Sure, it’s the gambling capital of the universe, but there are some people who go to Las Vegas and don’t gamble a cent. I’m one of them. I don’t have any high minded reasons not to gamble. I think it’s a perfectly valid way to pass your time. It’s just that when I spend money, I like to see a little something for it and when I gamble, I never do.  So, I go to shows, instead.

I recently attended Cirque Du Soleil’s Mystere at the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino and all I can say is “wow, wow, wow!”. As a permanent fixture on the strip, Mystere has a theater that was built just for it. You can imagine the possibilities this presents - an articulated floor that rises and falls in sections, props and fixtures that are perfectly hidden away when not in use, orchestra lofts instead of a pits and seating areas that give every spectator a perfect view of the action.

The show itself defies description, which is how most Cirque productions are spoken of. The combination of costuming, sets, special effects, music, comedy and stunning acrobatics is something you need to see for yourself. If you’ve never been to a Cirque show, put it on your list of things to do before you die - they are that good!

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Los Islotes is a protrusion of rocks rising sharply out of the Sea of Cortez off the tip of Espiritu Santa Island in Baja, Mexico. As you approach it, you are awed by gnarled shapes of the rugged guana covered cliffs. It’s not until you get close that you realize there are hundreds of golden-colored sea lions lazing on the rocks. These wild creatures have chosen Los Islotes as a rookery and, if you are very polite and respectful, they may allow you to swim with them.

All interaction with the sea lions is on their terms. Some days, the huge males rear up on the low rocks bellowing warnings to keep far away from their mates and offspring. But on other days, some of the young ones-not the new babies, but those that are perhaps a year or two old- playfully approach the swimmers who venture into the waters surrounding their rocky fortress.

At first, it’s rather scary. After all, they are large and swift and in their own element. They swim closer and closer until they are rushing within a few feet of you. Then, they gracefully arch their backs to avoid you at the last possible second and torpedo away. You can almost hear them giggling as you realize this is a joyous game to them and they are trying to get you to play.

Follow their lead, diving and spinning and swirling in the water and they often respond in kind. Soon, you find yourself partnered with a sleek sea mammal in a graceful underwater dance. If you reach your hands out, they may swim by and let you touch their backs. Many will swim up and look you in the eye with a mischievous whiskered grin from only a foot or two away .

As a bonus, the part of Los Islotes that is under the water is among the best places in the area to snorkel and scuba dive. So, even if you arrive on a day that the sea lions won’t come out and play, you’ll still enjoy the riot of colorful sea life around you.

Los Islotes is a magical place for both the sea lions and their human playmates. If you’re ever in the southern part of Baja, Mexico, don’t miss it. The outfitters in La Paz run day trips out to the island or you can indulge yourself in a longer guided trip that includes sea kayaking and camping on some of the best beaches in the world.

As the northern part of the country slides into the colder weather you may be thinking, “I’m not ready for this yet.”  I admit, I think that too almost daily - in spite of the mild weather Colorado has been experiencing so far this fall.  So what can you do to give those flip flops in the bottom of your closet special attention?  Plan a winter trip to Destin, Florida.

 Located on the sunny gulf coast of Florida, just south of Mobile, AL - and a short 4-hour drive from New Orleans International Airport, Destin is one of Florida’s best kept secrets.  When  you want to get away from it all wtihout the hassles of Orlando, Miami, and Ft. Lauderdale - consider coming to the panhandle for your next beach vacation.

With an abundance of activities and attractions, you are sure to keep the kids busy.  If you’re vacationing with a loved one - spend your day taking long walks on the sugar-sand beaches and playing in the surf.  The possibilities are endless:

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This incredible island sits in the Sea of Cortez about 4 miles off La Paz near the southern end of the Baja peninsula. Once you escape the mainland and arrive on Espiritu Santo’s pristine beaches, you’re guaranteed to leave all your worries behind.

The island and its smaller neighbors are part of a National Marine Park and enjoy the protection of conservancy groups and the citizens of the area, who rightfully take great pride in their stewardship of this unspoiled ecosystem.

The western side of the island is slotted with protected coves that sport long sandy beaches flanked by rocky ridges dotted with cactus. The opposite side is a kaleidescope of colorful cliffs plunging dramatically into the sea.

Sea kayaking and camping on the beach are why people go to Espiritu Santo, as well as the awesome snorkeling, which includes visiting Los Islotes for the joyful excitement of swimming with exuburant young sea lions.

The seasoned and self reliant can venture out to the island on their own after renting equipment in La Paz. However, the rest of us can enjoy the adventure, too, by joining a trip led by very knowledgable local guides and boat crews who will take care of all the planning and logistics, including cooking hardy native dishes in an open kitchen on the beach.

If you’re looking for a water world adventure in a beautiful and uncrowded place, but don’t feel comfortable going it alone, a guided trip to Espiritu Santo could be just what you had in mind.

If you’ve ever had a hankering to visit the “one of the prettiest towns in America”, then take National Geographic’s recommendation and head for Woodstock, Vermont. This place is straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting - wholesome, classic, picturesque Americana at its best.

Woodstock is nestled in the scenic and aptly-named Green Mountains and isn’t really near anything except other small New England mountain towns and villages. This, of course, contributes wildly to its appeal.

First, you’ll need a place to stay. For an inn the matches the historic charm of the region, reserve a room at the Maple Leaf in nearby Barnard, VT. This AAA 4 Diamond rated Vermont Bed and Breakfast is everything you imagine - a huge Victorian farmhouse surrounded by acres of eastern hardwoods and wrapped in a gazebo-ed porch complete with straight-backed rocking chairs.

Then, take a scenic drive around Woodstock. Around here, all the drives are scenic in every season of the year. Just pick a road and go. You won’t be disappointed. Heck, there’s even a covered bridge in the center of town!

Floating over the tree tops in a hot air balloon is also a great way to enjoy the mountain scenery and is something you can do year round, too. Biking on the quiet country back roads is a true joy in Autumn, when the fall foliage is at its peak and in the Spring, during Maple sugar tapping time.

A getaway to the Green Mountains will satisfy the 3 R’s - rest, relaxation and romance. If that’s the prescription for what ails you, then get thee to Woodstock!