travel

Dining Outside the Home: Tortilla Republic in Poipu, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Tortilla Republic in Poipu, Kauai!  There’s something about a cantina-like patio setting where sea breezes and warm sunshine are as therapeutic as the bartender’s handcrafted jalapeño margarita on the rocks. The salty corn tortilla chips compliment the salsa de mesa, for starters. The menu is spot on with organic produce and fresh ingredients. It’s easy to choose the bold favorites of pork carnitas in a bowl of kale, black beans, and rice. The tropical atmosphere partners well with Mexican classics. Hola Aloha!

Eat Well. Travel Often. 

“If you want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.” ~ Mother Teresa 

Thanks very much to all of you for the encouraging words, support, interest, communication, ideas, and sharing. We are all here to bring out the best in each other. Blessings! 🍓

“Beaulieu” Mansion Reflects History in Beltline District of Calgary, Canada 

“Beaulieu” Mansion Reflects History in Beltline District of Calgary, Canada! Surrounding the historic Lougheed House in the heart of Calgary is the magnificently terraced landscape of the formal Beaulieu Gardens. It’s almost as though the prestigious mansion sits atop a pedestal of majestic affluence on 2.8 acres for all to see. Marble staircases, swan fountain, and winding walkways invite peace and tranquility. The Victorian home is a national treasure with its attention to detail in its rustic sandstone, elaborate stained glass windows, embellished hardware, Spanish mahogany walls, stately hardwood flooring, and ambient lighting. Without a doubt, this elegant mansion entertained on a grande scale as the hub for society. Self-guided tours are encouraged and guests are invited to dine on contemporary cuisine in a delightful atmosphere. 

Surround Yourself With Water at Prince’s Island Park in Calgary, Canada

Surround Yourself with Water at Prince’s Island Park in Calgary, Canada! It has been dubbed an “Island of Dreams” slightly north of downtown Calgary, Canada. Its namesake is Peter Anthony Prince, founder of the Eau Claire Lumber Mill in 1886. What makes this Park so unusual, you ask? First of all, the island began when a channel was dug to transport logs from the Bow River to the sawmill. As the island naturally developed, it became more of a wetland habitat for Canadian geese, mallard ducks, small wildlife, and flocks of birds. Access is limited to only a few service vehicles making it an urban park for recreational hiking, leisurely picnics, energized pedestrians, festive celebrations, and environmental education. Flower gardens and water fountains enhance the lush greenery. Prince’s Island Park is easily accessible by three bridges making it convenient for adventure seekers. 

Dining Outside the Home: Murrieta’s Bar & Grill in Calgary, Canada 

Dining Outside the Home: Murrieta’s Bar & Grill in Calgary, Canada! Are you searching for adventure? Do you have a passion for life? If so, you may have something in common with this restaurant’s namesake located in downtown Calgary. Joaquin Murrieta, a gold rush Robin Hood-like outlaw, was the subject of western fantasy, raiding gold from the rich and sharing with the poor. Still somewhat of an urban legend, his myth lives on within the walls of the renovated Alberta Hotel. Enter on the side street, ascend a winding staircase, and slide onto a seat outside on the second-story terrace overlooking the street activity that seems nonstop. Whether you take a “Happy Hour” mid-day break, meet friends for an early dinner, or dance to the music of late-night bands, it is impossible not to be consumed by the rustic surroundings of Old World tradition. 

Step Onto the Glass Floor of Calgary Tower in Calgary, Canada

Have you ever stood among the clouds? The Calgary Tower offers a spectacular view 626 feet above the heart of downtown. If you walk around the enclosed observation deck, it is possible to see 360°. In one direction, the Canadian Rockies appear on the horizon. In another, the foothills are in the distance and prairies look like patchwork quilts. And then there are the rooftops and street traffic below that can make a child squeal with laughter and a woman feel as lightheaded as being kissed. Not into heights? No worries. The view with two feet on solid ground offers a night glow that is ever-changing from purple, pink, red, green, or blue. On special nights golden moonlight adds a mystical magical allure to the view. 

Hanapepe Art Night Appeals to the Senses

Do you believe in magic? The spirit of the season was alive with festivities in the quaint little town of Hanapepe, Kauai, where music and art thrive. Despite the late afternoon downpour that left scattered puddles along the weather beaten pot-holed street, the aromas of sweet and salty, grilled and spicy foods hung in the air. Without a doubt, sampling and tasting island favorites was going to be the buzz of the night. No worries, challenge accepted. Twinkling lights were strung from rooftop to rafter setting the tone for glee and laughter. While strolling along, with hardly a clue, above the town a shooting star left a streak of light that was nothing short of amazing. Suddenly, as if on cue, distant music began to captivate the crowds. Like a moth to flame, people emerged from the shadows to witness Kimberly Hope McDonough as she eloquently performed a medley of classical-crossover music on an electric violin. Effortlessly, she flowed from progressive Michael Jackson tunes to a classical Phantom of the Opera ensemble as well as a Charlie Daniels Americana favorite. Cheers and applause closed the performance. Without a doubt, the joy of Christmas is alive and well in “Kauai’s Biggest Little Town.”

Dining Outside the Home: Milestones in Calgary, Canada

Dining Outside the Home: Milestones in Calgary, Canada! Try a trendy new dining experience for Date Night with your favorite squeeze or Girls Night Out to unwind. Get started with a vegetarian appetizer or a signature dish. No matter the choice, they’re all shareable. Rustic sandwiches pair aged garlic cheese with freshly grilled meats and honey sriracha slaw for savior-faire. Or perhaps a pasta bowl of sesame ginger beef and shiitake coconut rice is more to your liking. The choices seem unlimited. And the food photos in the menu have you drooling before the sun dips below the horizon. Sit back, settle in, and wile the night away. Leisure is made for Milestones.