Seattle and Tacoma Glass Tour | Exploring the Pacific Northwest Glass Art Scene

More than just the home of Starbucks, Seattle and nearby Tacoma in Washington state are a Mecca for  glass art.  In every hotel, street corner, Seattle center, and all around the Seatac area are beautiful displays of glass.  On many earlier trips I noticed the glass, but never knew the story.

On this visit to Seattle I found myself in Tacoma for 4 days and 3 nights in the middle of my Seattle visit.  I remember driving through and around Tacoma, but this was the first time that I spent more than a few hours there.  Over the course of these few days, I discovered a few things. Continue reading “Seattle and Tacoma Glass Tour | Exploring the Pacific Northwest Glass Art Scene”

Phoenix Skytrain | Finally Transportation that Makes Sense for Sky Harbor International Airport

The Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Skytrain is open!  The train currently runs between the East Economy lots to Terminal 4.  The East Economy lot station is located between Garages A and B.  There are passenger trams to take passengers and luggage directly to and from cars to the station.  There are still buses running between the Terminals.  For the employees and passengers at Terminal 4, this is a great service!  The skytrain is faster than the old buses, running more frequently, and the drop off is on the ticketing/gate level in the middle of the Terminal.

PHX Skytrain
PHX Skytrain

There is no additional charge to passengers.  The train is funded by airport revenues and passenger fees, so I plan to enjoy this service that I have already paid for.

The train is quiet (it is electric), fast, efficient, and (so far) clean!

Celebrity Theatre Phoenix | Concert Venue with Charm

Celebrity Theatre is a great 1960’s design concert venue located in Phoenix, Arizona.  This circular venue includes a rotating stage to ensure that everyone has a great view of the stage, no matter where your seats are located!

Front Row at Celebrity Theatre
Front Row at Celebrity Theatre
Continue reading “Celebrity Theatre Phoenix | Concert Venue with Charm”

Lyndhurst Castle | Fairy Tale Manor in New York

I love Castles!  Gothic architecture is so enchanting, like a Fairy Tale come to Life.  I was so excited to visit Lyndhurst Mansion in New York state.  Nicknamed Lyndenhurst for the beautiful linden trees on the property, it is formally known as the Jay Gould estate for people without any imagination, named for previous Railroad tycoon owner.  For the rest of us, this country house and surrounding 67 acre park is an American mini-Castle waiting to be explored.

Front view from the road
Front view of the Lyndhurst estate from the road
Continue reading “Lyndhurst Castle | Fairy Tale Manor in New York”

Tempe Town Lake Activities | Explore this Man Made Lake in the Heart of Tempe, Arizona

The temperature is starting to cool off and people around metro-Phoenix can finally venture outside with less fear of catching fire, or at least it feels that hot all summer long here.  Today a friend and I took my dogs out for a walk along Tempe Town Lake, the man-made lake in the middle of bustling University town Tempe.The park around the Lake is home to many festivals and concerts, so be sure to check out upcoming events here.

I prefer to plan my own event at the Lake.  Bring a picnic basket for a fun family activity during the day, or romantic get-a-way in the evening. There are plenty of bike paths,  walkways, shade trees, and benches.  The dogs love to walk around the lake with me.  There are mountain views to the north of the lake and the park is well kept and clean.

The main attraction is the lake, and there are quite a few activities to enjoy on the water.  Today we watched people sailing, kayaking, fishing, and on paddle boards.  There is a boat rental office on the south side of the lake for small boats, hydro bikes, and kayaks.Lake or land, the sunset is worth hanging around to watch.