While the US and Canada are the
main Topics, we have made extended visits to the Bahamas Out Islands, Country of Panama, Mazatlan, Mexico during retirement. Images, video clips and comments provide reviews prior to travel.
Showing posts with label aaa - My Personal Favs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aaa - My Personal Favs. Show all posts
Must say that this part of the gulf coast, is where I enjoy the most for our snowbird season. Favorite beach, favorite bars, favorite restaurants and even favorite lodging. Click Picture for Video Clip
The Story behind the pictures The Clearwater beach area always has busy times but here at Indian Shores the pace is a
little bit slower and quieter. Makes for a more enjoyable time for seniors, yet it is close to Clearwater Beach where there is non stop entertainment.
With only a boardwalk between you and the beach, this has become one of my favorites. Bars, restaurants and shopping give one a total beach experience within steps of each other. For snowbirds this is a great area, as surrounding accommodation is quite reasonable and entertainment is available free of charge most nights during the winter months. Many of the smaller family owned restaurants have reasonable charges and the bars usually overlook the boardwalk and beach. Click Picture for Video Clip
The Story behind the picture Hollywood Beach & The Boardwalk. Built in 1923, the Hollywood Broadwalk is over two-miles long, featuring a thirty-foot wide landmark pedestrian promenade that combines dramatic coastal views of Hollywood Beach with the nostalgic feel of a Main Street thoroughfare. Boardwalk became my friend, not just for the Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. There were many days when bicycling became a very good pastime, or where walking helped to make up for so, so many delicious meals & drinks at the mostly French-Canadian restaurants along the Boardwalk. Prior to walking home, it was quite easy to watch the entertainment at the Bandshell.
Now this is a drive that provides you, as a visitor, an excellent recap of what is available in the Clearwater Beach area. It passes by many of Clearwater Beach landmark locations; accommodation sites, restaurants, and attractions like Clearwater Beach itself plus boating facilities that use the Intercoastal Waterway or the Gulf of Mexico. Click Picture for Video Clip The Story behind the pictures This drive, to me, is a very good example of why so many tourists or snowbirds visit the area. For those that do not go to the beach on a regular schedule, their plans change when they have visitors as this is always high on the list for others. Myself, I always feel comfortable here.
The descent while driving Hwy 19 near Montreal River is one great scene. Rarely while driving does the scenery continue to be awesome for over two minutes Click Picture for Video Clip
Spend 3 minutes here and you will have the opportunity to view the favorite small town of Dunedin, Florida where visitors travel from near & far to partake in many of the festivities: Spring Training Baseball, Fabulous Restaurants, Shopping, Festivities (at least 10 different venues each year). One active small town that is made to entertain people.
The Story behind the picture, At the end of the drive you reach the Dunedin pier and once while taking a short video clip, a pelican flew in and startled a group of tourists. Once in a lifetime shot. On links below.
John`s Comments
Actually this drive is not that long, but there is so much to see along the way. Most difficult task is trying to get
a spot to park.
John`s Recollections
Did not take that long to realize that I really did like this place. A place where you could call it home. During the many
years spent in the area, this was somewhere that you felt comfortable.
Harmony Beach is a relatively small Hamlet located on Lake Superior some 25 miles north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. A camping Resort with bar & restaurant is the only business location.
Click the pictures for enlargement
The Story behind the pictures A very central location to view and travel to the many scenic loations in the area. Most are accessed via short auto rides and/or walking. Hiking is available in many areas which includes the Robertson Cliffs.
Harmony Beach is a relatively small Hamlet located on Lake Superior some 25 miles north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. A camping Resort with bar & restaurant is the only business location. Click Pictures to enlarge
The Story behind the pictures Although the beach waters of Lake Superior may seem cool to many the waters reach 70-80F during many occasions during the summer months and it is quite well attended each weekend by the local population from Sault St. Marie.
John`s Comments
Beach is not really long in length, however it made for quick 20 minute jaunt, or a leisurely 40 walk with
a stop or two along the way to view various activities like watercraft, geese, & swimmers that braved the
cooler waters. Having road access for one leg of the trip where traffic was almost non-existant did help.
John`s Recollections
What I remember most is I actually do miss it. It provided on warm days a place to sit and view Superior`s
waters that always were different, it provided a remarkable spot to view the nightly sunsets and best of
all it met my own personal requirement "life is a beach, with
white sand and gentle waves". The bay`s smaller opening into the much larger
Superior helped to create warmer waters and mitigated the strength of wave action.
The Robertson Cliffs have excellent trails, yet for a unique experience, visit the Falls on the opposite side of the trail head. Unmarked trail on the north side of parking lot but you should be able to hear the falls. Near Harmony Beach. Click Picture to enlarge
The Story behind the picture A very difficult hike across from the trail head where one has to decend a 250 foot drop to the Robertson river. It is not just the drop as it is quite a steep incline. Once there the beauty of the falls and surrounding sights make up for that descent, however, one must get back up the gorge.
A most excellent winter vacation spot along Indian Shores Beach. Sunsets were just fabulous and the daily beach walks were always different as the wave action always provided a new texture. Quite possible to travel 4-5 miles in either direction on the beach without having a barricade or opening to the intercoastal waterway. In this particular area there is also a wild life refuge for the many pelicans and water birds. Click Picture for Video Clip
The Story behind the picture Beaches along Florida`s Gulf of Mexico coastline are rather good with white sand and gentle waves.
John`s Comments
Beach at Indian Shores area has a much reduced population as area is mostly condominiums
or private homes with few business venues. Generally space is quite available for family
gatherings at a much quieter pace.
John`s Recollections
Life is a beach with white sand and gentle waves. Here that is true with only one exception
for rough waters during our winter stay. Even the sandy shores changed daily with the wave
action, and that made the daily walk all the more interesting. The Gulf waters at many times
also were full of water life including porpoises, rays and many types of fish and water birds.
Sunsets were just fabulous and the daily beach walks were always different as the wave action always provided a new texture. Quite possible to travel 4-5 miles in either direction on the beach without having a barricade or opening to the intercoastal waterway. In this particular area there is also a wild life refuge for the many pelicans and water birds.
It is not just that the picture is nice, but rather it reminds me of great times. Seeing dozens of sunsets with each one being different than the last one, walking the beach almost daily for months. Even today, we return to the area each winter, to view our place with the sunsets.
John`s Comments
There are very few places that one can go to a beach, and then watch a sunset that is quite different than the one the night before. Absolutely marvelous.
John`s Recollections
Life is a beach with white sand and gentle waves. Yes this is great, however the sunsets bring one picture perfect moments that most will enjoy. Especially when they
do not appear the same as the nights before. Over a six month period, they continued to change shapes, colors and even brightness.
A great mini vacation area. Rest and relaxation are made much easier without the modern day conveniences like motorized vehicles. Spent the night at St. Ignace and took the early morning ferry ride over for just a fantastic day. Lot of walking but there are bicycles, and even horse drawn carriages for those not able to move around easily. One of my favorite memories is walking to the centuries old grave yard on the top of the island, viewing the dates of those departed and then returning to the main downtown area by taking small pathways thru the heavily wooded forests. Just so quiet with nature all around you, and knowing that refreshments were just ahead. Click Picture for Video Clip
The Story behind the picture This whole island was made for walking or using one of the horse drawn carriages to explore. The town had many great hotels, all that were built many years prior, but still had that charm that they had presidents/royalty sleep in their beds. It reminded me of life as it once was with all the negativity removed. The quiet stillness of the woods as we walked the narrow paths brought peaceful thoughts. Comparisons to life today happened with each new sight
John`s Comments
Now here is a place that will bring you back in time. Even with the many tourists, I felt as though we were transported ourselves, to a
different century where we were able walk through the gardens, experience life inside stately hotels, see the graveyard where headstones
displayed years and wordings of far away years, and even walk the pathways or roads as horse drawn carriages passed by. An Island
getaway where motorized vehicles are not allowed.
Feeling that we were participants rather than observers made this a special place.
John`s Recollections
Nature plays a major role, however MAN has developed the environment. This is why Travel to me is so important, as one has the opportunity
to experience new horizons. You actually do retain those thoughts that should never be erased.
Interstate 75 passes by St Ignace & Mackinaw City where you get the ferry for a ride across the bay to Mackinac Island. Accommodation
is available on the Island, however reserve prior to the trip across as it is limited.
Go out of your way to visit this location. Great beach area, very unique homes and tourist section. After seeing so much of North America this location now has become one of our favorites. The very different multi colored homes are quite pleasing to the eye and the small historic downtown area has just enough shopping to spend a few hours before visiting one of the many restaurants in the area. Have returned and this time stayed a night to enjoy one of our favorite places. Click Picture for Video Clip
The Story behind the picture Cape May for many is far removed and similarly it took many years before we discovered it. How fortunate for us, as this has now become a favorite. Walking down the main street in the historical area each home takes on a special appearance. For me, it was understanding that homes this size required large families. They were built to reflect the personality of the owner, and all are quite different in shapes and sizes.
John`s Comments
Ferry ride from Lewes, Maryland was short yet memorable.
Cape May itself was very impressive, from the very distinctive buildings to the shopping and restaurant venues.
Buildings may remind you of scenes in the movies of years ago and many of them are decorated for effect.
One noticeable item was that beach traffic was restricted to those willing to pay (at least during the time we were there).
John`s Recollections
One of my favorite locations to stroll thru the streets and view the decorated homes that stand that test of time.
Just a very pleasant place where we are able to see our past in a great surrounding.
John`s Personal Views
We will return when possible, as the experiences have
always been quite positive. The last time there we did spend an evening in the area as there are many good restaurants to visit.
To us it seemed like the biggest drawing card was the historic buildings, yet the beaches, shopping & restaurants came in a close second.
Just a pleasant place to spend some time.
A very historic city with many parks. Love to return often and have one of the excellent shrimp baskets. Definitely one of our favorites and taking the trolley tour was a highlight as you can see and hear about many of the unique buildings and homes. We have often returned on our snowbird trips to have lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants that are adjacent to the cobblestone streets alongside the river. If you are fortunate enough to be in the area, take the time to visit one of our historic cities. Click Picture for Video Clip
The Story behind the picture
First trips here were just because others mentioned it, but now we are hooked. Our return trips here have always had that hate to leave feeling, just like the lady in the picture. Was not that long before we took the trolley excursion in the historic area. Now we wish it had been sooner. What a history and seeing the many parks and homes in the area provides an additional reason to stop and enjoy. Shrimp is a favorite food and Savannah eateries along the river know how to deliver them.
John`s Comments
Downtown Savannah is worth the extra time to stop and tour. Try some of the fabulous restaurants along the river, or take the trolley tour
to get a real perspective of the past. There are fabulous old buildings and parks downtown, but if you are like me, then the taste of the
old south does take over.
John`s Recollections
Stopped once again on the trip north. Difficult not to enjoy another shrimp dinner and review the river traffic. Each time that we return,
a bit more exploring occurs and this time we drove to the Atlantic coastline where we had an excellent time on
Tybee Island
John`s Personal Views
One of the most amazingly tasty shrimp plates that I have ever had, and with a table alongside the Savannah river it was more
than one can expect. Kathy and I were equally impressed with the trolley tour as it went past many historical buildings & parks
that allowed us to get the real feel of SAVANNAH, Georgia.
Will always be a favorite, as it has so many "cool" things to do. Walk the narrow streets, visit the fort, shop in exquisite stores, see the lighthouse. When we visit ( actually quite often ) some of our favorites are the artisan village, a unique cat shop ( wife`s preference ) and of course eating lunch or dinner at one of many fine restaurants. The fort and small width streets provide a real perspective in how life was lived 500 years ago. Plan on spending a day or two. Click Picture for Video Clip
The Story behind the picture Really believe that for me, this location was instrumental in my enjoying our historical past. How could people live where streets are so narrow that you would almost have to bump into your neighbor? Well for us, we have bumped into many others over the many times we have visited the area. History is part of our life and we now do not hesitate in viewing the past, as this picture so aptly portrays.
John`s Comments
Does not require more than a day or two to visit (including a tour of Castillo de San Marcos) and the narrow streets (no motorized vehicles allowed)
make you feel you are walking on a wide sidewalk. More unique shops compared to many tourist locations make for a slow leisurely stroll with many
opportunities to stop for lunch or dinner. Would recommend spending an evening in the area if at all possible.
John`s Recollections
Another one of those places that we continue to return and return and return to. Can`t wait for that next visit as there is always something new that
we have not seen before. The video clip has been updated to provide better quality picture.
John`s Personal Views
I like historic St. Augustine and consider it to be one of my favorite places to visit. The shopping experience is unique as you can
literally walk across the street in a few steps and many stores never seem to wider than 20-30 feet. I definitely know that Kathy loves it,
as we have always brought something back that is different than most tourism locations. Also when your feet begin to ache, there is always
a pub where you can sit back, relax and listen to some great music.
Now here is a trip that will never be forgotten. Windy, narrow roads crossing the Sierra Madres coming from San Antonio, Texas to Mazatlan, Mexico. My wife has said never again will we attempt that, but really if you want a little bit of excitement with excellent mountain top scenery, then this is for you. Passing by small Mexican towns, or even pickup trucks with cows in the back are great experiences, but the views from the mountain tops are priceless. Click Picture for Video Clip
The Story behind the picture A favorite to me does not always mean that you want to do it over and over. In fact, in this instance the likelyhood of that occurring is very rare indeed. Here it was the terrific views from the mountain top, followed by where every corner you thought about what would happen if the bus crashed. It was as if beauty and danger were together, and you were not sure as to what would occur. One thing for sure, we do remember it vividly and it is brought up in conversations often.
John`s Comments
Even though it appears to be a shorter bus ride to Mazatlan from San Antonio
than Phoenix, beware things are not always as they seem. After leaving Durango
for what appeared to be 2-3 hours by bus we encountered the most treachorous
road that I have ever travelled. It took almost 8 hours from Durango to Mazatlan
and although the hills and curves were very scenic, it seemed as if we were on
a roller coaster for the whole time
John`s Recollections
By far this is the most exciting and treachorous trip that we have ever taken. For the first time I must admit that the scenery overtook any apparent danger. By the end of the trip my stomach felt quite similar to the feeling one had after a roller coaster ride, but this trip was eight hours long. Besides the obvious scenery of the mountains, seeing a cow tied up in the back of a travelling pickup truck and being able to view both sides of the mountain range from the summit created many other memorable scenes.
Plantation near New Orleans shows slave quarters, grounds and tree-lined entrance. Immacutely kept up but with each step I realized that this was not the place that I agreed with. Inside the home, with it`s immaculate portrayal of wealth during those times, it also reminded me on how it was obtained. Very much a double edged sword, as one one hand I loved the architecture but on the other could not escape the question of why did this happen? Click Picture for Video Clip
The Story behind the pictures Old Plantations seem to call you in. Is it that voice from the past, or the grandeur of the buildings grounds, or the expansive wide open porches or the tree lined entrance roads, or even the movies that we grew up with. Whatever, they have the ability to entice one for viewing, and remind us of the past and that is needed to change the future.
John`s Comments
This was definitely worth the stop for me. The grounds felt historic and the trees have stood the test of time.
For many of us that have watched movies of the deep south, it will help to see how others actually did live during those times.
This visit had something that all should see, it is part of our history, and it should be remembered by all.
John`s Recollections
Today these memories seem to be part of life, and I am so glad that we did experience the visit.
The grounds were quite extensive but the visits to many of the buildings stand out as an example of that time.
Dunedin, downtown. You can walk around it in 15-30 minutes yet there is so much to do. A real small town atmosphere, where one can feel at home very easily. Shopping is generally in small stores carrying unique products or antique stores displaying articles of yesterday. Restaurants are plentiful with varying menus that will satisfy all. I just found it to be the right size, being able to spend an afternoon, walk the trails beside the Intercoastal waterway, see the fisherman at the local wharf, or buy some local produce during the winter Friday markets. Click Picture for Video Clip
The Story behind the picture From here you can easily walk down to the pier beside the marina, watch as fishermen try to catch a meal, view the pelicans as they swoop in to the dock rails, or even go next door to the Best Western for a drink or meal. Going in other directions, it`s just many more restaurants, antique shops, bicycle trails, art displays and a very encouraging downtown area that caters to the many visitors. To me, it has become that town that many wish they would want to make home.
John`s Comments
Now here is a place where you can walk around in half an hour, but more than likely you will spend half a day. Great restaurants
and shops to browse in.My favorite town in Florida and one where you wish that you were raised in.
Easy walking distance to all activities with many of them very active during the winter months. This creates a festive downtown
that has many come back to visit. Excellent restaurants and shops bring visitors in from the Tampa area and beyond.
John`s Recollections
Here is just a very interesting small town that makes you want to return to. Always appears to have something going on during
the winter months and the size of the town (downtown area) makes it easy to walk around. Unique stores for window shopping, or
browsing, or purchasing those items that one must have. Several good restaurants to satisfy the appetites and also town parks to
sit on a bench and take life at a leisurely pace. I particularly like to walk down some of the side streets to see the
buildings from previous time periods. Homes on the intercoastal ( Victoria Drive ) with the tall trees are exceptionally scenic.
A very unique reststop, rarely travelled by tourists, has excellent beach & restaurant facilities and provides a great location to view Panamanians harvesting an early morning fish catch. This one night stop, followed by a quick visit to the Royal Decamaron Resort was just great. The beach area was very special, hardly a soul, yet just beautiful to walk by some of the homes along the beach. Hard to believe that there were so few business entities, as back home it would have been wall to wall business & resorts. Video clips provide a good review.
The Story behind the picture Most people are in search of that dream location, where you can settle down, enjoy the environment and have that closeness to your desires. Well I think that this is mine! The people are friendly yet do not exhibit the traits of needing what you may have, the beach and ocean waters are more than what is necessary, food is plentiful and the weather is terrific. Sounds good doesn`t it, perhaps we need to return.
The pink sand beach on Harbour Island is one of the best and is consistently rated in the Worlds Top 10. Fabulous beach, with pink sands & gentle waves where one can wade into the Atlantic Ocean for hundreds of feet. This had to be the greatest beach that I have set foot on (at least from my perspective). The most beautiful color of sand, the gentleness of the slope, and the colors of waters that seemed go out for ever. Seeing others on horseback only added to the mystique. Click Picture for Video Clip The Story behind the picture
Here is a place where you could imagine that your dreams had been realized. Leaving footprints in the sand and having individuals infrequently riding by on horseback just made you think you were in another world. Gentle waves brought in the Atlantic waters as if it was a giant bubble bath, and the pink sand beach with blue skies made this a postcard event. It was not until much later that I noticed the breakers some thousand yards from the shoreline, where they had approached the reefs and smoothed the waters closer to the beach to create this appearance.
Amazing re-work of the river area in downtown San Antonio. Makes for a very pleasant walk with the Alamo being close by. For many, including myself, it is amazing to see what can be done to a previously run down area of town. A full day at the Riverwalk area to take in all the sights is a requirement, not an option. We fell in love with it. Click Picture for Video Clip
The Story behind the picture One thing about the Riverwalk that was noticed quite early in our visit was that it reminded one of something that was developed centuries prior and that it had been there for years. Definitely not so, but our impressions were that it had stood the test of time. Anyway we really did enjoy the walk along the river, at levels some 10 feet below street level. Cafes or restaurants and stores had been built into basement levels of the buildings above, Cruise boats on the canal itself were sparse enough not to deter from the river appearance. Also, next door, is the Alamo, that is worth a visit.
John`s Comments
From the Alamo to the Riverfront, San Antonio has many sites and sounds. A great place to visit and spend a few days. The Riverwalk area as it sounds, is beside the river in downtown San Antonio. Here they have done an excellent job in creating walking paths by the river and building a thriving business environment where restaurants, parks, and shopping all meet to create a unique place to be. The Riverwalk and the Alamo close-by draw one to come back for another visit. It is a great place to visit, but be aware that the river goes thru a cleaning process early January so visits should not be scheduled during that period of time. It also made for a great starting place for a bus ride thru Mexico to Mazatlan.
John`s Review
Have visited several times with my Baseball buddy Larry and also with my wife, Kathy. There is much to do and it is a great place to visit, however walking is of prime importance as there are many paths, crowds and stairs along the riverplace and marketplace. If this is not a concern then I highly recommend a visit. Make sure you spend an hour or two visiting the many restaurants scattered along the riverwalk.
Now here is a location that one will find the reason to visit and visit again. It is so enjoyable to sit at one of the river restaurants, have a cold drink and sample some of food while watching the people, the river and the small cruise boats pass by. The one and only, San Antonio, Texas
The Riverwalk area is definitely a favorite and you can spend many hours there walking the paths beside the river, or having lunch at one of the many restaurants. The Alamo and Market Square are close enough to allow you to partake in other activities as well.
