Visit New Orleans: Celebrating 300 years of History, Art, and Music

Happy Tricentennial Birthday New Orleans!

My first visit to New Orleans was Mardi Gras (1999) and I have returned a few more times for Thanksgiving and festivals. Every visit is a great time filled with fun, food, history, and entertainment.

2018 marks the tricentennial birthday for New Orleans and I could not pass up the opportunity to celebrate the big 3-0-0!

First-time visitors typically stick to the top 5 activities, which are a very good place to start, and revisit anytime in New Orleans. Continue reading “Visit New Orleans: Celebrating 300 years of History, Art, and Music”

Weekend Festival along the Pork Highway in Guavate, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has some pretty epic annual festivals like San Sebastian in Old San Juan every January, and there are plenty of other activities year round including the unofficial pork festival every weekend at Guavate!

View of Highway 184 in Guavate, Puerto Rico
 View of Highway 184 in Guavate, Puerto Rico

Every Saturday and Sunday the main road through Guavate transforms from sleepy little town to party central. Guavate is the home of Lechonera, these are food stalls and restaurants that feature roasted pork, so much so this area of Puerto Rico is known as the Pork Highway. Located in the mountains of Puerto Rico, the best way to visit the pork highway is from the town of Caguas, then head East on highway 184.

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Best of Downtown Tempe, Arizona

Tempe, Arizona is home to Arizona State University and located in the heart of the Valley of the Sun.  I am no stranger to Tempe, graduating from both high school and University. Many years later, I am back to walk down memory lane and explore my hometown. Tempe is no longer just a college town in the shadow of Phoenix and Scottsdale, this little town has grown up!  Offering an amazing variety of excellent independent restaurants, shops, and activities, Tempe is a wonderful blend of modern and hip fitting along the rich history of the town.Best of Downtown Tempe AZ

Visiting twice in the last two months, I have discovered some new and wonderful activities and am reminded of the spots that are better than ever.  Here are my recommendations for the Best of Downtown Tempe Activites, Shopping, and Dining. Continue reading “Best of Downtown Tempe, Arizona”

Lunch with a Beach View in Luquillo, Puerto Rico

Located on the north side of the island overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Luquillo is approximately 30 minutes from the airport in San Juan.
In additional to spectacular golden sand beaches, Luquillo offers a wide variety of dining options with these incredible views. Eat at one of the local kioskos, pack a picnic lunch, or stock up at the Luquillo Farmer’s Market, there is plenty of food and incredible views in Luquillo, Puerto Rico.

Food tastes better with an ocean view, and one of the best stretches of beach in Puerto Rico is in Luquillo. Located on the north side of the island overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Luquillo is approximately 30 minutes from the airport in San Juan.  The soft, golden sand beaches stretch over 12 miles of coastline, offering sections that are clear and calm, while others are perfect for surfing and kiteboarding.

The six sections of beach are broken down as Mameyes Beach, Playa Fortuna, Luquillo beach, Balneario Monserrate, Playa Azul, La Pared Beach, and La Selva Beach (from West to East). Whatever your beach preference, make sure to enjoy lunch at least once in Luquillo.

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Exploring Seattle’s Underground in Pioneer Square | Hidden History in Seattle

Pioneer Square Park

Park at Pioneer Square
Park at Pioneer Square

Tucked behind the modern Seattle waterfront is the historic area of Pioneer Square.  The most noticeable landmark is the triangle shaped park in the heart of Pioneer Square. Continue reading “Exploring Seattle’s Underground in Pioneer Square | Hidden History in Seattle”