Page 43 – A Brit and A Southerner

Bryce Canyon Tour – Breathtaking Journey to Over 9000ft!

Utah

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Jun 18, 2015

Bryce Canyon Tour – Breathtaking Journey to Over 9000ft!

From Arches National Park to Zion National Park, Utah is spoiled for choice when it comes to natural beauty. However, there is another national park that is sometimes forgotten but it is potentially the most breathtaking of them all – Bryce Canyon National Park! Following our short yet enjoyable scenic drive through Zion, we stayed overnight in Cedar City, Utah before taking the two hour drive to the entrance of Bryce Canyon. If you are looking for a very unique and distinctive topographical landscape, I would strongly encourage you to consider taking a Bryce Canyon tour!

Location and History

Bryce Canyon is located in the heart of the southern half of Utah. Access to this national park is not the easiest as it requires quite a bit of driving ‘off the beaten path’, or at least off the Utah interstate system. But this is what makes Bryce such a popular spot for those that take the time to explore the gorgeous beauty present here.

The drive to Bryce is equally as rewarding as the park itself, especially if you opt to take the route along Highway 14 and Highway 89 which takes a mountain road with a number of daring switchbacks and stunning lookout points. Even during our trip at the end of May, we experienced ice and snow on the roads as we passed over the plateau.

Designated as the Markagaunt High Plateau Scenic Byway, Utah Highway 14 is breathtaking and we spent quite a bit of time exploring here before heading on to Bryce – one of many reasons why Utah has quickly become of one of my favorite states, as it is unlike anything else I have seen before around USA!

What about Bryce Canyon’s history? The name ‘Bryce’ is derived from Scottish pioneer, Ebenezer Bryce who homesteaded in the area of the park in 1874. I love his quote that he is infamous for when describing the area we now know as Bryce Canyon.

“It’s a hell of a place to lose a cow.”

I guess if you are going to setup your farm anywhere, this is a pretty awesome spot to choose so I don’t blame Ebenezer at all!

Bryce Canyon was denoted as a National Park in 1928. Another park that is $25 for a seven-day pass but just like the rest of Utah’s “Mighty 5”, you won’t be disappointed after paying this expense (I will reiterate the value in the America the Beautiful Annual Pass for $80!)

Inspiration Point

After entering Bryce Canyon and spending a brief moment in the visitor center to figure out our bearings, we immediately headed to one of the most sought after spots throughout the canyon – Inspiration Point. If you decide to visit here or one of the previous two lookout points, Sunrise and Sunset Point, you will be left breathless at the beauty of the scenery in front of you.

The scenic drive from the bottom of the canyon to the very top is everything you could imagine – view after view of breathtaking scenery. Walking from the parking lot at Inspiration Point, you are immediately faced with the amphitheater look of Bryce Canyon. The Bryce Amphitheater area is the most popular spot for tourists and after experiencing this, you will understand why!

The maelstrom of colors that are presented throughout the amphitheater are emphasized when the sunlight shines down and what better way to see this than from the vistas such as Inspiration Point.

Of course the highlight through Bryce Canyon, in particular the views from Inspiration Point are the ‘hoodoos’ which are the tall, narrow spires that look like chimneys and form together to create a geological phenomenon. The totem-pole like structures were formed years ago through the water and ice erosion process that is typical of many features in Utah and Arizona.

Taking in the hoodoos and varying colors of red that spring out of the amphitheater setting make Inspiration Point a spot you could easily spend all day relaxing with these views. We explored this awe-inspiring spot though I would encourage you to be wary of your surroundings, especially if you are daring enough to stand at the edge of the overlook. There are numerous plateaus and vistas that have protective barriers, but ‘off the beaten path’ is where you can avoid the large number of tourists and capture the perfect shot.

Bryce Point

Another vista that is equally as tantalizing for its visitors is Bryce Point, not only because of the higher overlook but because of the possibility of capturing a perfect sunrise shot. Parking here was incredibly difficult and we were fortunate that a couple of tours around the parking lot led to an open spot, otherwise you may be waiting here for quite a while (perhaps this is one of the benefits of taking advantage of the Bryce Canyon shuttle that you are strongly encouraged to consider as you enter the national park!)

As the sun beats down on the Roman style amphitheater setting, the hoodoos spring to life throughout Bryce. The vivid, bright colors are brilliantly exposed and it is without doubt a photographer’s paradise at any time of the day.

Looking back down at Inspiration Point, the view is stunning… in fact there are not enough superlatives to describe this, instead you will just have to visit Bryce Canyon for yourself to really appreciate the beauty here.

A number of hiking trails are available from Bryce Point, including the wonderfully named Peek-a-boo Loop Trail which is one of the more spectacular treks throughout the canyon. I wish we had the time to hike this trail, even if it was just to say that we had hiked “Peek-a-boo”.

Natural Bridge

Our journey continued towards the summit of Bryce Canyon and as we looked over the map, we were intrigued by the name of another of Bryce’s popular attractions, Natural Bridge. I will say that the name of this is a little misleading because I envisioned something very different from what we stumbled across.

You may be surprised to hear that Bryce Canyon is not just a hub of hoodoos and natural beauty throughout the Bryce Amphitheater. Instead there are a number of natural arches formed, highlighted by Natural Bridge that provides a perfect setting with the Ponderosa forest in the background.

The contrast in colors from the red rock to the distant greenery throughout the forest provides a very different look but still attracts visitors looking to capture the moment the sunlight passes perfectly through the arch.

Ponderosa Canyon

Taking a Bryce Canyon tour wouldn’t be the same without stopping at Ponderosa Canyon to view the distinctive geology throughout this national park. The topography is mesmerizing and the distinctive features of the rock formations combined with the Ponderosa pines on the canyon floor make this a perfect overlook to capture all of the above.

At over 8,900ft above sea level, Ponderosa Canyon is close to the summit of Bryce Canyon. From the vantage point here, you can literally see for miles and miles across Bryce. Just like many of the other lookout points here, I could see myself grabbing a book and finding a hidden spot overlooking the canyon and just relaxing for hours taking in the beautiful scenery.

It’s just that type of place where you don’t want to leave.

Rainbow Point

The aesthetic appeal of Bryce Canyon culminates with the stunning views from over 9,000ft at Rainbow Point. After the long, winding scenic drive that takes you past a number of awesome lookout points (see above), the final point is well worth the wait. Standing at 9,115ft above sea level, you have climbed over 1,500ft just from the Visitor Center to reach Rainbow Point.

The entirety of Bryce Canyon National Park can be seen from Rainbow Point so whether you decide to drive directly here and work your way back, or like us take your time exploring everything up to Rainbow, you will definitely want to spend some time here to gain a better understanding of the geologic formations throughout the canyon.

The Riggs Spring Loop Trail is a popular hiking option for those that want to plunge from 9100ft deep inside the canyon below Yovimpa Point (southern point accessible from Rainbow Point, so be sure to check out the views from here before you make the descent).

Summary

Bryce Canyon is arguably the most breathtaking of all the national parks in Utah. Whether you agree with this statement or not, I am convinced that you will agree the scenery here is distinctive and provides a rewarding experience for all visitors at any time of the year.

Our trip to Bryce lasted about four hours and we were able to take some time at each of the lookout points aforementioned. However, you could quite easily spend a week or two in this national park exploring all of the unique characteristics of the Bryce amphitheater, along with the hidden trails that lead to unheralded gems.

Looking back on our Bryce Canyon tour, I would have to say that my favorite lookout point was Inspiration Point, probably because this location provided my first “Welcome to Bryce” view. But the real beauty at Bryce Canyon is the variety of attractions and natural landmarks that appear and are just waiting for you to uncover.

If you would like to join us and explore more of our pictures from our amazing trip to Bryce Canyon, you can check out our photo gallery here: Bryce Canyon National Park

An InLinkz Link-up

Horseshoe Bend Hike – Be Fearless and Be Rewarded!

Arizona

Chris Boothman

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Jun 15, 2015

5

Horseshoe Bend Hike – Be Fearless and Be Rewarded!

Are you ready to experience a dramatic and awe-inspiring experience that will test your nerves yet reward you with breathtaking views? Don’t worry, it’s not as extreme as it sounds but the reward is more amazing than words and even pictures could ever describe. Horseshoe Bend, Arizona is a spectacular yet sometimes unheralded gem in the north-east corner of the state. If you are willing to take part in an unforgettable Horseshoe Bend hike, you will encounter memories that you will cherish forever.

Location

Horseshoe Bend is situated in a perfect location if you are heading on a road trip to take in the Grand Canyon or many of Utah’s national parks. Just south of Page, Arizona, Horseshoe Bend is one of the most photographed locations along the Colorado River and requires a short hike from US Highway 89.

Parking can be tricky as the majority of visitors tend to park on the side of Highway 89 which is exactly what we did, but we did notice a pretty good sized parking lot available just off the main road.

Horseshoe Bend Hike

After parking your vehicle, you need to prepare yourself for a short 3/4 mile hike to the scenic overlook of Horseshoe Bend. As with all trails, you need to be wary of your surroundings and be careful as you walk along the sandy and rocky path which for the most part is in great condition. With such a large volume of foot traffic, the trail is easily identifiable and is accessible for hikers of all skills and fitness levels.

The first part of the hike is uphill to the summit before you begin heading down to the viewing area of the canyon. There are a couple of spots along the route to step aside and marvel over the beautiful landscape that is in front of you, though the beauty of this natural attraction is that the closer you get to the edge, the better the views will be!

The latter part of the hike is the trickiest and as you approach the rocks and cliff head, it will entirely be up to you and your hiking skills as to how much you want to do. If you want a simple shot of Horseshoe Bend, just keep on the trail and you will be presented with the stereotypical view across the Canyon.

The more fearless folks will hike around the side to get a different, more unique angle of the Colorado River and Horseshoe Bend.

Be Careful and Enjoy

Approaching the edge of the trail, you will notice that there is nothing (I mean literally ZERO) in terms of protective barriers so it’s all down to you to determine just how close to the edge you want to get. PLEASE BE CAREFUL!

We visited Horseshoe Bend when the weather was rainy and overcast at first, so the rocks were slippy and extra care was needed. Any time you visit a location like this, first and foremost you need to ensure your safety regardless of that all important shot you are trying to capture.

As you walk along the rocks literally facing a 1,000 ft drop to the base of the canyon where the Colorado River passes through, anyone with a fear of heights may suffer here. As the title of this post suggests, be fearless and be rewarded! Overcome your fear of heights and you will be rewarded with breathtaking views overlooking Horseshoe Bend.

It’s really cool to stand atop Horseshoe Bend and peer over the edge and take in all of the distinguishable rock features that make up the canyon. Just like all the other canyons we explored during this trip, the vast number of rock types are easily identifiable through the contrasting colors.

I will admit that on several occasions Heather wandered a little too close to the edge for my liking and I probably did the same. It’s scary to think that any wrong move could be your last but the exhilarating feeling that goes through your veins as you embrace the natural beauty is well worth the anxiety that you may be experiencing.

We could have easily have spent several hours here taking in the panoramic views of the canyon and picking out the campers on the plains of the Colorado River clearly enjoying their time in the base as much as we were at the summit.

I was a little more adventurous than Heather in clambering to a few higher vantage points on the red rocks that surrounded the overlook, though we were both rewarded for spending some time here by the sun breaking through the clouds that really enhanced the view of Horseshoe Bend.

Summary

Arizona, also known as The Grand Canyon State, is spoiled for choice when it comes to natural attractions worth experiencing. Hiking to Horseshoe Bend is definitely one of these experiences and I would strongly encourage you to consider adding this to your itinerary after or before visiting the Grand Canyon.

In comparison with all the other breathtaking overlooks of the Colorado River, Horseshoe Bend stands above the rest with the unique characteristics of the horseshoe shape along with the perfect composition of the rocks that contrast against each other both in and above the canyon.

I would recommend allowing at least a hour or two to hike down and back, while allowing enough time to experience the beautiful scenery. Regardless of the weather conditions, you are going to have a memorable adventure at Horseshoe Bend.

Zion National Park Scenic Drive – The Must See Stops!

Utah

Chris Boothman

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Jun 11, 2015

25

Zion National Park Scenic Drive – The Must See Stops!

Utah is one of the most popular spots around the United States for adventure and nature travelers, due to its abundance of breathtaking scenery and natural environments. The top national parks in Utah, commonly referred to as ‘The Mighty 5’ attract millions of visitors every year and after experiencing them, you will certainly understand why.

During our recent road trip around Arizona and Utah, we were fortunate to experience three of these five and first up was Zion. If you are limited for time as we were, the best way to explore is to take the Zion National Park scenic drive.

Having visited the Grand Canyon National Park already and basically being struck with awe at how breathtaking this was, we headed to Zion with high expectations hoping that our ‘Welcome to Utah’ would be equally as memorable. I will let you decide whether Zion can compete with the Grand Canyon, but I can attest that Zion was certainly a memorable and worthwhile experience!

Location and History

Zion National Park is located in the south-west corner of Utah and not far from the Arizona state line. Our visit to Zion saw us take a road trip from the Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona and then across the state line (and time zone) into Utah before we arrived at the east entrance to Zion National Park.

Zion is Utah’s oldest national park dating back to 1919 when it was given this designation. Just like the many other national parks in this part of the country, Zion is stacked with beauty and natural landscapes that make any visitors envious of their surroundings. From canyons to gorgeous red rocks that provide a unique focal point as you pass by, Zion National Park is a dream waiting to be explored.

Zion National Park Scenic Drive

Road trips and scenic drives…we thrive on these!! Hopping in our car and taking in an abundance of gorgeous natural scenery is right at the top of what we love to do. But of course, it’s not all about driving. In our eyes, a scenic drive involves driving and stopping numerous times to really explore the hidden gems of a location and this is exactly what we did during our winding trip through Zion National Park’s scenic route.

After passing through the town of Kanab that is located just south of the east entrance to Zion, we again saw the benefit of our National Park annual pass by bypassing the $25 entrance fee. I will reiterate again the value of this pass, especially if you are planning on exploring Utah and Arizona on the same trip.

The drive from the East entrance to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and nearby town of Springdale takes around a hour and a half though this will fluctuate depending on how much time you want to spend at the various lookout points. Referred to as simply ‘Highway 9’, this route cuts directly through the heart of Zion National Park offering a myriad of stunning views of the natural landscape in this part of Utah.

So what can you expect to see along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway? The majority of the drive takes place along this highway before you reach the final section which joins with the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive which is only accessible by shuttle for the majority of the year. But after reading this post, you will have a better understanding as to what you can see without having to take a Zion shuttle.

Checkerboard Mesa

The first notable landmark after passing through the East entrance is Checkerboard Mesa. Standing at 6,670ft, this is one of the most iconic attractions throughout Zion and is particularly popular given its location and easy access from Highway 9.

Where does the name ‘Checkerboard Mesa’ derive from? Take a look at this mountain and you will soon realize why! The distinctive geologic features of this make the appearance look very similar to that of a checkers board, so it was aptly named this by the superintendent of Zion in 1938. By the way, it was formerly named Rock Candy Mountain – I’ll let you decide which you prefer!

A combination of natural erosion due to weathering caused by the freezing and thawing cycle, along with the wind erosion has lead to the creation of this checkerboard design. A 2 mile round-trip hike is another popular attraction but I think seeing this from the side of the road is equally as impressive (though I would to take a return trip to Zion to hike some of the many awesome rocky terrains!).

Zion Tunnel

Even though the main reason for visiting Zion National Park is to experience the natural beauty, the Zion Tunnel which you pass through along Highway 9 is a pretty awesome piece of engineering ingenuity. At a distance of just over a mile in length, this tunnel is a spectacle in its own right and is one of the busiest spots in the park.

Depending on the direction you are visiting from, there is an awesome overlook at the top of the mountain (for us it was prior to entering the tunnel as we visited Zion from the east) which is just a short hike from the road.

CAUTION – Parking is extremely difficult throughout Zion National Park, particularly at this overlook which is a very popular spot for visitors. I would encourage you to try and visit this spot early or be prepared to make a couple of trips through the tunnel in order to try and find a spot. Unfortunately we were not one of the fortunate few, and given the inclement weather we decided to move along and explore further parts of Zion.

This hike is renowned as the easiest throughout the park that allows you to see all of the canyon from the top looking down.

Zion’s Beautiful Topography

Driving through Zion really does take your breath away. One of the challenges is knowing when to stop and capture some of the breathtaking memories because there are just so many spots given the distinct topography that is typical of much of Utah’s national parks.

From the towering sandstone behemoths that look like they are about to fall over at any time, to the perfectly manicured arches that you would associate with Arches National Park, Zion is a perfect collaboration of all the geologic wonders you may want to explore.

You may be interested in parking your car and hiking to some of Zion’s famous attractions such as Weeping Rock and the Court of the Patriarchs, but if you don’t have time for that just stumbling across some of Zion’s topographical beauty is worthy of your time.

As we passed by admiring our surroundings, I will admit that much of the landscape blended together and actually identifying major geological landmarks was long forgotten.

Forget trying to find those iconic structures on the tourist path, and instead admire and reminisce on the beauty that is around you as you drive slowly along Highway 9 – I guarantee that this will be a rewarding experience that will make you want to book a return trip to Zion right away!

Encounters with Zion’s Wildlife

You don’t need to stray too far from the beaten path…ok Highway 9… to find some of Zion’s local floral and fauna. We were fortunate to see a deer just a few steps from the side of the road though reports of seeing condors, hawks, eagles and even bighorn sheep were unfortunately left for others as we failed to see any of these.

Visiting Zion National Park in May is a great time to experience the beautiful floral colors of Utah. Of course the floral species that flourish here need to be hardy souls given the extreme climate experienced for much of the year, along with the sandy conditions experienced in the landscape’s topography.

Summary

Who would have thought that taking a drive through a national park could be just as rewarding as getting out and hiking through the wilderness. Ok so maybe it’s not quite the same, but the Zion National Park scenic drive offers a variety of amazing stopping points that provide breathtaking views of the park, plus offer a number of short hikes to find some of the hidden gems of Zion.

Heather and I both agree that we would like to return to Zion to spend more time here because we really didn’t get to explore as much of Zion Canyon as we would have liked. But this scenic drive does give a brief snippet of the beauty inside Zion, and will definitely make you want to arrange a return trip!

You can check out more of our pictures from our scenic drive through Zion here: Zion National Park, Utah.

An InLinkz Link-up

Where Are the Best Grand Canyon Lookout Points?

Arizona

Chris Boothman

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Jun 4, 2015

16

Where Are the Best Grand Canyon Lookout Points?

Some things in life are worth waiting for, while others you just have to experience to understand the true natural beauty they possess. Taking a Grand Canyon road trip from Las Vegas was one of the most rewarding experiences we have ever encountered, so hopefully, after reading this post you will be inspired to visit for yourselves. Trying to find stunning Grand Canyon lookout points is not as easy as it sounds, especially when there are so many to choose from and with such a vast area that the canyon covers you have to be prepared to know where you are going.

When you think about some of the most breathtaking natural attractions around the world, there are likely to be a number of various locations that spring to mind. But I am convinced that many of you will mention the Grand Canyon as one of these natural wonders, hence the reason why this was voted as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World as determined by CNN in 2008.

The Grand Canyon Road Trip Begins

If you have not yet visited the Grand Canyon…Where have you been? Don’t worry, we only just visited Arizona’s finest attraction recently so you are not the only ones! However, you really are missing out on a majestic destination of spectacular beauty unless you decide to pay this National Park a visit in the near future! Just as the great Theodore Roosevelt stated:

In the Grand Canyon, Arizona has a natural wonder which is in kind absolutely unparalleled throughout the rest of the world.

Grand Canyon National Park

Having visited a number of gorgeous natural attractions around the world, of course, we headed to the Grand Canyon with high levels of anticipation, yet not really knowing what to expect despite all of the mass media attention that this location receives.

Excitement mixed with a hint of trepidation given that we feared we may be let down by this natural wonder filtered through our veins as we made the 4-hour journey from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon South Rim entrance.

There are really three main focal points worth visiting when considering where the best vantage point is to explore the Grand Canyon. Depending on what type of road trip you want to take or which direction you are heading will likely determine which of the three ‘rims’ are most suitable for you.

WEST RIM – Key highlight is the Skywalk observation deck.
NORTH RIM – Key highlight is this is a much more remote destination than the others (more difficult to access also).
SOUTH RIM – Key highlight is accessibility and stunning lookout points – stereotypical Grand Canyon views are easy to find.

One thing is for sure…all three rims offer stunning scenery so you won’t be left disappointed whichever you choose!

Our itinerary saw us venture south from Las Vegas to Kingman, Arizona and then across I-40 to Williams before heading north to the Grand Canyon South Rim. The drive is pleasant and depending on your time constraints you may consider visiting some of the old western towns along the infamous Route 66 highway which runs parallel to I-40 for much of the route.

Passing through the National Park entrance and paying our $80 fee for a one-year annual pass for all USA National Parks, we headed in pursuit of our holy grail – the breathtaking views of the Canyon!

Unfortunately, we didn’t realize that Arizona, in particular, the Grand Canyon, encounters a climate of its very own and during the two days there, we experienced everything from snow showers and thunderstorms to gorgeous sunshine. But a little unpredictable weather wasn’t going to prevent us from exploring everything this National Park had to offer.

As you pass by the elk grazing in the national forest, you immediately realize that you are somewhere special. It’s not every day that you run across wildlife willing to pose for pictures as the many elk do in the Grand Canyon National Park. Meanwhile back to the real reason we visited here – the unmissable views across the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Our first day here saw us spend some time at a number of overlook points close to the visitor center. I would highly recommend taking time to speak with the local park rangers who will give advice on the best trails to hike and some hidden spots which will provide memorable views across the canyon. From novice trails to high-profile adventurer climbs, there is something for everyone’s fitness levels at the Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Lookout Points

Where do you even start when it comes to finding the best viewing points at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim?

1. Mather Point

One of the first views that visitors to the South Rim are presented with is at Mather Point. I will say that this is not necessarily the best spot at the Grand Canyon for views but it is still pretty impressive and well worth taking the time to experience.

Located directly next to the visitor center, it is within walking distance of the parking lot and also gives a great look at the canyon before you decide where your travels will take you next.

There are a couple of expansive overlooks with protective barriers providing slightly different angles of the canyon, but if you are adventurous like we were you can capture some less crowded spots right by this point that provide equally spectacular scenes of the Grand Canyon vistas.

2. Yavapai Point

Moving away from the visitor center, a great spot to view what I believe is a more impressive canyon is Yavapai Point.

Situated close to the Yavapai Geology Museum where you can find detailed information on the geological composition of the Grand Canyon, this viewpoint offers some of the best vistas available especially when the weather is kind to you.

Yavapai Point is one of the first opportunities to really catch a glimpse of the Colorado River and perhaps now reality sets in as you realize just how far down the canyon drops!

3. Bright Angel & Lookout Studio Viewpoints

Perched on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the Lookout Studio which is a historic building providing gorgeous views of the canyon terraces.

“The Lookout” is located close to Bright Angel Lodge which is a perfect spot to stay the night before venturing down into the canyon along Bright Angel Trail.

Our time at the Lookout Studio was marred due to a pretty dense fog that set in across the Grand Canyon. However, the eerie atmosphere created a perfect setting as we contemplated the many stories that have been told here.

4. Moran Point

After exploring all of the gorgeous spots around the visitor center, we headed on a scenic road trip towards Cameron along the East Rim Drive. I was pleasantly surprised at the number of locations along this route where you could capture unique panoramic views.

Moran Point is one of the more popular spots offering perfect scenery of three of the Grand Canyon’s main rock groups.

The contrast in rock colors is evident especially when the sun is filtering down through the canyon. We visited Moran Point just after sunrise and this is definitely a great spot to capture pictures around the Golden Hour.

5. Navajo Point

Renowned as the highest viewing point on the South Rim, Navajo Point offers yet more breathtaking scenes across the Grand Canyon. At just under 7,500 feet, the views here are expansive and provide a true representation of the vast color dynamics and geological structures that make up the gorgeous Grand Canyon that we all love.

Easily accessible along the East Rim Drive, Navajo Point is one of the final stops along this route just before you reach the Desert Watchtower. Make the most of your time here and take in the beautiful scenery because soon you will be heading out of this amazing Natural Wonder.

Views of the Colorado River are available but the real attraction here is the myriad of buttes including the Escalante and Cardenas that are prevalent among the plethora of geologic wonders.

Allow your eyes to start out west and then slowly gaze across the landscape eastwards. Perhaps because I was a huge geography buff during my high school and university days, this is a really awesome attraction and definitely brings back memories of studying the different factors that caused these wonders to be formed.

6. Desert View

The final lookout point on the East Rim Drive (or first if you enter the park from the East) is Desert View which is accompanied by a watchtower that dates back to 1932. The view here is quite different as it offers a partial view of the plains surrounding the Colorado River, in addition to more picturesque landscapes of the canyon floor.

This is the final spot along the South Rim because the canyon diverts steeply into Cedar Canyon, another gorgeous natural form which is a tributary of the Little Colorado River.

I really think Desert View is worthy of spending quite some time here, not only to learn about Navajo history through the wall art and murals inside the watchtower but also to take in the unique views of the Colorado River and peaks that typify the Grand Canyon.

Summary

Breathtaking views and stunning scenery are common occurrences at the Grand Canyon and only when you see this for yourself will you truly appreciate the beauty here. Visiting this national park for the first time made us realize that conducting a little research prior to your trip is critical in helping you determine the best lookout points.

Of course, hiking the Grand Canyon is whole other ball game but sometimes you don’t have the time to experience the canyon on foot!

Hopefully, this post will give you a few tips as to what are the best Grand Canyon lookout points. Whatever you decide to experience, you will not be disappointed! The hardest part about visiting the Grand Canyon is leaving.

If you are interested in checking out all of our pictures from our trip to Grand Canyon, you can see them here: Grand Canyon National Park

A Guide to Exploring St Louis Off the Beaten Path

Missouri

Heather Boothman

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Jun 1, 2015

15

A Guide to Exploring St Louis Off the Beaten Path

Having traveled to St. Louis several times before, I am beyond excited to have traveled this time with Heather to find those hidden gems in the city of Cardinal pride. Cardinal baseball is iconic in the south and I have supported them since I was a little girl watching Mark McGuire break records. The downtown area is equipped with many historical landmarks and attractions for your added entertainment, but it is “St Louis off the beaten path” that we explored during our recent trip.

After reading this post, hopefully, this will entice you to visit St. Louis, Missouri to explore these hidden gems and experience the fine attractions and delicious cuisine options around ‘The Gateway to the West’. We strongly encourage you to book a hotel in the St. Louis area and take some time to explore everything there is to see off the beaten path.

Exploring Diverse Neighborhoods

The Hill

The first stop we made on our trip after arriving in St. Louis was in a small neighborhood known as The Hill, which is located just south of Forest Park and interestingly got its name as it’s known to be the highest point in the city. The Hill is primarily an Italian American neighborhood and boasts in it’s Italian cuisine with an assortment of authentic Italian restaurants and bakeries.

The best way to experience The Hill is by foot – that way you can see for yourself how tight-knit this neighborhood really is.

The Delmar Loop

Next up on our road trip was exploring The Loop, a suburb of University City that gets its name from a streetcar turnaround that was located in the area over a century ago. Now, the Loop displays some of the most contemporary establishments in and around St. Louis.

With so much to offer, The Loop will not disappoint. The Loop offers a vast array of attractions such as restaurants, music clubs, coffee shops, and boutiques.

Benton Park and Tower Grove Park

We then decided to drive around and see what else we could find and in that, we found a couple of new neighborhoods and parks to explore – Benton Park and Tower Grove Park.

Benton Park, St. Louis’ second oldest park, is in a small neighborhood, also called Benton Park. Located south of the main downtown area of St. Louis, Benton Park has a small lake and a couple of rustic bridges made out of cast-iron, a perfect representation of its early history.

Tower Grove Park is located adjacent to the Missouri Botanical Gardens. This gem is hidden in plain sight, offering well shaded paved paths, tons of pavilions for a variety of different events, and not to mention spectacular landscaping.

Discovering Eateries

Fitz’s Bottling Company

Before leaving The Loop, we had to make a pit-stop at Fitz’s Bottling Company. Not only is Fitz’s a restaurant, it’s also a microbrewery with many flagship flavors such as the iconic Cardinal Cream. Along with their full range of sodas to choose from, Fitz’s also offers classic American-style cuisine as well as various shakes, malts, and not to mention floats.

While taste testing their sodas, we were able to watch as they were being bottled right in front of us, which I must say was an unforgettable experience.

Gus’ Pretzels

While exploring the Benton Park area, we discovered Gus’ Pretzels, which is a local third-generation pretzel shop situated in the shadow of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and right next door to the Soulard area. Gus’ Pretzels offers a one-of-a-kind experience as you get to watch the whole production process take place.

If you love pretzels, then I’m confident that you’ll love Gus’. Gus’ not only offers pretzels, but they also have hotdogs and a variety of different sandwiches as well.

Imo’s Pizza

Next up is Imo’s Pizza, which you can only find in and around the St. Louis area. Imo’s is notorious for their “original St. Louis-style pizza,” which comprises of a thin crust and the use of Provel cheese – a combination of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone. I am not sure if the picture does this justice but this pizza was AMAZING!

Imo’s not only has outstanding pizza, they have pastas, salads, and sandwiches as well, so plenty of choice for everyone regardless of your tastebuds.

Imo’s has definitely made me a fan of their St. Louis-style pizza and I plan on making that a routine stop when returning to St. Louis in the future.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

After Imo’s, we decided to try out for ourselves a local frozen custard place that everyone had been raving about. Ted Drewes is located on Chippewa St. on historic Route 66 and when we got there, I was a little reluctant due to the amount of people in line. However, we were determined to try it and knew we were in for a real treat.

I can’t even begin to describe the amount of people that were waiting in line to order. Luckily, there were twelve different windows open, so it didn’t take long to get through. They have such a large selection of options plus an assortment of different toppings to choose from that it can get a bit overwhelming, but once you find the right combination, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

Ted Drewes is definitely a must-stop when you’re in St. Louis – you really can’t make a trip to the city without a visit to the best frozen custard around!

Other Finds Along the Way

Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate Company

While exploring The Hill, we knew we had to stop at a local chocolate factory when we heard that they were giving free tours. And no, you don’t have to have one of those golden tickets to get a peek inside. Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate Company (say that three times fast) went beyond our expectations.

Of course, we were concerned with the intricate details of how their chocolate was made, but what we didn’t realize was that in order to make their product unique, they needed a balance of all natural ingredients and artisan chocolatiers to enhance customer satisfaction. This is what makes Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate Company different than many renowned chocolate factories today.

Forest Park and the St. Louis Zoo

Before heading home, we decided to swing by Forest Park and make a stop at the St. Louis Zoo. Forest Park is one of the largest parks in the United States and is approximately 500 acres larger than Central Park in New York City.

Being at the “heart of St. Louis,” Forest Park is home to not only the St. Louis Zoo, but also the St. Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, and the St. Louis Science Center.

Forest Park is without a doubt a gem that you won’t find anywhere else and always has tons of things to do and events going on all year round – whether it’s sledding down Art Hill during the winter or renting a paddle boat during the summer.

Of course, we couldn’t pass up going to the St. Louis Zoo, which is known to be one of the top zoos in the country. The St. Louis Zoo offers free admission and also offers some additional attractions at a small fee.

There are a wide variety of animals that range from giraffes and lions to monkeys and penguins – with penguins being both mine and Heather’s favorite.

If you’re in St. Louis, it really is a must that you stop by Forest Park and check out all the different attractions and events going on.

Summary

If you have never been to St. Louis before, you really are missing out on a great adventure. Not only should you visit some of the top attractions such as the Gateway Arch, Grant’s Farm, and Anheuser-Busch Brewery, you should also check out some of the hidden gems that we embarked upon.

On the other hand, if you have been to St. Louis before and have never had a chance to explore the city, I highly recommend checking out the above and even do some exploring of your own – you never know what you’ll find. I am delighted to have been able to discover many different hidden gems in the city and I hope that if you pay a visit, you will also take the opportunity to scout out some of these unheralded spots because you will certainly not be disappointed!

This post was written by Mallorie Deaton after we visited St. Louis, Missouri on a recent weekend trip together. Mallorie is a fellow Arkansan and we had an amazing time experiencing all of the hidden gems around St. Louis. Thanks Mallorie for putting together a great post highlighting our experiences together!

Barcelona Mass Tourism – Destroying Local Culture

Spain

Chris Boothman

-

May 28, 2015

20

Barcelona Mass Tourism – Destroying Local Culture

Visiting Barcelona holds many attractions for travelers around the world, yet despite the large volume of tourism that this Spanish city attracts every year, did you know that the capital of Catalonia is experiencing many negative issues associated with this? Barcelona mass tourism is undoubtedly having a detrimental effect, so it’s no surprise to hear that the patriotic locals are trying to keep the masses away from destroying the heritage they all love to cherish.

The best way for any outsider visiting a city like Barcelona to be welcomed is to show a certain appreciation for the beauty that lies within, rather than trying to take advantage and spoil the inherent look and feel of it. However, we all know that this doesn’t always happen so I wanted to take a look at Barcelona as a perfect case study to see how tourism is impacting this city!

History of Tourism

According to an article by Duran in the early 21st century, tourism in Barcelona equated to 14% of the overall economy. It’s likely that this figure is still a consistent number so it’s inevitable that tourism is a huge component of Barcelona’s rapidly growing economy.

The history of tourism in Barcelona really dates back to the 1992 Summer Olympics which changed the direction of the city’s rapid expansion. But tourism statistics are also attributed to the well-developed investment legacies of the local governments in recent decades.

So let’s take a look at some numbers…In 1990, Barcelona saw only 1.7 million visitors enter the city limits! In 2012, this number had increased to a staggering 7.4 million! We are now seeing over 8 million over the last 3 years making Barcelona the 10th most visited city around the world, and third in Europe behind only London and Paris.

Mass Tourism Problems

It’s all well and good having 8 million tourists wandering Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella (Old City), but there are clearly a number of drawbacks that Barcelona has recently been exposed to. I recently read a really interesting article by Barcelona local resident, Yara Coelho from Heart of a Vagabond, who discussed this very topic of how tourism is out of control and destroying the city of Barcelona. I think Yara hit some really key points here and certainly voiced what many locals are clearly thinking.

I decided to reflect on our experiences in Barcelona and consider some of the main issues related to mass tourism.

1. Lack of Respect

I don’t care where you are traveling to, but when you enter another country or city you better be respectful of the customs, society and overall environment that you are surrounded by. Unfortunately not everyone follows these guidelines and Barcelona has been experiencing many unruly visitors taking advantage of local ideologies.

During our recent trip to Barcelona, we participated in an awesome food tour of the Gràcia neigbohood by Devour Barcelona, and our tour guide gave us a pretty cool insight into the locals impressions of tourists. As we wandered around the local market, we took several pictures of the stalls and then asked our guide if the stall owners were ok with this. She was pretty open with us when she said, “Honestly, no they are not ok with it!”

Drunken behavior is a typical reflection of tourists visiting the streets of Barcelona. With football being such a huge spectacle in this city, locals are frequently encountering drunken tourists from all corners of the globe enjoying Barça in action both before and after matches. Knock-on effects lead to vandalism and other negative social issues around the city such as drug abuse.

2. Price Hikes

Increased tourism may helps diversify and stabilize the local economy, but at the same time it can have the reverse effect for local communities in that the price of living rise astronomically. The stereotypical multiplier-effect takes place through new money being brought into the economy leading to the creation of new jobs within these industries. But what we rarely establish is just how much these new jobs are paying. Frequently these new positions reflect in the lowest paying jobs throughout the local economy!

Have you ever wondered when you walk around a ‘touristy’ neighborhood why you are paying extortionate prices for souvenirs or even day to day products? The answer is simply to look at yourself! Increased numbers of visitors leads to an influx of tourism centered industries and this even spreads into local businesses who feel the need to raise their prices simply to survive.

How does this affect local communities? Yet again it is another unfortunate negative response! I recently read an article in the British newspaper, The Daily Mail, that focused on the Barcelona demonstrations that took place in September 2014 around La Sagrada Familia. Price hikes among other reasons are simply making locals fed up with tourism and honestly I don’t blame them.

3. Inherently Rude Behavior

I’m fed up with being elbowed. I’m not a rude person but at times I run out of patience. (Abel Maruny, 2014 Barcelona protestor)

This was a quote by one of the many protestors during the 2014 events that took place in an attempt for local authorities to see what mass tourism is doing to the local economy. You may think that this is directly related to ‘lack of respect’ which I focused on first, and ultimately you would be correct! But I want to emphasize that this rude behavior is what really irks many of the locals and understandably so.

Could you imagine walking around your home town and seeing thousands of tourists walking around like it is their very own, even wandering around naked? Me either! So why should we take this approach when visiting another country?

I’m completely opposed to this and I hope that when we read posts like this it will encourage all of us to take a look at just how we travel and perhaps ALL OF US could do something a little different to really enhance our reputation.

I want to add a caveat right now that it’s a real small population of tourists that are extremely rude and I am sure most of us are vigilant and respectful. But do we go above and beyond? I will turn this over to you to take a moment and consider your response!

4. Urban Gentrification and Modernization

Arriving at Barcelona El Prat International airport for the first time, we headed to the train that would take us downtown to the heart of the city. My initial impression saw us pass through almost a rural setting with fields heavily populated with crops and a real sense of local community as we saw farmers harvesting their products. This didn’t last long as we approached the suburbs and soon after central business district of Barcelona.

Walking out of the train station, we were immediately faced with Passeig de Gracia. I will admit that my first impression was just how beautiful it was here. The hustle and bustle of city life was apparent here and I had a real feeling of a modernized society, though fortunately Gaudi’s inspiration is still apparent through the upkeep of La Pedrera and Casa Batllo.

From Tiffany & Co. to Valentino, the highest profile designer stores are located along this street and everywhere you look, there is another store opening!

Urban gentrification is a familiar yet controversial concept in many cities around the world.

… any facet of urban renewal that inevitably leads to displacement of the occupying demographic. (Wikipedia)

Many of the local neighborhoods in Barcelona are seeing low-cost housing being replaced with high-rise corporate offices or apartment complexes. A real positive vs. negative comparison has to be realized here when considering the outcome of what we can term ‘urbanization’ throughout Barcelona.

5. Beach City vs Cultural Haven

What is the first thing that springs to mind when you think about Barcelona? The answer to this question may very well depend on the type of traveler or dare I say ‘tourist’ that you are. Unfortunately, Barcelona is widely recognized as a beach city due to its proximity to the gorgeous Mediterranean and the pristine beaches that are available. With a perfect climate, why wouldn’t you want to experience this part of Spain!

However, this is NOT what Barcelona is about! There is so much more to see and experience in this city and I am delighted that the Barcelona CVB is making a real push right now at focusing on “Barcelona as a cultural haven”. From Gaudi inspiration to the rediscovery of modernism in the aftermath of the 1992 Summer Olympics, Barcelona is hub of cultural flair.

The key point here is that tourists are missing a lot of what Barcelona’s heritage is all about. I don’t want to stereotype everyone here because clearly Gaudi’s leading attractions such as La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell are hugely popular, but what about some of those hidden gems that deserve more attention.

But perhaps this is a Catch-22 situation with some of the aforementioned issues as exposing some of the cultural gems to more tourism would lead to other negative consequences!

Summary

Having visited Barcelona only once, I am by no means an expert on tourism in this part of the world. However, it doesn’t take very long to see what is happening to such a beautiful city and I just hope that visitors to this city pay the respect that it richly deserves.

Tourism is a concept that every city strives for because it undoubtedly boosts the overall economy. Without it a city would likely be destroyed, but reflecting on Barcelona’s situation it’s possible that even with it, a city may be struggle to survive, at least from the locals perspective!

Perhaps this is being a little over-cynical because Barcelona is clearly thriving in many ways, but I hope this post provides a little more thinking material before you take a destination for granted.

Take a step back and think about the locals for a moment and consider how you would feel if millions of visitors walked into your homeland. You may just be surprised at the outcome!

An InLinkz Link-up

Girls Getaway – Setting Sail to the Gulf

Alabama

Heather Boothman

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May 21, 2015

15

Girls Getaway – Setting Sail to the Gulf

Who doesn’t love a road trip for a fun-filled girls getaway? For me this meant grabbing my mom and sister and the timing couldn’t be more perfect to set sail to the Gulf! My sister is a month away from getting married and with the suggestion of a vacation to the beach over Mother’s Day weekend my mom was all in favor. Actually I believe her exact words were “Shoot Yeah” and if you know my mom it sounds just like her.

Having always been to Destin, Florida this was a change for them but they were very optimistic about all the new adventures we were going to have, especially with this being an all girls getaway (sorry guys!) The first question they asked me was, “What is there to do there?” I have nothing but great memories in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, so along with a few new experiences thrown into the mix I knew they didn’t need to worry about finding enough ‘fun in the sun’!

Where Did We Stay?

Turquoise Place, Orange Beach

Welcome to Turquoise Place by Spectrum Resorts, located in Orange Beach! Hands down the best, yes I said BEST, resort I have ever stayed at! Lets talk about the amenities…Gourmet kitchen, wet bar with wine cooler and ice maker, gas fireplace, lazy river, sauna and steam room, wi-fi, and so much more.

Did I forget to mention that each of these luxury suites has a jacuzzi and a grill on the balcony! Are you sold yet? You should be!

We had everything that we needed right in front of us, plus the added incentive of private beach access along with the sauna and pools was just an added bonus. Being able to wake up and hear and see the ocean is a great way to start the morning. Who can complain about that right?

Turquoise Place stands apart from all their competitors through these great amenities but that isn’t enough, they have really added to their competitive advantage by introducing the Clean Bed Guarantee not only at this location, but across all Spectrum Resort accommodations. Spectrum Resorts now have a policy in place to ensure that you have all clean linens and comforter for each stay.

Trust me when I tell you that this really does make a difference and you will notice it!

What Did We Eat?

Latitude 30 – Perdido Beach Resort

Waking up bright and early, of course leaving Turquoise Place was inevitably difficult but we decided to hop across the street down to Perdido Beach Resort to have breakfast in their restaurant, Latitude 30. The resort has been around since the 1980s and has recently gone through extensive renovations to modernize the overall look.

Once inside Latitude 30 you are faced with a breakfast buffet and for $9.99 you get a wide variety including fresh fruit, bacon or sausage, hashbrowns, scrambled eggs among other options.

Amazing food but there is also something a little extra special about this breakfast experience. Her name is Glinda and she is the chef at Latitude 30. For breakfast she makes custom order omelettes for her guests. The kicker is not just the jalapeños Glinda adds to her amazing omelettes, but she is always smiling and happy to start her day, good or bad she makes an impact on peoples lives with her stories and positive outlook.

I asked her what her secret was and she said:

To treat everyone like family, you want to make the best for your family.

What an amazing inspiration for travelers’ coming to the area for a vacation and ending up with more family than they came with!

Cayman Grill

Dinner on our first night saw us pay a visit to the Cayman Grill, also located in Orange Beach. Walking into this beautiful restaurant, we were immediately greeted by the friendly staff and the massive stingray tank located in the heart of the restaurant. We instantly knew this was going to be a cool experience!

Chargrilled oysters to start the meal, followed by an array of fish from yellowfin tuna to black grouper with lemon risotto and oven-roasted vegetables.

Does the sound of this make you hungry? Our waiter recommended the key lime pie for dessert and it will come as no surprise when I tell you just how amazing this was!

Are you ready for the recipe for all these delectable delights? Sorry folks, you will just have to head on down to Cayman Grill and sample this fine cuisine for yourselves, it’s well worth the trip.

Food in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is unique and provides a real sense of individuality in every restaurant you visit. Whether it’s the atmosphere or cuisine, local restaurants have great pride in customer service as well as the presentation of each dish.

I love how when you walk in the door you are treated like family. This social interaction is definitely a concept that Cayman Grill thrives on and not something you experience in traditional chain restaurants!

What Did We Do?

Waves of Wine Festival

Every second Saturday in May the community comes together to raise money for the lifeguards in the area through the amazing Waves of Wine festival. With variations of local craft beers and wines to choose from, you will not be short of things to experience.

After checking in, you are given a gift bag that contains a list of all the vendors products that are available for purchase. You are also given your own wine glass for sampling as many of these local wines and craft beers as you wish.

Just a quick heads up, if you want to purchase anything I would recommend buying early because you run the chance of your favorite product being sold out.

The festival also features some of the finest local restaurants in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Samples of the restaurants famous appetizers are available to pair with the wine or beer of your choice. During the festival hours there are also boat rides around the bay area while you sip your favorite concoction.

This is usually a sold out festival, which means mingling and getting to know your neighbor is easy and a great environment for us to spend the afternoon.

We all enjoyed sampling Gulf Shores finest wine selections and although none of us are wine connoisseurs, this was our chance to improve our skills and enjoy an entertaining atmosphere.

Sail Wild Hearts

Sailing is not normally something that I actively participate in, primarily because I always seem to get sick at the drop of a hat due to the confined space and movement out at sea. However, I heard from several people that an evening cruise with Sail Wild Hearts is an amazing cruise and not to be missed!

We opted for the sunset cruise at 5:30pm and since we arrived early, we were able to take in the beautiful scenery by the dock before setting sail into the Gulf.

Once we boarded the 53-foot catamaran, our captain went over a few essential safety items and other important information before we headed out into the Gulf. It was a little rough at first but then I quickly got the hang of how awesome sailing was and the environment matched perfectly.

Snacks and refreshments were provided and once we got about 2-3 miles into the ocean we started to fish and watch for dolphins. This alone is worth taking the cruise, especially if you are fortunate enough to see dolphins!

A little background music provided a perfect atmosphere and really captivated the true sailing experience while the sun was setting in the background.

The staff of Sail Wild Hearts was always helpful and personable, especially when the hula-hoop competition broke out. I think it was pretty obvious that the captain was an expert in this field and we can award him the hula master title!

As The Sun Sets…

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is the perfect location for a girls getaway to relax and soak up the sun. Whether you are heading to the Gulf to simply relax on the pristine private beaches while staying at the gorgeous Turquoise Place, or perhaps you want to be a little more adventurous with a cool sunset cruise with Sail Wild Hearts, there is plenty to keep you entertained.

The only negative aspect of this trip was having to leave! Who wouldn’t want to stay in luxury for longer? When it comes to hospitality, amazing cuisine and a friendly atmosphere, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has it all! I challenge you and your girlfriends to head to this part of Alabama and set sail to the Gulf!

If you would like to see more pictures from our amazing trip to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, along with previous adventures there, check out our photo gallery here: Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Disclaimer – We would like to thank Turqouise Place by Spectrum Resorts and Gulf Shores and Orange Beach for hosting us on this trip. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.

An InLinkz Link-up

Where to Find the Best Tapas in Barcelona

Spain

Chris Boothman

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May 18, 2015

6

Where to Find the Best Tapas in Barcelona

Take a stroll around the Ciutat Vella (‘Old City’) of Barcelona at 11PM and you may be expecting to see many of the restaurants beginning to close their doors. But let’s face it we are talking about Barcelona here and the Spanish just love to sample their fine cuisine late in the day! What better way to spend an evening than by nibbling on some of the amazing dishes available at the tapas bars on every street corner in Barcelona. If you are heading to the Catalan capital for the first time, you are probably wondering where you can find the best tapas in Barcelona?

What is Tapas?

Let’s start with the basics – what is tapas? Tapas is typically a small, savory dish or appetizer that is served with drinks at a restaurant or bar. It is one of many great stereotypes that we associate with Spanish cuisine and I highly encourage you to try some of these great dishes to really embrace the local culture.

Life without Tapas is like a heart without love.

Don’t you just love the above quote by BKS Iyengar? After satisfying your appetite around some of Barcelona’s finest tapas bars, you will certainly agree with this!

After spending a day exploring Gaudi’s finest architectural designs around Barcelona, we were excited to experience authentic Spanish tapas. However, with such a plethora of amazing restaurants and bars to choose from it’s difficult to know where to start. We are always open to trying new experiences but when you read reviews online or listen to opinions, it’s all a subjective viewpoint so you just have to go with your own instinct and try a variety of locations around the city.

Here are a few restaurants that we ‘subjectively’ think offer some of the best tapas in Barcelona. We always welcome others opinions and look forward to returning to Spain to sample more authentic tapas traditions. A food tour with Devour Barcelona is one way to be introduced to some of the more ‘local’ options, but we also took it upon ourselves to experience a couple of tapas bars on our evening strolls around the city.

Trobador

Our first real experience of tapas was at Trobador Braseria Mediterranea located in the Plaça de Sant Miquel square. In the heart of the old city, this is one of the many stereotypical restaurants where you can relax either indoors or out, taking in the local atmosphere while dining the delicious cuisine.

So where do you begin when it comes to ordering tapas? It all depends on your tastebuds but I would encourage you to sample a variety to see exactly which are your favorites. We started out with three very different but typical Spanish dishes:

Spanish Omelette
Patatas Bravas
Huevos Estrellados

The Spanish Omelette was a basic yet very tasty way to start our tapas experience. Commonly referred to as Tortilla Española, it is a combination of potatoes and eggs. A hint of onion is sometimes added but this gastronomic specialty is best served as authentic as possible. I’m not a huge fan of the jalapeño pepper that was served as an accompaniment but I’m hoping this was more of an aesthetic garnish than anything else.

The omelette was a nice introduction to Spanish tapas but we were ready for more. Next up was Heather’s new favorite dish – patatas bravas. Another simple dish with cubed or sliced white potatoes served with a spicy tomato based sauce drizzled over the top.

Trobador’s dish added an extra twist to traditional patatas bravas by including cheese over the spicy sauce. The zesty flavor of the sauce combined with the cheese and potatoes was a perfect combination though of course this was our first experience of this dish so we didn’t know any different.

Our final cuisine at Trobador was Huevos Estrellados which is a simple dish of fried potatoes, fried eggs and Ibérico ham. As the eggs break and the yolk breaks out across the potatoes and ham, it is a delicious yet messy combination. It’s the ultimate comfort food but why not indulge while exploring the beautiful city of Barcelona.

We opted for three potato based cuisines and even with tapas style smaller dishes, our appetites were well-satisfied after devouring these. Plus Barcelona is such a great ‘walking’ city, so don’t worry about the calories in these dishes.

Address – Ferran, 46, Esquina Placa Sant Jaume (Placa de Sant Miquel), 08002 Barcelona, Spain

L’Anxoveta

If you read our recent post on our amazing food tour of Barcelona, you will note that we visited L’Anxoveta which is a traditional Spanish tapas bar offering authentic menu varieties that will really spark your interest as you explore the Gràcia neighborhood.

Owned by tapas expert Carlos, we were treated to a real display of awesome Spanish cuisine sampling some of the finest ‘pan con tomate’, also known as stereotypical Spanish tomato bread and a really cool looking Spanish meatball served with a spicy tomato sauce that added an extra kick to this dish!

Even though I hate tomatoes, the experience of making your very own tomato bread was pretty cool but waiting for la bomba was certainly worth it! I look forward to returning here just to sample more of these meatball delicacies.

Address – Calle San Domenec, 14-16, 08012 Barcelona, Spain

El Guindilla

Our final experience of tapas in Barcelona was also well worth the wait! Wandering around those gorgeous, narrow streets in the old city, we stumbled across El Guindilla, located along Calle Argenteria. This restaurant is situated in another of the stereotypical squares that offers a perfect reflection on Barcelona’s tight-knit community and how people enjoy their evenings relaxing among this perfect ambience.

With a little Spanish music playing in the background and flamed heaters providing a perfect romantic scene, we found a perfect table at El Guindilla and looked forward to devouring more authentic tapas.

Despite another array of amazing tapas cuisines to choose from, we opted for another order of patatas bravas and huevos estrellados.

Both provided a slightly different taste and appearance than our previous experience of these dishes, so we at least are now able to compare the two! I won’t say that we are tapas experts, but it’s nice to see how different chefs add their own personal touch to a pretty basic dish!

We also sampled their Fish and Chips, which is technically not a tapas dish but it was served like one!

Address – Calle Argenteria 53, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

What Do You Suggest?

I am delighted to be able to provide a number of other recommendations of great tapas bars around the Barcelona area. After reading all of these suggestions, I am convinced there will be something that appears. Here are what some of our fellow travel blogging friends have to say:

La Bombeta

Tucked on a side street near the beach in Barceloneta, La Bombeta retains the charming atmosphere of the neighborhood. There is nothing fancy here, except amazing food at great prices. The signature dish ‘bombas’ is not to be missed. Also try patatas bravas, croquets de jamon, chorizo, garlic shrimp and pimientos de padron.

Address – Calle de la Maquinista, 3, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

– Karilyn Owen, No Back Home

Tuscania Food and Wine

Tuscania Food and Wine is a wonderful, little tapas restaurant with a beautiful view of the Sagrada Familia. It’s a small oasis of authenticity in a sea of overpriced tourist traps. Very friendly and open owner.

Address – Carrer Mallorca, 434, 08013 Barcelona, Spain

– Bart Melis, Vetexbart

Tapas 24

In the trendy Eixample neighborhood just two blocks off the Plaça de Catalunya is Tapas 24. Built by Carles Abellan (a 13-year veteran of Ferran Adrià’s elBulli, Tapas 24 features old-style tapas favorites, often with new and creative twists, including the delicious Patatas Bravas.

Despite being absolutely gourmet, Tapas 24 is reasonably priced. There are only a handful of tables and long waits can be possible, but it’s worth it!

Address – Carrer de la Diputació, 269, 08007 Barcelona, Spain

– Lance Longwell, Travel Addicts

Paella del Arte

Paella del Arte is a small Tapas restaurant that is often not crowded, on a lovely street behind the Diagonal. The staff is very friendly. The food is out of this world, so good in fact that I went back several times while I was staying near there.

My favorite tapas at Paella:

Traditional Spanish omelette
Patatas Bravas
Chicken Croquettes
Marinated Pork Skewers
Meatballs

They also had sweet tapas for dessert. My favorite was lemon sorbet with Vodka poured over it. It was wonderful!

Address – Carrer de Provença, 271, 08008 Barcelona, Spain

– Alecia Kryworuka, Family Vacay

Bar Bodega Quimet

One of my favorite tapas bars in Barcelona is called Bar Bodega Quimet – not to be confused with the much more popular (and touristy) Quimet & Quimet! It is your classic Barcelona vermouth bar, an old fashioned place where locals squeeze in for a glass of vermouth and some olives, anchovies, and fuet.

Address – Carrer de Vic, 23, 08006 Barcelona, Spain

– Lauren Aloise, Spanish Sabores

Aitor Restaurant

Around the corner from La Sagrada Familia, Aitor Restaurant is a Basque-style “pinchas” experience. Point and choose what you eat. When you’re finished, they’ll count your toothpicks to determine your bill!

Address – Carrer de Sardenya, 324, 08025 Barcelona, Spain

– Betsy Wuebker, Passing Thru

Cerveceria Baviera

Good tapas right on La Rambla? You wouldn’t think so, but with all the foot traffic Cerveceria Baviera can maintain a huge, varied selection, and they keep the quality outstanding.

Try the tortilla with grilled peppers, patatas bravas, but whatever you do, don’t skip the Caracoles en Catalan (Catalan snails!)

Address – Les Rambles, 127, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

– Sean Boyle, Venturists

Maitea

The best tapas I’ve ever had was at Maitea in Barcelona. It was recommended to me by our AirBnB host who was a regular. My friends and I tried it on our first night and went back 4 more times throughout the week – it was that good! Maitea was quite popular and filled with locals in the evenings.

Don’t forget to keep your toothpicks because at the end they will count up your toothpicks and charge you accordingly. One of the best dining experiences of my life. Don’t miss it!

Address – Carrer de Casanova, 157, 08036 Barcelona, Spain

– Jordan Hamons, The Hungry Traveler

El Xampayet

My absolute favorite place in Barcelona is the classic, family-run El Xampayet in the Born district. Don’t miss their cheese-stuffed ‘pimientos’ or house made cava. They also have excellent botifarra and calamares, and if nothing else just ask for ‘una sorpresa’ (surprise) and you won’t be disappointed!

Address – Carrer de Montcada, 22, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

– Anne Lowrey, Part Time Traveler

El 58

El 58 offers a modern twist on tapas, without the pretentiousness those kinds of places often come with. The menu changes based on what’s in season and is brought to you hand written on a big black board.

Must try items are the botifarra with chickpeas and the patatas bravas, but I’ve loved every dish I’ve ever had there so you can’t really go wrong!

Address – Rambla del Poblenou, 58, 08005 Barcelona, Spain

– Edwina D, Travelling German

Vaso de Oro

It may be in all the guidebooks but Vaso de Oro still retains its traditional Spanish charm. You can sit along the bar, watch the food being prepared in front of you, and wash it all down with one of their own light or dark beers. We ordered Manchego served with roasted and salted almonds, and spicy tuna.

Address – Calle de Balboa, 6, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

– Kiara Gallop, Gallop Around The Globe

Summary

Hungry yet? What an array of amazing tapas bars to choose from. Rather than figuring out which one is right for you, here is my recommendation – TRY THEM ALL! Even though we only sampled three tapas bars during our short stay in Barcelona, I am intrigued to return to the Catalan capital to experience some of the other recommendations that our fellow travelers have suggested.

Whether you want to try the snails or perhaps the manchego with roasted almonds, there is a wealth of delectable cuisine to choose from!

Welcome to Barcelona!

Hiking Lloret de Mar – Costa Brava’s Stunning Coastline

Spain

Chris Boothman

-

May 14, 2015

20

Hiking Lloret de Mar – Costa Brava’s Stunning Coastline

Every country has a hidden spot that entices visitors to return and explore after visiting for the first time! Lloret de Mar may just be that very spot in Spain, though many would argue that the Spanish are spoiled for choice with a plethora of hidden gems around this beautiful nation. This stretch of Costa Brava coastline is infamous for the gorgeous beaches but after visiting here, it is the rugged landscape that makes this a perfect spot to go exploring. Hiking Lloret de Mar is clearly a popular choice among locals and tourists alike, and after seeing some of the pictures we captured, I am convinced you will understand why!

Lloret de Mar – A Hidden Gem

As soon as we heard that TBEX Europe was going to be held in Lloret de Mar, we were excited to find out more about this spot on the Costa Brava. A short drive from Barcelona ensures that Lloret de Mar is an easily accessible location yet this destination offers a number of attractions that makes it very unique in comparison to the more infamous city.

It’s plausible that Lloret de Mar hides in the limelight of Barcelona but when you see the beauty that lies within this coastal town, you will soon find out why this is such a popular tourist attraction.

Hiking Wilderness

Of course a visit to the Costa Brava wouldn’t be the same without taking in the gorgeous beaches along this stretch of Spanish Riviera. But the beauty of Lloret de Mar is when you step away from the beach and begin exploring the miles of hiking trails that take you along the rugged coastline and beyond into the beautiful Spanish wilderness (or so it seems as you start hiking as you have no real clue where you are going!)

After experiencing the beauty of the landscape in Lloret de Mar, I can’t think of any better location in Spain to take morning walk and take advantage of the ‘golden hour’ to capture some of those memorable sunrise shots.

But of course these hiking trails are equally as rewarding at any time of the day, including just before sunset which was when we really explored the majority of Lloret de Mar’s coastline.

Lloret de Mar to Fenals Coastal Path

The beautiful coastal footpath between Fenals and Lloret de Mar offers visitors the perfect opportunity to capture the sense of ruggedness, fine architecture and ultimate beauty. We headed to the heart of Lloret de Mar and began the route taking in some really cool monuments and attractions along the way.

The Fisherman’s Wife statue is an iconic representation of Lloret de Mar welcoming anyone to the coastal town.

The views from the plaza where the statue stands are stunning and if you are in the least bit interested in fantasy, legend has it that anyone who touches the foot of the monument while peering out across the ocean will have their wish come true! I’m not sure that I am a firm believer in this, but after appreciating the beauty along Lloret de Mar’s coastline, I could probably be swayed.

This coastal path is also home to Lloret de Mar’s very own ‘love lock’ collection though whether you consider to be a positive or negative addition to the landscape is entirely your choice!

Hiking along the Mediterranean in Lloret de Mar is for the most part pretty straightforward with a number of staircases and weaving turns the most complex that visitors are faced with.

However, there are a couple of opportunities for the more adventurous travelers to head on to the jagged rocks and inlets that veer out from the coastline.

The distinctive Castle of Sant Joan is what separates the Lloret de Mar beach and Fenals beach and taking a trip to this architectural masterpiece is yet another rewarding experience of hiking this coastal path. I never envisioned stumbling across such beautiful landmarks while taking a relaxing walk by the ocean – welcome to Lloret de Mar!

Why not take a moment to relax and take in the stunning scenery, I can’t think of many better spots to watch the sunset drop over the Mediterranean.

Floral Beauty

Stunning views across the ocean and relaxing to the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks are not the only benefits of hiking along the coastal paths of Lloret de Mar. Spring is a perfect season to visit Lloret to take in the gorgeous wild flowers that grow in this part of the world.

With a warm, temperate climate, it is no surprise that floral species flourish so much in Lloret de Mar. Although we didn’t get as far as exploring the gorgeous Santa Clotilde Gardens, the natural floral beauty was enough to enhance the experience of walking through a sea of picture perfect scenery.

Summary

Visiting Lloret de Mar was primarily for our TBEX experience but I am delighted that we had time to explore this hidden gem along the Costa Brava coastline. The coastal path that we explored is just one of the many hiking trails you could take around Lloret and a return visit to this part of Spain is definitely on the cards, even to just experience more of these beautiful landscapes.

I’m fascinated by beautiful scenery and what we have here on this Earth.

Natural beauty is much more rewarding than exploring artificial scenery. I am a huge proponent of Matt Lanter’s quote and feel that Lloret de Mar is a perfect example of this beautiful scenery that is sometimes forgotten when many travelers fail to explore those ‘off the beaten path’ locations around the world.

An InLinkz Link-up

Eat Spanish Cuisine on a Devour Barcelona Food Tour

Spain

Chris Boothman

-

May 11, 2015

9

Eat Spanish Cuisine on a Devour Barcelona Food Tour

Do you consider yourself to be a food critic or wine connoisseur? Don’t worry if you don’t meet the definition of these because neither do we, but if you are heading to Barcelona anytime soon, we have the perfect experience that does not require you to be a food or beverage expert. Thanks to Devour Barcelona, an amazing food tour around this beautiful city is available that will truly introduce you to the local specialties that make Spanish cuisine such a huge attraction.

Welcome to Devour Barcelona

When you start considering taking a food tour around a city like Barcelona, it’s nice to have a better understanding as to what to expect throughout the time you spend with the tour guide. Look no further than Devour Barcelona’s mission:

To give our guests an insider’s peek into the real Barcelona, and a taste of the city’s true local cuisine.

Joined by a number of fellow bloggers (we were all in the Catalan area because of TBEX in nearby Lloret de Mar) and other travelers, we had an excellent blend of cultures in our group. Meeting outside the Valentino store on Passeig de Gracia, we were excited about the 4 hour food tour around the Gràcia neighborhood.

What Spanish cuisine are you most looking forward to trying? This was the question posed by our amazing guide, Renée, prior to our food tour beginning. I am not afraid to admit that we both looked at each other with a blank face, hoping that Renée would start with someone else! Ok so we all know that Spain is famous for their tapas and cava, but aside from that my knowledge of Spanish culinary delicacies was rather limited.

Our Food Tour

Are you ready to start salivating over this delicious cuisine? I hope that I won’t completely spoil all of the surprises by sharing our experiences, but I am convinced that after reading this and seeing the amazing pictures, you will be ready to book your very own Devour Barcelona food tour! If not…well, Spanish cuisine is simply not for you.

Renée handed us a guide of the nine very unique establishments that we would be visiting throughout the morning and early afternoon. Each location provided something very different, yet remaining local to the Catalan community and providing a true reflection on Spanish cuisine.

As we started to walk around the Gràcia neighborhood, Renée shared with us that many people that live in Gràcia consider themselves to be separate from Barcelona. So much of the architecture and local way of life is reminiscent of quaint, European villages with locals visiting markets for their groceries rather than supermarkets that are destroying local communities.

Let’s take a tour with Devour Barcelona and see exactly what we experienced in Gràcia and how we rated each of these local delicacies!

Can Tosca

Only in Spain could you get away with drinking sparkling Cava at 10:00AM but that is the norm in the region of Catalonia. Our tour started at Can Tosca that offered a glass of Cava alongside a delightful grilled botifarra sandwich. If you are not familiar with botifarra, it is a Catalan pork sausage with a hint of spice and provided us with a great way to start our food tour.

This was one of my favorite stops on the tour and I would highly recommend checking out Can Tosca regardless of whether you decide to participate in a food tour.

Who wouldn’t want to start the day with a botifarra sandwich and sparkling Cava! I know I’m sold. Heather wasn’t as much of a fan of the botifarra but I will do my best to convince her otherwise the next time we visit Can Tosca!

Mercat de l’Abaceria Central

A short walk from Can Tosca took us to the heart of Gràcia – The Mercat de l’Abaceria Central! If you are looking for a spot to catch up with your fellow locals, or perhaps just taking in the experience of shopping in a local market, this is the perfect location.

A number of stalls are setup inside the doors offering a plethora of Spanish delicacies, though for the locals these are just everyday items that satisfy their palettes.

Two different stops on our food tour took place inside the Mercat de l’Abaceria Central. Our first experience took place at Selecció d’Olives i Conserves Gloria. Unfortunately, I am not at all a fan of olives (green or black) so this was not one of my favorite stops but from everyone else’s facial expressions it seems this was a pretty good choice on the tour. A trip to Spain wouldn’t be the same without at least sampling olives!

The second stop was right up my alley – La Trobada del Gourmet! A selection of cheeses are available here and we sampled three very distinct local favorites that were all delicious. The Manchego cheese that we tried was definitely my favorite but all three offered something very unique.

The market is so much more than just a selection of cheeses and olives. From fresh fruit and vegetables to fresh eggs, there is enough to wet your appetite just from looking at the food!

Oli Sal

Do you know the real meaning of ‘extra virgin olive oil’? Unfortunately in the United States, we are all led to believe that many of the mainstream products we see on the supermarket shelves are ‘extra virgin’.

This is just false advertising and only when you sample the very finest ‘extra virgin’ olive oil in Spain will you realize the difference!

Our next stop took us to Oli Sal, home of some of the finest olive oils from around the world. We headed back to the tasting room and sampled three very different olive oils.

Although I have never been a huge fan of olive oil, I can now attest that when you try a ‘good’ olive oil, it is nothing like the poor quality we associate with supermarket brands!

L’Anxoveta

Visiting L’Anxoveta is all about the hands-on experience!

Make your very own ‘pa amb tomàquet’ after watching Carlos, the restaurant’s expert provide step by step instructions on how to really make this delicious yet simple tasting. Of course if you don’t like tomatoes, you may not like this bread but again I was open-minded and really enjoyed the overall experience.

The basic process involves rubbing a tomato across a slice of bread and then sprinkling some good quality olive oil across this.

We also experienced a ‘Bomba’ potato and ground beef croquette with brava sauce and alioli. This was one of the spicier foods we tried on the tour but given my fondness of this, it was one of my favorites. The small matter of a caña or a local wine was a perfect accompaniment for this cuisine.

Pastisseria Principe

A slight change of direction yet still in the heart of Gràcia was a visit to a Syrian bakery. All of the delightfully decorated desserts here are home-baked, a real credit to the owner who moved from Syria and met his Spanish wife in Barcelona and has never looked back.

Thousands of these perfectly manicured desserts are made on a daily basis and the difficult decision is figuring out which ones to try.

I tried a double chocolate with walnut and Heather opted for Renée’s recommendation of the rose water pistachio, both of which were tasty sweet treats to break up the savory samplings we had earlier in the tour.

Bodega Ca’l Pep

After six food and drink tastings, it was time for the infamous ‘hora del vermut’. Stereotypically an old tradition of having the ‘vermouth hour’ around lunchtime, the Catalan communities have continued to emphasize the importance of keeping this tradition going. And who are we to argue with that!

Renée directed us to a gorgeous, antiquated bar named Bodega Ca’l Pep which looked like your typical hang-out spot for older generations to grab a drink, maybe play cards and watch their beloved FC Barcelona on tv!

The quintessential look and feel of this bar was a perfect setting to sit down and sample vermouth. Served in a small shot glass, I was anticipating a strong liquor taste which at 1:00PM was going to give us all that much needed spark to finish the remainder of the tour.

Surprisingly the vermouth was sweet and honestly was not particularly strong, though as we all know those drinks can be the most dangerous!

The vermouth was not the only treat here. A little side dish of pickled anchovies and fuet (thin Catalan sausage) provided a nice twist and accompaniment for the vermouth. Can you blame us for wanting to stay here longer to try more of this fortified wine and pickled gourmet food selection?

La Botigueta del Bon Menjar

Although we didn’t sample any Spanish paella on our food tour, our visit to La Botigueta del Bon Menjar offered our best chance at purchasing some authentic paella. Everything inside this little corner shop is made by José. He serves home-cooked Catalan food in his family’s bean shop and this is a really cute spot to sample this fine cuisine.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the escalivada and romesco pintxo which was yet another ‘olive’ sampling but it was well worth the wait for José’s legendary homemade meatballs in a bean and sweet pea gravy.

Pastisseria Ideal

The final leg of our food tour took us to another enticing bakery with so many amazing pastries and dessert selections to choose from.

A final sweet treat included a mini cremat along with either tea or coffee, ensuring this is a delightful way to end the tour and offer a moment to reflect on everything you experienced around Gràcia.

Bakeries and delicatessens are always huge hits so it was no surprise to see everyone in the group staring at the wide selection and wondering whether their waistlines could take any more of these scrumptious desserts.

Summary

Whether words can do this food tour enough justice I am not sure! However, what I can say is that thanks to Renée and Devour Barcelona, they provided us with an amazing experience of authentic, Catalan cuisine. Many of these hidden gems will likely never be visited by traditional tourists unless you participate in a tour like this and are introduced to the amazing cuisine available.

Favorite cuisine? I would have to go with the botifarra sandwich accompanied with a glass of sparkling Cava at Can Tosca! I know this was our first stop but it was a perfect start to this tour. Heather’s favorite was the mini cremat at Pastisseria Ideal but who could blame her because this was a small moment of heaven!

Depending on your tastebuds, there will be something along this tour that really intrigues you. The sweet treats are amazing and well…who wouldn’t want to continue the trend of the ‘hora del vermut’ – I don’t know about you but WE ARE DEFINITELY ON BOARD!

Disclaimer – We were guests of Devour Barcelona on this food tour and would like to thank them for their hospitality. These are solely our personal opinions/experiences and we were not financially compensated for this post.