Adventures In Tejas

Texas, one of my most loved larger than life states to visit.  I recently spent a long holiday weekend there with my favorite adventurer.  A chance to get away, relax, and explore.  This place never disappoints and I highly recommend it. If you haven't been, you need to go....But first, cheers to adventure #1.

Night one was spent at the Hyatt in downtown Dallas, a late flight in meant a night cap at the hotel bar, which was a great place to unwind after a long day.  This hotel is a busy one but has some awesome views and the amazing Reunion Tower Restaurant, where we dined the next evening, and as I say, he is my best accessory.

Next up, Dallas South Side...where we checked into the Nylo.  A small boutique-style, loft-style hotel with concrete floored rooms, large windows, sliding bathroom doors, and a rooftop pool with the most fabulous view of Downtown Dallas.  This colorful hotel has a contemporary feel with a balance of art and music.  It was the perfect locale to spend the next two nights.  Across the street was a great little tavern, Full Circle...it was not only convenient, but the people were friendly, the drinks were good, and they served Poutine.  It was my first time trying this famous Canadian dish, and I was hooked.  Double-order please!  Needless to say, we ordered it both times we were there.

The pool at the Nylo was a simple yet gorgeous infinity pool where we spent one whole day relaxing and taking in the city.  It was the perfect day.  A quick trip downtown to eat dinner at a local Mexican restaurant that evening before we moved onto Ft. Worth the next morning.  I must mention, we had a wonderful brunch at The Cedars Social with bottomless mimosas and bacon...must have bacon. We made sure to leave our mark...

We spent the next two days visiting his family and I was happy to be able to meet them.  I felt very welcomed and they were the most gracious and lovely people.

As all vacations do, the trip was coming to an end and I think I can say, neither one of us were quite ready to leave.  But, that just meant, onto the next adventure...stay tuned.

Until the next flight,
Shona

Spring Break!

It's almost Spring Break and you know what that means....vacation time!!!  It seems that most people enjoy getting away on Spring Break ~ it usually means a week off from school and right before Summer!!  When I think of Spring Break, I think of beaches, sand, and sun...but also about mountains, snow, and downhill skiing!  Swimsuits and Snowsuits....I wish I could do both!  Here are few ideas to get away, whether it be for a week or just a few days!!

1. Gulf Shores, Alabama ~ Sandy toes and Salty hair.  I love this place!! We visited there a few years ago, and although it rained a few of the days, we still found plenty to do and had a great time!  The beaches are great, Orange Beach in particular, the food is amazing...fresh seafood right on the beach, and close by is an outlet mall that will make shop-o-holics jump up and down. I usually wouldn't do much shopping while on vaca, but again, it rained and we had fun strolling the shops that day!

 

2. Breckenridge, Colorado ~ Ski baby Ski.  There is something so freeing about making your way down a mountain, the cool air against your face, the ski poles in your hands and a warm cup of hot chocolate waiting for you at the bottom.  Skiing is something that anyone can learn, take a lesson or try snowboarding.  This quaint, cozy town of Breckenridge is sure to please.

 

3. Dallas, Texas ~ Where everything is bigger.  Texas has always been a favorite destination of mine.  Dallas has so much to do and it's just cool city!!  Take a short drive South to hit Austin, a very unique city with a lot of history.  Visit the Dallas Aquarium, its amazing or hit the Dallas Zoo.  Visit the Fort Worth Stock Yards and watch the daily cattle drive.  The food is very good, from hamburgers to steaks to Mexican flare, there are so many options!  A definite must try is Maple and Motor, it used to be a car garage but is now serving up some of the best hamburgers and was featured on Guy Fieri's Top Spots of Diner's, Drive-In's, and Dives.

 

 

4. Negril, Jamaica ~ Peaceful and Beautiful.  This vacation spot holds a special place in my heart. The  7 Mile Beach is gorgeous ~ white sand, clear blue water, and warm air. We stayed at an all-inclusive which I recommend because you will have everything you need, any time of the day.  We did venture off site to do a little local shopping and of course one must visit the famous Rick's Café, but if you choose not to leave your property, you won't regret with either.  A place for relaxation on Spring Break!

5. Virginia Beach, Virginia ~ History with a side of Beach.   Visit Jamestown, the first English Colony in America. Yorktown, where you can experience 300 years of history through Battlefields and 18th Century Homes or take a stroll on the riverwalk.  Norfolk is  home to the Chrysler Museum of Art, a Top 20 museum in the US. It features masterworks from every major civilization, historical period and 5000 years of culture.  Nauticus, the National Maritime Center is here too,  and features the USS Wisconsin, the world's largest battleship. Of course don't forget to visit Virginia Beach, with 38 miles of shoreline and the famous 3 mile boardwalk, you will want to make this stop!