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!

Kayaking at Hacienda Tres Rios

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.

Welcome back!

If your idea of a fun filled family getaway includes warmth and water parks galore – Wisconsin Dells is the place for you! What better place to take the family than to a place coined “The Waterpark Capital of the World”? Wisconsin Dells, WI offers year round family fun on a budget.  During the winter months you can still stroll around in your swimming suits while meandering through the climate controlled resorts and indoor waterparks. During the summer you can take advantage of manmade snow on an adventurous slope for tubing or skiing – you just choose the season you want! Check out some of the best Wisconsin Dells water parks in the area and plan your vacation!
If summer travel is more your style, you can still get your waterpark fix in the great outdoors in addition to visiting 3 nearby State Parks. Plan a hike, bike ride or picnic at your choice of Devils Lake, Mirror Lake or Rocky Arbor State Parks. The family can plan a day of fishing trophy size trout, rowing a boat on a peaceful lake, or amping up the adrenaline with some extreme amusement parks! When mom and dad are in need of a little TLC and rejuvenation, a visit to one of several spas may just do the trick. Wherever your interests lie, there is sure to be something for everyone – and most activities are easily done on a budget.
In addition to a wide range of activities, Wisconsin Dells offers plenty of delicious restaurants to eat at. Choose from family friendly buffets, upscale dining venues, ethnic cuisine, casual, bars and lounges – all conveniently located within close proximity to the resorts. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to pack up the family and head out for some warm water fun in the middle of winter!

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It’s no secret why Ocean City, New Jersey has been hailed as “America’s Greatest Family Resort.” With attractions and events to appeal to every family member, everyone is sure to have a great time. When you think of fun on the Jersey shore, you typically think of warm summer days spent on the beach.  Nevertheless, there is fun to be had all year round in Ocean City. Visitors can experience the tasty goodness that the local farmer’s market has to offer or take in the various merchant tables aligning the boardwalk during the summer and fall weekends and then catch one of the many concerts and live events in the evening. Ocean City is bustling with activities all year round, from hayrides in the fall to breakfast with Santa and the Christmas Parade in December.  Easter egg hunts, fashion shows, and spring block parties are popular in the spring. Whatever activities you enjoy, Ocean City has attractions from January through December.

Family Excitement
During the summer, you can visit Playland’s Castaway Cove; one of the many amusement parks located right on the Ocean City boardwalk. The Cove features over 30 rides, and tickets to Playland’s Castaway Cove never expire! The arcade at Playland’s Castaway Cove is home to some of the latest video games and hi-tech sporting games such as basketball and hockey. Mom, dad, and even grandma can take a spin on the go karts or the Super Slide – just one of the many family rides at Playland’s Castaway Cove.

Premier Golfing for the Family or Serious Golfer
For many families vacationing on the Jersey shore, taking in a game of golf is a must. Ocean City has a number of golf courses to choose from. If you’re passionate about golfing and need to get in a tee time or two, spending some time at Ocean City Golf Course might be what you need. Twelve holes on a par 37 course of lush green is perfect for a short game in between seeing the sights and other Ocean City family attractions. Should you want to take in a game of miniature golf with family and friends, Ocean City, NJ has you covered there as well. Various miniature golf courses line the boardwalk and outlying areas, such as Congo Falls Golf courses. This miniature golf course offers challenges and adventure for the entire family.

Lodging that Feels Like Home
While you’re vacationing in Ocean City, you have the best in comfort lodging available by taking up residence in one of the many splendid and beautifully decorated Ocean City NJ rentals. By choosing a rental property, you get the comfort of home by choosing the type of rental you want, either a condo or a home. You can also choose from other amenities such as Internet and the option to bring your beloved pet along as well. Ocean City rental properties available along the Jersey shore are suitable for families or small groups, which means there’s no reason not to bring grandma and grandpa along on your next Ocean City vacation. When’s the last time you were able to do that?

Outer Banks, North Carolina is a chain of barrier islands that stretch for 200 miles from north to south in the Atlantic Ocean.  Nags Head of Outer Banks is located roughly 6 miles off the mainland and is situated in the middle of the long stretch of islands.  With being basically on the water, the Outer Banks affords the luxury and privy of having great fishing reserves and therefore fresh and succulent salt water and fresh water cuisine. 

The Outer Banks of North Carolina allow for several types of fishing; pier fishing, surf fishing and of course charter fishing.  Fishing off of Outer Banks piers can result in catching Cobia, King Mackeral, Rock Fish and Speckled Trout.  The Nags Head pier produced the largest known King Mackeral to be caught off the pier at 58 1/2 lbs.

Surf fishing is great because you don’t need a boat, a pier or pay someone to take you out on a charter boat.  As long as you can access the beach you’re in.  In the Outer Banks, surf fishing produces Blue fish, Croaker and Flounder and they can be caught most anytime especially in the Spring and Fall. 

Charter fishing can be done most anywhere but the Outer Banks is special in that the Intercoastal Waterway runs close to the shore due to the Barrier Islands and that means big fish are always traveling up the coast in search of food.  Pretty much the same kind of fish can be caught offshore as you can catch off a pier with the exception of Albacore Tuna and some other deep water species.

The really fun part of catching all of these great tasting fish is to eat them.  One can have their catch fried, grilled, baked and blackened at one of the many seaside restaurants or one can visit a plethora of seafood markets with most having their own restaurant inside.  Lots of crab, clams and shrimp are to be expected.  What is really fun is to spend all day catching fish off of the pier and then having the Nags Head Pier Restaurant cook them up for you.  After eating, enjoy taking a long stroll on the pier and check out others trying to land a “Big One”.

If a beach vacation is on the horizon and fishing is expected to happen then plan a trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and the Nags Head area.

Photos courtesy of:

The Outer Banks Pier in South Nags Head by BOBXNC

Outer Banks Pier Fishing by MadAboutCows

Seafood in Nags Head by D. B. Blas

When I think of Los Angeles, I tend to think of traffic, noise, pollution and lots of people.  The great state of California and its’ diverse culture and environment always top the small things that go with a striving and popular culture and when we’re talking about Southern California, the beaches take precedent.

Playa del Rey began as a small Indian village way back in 1750 and the name means;  “The Last Stop Before The Pacific” which is definitely true.  With Santa Monica and Malibu to the north and Manhattan, Redondo, and Hermosa Beach to the south, Playa del Rey is surrounded by great coastal escapes.

When I go to a new place or destination, I take all things aside and open my mind to get the best first impression.  To me, being impressed usually involves imbibing in local cuisine and drink especially when I’m on a beach.

From serving swordfish and seabass to snapper, mahi-mahi and ahi, local eateries in Playa del Rey are known for their fresh catches of the day.  If you are looking for a down-to-earth kind of place and are seeking good-old comfort food; burgers, like the 2 lb. Desperado, to Alaskan King Crab and Calamari Steak are served typically with ice-cold draft beer or whatever you are thirsty for.  These are just a couple of examples of dining and places to go after a day spent on the beach.

Find Pacific Coast lodging in Playa del Rey and spend your days walking up and down the beach checking out the local shops and eateries that make Playa del Rey an LA urban beach destination.  So, the next time you are in LA or are planning a trip to this part of Southern California, check out LA’s coastal community, Playa del Rey.

Playa del rey by Jeremy & Susanne

Sun in Playa del Rey by lavocado

Shipwreck by Slow Cyclist