Beachgoers from around the globe know that St. John is at the top of the list when it comes to phenomenal island locales. The island’s natural beauty is challenged only by the amazing Caribbean sea that surrounds it. Because nearly two thirds of the island is designated as a U.S. National Park, it is one of the most scenic and unspoiled islands in the Caribbean. The weather is beautiful throughout the year, with temperatures hovering in the low 80’s.

 

Guests who choose to experience the Caribbean in style often recommend one of the amazing St. John vacation rental properties. Many offer unmatched views, private swimming pools, outdoor showers, and more!  Whether you choose to be pampered at a luxury resort, or have a whole island villa to yourself, you’re sure to be pleased with your taste of island life.  While the rentals do come fully-equipped with kitchens, many guests choose to let someone else handle the meal plans.  With over 35 restaurants to choose from, there is no shortage of cuisine to sample.

Outdoor activities are a favorite way to pass the time in the Virgin Islands.  Some consider a great book in a hammock as active as they’d like to get, while others opt to try out some of the area’s favorite water sports.  Some favorite water activities include scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, and fishing.  A trip below the surface of the water will show you the island from a whole new perspective!  The countless tropical fish swimming around, beautiful coral clusters, and variety of marine life continues to keep both visitors and locals in awe of the beauty of the Caribbean.

Shoppers will enjoy Mongoose Junction, located in Cruz Bay.  Offering a variety of goods in a beautifully crafted shopping village, you’re sure to find that perfect item to take home with you at Mongoose Junction! 

Be sure to set aside some time to explore some of the many amazing beaches while visiting St. John.  Words and photos do the island no justice when trying to explain the unmatched beauty of this island paradise!  Be sure to look out for one the wild donkeys that roam the island for a fun diversion from your average beach vacation.

What is your favorite thing about St. John?  The beaches?  The shopping? The activities?  Something we’ve missed?

Images courtesy Andolent

Welcome back!

Its no secret that we like the Outer Banks.  What’s not to like?  Impressive vacation homes, sweeping seascapes, and the salty sea air are just a few of our favorite things about the area.  Families have been renting the impressive oceanfront vacation homes for generations, returning year after year for an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  Children grow up enjoying the local beaches, and return with their own children when they’re grown to share a little piece of their heaven with them.  Fishermen have told tall tales that resonate throughout the islands for centuries, overshadowed only by the local pirate lore.

We’ve spent a lot of time researching the area, both online and in person, and thought we’d share a few of our favorite things about North Carolina’s Outer Banks.  Take a look at the list, and see if you can resist planning your own getaway!

• Outer Banks Vacation Rentals - Offering everything from oceanfront estates large enough for a family reunion to quiet condos for a romantic getaway, the Outer Banks provides a plethora of lodging options.
• The Beaches - The Outer Banks consists of a string of islands that stretch the length of the Carolinas.  Spend some time exploring the seemingly endless shoreline.  You’re sure to enjoy!
• Fresh Seafood - Oh, the amazing fresh seafood!  Visitors from inland will never see the term “fresh catch” the same.  The Outer Banks region is home to some of the most amazing seafood in the world.  Be sure to try some new things!
• Fishing, Fishing, and more Fishing - Surf casting, pier fishing, and deep sea charter fishing are just a few of the local favorite ways to get the freshest catches available.  Bring your gear, or rent it from one of the many area vendors. You’re sure to spin some tales!
• Golf - Golfers of all ages and abilities can test their skills on one of the many area courses.  The options are endless!
• Wild Horse Tours - See Corolla’s famous Spanish Mustangs in their natural habitat.  A once in a lifetime experience that will leave you in awe.
• Shopping - What’s a vacation without a souvenir to remember it by?  Explore the numerous shops, galleries, and boutiques for the perfect momento to take home with you. 
• Fun For The Whole Family - One of our favorite things about the Outer Banks is how family friendly the islands are.  The variety of tours, activities, and entertainment are endless!  Explore the island on an Eco Tour, teach your children how to cast a line, or grab some buckets and hit the beach in search of treasures.

Do we have you convinced yet?  If not, you’ll just have to see for yourself.  One trip to the Outer Banks, and you’ll never want to leave!

Images Courtesy Swimparallel

Lynnwood Washington is one of those towns that is perfect for visiting, no matter what you enjoy doing while traveling.  Offering a small town setting within minutes of some of Washington’s largest cities and best outdoor activities, there is no shortage of fun things to do while visiting!

Here are our Top Ten Lynnwood Area Activities:

• Seattle - Located just 20 minutes north of Seattle, Lynnwood is our favorite (and most convenient) destination for exploring the North Puget Sound area.  A comfortable alternative to staying right downtown without being isolated from the conveniences of city life.
• Wine Country - Does this really need explaining?  The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the country’s most popular wines.  Explore local wineries and choose your favorites to take back home with you!
• Delectable Cuisine – Offering over 100 restaurants, Lynnwood provides a variety of amazing dining options.  The only frustration you’ll have is deciding which places to eat at while visiting, and which ones save for your next trip!
• Great Shopping - The only thing that Lynnwood offers more of than dining is shopping!  The most popular place in town is Alderwood, an impressive combination of indoor mall and outdoor shopping village.  Explore top name department stores along side exclusive boutiques and specialty shops.
• Ferry Rides - A relaxing and scenic way to explore the Puget Sound, and a favorite mode of transportation for both visitors and locals alike!  Hop on the ferry and choose one of the many island communities to explore.
• The Great Outdoors - Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for a rush or prefer a quiet picnic in the park, the area has amazing outdoor opportunities!  Some favorite activities include golf, hiking and biking trails, white water rafting, whale watching, fishing, and beach combing.  Choose your favorite and get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather!
• Festivals - Lynnwood is home to hundreds of events throughout the year.  Choose your favorite and plan your travel around it!  Offering everything from agricultural tourism to music festivals and athletic tournaments, you’ll find something for everyone on your visit to the area.
• Heritage Park - Experience Lynnwood’s history at Heritage Park.  Featuring structures and history from the area’s original Alderwood Manor, guests can tour the park and learn about the town’s beginnings.
• The Arts -  Offering cultural opportunities such as the Pacific Northwest Ballet, the Imagine Children’s Museum, and the Seattle Symphony, the Seattle area is home to a wealth of performing arts.  Whatever type of art you prefer, you’re sure to find something you love!
• Relaxation - Looking to just get away from it all while on your vacation?  Lynnwood is the perfect escape for rest and relaxation!  Without the hustle and bustle of the city to distract you, you can enjoy beautiful scenery, friendly faces, and comfortable accommodations without ever leaving town.

What is your favorite thing about the Pacific Northwest?  We’re thinking it is time for a visit, we’ve got a list of things that we’d like to do!

North Myrtle Beach is convenient in that it lies just north of busy Myrtle Beach and is adjacent to the North Carolina state-line creating a lesser chaotic beach vacation destination.  For those looking for a much needed respite yet be close to the excitement of Myrtle Beach’s day and night life, North Myrtle Beach is just the place.  Getting here is easy to do with both ground and air transportation conveniently closeby.

When I think of Myrtle Beach, hanging out at the beach of course comes to mind but many flock here to swing the golf club and be challenged by the coastal links of North Myrtle Beach.  Having fun in the sun in North Myrtle Beach can be had by all ages.  The relaxing part of North Myrtle Beach is what excites me to be honest!

Fishing comes to mind when thinking of relaxing for me and the waters off of North Myrtle Beach produce some great fishing all year-round.  There are several outfitters that can take you out to the deep for some sailfish, marlin and tuna whereas fishing from a pier or in shallower water for red fish, speckled trout and flounder are a must for a day of fun.

The other main ingredient for relaxation is eating especially fresh seafood on vacation!  North Myrtle Beach is home to several authentic seafood restaurants that will give you your fair share of crab, mussels, crawfish, prawns, various ocean fish and of course a fine prime rib and steak are available for those seeking not to take advantage of the fresh cuisine.

So, when you are planning a beach vacation to South Carolina think about heading a bit north of Myrtle Beach to the top of the Grand Strand.

 

 

Photos courtesy of:

North Myrtle Beach by dwhuntley

Myrtle Beach Golf by bradleypjohnson

Crab Legs by goyumcha

Deep Sea Fishing by Andrew in Raleigh

It’s been pretty cold lately, and when it’s cold I find my mind drifting to warmer places. Not because I don’t like to play in the snow, but it’s always that we want that which we can’t have.   This cold weather always gets me thinking about the beach and the warm air, the smell of the ocean and sunsets that last for hours.   More than just dreaming about the beach, I’m thinking about where I honeymooned some time ago.    The Mexican Riviera and more specifically, near Playa del Carmen.

While I have been to the area quite a few times, there’s always more to see and do whether you enjoy an active vacation or just relaxing.   Next time I travel to the area, I want to experience a luxury Mexico vacation.   Not just a resort that offers the beach, pools and all the other goods.  I want a resort that’s tailored to the experience of the area and luxury.

Now, normally, I would write about the beach and what to do in the area. But this place is different and I wanted to share a little bit about Hacienda res Rios.  On 326 acres in a pristine nature park, located on the Riviera Maya, you’ll find this new resort that opened just over a year ago.  This is not just your average all-inclusive resort.  A short forty five minutes from Cancun’s airport, you’ll find the fusion of modern travel and Mexican and Mayan traditions.  This place offers an experience so unique, you’ll want to return.

The exclusive, eco-friendly retreat is in the heart of the Riviera Maya.  You’ll find jungle, mangrove forest and coastal dunes.  There are ten freshwater springs, a sandy white beach and three rivers as the name suggests.  Alongside all this, you’ll find a marina and yacht club, an equestrian center, convention center, estuary and nature park, bird sanctuary and botanical garden.  There’s also a spa, a beach club, and a Mayan cultural center.

As you ponder all that which this resort has to offer, think on the activities available.  Each guest has access to the Nature park and the beach, but you can also kayak or snorkel, take fitness classes or even yoga.  Maybe you like the directed activities by the pool, or enjoying a show in the evening.  There are even bicycles to ride!

[caption id="attachment_1122" align="aligncenter" width="250" caption="Kayaking at Hacienda Tres Rios"][/caption]

Looking at the list of tours available, you can take guided tours through the property and learn more about the cenotes or the Plant Nursery, maybe kayak one of the rivers or jo along the Nature Park.  You can take a class and experience Tequila tasting or wine tasting.  Maybe learn how to carve fruit or learn to prepare some dishes native to the area. There’s so much to do that I can’t even list it all and you don’t have to leave the property to experience it all.

I’m not sure when I’ll be returning to the Riviera Maya, but this would be the ultimate destination.  Maybe at the next big anniversary I’ll be able to make the journey.