Category: USA

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Destination Florida

Palm trees, beaches, sun, shelling describe a vacation for the entire family. The Atlantic and Gulf Coasts offer up unlimited opportunities for ‘fun in the sun’.

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When it comes to holiday vacation destinations many families head to the Southern states.

There are the Orlando Parks, shopping, restaurants and Many people!

For a quieter, yet active time, head for the beaches. Sand, surfing, swimming or just lounging, it all is far away from the cold and snow!

There are thousands of beach communities throughout the state. The farther south you go the warmer it gets.

Accommodations are available in all price ranges. During the holidays, normally moderate to extra luxe. Staying at a beach property is ideal. Park your car at the resort and just walk onto the beach. No driving!

Restaurants are within walking distances from most resorts. Many have on-site eating establishments. If you book accommodations with a small kitchen, you can prepare some meals in your room and save money for shopping!

The local newspapers will have a listing of all holiday activities in the area. Believe me, you will not become bored!

It is advisable to check out travel sites for availability of resorts to book ahead. Also, call the resort to confirm your reservation if you book on-line.

If you are flying, get to your airport early to avoid long lines at security and so that you do not miss your flight. One carry-on only! Remember to ‘roll’ your shorts, tops, swimsuits, and only take necessary items.  You can buy your flip-flops and suntan lotion when you arrive. The less you bring the better. You will not find yourself waiting for your luggage at baggage claim (and find out it was lost!).

Have a great time in Florida, my home state!!!

 

 

DENVER M– USEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE  (Check out Photo Gallery for more pics!)

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This museum will enlighten, delight and inspire you. The museum has 3 levels of displays and interactive activities. This facility is a smoke-free environment. Food and beverages are not allowed in the exhibits. From mummified bodies, flesh-eating dinosaurs and black holes this museum is a definite ‘Must See’ while in Denver!

The entrance is Level 1.  Start out the day with a meal in the T-Rex Deli and Cafe and check out the museum shop. On Level 1 are the Insects and Butterflies exhibit, Space Odyssey, Gates Planetarium with your ticket to the Universe and Gems & Minerals. In the IMAX 3D Theater, I explored the world through an amazing experience. The 3D movie is viewed with special slip on glasses for the ultimate journey.

Level 2 includes the Discovery Zone where you can interact with computerized programs. The Expedition Health sends you on a journey through the human body. Large glass enclosures display North American Wildlife, Edge of the Wild, Bears & Sea Mammals, South Pacific Island, Australia and the North American Indian Cultures. “Full size”, authentic appearing animals and life-like enclosures will have you experiencing wildlife like you never have before. Every display is depicted in its own building area accessed by walkways and open atrium settings.

Level 3 displays Birds of the Americas, Prehistoric Journey, Egyptian Mummies, Northern & Rare Birds, South America, Bostwana, Africa and Explore Colorado. The Sky Terrace is the best view of Denver.

The exhibits are unforgettable. The massive enclosures and the research to re-create every scene is quite remarkable.

The museum department consultants can assist in scheduling meetings or other events which can accommodate 15 to 3,500 guests. Events are catered in with award-winning menus created by on-site culinary professionals.

www.dmns.org

The Beauty of Fall

 

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Follow the path less traveled. Sit awhile and enjoy the crisp fall days.

 

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Standing on a bridge in awe of the color of autumn leaves floating lazily down river.

 

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Preparing for the upcoming “deer season”.

Fall is my favorite time of year. The fresh air, feeling the light breeze, shuffling through the falling leaves of orange, yellow, gold and letting my thoughts drift about the beauty that surrounds me. Peaceful, comforting, relaxing….by myself with the sunlight, reflective water and scent of the season.

We drove from Denver to Golden on a day trip to go to Coors Brewery and Mother Cabrini Shrine. (See Article Posts and Photo Gallery)

 

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Our second trip was from Denver to Vail/Lionshead. (See Article Posts and Photo Gallery)

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Our third trip was from Avon, CO (outside Vail) to Aspen, CO. (We did the “Loop” winding through the Rocky Mountains to the International Divide (where it was snowing) and returned to Avon, Colorado. (See Photo Gallery).

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Want to view more? Check out the Photo Gallery.

DENVER MICROBREWERIES AND LARGE BREWERIES

Everywhere you walk in Denver, it seems like each area has microbreweries, pubs, restaurants and shopping.

While in Denver, we took a side trip to Golden, Colorado to COORS BREWERY. We took the tour of the huge brewery. We received a hand-held touring recorder and learned the history of Coors and how it has grown over the years. We were able to see the large kettles for brewing, the bottling process and sample three beers in the Coors Pub.

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Back in Denver, we visited the 16th Street Mall Rock Bottom Microbrewery.

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The Prost Brewery outside of downtown Denver.

 

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