will make me want to live there in the future!

Follow Ruby on her travels at A Journey We Love

Gamin Traveler

I’m so thankful to have a non-stop traveling life, for 7 years now. From all these amazing trips, I have met amazing people, traveled to different places, explored various amazing cultures, learned religion and ate so much variety of delicious food. All of these trips around 85 countries has opened my mind and taught me many lessons.

Every day that you travel is a new lesson learned. I learned about the different cultures and how to respect them. Also, I was able to meet a lot of people who are still friends that I have kept in contact with until now.

From all the trips I have taken, my favorite one was in South America. And I have to choose the most amazing place I have ever seen, without any doubt: Isla del Sol in Bolivia. The place is located in Titicaca Lake (the highest in the world) and for me, it is the perfect place to get lost and enjoy a magnificent landscape. Highly recommended to add to anyone’s travel bucket list!

Follow Ruben on his travels at Gamin Traveler

Two Scots Abroad

“Oh Canada!” I am so very thankful that I got to meet you. You let me eat my way around Toronto, stand for the first time on a glacier at Columbia Icefields, get wet at Niagara Falls as well as sip on tasty ice wine.

In summer, I swam in the lakes and hiked the hills of B.C’s Sunshine Coast, by winter I skied down Blackcomb (Whistler) and snowshoed around Joffre Lakes. “Oh Canada,” I’ll see you again, on a more permanent basis next time I hope!

Follow Gemma and Craig on their travels at Two Scots Abroad

The World Pursuit

Besides just being fortunate enough to have the means to travel the world, I have to say that I am thankful to eat my way around the world. Every culture always has something that is so unique and needs to be tried and tasted. Never once have I eaten in a chain restaurant while traveling because there is no fun in that. I love bring able to try the different cuisines from every culture.

Every country has something special to bring to the chef’s table (literally and figuratively)! I just love eating my way around the world and trying the local food because it gives back to the country, instead of just eating at McDonalds which goes right into a corporation’s pockets. I can’t pinpoint just one cuisine that I love the most, but some top highlights have been the food in the Balkans, Japan, and Mozambique.

Follow Natasha on her travels at The World Pursuit

A Pair of Passports

Being able to travel the world not only provides you with the most incredible opportunities for learning and personal growth but also teaches you to appreciate them. It teaches you about people, traditions, values, food, and culture from all over the world.

You learn to accept, adapt, and appreciate things that are different to your “norm”. And you learn to realize what you have had all along, and to appreciate that, too. That is why I am thankful for the opportunity to travel.

One of the best places my husband and I have visited is Tuscany. We loved it because everyone there was so happy.

In the small villages of Chianti, pretty much everything revolved around wine. But it never seemed to be about competition – whose wine is better, who can make more – but more about the love for growing grapes and producing wine. It made us take a step back and rethink the constant need for competition that we feel as a Brit and an American. It was eye opening!

Follow Kelly on her travels at A Pair of Passports

Vacations With Mom

I’m thankful to my mom for introducing me to travel at a young age and continuing to be my travel partner. Travel in and of itself brings me such joy, seeing the stunning sights of the world and connecting with people from all different cultures. Travel encourages compassion, understanding, and it highlights the interconnectedness of us as people. And for me, travel has also been a way to deepen my relationship with my mom and create lasting memories.

She’s now in her late 80s and can’t take elaborate solo trips anymore. However, I’m able to give back and help her to continue to fulfill her wanderlust. I’m thankful that I can give her the gift adventures she wouldn’t be able to have otherwise. And the smile on her face is the best part of all.

Follow Mara (and her mom!) on her travels at Vacations With Mom

Roar Loud

We are thankful for travel because it brought us perspective. Our best adventure to date was our trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro. It was a year of planning and preparation in the making. At the point when we finally reached the summit, we were overcome with the emotion and exhaustion from the trek. We also had the realization that “we got this”. Everything just seemed possible and not so overwhelming after that moment.

As amazing as that moment was for us, the real benefit was being able to experience cultures that you can’t learn about any other way. To us, the experiences we have when we travel are worth more than anything we could possibly buy. There is no other way to truly know about this world than to see it with your own eyes, and we intend to see as much as we possibly can!

Follow Frank and Cathy on their travels at Roar Loud

Wanderlustingk

I am thankful for being able to travel as I understand that not everyone can travel and it is quite difficult for many people. I am lucky to have an American passport as well as a job that allows me significant time off, which is not a given in the United States. I love traveling because it gives me the opportunity to learn about cultures that I only know from stories and to experience them for myself.

Often, stereotypes are prevalent when we learn about other countries and it is quite powerful to hear from a local how things really are. I think the biggest benefit of traveling lies in opening yourself to rewriting your opinions of a country (after learning about its history/culture), learning about the lives of others elsewhere in the world, and pushing yourself to become a more compassionate person who is respectful of other cultures.

I fell in love with Jordan after spending time with Jordanians who showed me modern-day Bedouin life out in the desert. It was incredible to experience the Wadi Rum desert as well as get a taste of life as a Bedouin after our guide’s family shared their lunch with us.

Follow Karen on her travels at Wanderlustingk

SKJ Travel

While I am thankful for seeing the amazing sights around the planet to satisfy my own curiosity, my own desire for adventure, what I have come away with as the biggest benefit to traveling is the empathy it cultivates for people in very different circumstances and cultures than my own. I’m not such an idealist as to think world peace is a realistic state for this planet, but the first baby-step has to be accepting, through understanding, all global citizens.

I often talk to non-travelers who fear or disrespect the cultures I’ve visited. They say, “Why on earth would you travel THERE?” Their attitude creates division, pitting us “you vs. me.” It angers me, but I also feel pity for those people who haven’t experienced the soul of the world. This is what empathy offers you — the soul of the world. And it’s the gift travel has given me.

Follow Shara on her travels at SKJ Travel

A World to Travel

People call it passion, talent, hard work. Nonetheless, without support from your closer ones, without enjoying health and a comfy life, without some good luck and overall the privilege we all share for just being able to read this on the internet, it would not be possible to live a life of travel as I do.

Therefore, first of all, I am thankful to my family and friends that educated me with respect and love for other cultures and continue supporting my steps every day. And secondly, I am thankful for the life I was chosen to live because it never stops giving me new challenges and experiences worth living.

Sleeping under the stars in the Jordan desert, working in the French Alps in Winter, diving in South East of Asia, living it up all Summer long from festival to festival, volunteering in Iceland or stepping into minimalism by chance are just some of the things I will cherish forever.

Follow Inma on her travels at A World to Travel

Drink Tea & Travel

We have always loved traveling, discovering new countries, learning about new cultures, and diving head first into new experiences. But this year, we are especially thankful for our travel lifestyle!

Last year, we quit our jobs and left the 9-5 lifestyle behind in an attempt to turn our love for travel into a sustainable lifestyle. We have just passed our 1-year “nomadaversary” and we are thrilled to be able to say that we see this being a new way of life and not just a gap year.

Traveling the world has allowed us to share so many incredible experiences together, to learn from different cultures, and to create lasting memories all around the world. We’ve let go of possessions, learned to live on a budget, and been able to adapt to new environments, be it living on a dive boat in Indonesia, traversing across the United States in a camper van, road tripping across Romania, or house sitting in Costa Rica.

Follow Oksana and Max on their travels at Drink Tea & Travel

Summary

Thank you to all of our guests for collaborating with us. Whether you are inspired to travel the world like us or perhaps just dream about one day having the opportunity to explore one of these amazing destinations, there is clearly a lot to be thankful for.

Traveling the world is undoubtedly a luxury that many people don’t have. We still maintain that many people simply choose to remain within their shell and it’s purely a choice whether they decide to travel or not. Of course, not everyone is quite as fortunate but for those of you that have “a choice”, take a moment to think about where you want to spend your hard earned cash. All those dining out experiences or that new iPhone would go a long way to paying for a vacation somewhere.

On that note, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? Do you appreciate life more when you travel?

5 Best Photo Spots in Atlanta You Need to Check Out

Georgia

Chris Boothman

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Nov 20, 2016

5

5 Best Photo Spots in Atlanta You Need to Check Out

It’s all about capturing that perfect shot! That’s pretty much how aspiring photographers think when they visit a location. When you combine this with an avid traveler, it’s critical that you are aware of the best spots in a destination to capture those amazing memories. We have put together a list of the best photo spots in Atlanta that you should plan on visiting the next time you head to the Georgia capital.

During our recent visit to Atlanta, we decided to head out and explore in search of these all important spots that you cannot afford to miss.

Where to Explore in Atlanta?

Whether you love modern architecture, history or perhaps rural beauty within an urban setting, there is a myriad of locations scattered around the neighborhoods of Atlanta that should capture your attention. The following list barely touches the surface of what there is to experience in Atlanta, so we encourage you to get out and begin exploring.

Regardless of your interests, Atlanta is an intriguing city with so much to discover. The city is beautiful both during the day and at night with a variety of spots on our list that provide contrasting photography opportunities with varying amount of daylight. If you are an avid historian or just love American politics, perhaps heading over to the Georgia State Capitol will be an intriguing proposition.

The downtown neighborhood offers plenty of unique photography spots though perhaps you will find more intriguing shots in the historic Fourth Ward district or by Atlantic Station. To reiterate what I mentioned, this post only gives a very high-level overview of some of the most infamous shots you can find in Atlanta (along with a couple of hidden gems that you should consider checking out).

Let’s take a look at our top 5 spots based on our recent trip.

Jackson Street Bridge

Do you ever find the perfect locations to take a picture are almost impossible to access? If you love capturing city skylines, we have the perfect place for you to snap Atlanta’s iconic panoramic landscape and one that is relatively quiet.

Jackson Street Bridge is perfectly located across the Freedom Parkway allowing visitors the opportunity to capture the very best view of Atlanta’s downtown skyline. I am a huge modern architecture aficionado, so any chance I get to see contemporary skyscrapers and skylines from a perfect location, I am raring to go.

Unfortunately, this is not one of the hidden gems any longer as it is an incredibly popular spot for visitors, especially photographers, who want to capture an amazing image. Whether you want to visit early in the morning to capture ‘The Golden Hour’ or perhaps wait until the evening to snap a sunset picture, Jackson Street Bridge is definitely a place you should experience.

We visited on two separate occasions, in the morning and again at night, and on both occasions aside from a couple of other photographers it was a relatively quiet experience. Be sure to follow directions closely as it’s not the easiest location to find but once you find it, you won’t regret the effort it took to create those amazing memories!

Location

Click Here to Open Google Maps for directions to Jackson Street Bridge

Historic Fourth Ward Park

A short drive (or walk) from Jackson Street Bridge offers a very different but equally beautiful opportunity to capture an image of the Historic Fourth Ward Park.

This area has been transformed into a rural greenspace in the heart of Atlanta and today offers a relaxing environment for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the gorgeous surroundings.

A two-acre lake is the focal point of the Historic Fourth Ward Park along with an amphitheatre setting at one end that provides a perfect location for events. Walk all around the park and capture a variety of angles, each creating a perfect spot to take another memorable photograph.

At the other end of this park is a world-class skatepark that Tony Hawk contributed $25,000 to its construction and provided high praise of this. Whether you have any interest in testing your skateboarding skills, this is another unique aspect of the park that makes it an appealing attraction for visitors.

From the top of Rankin Street, the view across the Historic Fourth Ward Park is breathtaking. We parked on the side of the road though admittedly parking is very limited here and be sure that you are in a legal space before heading out to explore.

Location

Click Here to Open Google Maps for directions to Historic Fourth Ward Park

Krog Street Tunnel

Atlanta has a wealth of amazing street art and probably the most famous location throughout the city for capturing the best artists work is Krog Street Tunnel.

Connecting the Cabbagetown and Inman Park neighborhoods, the Krog Street Tunnel may not appear at first sight to be a spot where you would want to explore given the dark depths of the tunnel.

This is a pedestrian-friendly tunnel that many locals frequent and as we explored the amazing artwork, we noticed a number of bikers and walkers passing through without a second thought.

I am not sure this is a place where I would recommend visiting after dark but during the day it’s an intriguing location to take a variety of pictures representing the best graffiti Atlanta has to offer.

Be sure to walk along Wylie Street after passing through the tunnel because the epic wall art continues here.

Location

Click Here to Open Google Maps for directions to Krog Street Tunnel

Bank of America Plaza

If you love skyscrapers, you will quickly realize why the Bank of America Plaza is a must-see landmark. Capturing a close-up shot of this iconic structure is certainly something you should accomplish as you make your way around Atlanta.

We captured a shot of this building from North Avenue as we left the Historic Fourth Ward district in search of our next amazing photo spot.

It didn’t take us long to stumble across a great location to capture the Bank of America Plaza but given that this is the tallest skyscraper in Atlanta, standing at a little over 1,000 feet, it’s one of the easiest landmarks to see from a variety of spots around the city.

Location

Click Here to Open Google Maps for directions to Bank of America Plaza

Atlantic Station Park

Our final location on this quickfire photo journey around Atlanta saw us find another quiet spot which is perfect to relax after a long day exploring the city.

Atlanta Station Park (simply known as ‘The Commons’ on Google Maps) is another redeveloped park with a gorgeous pond and bridge providing a perfect backdrop for pictures.

Visitors can be seen shooting engagement and senior pictures here and clearly with good reason. Adjacent to the idyllic bridge and pond is the Millennium Gate, an $18 million arch designed to create a peaceful reflection on this part of the city.

Take some time to just walk around the perimeter of the park and enjoy the beauty within the confines of the landscape in front of you.

Urban parks are an integral part of any city and generally offer a great place for photography with the backdrop of a skyline or stereotypical city landscapes nearby providing a perfect contrast to the relaxing environment of the park.

Location

Click Here to Open Google Maps for directions to Atlantic Station Park

Summary

When looking for the best photo spots in Atlanta, it’s inevitable that we will all have very different opinions. Depending on the type of photography you prefer to shoot, Atlanta is fortunate to have a wide array of landmarks and attractions that are attractive options for photo enthusiasts.

We hope that by highlighting our top 5 locations (or at least the ones we visited during our recent trip), you will be inspired to check some of these out and perhaps discover some of your very own favorite spots.

Of course, locations like the World of Coca-Cola and Centennial Olympic Park are popular attractions that should be considered but clearly, Atlanta is a city spoiled for choice.

If you are limited by time constraints, we strongly encourage you to check out the locations we mentioned…we don’t think you will be disappointed!

What are your favorite spots around Atlanta to find your perfect picture?

Why a Day Trip from New York to Bear Mountain is Amazing?

New York

Chris Boothman

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Nov 17, 2016

7

Why a Day Trip from New York to Bear Mountain is Amazing?

When you are visiting one of the most spectacular cities in the world, it’s hard to imagine that you would ever contemplate visiting locations away from the heartbeat of the city. That’s exactly what we thought each time we visited New York City. However, on our recent visit to the Big Apple, we decided to head outside the 24-hour city of the world and consider a day trip from New York.

Bear Mountain State Park is a short drive across the Hudson River and offers a breathtaking opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you fly into La Guardia, JFK or Newark, a short drive from Manhattan will lead you to the gorgeous rural scenery throughout Bear Mountain.

A variety of scenic drives will take you to the summit of Bear Mountain State Park and we want to share our journey and why this part of New York State is worth experiencing the next time you decide to head outside of the city.

Day Trip From New York to Bear Mountain

After researching all of the various road trips that you can take from New York City, if you decide to visit Bear Mountain State Park, you will want to figure out the best route to take. As mentioned, a variety of scenic drives are available but which one is the best for you? That will be determined by which direction you are approaching Bear Mountain and how much time you want to spend exploring other parts of the Hudson Valley.

Route 1 – Palisades Parkway

The most direct route from NYC to Bear Mountain is via the Palisades Parkway. After crossing the Hudson River at either the Tappan Zee Bridge or George Washington Bridge, head north on the Palisades Parkway to experience the gorgeous Hudson Valley before reaching Bear Mountain State Park.

Route 2 – Seven Lakes Drive

If you are willing to take a slight detour but be rewarded with a myriad of spectacular scenery, head along I-287 and then north on I-87 before taking the Seven Lakes Drive to reach Bear Mountain. It may take longer, but as you will experience, it’s worth taking your time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery along this route.

Seven Lakes Drive

After leaving I-87, the journey through Harriman State Park leads visitors along the breathtaking Seven Lakes Drive. For 17 miles, you will be taken through gorgeous scenery passing by seven different lakes at various points along the route.

Starting from the southernmost point of the drive, you will pass by the following lakes, each of which offers something uniquely beautiful and of course, opportunities to be a little more adventurous with boating and fishing available.

Lake Sebago
Lake Kanawauke
Lake Skannatati
Lake Askoti
Lake Tiorati
Silver Mine Lake
Queensboro Lake

This is certainly a popular route for local cyclists and running clubs because as we drove along the Seven Lakes Drive, we frequently passed aspiring athletes pushing themselves to their limits as they endured tough climbs yet rewarded with spectacular scenery around every corner.

We pulled over a couple of times to capture a few pictures of the lakes but if you drive the full 17 miles, there are very few spots where you can pull over and take pictures.

If you really want to appreciate the scenery, you may be better parking and taking one of the many hiking trails through Harriman State Park (or better still, if you take your bike with you, hop on the biking trail and enjoy the scenic drive on two wheels).

There were various spots along this drive that I would have loved to pull over and take a few pictures but it just wasn’t feasible. The end of the Seven Lakes Drive leads you to the Palisades Parkway before you arrive at a roundabout with various options including the Bear Mountain Suspension Bridge, Fort Montgomery and the scenic drive to the top of Bear Mountain.

Bear Mountain State Park

The ultimate experience during this road trip is to visit the summit of Bear Mountain. After driving along the scenic Seven Lakes Drive, take the short yet extremely steep Perkins Memorial Drive until you reach the summit.

The views across the Hudson Valley are breathtaking and visitors can test their rock-climbing skills as you clamber across the rocks in an attempt to find that perfect view of the scenery.

Overlooking the Hudson River is a rewarding experience and you could easily spend several hours taking in the panoramic scenery.

It is one of the most inspirational places in the entire Hudson Valley. It feels a world apart when you get to the top of the mountain. (Timothy Englert)

Take a journey to the top of Perkins Memorial Observatory which offers equally stunning 360-degree views around the Hudson Valley and Harriman State Park. The tower along with the drive are open between April and November.

Fort Montgomery

If you are an avid historian, take a trip to Fort Montgomery to explore the 14-acre fortification overlooking the gorgeous Hudson River.

This was an iconic location in the Revolutionary War as the British invaded this Fort along with nearby Fort Clinton in 1777.

Fort Montgomery was the scene of a fierce Revolutionary War battle for control of the Hudson River.

The defending American Patriots fought valiantly despite being largely outnumbered until they were forced out of their forts.

Today, visitors can learn all about this historic battle inside the museum while taking a self-guided tour around the fortification and imagining what life was like in the barracks.

The stone remnants leave a lasting memory for visitors, especially after visiting the Grand Battery where you can see canons inscribed with the Royal Seal overlooking the Bear Mountain Suspension Bridge.

While exploring the museum, we were fortunate to see a demonstration of camp life activities dating back to the 18th century.

Beef stew was being prepared in the same manner that locals and military would have done during the Revolutionary War and it is a real eye-opener to see how the camping experience has evolved.

Summary

Bear Mountain State Park is definitely worth visiting if you are considering a day trip from New York City. Not only is the scenic drive to the summit of the drive a stunning experience, the breathtaking views across the Hudson Valley are a sight to behold.

Take some time to visit Fort Montgomery to learn about the history here while if you have more time in the area, perhaps a visit to West Point Military Academy will intrigue you. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Bear Mountain State Park and we can’t wait to re-visit as this offers a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life just a few miles away.

Have you explored the Hudson Valley and Bear Mountain State Park?

5 Places to Indulge in the Best Ice Cream in Memphis

Tennessee

Chris Boothman

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Nov 14, 2016

3

5 Places to Indulge in the Best Ice Cream in Memphis

If you love indulging in delicious ice cream, I strongly urge you to keep reading this post. There is nothing quite like experiencing your favorite ice cream on a hot summer’s day. If you are watching your calorie intake, perhaps you can take a break from your routine but given our love of ice cream (come on folks, we all love ice cream right!), we figured it was time to share what we consider as the best ice cream in Memphis.

Whether you prefer soft-scoop ice cream, frozen sorbet or frozen yogurt, there are ample ice cream types to satisfy your desires. All across America, ice cream parlors are a popular attraction and a great way to enjoy dessert or a snack at any time of the day.

You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream. And that’s kind of the same thing.

Ice cream shops have become incredibly popular all year round, and why not? Long gone are the days where the stereotype associates ice cream with just summer sun and now you can experience your favorite ice cream treat whenever your cravings desire.

Best Ice Cream in Memphis

Where do you even begin to pick the best ice cream shops in Memphis? Any lists are subjective and personal opinion will always influence your decisions to pick the best. Based on our experiences, we want to share a variety of ice cream parlors that we have visited while on our travels exploring Memphis.

Whether you’re just visiting or a local Memphis resident, these ice cream shops are must-tries! I am convinced that none of these will disappoint you and each of them offers something unique.

Sheridan’s Frozen Custard

I am going to try to be impartial in this review and suggest that all these alternatives are equally amazing, but I really do have a soft spot for Sheridan’s Frozen Custard.

I can’t believe it took us so long to eventually find this location on Macon Road off Germantown Parkway, but now that we have discovered this amazing spot, it is undoubtedly our ‘go-to’ place for ice-cream in Memphis.

Located in five different states, Sheridan’s Frozen Custard offers a wide variety of delicious desserts, though of course, their infamous custard is the most popular choice. What is frozen custard?

It looks like ice cream, but it has a much smoother texture and the rich tastes immediately hit your taste buds creating an experience you will want to revisit time and time again.

Sheridan’s Frozen Custard is a people magnet.

When you read about Sheridan’s story, it’s understandable that they emphasize their position in the market as being a ‘people magnet’. The beauty of Sheridan’s is not only the taste of the custard but also the variety on the menu.

Whether you are intrigued by the seasonal specialty such as the Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae or perhaps you prefer to go for the children friendly ‘Dirt and Worms’ concrete, there is plenty to choose from.

From sundaes to smoothies and from shaved ice to the infamous ‘Wowieccino’, the most difficult aspect when visiting Sheridan’s is figuring out what you want. There is a wide selection of toppings and whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer something fruity, you can be assured that Sheridan’s has it available.

Our Top Picks

ET’s Charming Cheesecake – Fresh vanilla custard blended with a slice of New York style cheesecake and the topping of your choice. I personally opt for either caramel or butterscotch. It’s as good as it sounds!
Mount Rush S’More – Fresh vanilla custard, hot fudge (I usually substitute this for caramel), marshmallow creme, and graham crackers all blended up to create a delicious concrete.
Peach Concrete – A concrete that combines fresh peaches with vanilla custard. It’s simple yet extremely effective! A definite recommendation for a hot summer’s day.

Jerry’s Sno Cones

It may not be the most attractive ice cream shop, but Jerry’s Sno Cones in Memphis offers the infamous “snow cone supreme” which helps put this location on the map around the city. The story behind Jerry’s Sno Cones is particularly intriguing as it dates back to the 1920s when this location was actually a Sinclair Gas Station.

Rumor has it that snow cones were served even during these times but it wasn’t until the 1970s when the gas station closed that this was transformed into a burger and snow cone shack.

Jerry’s didn’t invent the snow cone…just the world famous snow cone supreme

Snow cones are not the only attraction at Jerry’s Sno Cones. In fact, there is a full menu where you can enjoy lunch or dinner by sampling a fine burger followed by your favorite snow cone supreme.

Our Top Picks

Shrek Snow Cone – If you love the thought of caramel and apple, the Shrek snow cone is a great option.
Wedding Cake Snow Cone – Perhaps those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the wedding cake snow cone special which includes a sweet and delicious vanilla cake flavor.

Parker’s Water Ice

If you love shaved ice, Parker’s Water Ice on Winchester Road will be the perfect spot for you. Grab a refreshing Italian ice with your favorite flavor and enjoy this delicacy before it melts!

Run by the brother and sister team of Therman and Veronica Parker, Parker’s Water Ice has a physical location that it is not the easiest to find along with a mobile truck service that is perfect for local food truck events.

We headed to Parker’s Water Ice with very different expectations. I am not a huge fan of shaved ice as I prefer something with a little more substance (i.e. frozen custard!) but Heather LOVES this, primarily based on her experiences around the country at Rita’s Italian Ice.

Entering the store, we were quickly introduced to the variety of water ice flavors and ice cream selections available.

From basic flavors like strawberry and mango to more interesting options like sweet tea and granny smith apple, there is likely something here to spark your interest.

The interior of the store, although very basic with a couple of tables and chairs, was vibrant and colorful with a plethora of artwork promoting everything associated with Parker’s, ranging from the infamous water ice varieties to the food truck.

There were several folks in front of us which gave us ample time to figure out our options. Another menu provided the variety of ice cream flavors which we soon found out are just syrups added to soft-served vanilla.

A variety of sizes are available including the option to purchase a quart or even a gallon of water ice to take away and enjoy from the luxury of your home.

We strongly recommend opting for a ‘gelati’ which is a layered parfait of water ice and frozen custard/ice cream.

Our Top Picks

Our recommendations are purely based on what we purchased. If you buy a medium water ice or gelati, you can have up to three different flavors of ice. You can also sample up to two different flavors for free.

Black Cherry and Banana Gelati – It may not sound too appealing but this combination actually works really well! The layers of black cherry and banana ice combined with vanilla ice cream created a delicious concoction that I would definitely have again. (above image, this is on the right)
Black Cherry and Blue Raspberry Gelati – Heather opted for a similar choice but had a preference of blue raspberry over banana. Be wary that your tongue may get a little colored if you go for this option but regardless it’s still a refreshing combination! (above image, this is on the left)

Sweet Noshings

The epitome of satisfying your sweet tooth comes to fruition when you visit Sweet Noshings, a candy shop that also offers a variety of other delicacies including homemade ice cream which we sampled during a visit to Overton Square.

If you read our post on the best Memphis neighborhoods, you will know that Overton Square is a vibrant part of the city offering an eclectic blend of restaurants, boutique shops and spots like Sweet Noshings where you can indulge in your favorite sweet.

Delicious fudge, a myriad of candies, popcorn and even candy covered pizzas can be found at Sweet Noshings but our visit was all about experiencing the ice-cream selection and we didn’t leave disappointed.

There are 16 different flavors to choose from and whether you prefer a cup or cone or perhaps a milkshake, the friendly staff will cater to your needs.

There is a small seating area by the window where you can enjoy your ice cream and watch the world go by in the gorgeous Overton Square neighborhood.

Our Top Picks

The Jack Daniels Honey ice cream is one of the most popular flavors for obvious reasons but honestly, all of these homemade concoctions look delicious.

We opted for a cup and you can choose two different flavors for only $3.52. I really don’t think you could go wrong with any of the flavors and we can’t wait to return to Overton Square to sample more.

Banana Pudding Ice Cream – I love banana flavored ice cream and this was one of the best that I have sampled. It was very apparent that this was homemade ice cream and certainly helped differentiate this from anywhere else that we have sampled across Memphis.

Berry Sangria and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough – Heather was a little more adventurous and sampled two different flavors with contrasting tastes yet they combined to produce a delicious option.

La Michoacana

It’s always nice to save the best until last and after visiting La Michoacana, we arguably did given the amazing variety of ice cream treats awaiting us at this location. Heading here for the first time we really had no idea what to expect.

La Michoacana recently opened a new location a short distance from their previous retail space because it offered a much larger area which is understandable after visiting here.

Visiting a Mexican ice cream parlor is not something we have experienced before. In fact, we headed to La Michoacana with a rather pessimistic mindset though reviews suggested otherwise hence the reason we wanted to give this place a chance to impress us. It did way more than this! We left amazed at just how awesome Mexican ice cream is.

Whether you want to sample one of the many flavors of ‘paletas’, also known as popsicles, or perhaps try the ice cream flavors, there is plenty to choose from.

Every fruit you can think of can be combined with ice cream or perhaps you want to experience the ‘Aguas Frescas’, a light, non-alcoholic drink typical of authentic street vendors in Mexico.

There is plenty of seating space inside the new La Michoacana location though it may take a while to sit down given the myriad of menu options available.

Our Top Picks

Although the fruit paletas looked really inviting, we both opted to sample some of the ice cream flavors. We were offered various samples but we finally went with the following flavors. A medium sized cup is a generous offering and reasonably priced especially in comparison with other ice cream options around Memphis.

Strawberry with cream – After sampling the Mexican caramel which sounded really appealing (I LOVE caramel!), I decided to try the strawberry with cream and this was definitely a great choice! Chunks of strawberry are visible and this is a really refreshing option.
Lemon Ice Cream (or Key Lime Pie) and Mexican Cake – We are still debating whether Heather got the key lime pie or the lemon mixed with Mexican cake! She asked for the lemon but as you can see from the picture, it really has a lime colored look to it. Either way, Heather indicated that it tasted great and would definitely buy this again.

Summary

Don’t worry, we didn’t experience all five of these locations in one day…though after sampling all of the amazing deliciousness I could certainly see why someone would try! If you are looking to find the best ice cream in Memphis, I hope we have given you a few spots that are well worthy of this title.

Here are our picks in order based on the five places we visited:

Chris
1. Sheridan’s
2. La Michoacana
3. Sweet Noshings
4. Jerry’s Sno Cones
5. Parker’s Water Ice

Heather
1. Sheridan’s
2. Sweet Noshings
3. La Michoacana
4. Jerry’s Sno Cones
5. Parker’s Water Ice

It’s pretty conclusive that we both agree Sheridan’s is home to the best ice cream in Memphis. But please don’t take our word for it, the next time you are in Memphis, try several of these and let us know which is your preference.

Do you have a sweet tooth and enjoy sampling ice cream spots? Which of these spots appeals to you the most? Have you experienced any of these in Memphis?

Why Finding the Best Atlanta Street Art Is Worth Your Effort?

Georgia

Chris Boothman

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Nov 10, 2016

8

Why Finding the Best Atlanta Street Art Is Worth Your Effort?

Whether you consider street art to be an artistic masterpiece or a form of vandalism, there are examples around the world that you just have to step back and appreciate for the pure quality of the work. I have done quite a bit of research recently on the argument of street art versus graffiti but I honestly think this is a subjective argument. Everywhere we travel, we appear to stumble across fine examples of artistic beauty and this was certainly the case when we explored the Atlanta street art scene.

I have never been a huge proponent of urban artwork and honestly never paid much attention to it. I certainly never had an appreciation which I feel like I am starting to have now. Why has this changed? Simply because of the amount of exposure we have received while visiting a variety of cities and locations around the world. It’s everywhere, whether you approve of it or not. While checking out the best photo spots in Atlanta, we couldn’t help but notice a plethora of amazing street art. We immediately wanted to find out more!

We have previously spent quite a lot of time exploring street art in Memphis, our local city, and honestly, we haven’t looked back since. It was an eye-opening experience but one that we feel changed our opinion on this topic.

Atlanta Street Art

Let’s face it, street art is everywhere! I agree that there are plenty of examples out there that simply destroy the overall aesthetic look of a city, especially when done in a way that lacks creativity, thought and just appears ‘trashy’ (sorry for the urban lingo but I felt it was appropriate here).

But what about all those amazing works of art that clearly took the local artist time and effort to create. While visiting Atlanta, we decided to check out some of the best examples of street art and we want to share why you should too!

I think it’s interesting to note that Atlanta has been a prime target for the street art vs. graffiti argument. In 2011, a special Graffiti Task Force was established by the city to abolish a large amount of the graffiti. However, they emphasized that this was focused solely on exactly this, graffiti and NOT street art.

If someone spray-paints on a piece of property that doesn’t belong to them, without permission, that is a crime

When a police spokesman, Carlos Campos, spoke the above words, he focused his attention on not drawing the line between street art and graffiti. Instead, he suggested that anything painted on a building or object without permission was illegal.

Throughout recent years, Atlanta has created several initiatives including the ‘Living Walls’ project in 2012 which attracted artists from all over the world to leave their mark ‘legally’ on a variety of dilapidated facades around the city. This is the type of street art Atlanta is now famous for and we headed out in search of examples during our recent visit to the Georgia capital.

Old Fourth Ward

The historic Fourth Ward district of Atlanta is yet another hub for artists to display their amazing work. This is one of the main neighborhoods where the Living Walls project focused their attention on highlighting the artist creativity.

After exploring the Historic Fourth Ward Park, we stumbled across several examples of another inspiring project throughout Atlanta. The Tiny Doors Atlanta (#TinyDoorsATL) project is focused on “bringing big wonder to tiny spaces”.

What was once a wall or the column of a bridge becomes an entrance to collective creativity and an invitation to whimsy.

The idea is that through the inclusion of a door on a space that was once left derelict, it is ‘opening’ your eyes to a whole feeling of curiosity. It allows local artists the opportunity to express their freedom and visitors can simply ‘look through the door’ and appreciate the beauty within the artwork.

There are currently nine official doors located throughout the city at the following locations, so be sure to take some time to find these if you are inquisitive about the history behind this project. Here are the current locations:

Krog Street Tunnel
Old Fourth Ward Skatepark on the Belt Line
Inman Park Pet Works
Little Shop of Stories
The Tree Door (Located on the PATH Trail near the Carter Center – this door actually opens, unlike the others!)
Paris on Ponce
Charis Books & More
Milltown Arms Tavern
King of Pops

Krog Street Tunnel

If you are looking for the ultimate Atlanta street art experience, look no further than the infamous Krog Street Tunnel. Connecting the East Atlanta neighborhoods of Inman Park and Cabbagetown, Krog Street Tunnel is an iconic location that is frequently used by local cyclists and pedestrians.

At first glance, Krog Street Tunnel doesn’t appear to be the safest of spots to explore. However, you will soon notice that this is just a popular spot for locals to move between the two neighborhoods and it’s feasible that you will see an aspiring artist creating their next work of art in the tunnel.

atlanta street art in krog street tunnel

But what makes this tunnel so unique is the eclectic mixture of images, words, and ideas that cover every nook and cranny throughout the length of the passage.

Local artists continue to keep Krog Street Tunnel alive and distinctive with a vibrant, colorful blend of artwork that offers a creative reflection on their skills and feelings. It’s interesting to note that the aforementioned Graffiti Task Force turned a blind-eye to Krog Street Tunnel and continue to do so.

Whether the street art inside the tunnel is all completely legal is unlikely but Krog Street’s position as the iconic street art destination in Atlanta ensures this remains a popular spot.

Local artists, intrigued visitors, and budding photographers can all be found here on a frequent basis because of the opportunities to experience something so unique and different to anything else in Atlanta.

***We apologize if there are any words, images or language that may cause offense.***

Wylie Street – Cabbagetown

An extension of the Krog Street Tunnel artistry can be found along Wylie Street in the Cabbagetown neighborhood. A walk along the Hulsey railyard wall offers a myriad of vibrant street artwork from a number of local artists.

The quality of murals along Wylie Street is certainly an impressive feature and perhaps offers an eclectic mixture of all street art examples represented throughout the city.

The Living Walls project has frequently participated in expanding the colorful artwork on Wylie Street.

I was particularly moved by the story of a former programming director of Living Walls, Laura Calle, who passed away in November 2015 and the organization partnered with another non-profit company to memorialize her life through an event and a mural that can be found on Wylie Street.

her hard work and immeasurable passion for equality of all people and the manifestation of diverse cultural expression in our public spaces. (Living Walls)

It’s only when you hear stories like this that you can appreciate the power of street art and help gain a better understanding of the meaning of all the murals that you can see here. Every image has an underlying story, it’s just a matter of trying to figure out what the artist is trying to convey.

Summary

Every city around the world is accustomed to displaying a variety of street art examples that range from the creative ingenuity to the disgraceful graffiti that portrays a city negatively. Atlanta is no different and although we didn’t explore this city necessarily in search of street art, it is a city that you can’t help but stumble across it.

As we continue to travel around the world, our appreciation of local cultures is certainly enhanced as we appreciate street art. It is understandably a way for local artists to not only show their creative side but also to display their feelings, not necessarily always in a good way but perhaps in a way that will help them be heard.

Street art shouldn’t have a negative association with it and instead, we should embrace this as part of our society and realize that it can not only improve the aesthetic appearance but also create a community feel within an area.

5 Epic Reasons You Should Want to Visit Michigan

Michigan

Chris Boothman

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Nov 7, 2016

5

5 Epic Reasons You Should Want to Visit Michigan

Why should you visit Michigan? Well, there are plenty of reasons, none more so than the fact it is the state known for being the home of the Great Lakes. Bordering four of these iconic lakes, Michigan is a haven for breathtaking scenery yet this state offers so much more than just a place to relax on the lake. Perhaps the more urbanized folks will think about Detroit and the famed auto industry that once thrived in this part of the nation.

We are not only intrigued by the top reasons for visiting Michigan but also some of the lesser known pull factors such as Mackinac Island and Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the Upper Peninsula. We are delighted to introduce Heather Raulerson from Raulerson Girls Travel who shares her thoughts on why Michigan should be on your radar in the near future.

Rather than focusing simply on the Great Lakes or Detroit, Heather highlights a couple of these aforementioned ‘hidden gems’ that we all love to discover when traveling. We hope that you are inspired to visit Michigan as much as we are after reading Heather’s recommendations. Following our short visit to Benton Harbor during a trip to Chicago, we are ready to head back and explore more of this iconic state.

According to Heather:

Michigan is a great state that has several aquatic destinations for the outdoor enthusiast to explore.

Let’s take a look at exactly what Heather is referring to with some of her favorite examples.

Tahquamenon Falls

Tahquamenon Falls State Park is one of my favorite places to visit in the Upper Peninsula. The Upper Tahquamenon Falls is the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi and the largest in Michigan. It drops almost 50 feet and reaches 200 feet across allowing for 50,000 gallons of water each second to flow over it. There is a well-marked trail to the falls along with over 90 steps to get down to the edge of the Upper Falls.

Watch out, you might get a little wet from the mist rising up around you. There are even more waterfalls 4 miles down the road that you can drive or hike to. If you want a closer look at the Lower Falls, take a canoe over to the island.

Sleeping Bear Dunes

Located right next to Lake Michigan, this National State Park is where you can slip off your shoes, submerge your toes in the sand, and sit back and enjoy amazing sunsets. If you are the athletic type, you can exert some energy running up and down the dunes all afternoon.

The dune pictured above is a 450 ft drop directly to Lake Michigan on Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. My niece loved running down this dune but she didn’t realize that it was easier to get down than to get back up.

Soo Locks

Experience the Soo Locks as the freighters do. A Soo Lock Boat Tour will take you through the locks between Lake Huron and Lake Superior. This is an amazing experience that does not compare with standing on the sidelines and watching the ships go through.

You can actually touch the side of the locks as you wait for the water to rise/lower. There are tons of sightseeing on this trip with going under the International Highway Bridge, sailing next to St. Mary Rapids, and watching the fishermen by the giant hydro-electric plants. It is definitely a nice way to spend an afternoon!

Alpena Shipwreck Tours

If you are interested in Michigan’s Great Lakes maritime history this is a must-see. The Shipwreck Tour is a two-hour ride in a glass-bottom boat through the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary which has over 50 shipwrecks for you to view.

You can see clearly through the glass bottom boat and on clear days you can even see from the top deck. You may see wood hulls, gears, ropes and steel cranes on the bottom of the bay. It is amazing how much detail is preserved in these shipwrecks.

Pictured Rocks Sunset Cruise

Munising is where you will find breathtaking views of nature while enjoying the sunset cruise of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. You will be able to see all the amazing colors and rock formations of the Pictured Rocks and the colors are amplified with the sun setting over Lake Superior.

The multiple colors on the rocks (browns, greens, reds, white and black) remind me of abstract paintings where the water runs down the page taking the colors with it. Each trip will be different because Mother Nature never stops changing. It is a perfect way to end the day in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Visit Michigan – Our Thoughts

Although our only visit to Michigan was rather disappointing given that we only ventured as far as Benton Harbor, we are raring to go back and explore further. We did have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Lake Michigan and any state that is located on or around one of the Great Lakes is certainly going to offer plenty of amazing landscapes to attract visitors.

I am particularly intrigued to visit Detroit (rather than just passing through DTW airport) and learn everything there is to know about the US motor industry.

It’s the home of the automotive industry so I am sure there is plenty to learn. Along with cities such as Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor, Michigan is home to a number of urban gems.

But for those of you that don’t have similar urban interests, Michigan is spoiled for choice when it comes to amazing rural landscapes. Heather has shared a myriad of reasons to inspire us all to visit Michigan and certainly we can’t wait to head back and have a positive experience, unlike our previous trip. We received a lot of criticism on the post that we put together and we are excited to return to put a positive spin on the state of Michigan.

Summary

Long gone are the days where everything you hear about Michigan is related to the auto industry. Destinations such as Mackinac Island and Tahquamenon Falls are intriguing and will continue to inspire visitors to explore others parts of Michigan that perhaps are forgotten. We are excited about returning to Michigan in the near future and experiencing everything that Heather has recommended.

Thanks to Heather for sharing her thoughts on why you should visit Michigan. In addition to her website highlighted above, you can also follow Heather on her travels via her social media networks:

Twitter – @RaulersonTravel
Facebook – Raulerson Girls Travel
Instagram – Raulerson Girls Travel

Have you visited Michigan before? Are you inspired to visit urban or rural Michigan or perhaps both?

Fall Foliage in Minnesota – Discover the Best Kept Secrets

Minnesota

Chris Boothman

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Nov 3, 2016

6

Fall Foliage in Minnesota – Discover the Best Kept Secrets

Whether you refer to the season between summer and winter as fall or autumn, there is one common denominator between both of them – spectacular scenery. It’s arguably the best time of the year to travel and explore the beauty around the world but perhaps there are certain places that are even more breathtaking during the fall season. Experiencing fall foliage in Minnesota is amazing, especially when you have the opportunity to admire such gorgeous colors as a backdrop to epic landscapes.

We have been fortunate to explore both Alaska and Minnesota during the fall season this year and I have to admit that both are breathtakingly beautiful. It’s difficult to compare both locations but one thing they both have in common are the awe-inspiring views across landscapes that we can’t wait to revisit.

We thought the drive from Anchorage to Denali National Park was spectacular but after visiting Minnesota, we were literally spoiled for choice.

Focusing solely on Minnesota, we had the opportunity to explore the Twin Cities and beyond during our recent visit for the 2016 Ryder Cup tournament at Hazeltine National. Beyond the beauty of this golf course, Minnesota is blessed to have a myriad of amazing landscapes that will inspire everyone to get out and explore. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to experience fall foliage in Minnesota.

The Sound of Fall

Waking up in the morning during the fall season offers an unmistakable sound that I’m sure you are all familiar with…the rustling of leaves! When you open your eyes and peer out of the window, there is nothing quite like the enchanting sound of those leaves blowing around in the brisk autumn breeze.

Two sounds of autumn are unmistakable…the hurrying rustle of crisp leaves blown along the street…by a gusty wind, and the gabble of a flock of migrating geese (Hal Borland)

Our time in Minnesota offered the perfect opportunity to experience this. Staying at the gorgeous Comfort Inn and Suites in St. Cloud, we woke up to this sound of the leaves briskly flying around the fairways of the nearby Angushire Golf Club.

Minnesota is a spectacular state all year round but there is something quite beautiful about the fall season in this part of the world. The journey from St. Cloud back to the Twin Cities offered more opportunities to appreciate the fall landscapes but when we arrived in the Mississippi Valley, that’s when the real beauty started.

Mississippi River and The Twin Cities

Minneapolis and St. Paul and divided by the Mississippi River. Two gorgeous cities that combine to create “The Twin Cities”, undoubtedly the pinnacle of tourism throughout the state of Minnesota.

As we drove through the city of Minneapolis in search of some gorgeous fall foliage, we immediately realized that the divide between the two cities is actually the most spectacular part of both cities…at least during the fall season.

The views along the banks of the Mississippi are beyond breathtaking. We literally could have spent hours just admiring the views here but the real beauty here is when we headed down to the very banks and appreciated the beauty of the river, the fall colors and the modern architecture that connects these iconic Twin Cities.

Minnehaha Park

For the waterfall aficionados out there, a short drive from the Mississippi River will lead you to the entrance of Minnehaha Park, home of the stunningly beautiful Minnehaha Falls.

Even if the sight of a gorgeous waterfall doesn’t offer much intrigue, taking a stroll through this gorgeous park during the fall season will only give you more reason to believe that Minnesota is the ‘BEST’ place to be at this time of the year.

Whether you want to take a seat and admire the beauty surrounding you or simply take a leisurely stroll around the park, this is the perfect setting to just get away and relax.

The prevalence of parks in urban areas is becoming more and more prominent in today’s society as the desire for folks to enjoy moments of solitude. Minnehaha Park offers this perfect landscape and for a few moments, you can forget that you are in the heart of Minnesota’s Twin Cities.

Minnehaha Falls

Let’s take a look at why Minnehaha Falls is so spectacular. Standing at 53 feet at its tallest point, Minnehaha Falls may not have the height of some of the world’s leading iconic falls, but it certainly makes up for that with beauty.

Surrounded by gorgeous parkland in the heart of an urban setting, Minnehaha is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax away from the hustle and bustle of life in the Twin Cities.

Trails are available on either side of the gorge and there are a plethora of viewing points to capture that perfect selfie with the waterfall as the beautiful backdrop. At the summit of the falls, you can walk across a bridge and then head down either side before crossing another bridge at the bottom. The more adventurous folks will get close to the waterfall though there are plenty of signs cautioning people to stay away from the edge.

Although the foliage around the waterfall doesn’t reflect the vibrant colors of fall that we all love, there is enough color here to suggest that we are in the fall season. The various blends of foliage around a destination will always determine the colors that we can expect to see but the beauty of Minnehaha Falls continues to inspire visitors regardless of the surrounding landscape.

Summary

If you are interested in exploring the gorgeous fall foliage in Minnesota, you can see from our brief insight that there are plenty of places to appreciate the natural phenomenon of leaves changing color. The Mississippi River valley was undoubtedly our favorite spot for capturing truly epic fall colors but we also stumbled across several hidden gems where the colors were vibrant providing picture perfect settings.

We barely touched the surface in terms of exploring Minnesota and as the title of this post goes, Minnesota “best-kept secrets” are waiting to be discovered. We have so much more to explore and we can’t wait to go back to experience more of this gorgeous state.

Do you enjoy experiencing fall foliage? Have you visited Minnesota during the autumn season?

5 Epic Reasons You Should Want to Visit Colorado

Colorado

Chris Boothman

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Oct 31, 2016

4

5 Epic Reasons You Should Want to Visit Colorado

If you enjoy admiring a plethora of epic natural scenery, you will want to visit Colorado and experience everything this beautiful state has to offer. It’s the home of the Rocky Mountains and with more than 1,000 peaks that are at least 10,000 ft tall, it’s no surprise to hear that Colorado has the highest elevation of any state across the nation.

But Colorado is more than just a haven for awe-inspiring panoramic landscapes. In fact, this is just the start and we are delighted to welcome Taylor and Daniel from Travel Outlandish who we are collaborating with to introduce a few more reasons why Colorado should be on your radar if it isn’t already.

I have been fortunate to explore several parts of Colorado, including Denver which has quickly risen to near the top of my favorite US cities but what else is there to experience in the Centennial State? Let’s see what Taylor and Daniel think!

Introduction

While travelers often skip over the central states during a US adventure, we can promise you that Colorado is always worth the trip. Where else can you experience 190 inches of snow and 300 days of sunshine a year? With unmatched outdoor culture, a hint of weirdness, and super fun cities to explore, it’s a wonder that the Centennial State isn’t on more people’s radar.

Outdoor Culture

Colorado is a complete natural paradise for those of us who could do without beach days. You can head to Aspen or Vail for world class skiing, Rocky Mountain National Park for elk spotting or Sand Dunes National Park to experience a surreal desert landscape all within the same state.

Whether you’re into snowboarding, kayaking, camping out, or just lazing amongst natural beauty, Colorado makes it easy for anyone to love spending time outside.

Offbeat Experiences

Growing up with field trips to the palace of kitsch – Casa Bonita – and family outings to Frozen Dead Guy Days, Colorado is definitely where I fell in love with all things outlandish. There’s plenty of serious fun to be had, but Colorado never takes itself too seriously!

If you visit with an open mind and a sense of humor, you could find yourself on a naked bike ride or munching Rocky Mountain oysters with some good company.

The Very Best Beer

The West Coast may have a reputation as the best coast for craft beer, but any Colorado native will tell you the truth. All it really takes is a trip to Denver Beer Fest to know who does IPA best. You won’t want to miss a brewery tour at Avery or Breckenridge Colorado Craft followed by a beer (or four) in the tap room.

Not into craft beer? Colorado is also home to the world’s biggest brewery — Coors Brewery — where you can sip light beers and learn all about large-scale production.

The Fourteeners

Sure, you can travel thousands of miles to scale Everest & Kilimanjaro, but in the unassuming state of Colorado, you can get your fair share of adventure with just a long weekend to spare.

Colorado has 53 peaks that climb past the 14,000ft mark (aka “Fourteeners”). Join a club of true outdoorsmen and adventurers by climbing a Fourteener during your visit.

Modern Cities

While the best part of Colorado cities is their proximity to the outdoors, there are plenty of reasons to make your vacation an urban adventure, too. Denver is a sufficiently awesome capital city, offering the perfect mix of style and grit.

In nearby Boulder and Fort Collins, you can enjoy cultural events, bars, and walking streets that far exceed your expectations from a college town. Like other cities, you can dine in inspired restaurants, explore public art, and catch a music festival, but the big difference about Colorado is that you’ll have a place to park and some spare change at the end of it all.

Visit Colorado – Our Thoughts

I have been fortunate to visit Denver on a couple of occasions and both times I was able to experience the different conditions that typify Denver living. The first time was in the heart of summer when the weather was perfect while my recent visit was a mixture of a Colorado snowstorm and freezing cold conditions.

Denver is a very walkable city and although my recent visit was predominantly work related, I did find some time to get out and take my very own self-guided walking tour of the Mile High City. If you love architecture, you will certainly appreciate the Colorado State Capitol Building while a short distance from here is the other end of the architectural spectrum with the Denver Art Museum which offers a much more modern design.

Take a stroll down the 16th street mall which is the heart and soul of the central business district or if you are worn out from walking around, why not hop on the free bus service that takes visitors from one end to the other making stops at almost every block.

Union Station is located at the end of the 16th street mall and from here you can explore other parts of Denver, including the Mile High Stadium, home of the Denver Broncos (perhaps you will be fortunate to see John Elway or Peyton Manning on your journey exploring the stadium!) or perhaps head out of the city and visit other parts of the state.

Denver is perfectly located to explore the Rocky Mountains. Just a short drive outside of the city and you will be surrounded by gorgeous alpine scenery. This is a part of Colorado that I can’t wait to explore with Heather. We love natural scenery, so having the opportunity to drive through the Rocky Mountains and visit places like Aspen and Vail are certainly high on our agenda.

On the other side of the state, Heather and I briefly passed through the towns of Durango and Cortez following our visit to Arches National Park in Moab, Utah. We drove from Moab to New Mexico and passed through the southwest corner of Colorado. This area is famous for being home to the Four Corners Monument which marks the point where the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah meet.

Summary

Colorado is famous for many reasons. The Rocky Mountains, Denver, amazing craft beers and much more. I’m sure you will be inspired to take a trip to Colorado after reading this post and even if you are not, I know we are! We would like to reiterate our appreciation to Taylor and Daniel for sharing their opinions and experiences on Colorado.

In addition to their website highlighted above, you can also follow Taylor and Daniel on their travels via the following social media networks:

Twitter – @TravelOutlandish
Facebook – Travel Outlandish
Instagram – Travel Outlandish

Have you visited Colorado? Do you prefer to explore rural environments like the Rocky Mountains or would you be intrigued by the highlights of Denver?

Why the 2016 Ryder Cup Tournament Was Amazing to Watch?

Minnesota

Chris Boothman

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Oct 27, 2016

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Why the 2016 Ryder Cup Tournament Was Amazing to Watch?

The Ryder Cup tournament is the pinnacle of all golfing events around the world, especially for folks either side of the pond. Since 1927, the battle for bragging rights between the United States and Europe (formerly just Great Britain and Ireland) has been an ongoing encounter and if you have never had the opportunity to experience this, you are in for a real treat!

We have been incredibly fortunate to visit three consecutive Ryder Cups, dating back to 2012 at Medinah Country Club in Chicago, 2014 at Gleneagles in Scotland and most recently, the 2016 battle at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota. We have enjoyed attending all three and look forward to visiting many more in the future.

The Ryder Cup is unlike any other golfing event, in fact, it is the exact opposite. Golf is renowned as being an individual sport but every two years, teams from USA and Europe come together in this team-centric environment and work together to win the ultimate prize.

A Tribute to The King

If you follow the world of golf, you will know that the 2016 Ryder Cup tournament was an extra-special experience because of one man – Arnold Palmer!

This tournament was the ultimate tribute to this sporting legend. Not only did Arnold Palmer change the face of golf, he was an iconic individual around the world that everyone loved.

The conduct of players, fans (99% of them) and everyone associated with the Ryder Cup was a fitting reflection on Palmer’s legacy and approach to life. I think it’s fair to say that “The King” would have been proud to be part of the 2016 Ryder Cup.

The most rewarding things you do in life are often the ones that look like they cannot be done. (Arnold Palmer)

I think it’s fitting to include the above quote, especially when we relate golf to our desire to explore the world. We are frequently told that traveling as much as we do is impossible and unrealistic for most people. But our response is frequently related to what Palmer states when he suggests that the most rewarding experiences are those that you have to work for.

2016 Ryder Cup Tournament

For those of you unfamiliar with the Ryder Cup, the 2016 tournament was held at Hazeltine National in Chaska, about 15 minutes southwest of Minneapolis. The event is played over three days with the first two days comprising of two sets of four matches (fourballs and foursomes) and the final day where all twelve members of the two teams play head to head in singles play.

We attended Hazeltine on the second and third day after spending an amazing day exploring St. Cloud and of course preparing for the Ryder Cup experience by playing 18 holes at Territory Golf Club in the Granite City.

Rumors across social media suggested that public parking was a nightmare, so we headed to Canterbury Park around 9:00AM on Saturday morning hoping that the rush had already passed. We were pleasantly surprised to see the shuttle bus lines relatively quiet and we were able to pass through security quickly and hop on a school bus (that’s right, it was a school bus for the 20-minute shuttle ride to Hazeltine!) before heading to the golf course.

Amazing Ryder Cup Atmosphere

The moment we entered the grounds at Hazeltine, we immediately felt the buzz of the Ryder Cup atmosphere. As I mentioned, it’s completely different to any other golf event around the world with patriotic fans dressed the part and showing their support for their team.

Walking around and focusing on fans dressed as Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Dumb and Dumber is certainly a memorable experience.

For those less interested in the action inside the ropes, you could certainly spend your time having fun identifying your favorite dress.

Roars echoed throughout Hazeltine and it was intensified even more with only four matches taking place. Imagine 60,000+ fans packed into four holes and that’s the type of atmosphere created for the players honored to represent both teams.

Heather’s claim to fame saw her moment in the spotlight when she captured a selfie with former One Direction star, Niall Horan.

Saturday’s Action

We spent the morning session behind the 17th tee hoping that the matches would reach this hole. We were disappointed to hear that the first match ended on the 16th with Europe’s dynamic duo of Rory McIlory and debutant Thomas Pieters defeating the flamboyant American pair of Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler.

The second match quickly followed suit and we were left wondering if our choice to wait on 17 was going to backfire.

Fortunately, the third match didn’t disappoint. Justin Rose and Chris Wood for Europe against Jimmy Walker and Zach Johnson. The atmosphere was electric and certainly pro-America but this didn’t stop Rose/Wood closing out the match after halving the 17th.

Only one match left and USA’s Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed appeared to be in control against the Spanish pair of Sergio Garcia and Rafa Cabrera-Bello. A moment of magic on 17 by Cabrera-Bello when he chipped in from off the green helped them claim a half point.

We spent the afternoon walking around the course and following several different matches. The best advice I can give anyone visiting the Ryder Cup is to get ahead of the groups and wait for them to come to you. With so many people crammed into a small space, it’s almost impossible to try and follow a group around.

The end of Saturday’s play saw the American team extend their lead to 9.5-6.5 and the European’s were left heading into Sunday’s singles action hoping for a recreation of the “Miracle at Medinah” in 2012!

Final Day Drama

2012 saw an epic comeback by Jose Maria Olazabal’s European team and 2016 skipper, Darren Clarke, was hoping that his men would fight back in similar fashion.

Unfortunately, this never materialized and the Americans secured an impressive 17-11 victory to regain the Ryder Cup after three consecutive defeats dating back to their last victory in 2008.

We were honored to watch the likes of Reed, McIlroy, Garcia and Mickelson put on amazing displays during the final day. There is always going to be a winner and a loser in this format but the way in which this match was played was an absolute credit to both teams.

It was an incredible spectacle for everyone and again, we chose to stand behind the 17th green to watch the action.

Summary

It’s fair to say that the 2016 Ryder Cup tournament will be remembered as a tribute to Arnold Palmer as much as the American team securing victory at Hazeltine. The passion on show from both teams was evident as was the amazing atmosphere created by the fans that made their way from all corners of the globe to watch this amazing event.

We were privileged to be present at our third Ryder Cup and regardless of the outcome, it was an amazing experience that we would encourage everyone to attend at least once. Even if you are not a huge golfing fan, this is more about the experience and enjoying the electric atmosphere created inside the grounds.

As a Brit, I have to say that I was disappointed with the outcome but given the previous two Ryder Cups we attended went in favor of the European team, I can’t be too disheartened.

Have you attended a Ryder Cup? Do you enjoy playing/watching golf?