Page Springs Cellars and Wine Tasting | Arizona Wine Making

One of the best kept secrets in Arizona is the growing wine making community.  My Sister and I recently took a girl’s getaway trip to Sedona, and I made sure to include Page Springs Cellars on the road trip.  Page Springs is located between Sedona and Cottonwood, just 10 miles southwest of downtown Sedona.

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Page Springs Cellars Front Patio

Page Springs is a small, family owned vineyard.  The grapes are grown in vineyards surrounding the Cellar and nearby land, sectioned by varietal.  Breaking from Arizona expectations, Page Springs is most similar to the Mediterranean climate, without as much humidity.

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Fern Winter Tasting Menu | St Regis Resort Puerto Rico

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During our recent four-day stay at the St Regis Bahia Beach Resort, we ate a fantastic meal at Fern restaurant:  a six course Tasting Menu with wine pairings for a Friday night dinner.

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Phoenix Zoo Lights | Winter Holiday Tradition

Every winter (since 1991) starting Thanksgiving week until early January, the Phoenix Zoo decks out the grounds in an amazing light show.  Phoenix ZooLights is a holiday tradition for locals and visitors alike.  For these few weeks every year, the Phoenix Zoo transforms into a holiday wonderland at night.  

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The mild winter temperatures in Phoenix (early evening in the 60’s F/18 C) are perfect to enjoy hot chocolate and walk around the Zoo admiring the light show.  Only some of the animals may be visible during the ZooLights event, but you may still get to see a Unicorn!

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Puerto Del Rey Marina, Puerto Rico

Puerto del Rey is the largest marina in Puerto Rico, and even the largest in the Caribbean!  I am slowly falling in love with this marina and all of the businesses and events hosted there.  I am a certified scuba diver and all around fan of boats and water, sadly I am not a boat owner (yet).  I still manage to visit the marina and enjoy the boats on a regular basis.  Here is a quick guide of the services and facilities at Puerto Del Rey for non-boat owners.puerto-del-rey-marina-guide

Sea Ventures is 5 star PADI scuba company, and recently awarded the blue flag for Sustainable Boating Tourism Operator.  They are active with Project Aware and PADI events.  Sea Ventures is the #1 reason that I go to the Marina.  There are a fantastic group of instructions and scuba divers.  I feel safe and welcome every time I dive with Sea Ventures!  With only 20 dives logged, I am still considered a newbie diver and I will continue my advanced certifications and instructions with the knowledgeable staff at Sea Ventures.

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Charco Azul, Patillas | Fresh Water Natural Pool Puerto Rico Travel Guide

Travel Guide for Charco Azul fresh water pool in Patillas, Puerto Rico. Hiking, swimming, picnic and camping guide.

Ever since moving to Puerto Rico earlier this year, I am beach and water obsessed.   Coming from the hot, dry desert the beach is still a magical, mysterious place.  I am always on the hunt for special, secluded little places and ask all of the long-term residents about their favorite spots.  So I was surprised when multiple trusted locals told me about the secret mountain pools around the island.  Intrigued by other natural water activities, we decided on a visit to Charco Azul.

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Charco Azul is a fresh water, natural swimming pool located in the southeast mountain region of Puerto Rico.   It is close  to our neighborhood in Palmas Del Mar.  It is also the most popular natural pool on the island.   We braced ourselves for huge crowds and (possible) disappointment, then drove out Sunday morning in the off season (August – November) to explore.

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