I keep track of the college campuses that I visit much in the same way that I keep track of states and countries I visit.  I’ve found that visiting a campus is a little snippet of real life, a trip off the beaten tourist path to people live, work, and play.  In addition to some great campus architecture, there’s a host of businesses and activity that go into into supporting what is, in essence, a mini-city.
Earlier this summer, I had a chance to visit Southern Methodist University in Dallas.  It’s officially located in University Park, a part of the greater …read more

Special events call for special trips and destinations.  And what could be more special than a vacation, with your closest family and friends, spent on a private island?  Not a hotel, not even an exclusive resort, but an entire island with luxurious accommodations that will celebrate a special life occasion in style.
You don’t have to be a celebrity, or come as part of their entourage, but you do have to have money.
Little Whale Cay, a private island in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas, is available for parties of up to 12 to rent out.  The 93-acres island has …read more

Today’s Matchbook Monday comes from a local golf course, Kenwanda, located in Snohomish, Washington.  A golf course may be one of the few remaining places that smoking is allowed, but I’m not sure if they still have matchbooks available at the course.
Kenwanda Golf Course is an 18-hole, 5,336 yard long golf course, that offers a challenging course with a beautiful view of the Snohomish River Valley, and Cascade and Olympic Mountain Ranges.  There is also a putting green and a cafe.
The name of the course comes from Ken and Wanda Harris, the developers and owners of the course, who …read more

I’m trying to come up with a warm weather vacation spot for this fall.  Since it’s been awhile since I’ve been to the Caribbean, I thought this might be a good time to plan a return trip.  Barbados, an island that I’ve not yet visited, is looming at the top of a pretty short list.
Here are 10 reasons why I think visiting Barbados may be a good choice for me:

I haven’t been there before, and visiting a new country takes me a step closer to the Century Club.
It’s a small island, only about 14 by 21 miles, with over …read more

Today I have a guest post from travel blogger, foodie, new friend, and South Florida resident, Katherine Lynch.  Katherine and I had the chance to meet in Miami last month, and I loved hearing about all the great good choices in that area.
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I keep hearing it over again  – relaxation is what your body needs. Nourishment, renewal and balance are so important, yet I often put them on the end of my list of things to do. It’s almost like a need to force myself to do those things. When it’s time to focus on some self-love, it’s time …read more

Last year I had the opportunity to visit Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.  I’m a big aquarium fan, and I enjoyed the chance to check out this wonderful predator exhibit.
I recently heard about a new experience the aquarium will be offering – a Dive with the Sharks program.  Offered to hotel guests of Mandalay Bay and THEhotel, this program will give certified divers the chance to accompany dive guides to hang out with over 30 sharks in the 1.2 million gallon exhibit.  Divers must be 18 years of age and older.
Dives are offered once per …read more

 
Sometime it’s nice to have a window seat!
On a recent flight I was able to snap this photo of Mount Hood through the very dirty windows of the plane.
Mount Hood is located in Oregon, and is part of the Cascade Range.  It’s a little over 11,000 feet tall, and is very popular with skiers.

Today’s Matchbook Monday is from a top notch hotel, spa, and restaurant not far from where I live.
Salish Lodge & Spa is about 30 miles east of Seattle on the Snoqualmie River.  The lodge is in a rustic setting, overlooking the 268-foot Snoqualmie Falls, but it is also elegant and steeped in northwest history.  The lodge is just as romantic as its setting, and is a popular spot for proposals, anniversary celebrations, and other special events.
The lodge has gone through a variety of reincarnations since it was first opened in 1919.  Originally it was just a small in known …read more

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a popular Mexico travel destination, appreciated mostly for it’s location on the Pacific Ocean.  It is a port of call for many cruise lines.
Given its location on the ocean, Puerto Vallarta is very popular with boaters, and sailboats are a common sight. 
Enjoying a sunset cruise, whether on a private vessel such as this one, or on one of the many rentals, is a popular way to spend an evening.
 
Photo credit:  personal collection
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This weekend Santa Anita Race Track will host the the Superbowl of horse racing with the 2008 Breeders’ Cup.
The Breeders’ Cup was started in 1982 as a year end event to honor the premiere horses in the sport.  Originally billed as the richest day in sports, Day 2 of the Breeders’ has now become the second richest day is sports (eclipsed by the Dubai World Cu[ Night) with a total of $25.5 million in purses being awarded over the two days.
I stopped by the sports book here at the Palazzo in Las Vegas and placed a little wager on …read more