Midwest Memories at Mt. Rushmore

Day 1: Headed to Mount Rushmore on a scenic drive called The Iron Mountain Road. This road was simply amazing due to its gorgeous views of the Black Hills and its architectural interest. There are “Pigtail Bridges”, which are bridges with winding turns underneath that allow drivers to drop or gain altitude quickly and three tunnels made of rock through which you can see Mount Rushmore framed in the distance. This adds to the excitement of seeing Mount Rushmore for the first time as these glimpses through the tunnel beckoned you to get to the destination, while the pretty scenery and winding road encouraged you to slow down and take it all in. The highway connects Custer State Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial and was just spectacular.
After arriving at Mount Rushmore, we walked around the monument and hiked up some stairs to get close to it. What a treat! Seeing this huge monument up close with the white stone set against the clear blue sky (which was a deep blue the day we were there) was really impressive. We then explored the town of Custer and grabbed lunch before heading on a drive through Custer State Park on the scenic Needles Highway. The Needles Highway is a spectacular drive through the forest of the Black Hills, meadows and rugged granite mountains. The road’s name comes from the needle-like granite formations, which seem to pierce the horizon. There is a really cool tunnel called Needles Eye Tunnel, that is 8′ 9″ wide by 9’8″ high and it was quite an adventure driving through it. The storm clouds were rolling in during Jen’s family’s visit to Custer State Park, but that made for some amazing views of buffalo grazing in a meadow under a rainbow.

Day 2: The next morning, Jen went on a great hike at the sprawling property at which they stayed, and she got to see Mount Rushmore in the distance, while running into some deer and beautiful scenery. When the rest of the family woke up, we set out to explore Keystone and went on an 1880 Train ride. While in Keystone, the family stopped at Buffalo Old Time Photo Co. where they had fun dressing up in costumes and got some keepsake portraits. Then the family
headed to Crazy Horse memorial, which is still under construction. The family found a really fun winery for dinner, Prairie Berry Winery, and spent the rest of the day eating appetizers while sipping wine slushies and enjoying unusual wines made from different fruits such as raspberry rhubarb. Jen liked the wine slushies so much that since that trip, Jen purchases cases of the mix
to make wine slushies that she serves poolside.

Day 3: The next morning, the family set out to explore the Badlands, but our first stop was the famous Wall Drug Store. Serving breakfast and filled with plenty of fun souvenirs, no trip to South Dakota is complete without a stop here! The children enjoyed the outdoor area with giant plaster animals and a stagecoach in which to pose for pictures. We grabbed a quick lunch at the
Badlands Bar before heading to Badlands National Park. We saw gorgeous views of colorful rock formations throughout the amazing drive. We got up close to a buffalo, which passed right next to our car, and we saw antelope and prairie dogs. A fun end to the day was when we stumbled upon a prairie dog park where you paid for food and got up close to feed the prairie dogs, who were used to humans. That is one of the nice things about traveling. Sometimes the things you don’t plan end up being highlights of the trip, and this little place on the side of the road made for some great memories playing with the cute little prairie dogs, including some babies. We stopped in Rapid City for dinner on the way back.

Day 4: The next day, we went to Big Thunder Gold Mine in Keystone and got to learn all about mining, which is quite treacherous. We stumbled upon the Keystone Area Historical Society, which housed a museum full of momentos from Little House on the Prairie. It was actually a funny story as the museum was closed due to Covid but Jen noticed people inside and persistently knocked on the door until they opened the museum. When Jen explained that her
daughter had just read one of the books in school and was doing a presentation on it, the lady running the museum let Jen’s family in for a private tour. Jen’s persistence paid off! The family was able to immerse themselves in the history of the series and even purchase a bonnet that Cassie was able to use for her presentation. Laura Ingalls Wilder fans should definitely add this
to their list of stops. We had no idea that Carrie Ingalls Swanzey made her home in Keystone. Visitors to the historical society can explore the Keystone School Building, which holds special significance for Carrie Ingalls fans as her stepchildren attended this school. We then headed to the Cosmos Mystery Area, a place where the laws of nature and gravity seemingly do not apply.
For instance, balls roll uphill and you stand sideways instead of straight. It was a really fun outing. We then headed back to Custer State Park to explore a portion of the park we hadn’t seen due to rain the first day, and we ate dinner at a lodge in the park.

Day 5: The last day, on our way to the airport, we stopped at Bear Country U.S.A. for some fun views of animals.

Winter Break in Belize

Day 1: Arrive in Belize. Transfer to Chaa Creek Hotel. Served delicious Sorrel juice welcome drink upon our arrival. We are starving so opt to head to lunch. Then, they pick us up after lunch for a tour of our room and the facility. We sip mojitos and check out the hammock and personal pool on the
deck of our accommodations (same luxury hut that Prince Harry stayed in when he visited Belize). We attend Jen’s birthday dinner poolside. The howler monkeys up in the trees sang Happy Birthday to Jen with their loud howls, supposedly the loudest mammal on earth.

Day 2: Jen took an early morning birdwatching tour, seeing parrots and a hummingbird. The toucan continued to elude her. We had breakfast and took a hike down to the water at our property. When we returned to our hut, we noticed the butterfly had hatched overnight, so we tried to release it
(although it hung around for awhile). We headed to the pool for some R&R, including sipping drinks out of coconut shells. In the afternoon, we headed out for a Cave tubing excursion through the rainforest at Caves Branch. Then we had a delicious dinner back at Chaa Creek.

Day 3: We head to the Xunantunich aercheological reserve to check out pyramids. We saw some parrots while there, but still no toucans. Then we head to zip lining at Calico Jack’s. We end our activities with a trip to swim in a waterfall at Big Rock Falls. We head back to Chaa Creek for dinner.

Day 4: Jen heads to early morning bird watching, still in search of the elusive toucan. She sees a pygmy owl, a great view of parrots and is finally rewarded at the end of the tour by spotting a toucan. We hand out in our room for a bit, then hear a kikaju running around in the bamboo above our deck. Since these are nocturnal animals, this was quite a treat! Jen also watches a baby monkey playing with its parents in the trees above the hut. She is taking pictures of the baby monkey when she realizes he peed on her! Good times—but at least she got some good photos! The family heads to the pool, then Jen heads to the spa for a massage. The family takes a sunset canoe trip, then heads to dinner. Marc and Jen, feeling adventurous, take the “Creatures of the Night” animal spotting tour, finding lots of tarantulas in the wild!

Day 5: The family checks out the butterfly farm, then packs and gets ready for a flight from the jungle to the beach. The flight goes over the Belize Barrier Reef and stops over the blue hole. Such an amazing view! They land in San Pedro and head to their hotel to check in and have lunch. After lunch,
they swim for a bit at the hotel pool, then check in to their room and relax.

Day 6: Rent a golf cart and head to Secret Beach for some relaxation. On the way to Secret Beach, Jen stops to buy some carved wooden turtles. Jen loves buying things when traveling that will remind her of the trip when she gets home. Bree gets her hair braided by the ocean, while Jen
and Marc sip exotic drinks. On the way back from Secret Beach, we stopped at the Truck Stop, a great place to have fun on the island, complete with outdoor games, a swimming pool and an outdoor movie screen and serving lots of fun food from food trucks.

Day 7: The family’s snorkeling tour got postponed due to the wind so we decide to take the golf cart and explore San Pedro a bit. We grabbed breakfast in San Pedro before heading back to Secret Beach for some more beach time. On the way back from Secret Beach, the family stopped at a roadside coconut stand so Jen could sip on some fresh coconut juice. The family also stopped at Rum Dog on the way back to their hotel for some island fare.

Day 8: Everyone heads out for a snorkeling adventure. They go to Hol Chan Marine Reserve for snorkeling, viewing some great tropical fish and spotting some sea turtles. Then they head to Shark Ray Alley to view some sharks and rays, which was quite thrilling. They then stopped for lunch at Cay Caulker at Bambooze Beach Bar and Grill before heading back to the boat for some seahorse spotting near the Split, as well as tarpon feeding. They got to enjoy fresh ceviche that the captain of the boat made. Delicious! When the family returned to the hotel, Marc and Jen ventured to the adult only rooftop pool bar overlooking the beach for some drinks and great views. The family went out to dinner at Hidden Treasure, a gem of a restaurant with great food, exceptional service and creative drinks.

Day 9: The family departs from the tropical paradise.

Christmas Prelude in Maine

Day 1: Fly into Portland Airport and rent a car and drive south to Kennebunkport – it’s about a 25-minute ride. Head to your rental home (or hotel – we recommend The White Barn Inn for adults only) and get settled. For the family, we rented a house in Cape Porpoise and headed to the Cape Porpoise Kitchen where we stocked up on wine, lobster mac and cheese, sandwiches, and cookies.

In the evening, park as close to town as you can (you will probably need to park a bit of a distance no matter what because it gets crowded) and head to Dock Square. Grab a cup of cocoa and gather around the Christmas tree. Watch the tree lighting and fireworks, and then shop in all of the little stores for decorations, gifts, and adorable stocking stuffers. End the evening with a dinner at any of the many great restaurants around town…but be sure to make a reservation in advance. We hit up Old Vines where we enjoyed small plates and live music.

Day 2: Rise and shine and head into town to enjoy the many Christmas festivities. We started our day with chocolate making at Auntie’s House Bakery and Chocolatier. Enjoy a lobster boat ride, cheese and charcuterie to-go, reindeer displays, carolers, and of course all of that great Coastal Christmas shopping. Definitely stop at the Boathouse for lunch and have a lobster roll and one of their many festive holiday cocktails.

In the evening head to Fire and Ice and The Nonantum Resort. You need to buy tickets well in advance (think August/September) for this party, but it is definitely not to be missed. There are 2 sessions on Friday night and 2 sessions on Saturday night, each lasting 3 hours, so take your pick and make sure you have a babysitter or rotate going with the other adults in your group. Once there, you will enjoy cocktails, yummy food stations, along with bonfires and ice sculptures. Dress warmly and have a blast!

Day 3: Wake-up and mosey into town for coffee. Take a brisk walk or drive through Cape Porpoise to see the lobster boats welcoming the sunrise. Don’t miss a great photo-op in front of the lobster-trap Christmas tree. Afterwards, get dressed for brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Nonantum Resort. Once you are there, enjoy a delicious breakfast spread as well as an opportunity to slip Santa your Christmas list.

After brunch the guys in our family headed to one of the bars in town to watch football while the ladies shopped. We had the best peppermint white hot chocolate at FiaFia, made candles at Sea Love, and picked up ornaments, books, and pillows at Day Trip and Beach Grass! When we were tired and cold, we met up for dinner at Batson River Brewing and Distillery which had amazing craft cocktails and a comforting menu, not to mention the most delicious chicken and dumplings we have ever had. The food isn’t the only spectacular thing here…so is the ambience. It is decked out for Christmas and just the memory of it makes us smile.

Once you are overflowing with food and Christmas spirit, it is time to head out. We packed up quickly and headed to the airport – already dreaming of sugarplums and our next visit to Maine.

Day 1: Arrive in Denver and rent cars to drive north towards ski areas (Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Vail). We rented a house in Frisco, CO and used the afternoon to get settled in the house, stock the kitchen for the week, and play games.

Day 2: Pick up breakfast from Butterhorn Bakery in Frisco and rent skis for the week from Pioneer Sports. Grab lunch in town, followed by afternoon drive to Vail for shopping. Enjoy dinner at La Tour French restaurant.

Day 3 (Keystone Resort): Breakfast at the house and head to Keystone for ski lessons for the kids. Eat lunch at the lodge and ski all day. Return home to rest. Head to 4 Eagle Ranch for a snowy sleigh ride and dinner.

Day 4 (Breckenridge Day): Breakfast at the house and skiing at Breckenridge. Lunch in the lodge on the mountain and shop downtown. Enjoy dinner at Breckenridge Distillery, a David Burke restaurant and our favorite in the area!

Day 5 (Copper Mountain Day): Breakfast at the house and snow tubing at Copper Mountain. Afternoon movie followed by New Year’s dinner in downtown Frisco at Silverheels.

Day 6 (Vail Day): Skiing in Vail followed by shopping. Dinner at Tavern West in Frisco. Pack up the house and return skis.

Day 7: Finish packing and drive back to Denver and check into the Gaylord Rockies Resort. Enjoy lunch at the Mountain Pass Sports Bar and explore the holiday activities at the hotel, including ice bumper cars and carousel, Build-a-Bear holiday workshop, and the Naughty or Nice Escape Room. Dinner at Vista Montagne and walk-through of the Elf Experience.

Day 8: Check-out and travel back home.

Day 1: Arrive at The W Hollywood and relax at the rooftop pool for the afternoon, end the day with an Italian feast at Mother Wolf restaurant.

Day 2: Grab breakfast in the hotel and head out for an LA city tour with Surf City Tours (call ahead if you want a private bus), after the tour drop-off on Rodeo Drive and lunch at 208 Rodeo, cool off at the W pool, head out for dinner at Grandmaster Recorders rooftop, afterwards stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the Chinese Theatre (we suggest flip-flopping these last 2 items if you don’t have children with you and want to end with a swanky rooftop dinner)

Day 3: Get coffee and pastries at Intelligentsia Coffee, view the Hollywood sign via Canyon Lake Drive, relax with a cocktail and lunch from the Wet bar at the W hotel pool, take the Warner Brothers Studio Tour, end the day with ramen from Jinya Ramen Bar in Burbank.

Day 4: Wake up early (6 AM!!!) and head to Disneyland, stow bags and grab breakfast at The Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, get on line for rope drop, explore Disneyland Park, break to rest and cool off at the hotel pool mid-afternoon, head back to Disnelyland Park for more rides and the Electric Parade

Day 5: Hit Starbucks (finally!) in Downtown Disney, head to Disney’s California Adventure Park, spend morning in the park, break for some R&R at the hotel or shopping and ice cream mid-day in Downtown Disney, return to California Adventure Park for dinner and the World of Color Dessert Party.

Day 6: Character breakfast at Storyteller’s Cafe, pick up rental car, outside of Disneyland, drive down the PCH, stop at The Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel for lunch with a view, continue the drive and arrive at L’Auberge, lounge by the pool and boogie board in the ocean, enjoy oyster bake (Wednesday nights only), go to Pacific Coast Grill in Cardiff by the Sea for a sunset dinner

Day 7: Enjoy a slow morning at the hotel, late brunch and hang by the pool, hit the Del Mar Racetrack to bet on some horses (we were lucky and there happened to be races the day we were there), relax back at the hotel, head to Mission Beach for rides and dinner at Cannonball Sushi

Day 8: Wake-up early to check out and grab coffee at the hotel, have fun at Sea World for 4-5 hours, head to La Jolla and have a late lunch at George’s at the Cove, walk down the cliffs to see the sea lions, drive to downtown San Diego and check into The Pendry, take a night swim at the rooftop pool, order room service and watch a movie

Day 9: Breakfast at Broken Yolk Cafe, drive to Point Loma and hike along the tidepools/see the Cabrillo Monument, cool down at the hotel pool and have a bite to eat, head over to Petco Stadium to cheer on The Padres

Day 10: Grab coffee and breakfast sandwiches at Spill the Beans Coffee and Bagel Well, pack and check-out of the hotel, visit The San Diego Zoo, head to the Hotel Del Coronado for a late lunch and ice cream, shop at Seaport Village before returning the rental car and heading to the airport for the red-eye home