We were amazed at Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri. It’s the seventh largest urban park in the United States – larger than Central Park! Tom got this great photo of some lily pads.
The Inn at Aberdeen, Valparaiso, Indiana
We didn’t actually intend to stop in Indiana on our whirlwind “Searching for Snow” trip this winter. We thought we would visit Wisconsin and Michigan where we knew we could find plenty of snow and snow adventures. But being the geographically impaired individual that I am, I had not taken into consideration the fact that Wisconsin and Michigan are, although both on Lake Michigan, technically on opposite sides of Lake Michigan.
And it would be quite a trek to get from one side to the other. This required a little finagling with our driving trip plans and required a stop somewhere in the middle. Somewhere in Indiana. Somewhere like. Hmm. Valparaiso.
This ended up being not a problem at all, in fact just the opposite as this allowed us a night at the quite, quite lovely Inn at Aberdeen. We always enjoy a stay at quaint and interesting B & B locations and this beautiful, historic home tucked away in Valparaiso fit our needs very nicely.
Front of the Inn. Photo courtesy of the Inn at Aberdeen.
Of course, it looked a little different when we were there! But that made the fireplace in our room that much more welcome.
Snowy, cold day!
The Inn is an 1850’s home that was completely remodeled in 1995 into 11 fabulous suites with king or two queen beds, two person Jacuzzis, fireplaces, patios or balconies, large private baths, and free wi-fi. They even have a kitchenette suite available for longer stay which you might consider since beautiful Indiana Dunes on the lake is right nearby. We strolled there in the snow but I think it would be much more enjoyable in the summer! Here’s a more detailed history of the house which is very interesting.
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Categories: Accommodations, Bed and Breakfasts, Countries, Indiana, United States
Tags: Bed and Breakfasts, Indiana Accommodations, Indiana Bed and Breakfast, Inn at Aberdeen, Jan Ross travel blog, Jan Ross travel writer, Tom Ross Photographer, Tom Ross Travel Photographer, Valparaiso Accommodations
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Three Last Minute Spring Break Destinations.
You really don’t forget!
So Spring Break is rapidly approaching and you have made no plans whatsoever? And your family is clamoring for a beach getaway? No problem. The Gulf Coast of Florida awaits in all its magnificent sugar white sand and turquoise water splendor.
Although people have their favorite beaches and I have visited plenty of them, none compare to the gorgeous beaches which line the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. With plenty of family-friendly accommodations, great seafood restaurants, lot of shopping opportunities, and great fun activities for families, this coast is the perfect choice for a spring break getaway.
Check out these locations, pick up the phone and make a reservation, then announce to your family that Spring Break is now planned!
1. Destin.One of several beaches sprawling along the Gulf Coast in what is commonly known as “The Panhandle” because of the resemblance to a frying pan handle on the state of Florida, Destin has a number of hotels and resorts but I have stayed numerous times at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and it’s a wonderful place for families. With houses, condos, and hotel rooms, Sandestin offers a wide choice of accommodations, many right on the beach. The sprawling, 2400 acre resort is a great place to ride bikes with wide, tree-lined paths wending through the resort from the bay side to the gulf side. Some accommodations come with bikes provided but, if not, it’s easy to rent them for a very reasonable rate from the bike rental shop at the marina.
Read the rest of this article on Travelhoppers HERE.
Categories: Accommodations, Beach, Cities, Condos, Countries, Destin, Family Travel, Florida, Girlfriends Getaway, Panama City Beach, Resorts, Sarasota, Travel for Boomers, United States
Tags: Crescent Royale Condos, Destin, Jan Ross travel blog, Jan Ross travel writer, Laketown Wharf Resort, Panama City Beach, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Sarasota, Tom Ross Photographer, Tom Ross Travel Photographer
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Photo Friday: Glass Sculptures in the Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis is absolutely incredible. Filled with a huge assortment of flowers, trees, fountains, and sculptures, it is well worth a visit. Tom got this shot of some of the gorgeous glass sculptures.
Categories: Cities, Countries, Family Travel, Missouri, St. Louis, Travel with Children, United States
Tags: Jan Ross travel blog, Jan Ross travel writer, Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis Botanical Garden, St. Louis Missouri Attractions, Tom Ross Photographer, Tom Ross Travel Photographer
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Winter Girlfriends Getaway to Michigan
My first choice for a girlfriends getaway is normally a beach, pretty much any beach, anywhere, anytime. But I may have to change my opinion after spending several days in Michigan enjoying the fabulous, deep, fluffy snow and all the activities that go along with it. Because we are not complete heathens when we travel who have no desire to stay in a cold, musty cabin in the woods and we also like fabulous food, great spa experiences, and lovely resorts along with our snow fun, we made arrangements to visit three equally marvellous resorts in northern Michigan.
Snow in Michigan is nothing like the pitiful amounts of snow in our home state of Kentucky. We realized this as we drove deeper into Michigan and snow by the sides of the road got deeper, whiter, and fluffier. Our first destination was Traverse City, Michigan where we were booked into the luxurious Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. The Grand Traverse Resort is situated on 900 acres of gorgeous green rolling hills, woodlands and beach which are surrounded by Lake Michigan and lush orchards and vineyards. The resort is owned by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and is wonderfully maintained, looking as new and pristine as when it was first built. It’s actually a very popular summer destination as well and they offer some world famous golf courses along with tennis and beautiful beaches on nearby Grand Traverse Bay. They also have a wonderful spa, shopping in a darling little shopping center in the tower where we stayed, great dining, and lots of winter fun.
Read the rest of this article on girlsgetaway.com HERE.
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Categories: Accommodations, Cities, Countries, Girlfriends Getaway, Girlsgetaway.com, Michigan, Resorts, Traverse City, United States
Tags: Crystal Mountain, Girlfriends Getaways, Grand Traverse Resort, Jan Ross travel blog, Jan Ross travel writer, Michigan, Michigan Resorts, The Homestead, Tom Ross Travel Photographer, Traverse City, Winter Girlfriends Getaways
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Fabulous, Exhausting, Fascinating, Engaging WITS
I just researched information about how to finish and publish the ebook I have been messing around with for a year, signed up for affiliate marketing, and contacted a vendor to work out a great reciprocal partnership for future travels.
All of this was done expressly because I attended the inaugural Women in Travel Summit in Chicago last weekend.
What an amazing weekend! I have attended and spoken at a lot of conferences over my career as a Library Media Specialist, even international conferences, but this was my first time presenting as a travel writer and I have never been as impressed as I was at this conference. This group of women travelers was so enthusiastic, so innovative, so fascinating, that I spent most of the time amazed at what they had to offer.
I attended sessions with phenomenal speakers, but was equally impressed by the women in the audience who generously offered information to their fellow travelers, bloggers, writers – with no thought about how they might personally benefit. Brooke Roberts of Yoga Travel Tree, a start-up which will match Yoga lovers with the best destinations for them, said it best when she suggested we all be “master connectors” who connect others to their mutual benefit.
When I presented my session about press trips, I took her advice, combined it with 20 years of teaching experience, and encouraged my audience to interact, ask questions, and make connections. And did they ever! I think we could have talked for a couple more hours if the next presenter was not waiting to take over the meeting room. I also told them to please take a business card and feel free to email me with questions or help with contacts – and they have! I have heard from dozens of the women I presented to who have a variety of questions, some of which I have been able to answer and make connections for them.
One of the best parts of the conference was the closing address by Evelyn Hannon, the founder and editor of Journeywoman, an online travel magazine for women. She was truly an inspiration for all of us as she described starting up a black and white print magazine for women travelers decades ago when women travelers were virtually unheard of in the world of travel.
I’m still going over my notes from the conference but I will definitely be at the next one in Boston next spring.
I can’t wait.
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Photo Friday:Fishing at Table Rock Lake
We took a cruise of Table Rock Lake while we were in Branson, Missouri and Tom got this shot of some fishermen on beautiful Table Rock Lake.
River City Casino and Hotel, St. Louis
The strawberries were a nice touch.
We were already mostly in love with this beautiful, luxurious hotel but when they kindly delivered chocolate covered strawberries to the room, we fell head over heels.
What’s really ironic about our visit to the River City Casino and Hotel in St. Louis is that we don’t gamble. Hardly ever. We have no moral opposition, it’s just a little boring and I always think about how many cute pairs of shoes I could be buying with that money. But here’s what’s truly great about this location.
You don’t even have to like gambling to stay here.
Of course, there is gambling. Plenty of it. And it’s in a perfectly gorgeous setting, with lovely people who help you with everything from parking your car to giving you directions.
Well, just look. These employees are having way too much fun making this video but you can see how fabulous this place really is.
We arrived here for a two night stay on our way home from a press trip to Branson. St. Louis is conveniently located only about five hours from us and we could have easily continued on, but when we were offered a stay, we realized we could actually visit inside the Arch before we headed home. On our first stop, on the way to Branson, we ran into a problem when all the national parks were closed because the government had come to a grinding halt. So the main reason we agreed to stay here was because of the Arch.
But we were so very glad we agreed.
As pretty jaded travelers, we are not often awed by a hotel entrance but we were definitely impressed with this one.
Hotel entrance. Photo courtesy of the River City Casino and Hotel.
Categories: Accommodations, Cities, Countries, Hotels, Missouri, St. Louis, United States
Tags: Jan Ross travel blog, Jan Ross travel writer, Missouri Casinos, Missouri Hotels, River City Casino and Hotel, St. Louis Casinos, St. Louis Hotels, Tom Ross Photographer, Tom Ross Travel Photographer
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Culinary Girlfriends Getaway to the Gervasi Vineyard in Canton, Ohio
If you like to cook, drink wine, or just enjoy a fabulous meal prepared by someone else, you must plan a fun girlfriend getaway to the Gervasi Vineyard. Hidden away in a quiet neighborhood, you will probably think you have taken a wrong turn until you spot the elaborate entrance to the vineyard, a sprawling 55-acre estate which includes 5 acres of vineyards producing a variety of grapes, two restaurants, an outdoor pavilion for weddings and other events, a cozy shop, an event center, and 24 guest suites housed in some amazing, Tuscan-influenced villas. It’s obvious this location was purchased and lovingly built by an Italian family as the Tuscan influence is felt throughout the property in every detail from wine bottle shaped sinks in The Crush House restaurant to the gorgeous faucets in the bathroom villas.
Rated at the top of our list of things to do in Canton Ohio is to participate in one of the extensive culinary and wine tasting classes offered at The Cucina, in the Villa Grande. This space functions as both an event space and where you
check in if you are staying in one of the Villas. With a large, professional, working kitchen and a dining area to enjoy what you prepare, they offer classes on everything from the cuisines of Mexico, Japan, Italy, or South America as
well as speciality classes in seafood etc.
Read the rest of this article on Girlsgetaway.com HERE.
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Searching for Snow: The Homestead Resort
The first searching for snow article is HERE, the second is HERE, and the third is HERE.
And the adventure continues.
The Great Snow Trip of 2014.
By the time we arrived at The Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor, Michigan, the last of our four fabulous snow destinations, you might think we would be getting a little tired of snow.
You would be so wrong.
And a good thing too as The Homestead might possibly have had more snow than any place we had been so far. It was fabulous in every way. A smaller ski resort than some of the others we visited, it’s the perfect place for a family getaway or anyone learning to ski for the first time, although they do have more challenging runs as well. Because they are so close to Lake Michigan – and have some amazing views of the lake – and to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, they get tons of snow every year. Here – this will give you an idea of what it’s like.
We checked in were given directions to our suite in Little Belle, one of the many lodging options at the resort.
Checking in at reception. Lovely!
Snow covered pool.
Categories: Accommodations, Countries, Michigan, Resorts, Skiing, United States
Tags: Glen Arbor Hotels, Glen Arbor Resorts, Glen Arbor Ski Resorts, Jan Ross travel blog, Jan Ross travel writer, Michigan Hotels, Michigan Resorts, Michigan Ski Resorts, Tom Ross Photographer, Tom Ross Travel Photographer
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