Inspiring Travel and Wellness. Join me for adventures above and below the ocean, exploring nature, luxury travel experiences, spa and wellness activities.
Explore the incredible Art scene of San Juan, Puerto Rico at the Museo de Arts de Puerto Rico and the surrounding neighborhood.
Puerto Rico is known for amazing beaches and a variety of rum drinks, including the famous Pina Colada. What about Art? Today, I set out to explore the art scene in Puerto Rico, starting with the capital of San Juan.
Continue reading “Museum of Art and Centro Bellas de Artes in San Juan, Puerto Rico”Step back in time and into a world of fantasy at the Arizona Renaissance Festival, full of Knights, Royalty, Mermaids, Pirates, Gypsies, and more.
Romance, adventure, and entertainment set in a Renaissance period fantasy world full of fun in the beautiful desert of Arizona.Let your imagination run wild in this family friendly excursion back in time!
The festival operates every weekend in February and March, President’s day and a few select school days. The base ticket price includes entrance to the festival grounds, ample parking, petting zoo, and all shows, including the joust.
Continue reading “Arizona Renaissance Festival | Beginners Guide and Frugal Tips”Overview of Fajardo, Puerto Rico for Seven Seas beach, Bio Bay kayaking tours, scuba, dining, and the El Conquistador hotel.
Our first experience with Puerto Rico was Old San Juan, and I was hooked! When planning our next visit, we knew we needed more time, and we wanted to explore several areas of the island. We started in beautiful Isla Verde, just outside of San Juan, then rented a car and headed out to Fajardo for a few days. Six months later, I find myself back in Fajardo.
Fajardo is an hour East of San Juan, at the meeting point for the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea on the Northeast tip of the island. Fajardo boasts one of the world’s rare bioluminescent bays, a must-see at night during the new moon, when it is darkest.
Continue reading “Over view of Fajardo, Puerto Rico | Beaches, Bio Bay, and More”Hiking is one of my favorite free activities in Phoenix. Our desert valley is surrounded by mountains providing stunning views and wildlife. South Mountain Park/Preserve in the heart of Phoenix is over 16,000 acres, approximately 20 times the size of New York’s Central Park, it is the largest municipal park in the country! Now is the perfect time to Go Take a Hike!
South Mountain Park is easy access from anywhere in metro-Phoenix and offers trails for every level of athletic ability. Horses, dogs, and mountain bikes are all welcome on the trails.
With nearly 60 miles of trails, I like to map out the hike before heading to a trail head. Most trails are easily followed with metal signposts along the trail as a guide, and many of these were recently updated with trail name, QR code, elevation, and specific trail post information. I always bring a hard copy trail map of the area I plan to be in. A recent hike with friends was so beautiful we decided to add another couple miles to our hike, which was easily accomplished with a brief look at our trail map.
There are at least 4 main parking lots, and many more parking areas near perimeter trail heads.
There are excellent maps and detailed descriptions of trails provided by National Geographic at All Trails website. Here is more information about the beautiful desert trails including petroglyphs and ruins.
Pima Canyon entrance is accessed from I-10 and Baseline road, just off of 48th street and Guadalupe. This popular parking lot is usually packed with cars, and offers restrooms, water fountains, shaded benches, and areas for cooking/grilling.
Desert Foothills Parkway is a smaller parking lot located at the Southern tip of the park and offers shaded area, water fountains, and portable toilets.
Continue reading “South Mountain Park | Hiking in Central Phoenix, Arizona”
My favorite, and the most luxurious theater in Phoenix is the Orpheum Theater in downtown Phoenix.
Home to performances from the Phoenix Theater League, comedians, and high quality shows. Capacity is less than 1400 seats, which means there really are no bad seats. Even mediocre views are easily avoided by skipping the last 10 rows lower level or last 5 rows on the balcony.
Originally opened in 1929 in the Spanish Baroque architecture style, the 1997 restoration gave the theater amazing acoustics and modern lighting while keeping the Roaring 20’s class. The theater itself is beautiful, with new details inside and out to be discovered during every visit.
The seat rows are a smidge close (not as much leg room as Phoenix Symphony Hall). Seats on the interior aisle are a great option for taller people or anyone needing a little more room.
Beverage bars serving wine, coffee, and light snacks are open before and during intermission for performances. The bathroom lines tend to be short and fast moving. Every comfort is provided in the Orpheum. The ground level lobby is small, venture downstairs to the lower level bar (not always open), large area for mingling, and restrooms.
Performances at the Orpheum are a great excuse for date night, family afternoon matinees, girls’ night out, and more. Incorporate one of the nearby restaurants for the perfect dinner and a show event.
