A new year is upon us folks! That means going to New places and having new experiences and sharing your intel with all your TKP bretheren!
We just booked today for April in St. Thomas. This will be a new carribean island for us. Staying via our timeshare at the Limetree Resort by Windham on the south central side of the island. Also gives us access to their sister resort the Elysian by Windham on the eastern end. We are considering a day trip to St. John as well.
Any recommendations for specific beaches/parks/food/booze/things to do are greatly appreciated as always.
Also...Where are you going or thinking about going this year? This community has not disappointed in the past!
Happy travels everyone!
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We're planning a family trip to Iceland around this time next year. Myself, wife and a will-be-almost-5-year-old.
Any suggestions?
Can't tell you any specific places but my boss went there 2 years ago and said it was fantastic. Also, be prepared- some restaurants serve horse I was told.
Accelerate those plans and go to Iceland in August, it'll be in the path of totality for the solar eclipse, 8/12/2016. If you're already gonna go ;)
We looked into that and the general consensus from Icelanders is that you'll be VERY lucky if the clouds break enough for you to see the totality. Couple that with the fact that seeing the northern lights is unlikely in August caused us to kill the trip. Still want to see Iceland, but will do it in winter to hopefully see the northern lights and make full use of the hot springs.
Yeah, total eclipse would be cool to see but what we really want to see is aurora borealis, so winter it is.
If it works for your schedule go straight from the airport to Blue Lagoon. It was a great way to combat the jet lag for the kids and start our trip in a relaxed way.
Danny Coale is my Spirit Animal and I are going to Iceland next month! We planned the trip to celebrate my turning 40 this year...but also because we have passports, so we should use them. I'll report back after we get back from our trip! We'll be gone a total of 12 nights, but we're losing one of those nights to the flight over. Then we have 5 days of exploring the South Coast before a 7-night cruise around the island. I've never planned (or paid for) a more expensive trip in my life, and I can't wait to get there.
Side note: I recently learned that Icelandair will allow you to add a stopover in Iceland for up to 7 nights when you have a connecting flight in Keflavik, so we will likely take advantage of that for future trips to Europe now that our local airport has a non-stop flight to Reykjavik!
If you have time in Reykjavik, check out the Phallological Museum. That's on my wife's bucket list.
It's already on the list!
Send pictures!
Headed to Cozumel, MX for a scuba trip next week. Looking for recommendations to fill a free day the last day before we fly back (can't dive the day before flying). I've been to Chichen Itza and the cenotes already, so I've penciled in a day trip to Tulum this time around. Is that a good choice, or are there better options?
I like Tulum. Most of the other stuff we have done in that area probably falls short of scuba - cenote that is still underground, turtle beach where you pay to swim with green turtles. There is good snorkeling just off the coast of Tulum. You can always rent jet
Skis or lounge in the sun....
Incredible fly fishing down there
If you've been to Chichen Itza, Tulum may be underwhelming. Its small, but pretty location.
If able, check out Uxmal ruins. Doesn't get the hype like Chichen Itza, but much larger than Tulum....its further away, so may not be able.
My favorite (excepting Tikal in Guatemala...other worldly!) is Palenque. Again, further in, but gorgeous scenery and expansive ruins.
But Tulum may hit the spot as it's closer to Cozumel.
Tulum is conveniently located but if you've seen Chichen, painfully underwhelming. If it's all you can squeeze in for a few hours, go for it. But I would plan for just about anything more fun or more out of the way.
Edit: Drinking- I just realized I plagiarized Shoog's first sentence with mine.
Looking for food recommendations near San Diego cruise port. Gastown I think it's called?
Kid friendly preferred.
The Gaslamp District.
I'd recommend but it's been 40 years since I was there.
On Grape St. was a real expat British Pub called the Princess of Wales.
There restaurant where they filmed the Top Gun scene with the piano was a place I hung out before the film. Kansis BBQ. Not sure if any of those places were there.
If you like craft beer, Pizza Palace, Lost Abbey (superior beers) at The Church, Stone Brewing.
Edited for speeling.
Gaslamp District is packed with options.
There's a legit Irish Pub called The Field on 5th Street that's shipped over from Ireland and reassembled that's a fun spot, frequent live music. Personally I prefer Ballast Point to Stone but the Stone location is beautiful. Point Loma Seafood for fresh off the boat goodies, ceviche there is very good. Little Italy by the airport has some really good Italian but I can't recall the name of the places I've been to. Vin de Syrah is a super cool speakeasy with a plethora of wine and bourbon options. I recommend just wandering the Gaslamp and popping in somewhere that catches your eye. Enjoy!
What are you talking about? There's absolutely nothing to do down there.
LOL, I got spellchecked. I'll correct. Great joke.
Little Italy is a short uber up from the Embarcadero. Bencotto for Italian food. Born and Raised for brunch. Ballast point and Stone are there too. I prefer Ballast Point, and the food there is pretty solid.
In the gaslamp, there are a ton of options, but I don't remember anything standing out.
It has been a few years since I've made it out to San Diego, but I have enjoyed Queenstown Public House every time I've visited.
Depending on how old/capable you/your kids are, I would strongly encourage walking the Embarcadero.
If you have enough time, you can also take the ferry over to Coronado and visit Coronado Brewing Company.
Not place specific yet, but the wife and I are looking at buying a small travel trailer. Ive collected some east coast recommendations for places to visit, but can always use more.
Hunting Island in SC is a good beach getaway and the most popular state campground for good reason, it's local to me, secluded from mass crowds with no hotels or high rises, still a lot of beach traffic in the "non-school" months.
Hunting Island is great. Travel Trailer camping opens up a huge list of possibilities.
Townsend, TN and Cades Cove are legit.
Maine coast and lakeside combo trip is a good plan in summer.
Travel Trailer: I suggest an Airstream. Yes its costlier, they don't have a slide-out, but they last a long time. We love ours.
I think Airstream is just too pricey for us as first timers. We have a limited tow vehicle, so we're currently strongly considering an older Lance 1575.
We are headed to the Smokies for spring break in late March - hope to find a spot at Cade's Cove but if not, where would you recommend in Townsend?
Cades Cove camping is boondocking only. You'll definitely get a bear visit in your camp.
When we go to Townsend we stay at either The Mountaineer Campground or Little Arrow. The KOA is nice also, but sites are tight. We've known the previous owners and new owners at The Mountaineer for a long time so we know what we get there.
Staying in town provides access to several good restaurants/breweries on the river and access to wherever around there. Cades Cove is a short drive up the mountain.
Note: We have seen bears every time we have gone to Townsend - we have never not seen one at least once somewhere on a trip there - even in our camp once. One drive in Cades Cove we saw 15 in a day.
Great info, thanks!
If you like the beach, Assateague Island State park, Cape Henlopen, and Delaware Seashore are some of our favorites. Jellystone in Luray is fun as well if you have kids.
100% agree on delaware shore. We camp at cape henlopen every year for 10 days. I've been going there since I was an infant in 1969 so I can tell you about everything in the area. NERF and masscott live in the are too and know everything too.
My wife loves the beach and the Delaware beaches are our closest, so these are great options.
I can help with Luray area things. Jellystone is great if you have kids but can be very crowded sometimes. There's other nice low-key sites like Spacious Skies that are still convenient to Shenandoah National Park and Luray Caverns. Another good spot with lots of activities and options is the Luray RV Resort on the Shenandoah. Lots of downtown shopping and eats, check out the Ralph Dean Park, Luray Singing Tower, The Greenway, Lake Arrowhead, play 18 holes at the Caverns Country Club then finish off with tastings at one (or more) of the local wineries/vineyards.
Topher Magens Bay despite being a tourist spot is still amazing to see.
Thanks Fireman! Looks very cool! Definitely will go there. We have a rental car and will explore the entire island. We're also looking for an extra 1 night stay somewhere on the cheap (under $175) for 1 day after our timeshare week. We thought about going over on the ferry to stay at St John for that extra day but the prices are insane!
I did the day trip to St John via the ferry from Red Hook in 2021 and it was a long day (car rental, national park, shops, brewery for dinner) but definitely worth it. The rams head hike in the national park is pretty easy and ends with some great views out on the point. Just bring lots of water since there are no facilities out there except the edible cactus fruit the bartender at Leatherback Brewing told us to eat. Also a day trip to water island and the little beach there was really nice too. Secluded spot with a decent beach bar
Seconded for Rams Head Trail, and also the beach and snorkeling in Salt Pond Bay. The hike is relatively easy, and the resultant views are great. Just watch out for the wild donkeys, they are pretty determined to get into coolers, backpacks, and anywhere else you might have snacks hidden.
Magens bay was fantastic Fireman! We were lucky it wasn't too crowded as there was only 1 cruise ship in Port the 2 times we went there. Absolutely beautiful. It was also the only beach we went to that didn't have the 2 foot 'sand ledge' drop off about 5 yards out which is like quicksand trying to climb up and out of the water. Sapphire Beach was amazing too. Coki beach was super crowded, albeit still beautiful.
We're in the process of planning a Four Corners motorcycle trip, shipping the bikes into Las Vegas and out of Albuquerque. Gonna go over Hoover Damn, visit Virgin River Gorge, all the stuff in southern Utah (Moab, Bryce, Mexican Hat, Monument, Capital Reef, Arches, Canyonlands), actual Four Corners, Million Dollar Hwy, then Albuquerque for the start of the balloon festival, and Carlsbad Canyons and a dip into Mexico. Gonna be 🔥!
It is a little out of the way for your route, but I always recommend Chaco Valley. It's elevation is about 6000ft and they have a protected skyline. It makes for some of the best star gazing in the US.
I can't remember the route numbers anymore, but my manager used to regularly take a trip from New Mexico to Durango on his bike that he said was amazing.
Maybe Mesa Verde NP in Colorado. We worked it into our "7 NPs in 9 Days" trip in 2023 and it was really cool
I second Mesa Verde, and if you are planning on doing Bryce I would look into Zion. I liked Zion better.
Petrified forest isn't far from there either that I remember.
PF is ~3 hours west of ABQ
I may be taking an afternoon from ABQ to hit up the VLA about 1.5hr west of there. PF may work as well.
I've been wanting to go to the VLA! If you go during the week, there are guided tours, but if you go on the weekend, the gift shop is open. It's only when they have open houses that you can get both in the same day
Sorry last time I did that trip it was `89, I don't remember it being that long...
We went the other way last year in a rental car, Sante Fe to Salt Lake.
The 4 corners was the least whelming part of the trip. We visited three of the parks, listed in the order we liked them. Bryce, Capital Reef, Zion. The scenic drive along the grand escalade from Zion to Bryce is amazing. Did a guided jeep tour at Capital that was very well put together. We saw dinosaur bones in the ground, desserts of fossilized seas shells, old native granaries and petroglyphs, incredible formations, and got to see all the rock layers up close, learn what they were made of when. We stayed in Page and toured the upper and lower Antelope Canyon (similar) and horseshoe bend. We did the ski gondola in Albuquerque and poked around the shops in old town. Farmington was a chill place to stay between 4 corners and Albuquerque.
When we were younger, we'd camp out west for a month every two years. Started with tent, then pickup and tent, then the first of three trailers. Of all the places we loved the most, Canyonlands still stands out. The degradation of the experience through the years as crowds discovered our national treasures makes me sad for those who didn't see it when we did, but you can still get lost in Canyonlands and mountain biking on the slickrock is still a ton of fun. Still and all, it's not going to get less congested, so go now if you can. Essentially, boomers are retiring in droves and have discovered camping in the west. Where we'd have 5 or 6 people in some campgrounds and we'd have the only dog, now there are 50-60 people in the campground and nearly that many dogs.
If you're on the loose in N. Mexico, we always loved Jemez Springs, a very small quirky, arty kind of place that's off the path enough, and small enough to limit crowds. Visit the Los Ojos bar for some dynamite chilis relleno and if you're a little intrepid, visit the hot springs that gave the town its name. Clothing used to be optional during the week, who knows now, though. Near Los Alamos, with a really neat campground (Vista Linda), there's an impressive caldera and some very nice hiking.
Just did a Durango/Moab trip with my parents - Mesa Verde was sadly closed due to the government shutdown, but Utah paid to keep the mighty 5 open. We all agreed that Canyonlands was a much better park than Arches.
You're thinking Valles Caldera near Los Alamos. Bandelier is right there, too. There's supposed to be a great pizza place in Jemez Springs, but I can't remember the name off the top of my head.
Last time we went, there wasn't a pizza place that we were aware of. We always ate at Los Ojos anyway.
I'm based in Santa Fe and have been doing some 4 corners region exploring over the last year and a half, if you want any suggestions
Not sure this works with motorcycles (have to secure them for at least one night). Havasupai Falls is incredible to go see. Its location is pretty cool.
Doing France/Germany/Austria after Thanksgiving to try to do Christmas Markets. Definitely doing Paris for 3ish days, Versailles for one day, Strasbourg for a day, Black Forest area of Germany, and Salzburg for a day.
Any suggestions?
Eat too much. Drink wine/beer from each region you are in. Eat the local specialty.
Ask if they have a picon biere while you are in Strasbourg (orange bitters in a beer, usually a medium lager-type, really delicious)
edit: note for Alsace, muenster is a local cheese and they use it in a lot of dishes. It is not the same as Wisconsin muenster cheese. Alsatian muenster is a pungent, funky cheese and I highly recommend it, but your tablemates may not appreciate it. I got it on a pizza once at an outdoor cafe and no one would sit next to us. It was delicious.
if you can make it Christmas season in Vienna is magical
You didn't say how you're getting around, and that makes a difference logistically.
I'd be tempted to add another day for Strasbourg, as it's a big place with lots of distinct markets. If you want more Alsace, Colmar is also nice. Get dinner reservations in Salzburg well in advance - those restaurants fill up, especially during the Christmas markets.
Can vouch for Colmar, used to travel there for work regularly. I can recommend specific restaurants if you are there (though you can't really find a bad meal in that town unless you are buying fast food).
Most/all by train. this is solid advice as my wife wants the more quaint, European market feel. I do not know much about Germany but, the suggestions below look solid as well.
One other note: in France, they tend to use disposable plastic cups for vin chaud (mulled wine). In Germany/Austria, you often pay an additional Pfand (deposit) of about 4 euro for a ceramic or glass gluhwein (mulled wine) mug which you can return for a new one when you get another cup, or turn back in to get your deposit back at the end. Those are highly collectible, as they often have the city name and year on them, and come in different shapes.
Did a similar trip in 24. I'd tack an extra day on Strasbourg. Maybe two, and go down to Colmar. Similar vibes, but way less crowded.
We did a day in Freiburg. It's fine. Easily skippable.
Best markets in Germany (to me) are in Koln and Munich, but those are a bit out of the way of your intended route.
Our plans changed and can no longer do Christmas market stuff in Europe, so we're going to do London and Paris in mid September.
Anybody have new suggestions of things to do outside of the traditional stuff we will probably already be planning to see? Or secret spots in either city that are worth a visit? Or things that should be avoided?
I am willing to do day trips from Paris and back if anyone has any good wine tour/region ideas trip ideas, or cool "must see" village/town site seeing like possibly still going into Strasbourg.
I haven't looked at a soccer schedule (or map) but I'd be tempted to see a Premier League match or maybe trying to check out Wrexham.
My daughter is in Paris right now on a school trip. She comes back tomorrow. I suspect the things they did are the big touristy/tour group things that tour groups take people on, but will ask her if she found anything especially interesting.
For London, even if you are not into theater (I'm really not) it is probably worth it to see a show at Shakespeare's Globe Theater. If you are into polar/arctic things, The Scott Polar Research Institute up in Cambridge has a really small (as in, about 3 rooms) museum that was totally fascinating to me and National Maritime Museum had some great exploration rooms. And if you want your thighs to be burning, the Hyde Park paddle boats are a much more intense workout than I ever imagined they would be.
https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=180573918...
https://www.spri.cam.ac.uk/
https://www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritime-museum
https://sportsandleisure.royalparks.org.uk/hyde-park/boating?utm_source=...
You really want to go places people don't go for vacation, you can go to my company's home office in London :-)
If you're planning on doing day trips out of Paris (other than Versailles), I'd just leave Paris for a few days and stay in the other place, as Paris is more expensive than most anywhere else. The Alsace is worth a visit. Consider Strasbourg or Colmar, and you can reach them by train. There are wine shops in these towns good for wine tastings.
Some other possibilities for wine trips are Loire, or Dijon/Beaune, but they aren't close together, so you'd choose one to focus on. Those are probably best suited for renting a car and checking out the little towns around.
This could get pretty unwieldy pretty quickly if you're also planning to hit London, as they're all worth multiple days on their own.
In Paris, my favorite things that are not on the regular tourist agenda:
1) Get a bahn mi Sandwich at the Purple Door (42 Rue Descartes in the Latin Quarter) near the "Midnight in Paris" Church, then walk down to the little park next to Shakespere and Company, sketch and watch the Seine roll by.
2) The Medieval History museum Musee De Cluny is awesome.
My cousin is a classically trained french chef who's lived/worked in Paris for about a decade now. This is his list of places to eat - everything from small cafes and bakeries to Michelin star restaurants.
Looks like a fun list.
This is the real reason I pay for TKPC.
Headed on ComiCon the cruise next week. Three cosplays set up (finishing the Fallout setup now), no work, too much food, nerds aplenty, scotch tasting with hobbits. It's going to be great.
Taking a full family trip to the Kona - Big Island, HI in July (mom, dad, wife, son, sister, other sister, BIL, nephew, his fiance and their kid. Dad grew up there, so a part of the trip is to show us all his old stomping ground. That is for 7 days, then my wife, son and I are staying 3 more days on the east side of the island
Do a manta ray night snorkel if you can!
Yes very cool . Also ocean kayaking from same place , lots of fun . Kona Brewing Co.if into that . Try to make it to Kileaua volcano . has been erupting upto 1500 ft .
I think I'm good on Kona Brewing, did that last time I was there, like 14 years ago... there are maybe 4 other breweries on the island i want to check out though.
Def want to do Kileaua. Gonna hit Volcano National Park, my son is excited about the lava tubes
I know my sister wants to do this
When we went watching the volcano erupt, both by day and by night, was #1.
Tied for #2 were going to the top of Mauna Kea for a sunset (saw the milky way unbelievably clear, and looked down on the glow of the erupting volcano), and snorkeling with the Manta's. Lots of other cool things, but those 3 are my must do recommendations.
I agree with rankings. We did those and zip lined and kayaked in ocean. Wife and I are going back to islands in November/December this year. She doesn't know yet. Its her 65th birthday present (don't tell her ) plus our 45th anniversary trip
We went for a day, flew in to Kona from Honolulu and looped the island.
We were on the north shore, in Honoka'a hoping to get to Waipi'o lookout before sunset to see the view to the canyon. So went in to a convenience store to ask. A dude tells me that yes we can make it. Not some ordinary dude, but a legit Hawaiian cowboy, with hat, chaps, etc. speaking in a dialect I can barely understand. It was very cool. The area is apparently big cattle country.
That island is amazing... when we landed, it was a totally different vibe from O'ahu. Everyone said 'welcome to the real Hawaii'. We bought fresh roasted coffee from a couple growing beans on their property, saw the black sand beaches, Volcano Park, had fresh sweet bread at Punalu'u.
Hawaiian Pidgin is an amazing dialect.
I'm looking forward to seeing the rainforest side of the island this time.
Usually this time of the year I am already in CO for my annual 2 month snowboarding adventure. However the snow has been non existent, so I'll be leaving Jan 30. Will chase the snow where I can before the girlfriend flies in mid Feb for my birthday in a little place called Aspen. (There's several Hokies that live there.) I'll be heading to AZ the following weekend as a vendor at the famous Fountain Hills Art Festival. Hopefully I sell all of the feather earrings to all of the women in Phoenix. From there I will go stand on the corner in Winslow and meander my way back north, depending on snow conditions to pick up my GF in Jackson Hole. We will ski Jackson Hole and Targhee for a week and then head to Sun Valley in early March. Where I'll go from there, I'm not sure. I'll chase the snow, if it's around. Could be Montana, could be up into Canada? Likely return home end of March / early April. I've got a busy art show season, many of them out west so I'll be heading back out for a lot of the summer.
Anybody been to Corfu, Greece? My GF wants to go for her birthday in June.
Corfu is very nice. hard to go wrong there. anything specific you want to know?
Yes, I have extended family in-laws with property there. My wife's aunt grew up on the island of Erikousa before immigrating to the US in the 1970s and marrying into the family. They spend their summers there tending to a 3-unit short-medium term rental in Sidari.
Mrs Chumps and I joined them there for a weeklong trip in summer 2024, along with my SIL. Also at the property were Mrs Chump's cousin's family with 3 young kids. Family vacay in greece was pretty cool -- but anyway, our trip was great. Corfu is gorgeous
Kerkyra and Old Town is nice but gets crowded. The sun is hot and a lot of stuff closes midday and then opens later on and stays open late by american standards (like regular retail open til 11 pm, dinner usually around 9, etc)
The island is big enough to rent a car. Get a small one bc streets are v narrow in the city and roads are narrow and windy with sharper turns as you go over the mountain. We found Google Maps to be mostly reliable if you do a little digging and stick to paved roads (lol)
Bc family property is in Sidari, we spent all of our time on the north side of the island. Porto Timoni was absolutely gorgeous with the hike to the beach and the views were incredible. Agios Giorgios beach was great, as were some of the beach clubs in Sidari as well (Canal DAmour cabanas especially). Sunset Point in Loggas was great too.
Most of the beaches are "free access" but the best experience is the €10-15 beach clubs where you pay for a chair and umbrella and then there is wait service for food and drink.
The Achilleion Palace is great and we liked the little town of Benitses as well. That was as far south as we went.
If we ever go back (which is definitely on our radar given the family connection), we would for sure try to get further south
There is an international airport in Kerkyra that goes to a pretty good variety of european countries, but most of the flights out with connections to US required an overnight stay in a european city. My SIL did Paris on the way back, we did Zurich. If i recall, we debated between Zurich, Milan, and Frankfurt. Nice way to get a taste of another country two-for-one.
There is a reason everyone over there wears linen clothes with long sleeves and pants -- keeps the sun off you but pretty breathable. You will sweat, lol
We have a wedding to attend in New Hampshire in late September, any recommended tourism spots in NH, Vermont or Maine?
You gotta be a little more specific than that lol
Burlington VT is gorgeous, Portsmouth NH is great, basically all of coastal Maine is great
I was figuring on pushing the weekend into a week as I don't know how many more trips we are going to make into that part of the country. Camden Maine is on the list.
I lived in Rockland Maine the last two years (just south of Camden). Camden is so beautiful. For my money Camden Hills State Park is a must, as it'll be a beautiful view of Penobscot Bay and is much easier to get to than say Acadia. Go to McLoon's in South Thomaston for lobster/crab rolls and more, with beautiful view. Owls Head and Marshall Point lighthouses are also awesome.
Id be happy to answer any questions you have about the MidCoast of Maine!
Do you know if the Schooner Surprise is still doing tours out of Camden?
I think I recall seeing them last summer before we moved. If they aren't, there are usually a bunch of other ships in the schooner/ windjammer fleet that operate.
Schoodic Peninsula avoids much of the Acadia crowd. Its gorgeous.
Might be fighting with a lot of leaf peepers then, but Waterbury, VT is where Ben and Jerry's is and you can do a tour there, there's a Cider Mill in town that makes great cider and fresh donuts. Just north is Stowe that has some good breweries and the Von Trappe lodge.
Also in Waterbury is Prohibition Pig where i had one of the best meals of my life
Or the sister restaurant, Hen of the Wood! Both are fantastic.
Franconia Notch is cool. Also can drive to the top of Mt Washington (I think you still can)
you can drive, but the cog railway is a pretty cool way to go up, especially if you get one of the coal fired steam locomotives.
Every time I drive up the mountain (the trip is obligatory when we have guests) I swear we're taking the railway next time. The road doesn't require superhuman concentration but the driver won't be enjoying the views until parked at the top and out of the car.
Doing Barbados for 7-10 days in May. Only things on the itinerary so far are rum distilleries.
If you're a surfer: Soup Bowls, Bathsheba
I am very much not a surfer, but wouldn't mind watching, so appreciate the recs.
We plan on snorkeling a bit. Wife got addicted when I took her to Hawaii. Probably do a fishing charter too.
Staying in town. I don't particularly care for resorts.
Rum Distilleries were awesome make sure you're doing more than just Mt Gay....as imo it's the worst one.
Snorkeling is pretty great there. The fish fry in Ostins on Friday is a good time for sure
Mt Gay was an afterthought. Foursquare was the absolute number one thing on my list.
Thanks for the recs, and I'll hopefully use them eventually. Unfortunately, the Iran situation extended wife's pleasure cruise, so we had to cancel Barbados trip this year. Gonna try and do January/February next year if possible.
If anyone is going on a trip to Europe, dont sleep on Antwerp. Really cool city that I much prefer over Brussels. You can also do easy day trips to Ghent and Bruges.
My favorite of those for sleeping is Ghent, which is a college town, and you can daytrip to the other two. Bruges is good, but really touristy and a little pricier. Crowded on the weekends. I also love Brussels, but mostly if you're there on business and someone else is paying the tab.
Don't diamonds come from Antwerp?
Something like 85% of the world's diamonds go through there.
In June we're going to Magic Kingdom for a day, taking the toddler and our niece for their first time. Then we're driving to Miami to go on the Disney Destiny. That will go to Nassau and Disney's private island Castaway Cay. We're booking day passes to Atlantis which will be awesome!!
We have some free nights at Iberostar resorts (perks of being married to a travel agent), haven't decided when or where we're going to go though.
Then in November we'll be on the Star of the Seas for my wife's travel company's yearly conference. That goes to St Thomas, St Maarten and Perfect Day at Coco Cay.
Very excited for this year, all of those locations (except Magic Kingdom) are new to us!
Let me know if you need tips for DCL, we are 16 down with 3 more booked.
Any and all tips you've got bring em on! My wife and I have done Virgin, Celebrity, Norwegian (bleh) and Margaritaville (that was our first ever cruise).
Ive never sailed DCL, but we regularly sail Royal Caribbean if you want any advice there.
Which boat are yall on? Which ports? How old are kids?
The Destiny (newest ship), our daughter will be 3 and our niece will be 14. It's going to Nassau and Castaway Cay. It's a 5 day cruise.
First check when your activates booking date is. Then if your 3 year old is fully port trained sign her up for kids club. Use this time to sign up for alcohol tastings or other activities onboard. If you're going to Atlantis you have Nassau covered, but make sure you make time to ride their "lazy river" which isn't lazy at all and is a Thrill ride. Onboard you need to prioritize going with the flow OR TRYING to get every character meet and greet and activity in. Make sure to download the DCL app so you can see the daily schedules once onboard. On DCL you can use iMessage or WhatsApp without needing an internet plan it works better than DCL app messaging. On castaway if by some miracle you can get a cabana take it. Otherwise ask your server the night before to order. Chicken fingers and fries meal for your youngest so she has something to eat on the island because it's more hotel picnic food.
We haven't been on the destiny yet won't go until June.
All good to know! When in June are you sailing? We sail out the second week.
June 27th-July 4th.
Kids can be port trained, but some ports are more equal than others. ;^)
Is that in order of your preference? While some of these are quite old and things may have changed, our preference in order is:
Regent, Princess/Disney (tied), Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival
Wondering where Virgin, Celebrity, and Viking would fit into this?
Regent and Carnival are the only ones we would not do again so far. Regent was not worth the cost to us, Carnival was not that enjoyable.
Generally yes. I would put Celebrity and Virgin tied for first. They were both excellent ships (Ascent and Scarlett Lady) and would go on both again in a heartbeat. Celebrity is more laid back whereas Virgin is more of a party atmosphere (not like Carnival though lol). We did not like Norwegian at all, we were on the Joy for 5 days and thought the food was mediocre at best, entertainment was bland, crew was rude. I'd go on Margaritaville again before the Joy. That said I'd give NCL one more chance on a different ship.
IMO it's hard to rank all those lines exactly because they all offer different things depending on what you want. We'll go on Carnival one day I'm sure, but everything I've heard is that you may as well pay *slightly* more and go on Royal and have a much better experience.
Follow - favorite itenerary/locations? Our kids are now adult -so excluding the kid stuff.
Princess cruises land and sea cruise in Alaska was phenomenal, if you want a big expensive trip.
My parents, my brother, Mrs Mattboard and I did an Alaska cruise on Celebrity together and it is up there with my Ireland tour for best vacations of my life.
We toured the countryside in UTVs, had a Dungeness crab feast with local beers and ciders, blew glass on the ship, saw whales and dolphins, and got to see the glacier from our state room with hot coffee and room service while everyone else froze on deck, went on a train ride, etc. It is so beautiful, the photos don't do it justice. The whole time felt like some kind of vivid dream. I cannot recommend it enough.
Some shots:
Alaska is very, very high on my list of cruises to do. I would love to do Antarctica too but not sure my seasickness could handle the Drake Passage.
We are doing Alaska Disney cruise this summer, ive heard great things and the in-laws are paying so yay!
It's absolutely amazing,
Alaska and Bermuda have been our favorite cruise destinations.
For cruise locations:
-I love Turks and Caicos the most. We did a Catamaran snorkeling tour that also stopped at a local, secluded beach. 10/10 would recommend that.
-Bimini is nice but very small. Stunning beaches and water. Rent a cheap golf cart ($100 max for the day) and do a self guided tour, there's local restaurants and bars all along the only road on the island that serve great, fresh conch fritters.
-Our favorite port so far is Taino Bay in the DR. Shops are more than just the usual tourist traps imo, several bars that serve Mamajuana shots, a lazy river that's included and very large. We booked a resort pass and enjoyed it but wouldn't do it again. We'd either do a tour through Puerto Plata, go up into the mountains for the waterfall tour or stay in Taino Bay and drink in the lazy river.
We spent a week in Aruba a few years ago and that's been our favorite island to date. I don't know what it's like as a cruise stop but I can't imagine being disappointed!
Hokietopher,
St John is worth the ferry ride but you need a jeep to get to the great beaches. The best ones are on the NE side of the island, Maho Bay lots of sea turtles , Cinnamon Bay , and Trunk Bay beaches. Great snorkeling at Trunk Bay with a underwater coral trail.
I will second this. We are headed back to John for 10 days late February into early March (anniversary in early March). So many beaches and spots to explore or re-explore. This is Wifey's happy spot. We are staying on the east side overlooking Coral Bay this time. Previous visits we have stayed near Cruz Bay.
Gorgeous island with beautiful beaches and a great vibe. And yes you will need wheels, with my pick being a Jeep. Half the fun of the island is the ability to visit a different beach every day. If you like to sit in one spot and watch the waves from your beach rental (which we also do that on the MD, DE and FL beaches) this is not the spot for you. But if you are willing to get up early and head out early you can basically choose which beach you want to visit and secure a prime spot for the day every day.
We stayed in a house overlooking Corral Bay. Driving there is an adventure. That is from the road at the top of the mountain before heading down.
Also watch out for the goats walking across the road. I would go back every year if I could afford it.
Sounds like Vieques (Island that is Part of Peurto Rico) that we ferried over to for an overnight stay a couple years ago. Wild horses roaming around everywhere. And Chickens...lots of chickens.
Thank you all for the intel on St. Johns. We have decided against staying overnight, but may still go for a day trip. Already have a car rental (not a jeep) so won't be going to the beaches that are hard to reach, but probably will hang out on the east end for the day if we go. We will probably play this by ear while we are there.
Heading to Hilton Head, Savannah, and then finally Augusta for our practice round tickets for the Masters. Any golf course recs for HH or Savannah would be appreciated!
We've stayed in HH at the Palmetto Dunes resort a couple of times. (last time was about 7 years ago i think. They have 3 great courses. 1 by Robert Trent Jones, 1 by George Fazio, and 1 by Arthur Hills. I really enjoyed them all.
We ended up playing the Fazio! Gorgeous course that we also really enjoyed.
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed!
Not sure what prices run these days but Harbour Town is worth it for the 18th hole alone. The rest of the course is great too. It's tight though with small greens so not the easiest place if you spray it. May be closed ahead of the RBC though since you'll be there only a couple weeks before. But if it's not the grandstands should be up which is always a fun experience. When I was there I hit one that landed on the platform for the big grandstand on 15. Climbed the stairs and hit a wedge off the plywood to twenty feet
...and its owned by Hokies (The Goodwins)
The Goodwins were VTs connection to Pete Dye. They got him to redesign the River Course. They were friends.
There's a ton of golf on and off the island around HHI pick your price range and course designer and there's an option.
Harbor Town (good course expensive - might be closed since the Heritage is the week after the Masters)
Oyster Reef
Port Royal - just throwing this on the list cause its where I play the most. Its a solid value doesn't have the views of other courses but its well designed, relatively short and the fairways are very tight.
Just off the island Hilton Head National and Old South are great layouts. Old South lost a few of its greens 2 years ago I imagine they're back now but just fair warning to check out.
Extra value but I love the rebound this course has made - The Cresent. The play was a goat track 3 years ago and new management came in and its been improving at a great pace.
Cool Experience but a bit out of the way - Legends at Paris Island. Its up in Beaufort on MCRD Paris Island, your entire party and vehicle will be searched at the gate but its a great course in general and very well kept
The only Savannah course I can reccommend is The Club at Savannah Harbor because its the only one I know.
We ended up playing The Club at Savannah Harbor a couple of times. When checking into the hotel, the receptionist let us know that after 4pm they have $35 twilight golf. Hell of a deal.
Not golf, but I always enjoy Skull Creek Boathouse for a meal while there.
Flying to Seattle for a wedding in early June from Richmond. We are flying out early to Portland and have 3 nights there before we ride the train up to Seattle for wedding festivities.
We've been to Seattle before but never to Portland. Does anyone have any recommendations? We may minimize our time in Portland proper in favor of hiking, wine country, and a beach visit. Nothing is set in stone though and open to any and all suggestions. It will just be my wife and me.
Multnomah Falls is a nice, not too difficult a hike from what I remember, I haven't really been to the Oregon coast, but I guess Cannon Beach isn't too far away, and know it's pretty popular. Not sure of wineries, but Portland does have a lot of breweries within city limits.
Tack on the short walk to Wahkeena Falls while you're at Multnomah
Cannon Beach is a great spot for sure, and could go further down the coast to the Tillamook too. If headed to Cannon Beach, do not miss Ecola State Park that overlooks it. Wow just wow
I will second Cannon (you have to see Haystack Rock which really is impressive). My wife actually loves Seaside which is up the coast a bit from Cannon. It is older and very laid back. If you go that far may as well run on up to Astoria and cross the bridge there into Washington.
I would add the Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River to the list if you are into that kind of thing.
Check out the fish hatchery there at the dam. Impressive to the max.
I'm gonna piggyback off of hokietopher - we're heading to St. John in April for the first time. Would really love to know if there are any restaurants that TKP would recommend?
I'm putting together some hikes/beaches that I think we'll want to do (including Rams Head), but welcome any suggestions for those as well as any other tours/activities that folks really loved.
Had to do a Google search to remember names as it has been almost 7 years since I was there. In Cruz Bay, hit up Longboard for casual eating, great Painkiller drinks, and of course the local vibe including chickens walking around. We ate mostly in Corral Bay and it seems like most of those places have changed since we were there. Skinny Legs is still open and we had decent food there, again casual.
Recommend going to a different beach everyday. They are all different. Do the Ram Hike in the morning, as it is fairly strenuous and you will not want to be doing it in high heat. Then you can enjoy Salt Pond beach but you have to carry all your stuff 1/4 mile in to that beach also.
Second the Longboard recommendation, went there a few times. Others recommended Shambles Island bar and grill, but get there early. We tried there for dinner, but it was a 2.5 hour wait, so we went down the road to Heading East b&g... do not recommend. We also enjoyed Skinny Legs sandwiches as a random stop on our way back from Rams Head.
We spent a few happy hours at Woodys....dive, touristy, but very fun.
Da Livio ristorante et pizzeria for really good fresh pasta and pizzas....yum.
North shore beaches (trunk, Leinster, cinnamon, maho) are all post card worthy.
South shore and Coral bay on west end are missable...coral bay is more industrial, business end of the island.
I have never been able to squeeze into Woodys. Every time I have been by it has been packed.
I would add Francis to the North Shore can't miss beach list. One of our favorites.
I can personally recommend a few. Two really good sandwich shops would be North Shore Deli (Mongoose Junction) and Sam & Jack's Deli (above Starfish Market).
High Tide and The Beach Bar are good scenes in Cruz Bay to get a meal and enjoy some drinks. We tend to always hit The Beach Bar a couple of times each trip. Have had good meals also at 1864 (Mongoose Junction).
As others have mentioned Skinny Legs (Coral Bay side) is popular.
As far as beaches start with the North Shore Beaches and then expand out as time allows. If you absorb the drive and head to the east end our favorite spot there is Hansen Bay. It is privately owned but not crowded. If same as last year they just ask for a donation. Really nice little setup on that side of the island, but it is a bit of a drive as far as drives on St. John go.
Edit: Wifey just reminded me the other day of maybe our favorite spot to get a burger and some drinks. That would be the Windmill Bar which has a lot of live music. We took in the VI Jam Fest there last year and plan on doing so again this year. Really fun place.
Im going to Salem in March. To watch Filter Finger Eleven and Local H in the civic center. That's basically a vacation for me🤣
Hit Parkway Brewing.
Local H is still going?
I saw then years ago in a small venue in town....good show, though.
Headed to Hawai'i (big island) in a couple weeks any must do's/see's/eats?
Staying on the Waikoloa side plan to do a helicopter tour, skydive, manta ray snorkel, VNP hiking.
Careful eating at the poke stand right next to the Hilo Farmer's Market. I was sick for most of the whole week we were there.
Edit: Added link https://maps.app.goo.gl/X4hLSCV7i96meE3K8
Noted. I'm not even sure I like Poke but I'll definitely be trying it at some point.
Get it at the grocery store deli counter. Several to choose from, 1/3 the cost of anywhere else.
Have a good, safe trip. I'm trying to get to all 50 states and the only 2 I have left are Hawaii and New Mexico. Need to get out to them before I die.
Yes, yes, come to the Land of Entrapment 😂
Hey, I'm too busy trying to get out of The People's Republic of New Jersey! Not sure how The Land of Entrapment would compare. FWIW, there was a article I read recently that said New Mexico was the home of the most unhappy people or was the worst place to live or whatnot. Can't give any personal thoughts as I, of course, have never been there. Also don't put too much weight on any of those rankings as they all have different criteria and what is terrible for person A may be great for person B. But still not a great look. You live there? Was curious on what the scoop was. Article talked a lot about crime and economy not being great as well as poor healthcare in many parts of the state.
Yeah I've been down here about two years now. I love it, but much of the state is well below the poverty line and I have heard that healthcare isn't great here (I am lucky to be relatively young and healthy). Crime wildly depends on where you are, even from neighborhood to neighborhood.
I've got four left: Hawaii, Alaska, and the two Dakotas. Alaska will be next. The Dakotas are tough to plan into a larger trip.
Eh, hit the Dakota's like I did. Fly into Denver, down into New Mexico, west to Arizona, north to Utah, up to Idaho/Wyoming, east to the Dakota's, then back to Denver to fly back east. Only took about 4 weeks.
I liked the Black Hills area a lot. One of my favorite spots. You could spend a while there for SD if you like outdoor activities. Hiking, caving (well, I guess that is "indoors", so to speak) and Mount Rushmore. Was hard for me to find anything I wanted to go see in ND. Flew into Minneapolis/St. Paul a day early for one of my dogsled trips up in Ely, MN. Drove out to ND and just stayed at a hotel there 1 night instead of heading straight up to Boundary Waters Canoe Area for the dogsledding was how I got North Dakota checked off.
Alaska was an absolute blast. Was the first post-honeymoon family vacation my wife and I went on after we got married.
If you are doing Mt. Rushmore, definitely check out Crazy Horse as well.
Manta Ray snorkel is super cool. Get to the Kahuku unit of the national park if you can, it's totally different from the rest of the big island and it's pretty cool - we didn't have time to hike to the crater, but I'd love to if I ever get back there! We also enjoyed the Pu'ukohola Heiau historic site, which is right there where you're staying. It was the best of the three national historic sites on the big island. The fruit stand closest to Akaka Falls is great and the guys running it were super sweet - it's a big tent at a Y intersection (there's several fruit stands/farms on the drive up there)
We did a catamaran snorkeling trip down to Cooks monument We got a discount by asking about it from the company we were booking the Manta dive with. The Manta dive is awesome! You can easily wade in and snorkel Cook's Monument instead if you rent equipment for day there, and it is very close the Hawaiian history park mentioned above. The black sand beach east of the southern most point in the US had multiple sea turtles, and is worth stopping at on the way to Volcano's if you are driving there for a day. The green beach and southern most point are a little far off the path to include if you are trying to turn Volcano in a day.
We stayed in Volcano while we were there, there's a few little food places just outside the National Park that are pretty good. Be aware that when you hike some of the trails in the National Park, like Kilauea Iki Trail, can be super windy. If you have a hat, id recommend one with the tie around your neck. The Lava Tube and Sulfur vents were pretty neat as well and those are easy hikes.
Get over to Hilo and eat at Ken's
Not done yet but one of the best vacations ive had. Staying in Waiokola. Stayed at awesome beaches, eaten great poke + bbq + fish, had a lot of mai tais, watched every stage of a Kilauea eruption, helicopter tour, jumped out of a plane, green sand beach, Hilo, water falls, black sand beaches, been to every cardinal direction "ern" most part of the island.
The only thing I haven't pulled the trigger on is the manta snorkel just seems so commercialized and frankly I'm ready to relax. Two nights left maybe I'll change my mind. Beach and a whole day of exploring Kona awaiting my flight is all I've got on the schedule now.
You will not regret it if you do it. It seems commercialized because:
1. It is
2. It is because they enacted laws to protect the manta's that require you to go with a licensed guide and follow specific rules.
3. Having the right specialized equipment is very helpful.
We decided against it. Not because we don't want to but because we decided we're coming back. The scale of the island doesn't really hit you until you're here. After 3 days of driving cross island a couple beach days to end it sounds promising.
Also I've been to Maui and Oahu when I was younger and maybe it's just my age but it's hard to beat the big island. Maybe not the best of everything but it certainly has everything you could want and as someone that's less big on crowds and tourist it just felt nice.
Oahu had pearl harbor and everything else you can get similar experience on other islands (well not the traffic)
Maui is for beaches, if you want to lay on the beach then goto Maui
Kauai is amazing hiking, kayaking, has the grand canyon, and is gorgeous for those that want to get out and be active
Big Island has just about everything its the most well rounded island. Has the different color sand beaches which looks amazing, has the Costco if you need to stock up for a week which chilling. has just about every climate. Its a trip.
Kauai is where I most want to go back too.
We will be making a trip to CA this summer, flying in/out of San Fran. Two days in Yosemite, a few in Napa/Sonoma, and a weekend in San Francisco. Anything suggestions for must do?
If you are a big Peanuts fan (the comic, not the legume, although I like the legume peanuts too), the Charles Schultz Museum in Santa Rosa is a great place to go. A little bit of a drive, but not that far away.
In S.F., start out early and get to Muir Woods National Monument (park) when they open (about 40 min from downtown). Then go to the Golden Gate viewpoint on the northwest side of the bridge near the battery. Then go back into San Fran and hit the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden State Park (highly recommend). Catch Lumbard Street and the Haight-Ashbury area if you like. All doable in one trip before mid afternoon.
Harris' Steakhouse is one of the top rated steakhouses in the US and is excellent, but $$$.
Yank Sing dim sum - very good - traditional cart service. They have 2 locations near the ballpark. I believe we went to Stephenson street one last time.
Lots of good breweries - hit 47 Hills brewing on your way to the airport. Its just outside the airport.
Thank you! Discussed your ideas with the couple we are traveling with. We now have a parking reservation at Muir for on the way from Napa to SF, but not quite when they open. Will hit the viewpoint going into SF after. Saw the marine mammal rehab center in the GG park - looks interesting - know anything about it?. It does not look like you need reservations for the Tea Garden? Did get one for Alcatraz. Also got a reservation for Yank Sing - looks awesome.
I think we either reserved a time or prepurchased tickets for the tea garden. Maybe you should call them. We parked in an underground garage under the music concourse. I think you enter from 10th street. Haven't been to the rehab center in the couple of times we've been to SF.
FYI the main full loop at Muir is about 2 miles and takes about 1-1/2 hours to walk. Its a totally flat walk.
Please let me know how you made out after your trip!
June 4 - 14.
So how'd it go?
Great trip! Wife had a panic attack before we left based on a viral news story on how crowded Yosemite was. It was for nothing. Zion was a lot more crowded on a Wednesday than Yosemite was on a Saturday. We did start early (still on East Coast time), but we were alone on most of most of the trails. Mist Trail was the exception, largely because so many bused in tourists have to go slow and stop to rest, and most go up and down the same way. We were not prepared for how long and steep that trail is, and there were a lot of people less fit than us trying it. Exceptional scenery. Photos and video cannot capture that scale for the mountains, waterfalls, or sequoyahs. Napa was very relaxing, though the wine was too good for our pallet. Sonoma is a very nice small town, and we liked it a little better than Napa, which is newer and more commercial and crowded. Managed to spend less on wine than we did on bourbon in KY - but that largely because we had a car to put it in in Kentucky instead of a checked bag. San Fran had changed a lot since we were there 35 years ago. Ignore what you hear. We saw about the number of homeless we would see in Greensboro. Felt safe everywhere, and did explore. Alcatraz was interesting. The Ciot Tower does have amazing views. Waymos are everywhere. There was a World Cup watch party on fisherman's warf very near where the sea lions hang out, and we made a very long afternoon out of watching soccer, sea lions, eating chioppino, drinking etc. Spent a day in the Golden Gate Park, walking between the redwoods, hiking to the WW II fortifications, watching people surf and enjoying the pacific coast cliff overlooks. Weather was perfect. A lot of the food was amazing. Great variety of things to see and do on the trip as a whole, and worth the extra driving to tack the few extra days in extra places.
How'd you like the tea garden and the dim sum?
This is assuming that Kville is the type to kiss and tell. ;^)
Yes- If you are have a car, drop it at the airport and take the train downtown or pay one of the lots in the city to park it and don't even think of driving it. Parking ($$) and driving is a total nightmare and the city is very walkable if you are physically able. (or Muni Pass )
so, I just heard that the home office in the UK has made a new law that requires visas for US citizens. I'm planning a trip to England with my 4 year old later this year - any tips on how to get him a visa?
https://www.gov.uk/eta
Looks like this mike take care of you.
thank you sir. I hold a British passport so I probably will get by with that - my son will need the ETA, I guess
Did that just happen? We just needed an electronic travel authorization (ETA) when we went.
Heading to Manaus Brazil to pick up a 4 night Amazon River cruise in a couple weeks. Excursions into the Amazon each day. Wish me luck. Hopefully a lot of safe animal spotting and the pink dolphins.
Sounds awesome! May you have a great trip, at least one real adventure that ends well and gives you a great story to share, see all the animals, and return home safe and glad you went!
Curious how this went for you. My wife and I think these look pretty cool, so would love to hear about it
I have a business trip in June. Because of organizational budget restrictions, I have to fly in to LAX even though the event is at the Oija Valley Inn (almost two hours away.) I can't stay at the event venue (same budget restrictions. Should I stay in Ventura (Marriott Ventura Beach is what I am looking at), or stay at a mom and pop in Oija?
Also, any tips on good burritos in the area would be welcome.
I would look at staying at an airbnb or vrbo if it's within the budget. Ojai is a beautiful place.
There's a cool little outdoor bookstore called Bart's Books. Worth a drop in if you have the time.
edit: on burritos, I don't recall any names, but trust your instincts and you'll be fine
Oija Valley?
Only thing i can think of when i hear that name is Chuck Testa
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LJP1DphOWPs&pp=ygUWb3VpamEgdmFsbGV5IHRheGlkZXJteQ%3D%3D&ra=m
Road tripping one way across the country to Tacoma in July with wife and dog. 14ish days to play with. Intended route is through Kentucky (no recs required), St Louis, KC, maybe Omaha, Cheyenne, Salt Lake City, Boise, and Yakima. Anybody got recs in or around those places, or worthwhile stops along the way? Would also appreciate any Seattle/Tacoma insight.
So far only plans are quick stops at distilleries in KY, Cards game in STL, Cheyenne Frontier Days, Salish Lodge in Snoqualmie, and Mariners game. I've heard St. Louis and Omaha both have good zoos.
IF you find that you need to stop for the night between the distilleries and StL, there is a little city of Paducah where I spent 5 years. There's is a great little restaurant called Max's brick oven cafe for dinner and Kirchoff's bakery for a bite in the morning before you hit the road.
Is Sarah Bradley's restaurant any good?
I would find 5 years in Paducah challenging. My parents and all relatives were from southern Ill about an hour up the road so driven through there maybe 150 times
It was 5 years towards getting a career started, but it was not the most fun 5 years. Put in a lot of time in Nashville and STL.
I don't recall Sarah Bradley's, so either it's not good or came after I went.
It's called Freight House...interweb says it opened in 2015
Downtown KC, in Missouri is centered around the Crown Center. Probably the best area for seeing much in the city, with several museums and safe waling areas. Jack Stack is the BBQ place all the locals will want to take you for the iconic Burnt ends and cheese corn. I personally like their Lamb ribs better, but usually get the pick 2 comps plate. Boulevard Brewing has a great location near the Crown Center as well if you like their beer. Their women's soccer team is wildly popular, and home matches are supposedly a blast, though I have not been when they have had one. It is a little farther out, but I had one of the best steak I have eaten anywhere at the Golden Ox. They also have short sightseeing or dinner cruises on actual riverboats on the Mississipi there if that is your thing.
We were a bit disappointed with SLC when we went last year. See the Mormon Square and drive out to see a big lake and/or the salt flats. Very nice people and good food, but hitting the mountains and National and State Parks is worth more time than the city. We did have a great dinner at White Horse Spirits in SLC, sampling small plates. Go ahead and get the egg fries.
In Seattle, I'm sure you'll see Pike's Peak Market. Staying in that area is probably the best bet if staying in Seattle as they work hard to keep that area clean and safe for tourists. Piroshki Piroshki pastries there are that good. The asian food and sushi in Seattle is better than most places on the east coast - if it's high rated on google it will be good. And you can't go wrong with local Salmon or Crab, though they will have that Asian style at the Asian restaurants. We enjoyed the Chinchilla glass exhibit at the needle. A day trip up to see the locks if the salmon are running is also pretty cool, or a boat excursion in the bay if the whales/orcas are around then.
Thanks! Added to list. And you don't gotta tell me twice about Asian food in Seattle. Soon as we're in the city im beelining for DTF.
Kansas City has good bbq, the last years of Kauffman stadium for baseball, the Negro League and WWI museums
STL does have a nice zoo; not sure I'd consider it destination worthy but if you are there anyway you can do the zoo and/or the brewery tour. Had some good burgers there...Delmar Blvd area...Blueberry Hill I think it was.
Going to be in Chincoteague this week with Mrs MattBoard and she is demanding seafood since I dragged away from the coast to a landlocked state last year.
Anybody know where I can obtain the greatest amount of brownie points in this endeavor?
Their Seafood Festival in early May is pretty solid. We did that a couple times and left full.
Bill's is the spot for high end food.
Ropewalk is a more enjoyable setting outside and food is close to Bills
The Village Restaurant is another good option
Rays Shanty in New Church is more relaxed with large servings.
One problem is a few places there only operate Thursday to Sunday. Also a bunch only do dinner.
Yeah, we've been surprised how much is closed Monday and Tuesday. We didn't expect it after Memorial Day.
Captain Zack's, Ray's Shanty, and do not skip Island Creamery!!!!!!
We ended up at Captain Zach's based on the hotels recommendation.
Hitting the creamery later today
Extended family trip to Carolina Beach next week. I've been to Wilmington a bunch for work but always fly in and out in less than a day so I'm really only familiar with PTs and Tower 7 (which aren't even close to our beach house). Any food recs that could accommodate large parties (plus children) closer to Carolina itself?
DC has terrible bbq (outside of 2Fifty) so I would love to hit that if possible. I'm also always down for Mexican or burgers (as evidenced by my Tower 7 and PTs familiarity). Looks like there is a K38 close by the house (which I've also had), I will likely drag the family to that one day.
I will be down that way week after next with my family. I've been once before but caught covid during our trip so my details on eateries is foggy. It's a nice beach community and I'm curious as to any info from others.
Shuckin' Shack is a great raw bar in a very relaxed atmosphere. Very Kid Friendly.
Soul Flavor has great food. A local favorite and wonderful people. Get a reservation for a family.
Celtic Creamery for Ice cream. Very Kid Friendly.
Every Thursday Night fireworks from the pier at Pleasure Island, that's like the mini amusement park at the boardwalk there at Carolina Beach.
The seafood at The Spot is a nice way to do lunch at a good price. Rotating selection of craft beers is well chosen. Great wraparound deck for eating outside. Nice people there as well. Very Kid Friendly.
A twilight drink on the pier over the water at the Tiki bar is a local favorite. We go there lots. Get a fish tacos or sandwich. Great Place to watch the fireworks. Kids are welcome.
The Fat Pelican is the best dive bar in the world. Kids are welcome. Games to play. Selection of bottled craft beer is outstanding. Nice selection of sodas and waters as well. No food sold.
Kate's Pancake House. For breakfast or lunch the food to price ration will make the family wallet happy. No reservations but send somebody over to start the wait in line. It'll be 35-45 minutes every day of the week they are open.
For seafood market see Seaview Crab Company. It's on the right on rt 421 as you head from Wilmington to Carolina Beach. Also, attached to that parking lot is a farmers market with a very large selection of fresh fruits and veggies. Both of those a re 2x/week stops for us.
The Veggie Wagon, further down towards Kure Beach has hand dipped icecreams, local veggies and a rotating selection of about 8 local craft beers. Bring a couple growlers, they fill them at a very good cost.
The south end of Carolina Beach has a "lake". Very cool farmer's market/artists market every Saturday morning.
Every Monday morning at the boardwalk area they do a turtle walk. That stretch of the coast has many sea turtle egg sites. The kids will love this and they'll bring you to one of the protected nests.
Also, Fort Fisher is just south of Kure Beach. Think the movie "Glory" and you get the idea. Also, for rainy days, the aquarium there is a good idea.
If you have a 4 wheel drive, the beach just south of there is open for driving access. Day passes to drive on it are very reasonable. Great to bring a day long picnic type of thing on the beach.
In Wilmington is the Battleship USS North Carolina. You can walk all over it. Watch the movie Greyhound then go walk on a warship for a great experience.
You have a questions about Carolina or Kure beach, just drop them here.
Kind of dreading my extended family trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland. I have done the tour of both many years ago but being on a bus for 10 days with 18 family members just has me on edge. Any specific escapes I should shoot for?
We are starting in Dublin. Going to Galway, Doolin, Shannon, Tralee, Dingle, Killarney, Kinsale, Cork, Kilkenny, and Glendalough. My sister seems to have overpacked all the tourist spots along the route.
Probably only extra time would be for food or maybe a short drive once we reach a stopping point for the day.
I took a similar trip to Scotland last year with my extended family. There was 16 of us including 5 kids aged 6 to 15. Take some good books to read for your travels and do your best to relax and take it all in. Find some good pubs at your stops and talk to some locals. I was similarly dreading my trip a bit but I really enjoyed it.
Yeah the relaxing is going to be in short supply.
Just got a clarified itinerary and we have to be on bus at 8am all but one day.
Only three of the hotels have complimentary breakfast which complicates it more. I also asked my sister where she had figured in lunch each day and it was clear she hadn't so that will be another shitshow to contend with trying to feed 18
Near Galway, me and Mars MattBoard ended up at Connemara Celtic Crystal where they still handcut all of their crystal. They gave a pretty amazing demonstration showing their process and talked about the history of the art form as well as showing off some of their pieces
We picked up some whisky glasses (which made it back home before we did). The owner did caution us though that they could only hold Irish whisky. Bourbon would cause them to shatter immediately.
Edit: also, ireland gets a lot of US visitors so many of the shops are accustomed to shipping stuff direct to the US at a good price so you don't have to carry everything around with you while you travel. Mrs MattBoard also had a wool jacket shipped back this way.
The Frenchs (Ffrench) were one of the 14 tribes of Galway (even though they were of French/Welsh descent?)
This is where you say, "I've always wanted to rent a motorcycle and drive across Ireland. I'll meet you at the next stop."
Somewhat of a different travel experience for me, I just came back from doing a week long tennis camp in Mallorca at Rafa Nadal's tennis academy. They have an "adult summer tennis camp" program which was amazing. I only started playing tennis a year ago, mostly just taking lessons and playing recreationally here and there. The coaches were great and they're very welcoming to beginners. They helped me a lot with technique and I learned so much in a week. The program isn't cheap, but if you go on an off week, you could potentially pay around 1500 euros for tennis lessons plus a room at the hotel on campus as well as daily meals all for a week, which is fairly reasonable imo. Didn't get to meet Rafa, but some other folks in the program got to take a pic with him! He seems to be at the academy a lot these days.
I didn't really get to explore much of Mallorca - I had 4 hours of tennis lessons perday and some other lecture sessions/mobility sessions, etc. But the parts I saw were wonderful! Pama is a really nice city, and there's tons of gorgeous coastline, cool caves on the eastern side, as well as mountainous villages on the north western side.
I was there for work, but Ojai Valley Inn seemed like a really nice place to play golf. Good waygu burgers in town as well https://www.yumejapaneseburger.com/
Checked into the hotel at Blacksburg to take my daughter for her official tour of VT on Friday afternoon. She's preferring Georgia and South Carolina followed by Clemson, College of Charleston and William and Mary all over VT. Wish the VT tour people luck that they can put on a good show to convince her to come to the good guys. Hey, VT is one of the few places that has an Advertising major!
My wife is wanting to go out to Amarillo Texas in a couple weeks and then over to Carlsbad, NM. Anything anybody thinks is an absolute must on the way over or back from those areas?
We have Dura Canyon and the Caverns already penciled in.
The firemen's just got back from a cruise to San Juan and Saint Martin. Really enjoyed the divided island of Saint Martin half French and half Dutch, got to go to Orient beach for the day and do some shopping in downtown Phillip'sburg, but didn't get to the airport beach since the kids were getting hot and tired. La Playa resort at Orient beach is great with comfy beach chairs and good food and drinks.
In San Juan we had booked horseback riding but our youngest freaked out and I ended up taking her to the top of the hill to their restaurant and bar while the rest of the family rode around the ranch. Then we went to old town and the fort and the wife and oldest did some shopping.