A couple of years ago, if you would have asked if a winter destination was on my bucket list, I would have thought you were crazy. I am not a fan of cold temperatures, nor do we ski, snowboard, or enjoy playing in the snow. However, a couple of friends went to Wyoming with Adventures by Disney during the winter, and it looked amazing. The scenery was breathtaking. There were other things to do besides skiing and snowboarding. With the right clothes, we could brave it! It is not like the snow is foreign to us. We are New Englanders! Now that we have decided to go, the question became when. I was hoping for the week between Christmas and the New Year. Well, then 2020 became a horror movie, and that got put on hold. We have quite a few things scheduled for 2021, so it looks like it maybe 2022 before we go. In the meantime, here is destination number 8 of the Travel Bucket List Series- Winter in Wyoming.
How to get there? – From Boston, we will fly into Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Jackson Hole is made up of Grand Teton National Park and the town of Jackson. The majority of our time will be spent in Jackson Hole, but the first stop, Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone National Park
An hour away, Yellowstone is part of the National Parks system and was the first National Park in the United States. Yellowstone is made up of 3,500 square miles and spreads into three states, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. It has enormous canyons, forests, alpine rivers and geysers, the most famous of all, Old Faithful. It is home to plenty of wildlife, such as bears, coyotes, wolves, bison, elk, antelope, and more. Here are a few fun facts about Yellowstone.
- It is the size of Rhode Island and Delaware combined.
- It has more than half the world’s geysers (Over 500).
- There are 67 species of mammals in Yellowstone.
- There are 290 waterfalls.
- It has roughly 1,000-3,000 earthquakes a year.
We will stay at the Mammoth Hot Springs and Cabins for the first few nights of our trip. The hotel underwent an extensive renovation in 2019. It consists of premium rooms, suites, and cabins. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar, and a deli.
As I mentioned above, we do not go skiing or snowboarding. So what exactly is there for us to do in Yellowstone in the winter? I found several activities.
Old Faithful Winter Day Tour- with Snowshoeing
From the hotel, board a snow coach and make your way toward the magnificent geyser. Old Faithful was the first geyser in the park to be named back in 1870. It is highly predictable and erupts every 44 mins to two hours since 2000. It is a must-see. Along the way, the coach stops for wildlife viewing and at such sights like the Fountain Paint Pots. Once at Old Faithful, you have a couple of hours to explore and take in the magnificent wonder. There are several ways to explore the basin. You may walk or grab a pair of cross country skis or snowshoes and have some fun. I am excited to snowshoe.
Norris Geyser Basin
Norris Geyser Basin is the hottest, oldest, and most dynamic of Yellowstone’s thermal areas. Very few visit this area in the winter, and it is touted as one of Yellowstone’s best-kept secrets. The only way to see this area in the winter is by snowmobiles or snow coach. The trees are covered in snow, the snow is deep, and from everything I read, it is all so very magical. There are several things to see here, such as
- Steamboat Geyser: The world’s tallest active geyser, In the Back Basin, you’ll find the world’s tallest active geyser. Eruptions are rare and unpredictable, so I hope we time it just right.
- Porcelain Basin: This is home to Ledge Geyser, which erupts at an angle, and the ever steaming Black Growler Vent.
- Back Basin: a forested version of the Porcelain Basin and home to the Steamboat Geyser.
Winter Wildlife Tour
As a family of animal lovers, how could we not put this tour on our list? This tour explores the Northern Range, where there are wide open grassy valleys that, in the winter, are covered with less snow than other locations in the park, making it a bit easier to get to that food source. It is home to bison, elk, coyote, wolves, eagles, bighorn, and many more.
Another must go for me while in Yellowstone is a photography tour. Using a handpicked itinerary, it takes you through Yellowstone and shows you how to capture the best photographs.
Jackson Hole
After a few action-packed days, it will be time to head back to Jackson Hole. We plan to stay at The Wort Hotel. The Wort Hotel is Jackson Hole’s finest boutique hotel. It has 55 rooms, including five sophisticated western-themed suites.
Located in the center of town, the hotel is on the list of National Registry of Historic Places. It is within walking distance of numerous shops and bars.
Things to do in Jackson Hole
Oh, what to do first? With the Grand Teton National Park and the Snake River right there, the outdoor activities are endless.
Sunset Sleigh Ride– Take a sleigh ride along the Snake River as the sun sets over the Teton Mountains. The ride includes a stop at a Tipi Camp where a roaring fire and appetizers and drinks are served.
Sleigh Ride through the National Elk Refuge– thousands of elk migrate to the refuge each year, and the sleigh ride gives plenty of opportunities to see these animals up close and personal.
Snow King Mountain– Known as the in-town playground for adults and kids alike, this mountain resort offers skiing, tubing, snowboarding, and its winter cowboy coaster. There is something to do for everyone.
Jackson Hole Playhouse – The dinner shows here are not to be missed. I hear the food and entertainment are excellent.
Iditarod-Style Dog Sled Excursion– When we were in the Yukon, we experienced summer dog sledding. Since then, I have wanted to try it in the winter. This is a must-do for my family and me.
Granite Hot Springs– Relax in the steaming, rejuvenating waters of the Granite Hot Springs. Take in the beautiful Gros Ventre Mountains and the towering pines that surround you as you float, swim, and soak in these natural hot springs.
Snowshoeing at Grand Teton National Park– The park offers a two-hour guided snowshoe hike that meets at Taggart Lake Trailhead. Listen as a range talks about winter ecology and snow science.
After seeing all that Wyoming has to offer in the winter, I know we will be inspired to come back in the summer. I guess that means the travel bucket list continues to grow. Not a bad thing, right?
Are you interested in my other bucket list trips? Check them out and leave a comment as to which one you would like to experience first.
My Travel Bucket List Series continues with destination number seven, Germany. Last fall we sailed along the Rhine River and made three stops in Germany. We fell in love with the country and its people. We knew we wanted to come back and explore this beautiful country. Germany is known for beer, pretzels, nice cars, castles, and ties to World War II.
Munich
Our German adventure starts in the city of Munich. Munich is the capital of Bavaria in Southern Germany and is the 3rd largest city in the country. It was here that Hilter joined the Nazi Party and became its leader. The city was heavily bombed during WWII, where 40% of its buildings were destroyed. Munich has some of the largest breweries in Germany and is known for Oktoberfest. Today, the city is the center of the banking industry.
With so much beautiful architecture, stunning gardens, and museums, one could easily spend a week or more in this city. We plan on spending 3-4 days. Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski came highly recommended. It is a 5-star luxury hotel located in the heart of Munich. It has rooms and suites, two restaurants, and a spa.
One of the best ways to see Munich is a walking tour. Highlights of the tour include:
- Karlsplatz Square to see the Karlstor Gate- famed city wall
- Siegestor Gate
- Holy Ghost Church
- Munich City Museum
- Jewish Museum
- St. Peter’s Church
- Old Town Hall
- New Town Hall
- Marienplatz (Old town)
In addition to the walking tour and all the beautiful things we will see above, we want to eat at the Ratskeller. The Ratskeller is a large cellar restaurant. It dates back to the 1900s with regional dishes and good German beer.
We will continue with our stay in Munich and venture 10 miles north to the medieval town , Dachua.
Dachau Concentration Camp opened in 1933 initially to hold political prisoners. It eventually became a prison for Jews, Germans, Austrian criminals, and finally, foreign nationals from countries that Germany occupied or invaded. There were 32,000 documented deaths at Dachau and many, many more undocumented.
Before leaving Munich and heading toward Rothenburg, our travels will take us to Neuschwanstein Castle.
To all my Disney loving readers, this castle should look familiar. Walt Disney used it as inspiration when constructing Sleeping Beauty’s castle in Disneyland in California. Neuschwanstein Castle is a masterpiece. It is one of the most visited castles in Europe, and I can see why. It is what fairytales are made of. Though, in researching the castle, happily ever after did not exist here. You can read the history here.
Now we can’t leave Munich on an empty stomach. Dinner at Hofbrauhaus, I hear, is a must. It is labeled the World’s Most Favorite Tavern. It was built almost 500 years ago and reservations are highly recommended.
Nuremberg and Rothenburg
Next in our German adventure is the city of Nuremberg. It is the second-largest city in the Bavarian state. Notably known for the Nuremberg Trials after the second world war, Nuremberg was chosen to hold these trials due to its history with the Nazi party. It was here after Hilter rose to power, the Nazis held their rallies. The Nuremberg Laws were passed, which revoked German citizenship for all Jews and other non-Aryans. By the end of the war, much of the city was destroyed.
There are a few things I have on our list to do in Nuremberg. First is a visit to the Palace of Justice, where the famous trials took place.
A visit to Old Town Nuremberg is a must. I love visiting the walled cities in Europe. We plan on seeing Nuremberg Castle, Saint-Sebald Church, Albrecht Dürer’s House, and the Toy Museum.
Of course, our visit to Nuremberg would not be complete without some German Food. I have found several culinary tours, and one in particular, sounds amazing. The tours take you through the cobblestone streets of the city where we sample meats, cheeses, and potatoes. In additon, learn the history of gingerbread and pretzels. Sounds good, right?
From Nuremberg, we head north the Rothenberg and check into the Hotel Herrnschlossen. The hotel is an 11th-century castle. My kind of hotel!
Rothenberg is a northern Bavarian village. It served as the inspiration for the village in Disney’s 2nd animated film, Pinnochio. With its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, it certainly looks like it belongs in a storybook. On our list of things to do in Rothenberg are:
- Medieval Crime and Justice Museum
- St. James Church
- Marketplatz
- Rathus
- Pretzel Making
The night walk with a Night Watchman is a must. In medieval times, the Night Watchman roamed the city at night to keep its citizens safe. Meet up with the Night Watchman as he takes you through Rothenberg at night.
Bamberg
Bamberg is a Unesco World Heritage Site. The city has Europe’s largest intact old city wall. There are so many things to see in this city. I am not sure if I have allotted enough time. We may need to add a half a day or two. Some points of interest to explore are:
- Bamberg Cathedral
- Altes Rathaus
- Altenburg Castle
- Klein Venedig
- Bamberger Kreuzweg
Berlin
Last, but certainly not least, is Berlin. Berlin is the capital and the largest city in Germany. It is known for its history and its cultural flare. There is so much to see, do, and eat!
First is a walking tour of the city. I love walking tours as I feel you see more of the city, and it is a great way to get great photo ops. A walking tour in Berlin includes the Reichstag Building, Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust Museum, and Checkpoint Charlie and Alexanderplatz, to name a few.
Did you know that Berlin is known for its street art? My husband has a degree in art, and this is something he would enjoy. A private street art tour is high on our list.
Above I mentioned Berlin is a city of culture. Another must on our list is Museum Island. Museum Island is another Unesco World Heritage Site in Berlin’s Mitte District. It consists of several museums, such as the Altes Museum, Bode-Museum, and Pergamonmuseum. Again, my fear is we will not have enough time to see it all!
As you can see, Germany is a beautiful country. There is much to see and do from its storybook towns, fairytale castles, rich history, food, drink, and culture. I hope you will agree that this country is Bucket List worthy.
See you on my next adventure!
Greece and its people have always fascinated me. Since the time I was a child, I loved learning about Greek history and its culture. Of course, I love the movies My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Mamma Mia. LOL! In a couple of years, I turn 50, and what better place to celebrate this milestone than Greece. There are so many beautiful places to see in this country. Our trip will be at least 12-14 days long. The first stop on this dream trip, Athens!
Athens
Our trip begins in the beautiful city of Athens and the Electra Metropolis Hotel.
The Electra Metropolis is a 5-star hotel and located in the heart of the city. The hotel has stunning views of the Acropolis and the old neighborhood of Plaka. In the mood for a drink? Head to the rooftop bar for a drink and a breathtaking view of the Parthenon.
Athens serves as the capital of Greece and is its largest city. It has a history spanning over 3,400 years, making it one of the oldest cities. Athens is referred to as the cradle of western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. Its port, Piraeus, is the largest passenger port in Europe. Did you know Athens was the host city for the first modern-day Olympic Games in 1896?
Fun Fact– the first marathon was 24.8 miles, not the 26.2 miles that it is today.
Acropolis
The Acropolis is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Over the centuries, the Acropolis, located high above the city of Athens, has been home to kings, a mythical home to Gods, a citadel, religious center, and tourist attraction. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the famous Parthenon.
Parthenon
The Parthenon was built in the 5th century B.C. and dedicated to the Goddess, Athena. It sits upon the top of the Acropolis. The Parthenon was the center of religious life in the once-great city of Athens. It was a symbol of the power, wealth, and culture of Athens. It was the largest and most lavish temple the Greek mainland had ever seen. Today, it is one of the most recognized buildings in the world and a symbol of Ancient Greece.
Panathenaic Stadium
This multipurpose stadium is the only one in the world made out of marble. Initially, it was built as a racecourse in 330 B.C. It was rebuilt in marble by Herodes Atticus by 144 A.D. It was abandoned in the 4th century but refurbished and hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern-day Olympics. The stadium has been used on and off over the years. In 2004 it was the finishing point of the Athens Classic Marathon.
Fun Fact– The Panathenaic Stadium is where the flame is handed over to the host nation of the Olympics.
Plaka
Plaka is an old historical neighborhood of Athens. It is known as the neighborhood of the Gods, given its proximity to the Acropolis and other archeological sites.
Here you can find restaurants, cafes, and shops. It is considered one of Athens’ nicest neighborhoods, its small community, off the beaten path in the middle of a large city. Most streets are closed to traffic so people can enjoy the street musicians and vendors.
Sounion
Sounion is 43 miles southwest of Athens. It is along the western coast of the Attica Peninsula and overlooks the Aegean Sea. It is home to the Temple of Poseidon. The temple was constructed in 444-440 B.C. Originally, it had 36 columns and now has 5. The temple is immortalized in Homer’s Odyssey.
Fun Fact- Legend has it was here that Aegeus King of Athens leaped to his death, giving the name to the Aegean Sea.
Santorini
The next stop on this bucket list trip is Santorini. An island in the Aegean Sea is the site of the largest volcano eruption in recorded history. While in Santorini we will stay at the Majestic Hotel.
Fira is the capital city of Santorini. The landscape and architecture are beautiful. I look forward to exploring this city and spending some time getting to know the culture and people.
Nea Kameni- Volcanic Island
Nea Kameni is an uninhabited volcanic island. It has formed over two millennia through the repeated eruptions. You can climb a gravel pit to reach the top of the 426-foot high volcanic crater. Also, we plan on taking some time to enjoy the hot springs.
Akrotiri Archaelogical Site
Akrotiri was once a major city in the Middle and Late Bronze Age. In 1627 a volcano erupted, and the city was covered in ash. Since 1846 this has been a popular excavation site for archaeologists. While visiting, take some time to explore the ruins and visit the museum that houses many of the artifacts found.
Oia
Lastly, we are sure to visit Oia, a small village in Santorini. It is one of the most famous towns in Santorini. It is known for its blue-domed churches and fantastic sunsets. It has plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Oia has been called one of the most picturesque villages in Greece.
Crete
The next stop is the island of Crete. Crete is the largest island in the country of Greece. It has something for everyone, from white sandy beaches to mountains for hiking. Crete is also home to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Knossos, a Bronze Age settlement.
In Crete, we plan to stay at the Porto Elounda Golf and Spa Resort.
We will start our visit to Crete with a boat ride over to Spinlonga. It is an island north of Crete. It was once used as a leper colony from 1903 to 1957. Today it is uninhabited. Besides a leper colony, it is known for its small pebble beaches. It is currently under consideration to be a world heritage site.
Palace of Knossos
The Palace of Knossos is located just south of modern-day Heraklion near the north coast of Crete. The palace was the ceremonial and political center of the Minoan Civilization and culture. It dates back to 7000 B.C. up into 1380 and 100 B.C.
Fun Fact- The palace was never a residence for royalty, yet had rooms suitable for a king or queen.
In addition to these two spots, we plan to explore the countryside, take in the beautiful beaches, attend a Tsaziki making class and make Komboloi.
Mykonos
Last but not least, Mykonos. As you can see, we have jammed packed this itinerary. I like to end my vacations with a little rest. I plan to do so here, on Mykonos. There will be plenty of beach time, along with relaxation by the pool. We will do a bit of exploring, but the point of this stop is to recharge before heading back to the real world.
Have you been to Greece? What time of year did you go? Comment below and help me decide what time of year we will take this bucket list trip!
Welcome to the 4th edition of My Travel Bucket List Series. For those of that are new to my blog, at the beginning of the year, I published my top 30 destinations I would like to see in my lifetime. You can see the complete list here. Today we are going to experience some good old southern hospitality in the city of Savannah, GA. Of course, being a beach lover, I have added a couple of days on
Savannah is the oldest city in Georgia and 5th largest in the state. The city is known for its cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and southern charm.
Accommodations
For this trip, we plan on staying at the Cotton Sail Hotel. Once an 1800’s cotton warehouse, the Cotton Sail is located in the historic district of Savannah and minutes away from the riverfront. Amenities include a fitness center, an on-site restaurant, and a rooftop bar. This boutique hotel only has 56 rooms, with either a city or a river view. I love the idea of the river view.
Length of Stay
Including our stay on Tybee Island, I plan on 5 full days. Three days will be in the city of Savannah and two days on Tybee Island. I suspect our days will be jammed packed with activities.
Things to Do & See
Tours
There is no shortage of walking tours in the city of Savannah. I have reviewed quite a few, and when the time
In addition to the walking tour, I found two other tours that sound fantastic. First is a carriage ride at night tour. How does a ride in a horse-drawn carriage under the twinklings lights of the city sound? Amazing!
Have you ever taken a ghost tour? We did here in Boston. However, I have never seen anything quite like this. A tour in a hearse?? Sign me up!
Forsythe Park
Forsyth Park is a large city park that occupies 30 acres in the historic district of Savannah. Within the park are walking paths, children’s play areas, recreational areas for soccer, basketball, tennis, and more. An interesting feature of the park is a Fragrant Garden for the blind. The garden consists of plants with scents and textures that appeal to those with limited sight.
River Street
River Street has over 75 shops and restaurants to explore. This area of the city was once cotton warehouses. River Street is where we plan on spending our evenings, looking for some yummy southern food. I think a steamboat ride will be on the itinerary as well.
Wormsloe Historic Site
Here lie the ruins of Wormsloe, the colonial estate of Noble Jones. These ruins are the oldest standing structure in Savannah. Mr. Jones was many things, including command of a company of Marines charged with defending the Georgia coast from the Spanish. The Jones family owned Wormsloe until the state of Georgia acquired it in 1973.
In the park, visitors can interact with costumed guides and view a museum with artifacts found at Wormsloe. There is a nature trail that leads to the tabby ruins over to the Colonial Life Area. This area is similar to a living museum where guides in period dress exhibit the tools and skills of colonial Georgia.
Fort Pulaski National Monument
Fort Pulaski National Monument is located on Cockspur Island, between Savannah and Tybee Island. It was during the American Civil War, that the Union Army successfully tested rifled cannons in combat, the success of which rendered brick fortifications obsolete. Sights not to miss are Battery Hambright, John Wesley Memorial, Construction Village, and the cemetery.
Tybee Island
I can’t think of a better way to end a few days of sightseeing than some beach time. Tybee Island is located off the coast of Savannah. It is both a city and a barrier island. We plan on calling Beachside Colony and Resort our home for the remainder of our trip. The only beachside resort on the island.
I would love to know, have you been to Savannah? Is there anything I should add to my list?
Check out the previous editions of my Travel Bucket List series.
Welcome to my 3rd edition of my Travel Bucket List Series. Today we will explore the Emerald Isle. Ireland has always been of interest to me. My ancestors are from Ireland, I grew up in a predominantly Irish town and my neighbors, growing up were from Ireland. I follow a few travel bloggers that have traveled there, and what they have written about has piqued my interest even more. As I was researching places to go, things to do, and places to see, it occurred to me that this will not be a one and done trip. There are too many places I want to visit. The sites I talk about below will be our first Ireland trip. Once I complete my bucket list series, I will write about trips I would want to repeat and why.
In pulling together my research, it appears March-May and September -November is the best times to visit. The weather is not too hot or cold, and it avoids the summer crowds. However, more likely than not, we will be traveling with at least one of the boys, so summer travel is where we are at. If for some reason, this ends up being a couples trip, my vote is for September. The length of the trip will be approximately ten days, give a take a day.
Dublin
First, on this wee Irish tour
The Merrion is the city’s most luxurious 5-star hotel. It is located in the center of the city, made up of 4 Georgian townhouses. It houses a drawing-room, bars, a full gym, a pool, and two restaurants, one of which is the 2 star Michelin restaurant, Patrick Guilbaud. I do believe this hotel will do just fine.
Dublin Castle
First on our list, Dublin Castle. Built-in the 13th century on a Viking settlement, for centuries, it was the headquarters of the British and English administration in Ireland. In 1922 Ireland gained its independence, and the castle was handed to the Irish.
The castle offers a guided tour. The tour takes you through the Viking excavation, the Royal Chapel and State Apartments.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St Patrick’s is the national cathedral of Ireland. It has been part of Irish history for over 800 years. It was on this site, that St. Patrick baptized people into Christianity.
Irish Emigration Museum
I can’t wait to explore this fully interactive museum to learn about the influence of Irish history as ten million Irish men and women left the mother country in search of a better life. Listen to audio clips, watch videos, take motion sensor quizzes, and more. Some highlights of the museum include emigrant letters, music and dance, and an Irish Family History Center.
I look forward to researching my own family’s roots while we are here.
Guinness Store House
Though I am not a beer lover, my husband is, and how can we come to Dublin and NOT visit the Guinness Store House? The storehouse is seven floors of fun, exploring the history of Ireland’s favorite beer. Offering 3-4 different types of tours, I think the 3-hour brewery tour seems just right. It includes exploring the underground passenger tunnels, limited sampling brews, another beer tasting, and a parting gift. I especially like the history aspect of the tour.
Tipperary & Killarney
The next few days will be exploring Killarney. However, on our way there, we plan to stop in Tipperary, home of the Rock of Cashel. Once just a rock in the middle of the rolling pastures, it grew by interlocking structures. It is one of Ireland’s most magnificent archeological sites. Once the seat of the Kings of Munsters, most of the buildings are from the 12th and 13th centuries after the rock was gifted to the church. I can’t wait to explore the medieval buildings and take in the views. Look at those pastures!
What started as a hunting lodge, is the oldest hotel in Killarney. It has a spa, several restaurants, afternoon tea and is pet friendly. The location is stunning. It sits among 25,000 acres of Killarney National Park and only 2.5 miles to the town center.
Innisfallen Island
Innisfallen Island is part of Killarney National Park. One can easily spend a day or two exploring all the island has to offer. These are the places we plan to see and do while visiting the island.
Muckross House & Gardens – This 19th-century Victorian mansion sits on the shores of Muckross Lake. It is surrounded by beautiful grounds that showcase different colors depending on the season. Several events are held at home throughout the year.
Muckross Traditional Farms- Step back in time and visit Ireland in the 1930s and ’40s. See what life on a farm was like back then. These are my favorite types of historical places to visit. I love to see how different generations lived. Here you can visit three separate farms, a small, medium, and a large farm. All are complete with farm animals, machinery, and farm buildings.
Killarney House & Gardens- Another beautiful estate and garden you can tour on the island.
Muckross Abbey- Muckross Abbey was founded for the Franciscans about 1448 by Daniel McCarthy Mor. The ruins include a church, a square tower, and beautiful windows, and a vaulted cloister with an arcade of arches around a square courtyard. There is also a burial ground where several burials a year happen.
Besides touring these magnificent landmarks, we will tour the streets of these picturesque towns and cities. I for one would love to experience an authentic Irish pub and do a little shopping.
Shannon & Village of Adare
After a few days in Killarney, we head to Shannon, where we plan to stay at the magnificent Dromoland Castle. Staying in a castle has always been a dream of mine. I can live out my fantasy of being a Disney Princess. LOL! I have seen photos of this castle over the years and knew one day we would have to experience it first hand.
Dromoland Castle is a 5-star luxury hotel with a golf course and a Michelin star restaurant. The building was started in the 15th and 16th centuries and was finished being built in 1835. In 1962, a US citizen bought the property and turned it into a hotel. The hotel offers many amenities and activities for guests to enjoy. There is fishing, archery, falconry, horseback riding, tours of the grounds, hiking, tennis, golf, clay shooting, and more. I am looking forward to spending a day or two here merely relaxing.
Adare Village in County Limerick
One of the days while staying in Shannon, we will be taking a day trip to Adare Village.
Adare Desmond Castle– The castle was built with an ancient ring-fort in the early 13th century. It became a strategic fortress. Once the property of the Earls of Kildare until the rebellion in
Limerick Carriage Tours
Tour Adare Manor in the comfort of these carriages.
The carriage is equipped with a luxury table with glass/cup holders and wine coolers to enjoy as you tour the grounds. Photo opportunities are provided along the tour.
Cliffs of Moher
Seven hundred feet above the Atlantic ocean and stretching 5 miles long are the majestic Cliffs of Moher. Form its highest point, O’Briens’s Tower, one can see several places, such as Galway Bay, Blasket Islands, and Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara. The cliffs are a natural gateway to Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way (something I plan to explore in a separate blog post).
Cork
To wrap up our Irish journey, we will be stopping in the city of Cork for two reasons. First, my ancestors are from here, and I would love to see where they lived before emigrating to the US. Second, not too far from the city of Cork is the Blarney Castle and the famous Blarney Stone.
As far as accommodations, I decided to go with a family-owned boutique called Hayfield Manor. A 5-star hotel with gorgeous grounds, a spa, and elegant dining.
Per the quote their website, “Blarney Castle, set in acres of parkland filled with rare and unusual trees and plants, offers visitors the chance to stroll in one of the country’s most spectacular gardens. Highlights include:
- The chance to kiss the world-famous Blarney Stone
- Historic Blarney Castle – magical and warlike all at once
- The new ‘Poison Garden’ where toxic plants are kept in cage-like structures
- The Fern Garden &
Ice house , a Victorian version of a modern refrigerator! - Rock Close, a
centre of worship filled with ancient trees and stones - Blarney Lake”
Doesn’t this sound amazing?
The city of Cork is the second-largest city in the country of Ireland. Located on an island in the middle of the Lee River, it a city with a small-town feel. There is no shortage of breweries (if you like craft beer, this is the city for you), dining, shopping, and art galleries with works of famous Irish artists. A short drive from Cork is the seaside town of Cobh. Cobh was the last port of call for the Titanic.
As you can see, Ireland has a lot to offer. There are so many other places I want to see and do. As I mentioned above, this is a repeat trip for us—next time, I want to explore the Wild Atlantic Way, over 1500 miles of coastal roads. Visit villages with adorable cafes, hear Gaeltacht being spoken, and see more of the beauty that this country has to offer. Until then, I leave you with this post and hope I have inspired you to travel to the land of leprechauns and four-leaf clovers.
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The older I get, the more I want to see the world around me. As I sat down to write my goals for 2020, I started to think about where in this world do I want to explore. A couple of hours later, my Travel Bucket List Series was born.
Throughout 2020, I will be highlighting my top 30 places on my travel bucket list to explore in the world. I have broken it down to 15 international destinations and 15 U.S. destinations. By no means is this list meant to be inclusive; it is merely the places I want to see most in the world before exploring others.
Every week or so, I will be posting about one of the places on the list. The posts will include photos, where I would like to stay, sites to see, and more. Each week I will alternate writing between an international and a U.S. destination.
Believe it or not, it was much easier to come up with 15 international destinations than
These are my top 30. Please check back each week or so as I highlight each of these magnificent places.
Last week I shared a Summer Bucket List of Ideas for Teens. It consists of a list of things I would like to do with my boys this summer. In addition to that list, I have created my own bucket list. Though I adore being with the kids, I have my own list of things I would like to accomplish this summer. Some involve them and some do not. Believe it or not kids, this Mom has her own life! Now before I dive into my list, I want to explain why I have a bucket list.
A few years ago, I was asked this very question, why a bucket list? Why do you feel the need to plan every moment of your life? Well, besides the fact I am a Type A personality, there is research that shows how beneficial a bucket list can be. A bucket list can help create a fulfilling life. It is essential to take time for things that we enjoy doing. Fitting in things like vacations and hobbies bring happiness and satisfaction in our lives. It makes life FUN! By fitting these things into our every day, we reduce stress and enhance our lives. Less stress??? Sign me up!
Here are the top things I want to accomplish this summer.
- PR in a 10k race.
- Road trip with the family.
- Finish my 2018 scrapbooks.
- Date night with the hubby and friends in the North End.
- Visit the new wax museum in Boston.
- Hit the beach at least every other weekend.
- Read six novels before Labor Day Weekend.
- Girl’s night once a month.
- Try the Alice Tea Room at Patriot Place.
- Visit some local craft fairs.
- Attend the Scrapbooking Expo in New Hampshire.
- Try a new restaurant twice a month.
- Freedom Trail Tour in Boston.
- Food Tour in Boston.
- Water Fires in Providence.
- Stay club level at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
There you have it, my 2019 Summer Bucket List. Between this list and the one I did for the boys, it is jammed packed with activities. Will we do them all? Maybe not, but it will be fun trying. Now tell me, what is on your summer bucket list? Post a comment here or hop on over to one of my social media pages and let me know. Happy Summer!
We are just about halfway through March and Spring is a mere 7 days away. For this girl, it can’t come soon enough! After spending time in Florida, I am looking forward to the warmer weather. I am looking forward to seeing green grass, the buds on the trees and the flowers starting to bloom. It is time where summer vacation plans are set in stone and thoughts of longer days makes me happy. With the change of each season, I sit down and make what I call a Seasonal Bucket List. It is a list of all the things I would like to do or see during that particular season. The list is a great way to have some ideas for family time on weekends, a night out on the town or an afternoon with the girls. As I sit here today, here are a few of the things I am putting on my Spring Bucket List.
- Planting flowers around the yard.
- Taking the dog to the beach to play.
- Family day exploring Boston.
- Spending the afternoon on Castle Island.
- Running a few races in the warmer temps.
What about you? What do you want to do this Spring? Put it down on paper, stick it on your fridge and look at it when you need some ideas. Happy list making!
As some of you may know, the kids and I are spending the next 9 days in Disney. While we were here, we caught up with our adventure guide from the Mediterranean cruise we did last summer. It was great to see him!
This got me thinking about other adventures I want to experience. We have traveled a lot more over the last few years and love seeing new places. I excited to say that Bill and I are going on a Rhine River Cruise this September. We leave from Basel and tour through France, Germany and end in Amsterdam. Next year, Robbie graduates high school and I was thinking, possibly, the Canadian Rockies. Though he did mention wanting going to California. Ireland is another one that is top of my list, as is England, Norway and Iceland. However, the number one spot, on the bucket list, Greece!!! I told Bill that would make an awesome 50th birthday for me in a few years.
So tell me, what is on your travel bucket list?
