MJ outside the gate of SMU's Gerald Ford Stadium, Dallas

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 Dallas area.

SMU, founded in 1911, is a private university owned and operated by the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church.  The university has an enrollment of nearly 11,000 students, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree in seven schools:  humanities and sciences, business, the performing, visual, and communication arts, engineering, education and human development, law, and theology.  The campus is home to 10 libraries, including the largest private collection of research materials in the southwest, and the Meadows Museum, one of the leading collections of Spanish art outside of Spain.

What brought me to the SMU campus, however, was not related to education, culture, or art.  What prompted my visit to SMU was football.  Specifically, SMU Mustangs football.  I know, you’re scratching your head thinking, “but MJ, you don’t even like football,” but this little side trip, like many in my travels, was about friendship.  Head coach June Jones is a friend, and this was a little glimpse at the stadium and field where his team plays.  (The photo shows me standing outside the gate of the Gerald J. Ford Stadium.)

This was a beautiful campus, set in a largely residential area, and a visit was well worth the time getting off the beaten path.  I’m looking at fall travel plans now, and wondering how many new campuses I can visit!

Do you have a favorite college campus that you’ve visited?

Photo credit:  Mary Jo Manzanares

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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 its own airstrip, allowing you to fly directly into the island, along with three villas for guests:  Little Whale, Peacock, and Flamingo.  A staff of 13 keeps the island and its resort humming along.

Little Whale House is the main villa, and serves as a popular spot to gather.  It has a bar, satellite fed flat screen television, 2 bedroom suites, a study with a computer (there’s wifi on the island), living room/dining area with a fireplace, terrace, and a variety of outdoor dining spots.  Flamingo House has 4 bedrooms (2 of which are suites), a living room and terrace.  Peacock House has one bedroom suite, a living room and terrace.  A pathway connects the villas, but each is still private.

The resort is set on a white sand beach, surrounded by beautiful blue water.  It also features an infinity pool, fitness center, tennis court, kayaks, and a variety of boats for fishing, cruising, or water sports.  You can lounge around all day, or just take it easy, whatever your heart desires.

The rest of the island serves as a sanctuary to different species of birds, including flamingos, Bahamian ducks, and Bahama woodstar humming birds.  In the water you’ll see lots of beautiful sea life, and if you’re luck, maybe a manatee (in photo).

What’s this over-the-top experience going to cost?  Keep reading to find out.

$9,500 per day.

That price tag includes accommodations, all meals (prepared by a private chef based on your personal preferences), beverages (including house wine and spirits), use of all island facilities and boats (including fuel), telephone calls, and satellite wifi,  Tennis pro, bone fish guide, spa services, wave runners, and scuba diving can be arranged for an additional cost.  An additional 15% charge is made to cover Bahamian room tax and staff gratuities.

If you have the money to splurge for a special occasion (like a birthday the end of this month, hint, hint), Little Whale Cay will give you a once in a lifetime vacation experience.

Photo credit: divemasterking2000 @flickr

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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 personally moved rocks and trees to create the course.  The back nine opened in 1967.

Since smoking is no longer allowed in most public places, matchbooks are dying out.  You may, however, have some stuffed in a drawer or collecting in a box or vase.  It’s one of the most collectible items around.  If you have one (or some), take a photo and email it to me, along with any notes or thoughts about where you picked it up.  I’ll be happy to feature it for an upcoming Matchbook Monday.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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Here are 10 reasons why I think visiting Barbados may be a good choice for me:

1. I haven’t been there before, and visiting a new country takes me a step closer to the Century Club.
2. It’s a small island, only about 14 by 21 miles, with over 70 miles of powdery, white sand beaches.  Plenty of great spots to pull up a lounge chair and spend some quality time.
3. Sun year round.  Over 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, in fact.  And that means year round warm temperatures of about 80-85 degrees.  What’s not to like about that?!
4. Tax free shopping in chic boutiques, modern department stores, and trendy shops making it a great spot for buying something wonderfully decadent.
5. Warm water.  Perfect temperatures for enjoying water activities like swimming with the turtles, snorkeling, or a boat ride.
6. Great food and drink.  Those who know me well were probably wondering when I’d get around to this topic.  With strong influence from around the world, Barbados gives a special twist to Caribbean cuisine.  And then there’s the Mount Gay rum!
7. Favorable exchange rate.  The practical side of me always looks for good value, and $1 US equals $1.98 BDS.  More bang for the buck.
8. Internet is available.  A girl’s got to blog, you know.
9. English is the primary language.  After navigating Italian and Croatian this summer, it would be nice not to have to worry about communication on my next trip.
10. History and culture.  Continuously under British rule until its independence in 1966, Barbados still has a strong British flavor about it.  Besides, this is the only place outside of the US that George Washington ever visited.    If it’s good enough for George, it’s good enough for me!

Have you been to Barbados?  Would you recommend it?

Photo credit:  SXC

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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 for me to book a weekend (or week) at the Canyon Ranch.

Canyon Ranch originated in Tucson, Arizona in 1979 and has since expanded to Massachusetts (in 1989) and Miami Beach (in 2008). These properties have set the standards for health spas worldwide. If you are looking just for a hotel, you’ve come to the wrong place as your stay at any of the properties will be an all-encompassing experience: the spa, daily fitness activities, outdoor pool, full time physician and wellness specialists, gathering spaces and in-house restaurants will all add to your experience. I’d say they are the focal point here with the hotel suites more of a side note.

The evening I arrived at Canyon Ranch was a night of chaos in Miami. The roof of the Fontainebleau had collapsed just down the street so I couldn’t have asked for a better night to have escaped from it all. From the moment you enter the door, relaxation is in order. There’s no waiting in line at the check-in counter, but rather you sit down to make sure everything is in order. You soon receive your itinerary for your stay, a list of classes offered during your time there (and there are hundreds), a glass of refreshing Hibiscus tea and go over any dietary restrictions you might have. They are here to nourish your whole body and nothing is left out.

It’s time to hand over anything that reminds you of work (cell phones are banned in most area) as relaxation is a must.

The Spa

The center of activity should lie in the spa at Canyon Ranch. This 70,000 square-foot oasis combines all you need for a spa, wellness and fitness. What better location can you ask for than being situated on the Atlantic Ocean! Be sure to devote time each day to spend in the Aquavana. This thermal facility brings hot and cold sensations to you in a multi-sensory experience – an herbal sauna, hydro spa, Finnish sauna, crystal steam room, ice igloo, experiential shower-cabins (Atlantic Storm turned Polar Mist turned Caribbean Monsoon), your senses will be awakened. There are 54 treatment rooms on site, a men and women’s locker room and body treatments that are plentiful. Indulge in a signature treatment or head next door to the salon where even the manicures and pedicures use only vegan products.

The Fitness Center

Filled with state-of-the-art cardio, weight and strength-training equipment you will work with your personal trainer to reach your goals. There’s absolutely no cheating here as you are given a key that documents the number of reps, the amount of weight lifted and keeps a log of your workout history. All guests receive access to a list of complimentary classes ranging from a walk on the beach to Buff Ballet Booty to Kinesis Basics.

The Suites

All rooms are luxury suites here at this property equipped with a spacious living area (720 square feet to 1,200 square feet), large flat panel entertainment systems, fully equipped kitchens, high-speed internet access, plush robes and slippers, 400-thread count lines and a daily newspaper. And, don’t forget the gorgeous oceanfront views.

Restaurants

As someone who covers restaurants often, the dining experience is the center of my hotel experience and I believe that the Canyon Ranch Grill lived up to my expectations. It fits into the mode of healthful eating, provides all the nutritional information of the food on the menu, offers classes on how to create a healthy diet and bring it with you and still delivers a flavorful cuisine that all led to a memorable dining experience.  The stuffed spicy poblano peppers with goat cheese and shrimp were extraordinary, but you can find my entire review here.  It’s important to note that the  Miami location is the only property that serves alcohol, and while they do, everything is organic and biodynamic. In addition to the main restaurant, they do have EeZz’s Juice Bar (a smoothie bar), The Cabana (their poolside dining experience) and the Carillion Cafe where tea, wine and cheese are served.

What I truly loved about the Canyon Ranch was that everyone that I met on-site was passionate about this property. From the concierge to the waitstaff to the receptionist at the salon, I could tell everyone loved what they did at the Canyon Ranch and it was evident in the aura I felt walking around the resort. This is a rare find in properties in Miami, but one that I could easily get used to.

Next time I feel the overload of my everyday workload and need to break away, this is the perfect escape.

The Canyon Ranch is located at 6801 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. For reservations, call 305-514-7474.

Today’s guest post comes to us today from Katherine Lynch, travel writer at The South Florida Traveler for PlanetEye. When she’s not exploring new destinations, you will find Katherine exploring South Florida Restaurants at Dine Magazine , enjoying a glass of wine or planning wine and food events in South Florida.

Photo credits:  courtesy of Canyon Ranch Miami Beach

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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 day, and there is a limit to two participants per dive.  The experience is a 4-hour commitment, during which you’ll have a chance to experience an up-close educational program about shark health and behavior.  The adventure begins with a guided tour of Shark Reef, where participants will learn about the various predators residing at the aquarium.  Then, you’ll get an orientation sessions and changed into wetsuits and don equipment.

Each dive will be a different experience, as they will be adapted to what’s going on in the life of the sharks.  Once in the water, participants will get up close and personal with sand tiger, white tip, and sandbar sharks, among others, along with green sea turtles, sawfish, and all sorts of other marine life.

Care has been taken to ensure the health and safety of all the marine life as well as the participants.  The limits on participants ensures personalized attention and safety throughout the entire experience.

The Dive with Sharks experience doesn’t come cheap — $650 for single diver or $1,000 for two divers (booked together).  This includes the guided tour of Shark Reef Aquarium, orientation session, the dive (about 45 minutes), and a post-dive snack.  All equipment is provided:  wetsuit, protective stainless steel chain maille as well as a mask, fins, tank, buoyancy-control device, regulator, weights and booties.  You’ll also receive a certificate and video of the dive.

Participants can bring up to four friends to watch the dive from outside the exhibit at no additional admission fee.  They can join in the introductory guided tour.

You must present a valid certification from a recognized dive instruction agency such as PADI or NAUI to participate.  The program is available four days per week, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Advance reservations are recommended.

Photo credit:  Courtesy of MGM MIRAGE

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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.

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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 as Snoqualmie Falls Lodge, catering to visitors to the falls.  Today the only remaining part of the original structure is the lobby fireplace.

You can take a look at the falls, the top of which is about 100 yards from the parking lot.  There’s a great viewing area that is perfect for a photo op.  Or, you can walk down the trail to the bottom of the falls and get a look from a different perspective.  (Hiking the falls was a popular day trip when I was a teenager, so the spot is a sentimental favorite for me.)

And, if you need a nap or just want to burrow in for the evening, there are wood-burning fireplaces in your room.  Very naturally cozy.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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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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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 the Classic, choosing Go Between in a $15 combination bet — $5 to win, $5 place, and $5 show.  Not a huge bet by horse racing standards, but a win at 8-1 could yield me a nice little chunk of change.

You can read lots more about the Breeders’ Cup, and the Sport of Kings, at Thoroughbred Fever.  And you can score a win, without ever placing a bet, by entering b5media’s version of the Breeder’s Cup, and a chance to win a $200 Amazon gift certificate.

Photo credits:  personal collection

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