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Barcelona, Spain I can't believe it! Pretty soon I will set off on an adventure through Spain! I have been wanting to get back to Europe for a while now and an opportunity to join some friends on a group trip presented itself. I haven't been to Spain before so I am super excited! We are going on a journey organized by Gate 1 Travel starting in Lisbon, Portugal and then heading over to Spain to explore Seville, Ronda, Costa del Sol, Granada, Madrid and Barcelona. As I have shared before, I do love planning my own trips and truly enjoy doing the research to figure out what I want to see and do. But there is a definite advantage to booking a group travel trip and letting them handle the details of booking the hotels and planning the itinerary. All I have to do is think about what I want to pack (which as you may know is no easy task for me!). It is also nice to have them transport your luggage to each hotel room you stop at along the way. No lugging my huge suitcase up flights of stairs this trip! Phew! In addition to packing, there is always a bunch of organizing to do before leaving home for an extended trip. To make sure I don't forget anything, I have a checklist of all the things I need to do before leaving for an international vacation. My Checklist: Doublecheck entry requirements (passport, visa, vaccination requirements) and make sure all documentation is in order. Passport must have an expiration date more than six months past the return date. Make a copy or take a picture of passport and visa documentation in the event they are lost or stolen. This will provide all the information needed to obtain a replacement. Make sure I have enough medication to pack for the length of my entire trip. Given the frequency of airline delays and cancellations these days, I always pack up to an extra week of medications in case I am delayed getting home. If I don't have enough for this time period, refill prescriptions the week before departure. Make sure I have a sufficient supply of eye contacts to get me through my entire trip. If not, order new supply a week or two before departure. Locate my universal plug adapter, voltage converter and determine the required plug types for my destination. If I don't have what I need, make sure to purchase. Contact cell phone provider for information on roaming charges or international calling plans at my destination. Research tipping standards for location I am visiting, consider services I will be receiving that will require tipping (tour guides, trip organizer, tour bus driver, etc), and secure enough cash to cover these gratuities. Which leads to the next checklist item... Secure local currency for places I will be visiting so I have some handy for tips, small purchases, etc. Generally there are better rates of exchange overseas, but need to make sure I have enough to use when I first arrive. I usually find a bank ATM once I arrive to withdraw some cash. If you want to get currency before you leave, allow plenty of time to order the appropriate currency from your bank. This may take a few days. Call my credit union/bank to find out about ATM withdrawal fees and to advise of travel plans so they don't deny my card for possible fraud while I am abroad. Arrange for a pet sitter to take care of my cats while I am away. Make sure I have enough food and other supplies for the entire time. If not, restock. Arrange for mail to be held while away. Start to assess packing needs based on travel plans and climate of location so I can purchase anything I might need for my trip. A girl always needs a couple of new outfits when going on vacation! Start gathering all my items together so I am not scrambling trying to find things the night before! I am working on checking things off this list now so I can just relax and get excited for my Spanish adventure as it gets closer. If you don't already, be sure to follow me on Facebook (Rambleandroamblog) and Instagram (rambleandroamblog) to catch live and up to the minute updates of the beautiful sights of Portugal and Spain. See you on the flip side!

Ronna Phelps, the owner of Pongo Lifestyle is a lover of Great Apes, especially orangutans. She was a Volunteer Keeper's Assistant for orangutans and gorillas for 25 years. During that time, she became educated about these creatures and their habitat and became aware of the deforestation of palm oil crops and the direct impact that had on the existence of orangutans, gorillas and other inhabitants of the rainforest. Here are some facts listed on the Pongo Lifestyle website about the impact the Palm Oil Industry has had on orangutans: 80% loss of habitat over the last 30 years 90% population loss over the last 10 years 50% probability of extinction in the wild within the next 10 years In response, Ms. Phelps created a palm oil free skin care line named Pongo in honor of the orangutans. "Pongo" is the scientific name for the orangutan. Pongo became the first nationally and internationally distributed palm oil free body and skin care line. Ms. Phelps has since developed several other product lines: Rainforest Kisses (lip balms and bath products) Grape Ape (a line of kid's products) Rock of Apes (a body care and clothing line with a rock and roll edge) Camp Pongo (outdoor products) Pongo Pet (accessories and grooming products for pets) and Indah (body care with an exotic mix of floral and spice). All of these product lines came together to form Pongo Lifestyle, a business with a mission to sell luxurious cruelty-free and palm oil free products. Proceeds from the sale of items at Pongo Lifestyle help support Orangutan Project, Center for Great Apes and Orang Tan Repuiblik. The store's design is beautiful and artistic. There are amazing wall murals everywhere that were painted by a local artist. The store is filled with an eclectic mix of items, including all of the Pongo product lines created by Ms Phelps. I loved exploring all the nooks and crannies of this store admiring the selection of products, the merchandising displays and the artwork. And I felt good that my purchase helps out the Great Apes and orangutans. My sister and I spent a long time chatting with Ronna and her assistant learning about Ronna's background and the history of the Pongo product lines and the opening of the physical store location at 5738 South Rapp Street. Her story was so interesting and inspiring and her love for the Great Apes and orangutans was apparent. You can follow the store's instagram for more insight into its' products and mission! "ONE CHANGE DAILY CAN HELP GREAT APES AND OTHER INHABITANTS OF THE RAINFOREST" -Rhonna Phelps

I am going to start a new Travel Throwback series that highlights some of my favorite past trips. If you have been to any area I spotlight in a Travel Throwback blog, please feel free to comment with your memories of the locale or, even better, if you have been there more recently fill us in on any changes to the area or new things to see and do! A Not So Hidden Gem in Paris! My first Travel Throwback features the charming village of Montmartre in France. Back in August 2017, we took a family trip to Europe on our way to drop off my oldest daughter Madison in Florence, Italy for a semester abroad. We started our journey with a couple of days in Paris. Because we didn't have a lot of time, we shook off the jet lag to begin exploring. We did our usual "get our bearings" thing doing a bus tour around Paris. We decided on a whim to hop off of our Hop On/Hop Off tour bus to check out the big white church that sits high on a hill overlooking Paris. It turned out to be my absolute favorite part of our Paris adventure! Sacre Coeur Means the Sacred Heart of Jesus The big white church was actually the stunning Basilica Sacre Coeur which is surrounded by the charming village of Montmartre. Once we hopped off the bus, we had to climb steep cobblestone streets and what seemed like hundreds of stairs to reach Sacre Coeur. If you aren't as brave (or if you realize there is an easier way unlike us), you can actually hop on the little white Montmartre train that will wind its way up the steep hills through the village providing tour commentary as you go. The train will get you to the base of the hill that Sacre Coeur sits on, and then you can take a funicular to the entry of the basilica and avoid all those steps! Or you can climb the hills and stairs and arrive at the top sweaty and out of breath like we did. The choice is yours. However you get to the top, once you arrive you will be treated to the stunning architecture of Sacre Coeur. It is totally white and due to its color and location can be seen from almost anywhere in Paris. As you can imagine, the views of Paris once you reach the top of the hill are spectacular. If the dome on top of the basilica is open you can go up to the top and get a panoramic view of Paris. Either place is definitely the spot to grab that Instaworthy photo looking down over Paris with the Eiffel Tower in the background. I have poured over my photos and unfortunately cannot find my pic of Paris from the Montmartre viewpoint. Unbelievable! If you are reading this blog and have one, PLEASE share in the comments so people can see the awesome view. Going up to Sacre Coeur with a bottle of wine to sit on the steps and watch the sunset would also be an amazing experience! Village of Montmartre After you have taken your amazing photo and have checked out the largest mosaic in France inside the Sacre Coeur, you will wander down the cobblestone streets into a quaint bohemian style village filled with art galleries, cafes, boulangeries, and small shops. Montmartre was an artist haven in the early 19th and 20th centuries and you can almost feel the ghosts of Renoir, Pissarro, Van Gogh, and Matisse wandering along the streets. If you go to Place du Tertre just behind Sacre Coeur, you will find an open space where current artists are creating art before your eyes. You can also get your portrait drawn or painted by one of these artists if you like. There are several art museums paying homage to the artistic history of Montmartre, including a museum devoted to Salvador Dali. Montmartre is a perfect place to immerse yourself in art and art history if that interests you. Ahhh...the French Macaroons If you are feeling a little hungry or thirsty from all that climbing, Montmartre has no shortage of cafes for you to grab a bite to eat and glass of wine (of course!). We also stopped at a boulangerie and picked up some of the best Macaroons I've ever had! They were fresh and there was the widest assortment of flavors I have ever seen. Nothing like eating a French Macaroon in France! Moulin Rouge and Nightlife We weren't there for the nightlife, but apparently it is noteworthy so if you are in the area in the evening (perhaps after watching the sunset) you will want to check it out. You especially want to check out the famous Moulin Rouge. Maybe you can even take in a cabaret show while you are there! Make Sure Not to Miss Montmartre! When you plan a trip to Paris, you obviously think of the Eiffel Tour, the Louvre, Champs D'elysee and the Arc de Triomphe. But make sure you leave time in your itinerary to visit Sacre Coeur and Montmartre. I promise you will not regret it. It could end up being your favorite part of Paris too!

When traveling these days, you never know how the day is going to go. If you are lucky (as I have been lately...hope I didn't just jinx myself), it will be super smooth from Point A to Point B with no disruptions. However, most of the travel stories I am hearing lately tell tales of unexpected delays, being stuck on the runway for hours, cancellations, diversions...you name it. Because the unexpected is not necessarily an unusual occurrence when airline travel is involved, you need to make sure that your carry on has everything you need to handle these complications like a pro. Here is a complete list of Carry On Essentials to make sure you are ready for whatever your travel day throws at you! Carry On Essential s: Identification -Driver's License or Passport (Be aware of upcoming REAL ID requirement effective May 3, 2023) Cash and Credit/Debit Cards -Make sure to always bring some cash for tips and those instances where a credit or debit card is not accepted. Travel Documentation -Documents that have all the detailed information regarding your trip. Boarding passes, printed out itineraries, printed out confirmations for booked tours, hotel reservations, etc. I like to keep all these documents in a folder for easy access. You can't always depend on wifi or cell phone battery and you may need to access these documents in a pinch. Cell Phone and Charger (or Power Pack for extended battery life) Lap Top and Charger Earbuds or Headphones -If you have Apple headphones, don't forget a converter so you can plug in if you want to utilize the onboard flight entertainment. Alternatively, you can buy a bunch of cheap headphones at the dollar store and just keep them in your carry on so you always have headphones that will work on the airplane jacks. Medications -Always bring your medications with you and not in your checked bag in case your luggage doesn't show up at the same place you do! Make sure to pack a few extra days' worth of medication in case you get unexpectedly stranded somewhere. Extra Change of Clothes and Undies -Again, important if you and your luggage end up going on separate trips! Also nice if you have a long, overnight flight so you can freshen up in the morning and feel rejuvenated upon arrival. It is also nice to have an extra sweater or sweatshirt with you if you get cold during your flight or the temperature at your destination is a little cooler. Travel Toiletries -Follow TSA's 3-1-1 Rule for Carry On toiletries. The 3-1-1 Rule is that each person can carry on liquids, gels or aerosols in travel size containers of 3.4 oz (or 100 milliters) that fit into one quart size clear bag. Things to think about bringing are toothpaste/toothbrush, mouthwash, lotion, contact solution, makeup remover, deodorant, feminine hygiene items, etc. Being able to freshen up during a long flight by brushing your teeth or taking off yesterday's make up is great. Extra Contacts/Glasses/Sunglasses -Throw in some extra contacts and your regular eyeglasses so you are not stranded if your luggage takes a detour. Also make sure you have a couple of pairs of reading glasses if you are of a certain age where they are required to read small print...I wouldn't know anything about that [smirk]. And don't forget your sunglasses if you are going somewhere where the sun will be shining! Valuable Jewelry -You may want to keep your valuable jewelry with you so you can feel confident that it is safe and secure and you won't lose it if your luggage is accidentally misplaced. Snacks -Given that these days the food on the plane amounts to a bag with 5 tiny pretzels, I always like to make sure I have packed some snacks in my bag. Even on shorter flights I pack a bag of almonds, some Luna or Kind bars and maybe some chocolate for my sweet tooth. You may want to pack a bagel or a sandwich so you have something more substantial to eat in the event of a long layover or flight delay. Also make sure to pack some gum or breath mints so you don't overwhelm your seat mates with bad breath after you eat that Everything Bagel! I am a Diet Soda addict so I always purchase one at the airport store so I don't have to wait for the flight attendants to make their way to my seat. I usually also grab a water bottle for hydration, but you can also bring along a refillable bottle to use once you are through security. Book or Magazines Tylenol or Advil Pen -Especially important on international flights as you will have to fill out Customs forms before arrival. Covid Essentials -In the post-pandemic travel world, be sure to pack hand-sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and extra face masks (in case they are needed to enter some tourist sites or local market places). With these items in your Carry On bag, you will be equipped to handle any crazy travel hurdle placed in your path. It will still be frustrating, but at least you will be as comfortable as you can be while trying to get to your destination or get back home! Happy (prepared) Travels!

Entrance to the Coors Brewery One summer when I was in college (which was, ahem, several years ago), I was lucky enough to land a temporary job working at the Coors Brewery as a greeter/hostess welcoming tourists who wanted to come take a tour of the brewery and learn how the famous Rocky Mountain beer was made. My job was to organize guests into groups of 12 to take the guided tour. Those in the know would come in and ask to take the "short tour" which was basically a fast track to the tasting room. On my recent trip home, my sister and I decided to check out Coors Brewery for this blog and I found myself on the visitor side of the tour. Turns out we didn't plan far enough in advance to secure a spot for a guided tour and we were "forced" to take the infamous short tour (now known as a "Sampling Only" experience). While I was disappointed to miss the tour, I was very excited to get to taste freshly made Coors Light...my favorite beer! Regardless of which Coors experience you choose, visiting Coors Brewery and the surrounding small city of Golden is a great way to spend the afternoon. The Coors Mystique I may get teased incessantly about my love for Coors Light, but there was a point in time where Coors beer was a coveted beverage. For a long time, it was only sold west of the Mississippi and only in 11 western states. It was the number 1 selling beer in all of those states (except Texas because it was not distributed to all parts of the state). Coors didn't do a lot of paid advertising at the time, but the lack of wide spread distribution and resulting scarcity created a mystique around the beer that made it a highly desired beverage for East Coasters. Rumors spread of people smuggling cases of Coors back to family and friends living east of the Mississippi. Presidents and movie stars requested Coors to be provided in the White House and on set. The Coors mystique peaked in 1977 when the whole premise of the Smokey and the Bandit movie was for the main character (played by Burt Reynolds) to smuggle 400 cases of Coors from Texas to Georgia for a large sum of money. This plotline is highlighted in the Coors museum with a picture of the trunk of Smokey's car filled with cases of Coors. It wasn't until the late 1980's that Coors became licensed to sell east of the Mississippi. All varieties of Coors beers are widely available across the US so there is no longer such a mystique around the beer. The continuous ridicule I receive for basically drinking "water" when I order my Coors Light shows the respect has diminished. I am a loyal consumer though and would still be willing to smuggle cases of Coors Light if I couldn't get it here in New York. Thank goodness I don't have to face that moral dilemma! Planning Your Visit Things have changed since my college summer job days. The brewery has grown and gotten more popular. Coors Brewery claims to be the largest single site brewery in the world. Reservations are now required for both the Coors Brewery Tour and the Sampling Only experience. Guiding tours are made available 28 days in advance. A guided tour costs $20 and takes approximately 1.5 hours. If you are 21 or over, the tour will end in the tasting room with your choice of 3 samples in branded recyclable aluminum cups that you can keep for future beer drinking. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available for younger visitors and your designated driver! The Sampling Only costs $10 and will take you straight to the Coors hospitality lounge for the 3 samples. You do not have to plan as far in advance if you only want to do the tasting, but you still need a reservation. Spots for Sampling Only are made available 1 to 7 days in advance. Even if you choose to just do the Sampling Only, you will still get the branded recyclable aluminum cups to keep after your tasting. You can make your reservation for a Brewery Tour or a Sampling Only here . When You Get There There is a separate parking lot for tour parking with a shuttle bus to take you to the tour greeting area. TOURIST TIP: You should be aware that as Coors Brewery is a food manufacturing facility, so there are strict security and safety measures in place about what can be brought into the Brewery. The Brewery does not allow ANY bags so make sure to leave your purse, backpack, fanny pack or shopping bags in your hotel room or your car. Only a small wallet is permitted. A woman in front of us had to walk back to her hotel room to drop off her purse because they have no place to store or hold a prohibited bag. They will divide guests into groups based on whether you are taking a Brewery tour or a Sampling Only experience and further divide guests based on reserved entry time. It is good to get to the parking lot/shuttle bus loading area about 10-15 minutes early, especially if you are taking a tour so that you can get to the Brewery before the tour leaves. The shuttle bus ride is only a few minutes and the driver will give you an overview of what to expect when they drop you off. How My Expectations Were Built Up and Then Crushed..But Then Revived ! On the shuttle bus ride over to the Brewery, the driver told us about the beer that would be available to taste. She listed Coors Banquet (the original Coors beer brewed from Rocky Mountain Spring Water), a couple of Colorado Native brands (Coors answer to craft beer made with only Colorado ingredients, Blue Moon, Coors Edge (non-alcoholic) and my favorite...Coors Light! She also said that in addition to the Coors Light from the tap, we would have the chance to taste SUPER COLD Coors Light served just below freezing from a mountain of ice. Any one who knows me knows I have a tendency toward Disneyland expectations for every experience I plan to have. So given this information my mind immediately started picturing an adult Willy Wonka style beer tasting with a mountain ice sculpture in the center of the room with a blue light inside (to indicate that the beer was cold enough to drink of course) with Coors Light flowing from the top like lava so you could just reach your cup out and fill it up! Imagine my surprise and disappointment when this is what the mountain of ice looked like... My overzealous expectations aside, I will say Coors Light served Super Cold is amazing! I also tasted Coors Banquet and the Coors Native Wildflower Honey Helles (inspired by wildflowers found in the Colorado Mountains and made with Colorado-produced honey for a hint of sweetness). Both of those were also great-tasting. My sister went for her favorite Blue Moon. After enjoying the three tastings of your choosing, you can head over to the gift shop to purchase all kinds of Coors branded merchandise. Once you finish your Brewery Tour or your Short Tour, make sure to spend some time wandering on the main street in Golden right across from the Brewery. There are lots of cute shops and restaurants to make your visit to Coors Brewery and the City of Golden a full day!

Most people have heard of the iconic Red Rock Amphitheatre and have a Bucket List item to see a concert there. But Red Rocks is also nostalgic for me. I grew up in Colorado so I was fortunate enough to go to many concerts there. I took the experience for granted and didn't realize that I was setting the bar so high that any future concert venues would pale in comparison. Since my early concert going days, there have been many changes to the Amphitheatre that have improved the visitor experience whether you make it to a concert or just take a trip to see the famous red rocks. Back in the Day... When I used to go to concerts at Red Rocks, the whole place was General Admission. We would arrive SUPER early in the morning and line up at the gate. The doors (at the top of the Amphitheatre) opened at 11:00 am and everyone would run down the stairs (carrying their blankets and coolers) to grab their spots. I had great seats to a lot of concerts and made a lot of concert friends waiting in line and sitting in Red Rocks all day waiting for the concert to start. I also learned some hard lessons about day drinking in the sun! Back in the day, Red Rocks was a BYOB venue and you could pack your cooler full of drinks for a day of partying until the concert began. It should go without saying that drinking alcohol all day in the intense Colorado sun is not a good combination, but...YOUTH. I still can't drink Rum and Coke to this day. I learned it is VERY important to hydrate with water along the way AND to space out your drinks. At some point the venue switched to have mostly assigned seats with a small area of General Admission seats in the middle of the seating area. That changed the way people experienced Red Rocks. However, you can still snag good seats on the side of the seating area in flat planting garden areas if you get there early enough. Present Day... The Red Rocks Amphitheatre has been upgraded in many ways. As noted above, most seats are assigned so you don't have to arrive at the crack of dawn just to see your favorite band. My younger self wouldn't think this was an improvement, but my older self definitely appreciates this change. Another change occurred in 1997 when in-house concessions for wine and beer opened and ended the BYOB era. Red Rocks has also added a Red Rocks Museum at the top of the Amphitheatre which highlights the history of the park and documents all of the acts that have performed at Red Rocks over the years. It was interesting to learn that Red Rocks was named best performance venue so many times by Pollstar (a professional journal for concert promoters) that they finally removed Red Rocks from the yearly competition and named it the "Red Rocks Award". It was also fun to look at the list of shows at Red Rocks each year (especially for 1981-1987) and check off all of the shows I attended. Memories.... Not Just for Concerts... Here are some other ways to spend a day at Red Rocks in case you don't make a concert there: Head up for a work out on the Red Rock stairs. There is a 100 foot elevation difference from the stage to the top row. Go for a hike. The Red Rocks Park has several hiking trails around the area that provide heart-pumping climbs and beautiful views. We did the Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Trails and I took several Insta-worthy pics. Find a map and a description of the Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Trail from All Trails here . Eat lunch at Ship Rock Grille. Check out the Red Rocks Museum at the top of the Amphitheatre. Go the Trading Post just outside the Amphitheatre for Red Rocks souvenirs, apparel and historical memorabilia. You can also visit the Colorado Music Hall of Fame exhibit here. Other Interesting Facts... Check out this article from The Denver Post from June 2, 2016, for 75 interesting facts about the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. Some historical info as well as some tidbits of gossip about acts that have played at Red Rocks. A Red Rocks Story That Involves One of My Biggest Regrets... In 1983, I was a young college student at CSU. My friend Shelley was a big fan of this up and coming band named U2 and she asked me if I wanted to attend their concert at Red Rocks. I think I initially said yes, but on the day of the show it was pouring rain. I didn't really know the band and didn't feel like sitting outside in the downpour so backed out at the last minute. Shelley, being the superfan that she was, went anyway and experienced rock and roll history. According to the exhibit at the Red Rocks Museum, U2 couldn't cancel the show without losing money on the film crew they had hired to film "Under a Blood Red Sky" so they played the show in the pouring rain and asked all the faithful fans who had shown up (only about 4,400 of the 9,000 ticket sold-out show) to crowd to the front so the venue looked full when they filmed the video. That video is iconic and rocketed U2 and Red Rocks to international acclaim. U2 has not ever played at Red Rocks again. Shelley will never let me forget this lapse in judgment and my missed opportunity to be part of a historic rock moment. Ironically I became a huge U2 fan after that and have huge regrets about that decision. You should definitely try to plan a visit to Colorado around a concert you would like to see so you can experience this premier music venue. But if the scheduling doesn't work out, still make time to take a trip to Morrison to explore all that Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre has to offer. There is a lot more to see and do then just the awesome music!

Seattle is an area that is known for its fresh seafood, rich coffee and abundant microbrews. There are seafood restaurants and microbreweries on every corner. Need a cup of coffee? There is a Starbucks every few steps (of course), not to mention a gazillion other gourmet coffee shops every where you turn. But what is a girl to do if she finds herself in Seattle and she doesn't like seafood, microbrews OR coffee?!? Not to worry...I did not starve or go thirsty. Turns out there are lots of delicious options for us "foodie outcasts". After doing some investigative research and getting a recommendation from a Seattle local, I chose to grab lunch at a spot called The Pink Door which is located on Post Alley, just a few steps away from Seattle's famed Pike Place Market. As I wandered down Post Alley, I bumped into other "Pink Door" explorers looking for the restaurant. We came upon a pale pink door with the pale pink barred windows, but there was no external signage indicating that we had found the restaurant. I timidly opened the pale pink door and was greeted by a bustling, crowded room filled with people. It felt distinctly like the speakeasy I went to in Washington DC, the low-key exterior completely masking the activity and energy going on behind the door! The Lowkey Entrance into the Pink Door As I was alone, I made my way to the bar and snagged a seat. The local that gave me the head's up about this restaurant recommended that I order the Lasagne or the Bolognese (telling me it would be the best Bolognese I would ever have!). I decided on the Bolognese and can honestly report that it WAS the best Bolognese I have ever had! The meal was served with freshly baked bread which is always provided at no cost! All dishes are prepared using in season produce from small to medium local farms and are inspired by the owner's Italian-American upbringing in upstate New York. Although the Lasagne and Bolognese are especially popular, I don't think you can go wrong with any item on the menu. Complimenting the excellent food is the eclectic vibe of the restaurant. It is located in a historic space that used to house a violin shop. The space is filled with artistic touches and ephemeral design pieces creating an enchanting environment. Adding to the dreamlike feel is the unique and varied entertainment provided nightly. I intended to return the next night to catch the trapeze artist who performs tricks high above diners in the main dining room, but had a scheduling conflict and couldn't make it back to catch the show. They also have roving tarot card readers and cabaret acts for diner's enjoyment. Even if you are a fan of seafood, coffee and microbrews, I would make sure to visit The Pink Door if you find yourself in Seattle. And make sure you go for dinner so you don't miss the unique nightly entertainment. How many people can say they have eaten dinner with a trapeze artist doing tricks nearby!

For a more detailed description of the places referenced in this Quick Guide, check out my Best of Nashville-Ultimate Guide here . Best Places To Stay: In the Gulch. Many Air Bnbs in this location. Downtown Nashville. I recommend Drury Plaza Hotel Nashville Downtown . Best Way to Get Your Bearings: Old Town Trolley Nashville Tours . Best Things to Do: Honkey Tonk Bar Crawl (Of Course!) Country Line Dance Lessons at Wildhorse Saloon Ryman Auditorium (See a show or take a tour of this historic location.) Gaylord Convention Center/Grand Ole Opry Yee Haw Brewery/Ole Smokey Distillery Country Music Hall of Fame Johnny Cash/Patsy Cline Museum Best Places to Eat: Hot Chicken at Prince's or Hattie B's Assembly Food Hall Biscuit Love Milk & Honey Yee Haw Brewery Goo Goo Chocolate Store Best Places to Shop: The Gulch -Kittenish, Parish Boutique, Paddywax Candles, The Turnip Truck Urban Fare, Urban Outfitters, Lululemon, and other design studios and clothing boutiques. Marathon Village -Antique Archealogy (owned by Mike Wolfe of American Pickers), The Ville Merch, Boswell's Harley Davidson, Jack Daniels General Store, Nashville Olive Oil Company, and other jewelry and home decor stores. Also moonshine and whiskey tasting at Tennessee Legend Distillery. Broadway -Located near Assembly Food Hall, features many high end chain stores as well as the Nash Collection for that trendy Nashville sweatshirt.

For a more detailed description of the places referenced in this Quick Guide, please check out my blog Best of San Antonio-Ultimate Guide here . Best Place To Stay: No question here, stay somewhere on the Riverwalk! I highly recommend Canopy by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk . Best Way to Get Your Bearings: City Sightseeing Hop On/Hop Off Tour Bus . Best Things To Do: Walk or Cruise the Riverwalk Tour the Alamo Historic Market Square La Villita Historic Art Village Pearl Shopping District Gruene Historic District/New Braunfels Best Places To Eat: La Panaderia Bakery and Cafe Domingo

For a more detailed description of the places referenced in this Quick Guide, please check out my blog Best of Austin-Ultimate Guide here . Best Places To Stay: There are several different "Districts" in downtown Austin that each have their own distinct vibe. You should pick a hotel that is located in the District that is situated closest to the things you are most interested in. Here is a summary of some of the more popular entertainment Districts: Congress Ave Historical District Sixth Street Entertainment District Rainey Street District Red River Cultural District Second Street District I stayed at the Driskill Hotel in the Sixth Street Entertainment District which is the oldest operating hotel in Austin. For a complete description of each district and more details on the Driskill, read my blog here . Best Things To Do: Congress Street Bats State Capitol Tours Lady Bird Lake University of Texas-Austin Campus South Congress ("SoCo") Shopping Esther's Follies Bars on Sixth Street Zilker Park/Barton Springs Pool/Zilker Botanical Gardens Best Places To Eat: Jo's Coffee -Breakfast Tacos Cooper's Old Time Pit BBQ Moonshine Bar and Grill 1886 Cafe & Bakery Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream

The Iconic Golden Gate Bridge Where To Stay: Chancellor Hotel -Boutique Hotel in Central Downtown right by Union Square Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio San Francisco -Budget hotel right across from Presidio What To Do: Walk, Bike or Drive Across the Golden Gate Bridge Presidio-Hike/Bike Trails, Museums, Monuments, Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center Cable Car Ride Lombard Street Fisherman's Wharf Take in a Baseball Game at Oracle Stadium Alcatraz Tour Painted Ladies on Alamo Square (for those Full House fans!) Haight Ashbury Land's End for hiking trails with incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge! Bike or Cruise to Sausalito Day Trip to Yosemite Muir Woods National Monument to see the Redwoods Where To Eat: Boudin Bakery Chinatown-Any where! Ghiradelli Historic Square Copita Restaurant (in Sausalito) In-N-Out Burger

Where To Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Washington D.C. - Located in Georgetown Hamilton Hotel What To Do: Smithsonian Museums International Spy Museum Bus Tour of the Monuments (especially cool to do this at night when monuments are lit up!) Walk around Georgetown Go Down to Georgetown Waterfront (to shop, eat or catch a party boat!) Grab a Drink at a Speakeasy. There are several, but I went to a cool one called The Mirror ! Dip Your Toes in the Fountain at the Washington Monument Where To Eat: Capital Burger Via Sophia (in the Hamilton Hotel) Nick's Riverside Grill (on Georgetown Waterfront) Angolo Ristorante Italiano (in Georgetown) Georgetown Cupcake