Search results for 'costa riva'

It's always a treat to find an unexpected property in an area that most people visit and stay in high rise hotels. Although many of those properties sit right on the beach and offer a lot of amenities, sometimes it's just plain nice to stay in a cozy, comfortable spot that feels more like home. The Channel Road Inn is just one of those places.

On our way to San Antonio to visit our family, we decided to venture off The Beaten Path onto the Natchez Trace between Nashville and Memphis, Tennessee. The 444-mile two-lane highway is a National Scenic Byway, All-American Road and Designated Bike route. We drove 17 miles southwest of Nashville on I-40W and took Exit 192 onto McCrary Lane. We went five miles to the entrance of the Park. We put on two of our “travel” CD’s consisting of the Grammy Songs from the last two years and headed out to find harmony in midst of a sometimes-troubled world. 

We return to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls time and again because the area has so much to offer. It’s all the stuff we like to do – outdoor, natural splendor, and touristy. We revisited several favorites and added some new experiences, too. The weather was perfection, and it’s a gorgeous ride cruising Niagara Parkway. The drive is dotted with islands of flowers and fountains, and the profusion of colors is simply wondrous. Walking paths alongside disappear invitingly into lush woods, and the air is clean and crisp.

Hong Kong is a city with so much excitement and extraordinary places to explore. There are pure silks everywhere, open markets, galleries, beautiful beads, antique shops and the very best restaurants. You can see beautiful beaches nearby.

No, this is not a typo, the accommodation I bring to your attention is actually called, “A Room in Paris” because that's what you get and it's in a private residence! The city itself is charming, so why not stay in a place that makes you feel like Paris is your home.

Susie is always looking for great places for pets to stay and one of her friends told her about this great bed and breakfast in West Central Massachusetts. Restful Paws really got her attention because it might be classified as people-friendly because it is geared to pets first. Susie said what with “Great Name!”

Remember the 60’s? Well, of course you do – you’re a Baby Boomer! Do you recall going on vacation with your parents to Florida and staying in a motel? I know I have fond memories of those trips and that’s why I was happy to stumble across this hidden gem in Clearwater Beach. Say ooh la la to Frenchy’s Oasis Motel. This is a trip back in time in the nicest way possible. “Frenchy,” a Quebec native moved to Clearwater a few years out of high school and worked many jobs. Over the years, he created four restaurants, all of which, 30 years later, are still going strong. That shows me he must be doing something right, so in 2010 when he purchased and remodeled a motel, you knew it was going to be special.

Looking for an incredible place to enjoy luxury accommodations for both you and your pet, the Allison Inn & Spa in Oregon’s Willamette Valley is a great place to stay. The Inn is listed as one of the top pet friendly hotels in the United States.  There is a one-time fee of $50 per pet whether you stay a night, weekend or spend a week enjoying the Spa and Oregon’s wine country.

There’s nothing like a near-death experience to make you reconsider your life. That’s what happened to us in July 2012.

This is a special year for anything Beatle. Hundreds of events all over the world are heralding the 50^th Anniversary of their arrival in the U.S. and their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show. If you need to celebrate your inner Beatle, Abbey Road on the River in Louisville, Kentucky is a must do for any fan. The 250 concerts from over 50 bands on 7 stages over 5 days will remind you and inspire you to remember all you need is love. 

Visit Cuba and connect with the island’s people as you explore this country’s rich art, history and culture! 

Yeeeeehaw!

Austin, Texas-    What can you say about a town that has a Nightclub sign stating: “3 Floors, 2 Patios, Fireplace, COME DRINK”, and another on a deserted parking lot wall proclaiming, “Music saved my Black-Hearted Soul”? The latter was adorned with a graphic of Joan Jett – she of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts fame (the maiden faire who starred in oh-so-many of my adolescent, late-night fantasies).

Well, I promised you a variety of accommodations and I certainly don't want to disappoint anyone, so here goes a good one! I know you travel to most destinations by airplane, but how many of you have actually stayed overnight in the fuselage of a 727? Hmmm – I didn't see too many hands go up. So, here's your chance to explore something new. Located on the edge of the National Park in the Costa Verde II area is a refurbished vintage 1965 Boeing 727 airframe. It sits high on a 50 foot pedestal so you have the illusion of flying, but with all the comforts of a hotel room. There are 2 bedrooms, each with a private bathroom, a flat screen TV, kitchenette, dining area and high speed internet. A beautiful river rock spiral staircase leads up to your suite with teak wood interiors. There are gardens all around and you have a 360 degree view of them. There is also a private terrace with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. So, do you have any neighbors? The answer is yes – they are frogs, toucans and monkeys that will provide you with songs and shows.

Geneva is a Swiss city located on the south shore of Lake Geneva.  Many of its’ 200,000 inhabitants are foreigners and also hosts numerous International Organizations, including UN headquarters, Red Cross and CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research – the world’s largest particle physics laboratory).  It is also a major international financial centre, known for privacy banking laws.

Edinburgh boasts a rich history which welcomes all who venture in to discover this unique world of ancient castles and magnificent architecture, combined with modern buildings and facades. Atmospheric cobbled streets, wonderful architecture, old facedes and wide avenues allow you to imagine yourself transported back in time. The Lothian’s is also steeped in fascinating history, filled with castles, stately homes and battle sites.

NICE is the arrival and departure point for the South of France, but that's what you should consider it to be and not a real stopping off point.  Nice is France's third largest City, is industrial by work, and a new City which grew up around an old City.   And, that's the nicest part of NICE, the old port area.

When we try to share our heritage with our grandchildren, many us can trace our roots to the enchanting land of Ireland.  Who doesn’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day or wear green!  I would encourage you to just plan a three week trip to Ireland, to truly engage this beautiful land, and meet these most friendly people.  40% of the population is under the age of 25!

THE FRENCH RIVIERA - the bluest blue water, the clearest bluest sky, yellow perfection of the sun, and indolent days spent on a beach, a boat, or partying all night.  That's what most people think of the French Riviera, the Cote d'Azure, and of St.Tropez in particular.

I love to tell you about hidden little gems around the world and Mary's Boon is one of the pearls. Located in the Dutch West Indies in the town of St. Maarten, this is a family owned and operated establishment since 1970. And yes, the same family still owns and runs it today. There are 37 rooms that sit directly on the beach on Simpson Bay. Is it 5 minutes from the airport – yes. Can you almost feel the airplanes – yes. However, the airport is closed at night, so if you have enough cocktails during the day as you sit on the beach, you'll never know the difference! This beach is so pristine and private that you will gladly put up with the noise during the day. If that would be an issue, just be forewarned.

The radiant blue of the sky, melds seamlessly into the pristine blue of the ocean. BAHAMAS - by air or by sea, it is an island string with strong ties to its Colonial past, and 21st century companies using it as a tax haven.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant, living Eden of Costa Rica.  This tropical paradise located on the Central American isthmus is filled with extensive wildlife, lush rain forest, and stunning coastlines.

Looking for a pleasant drive, friendly folks, and an area steeped in history? Head to the Lake Erie region of Southwestern Ontario, Canada.

Journey through Alpine vistas, stunning landscapes, charming towns and striking lakes as you explore all the beautiful Canadian Rockies.

Blondee tells us about four special vineyards to enjoy wine tasting.