A lot of people are surprised when I tell them Las Vegas is one of my favorite places, especially because I love nature so much. The truth is, there are probably more National Parks in driving distance of Las Vegas than any other big city! I love getting the best of both worlds. One of the easiest ways to get away from the craziness of the strip for a while is to take a 30 minute drive over to Red Rock Canyon. Once you arrive, you can enjoy the scenery by driving the 13 mile loop through the park or get out and take a hike if you have more time. It’s absolutely stunning and a great way to recharge before you head back to the slots!
Until December 30, 2010 one of the most fascinating exhibits on our solar system is on show at the Gasometer in Oberhausen, Germany (located 30 minutes north of Dusseldorf). In addition to large scale models of all the planets, the display includes an astounding replica of the moon measuring 82 feet in diameter, suspended 330 feet in the air. It is surely an awesome sight!
The drive between Los Angeles and Las Vegas can be pretty boring but, if you have an hour to spare, there is a little known side trip though an amazing place called the Mojave National Preserve. Although the park is huge, you can get a great taste of it by turning off of I-15 onto Kelbaker Road in Baker, CA and getting back on 15 by turning up Cima Road. Along the way, you’ll see lava beds, an old train depot, mountains, sand dunes and the largest Joshua tree forest in the world!
Head over to My Adventures to read about our trip to Joshua Tree National Park in California. You can also check out pictures on my Photos page or by clicking into the album through one of the images posted.
With summer just around the corner, the weather will soon be perfect for day trips and, if you have a dog, I bet he’s going to want to join you! I love this Pet Trek travelling dog food system because not only does it hold food and water, but a toy bone bone pops out of the handle so your friend has a toy for the ride!
On April 24th, the all new Musical Instrument Museum will open its doors in Phoenix, Arizona. Its exhibits will include instruments from every country in the world and visitors will wear wireless headsets allowing them to hear each one play as they walk past. There will also be interactive displays, a recording studio and a restaurant. General admission is $15/person and timed tickets are on sale now for visits through June.
We all know that smoking isn’t allowed on planes these days but Ryanair has come up with an interesting solution to cater to customers looking for a nicotine fix. For $10/pack, passengers can purchase smokeless cigarettes that will calm their cravings without posing a danger to fellow travellers. Obviously smoking wouldn’t exist in a perfect world, but in this world it’s still part of our reality. Smokers are often very anxious about flying and I think this move will give them some peace making travel a better experience not only for them, but also for those around them.
Check out My Adventures to read about our trip to Palm Springs, California and see pictures on my Photos page or by clicking into the album through one of the images posted.
Will and I are always looking for interesting places to visit, especially when food is involved! I don’t remember how we first heard about Blue Hill at Stone Barns but, the minute we did, we knew we had to visit. Stone Barns is a farm on the Rockefeller estate near the Hudson River in Westchester, NY. It has existed since the late 1800s and was intended to teach the children in the family about agriculture and food. In 2004, David Rockefeller opened a restaurant on the property called Blue Hill with executive chef, Dan Barber.
What makes Blue Hill so special? All the food served in the restaurant is produced locally, most of it on site at the farm. The gardens are pesticide free and everything is run in an eco-friendly manner. As a result, there is no specific menu at Blue Hill. When you enter the elegant dining room, which seats about 80 people, you are handed a list of ingredients that may or may not be used on that particular day. Basically, you tell the waiter what you can not or will not eat and the meal begins. Don’t expect to be served the same things as your neighbor. We saw all kinds of interesting plates being brought out, including bone marrow, mini beet sliders, cauliflower steak and lamb medallions. The dishes are inventive and delicious and, though the portions are small, it adds up to a lot of food by the time you are finished.
Reservations can be made up to two months in advance and they often are. Prices are fixed at $75-$135/person for 3-8 courses depending on what day and time you visit. This doesn’t include drinks and any additional courses you may order, so it is expensive, but a visit to Blue Hill is truly an experience. It also gets a fair amount of celebrity guests (the Obamas stopped in on a recent visit to NYC) so don’t be surprised if you see a familiar face at the table next to you!
My friend Matt over at NetManOne posted this hilarious video of a girl entertaining herself while stuck overnight at Pittsburgh Airport. Since many of you have been in the same boat, or are currently, I thought you might like it. Enjoy!
