Week 83 Random Pinehurst

Still wish this was my everyday life.


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Oh Texas How I Miss Ya'll | SAVE in San Antonio

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of SAVE for SocialSpark.

All opinions are 100% mine.

Ya'll know that I'm a Texan right?

Well, if you relied on my accent to gather that much,

then, actually, you probably didn't.

Missing accent aside,

I grew up out in the West Texas Town of El Paso

I'll wait for you. I bet YOU don't have a town about your city.

I digress.

Though I grew up in El Paso, TX, 

it wasn't until I was an adult living in New York state 

that I actually ever got to visit San Antonio.

Sure, it might "technically" be closer,
but driving across Texas just feels longer.

We always went west on road trips growing up.
That is, of course, until I moved out.

Now my family is in San Antonio seems like every other weekend.

  Which makes this actually a really great opportunity for them.

They knew this but did YOU know that San Antonio is one of the nation's most affordable vacation destinations?

Now, with SAVE – San Antonio Vacation Experience you can take advantage of Limited Time Offers to get more than $600 in savings to theme parks, animal adventures, top shops and historic tours.
Not to mention, great deals on places to stay. 

Whether you're traveling on a dime (as is often the case with my family because they take a lot of kids along) or you're traveling in luxury (as was my case because I traveled a lot for business and even though they didn't pay for me to stay in luxury, those reward program points add up quickly), SAVE has an accommodation for every price point and need.

If you have to be in the heart of it all by the River Walk and the Alamo or you need to be closer to Sea World or the airport,
location specific needs can be accommodated.

I'm personally a Hilton girl (made it to their top tier)
so I'd be staying at the Hilton Palacio del Rio.

But the SAVE Hotel partners include Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Hyatt Regency San Antonio on the Riverwalk, San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk Hotel, The Westin Riverwalk San Antonio and many other hotels you might stay at as well.

Whether it is a visit to see Shamu,
or some wild roller coaster lassoing,
(is "lassoing" a word? Kinda like "ya'll's" is a word?)you can get in to SeaWorld or Six Flags Fiesta Texas
along with many other attractions like
Schlitterbahn, Splashtown, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch,
San Antonio Botanical Garden and more.

SAVE makes it easy to find deals & discounts in San Antonio. Check out SAVE – San Antonio Vacation Experience to get exclusive discounts, deals and limited time offers on some of San Antonio’s best hotels & resorts, theme parks, museums, shopping & more!

Did I just say shopping?

Why yes I DID just say shopping...

If I were going to San Antonio, I'd use SAVE – San Antonio Vacation Experience and here's what I'd do:

I would wake up from a late flight in to San Antonio at the (1) Hilton Palacio del Rio.

With the limited time offer,
I'd pay only $120 and I'd get
free self parking,
free wifi (so, you know, I could blog my experience)
and I'd get a $25 food and beverage credit.
That credit is good enough for my lunch.
Who says you don't get a free meal anymore?

I would do a (2) San Antonio narrated trolley tour through the heart of old San Antonio and save $2 with my SAVE coupon.  

Get to see the Alamo and River Walk without all that walking because you get unlimited all day trolley hop boarding
with your pass.
With the money I save,
that, my friends,
is enough to make a Starbucks chai a reasonable evening treat.

On the trolley, I'd likely meet someone who was mentioning a visit to the (3) Institute of Texan Cultures. 

You know I'm all over that and together,
we'd split the cost of a ticket because I'd have the SAVE hookup
for a buy one get one free admission deal.
When traveling lonely (or perhaps with my hubby),
two for the price of one is always a sure bet.

I'd use my SAVE (4) Market Square coupon for 10% off to likely buy some beautiful textiles (think rugs or large shawls or blankets) to bring home easily in my bag.

After getting my dose of culture for the day, you know I'd want to shop for some authentic artifacts to bring home. 

I would do dinner (5) at the Enchanted Springs Ranch. 

If this authentic movie set old west town
is anything like the one I went to in Arizona
(and, because it is Texas, we all KNOW it will be bigger and better), I'm going to get my inner cowgirl on with fun times
and a great chuck wagon dinner.
The $2 I save on admission will get me more Starbucks
in the morning after a wild night on the town.

After my morning Starbucks, you know I'm ready for a day of exploring and I'd use my $1 off admission to the (6) San Antonio Botanical Garden to get my garden loving on.

All in a long weekend's trip.

Might even find some time for waterpark floatting and relaxing.

What would you do in San Antonio?
Follow @SAVEinSA on Twitter
for updates on deals, limited time offers & ideas
to help plan your next trip to San Antonio!

3x the Fun in the Sunshine State - VISIT FLORIDA

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of VISIT FLORIDA for SocialSpark. 

All opinions are 100% mine.

Now.

Those of you who know me in real life

are probably a bit skeptical reading my post title.

But bear with me. 

(or is that "bare" with me...

if you were going with me to Florida it might be...

okay...I won't go there)

I've been to Florida a few times.

Some for volunteer work,
once for a conference,
once for a cruise and
once for work/work.

I've been to the land of the sunset and had square tacos
and done the Carnival on Duval street.
I've done Downtown Disney in Orlando
(but not to Disney World, mind you)
and I've even slept in some random parking lot
(for a quick nap)
and on the side of the road at a rest stop
on the quickest in and out trip to Florida ever
to do some judging at a conference.

Okay...that is more than a few times.

Believe it or not, Florida is one of the most awesome states
because there is just SO MUCH to do there.
I've been many different times of the year
(February through October)
and I do have to say that there are three reasons why I think summer is a great time to visit:

1. Oh the crowds and the people watching (especially at night)!

2. Summertime = long break from work. Cruising (on a boat) out of Florida is the best. And cruising (in a car) through the Keys? Heaven on earth.

3. Guaranteed sunshine (which you think would be a given year round, but it actually isn't).

Though you know I love the number three,

there are three more reasons why Florida is just all around great.

Recently, VISIT FLORIDA gave away 12 (yes TWELVE!!) FREE vacations.

The best part?

The grand prize winner wins THREE vacations!!

There are 12 beyond awesome
(some, once in a lifetime)
opportunities to pick from.

If you go to Florida’s Three for Free Giveaway website
(say, if you're at work and can't access Facebook...just saying),
you can scroll through all of the options

and select your top three. Easy as that.

And you can enter daily up until June 30. 

Who else just set up a personal reminder in their outlook calendar?

(raises hand in the air)

Aside from the grand prize winner, another 9 winners will be randomly selected to win the remaining 9 packages that the grand prize winner didn't select. That's 10 winners people!

To recap:

• VISIT FLORIDA is hosting the most amazing giveaway ever.
• You can enter Florida’s Three for Free Giveaway daily from 5/25 through 6/30.
• If you're not at work, you can check out VISIT FLORIDA on Facebook.
• There are 12 awesome vacations to choose from.
• You pick your top three and if you're the grand prize winner, you win ALL 3!!
• Besides the grand prize, 9 other winners will win the other packages.

Here's a taste of the packages you could win:

Family Fun (trips for four):

Plantation on Crystal River Swim with the Manatees Package
Visit Central Florida Family Adventures Package
TradeWinds Island Resorts Classic Family Beach Week Package
Hawks Kay Resort Florida Keys Fishing Package

Luxury GetAways (decadent trips for two):

Resort Quest Wyndham Vacation Rentals Tennis Lovers Gourmet Getaway Package
The Breakers Palm Beach The Breakers Luxury Dream Vacation
PGA National Resort & Spa Ultimate Spa-cation Package
World Golf Hall of Fame at World Golf Village Tee Time for Two 

Unique Outtings (off the beaten path/once in a lifetime trip for 2):

Bradenton Area CVB/Anna Mara Island Longboat Key Natural Florida Package
Space Coast Office of Tourism Space Cowboy Package
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Trainer for a Day Package
Fountain of Youth Florida Step Into the Past Package

So of course you want to know which three I submitted right?

Can you guess?

Choice 1: Spa-cation sponsored by PGA National Resort & Spa

I would totally LOVE to be pampered and dolled up by professionals.

Three nights in healing mineral pools with a Lavender Bliss Signature mani/pedi...

I might have gone into a slight meditative state just then.

Choice 2: Space Cowboy by Space Coast Office of Tourism.

Of course they had me at "Lunch with an Astronaught". BUT! You also get to work a ranch and learn to surf...whoa now! That is just a packed trip full o' bucketlist.

Choice 3 : Toss up between Tennis Lovers Getaway (sponsored by Resort Quest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals) and Florida Keys Fishing (sponsored by Hawks Cay Resort). 

I'd alternate entries each day and get my better half to sign up for the Tee TIme for Two package sponsored by the World Golf Hall of Fame at World Golf Village.  

See, problem is I don't play tennis, golf or fish. BUT these packages are so awesome with all the rest that comes with them - especially the Tennis one which includes a trip to Destin, a cooking class and a $250 shopping spree to the outlet mall.  I would just feel so bad not using the hour lesson (because, let's be real, I'd be at the outlet mall or on the beach the whole time).

See? Even I, lover of all things "three"
couldn't narrow down all of the awesome selections
to just three. 

The choices are JUST. TOO. GOOD.

Your turn now.

I entered and here's my proof:

You should go to the VISIT FLORIDA Florida’s Three for Free Giveaway site or  VISIT FLORIDA on Facebook for your daily entry.

Hurry up already.  I need you to win us a trip to Florida!

Roadtrip-a-Matic crush | PA is STILL for lovers

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PA Tourism for SocialSpark. 

All opinions are 100% mine.

You can probably tell by now that I am so ready to hit the road.One summer, back in band camp...
okay...it was longer than band camp.
  it was 4 years of my life.

But back in the day, I lived in Upstate New York.
  In Ithaca.
  Which is gorgeous (or gorges) beyond all belief.

It wasn't until close to my senior year,
  when I was doing the Miss America local pageant scene
  (now THAT is a story for another time)
 that I took a bunch of road trips across Northeast America.

Hands down, my biggest regret is that I didn't spend more time in Pennsylvania.

It was just salt in the wound
that I met my husband
only AFTER he had completed grad school at Penn State.

We've said many a time that we would like to go back for a football game.
Or two.

Essentially, there is nothing like fall in the Northeast.
Football, Foliage and Fun all around!

So while we talked about it
and just didn't make it happen before all heck broke loose
in God's Country
(which, yes, as a Texan, I still smirk at that assertion especially in relation to football).

I really have no excuse now that
You can look up all sorts of pa-roadtrips
  by visiting the VisitPA.com website's Roadtrip-a-Matic.
  They have compiled lots of just get in the car and go
  pre-planned roadtrips for visitors to Pennsylvania.

I was checking it out the other day and here are a few of the things I love about it:

1. Theme travel!

Photogs, shoppers, hikers, history buffs and lovers.
  Something for everyone!

2. Maps included

Some of us are a bit...uhhhm...
  "directionally challenged"

3. ADHD Friendly

They have "worthy detours"
  aka, distractors, sidetracks...ways for me to get really lost

Even if you're like me
and you live about as far from Pennsylvania
as you can get and still be in the continental US of A
you should AT LEAST check out the Roadtrip-a-Matic
  to daydream about bucket list roadtrips a little.

And I can personally testify that it is worth every bit of taking a flight out east, renting a car and making a long weekend of it. I might have some points I need to use just for that.

I need a job where I travel a lot again.
Need further convincing?

Here are my top three picks for trips I would take:

With my mom:

Civil War Trails and Beyond - All Roads Lead to History roadtrip.
Main Street Farmers' Market and the 
highlight of our trip would be the Blairsville Underground Railroad. 
We're both history buffs and this is the part of PA history
we have not explored as much. 
Gettysburgh we've done.

With my puppy:

 Trails Mix All Natural Pennsylvania roadtrip.
Bald Eagle spotting in an even more historic setting than the PNW.
My puppy could hit the trails with me
and bird spotting is totally her thing.

By myself:

Shutterbugs - The Picture Perfect Roadtrip.
Route 6, Route 120, Route 144
I LOVE just driving on non Interstates and seeing the countryside.
Especially if I can just pull over whenever
to take a photo. Or a Nap.
Or just take in the beauty of it all.

It is a given that hubby would be on any trip to PA
(even the one "by myself")
because really, there is no way I'm going to be
on that side of the country
(aka, airfare already covered)
with a place to stay
(aka, hotel already covered)
and then us NOT
find a way to get him out there too.

I'm publicly committing right now.
Within the next 3 years.

Even if I have to pay for the whole trip out of pocket.
I will make it to PA and a roadtrip will be part of the adventure.

Week 73 Random Pinehurst

Getting very stir crazy.

Clearly, I need a job that requires travel.

Just want to get up and go again.

July won't be here soon enough.

Let's go on a roadtrip!

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Go Worldly - Pinterest Weekly 8

Getting a little stir crazy.

Let's virtually travel the world together

via my B3HD Go Worldly Pinterest Board

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Then stalk us already! 

Scroll down, join the site and become a follower!

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Just Go Already | Monterey Peninsula

If you ever check out our about us page 

or our FAQs

you would see that we claim to be the traveling type.

To that, it only makes sense that,

occasionally at least,

I write about that.

So here goes nothing!

Ready. Set. Go!

Where are we going?

Monterey | Pebble Beach | Pacific Grove, CA

Who goes to the Monterey Peninsula anyways?

Lots of rich people go there.
And live there.
In gorgeous gated communities.
And for us rich gawker/stalkers,
this is a rare chance to actually drive through
one of those gated communities
(at least partway through)
as 17 mile drive takes you
through one of Pebble Beach's gated communities.


If you like great views

of spectacular coastline,
this is one of those US drives that should be
on your bucket list.


Don't forget to take a $10 spot.
They now charge you non-resident types
to drive through the gates.


Also, if you like squirrels

and by "like" squirrels,

I mean,

are okay with them jumping up on to you

to get at the food

they are so accustomed to people feeding them.

And.
Hopefully.
YOU have not just watched a story
on the local news
about attack squirrels in the local park.
Like I had.
Before I ever knew what Robert had planned for me.


Live. And. Learn.

The air is crisp
and if you're game for it
(we will never be again)
you can even stop at Pebble Beach Golf Course
and grab a bite to eat at the Gallery Cafe.


I loved my deli sandwich 
(veggie, of course).


Poor Robert's Roast Beef did NOT
agree with him.


To the point that this is a really great time
to remind people
that even if you are traveling domestically
you should check to see what kind of medical coverage
your health insurance provides.


Let's just say that if your husband
doesn't want to go in the ambulance you call him
because he looks like warmed over death
and there is no way in HELL
you are getting on a plane with him
puking all over the place,
his insurance might not cover that.


And the 24 hour nurse hotline is pointless
from 900+ miles away.


I know these things.
I know these things
because I learn them the hard way.

Why are we going to the Monterey Peninsula again?

So that we can gawk at how the fortunate ones live.

And drive 17 miles

(which reminds me, if you're not local, you'll need a car)

along the prettiest stretch of coastline

you never did see.

Especially if you are afraid of heights

(for part of this drive)

or you have heard horror stories

of driving along the coast on Highway 1.

That's where you'll think you are.

So hold on tight.

Also, even if you are not a golf buff,

it is kinda cool to stand on the course at Pebble Beach 

where some of golf's greatest have had 

pretty spectacular moments.

Kind of cool to be somewhere that you can see on tv.

And for the family types

there is always the Monterey Bay Aquarium to check out.

I also want to see the Monterey Presidio when I go back.

When is the best time to go?

On a clear day, of course.

Good luck timing that one.

We got up early enough to do the drive in the morning

with a "landing time" close to lunch time

at Pebble Beach Golf Course.

Then we had a pic nic on one of the

MANY gorgeous viewpoints

of the Pacific Ocean crashing against the seaside cliffs.

From there, we completed the loop.

IF memory serves me correctly

(and that's a BIG if)

then we stayed in Seaside, CA at the Sand Castle Inn.

Or maybe it was the Seaside Inn.

Don't quote me on that.

What you CAN quote me on is how much

CHEAPER

it was to stay outside of Monterey proper.

Just. Saying.

Stop babbling and just show me more photos:

Our first trip

(which is what this post is about)

was cut short

(scroll up, see food poisoning incident).

Just a couple pics before we made it to Pebble Beach

Remove the permanently embedded 

camera from your eye

just long enough to look through

those vintage beach binoculars

Of course the whole purpose of the trip

is to get a shot (or two or 300)

of the Lone Cypress.

Awesomeness.

Just Go Already | Leavenworth Festival of Light

If you ever check out our about us page 

or our FAQs

you would see that we claim to be the traveling type.

To that, it only makes sense that,

occasionally at least,

I write about that.

So here goes nothing!

Ready. Set. Go!

Where are we going?

Leavenworth, WA

Christmas Festival of Lights

(they will post a schedule here!)
(**hotel rooms sell out a year in advance**)
(***you can actually rebook your room at checkout***)

Who goes to Leavenworth, WA anyways?

Lots of people go.

Year round.
But especially on the weekends.
Back in the 60's
when this old railroad/sawmill town was
about to go the way of the ghosts,
the towns folks (cleverly, I might add)
thought up the kitschy Bavarian theme.
The natural surroundings suit the space:
the town is built on the Icicle Flats
the soaring Alpine'ish mountains and valleys
and the rushing rivers
all made Bavaria seem so real.


Now the towns people play the part.
Even with that little "Leavenworth rap" tourism bureau
mishap.

(shhhhh...I actually LOVE this video!!)

Especially since this little Bavarian village

(they have goats, Kris Kringl lives here

and they have a Nutcracker Museum)

is so not original to the founding of the town.

This is how crowded it gets about 3 pm,

about 1.5 hours before the actual lighting starts

Yes.

Those are people

(kids and BIG KIDS)

night sledding down the hill

into the party goers waiting for the fireworks.

Most of these folks are from Seattle

so they are nice and just laugh about it.

Not in New York.

Or Texas.

Or California.

Just. Saying.

Why are we going to Leavenworth again?

Because every weekend at the end of November, 

and most of December

it is fun to drink beer 

and pretend that you are German.

Or. it is fun to stand outside in the freezing cold

whilst it gets dark at 4 pm

(we are really far north folks)

to watch the magical moment when the lights come on.

It truly is magical.

I get goosebumps every time

(I've been twice)

and no, I'm certain they were not

the result of it being negative 59 degrees out.

It gets cold in the faux Alpines.

But seriously.

All the Festivals in Leavenworth are fun.

I particularly love this one

because it is during my birthday

and everyone is in a party mood

so it feels like they are all just 

celebrating me.

In my Santa hat of course.

They even set off fireworks for me.

There is actually a ton to do in Leavenworth

besides stand outside and freeze your tush off.

Some of my fave restaurants to eat at:

The Bavarian Bakery 

(for quick breakfast goods on the way out of town)

Gustav's

(great ale battered fish and chips. To. Die. For)

Leavenworth Pizza Company

(especially great night of lighting to take back to the room)

Sandy's Waffle Haus

(to sit and eat breakfast, who gets up that early?)

Los Camperos

(yes, Mexican food in Leavenworth. 

Someone didn't get the memo.

Because it is actually GOOD!)

Most of these places are really close to the big tree.

Really, everything in Leavenworth is really close

(as in walking distance)

to the big tree.

Which is good.

Because once you park,

you don't want to have to do that slow death again.

When is the best time to go?

It IS a weekend festival

so in this case you're off the hook.

That's the only time to go.

If you want to stay overnight

(which you will because it is far out there,

Highway 2 and i90 are never good enough to day trip it,

and it is far too cold for even people

with German ancestors to camp out),

then you MUST plan ahead.

Like a year or two.

There are ways to get rooms

(ie, people get punch drunk and book their next year room

at checkout. We had our own bought of buyers remorse

and sold our reservation on craigslist).

But don't just think you'll show up and find a space.

Unless you are that girl.

And who really wants to be that girl?

That all said, if you can be there during the day 

on Friday or Sunday when it is a little less crowded

then you can take in things like dog sled pulling

And even if you can only get there on Saturday, 

you should make time for a sleigh ride.

Pricey, but touristy and worth it.

Unless you are alone.

In which case you should just hang out in the pub,

be that girl (or that guy)

and find someone to share their room with you.

Just so long as that someone is not

a giant sized Ted.

Stop babbling and just show me more photos:

Alright already.

get friendly with the horses 

that will be pulling your dead weight around

on the sleigh ride.

Perhaps

a bit of hay goodness

is in order after the trek.

Fun times with farm animals and faux Bavarians.

Are you going this year?

End of November | December

is the Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival

Google images of it.

You will NOT be disappointed.

Unless you were disappointed by that 

YouTube video.

Just saying.