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.

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?

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

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

When visiting the Central Rockies in Colorado, one usually has to go near or through the town of Vail.  Summer and winter activities abound here and therefore attract many a visitor from Denver and beyond.  I know that when I think of Colorado cuisine, elk, venison, trout and buffalo come to my mind but that is only the tip of the iceberg.

Vail amongst other neighboring mountain towns has global influence when it comes to dining and cuisine as well as its’ residents and visitors.  Vail and Beaver Creek come together to provide the valley guest luxury home rentals and amenities second to none. 

Culinary imagination is unleashed in a variety of ways when ingredients are the focus of attention.    European influence is fairly easy to find in the mountains of Colorado.  From gazpacho and veal sweetbreads to escargots and grilled lamb, the French have made a nice home in the central Rockies.

Seafood in the mountains typically is not mentioned together in the same sentence so restaurants go the extra mile to obtain fresh seafood and execute a beautifully prepared dish.  From Ahi Tuna to Dungeness crab dining establishments can really compete with the port towns of the surrounding coastal world.

Mountain fare is represented very well in Colorado to say the least and must be experienced among the other cuisine styles.

Beaver Creek which is just west of Vail brings the same type of culinary sophistication to the plate as well.  From Foie Gras to fresh Maine lobster the variety of cuisine covers all of the bases.

When leaving Denver in the rear-view mirror and heading up I-70 going West, one starts to see the Rocky Mountains in front and the plains behind. After going through Eisenhower Tunnel and Loveland Pass one starts going down the other side only to meet Summit County head on. There are three towns adjacent to each other, Frisco, Dillon and Silverthorne. There are five ski areas that can be accessed rather easily and those are Breckenridge, Copper, Keystone, A-Basin and Loveland ski area. A-Basin and Loveland tend to be used by the locals but should not be overlooked by any skier or snowboarder. Most of the skier traffic to Summit County comes from the Front Range and Denver just because it is so convenient and the ski area options are so great.

Transportation is very easy to obtain from Denver and one can stop driving once getting to Summit County because everything is at your fingertips – retail shopping, dining, rental shops, clothing outlets, grocery stores, lodging and transportation.

Breckenridge has their own brewery – Breckenridge Brewery which serves food and beer and actually is so big that they distribute their beer all throughout Colorado.

In the winter, Summit County is known for their skiing and snowboarding and is a winter wonderland. With five ski areas available to play on, Summit County really gives the visitor a plethora of choices for “sliding around”. Arapahoe Basin just added a new lift that opened up an additional 400 acres and 36 runs which account for 80% more terrain. The new terrain is called the “Montezuma Bowl” and it opened up last season.

Copper Mountain is a host of several ski race events during the winter for both young and old competitors. Copper Mountain is located just west of Dillon and is conveniently situated right off of I-70.

Breckenridge is tucked away a little ways off of the interstate and is known for being one of coldest ski areas in central Colorado. The town of Breckenridge is a quaint old town with tons of charm and spirit and should be visited during the winter or summer.

Keystone ski area has the only night skiing available in the state and is therefore the largest night ski operation.

The nightlife is just that – lively both day and night. In the tri-town area which is Frisco, Dillon and Silverthorne there are three micro-breweries – Backcountry Brewery, Pug Ryan’s and The Dillon Dam Brewery (which I have personally been to all three and they are all very good).

Keystone has plenty of nightlife as well with saloons, taverns, bars, lounges and a nightclub in River Run.

All in all, Summit County has enough to do for just about anybody at anytime. Head west from Denver and in a short amount of time you are in Summit County, a Rocky Mountain playground.

Fishing in the Keys incorporates just about every type and style of fishing ever imagined.  From deep-sea fishing with heavy tackle to fly and light tackle fishing and even spear-fishing on the reef, the Keys offer excitement to every angler.  The fish that are usually caught are tarpon, bonefish, barracuda, shark, dolphin, sailfish, marlin, wahoo and yellowfin tuna just to name a few. 

One can book a charter trip for a half day, full day, 10 hours worth and even a night fishing adventure.

From early March until late July one can catch tarpon day and/or night.  Locally known as “Silver Kings”, tarpon arrive in the Key West area in the early summer to spawn.  One of the most exciting ways to catch tarpon is on a flat boat with a fly rod in the clear, blue salt flats.  This kind of fishing is called “sight fishing” and the angler must be able to cast accurately in order to attract the fish.  The salt flats are very shallow (one to two feet deep) so you can imagine the exhilaration when there is a “fish on”. 

From Key West or “The Conch Republic” deep-sea or off-shore fishing takes the angler out far where one is most likely to catch larger fish but not necessarily.  Backcountry fishing takes place along the edges of the flats where the water is slightly warmer and therefore home to big tarpon as well as shark and barracuda.  Guides will typically also offer reef and wreck fishingwhich produces amberjack, cobia, snapper, grouper and large shark.   Guides will advise you to “catch and release” but you can keep your catch if you want to have it prepared by a local restaurant and serve it up to your friends and family.

The greatest reward for an angler is to have his or her catch be served up on a platter at the local restaurant.  What better way to enjoy your hard day’s work (fishing) than to savor the fresh taste of the fish that has been prepared by a professional.  It has been said that there are over 365 places to eat in Key West – that’s one for every day of the year!

So if you like to fish or just eat them, come down to Key West, Florida and enjoy both or either past-times.

Other than being the southernmost point of the United States, Key West, Florida has many other labels attached to its’ name.  Many know that Earnest Hemingway called Key West home for a number of years during the 1930’s and also wrote several novels.  Prior inhabitants of Key West were several Indian tribes and of course the founder, Ponce De Leon of Spain way back in 1513. 

Key West is home to the Regatta Key West, Conch Republic Days, Lobster mini-season and the Poker Run just to name a few.  Everything mentioned after Regatta Key West probably raises some eyebrows as well as mine.  The Conch Republic Days are in April and the locals have a conch shell blowing contest, a bed race down Duval Street and a reenactment of the battle for independence of the Conch Republic.  The lobster mini-season is only two days and it takes place in July.  It’s where local divers get to take the lobster bounty for themselves.  Lodging is at full capacity during this time.  The Poker Run is charitable event where thousands upon thousands of motorcyclists ride from the mainland to Key West and pick up poker cards along the way at five designated points.  Whoever has the best hand at the end of the ride wins a new bike or $5,000.  This event brings a lot of support to the town and to the charities.

Along with the history and southern coastal charm of Key West come great and quaint places to stay.  There are historic inns from the 19^th century that have been made available for the visiting guest(s).  Most of the lodging is in “Old Town” and is walking distance to everything.  The island architecture of Key West’s homes makes for a warm and relaxing stay – perfect for the romantic couple and also great for the single visitor that just wants to get away.         

With being right on the water, activities include boating, fishing, diving, snorkeling and sunning.  Reefs are close by and just a short boat ride away to start your dive or snorkel trip.  Sailing is great past-time in Key West and one can easily charter a sailboat or catamaran to take a trip around the island. 

For dining, Key West has over 200 restaurants to serve even the most distinguished of visitors.  One can find cuisine catering to Cuban, Jamaican and even European fare.  Fresh seafood is obviously a staple in Key West and is found and served in a multitude of ways.  You can always find an oyster bar and a frosty beverage to help make those warm days just slightly warm.  Nightlife is quite healthy in Key West and there are plenty of watering holes to enjoy oneself after the sun goes down.

 Come and visit Key West, Florida!  It’s like being in another country – well it is known as “The Conch Republic”. 

Is there some seriousness lurking behind the facade of Disney World?  One should ask such a question with all of the animated amusement that is running around Orlando.  There are other things to do and experience in “Mickey land” other than eat cotton candy and ride the “magic carpet”.

Museums of art, science and history centers, film festivals, operas and ballets all do exist in Orlando for people to mentally digest on their visit.  A popular event is the Florida Film Festival which is held in March every year and attracts more than 25,000 guests along with producers and directors of independent films.  Another festival to note is the Global Peace Film Festival held every September in Orlando and its’ purpose is to educate the world of peace through art and film.  Orlando is full of art galleries with many showcasing local artists and traveling exhibits. 

 There are other forms of outdoor recreation in Orlando besides walking around.  Hang gliding, balloon rides, airplane rides, scuba diving and snorkeling with manatees and airboat tours are just some of the fun things you can do outside the park.  Forever Florida is a safari eco-tour that allows the visitor to see Florida’s wildlife up close and that includes black bear, alligator, hog, bobcat, coyote and possibly even the elusive Florida black panther.

Swimming with the manatees, scuba diving lessons and snorkeling are offered in small groups to keep the student/teacher ratio down for quality instruction.   Biking and hiking trails are always close by when you are in Orlando but if you like the kind of bike with no pedals then there’s Orlando Harley-Davidson where one can rent a Harley for however long one wants.  Horse back riding is also available through several stables offering rides through Florida’s natural landscape. 

 So there is something for everyone in Orlando and it doesn’t always spell MICKEY MOUSE.  Check out Orlando in sunny central Florida any time of the year.

Orlando, Florida is centrally located in Florida and is home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens and SeaWorld just to start.  Cape Canaveral which is the home of the Space Shuttle is not too far away on Florida’s space coast.  Surrounding areas such as Winter Haven and Kissimmee are home to winter training camps for many major league baseball teams.  So in essence there is something for everyone to do young and old alike.

 When visiting the Orlando area one can find all kinds of lodging including condos, town homes, vacation homes and hotels.  Whether you are going to be inside the “Magic Kingdom” or relaxing in a suburban home rental Orlando offers the visitor every amenity imaginable.  With everything so close in proximity choices abound for every type of visitor that comes to Orlando.

 Since Florida is surrounded by the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico seafood is plentiful and very fresh.   From a classy, ambiance sort of setting to the hip, young and fun cafes, Orlando just has it all.  Even international cuisine is not a stranger to this town.  Worldwide fare such as Asian, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Spanish, Latin and Mexican can be easily found in the Orlando metro area.

 Since Walt Disney World is such a huge worldwide attraction other activities get pushed to the side like checking out the Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil performances, boat tours and Gatorland and of course the Daytona 500 NASCAR race that is held every February in neighboring Daytona. 

Orlando provides a plethora of beaches close by with your choice of going to the Atlantic side or the Gulf of Mexico side.  If you are going to Florida with kids or not, Orlando is the hub of activity and entertainment for all ages. 

Located in the southern coastal region of Maine lies Ogunquit, a little artsy resort town whose name means “beautiful place by the sea” dubbed by the Algonquin Indians long ago.  Ogunquit is known for their white, sandy beaches that stretch 3 miles up and down the coast inviting the guest to get some sun and play in the sand.  Maine is famous for its’ rocky coast line therefore making Ogunquit a diamond in the rough.  Many visitors walk the “Marginal Way” which is a mile trek along a craggy cliff that shows visitors the undulations and variance of the Maine coast. 

Coastal activities in this region include sea kayaking, fishing, cruises and of course eating lobster.   The town of Ogunquit boasts of a heavy artistic community which sells their wares in many of the art galleries and shops located in town.  Ogunquit is a town with much history dating back many generations to the Algonquin Indians.  With art and artists being drawn to this town Ogunquit has performing arts and theaters to experience.

One really does not need a car if sticking around Ogunquit.  Traveling by foot, bike or even the trolley can get you where you want to be quite easily. 

Every October near Halloween is the “Ogunquitfest” which is perfect the family and kids.  There is a carnival, pumpkin carving contests and ghost stories being told just to name a few.  Also at Christmas time the town enjoys “Christmas by the sea” which includes hay rides, concerts, caroling, bonfires and ornament making.  So when you decide to plan a southern maine vacation do not forget to include Ogunquit for its’ natural beauty and charm.