Vacation Rental Travels

Transcription

March 2015
Ireland: A Stay in
Doon’s Cooga Cottage
Escape to the Emerald
Isle for a unique view
of Ireland
See page 24
Pg
Pg
The Mermaid Hutch
Come play in Birch Bay Washington
1 - Vacation Rental Travels | March 2015
VacationRentalTravels.com
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Explore the Okanagan Valley Wineries
Pg
Uncorked in Canada’s Wine Country
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A North and Middle Caicos Island Adventure
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Unspoiled Beauty Abounds
Contents
IRELAND
Smiling eyes, shared pints, and sing-along music
UNSPOILED BEAUTY
Stunning Caribbean beaches and views
MY TRAVELING CIRCUS
Stories of Family Travel
5
Beth Carson shares from the heart about this issue, what’s happening in her
life, and current events in the travel industry.
6
Find out more about the wonderful people who have brought you the
stories in this issue. Come and get to know our writers a little better.
8
Have you been to this world class city? Take a guess before you turn the
page.
12
UNSPOILED BEAUTY ABOUNDS
North and Middle Caicos Islands provide some of the most beautiful beaches
and wonderful views in the world. Come join us on a Caribbean adventure.
16
UNCORKED IN CANADA’S WINE COUNTRY
So many wineries, so little time. Join 3 sisters on a long weekend reunion
and discover their top 7 Kelowna area wineries.
21
WELLNESS TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Be Well When You Travel
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Come along to discover farm to table fresh food, the Cliffs of Moher
and castles in an Irish edition of Food & Fun. Who knows? You may
want to stay longer next time.
THE MERMAID HUTCH
Join us on a Northern Washington adventure and enjoy the sea, legendary
sirens, and wonderful sunsets.
FOR THE LOVE OF TRAVEL
Too much travel? Is it possible? The answer may surprise you . This issue
dives into “why” we travel has a lot to do with travel overdosing.
39
ASK BETH
Guest interview with Ireland’s Cooga Cottage vacation rental owner
Tom Keogh . Find out what he likes about owning a vacation rental and
his favorite memories.
40
memories with our families.
41
Wtih more and more of us choosing health and wellness at home, these
timely travel tips will help you continue these good choices on your vacation.
MY TRAVELING CIRCUS
A family trip, childhood memories, and a new perspective on creating new
THE MARKETPLACE
24
38
24
FOOD & FUN
WHO’S ON THE INSIDE?
WHERE IN THE WORLD?
Why we travel is a critical factor
42
12
FROM THE EDITOR
TOO MUCH TRAVEL?
Vacation rental specials and places to visit just for our readers. You may
discover your next vacation rental location right here.
IRELAND: SMILING EYES & SHARED PINTS
WELLNESS TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
We take a trip to the Emerald Isle for a wonderful 8 day visit to the
village of Doon, County Limerick for some food, fun, and history.
Ask Beth
Ask Beth Carson
Your VR Travel
Questions
UNCORKED IN WINE COUNTRY
Divine luxury and mountain views. Who could ask for more?
THE MERMAID HUTCH
Insider Tips and Tricks to
get the most from your
Vacation Rental stay
Where in the World?
Can you guess before you look?
16
8
Welcome!
Vacation Rental Travels - where travel
inspiration is born! We are a free, digital
magazine that highlights the unique
experience of vacationing in stylish and
comfortable vacation rentals.
Explore hidden garden cottages,
sumptuous penthouses, and quirky
homes that make traveling a rich and
rewarding experience.
You can have any kind of experience in
a vacation rental... whether you are on a
budget or want lavish pampering. It’s all
available to you.
Vacation Rental Travels magazine covers
the best, most unique, quirky, beautiful,
amenities-laden homes for rent to
vacationers.
Join us on a northern Washington adventure
EDITOR & PUBLISHER
Beth Carson
33
COPY EDITORS
Marilyn Caro, Eileen Caswell
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Art Remnet
We want to thank all of our partners for placing their property, location, event, and
products with our magazine. Each issue has a limited amount of space for our partners to
let you know about what they have to offer and how to get in touch with them.
CIRCULATION & DISTRIBUTION
It helps us out greatly when you click on their advertisments to visit their sites and make
reservations, visit their location, attend the events they put on, and buy their products. It
also signals to our partners that you are interested in what they offer.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
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This issue is sponsored by Sanctuary Vacation Rentals, where you can find the perfect
getaway home that will nurture your body, mind and spirit while you discover and savor
all the delights of the scenic Monterey Peninsula. Click on the logo below for more details
and for property availability
Digital Subscriptions & Online viewing
with more than 15,000 readers per
issue.
Digital Subscriptions: Free
Subscribe at VacationRentalTravels.com
Vacation Rental Travels is published four
times a year by Wabash Publishing, LLC
© Wabash Publishing, LLC
Any reproduction or duplication without
prior written consent of Wabash Publishing,
LLC is strictly prohibited.
The information in Vacation Rental Travels
has been carefully compiled from authors
and sources believed to be reliable at the
time of publication, but its accuracy is not
guaranteed. Always investigate locations and
availability before traveling.
FTC Notice
Advertisers have paid a fee or provided other
promotional considerations. Additionally,
you should assume that the publisher has an
affiliate relationship and/or another material
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may be compensated when you purchase.
You should always perform due diligence
before buying goods or services from anyone
via the Internet or offline.
The opinions expressed here are the author’s
or advertiser’s alone. The properties
featured or mentioned in this publication
are not owned or operated by Wabash
Publishing, LLC and may or may not be
available for rental in the future. Please
contact the current owner prior to making
travel arrangements.
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Vacation Rental Travels | March 2015 - 4
Editor
The
From the Desk of Beth Carson
Escapism
Even if you don’t live in the Northern Hemisphere, I’m sure it hasn’t
escaped your notice that there are many cold, miserable people
looking for an escape. This issue is for you. Whether it’s the
wineries of British Columbia, day tripping from the Turks and
Caicos, or getting warm with a pint in Ireland, our writers take you
on a journey.
Email me: Beth@VacationRentalTravels.com
With every story, they have you in mind. From the time they select
the vacation rental, to the questions they ask the tourism boards,
we have a top notch team of writers—who do it all for you.
Each home we cover has gone above and beyond to provide an
experience—escapism. With the ease of settling into a vacation,
you’ll find a true home.
The best vacation rentals, the ones we cover in the magazine, have
provided special touches to make you feel welcome.
We have a special interview with Tom, owner of Cooga Cottage
in County Limerick Ireland. He’s our expert this month- an owner
who’s doing it right.
And we’d like to welcome our first time Sponsoring Partner
Sanctuary Vacation Rentals for joining us in this issue. Whenever
you are planning a trip to the Monterey Peninsula, start with
Sanctuary Vacation Rentals.
We’d love to hear from you. Please email questions, comments, and
kind critiques to Beth@VacationRentalTravels.com
Happy Travels,
Beth Carson
Publisher and Editor
Vacation Rental Travels
WHO’S ON THE INSIDE?
Each issue we have terrific content created by travel writers from around the world. Without their time and effort, we would not be able to share the
wonderful places, glorious vacation homes, and the fun and cool events and activities with you in each issue. We want to not only thank them, but invite
you as our valued readers to support them by visiting their websites, subscribing to their publications, and liking them on Facebook or any other social
media that you value. It’s how we help each other grow.
Dede Sindelar lives her life driven by creativity and adventure as a freelance copywriter. She blends that with her
background in wellness and her insatiable appetite traveling to exotic destinations. Her family jokes saying they
never have to take out their cameras because she’s forever capturing the moment with her photographs. When
she isn’t busy writing or taking photos, Dede is throwing frisbees for her dog, spending time with her husband and
planning their next journey. Please visit Sindelar Wellness Travel to catch up with Dede.
Melanie Lynn is a part-time freelance travel writer and photographer who has traveled to over 35 countries in
the world. Her articles have been published in Afar’s online travel magazine and legal publications. She writes a
travel blog, TheInBetweenDream.com, where she documents her family’s story of life and travel.
She is based in Bethesda, MD.
Valerie Swiderski - Never traveling much growing up, I caught the travel bug later in life. Raised by selfemployed parents, there wasn’t much time for travel. I was raised on traditional Midwest food and now have
an insatiable appetite when it comes to trying new foods. I enjoy learning about culture through their meal
traditions and love learning how to prepare new foods. When I am not traveling abroad, I enjoy exploring the
amazing wineries the Midwest has to offer. I often have separation anxiety from TSA and always look forward
to exploring the next new place. You can contact Valerie via email: TripsOrTreats13@gmail.com
Laurie Daghigh - Though Laurie was born into a traveling family, she and her children have taken that legacy to
new extremes. Last year’s four-month voyage around the world should have satisfied her for a while, but now the
wanderlust appears to be insatiable. Writing about travel was the next logical step (and an excellent excuse to plan her
next adventure). In the words of Susan Sontag, “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.”
Colleen Bessel loves travel, photography, art and sharing her adventures with other wandering souls. She is
retired from a career in financial services and enjoying letting the creative juices flow free. She lives in Port
Moody, British Columbia on Canada’s west coast where you can find her unique PhotoArt in local galleries
or exhibits. If she is not travelling on one adventure with her trusty Canon 60D, you will find her planning
her next trip, enjoying BC’s beautiful outdoors or spoiling her three little grand-daughters. Follow her
photography and adventures at ColleenBesselPhotoart.com
Theresa St. John is a travel writer and photographer based in Saratoga Springs, New York. Her images can be found on
various stock sites and they sell as fine art. She works closely with restaurants on food styling images and is published
in many local magazines and on-line magazines. She works with Chambers of Commerce writing tourism articles when
visiting their areas. Theresa has two wonderful sons and is “Nonnie” to a number of rescue animals.
Read more about Theresa’s adventures on her blog
Camille Miller has been writing since 2011 on a variety of topics. She especially loves introducing people to their
next memorable vacation spot, and has a knack for picking out the unique homes and luxurious locations you want
to return to again and again. She often writes about her travels with her husband and three crazy kids, who are
chiefly responsible for keeping things lively, and who never disappoint.
Where in the World?
In each issue we challenge you to guess where in the world the photos were taken. Sometimes it will be easy and
other times not so easy. In every case, though, we bet that you will learn something about the place being featured.
Remember NO PEEKING until you make your guess.
Oh, you want a clue?
This state is the only one that has its own official
rock song, “Hang on Sloopy.” It was approved
in 1985 by the State’s General Assembly and is
often played at this city’s major games. It makes
perfect sense, though, as this city and its people
sure know how to rock (and they have a museum
to prove it! ).
In 1936, an athlete named Jesse Owens won four
gold medals in the Berlin Olympics. His success
disproved Hitler’s theory that only German
athletes, “the dominate race,” could win in the
games. Jesse Owens began his career in this city
during 1928, clearing 6 feet in the high jump and
winning all major track events. He is the most
remembered athlete in history, and this city is
proud of his remarkable achievements.
This city boasts the largest indoor Ferris wheel, erected in
1985. Now, a major attraction in the Convention Center, one
can take a ride on the 125 foot high Ferris wheel and enjoy a
spectacular view of the city at the same time.
Still not sure where you are? Here are a few more hints that
should help you figure it out.
We all need a hero, right? Superman is my all-time favorite and
was created right here in the city, dreamt up by two men (both
with the initials J.S. ) who were also born in the second largest
city of this state.
A wildly popular sit-com, running on ABC from 1995-2004, was
set in this city.
This city is the first one to have a traffic light (1914), and the
first button for pedestrian crossings (1948).
This city was the first one to be lit electrically. This happened in
1879.
Residents of this city actually ‘loaned’ their antique cars for the
filming of the wonderful family movie, “A Christmas Story.” This
helped keep the authentic feel both genuine and believable.
Last, but not least, This city’s River has caught fire at least 13 times. The fire in 1969,
when an oil slick and industrial waste along the river caught fire, inspired the pop song
by Randy Newman, “Sail Away”, The Clean Water Act, and the start of the EPA. Today, the
river is cleaner and you can cruise along, enjoying the views from sightseeing boats, a
kayak, or ski-do...
So, Where in the World are we?
Where In the World: Cleveland, Ohio
A Great Place To Visit
Article & Photos by Theresa St. John
T
here are many things about Cleveland,
Ohio that make it a great place to visit.
Everyone knows that a must-see, mustdo while there, is to take a long, leisurely
walk through the city’s famous Rock and
Roll Hall of Fame. Located on the beautiful
North Coast Harbor, with striking
architectural designs drawing you inside,
you’ll learn about the past, present and
even the future of music, while immersing
yourself in the numerous exhibits there.
architecture that seems to block out the
sun at times, with buildings standing tall
against the sky. In the middle of the city,
there is a stunning monument, 125 feet
high, erected in honor of the nearly 10,000
Cuyahoga residents who fought during
America’s Civil War.
The Memorial Room showcases walls,
inscribed with the names of soldiers who
fought for the freedom of our country.
Bronze artwork can be admired, no matter
which direction you look. It is a moving
historical tribute. If you like history, you
will not want to miss a visit here.
708 Feet Above Cleveland
The museum’s ribbon cutting occurred
on September 1, 1995, before a crowd of
more than 10,000 people. The following
night an all-star concert was held at the
stadium. Apparently, nearly 9 million
people have visited since those first days
and the economic contribution to the city
has been enormous.
Downtown Cleveland
Downtown Cleveland is busy. I mean,
really busy. Everywhere you look there
are street cars and buses, impressive
52 stories high lends you quite the
view, especially when it is overlooking
Cleveland. Even though the skyscraper,
located on Public Square, in the downtown
area of Cleveland is not the tallest
building, Terminal Tower dominates the
skyline and is visible from most areas of
the city. The tower is only open to the
public during certain hours of the day.
You need a ticket to enter the elevators
that eventually take you to the top, for
stunning views of the city and neighboring
parts of Ohio. It stands 708 feet tall, was
built during the 20’s and 30’s - when the
skyscraper boom was in full swing and is lit
up in different colors for different causes
throughout the year.
The West Side Market is a great place to
go for a few hours if you want to purchase
fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses and meat
while you’re out and about in Cleveland.
It is the oldest indoor/outdoor market in
the city and home to over 100 vendors. It
has been named one of the “Great Public
Places in America,” and is fondly called
“Cleveland’s Public Market” by residents
of the city. It is easily accessible from
the RTA red line at the West 25th Street
Station. We walked into the market from
that direction and saw some pretty cool
wood sculptures at the intersection,
before crossing over at the traffic lights.
The Goodtime III is a great way to
experience the Cuyahoga River and
Lake Eerie while on Cleveland’s largest
sight-seeing vessel. The tour, narrated
by Larry Morrow, points out everything
you might want or need to know about
the flats, architecture along the water
and little known facts about the city itself.
The vessel sails daily, rain or shine and is
located right next to The Rock And Roll
Hall of Fame. The scenic views are great
and learning about the fires along the
Cuyahoga River is really interesting, as it
helped begin the change in how we look at
clean water.
Cleveland’s Public Library
Cleveland’s Public Library boasts an
estimated 10 million items, granting access
to one of the largest library collections
in the United States. The inside of the
building is stunning. The Renaissance style
architecture is gorgeous, with exquisite
marble designs throughout its many rooms.
There is even an elevator to take you to the
other floors, where Literature, Fine Arts,
Youth Services and Book Storage areas are
held. It is one of the cities gems, a must-see
and is known as “The People’s University.”
Ohio’s First Casino
The Horseshoe Casino opened in 2012 and
was the first casino in the state of Ohio.
The casino has over 1,600 slot machines,
119 game tables and nearly 40 electronic
game tables for patrons to bet their money.
It is accessible from The Tower City Center
Shopping Mall with over 100 shops. Both
are just two examples of the gorgeous
architecture throughout the city.
Cleveland’s Amazing Architecture
The architecture in Cleveland is a mix of
old and new, with interesting sculptures
throughout the city. No matter where
you are walking, or driving, the historic
buildings are a wonderful compliment to
the newer designs in and out of its busy
center. Regardless of construction coming
from the 19th, 20th, or 21st century,
architectural beauty can be enjoyed no
matter where you look while visiting.
Unspoiled Beauty
Abounds
on North and Middle Caicos Islands
ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY VALERIE SWIDERSKI
W
this overwhelming sensation of being on a deserted island and I can’t wait to jump into the
crystal clear water that awaits me.
I step out onto what has to be the whitest
sand I’ve ever seen. I look left, then right. Not
believing my own eyes, I scan the beach again.
We have the whole place to ourselves. I get
Giddy with excitement, like two kids who
have found a secret hideout, my husband and
I wade into water so warm it feels like bathwater. We can see for miles ahead of us, but
about a mile and a half out in the ocean is a
rock formation. I ask, “Want to swim out to
it?” He doesn’t have to answer me. I can see
the excitement in his eyes. But we don’t swim
out to it. Instead we walk. We make it about
halfway out still dumbfounded that we felt like
we were walking on water. The water gently
e’ve been driving on a deserted road
for what feels like forever when I
finally spot it. In the overgrown bushes on the
side of the road is the sign I’ve been looking
for all morning. I tell my husband, who is still
getting used to driving on the left, to make the
quick turn before we miss it. Turning down a
single lane dirt road we head towards Bambarra Beach.
sways against my knees because that’s how
shallow it is.
It’s truly one of the last few unspoiled places,
and at the moment it’s all ours. We don’t want
to leave, but there’s so much more to explore
and we only have one day to try to fit it all in.
We get back in our dusty rental van that’s
seen better days and head back towards civilization. Turning down the road we came from,
we drive for a few minutes and decide to make
a pit stop to grab a bite to eat.
Up on the gently sloping hill, we spot the blue
rooftops of Blue Horizon Resort. Walking up
and prepare to head back to Providenciales.
the steps to the onsite restaurant, Mudjin
Bar & Grill, I decide it doesn’t even matter
what they serve because the view (top) is
enough to take my breath away. Recommended by a local that rode the ferry with
us, I knew it was going to be good.
We’re seated at an outdoor table and it
has the best view in the restaurant. Rum
punch is delivered and the ocean breeze
washes over us as high tide starts to
roll in. I order the Island Fish & Chips
complete with pineapple tartar sauce.
My husband orders a jerk burger. After
we finish our meal, our server comes by
to make small talk. She smiles shyly as she
tells us in her Caribbean lilt that her name is
Dorothy, “like from Kansas.” I smile back and
tell her that we are from Kansas. We all get a
laugh out of this. She is just one of the many
locals we encountered that were some of the
friendliest people we have ever met.
After lunch, we walk down to the beach
(above). It’s quiet except for the waves
crashing over the rocks and the sound of my
giggles.
We head back over the causeway to North
Caicos, disappointed that we didn’t have
more time to explore both of these amazing
islands. We drive back to Sandy Point Marina
As we wait to turn in our rental car,
we notice a group of local men sitting
at a table playing “bones.” One man
is barefoot and he is so animated, we
can’t help but laugh. At first, I think
he must be crazy, but after watching
him for awhile, I know he’s just having
fun and egging on the other players.
It’s a small glimpse into the laid back
Caribbean lifestyle and I loved every
second of it.
As we ride the ferry back, I watch the sun dip
low in the sky and disappear into the blue
water that makes these islands so beautiful. I
realize that I’ve found something I was missing in a place I’ve never been. The Turks and
Caicos Islands saying is “Beauty by Nature,”
but in my heart I know that it’s the people
that truly make this place beautiful.
Getting There
From Providenciales, take the ferry from Heaving Down Rock Marina.
There are 2 operators and they both run several times per day. Take
an early ferry there to allow ample time to explore. The ferry ride
will last approximately 30 minutes. You will see several small cays
(pronounced keys) along the way, so sit back and enjoy the ride. The
cost is $40 - $50 per person. You will arrive at Sandy Point Marina in
North Caicos. Do bring bug spray as the sand fleas can be a nuisance
at Sandy Point Marina and Sandy Point Beach.
Getting Around
Make arrangements ahead of time to rent a car. The rental company
will be waiting for you at the marina. Your car rental will not be anything special, as the terrain can be pretty rugged and the cars take a
beating. The average price for a day rental is $75-$100 but it’s worth
the cost to explore these mostly undeveloped islands. There are only
3 gas stations located on North and Middle Caicos, so make sure you
have enough to get around. Your car rental agency should provide a
map for you. It’s not difficult to find your way around, but be aware
that most of the roads don’t have good markings.
Things to Do
Beaches - There is no shortage of spectacular beaches to lounge
around. With 7 accessible beaches on Middle Caicos and 5 accessible
beaches on North Caicos, there’s sure to be one to your liking.
For calmer water that’s best for swimming, go to Bambarra Beach on
Middle Caicos. For stunning scenery that boasts limestone cliffs and
a “secret” beach, give Mudjin Harbour in Middle Caicos a try.
On North Caicos, part of the adventure is finding Three Marys Cays,
but when you do find it, you’ll be rewarded with an excellent spot for
snorkelling.
History – Haulover Plantation on Middle Caicos and Wade’s Green
Plantation on North Caicos offer a glimpse of plantation life and cotton farming in the 1700’s.
Readymoney Garden offers a look at bush medicine and the local
history of the Caicos Islands.
Conch Bar Caves is located on Middle Caicos. It is the largest above
water cave system in the entire Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Island
chain. It’s also a national park. Learn about the mining of guano (bat
manure) that dates back to the 1880’s. A guided tour is required,
lasting approximately 1 hour. The cost is $10-$15 per person.
Activities – Snorkelling, diving, fishing, kayaking and hiking are some
of your choices for activities. You can also do some bird watching as
there are a large number of West Indian Flamingos at Flamingo Pond
Overlook in North Caicos.
Whatever you decide to explore on North and Middle Caicos, you
won’t be disappointed.
Vacation Rentals in Providenciales
The majority of the vacation rentals are located on Grace Bay Beach,
which has been voted one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the
world. The majority of the restaurants are in this area and require
very little driving to get around. The vacation rentals vary from 1
bedroom/1 bath condo units to 4 bedroom penthouse suites lavishly
decorated with all the amenities you could ever want.
If you are looking for the best area for families with small children,
look for a rental in Taylor Bay or Sapodilla Bay. The water is calmer
and shallow, making it perfect for swimming. In this area you will find
private homes, some of which are beach front.
If you are looking for ultimate seclusion, look for a private home
rental on Long Bay Beach. It’s further away from the major crowds of
Grace Bay Beach, making it a quiet spot for relaxation. As the name
suggests, the beach goes on forever and you won’t encounter many
people. Here you can find rentals that have up to 9 bedrooms, making
it an ideal spot for large groups. Long Bay Beach is also the best spot
on the island for kite boarding.
Uncorked in Canada’s
Wine Country
By: Colleen Bessel
Photographs: Colleen Bessel
W
e landed at Kelowna International Airport within
minutes of each other, 3 sisters flying in from
different parts of the country, meeting up for a
getaway in British Columbia’s beautiful Okanagan
Wine Region. No husbands, no kids, no jobs. We danced around like
we had as children on Christmas mornings. It was the beginning of
September and the long weekend beckoned.
Our Home for the Weekend
After a joyful reunion we make our way to our vacation rental at
1180 Sunset Drive, a trendy loft located in the Cultural District of
downtown Kelowna, conveniently within walking distance of parks,
trails, restaurants, shops, and music-filled bars.
We bound up the stairs, the condo is beautiful, gleaming hardwood
floors throughout the open kitchen, living room and dining room invite us to explore further. Four tall stools at the island welcome us to
sit a while, catch up while we settle in. The floor to ceiling windows
in the living room let the warm light pour in.
Like school children we bounce on the edge of the beds before moving on to discover the two spacious and sparkling bathrooms, always
a treat when travelling in a group. Up a flight of stairs we discover
the rooftop patio, perfect to relax and enjoy a glass of wine and
watch the sunset at the end of a busy day.
Vacation rentals are the perfect choice, especially when travelling in
a group. We have lots of space and can all be together, just like having a sleepover with your girlfriends!
Kelowna - The Heart of Okanagan Valley
Kelowna is at the heart of the sun-drenched Okanagan Valley, in
Western Canada. The area boasts 131 licensed wineries and a
vibrant wine community, including both world-class operations and
family-run boutique vineyards whose wines are consistently ranked
among the best at international competitions.
Please click for rates and availability of
this terrific loft condo in the heart of Kelowna’s
Cultural District
Photo credit Corinne Peacok
Photo credit Corinne Peacok
The Wineries Await
So many wineries, so little time. But we are up to the task.
We had enlisted Okanagan Wine Tours for the Kelowna area
wineries and Experience Wine Tours in the Naramata Bench
area. I would highly recommend either of these two tour companies, both were friendly, knowledgeable and fun to spend the
day with and each added extra little touches to make the day
special. All we had to do was enjoy the day while being escorted
from winery to winery.
Each winery has created their own personality and niche. All
are welcoming and proudly eager to share their passion with
the thousands of visitors that pass through each year. See the
Okanagan Winery listing for more details.
Here is our Favorites list.
Seven Wineries Not to Miss:
1. Mission Hill Family Estate, Kelowna’s Westside.
This world renowned winery is one of the largest; their wine is
readily available across the country and internationally. Entering the estate we pass through a set of massive curved arches
into the courtyard, dominated by a 12 story bell tower of Italian
Vineyards of Quails’ Gate Winery
marble. Equally impressive is the Loggia, an outdoor room offering
stunning views of the valley and lake below, or the outdoor amphitheatre which plays host to Shakespearean plays, operas or jazz concerts.
The Terrace Restaurant sits along the embankment overlooking rows
of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Or enjoy a tour of the Barrel Cellars and wine tasting in the Estate Room amidst the family’s
impressive art collection.
The arches of the Mission Hill Family Estate
Try: 5 Vineyards Pinot Grigio, one of their best.
2. Quails’ Gate Winery, near Kelowna.
Arguably one of the most beautiful sites in the Okanagan Valley,
Quails’ Gate sits overlooking beautiful Okanagan Lake. Rows of
grapes extend from the winery toward the lake like pathways drawing
you toward the spectacular vista.
Enjoy wine tastings on their rambling terraces or dine in Old Vines
Restaurant where you can linger over a leisurely dinner or savour
their al fresco bistro luncheon, perfectly paired with carefully selected wine flights. Cheers! We lift our glasses in a toast savouring the
mouth-watering flavors as we overlook the vineyards of the Boucherie Mountain Bench.
I have it on good authority that Quails’ Gate also provides the perfect romantic atmosphere to pop the question to the woman of your
dreams. And I have a wonderful new niece to attest to the success of
this move.
Try: Quails’ Gate Pinot Noir, she’s guaranteed to say “Yes.”
3. The View Winery & Vineyards, South East Kelowna.
A fun little family winery, the property has been in the Turton/Ward
Family for five generations. Converted from an apple orchard to a
vineyard about 20 years ago, The View now produces excellent wine
with creativity and unique branding.
A red stiletto is the core of their branding and label, it’s a good story
about dancing, red shoes and wines. You can imagine the rest.
We laugh and have a great time at The View, the wines are excellent
and the atmosphere is light and fun.
We are hosted by Colin, our entertaining and amusing young sommelier, as he jokes and teases with his guests, sharing little anecdotes and tidbits with us.
Try these fun loving wines: Red Shoe White (or Red),
2013 Well Heeled, Hail Mary.
Going on a picnic? Try wine in a can, BLING Sparking Wine Spritzer.
Check out their cool and colorful bottles, especially their 2013
Woops with its upside down label… there’s a story there.
Try: 2013 Woops, award winning white blend.
5. Dirty Laundry Vineyard, Summerland, BC.
Sisters Weekend pick for favorite winery, Dirty Laundry is fun,
quirky and clever right down to the last detail.
As the name suggests, this winery is named and themed after its
history. Originally the property was a Chinese Laundry during the
Gold Rush years. When the proprietor realized the miners were
not too interested in clean clothes he introduced a benefit - adding a Bordello upstairs. Suddenly the miners didn’t mind dropping
off their clothes for a couple of hours. The Dirty Laundry theme is
everywhere, from the names of the various wines and their labels, to
the décor with its bordello theme, and clever, unique gifts in the gift
shop.
Make sure you stop for lunch here. Pick up a picnic basket and fill it
with snacks such as cheese, meats, crackers, grapes (and of course a
bottle of wine) and head out to the patio.
Try Laundry’s Secret Affair Blend or Say Yes Pinot Gris.
4. The Vibrant Vine, Kelowna
From Vibey, the psychedelic painted little truck (top right), to sipping a glass of Woops in an Adirondack chair on the expansive lawn
while listening to live music, this family-run winery is all about the
experience.
One of Kelowna’s Fab Five, this unique operation is run by the
Lewis Brothers. One brother makes their award winning wines, and
one who is a renowned graphic artist who creates their unique and
inspiring labels and 3D art that adorns the winery.
The Lewis Brothers proudly let us know that they were selected
2013’s Best White Wine in the World at the 2013 World Wine
Competition in Geneva, Switzerland.
6. Laughing Stock Vineyards (LFNG), Narmata Bench near
Penticton, BC.
Living the Dream. This husband and wife winery is the brainchild
and dream of David and Cynthia Enns, who dared to leave their Bay
Street jobs and follow their dreams of owning a winery. They were
the laughing stock of their peers, hence the name. But who’s laughing now…
Their clever stock ticker branded labels are a reminder of their past.
Their award winning wines are a tribute to the present.
Try: Laughing Stock 2012
Blind Trust Red Blend
7. Red Rooster Winery, Naramata Bench
“Above all, we make great wine”.
That’s their motto, and I have to say I agree.
Perched high above Lake Okanagan along the rolling hills of the
Naramata Bench, Red Rooster produces one of the Top Five Chardonnays in the World. They are renowned for their unique style of
hospitality, interesting and provocative art and sculpture throughout the property. Their signature red rooster evident in the Coop
gift shop, Red Rooster offers guests an unforgettable experience,
not to mention my favorite Pinot Gris.
Try: Melt in Your Mouth- wine and chocolate pairing.
Need I say more?
What Else Can You Do Around Kelowna?
I’m glad you asked …
Take in Kelowna’s Saturday Farmers and Crafters’ Market. See
photos on previous page.
Farmer’s Market (click for details)
o Saturday’s from 9 AM – 1 PM
o Local fresh produce, crafts and art
o Enjoy the many food stalls for lunch
o Visit in September to enjoy the fresh fruits from the many local
orchards, you can even buy by the case for your own home preserves
Packing up and heading for home
We pack up and say farewell to our beautiful home away from home
and make our way to the airport where we will go our separate ways,
back to our own little corners of the world. Embracing each other, we
promise to get together again, sooner this time. As the plane takes
off I wave good-bye to the Okanagan Valley and know that I will return to this magical place again. Soon. I’ll see you there!
How to get there:
Kelowna is just a short connector from either Vancouver or Calgary
International Airports, or a leisurely four-hour drive from Vancouver
through British Columbia’s spectacular mountains.
Where to stay:
Care for a bit more activity than the market? Kelowna has a delightful assorment of golf courses and lake activities.
Golf and Lake Recreation (click for details)
o Try your game at the many professional calibre golf courses in
the area. With over 2,000 hours of sunshine every year the area
boasts the longest golf season you`ll find.
o Okanagan Lake is 68 miles long with some 30 beaches in the
area. Try stand up paddle boarding, house boating, ski boats, sail
boats, or kayaking or canoeing. And there’s always plenty of fishing opportunities Or just walk on the beach or enjoy the setting
sun. The choice is yours.
And much, much more.
There are over 300 VRBO rentals around Kelowna – downtown,
lakefront, on a golf course- the choice is yours. Or try Penticton,
Summerland or one of the other small neighbouring communities.
When to go:
The Okanagan Valley has some of the mildest weather in Canada. In
fact, many people from other areas spend their winters there. But it
is best known for the hot, dry summers with never-ending sunshine
and spectacular sunsets. And autumn is unparalleled.
My favorite time is September and October when the Valley is
dressed up in its finery, painted and glowing in Mother Nature’s
golds, oranges and reds. Try the Okanagan’s Fall Wine Festival in
October with over 165 events throughout the region.
VRMarketPlace
Vacation Rental Specials - Just for Our Readers
To include your property in the VRMarketPlace, please
contact:
Beth Carson (828) 484-4840
beth@VacationRentalTravels.com
Compton Cottage Charm
Little Compton, RI is a beautiful
seaside New England town known
for its rolling hills, stone walls, sandy
beaches, and a town common
featuring a white steepled church.
This newly renovated cottage has an
eclectic mix of vintage and modern
materials and features an amazing
westward view over the Narraganset
Bay. A perfect setting to relax and
enjoy your vacation.
Click for details and availability
North Shore Beauty
We have a vintage, family beach
house in Hawaii, on the North
Shore of O’ahu. It is beach front,
and has been in our family 80
years. We have two bedrooms and
two bathrooms, a separate kitchen
with a pass--through view through
the house of the lawn, coconut
trees and ocean.
Starfish Blue - Fiji
Nothing says relaxation like a
hanging bed. Enjoy the view as
you gently sway with a stellar view
of paradise. Starfish Blue is on Fiji’s
vivid Suncoast- lush greenery and
tropical water. Honeymooners
love the master suite with 2 person
jetted tub, and families love the
three bedrooms and bathrooms
and private pool.
Gardener’s Cottage
Puerto Rico Beachfront
The Gardener’s Cottage -This
beautiful 1920’s art & crafts cottage
in quaint Hendersonville, NC,
boasts 9 foot ceilings, gourmet
kitchen, Italian tile baths, claw foot
tub, walk in shower, king master
& queen guest room, spacious
front porch with Grandpa’s swing,
central air & heat.
Choose from 2 beachfront units in
a freestanding home, with owners
living onsite. Each sleeps 5 and only
costs $100 a night. We are the best
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Come here to experience the real
Puerto Rico. WIFI, HBO, dishes, linens,
appliances, washer, dryer and phone.
Luxurious Lofts
Orlando Vacation Villas
Enjoy the comforts of home in
the heart of downtown Asheville.
Experience the charm of our
recently renovated historic building
just steps from the vibrant
cosmopolitan center of Asheville.
Surround yourself with the warmth
of abundance of natural light and
handsome decor. All modern
amenities and off street parking.
Welcome to your vacation home
just minutes south of Orlando...
Coconut Hideaway
Coconut Hideaway Beachhouse
sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico
with your private beach just off
our front deck. Our charming
Caribbean-inspired beach house
is decorated with antiques and
oriental carpets and features
hardwood floors and soaring high
ceilings.
Two fully air-conditioned villas are
situated across from each other on
a quiet no-through court. They can
be rented individually or together.
Designed in a contemporary style,
both villas have all of the features
you need, and more.
North Shore Beach Home
Kawailoa Beach Paradise
Ready for lounging in the sun or
floating in the sea? Surf awaits at
MJ’s & Gators, as well as snorkeling
& fishing. Protected swimming
perfect for the family. Whale watch
in the winter & spot turtles year
round. Enjoy TV, internet, games &
2 covered lanais when it’s time to
escape the sun.Unbelievable sunsets
and stargazing!
Ireland
Smiling Eyes, Shared Pints, and
Sing-along Music
Story & Photos By Theresa St. John
First Impressions
You know how they say “You only have one chance to
make a first impression, better make it a good one?” The
Cooga Cottage makes a dramatic first impression; the
gate at the end of the driveway is opened wide to invite
us in. The front garden boasts trimmed shrubs and rose
bushes and, bright red geraniums in clay pots sit on each
window ledge. The sight and feel of this authentic Irish
Cottage was a wonderful welcome.
By the time we arrived, the sun had come up, and we
wandered around the yard for a few minutes before we
walked two houses over to get owner Tom Keogh. He
was already up and strolled down the street to meet us.
It was interesting to learn that Tom’s mother, her three
sisters, and two brothers were born right there in this
comfortable cottage. His parents called the cottage
home for the first five years of their married life. Tom,
his two brothers and a sister, were born under that same
roof, but the remaining siblings were born in a new house,
purchased in the village, during 1951.
Tom told us that he was a year old when his parents
moved the family to the new house in the village of Doon.
His grandfather and two uncles stayed on in the cottage
and tended the land. Tom’s family visited almost every
day; as kids they spent their summers playing in the beau-
Tom had been tracking our flight on the computer, figuring in the half hour or so we might take to stop for breakfast and a cup of coffee. His timing was perfect! Though
we felt like we knew him already, we made our introductions and then he said, “Let me show you around.”
As soon as he opened the front door, you could tell it was
a happy home. Tom talked to us about the history of the
property, how the staircase was the original one, as well
as the ceilings in both the living room and downstairs
bedroom. He explained that they all dated back to1908,
when the cottage was built. He was quick to point out
that all of the other ceilings were new and that the
kitchen and bathroom, both built in 1985, were a newer
extension.
tiful gardens under the apple trees out back. In 1985,
after Tom’s grandfather and uncles had passed on, his
mother inherited the cottage. His parents then sold their
home in the village, painstakingly renovated the cottage
and moved the family back in later that same year. All of
his stories surrounding life at the cottage were fascinating. They gave us a sweet picture of the tranquil days spent
there.
There was a guestbook that I eyed immediately, perched
on a little side table in the living room. I tend to look for
things like this when I travel. I knew I’d want to read it
later; it would be fun to discover what others thought
about the place that we already loved. It made me wonder
what we would write ourselves, when our visit came to
an end. The room itself had many books with well-turned
pages, read by scores of people I’m sure, resting on the
shelves of a built-in bookcase. There were comfortable
chairs, a couch and fireplace in front of us. Framed
images of yesteryear dotted the walls and I knew
that I would study them as well at a later time. A
thick, warm throw at the end of the couch seemed
to invite us to kick off our shoes and sit awhile in
the peaceful atmosphere surrounding us.
home for the next eight days.
The kitchen was fully-equipped; it had every single thing
we could want at our disposal. It was a room of sunlight
streaming through windows, warm wood paneling and cupboards galore.
The bathroom was modern and the cozy wood theme carried itself in there as well. Even the tiled walls were a butterscotch color, which tied in nicely with the rest of the
rental. Tom showed us how to work the shower, and we
took dibs on who would get it first, after a nap, of course.
At the top of the staircase, there was a posted sign that
warned you to “Mind your head.” It made us chuckle when
Tom told us that many had hit the ceiling going up to bed
for the night, or coming down for coffee in the morning.
On the kitchen table sat a bowl of fresh fruit for
us to snack on during our stay. On the windowsills
stood vases of fresh cut flowers from the garden.
Who does that, takes the time to make someone
feel instantly at peace? There were hairdryers in
the bedrooms and shampoos, conditioners and
body lotions in the bathroom. Tom had international plug adaptors, so we could turn on our laptops and work when we wanted to. And talk about
internet speed? I was a little worried about that,
honestly, being out in the countryside for the week.
I was pleasantly surprised; it was faster than my
high-speed service back home in New York. All of
these little touches made us happy to call this place
The three bedrooms; two upstairs and one downstairs,
were warm and inviting. Beautifully crafted furniture fit
in perfectly and windows that let some outside warmth
in during the daytime hours.
Outside was the same. Perfect. Lush green grass; roses
grew up shed walls or climbed the trellis that stood
against the cottage itself. An arbor and a bench, tempted
one to sit for an hour or so with a good book and a hot
cup of tea.
We were only a mile or so away from the village of Doon,
which we would explore for the first time later that day.
People were very friendly and welcoming; we had fun
with karaoke and drank more than a few pints with the
locals when they celebrated a huge game win one day.
Next door to the cottage stood an old church with a
tiny graveyard. The architecture was gorgeous and, one
afternoon, we spent time photographing it. The church
had been turned into a very successful restaurant. Unfortunately, flooding had damaged it the year before, so
we were not able to get inside and enjoy a meal there, as
it had since been forced to close.
Tom wished us both a good week, offered his help should
we need anything at all and walked back to his home,
smiling. Melanie and I walked around the cottage, taking
pictures in the natural light that morning. We went to
get our luggage, taking in deep breaths of fresh country
air. Back inside, we picked our rooms and fell into beds
that were so comfortable we were asleep instantly, each
dreaming of what we might do and where we might go
exploring, once awake and refreshed again. It was only a
few hours later, when we locked the back door, got into
the car and did just that.
To arranage a visit to Cooga Cottage in Doon, County
Limerick, Ireland, please click through to their website
6 Things to See and Do in Ireland
Article & Photos By Theresa St. John
1. St. Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick
This beautiful church, founded in 1168, has stood
staunchly in the center of Limerick for the past nine
centuries. St. Mary’s Cathedral is both an impressive and
imposing sight for anyone who has the chance to visit.
We came around a corner, unexpectedly, and caught
sight of a tall Celtic cross that drew us in. I love cemeteries and had no idea that this church was in the middle
of one. There were gravestones everywhere! Each one
of them told a story, with old words engraved in stone,
honoring the lives of people who had passed on so long
ago. My friend, another travel writer, and I spent an hour
or so, wandering around the grounds, investigating many
of them.
While we were there, the haunting music of the pipe organ played the entire time. It was certainly a place of reverence and solitude. We had no idea that we could have
gone into the Gothic-Style cathedral and I could kick
myself now, for not even trying to open the huge wooden
doors with their elaborate handles and hardware. I can
only imagine how gorgeous the architecture was inside
those century-old stone walls. I know that, someday,
I’m going to have to make my way back there to see and
photograph this place of worship, as well as take my time
walking through the cemetery again.
3. Garden Of Remembrance, Dublin
Dublin is pretty busy. When we were there, the pace was
kind of frantic. Everything seemed rushed and so many
people were trying to get from point A to point B in the
easiest ways possible. I crossed over into Parnell Square
and there it was-- a beautiful garden with a pool, numerous benches and a stunning, though tragic sculpture
standing at the Northern end of the park.
The garden was erected in memory of all those who sacrificed their lives for Ireland’s freedom. There is a long
pool in the center, in the shape of a cross, with mosaic
tiled patterns of green and blue waves. In Celtic tradition, when a battle was over, weapons were broken and
then thrown into a river or other body of water. Doing
this would symbolize the ending of said conflict. When I
looked into the waters here at this calm pool, I could see
several designs, of both shields and knives, settled at the
bottom.
2. Beautiful Street Art
Walking around the streets of Dublin and Limerick, we
caught sight of many bright and colorful examples of
street art. We could see the imagination of artists, boldly
painted on the side walls of old, weathered buildings. I
believe that there is a distinct difference between street
art and graffiti; graffiti scars a building and detracts from
any landscape around it. I feel as if street art makes you
think, expands your horizon and adds color and beauty to
the world. I was enthralled with the creative murals we
stumbled over in Ireland. I couldn’t help but take some
images anytime I laid eyes on one. I felt like I had found a
treasure trove ~ rare gems for sure.
Along all sides of
the pool, there were
dark wood benches
set against neat and
orderly stone walls.
No one was sitting
there, or even walking
around the grounds.
Just me and the past.
It was a solemn visit,
the mood palpable.
Even though there
were beautiful flowers, spilling over from
pots that neatly lined
the walkway, it was an
eerily sad place.
In the northern end of
the garden, there was
a sculpture that took
my breath away. It was of children and swans, reaching
for the sky. The expressions on their youthful faces were
painful to see. I stood there for a long moment, wondering what the sculpture could mean. I learned that it was
created by Oision Kelly and titled The Children of Lir. It
signifies rebirth and resurrection.
In 1976, a poetry contest was held, hoping someone
could write prose that would capture both the struggle
and misery of the Irish who fought so valiantly for their
freedom over the country’s history. The contest was won
by a man named Liam Mac Uistin, a Dublin-born author.
The title of the poem was “We saw a vision.” Its nine lines
made me cry.
In May of 2011, Queen Elizabeth placed a wreath here
in the garden. Even though it was considered controversial, it was a heartfelt gesture, meant to show the end of
those numerous conflicts between Ireland and England.
ning ceilings, ornate furniture and that rich feeling of
literature.
If you like them as authors, or just want to learn about
the writings of Swift, Sheridan, Yeats or Shaw, Wilde
and Joyce, the work of these authors is presented here.
Between the pages of their books, penned lines in their
letters, even amongst their personal items, it is a museum that showcases Dublin’s extensive literary heritage. I
would tell you not to miss this stop on your visit.
5. Village of Adare
We learned that it was named one of “The Prettiest
Villages” in Ireland with streets lined with authentic
thatched cottages and knew we’d have to go for a day’s
visit while we were in Ireland.
It’s a charming little town, filled with colorful thatched
cottages that have been there for hundreds of years.
Now, some house restaurants, others showcase shopkeeper’s arts and crafts as well as beautiful clothing for
sale, while some cottages are still privately owned.
4. Dublin Writers Museum
Opening in 1991, in an original 18th-century house, this
was an impressive attraction I’m glad we got to see. I
adore reading, the more books the better, so stepping
foot into this writer’s museum was beyond interesting
for me.
Adare has a public park that is wonderful to walk around.
We enjoyed the peace and quiet of the area, with wellkept walkways, several benches to sit on and a man-made
pond with flowering trees and shrubs surrounding it.
We also spent some time walking through the Augustin-
We checked in at the front desk and received headphones, so we could listen to our self-guided tour, as we
wandered at a leisurely pace through each of the rooms.
They told me I could take pictures after I left room number 3. Thank goodness for that, as I could not imagine
leaving without any images to talk about later.
Historical memorabilia was on the walls and in glass
cases in each well-preserved room. Most of the focus
was on writers that have long since departed. There
were busts and several portraits of tormented writers. A
first edition of Bram Stocker’s Dracula, and an elaborate
staircase that brought you upstairs, to rooms with stun27 - Vacation Rental Travels | March 2015
ian Friary, just a short walk from the village center. The Friary, founded in
the 14th century, was home to the Augustinian order until they were driven out in the mid-15th century.
Today, it is regarded as a wonderful example of what a mediaeval Irish
Catholic church looked like. Its amazing architecture, with its still open
worship area, was a great place to spend some time.
6. Stained Glass
You can see these beautiful windows everywhere in Ireland. From the outside, they look old and worn and kind of on the boring side. If you take the
time to walk inside though, the images are stunning and the craftsmanship
breathtaking. When the sunlight streams through the lead and glass windows the colors seem to be shades of vibrant color that you’ve never seen
before. Many windows are set together in series of two, three, four and
sometimes even five panels. They all seem to tie together to tell a story.
We stood in front of each for a long time, admiring the intricate detail in
the artwork and feeling some reverence for the artists themselves.
Food and Fun Farm to Table Fresh Food Finds in Ireland
Article & Photos By Melanie Lynn
Ireland’s vast, green countryside is the feeding ground for cows, chickens,
turkeys, and pigs. It’s the foundation for the “farm to table” freshness found
in the country’s traditional cuisine of meat and potatoes. After a long day
of sightseeing, lean proteins, savory vegetables, and whipped mashed
potatoes satisfied our hunger without that “roll-me-outta-here” feeling
that Americans typically experience after a night out at the local chain
restaurant.
You won’t find a chain restaurant in the countryside. In fact, you’d be hardpressed to find a restaurant serving food in the evening. Dinner is served
at 4 o’clock. By 6 o’clock, the kitchen’s closed. We had to learn this fact very
quickly so as to avoid going to bed with growling stomachs.
In the bigger cities, like Limerick and Dublin, visitors can enjoy a more
liberal dining schedule with restaurants offering food into the late evening
and more variety in food choices, like Chinese, American, and Italian
cuisines. In the countryside, it’s Irish brew and beef.
One interesting fact about Ireland is that pubs are a meeting ground for the
locals to enjoy a draft of traditional Irish drink like Smithwick’s or Guinness.
Pubs are not restaurants. Restaurants serve food and pubs serve beer and
spirits. Ms. Moore, the proprietor of the local pub bearing her namesake,
taught us this hard and fast rule. “There is no food in the pubs,” she said,
trying to suppress a grin at our naiveté. Quite the aha moment. This little
tidbit lead us to W. John Hayes Pub and Restaurant in Cappamore, only a
short drive from our cottage in Doon. What an amazing find! We ate. We
drank. We fell in love with Mr. and Mrs. Hayes and their delicious meals.
Paleo diet enthusiasts will not be disappointed eating and drinking in
Ireland. For those of you who enjoy the carbs, a scone and coffee with
fresh half and half is a perfectly abundant breakfast choice. We ate plates
of scrambled eggs and carved bacon for breakfast and opted for a powder
sugar covered chocolate or berry scone with coffee for lunch. The scones
and coffee at The Good Room in Adare are some of the best that I’ve ever
had!
Henrietta Street
We sought out this small segment of Dublin’s history intrigued by a brief
description, “Dublin’s Earliest Existing Georgian Residential Street 1730,”
that was written on the visitor’s map we used to navigate the city. This
quiet cobblestoned street sits right off busy Bolton Street in north Dublin.
A rectangular metal sign simply stating “Henrietta
Street” affixed to the corner building alerted us
to our destination. If we weren’t looking for it, we
would have missed it. The sign marks the impetus
of the street. Simplicity. Comprised of only 15
buildings arranged in two
rows on each side, the street abruptly ends at the
back of Kings Inn. The institution designates, not
only the end of the street, but its construction in
1800 also marked the beginning of the decline of
the area as well. Today, formerly grand homes with
flat red-brick fronts, large windows, elaborately
constructed doors and metal gates are now
dilapidated from years of wear and tear from
transient occupants.
Henrietta Street is off the beaten path, but has a
certain draw. The buildings’ rough exteriors emit
an eerie presence when you walk up the street. It’s
as if the street operates as a portal jettisoning its
visitors back 300 hundred years to a time when
aristocrats and members of Parliament called these
now run-down buildings their homes.
Cliffs of Moher
Breathtaking. Literally. As we made the approach
uphill from the car park, I caught my breath, not
from the incline, but from the magnificence before
me. The sheer magnitude of the cliffs, standing
702 feet at the highest point and the waves of the
Atlantic Ocean crashing below, is
enough to make you temporarily lose all sense
of reality. My travel companion and I felt a bit like bobble-heads making
sweeping gestures with our heads and hands left and right mindlessly
repeating “I can’t believe this. I can’t believe this.”
It is no wonder that millions of visitors from around the world make the
Exploring Ireland’s Countryside
trek to County Clare to admire the beauty of this natural wonder of the
world. The cliffs span almost 5 miles. At the entrance of the attraction, you
can choose to walk along the dirt pathway located near the edge of
the cliffs or head straight to O’Brien’s Tower, which provides some of the
best views of the cliffs’ expansiveness. We began our journey walking
the path. We noticed that there was no barrier keeping the most curious
individuals from getting too close to the edge. Not surprisingly, a memorial
to the 4 people who have lost their lives at the site sits at the middle
section of the dirt pathway. After spending a full day walking around,
snapping pictures and becoming a bit meditative, we ended the day at
O’Brien’s Tower, making one last mental image to take home with us.
It was cold and rainy the day we made the 90 minute trip from our cottage
in Doon to visit the cliffs. We didn’t care about the weather or the drive
that day. You won’t care either. The site in front of you will be like nothing
you’ve ever seen before or will see again in your lifetime. It was definitely
worth it.
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
One imagines that a castle built around 1425 would certainly be haunted
by the ghosts of the former kings and earls that inhabited it in the 16th
and 17th centuries. One would not imagine actually seeing ghosts while
touring the structure and walking the grounds…unless of course, it’s
Halloween at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
We chose to visit the castle on Halloween
when children and adults in costume filled
the historical structure, shops and village
streets of the Folk Park.
The castle’s size is impressive with four
six-story towers and a main bulk featuring
three floors and 14 rooms, all styled with
furnishings of the 15th and 16th centuries.
To mark the holiday, white garbed spirits on
stilts glided around the great hall in the main
area of the castle. The
grounds of the Folk Park are dotted with
over 20 buildings, including thatch-roofed
farmhouses and mills, all reconstructed to
mimic the lifestyle of the Irish over a century
ago.
As we strolled along the village street, three
witches greeted us at the entrance of the
Loop Head House. I broke into a run when zombies chased me down the
road on my way to the Bunratty House and regency gardens.
Hands down, my favorite part of the day was watching costume-clad
children and their parents throw loose hay playfully at each other at the
Hay Shed.
Sharing our tour with
children dressed as
ghosts, superheroes, and
vampires was just...fun.
I couldn’t wipe the smile
off my face at seeing all
those kids immersed in
a place so rich in their
country’s history. Even
without the added
benefit of observing
the celebration of
an American holiday
in a foreign country,
Bunratty Castle and
Folk Park is a must-see
for visitors to County
Clare, Ireland. With so
many things to see and
do there, you will need
to allot an entire day
to experience and truly
appreciate it all.
King John’s
Castle
In the heart of Limerick City stands King John’s Castle, a 13th century
medieval castle located on the banks of the Shannon River. From the inner
city, we followed the walkway along the river to King’s Island, where the
castle stands as a testament to Ireland’s 800-year local history among
modern architecture and busy city lives. The new visitors’ exhibition brings
the juxtaposition of new and old inside the castle as well. Computergenerated animations and touchscreen displays presented the castle’s
story in an interactive way. We dressed up like vikings, opened discovery
drawers, and examined 3D models in the castle’s main exhibit room.
Below the present building are the stones that laid the foundation of the
original castle. Once inside the castle, we carefully navigated the narrow
circular stairways to each room and up to the castle’s tower. I had spotted
the tower on our approach to the attraction and knew that the bird’s eye
view from the top would be worth the climb. The tower offered an amazing
panoramic perspective of Limerick City, Shannon River and the vista beyond.
Reluctantly, we peeled ourselves away from it and descended the tower down
to the open courtyard. There we posed for pictures graciously snapped by a
fellow tourist with the castle as the backdrop. We ended our tour there and
ventured across Thomond Bridge in search of a latte and a scone.
Rock of Cashel
Positioned high on a hilltop in the heart of Tipperary County sits the Rock
of Cashel or Cashel of the Kings. We reserved our last day of travel for
exploration of this fortress that dates back to the12th and 13th centuries.
Although parking is available on the hilltop, we opted for leaving the car in the
town below to take in the short scenic walk up to the site. The town of Cashel
is quite charming with a main street filled with shops and cafes. On the way up
to the Rock of Cashel, more formally known as St. Patrick’s Rock, we took in
the beauty of the colorful residential homes and intricacies of modern day life
in a small Irish community.
The Rock of Cashel is renowned for possessing one of the most extraordinary
collections of Celtic art and medieval architecture in all of Europe. Its history
is fascinating. It was the site of the conversion of the King of Munster by St.
Patrick in the 5th century. In 1101, the King of Munster donated the Rock to
the Church.
Inside the structure, we perused the chapel and the open layout of the
structure getting a first-hand look at the Celtic details. Outside, the cemetery
surrounding the rock was just gorgeous. The overcast weather and spitting
rain created a solemn backdrop to the grave sites with headstones and Celtic
high crosses. We spent several hours exploring the Rock of Cashel and its
town. It was a perfect way to end the trip.
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The Mermaid Hutch
What an Adventure: The Sea, Legendary Sirens & Wonderful Sunsets
Article & Photos By: Laurie Daghigh
“N
ow, hold on,” the border guard
said, peering suspiciously into
the rental car where my two younger
daughter waved enthusiastically. “You
just flew into Canada and now you’re
driving back into the United States?”
I explained that the Vancouver airport
was only 50 miles north of Birch Bay,
Washington and Alaska Airlines had
a great fare ($228 round trip from
LAX). Still doubtful, the guard waved
us through into pastoral northeastern
Washington State.
Our merry band (me, my 9- and 11-year
old girls, my college-aged daughter and
a family friend) motored down Highway
5 under a blue sky ringed with sculpted
clouds as the woods and vineyards
began to give way to grassy fields and
stands of towering pine, aspen and
birch.
Just below the Canadian border,
Highway 5 merges with Peace Portal
Drive and becomes the main street of
Blaine, Washington, a pretty coastal
town framed by sparkling Drayton
Harbor. Cries of “I’m hungry,” arose
from the back seat, and on impulse
I pulled over in front of the Seaside
Bakery and Café.
Lunch is served
This local lunch favorite has about six
tables and a central book rack doubling
as a free lending library and video rental
stand. An intoxicating whiff of freshly
baked bread (seven varieties) immediately settled the lunch question. The
kids quickly decided on sandwiches,
while the adults debated between Rueben sandwiches on homemade bread,
chicken pot pies and the day’s soup,
Mulligatawny. (Tip: Chicken pot pie.
You’ll thank me.) .
My girls drooled over a display case
brimming with home-baked treats. The
chocolate-chip cookies looked delicious,
but it was the lightly crispy cream puffs
that sealed the deal for them. Smalltown mode began to kick in as the last of
the rhubarb pie and coffee disappeared,
and city life was officially left behind.
Seven miles down the road we reached
Birch Bay, a summer vacation town
perched at the north end of Birch
Bay State Park. A tourist destination
since the 1920s, the park was opened
in 1954 to provide beach access and
camping accommodations for the
increasing number of summer visitors
lured by the area’s beauty, weather
and outdoor activities. Today the yearround resident population of the town
is estimated at 8,500, with perhaps
40,000 more summer visitors and
seasonal residents.
A warm breeze scented with salt water
and cut grass blew through the car
window. Across the bay a ribbon of
light glimmered at the edge of the wide
sand flats, revealing low tide. Children, silhouetted, ran across cake and an Alice in Wonderland video borrowed from the
the muddy sand and shallow puddles exposed by the receding
Seaside Bakery.
water. Just two blocks from the pebbly beach we arrived at our
holiday home by the sea.
The living room’s river rock fireplace was so inviting that it
almost made me wish for an unseasonable cold snap (though
The Mermaid Hutch
during the warm afternoons I was grateful for the ceiling fan).
The Mermaid Hutch is named for its whimsical collection of
the legendary sirens in every shape
and size, from paintings to figurines to
bathtub toys. The fenced property is
ringed with a green lawn and room for
the youngsters to run around a bit. In
the morning, the sun-weathered porch
with its Adirondack-style chairs provided
a perfect spot to settle in with a freshlybrewed cup of coffee (and to admire
our growing collection of sea shells
and visiting sand crabs, which quickly
overtook the patio table).
Two comfortable sofas unfold into queen-sized beds, and the
cottage sleeps a cozy six. A large-screen television, videotape
and DVD player and a collection of movies and books provided
additional evening entertainment options. On the days we
stayed home the cool and private bedroom, with its white
Cape Cod-style queen-sized bed, invited afternoon napping.
Meanwhile, down by the water there were tiny crabs to catch
and beached rowboats to investigate; the siestas would have to
wait.
Our cottage’s sunny kitchen was
conveniently arranged and equipped with all the tools and
gadgets a cook might need (down to the spice cabinet).
Dinnertime usually found three chefs in the kitchen (one
cooking, two kibitzing at the kitchen table, and three glasses of
wine).
The afternoon of our arrival we all trooped down to the
beach to scout out our dinner. The tidal flats of northwestern
Washington are known for their abundant clams and oysters,
luxury dining for the price of a shell fishing license (sold seven
days a week at the Birch Bay Market). Eagerly anticipating
my first-ever clam bake, I was crushed to discover warning
signs: a toxic tide had closed down shell fishing along the
entire northern coast. (I did end up finding my share of those
elusive bivalves later, in a bowl of the nearby Bay Café’s creamy
chowder, rich with chunks of potato and big juicy bites of clam).
We celebrated my youngest daughter’s tenth birthday with a
big pot of cioppino, a dense and decadent flourless chocolate
Afterward we wandered through the neighborhood, a quirky
collection of holiday homes with colorful mailboxes and larger,
Please click for rates and availability of the
house of dreams that is Casa de los Suenos
year-round residences spread over
several blocks. A lively group of
sightseers pedaled a six-passenger
surrey past, heading toward the few
small restaurants, visitor’s center, and
little markets and hotels along the
beach-front road which comprise the
small town’s “downtown.”
Family fun abounds
Birch Bay and the surrounding area
provide no end of opportunities for
family fun. My girls were delighted
by the small but mighty Birch Bay
Water Slides, open from Memorial
Day weekend until September first.
After experiencing all nine slides with
heated water, a pool and a hot tub,
they collapsed in the shade, tired and
happy. Down the road The Miniature
World Family Fun Center boasts a
Go-Kart Track and a miniature train
ride through ten acres of forest, as
well as an 18-hole mini golf course.
Those more serious about their swing
will appreciate the Arnold Palmerdesigned championship course at
the Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club
located in nearby Blaine.
June and July bring almost perfect
weather, with a daytime average of 72
F and an evening cool of 55F. Summer
officially begins with a celebration
of beach architects and builders,
at the annual Sandcastle and Sand
Sculpture Contest. Though the ocean
water is chilly, when the tide comes
in the shallow bay water is heated
to almost bathtub warm by the sunbaked sand, perfect for swimming,
splashing and paddling. (Fans of
cold water, however, may return on
New Year’s Day to enjoy Birch Bay’s
Polar Plunge, a harrowing ritual
with a devoted and international
fan club.) Other popular aquatic
activities include water skiing, wake
boarding, canoeing and kayaking
(kayaks can be rented at Paddle and
Pedal Adventures, with locations in
Birch Bay and a bit further north at
Semiahmoo Bay).
The whole area abounds with
outdoor activities. There are
bicycles to rent in town and miles of
winding country roads to explore.
All of these fresh air activities can
be combined with day or overnight
camping along the bay in Birch Bay
State Park (within walking distance
of the Mermaid Hutch). The area is
considered one of the finest for bird
watching, and we were thrilled to get
a picture of one of the 21 bald eagles
that make Birch Bay their home.
It is a birder’s paradise; in early
spring Blaine hosts the Wings over
Water Northwest Birding Festival, a
multiday event featuring birding field
trips and nature cruises, wine tasting,
wildlife presentations, photography
workshops and free activities for the
whole family. And did I mention wine
tasting?
Our wonderful week at the Mermaid
Hutch really turned life down a notch
and softened the edges. We left with
great pictures and fond memories,
and of course, those clams are still waiting.
Summer will come again. It’s a pretty sure bet that
we will, too.
The C Shop
Seaside Café, 477 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine, WA
98230 (360) 332-9866 Open 7am-3pm daily
Bay Center Market, 8050 Harborview Road, Birch
Bay, WA 98230 (360) 371-7233.
Within walking distance of The Mermaid Hutch is the
celebrated C-Shop and Café, long-time local purveyors
of homemade chocolates, caramel corn, cotton candy,
caramel apples and a lip-smacking list of other sweets
and treats which you can watch them create in their
antique copper kettles.
Bay Cafe Espresso & Deli, 7608 Birch Bay Drive,
Birch Bay, WA 98230 (360) 371-5409
Birch Bay Water Slides 4874 Birch Bay-Lynden
Rd, Blaine, WA 98230 (360) 371-7500
The café serves up freshly baked cinnamon or sticky
buns each morning and homemade pizza at lunch. Plan
your day around this one—hours are limited (weekends
only in spring, and from 11 am to 1 pm during the week
through summer until Labor Day).
Wings Over Water Birding Festival,
March 13, 14, 15 2015 Website:
WingsOverWaterBirdingFestival.com
C-Shop and Café, 4825 Alderson Road, Birch Bay, WA
360-371-2070 website: TheCShop.com
Please click for rates and availability of
Mermaid Hutch in Birch Bay
Wine
&
Cheese
Washington’s Whatcom County Delivers
By Laurie Daghigh
T
hough most Washington wines are
produced in the south central part of the
state, the beautiful rural area just east of Birch
Bay and north of Bellingham has a wine trail of
its own. Whatcom County wineries produce
fruit wines, hard ciders, wines from local grapes
and Bordeaux-style wines from grapes grown
in the eastern part of the state. One that we
enjoyed was Dakota Creek, a small-batch
winery run by owners Ken and Jill Peck, in
business since 2005 and known for its fine dry
table wines. Picnic beneath a willow tree on
their verdant grounds, or ask for a tour of their
unique cellaring cave. They currently produce
twelve reds (including house blends Doggone
Good Red, Firefighter Red, and Jill’s Blend),
six whites, a rose and a Viognier dessert wine.
Thirty-eight wineries are listed for the area, but
to keep the list to just one day or one weekend
check out the six listed on WineTrailsNW.com,
or sign up for one of the locally run wine tours
and let someone else do the driving.
Dakota Creek Winery, 357 Haynie Road, Blaine,
WA Open 1-5 pm, Thursday through Sunday.
Call ahead: 360.820.4752 Website: DakotaCreekWinery.com
On your way back to Birch Bay stop in nearby
Ferndale and visit the Pleasant Valley Dairy,
third-generation makers of artisan cheese from
the milk of their own naturally raised, grass-fed
herd. Joyce Snook, Senior Cheesemaker and
daughter of the farm’s founder creates delicious red-wax-wrapped gouda cheese using
simple traditional methods. Eight flavored
cheeses include jalapeno, a tangy farmsteadstyle, mutshli (with a nutty flavor reminiscent
of Swiss) and her signature (and addictive) Norwegian noekkelost cheese, flavored with cumin,
caraway and cloves and traditionally served at
Christmas. Tasting is encouraged.
Pleasant Valley Dairy, 6804 Kickerville Road,
Ferndale WA 360-366-5398.
For the Love of Travel
Too Much Travel?
By Beth Carson
I did it.
I OD’d on travel. Something I
formerly thought an absolute
impossibility.
My intent was wrong. I went
through a personal crisis, and used
travel, anywhere, anytime, with
anybody, to help me forget. It wasn’t
escapism to something, it was
escapism from something.
And, I’ve learned my lesson.
Some of the trips were necessary.
I speak at conferences on vacation
rentals, and am honored to do so. I
love the look on people’s faces when
they learn just how big a service
industry vacation rentals are.
But, that’s a grind. And, hands down,
my hardest moments of the last
5 months came in hotels, where
I choose to stay when I have a
conference. Those 4 walls seem to
close in on me. One or two photos,
a TV, and a smaller box with the
bathroom.
Box Away from Home
Just doesn’t have the same ring as
“Home Away from Home,” does it?
I’ve had too much of a good thing,
like existing 5 months on pints of
Ben and Jerry because of a recent
heartbreak.
One thing I noticed. The times I
stayed in vacation rentals, I had
room to breathe. I didn’t feel
cramped, confined to one sad room.
But, these last 4 months changed
me. I am looking very critically at my
calendar for the next year. Yes. I’ve
been amazing places. Met wonderful
people. But, the expense has been
losing me in all of it.
This year, I will travel with purpose.
Yes, speaking at conferences on
vacation rentals will be a part of it, a
part I feel very privileged to do. But,
I will no longer travel for the sense
of escape from pain. I went through
a rough period. I’m healing. The
travel allowed me to take a break
from the work of grieving, but I need
to face that head on now.
Instead, I will create a bucket list,
and travel to places for pleasure.
The Low Country of South Carolina
and islands off Georgia are high on
my list. So are some of the islands
off of Florida. There is a writer’s
conference I want to go to, but have
been avoiding because it’s not my
specific genre. However, I feel the
seed of a novel in me, and will attend
the conference, if for nothing else,
than to be around others who love
the written word and for inspiration.
And, staying in vacation rentals
whenever possible, avoiding
situations where I need to be faced
with the same four walls, my own
version of solitary confinement.
Here’s to more fun escapism
ASK THE EXPERT
V
acation Rental Travels writer Theresa St. John had a unique
opportunity to interview Tom Keogh, the owner of Cooga Cottage,
this issue’s feature story. As you will see, the interview was great and
we want you to get a glimpse of Tom’s insights as well. Please see the
feature article on Cooga Cottage for photos of the cottage.
Please welcome our guest Expert Tom Keogh as interviewed by
Theresa St. John.
Melanie Lynn and I went to visit Tom
one night while we were in Ireland.
He welcomed us right into his home,
two doors down from Cooga Cottage
and offered us a Bailey’s Irish Cream.
We filled him in on places we had
been and things we had seen so far
that week. We laughed a good deal;
he shared other places we might
want to go visit and then the interview started.
VRT: When did Cooga Cottage
become a vacation rental property
and why did you choose that name?
It’s a really catchy one.
Tom: Cooga Cottage actually became
a vacation rental in 1999. Because of
its location, the address being Cooga
Upper, Doon, it made perfect sense
to name it Cooga Cottage. It makes
it easy for people to find when they
are coming to stay on their vacation.
Everyone in Doon knows exactly
where the cottage is.
VRT: What do you like about having a
vacation property?
Tom: Letting (renting) the cottage
long- term wasn’t something I
ever wanted to do. I decided to try
short term/holiday lets and I am so
glad I did! I enjoy meeting people
from different cultures and other
backgrounds. I have had people come
stay at Cooga Cottage from all over
the world. Interestingly enough,
many guests have traced their
ancestry back to Doon. Almost all
have an emotional story to tell. That
is sometimes a very interesting and
enjoyable experience for me. I’ve a lot
of people going through my life that I
wouldn’t have otherwise.
VRT: Are there any drawbacks to
having a vacation rental that you can
share with the readers?
Tom: Actually, 99% of guests are
fine and take excellent care of the
cottage. However, not all do –
thankfully they are in the minority.
VRT: So, in these past 16 years,
can you tell me what your favorite
memory is in sharing Cooga
Cottage?
Tom: I love when a family comes to
stay here while they are searching
for places in Ireland their ancestors
might have come from. I love when
renters from the United States
arrive and tell me that they feel at
home right away. One family stayed
at Cooga Cottage and signed the
guest book with this:
“Staying at Cooga Cottage is like
going back home and spending time
with an old friend. The only reason
you leave is because you have to.”
That meant a good deal to me, when
I read those words.
VRT: How did you hear about
Vacation Rental Travels Magazine?
What made you decide to let us
come here for eight days to write
about the countryside and Cooga
Cottage?
Tom: I heard about VRT Magazine
from LinkedIn, a social website. I
thought it would be nice to have our
old family home featured on such a
popular and widely read magazine.
When I actually read the issues
of this publication, I was drawn to
your style of writing, the pictures
you included with the article on
99 Catherine in Saratoga, NY. It
was such a descriptive piece! I was
hoping I could have the same sort of
article written about my cottage.
VRT: Why do you think a vacation
rental is better/more attractive than
a hotel when traveling?
Tom: You have more privacy for one
and this is a good selling point for
travelers. Instead of one room or
BETH CARSON
Author, Speaker & VR Expert
VR Fusion
even a suite in a hotel, you get an entire
house when you stay at a vacation
rental. I believe it feels more like home
than a hotel could ever manage to
provide.
VRT: You told us Cooga Cottage was a
happy home. Why?
Tom: Oh, goodness. There was lots
of music and laughter, and you could
always hear the concertina. There was
dancing. Oh, we were a happy family! It
helped make it a very happy home.
VRT: Last question, Tom. Do you think
that it has helped you in renting the
cottage, being registered with the Irish
Tourist Board?
Tom: Yes, I would say that it has helped.
Cooga Cottage has a great reputation
with the tourist board and has got a lot
of attention. But, mostly it is the people
who come here. Visitors enjoy their
time and then go home and talk about
it with friends and family. Many people
might want a peaceful place, central
to lots of activities when they come to
tour through Ireland. I appreciate the
word of mouth, the grand reviews that
Cooga Cottage receives. It makes me
feel good, to think that my authentic
Irish cottage has brought so many
travelers such joy.
Have a travel question?
Just email Beth directly at
beth@VacationRentalTravels.com
and who knows, your question
could appear in the next issue!
My Traveling Circus
by Camille Miller
Extraordinary
Looking across the roof of the houseboat
in the darkness, all I could see was a mass
of sleeping bags and pillows. Just a minute
before I had heard giggling, and had come
up top to see what was keeping the children
awake. Watching them in silence for a minute,
I suddenly saw a small pale arm point upward,
and someone whispered, “Did you see that?
Another one!” There was a murmur of
agreement from a dozen more small voices.
The one next to me
whispered excitedly,
“A shooting star!”
moment, or even interrupt it. I carefully crept
downstairs again, cherishing the opportunity
I’d had to witness a childhood memory in the
making.
weird the experience is, the more powerfully
and more fondly remembered it will be.
This must be why we go to such great lengths
to take our families on vacation. It’s not
usually less work, but more, to plan and pack
and take a family to an strange place. It can
be challenging to keep to routines, to serve
foods the kids will actually eat, and to go
without the support systems that generally
keep family life humming at home. Yet, we do
it. We take our families away from everything
familiar, and expect to have a marvelous time.
And it is precisely the
unfamiliar element
that makes all that
effort so worthwhile.
Tonight, as I sit at my desk reliving memories
like this one I wonder what new memories we
will create this year. When I look back on my
own childhood, I realize that I don’t actually
remember much of it. If you ask what I do
remember, I’ll nearly always tell you of an
experience I had while on vacation with my
family.
It was irresistible,
and I stood still for a
minute just to watch
the sky myself. You
could hardly call this
darkness, though
the sun had set at
least two hours ago.
The sky was alive
with stars, so close
and so clear I could
even see their colors.
The Milky Way was
so condensed with
light, I could see why
it is called “milky.”
It didn’t take long
before a meteoric
streak of light
appeared before my
eyes and I let out
a small gasp at the
same time as the
children at my feet.
It was a moment unlike anything we could
ever experience at home in the suburbs. My
three children and a dozen cousins, snuggled
into sleeping bags in their swimming suits
(it was useless to get them to wear clothes
while on the lake) under the star-lit sky. The
responsible mother in me wanted to tell
them to close their eyes and go to sleep, but I
couldn’t bear to end the enchantment of the
An ordinary day for
my children does
not include billions
of stars, or late
bedtimes, or sleeping
in swimming suits.
But I know that this
experience is one that
stuck. So as I plan
future trips, I want
to include enough
“different” to make
it memorable. It’s
ironic, isn’t it? And it
is exactly what makes
traveling with kids so
special. Family travel
provides a unique
opportunity to bend
the rules, challenge
the routine, and step
outside of yourself, if
just for a little while.
I suppose the reason for this is that vacations
are an intentional step away from the ordinary.
All the everyday things we do are mostly
forgettable, simply because we do them every
day. But family vacations hold a significant
place in memory because they are different.
Any activity that is unfamiliar or new, has great
significance and is much more memorable. In
fact, the more different, unfamiliar, and even
I’m looking forward to this year’s travels. I’m
intentionally planning as many “unfamiliar”
experiences as I think we can handle. It doesn’t
even have to be that far from home, it just has
to be extraordinary. And while I’m busy making
memories for the kids, I’m gathering a few for
myself.
Wellness Travel Experiences
by Dede Sindelar
Overcoming Stress When Flying
W
hen you think of vacations,
do you consider ways to stay
healthy and alleviate stress as you
travel? Well, you can combat those
moments when insanity creeps into
your vacation plans and stress begins
to fray your nerves.
ARE YOU… generally healthy and motivated
to travel to recharge your batteries, take a
break from work, improve your health, reduce
stress, or to be more productive when you
return home? Do you want to take personal
responsibility for your health? Do you want fun,
adventure and to experience something new?
So let’s dive right into ways to unwind
and maintain a healthy lifestyle when
heading up into that big blue sky.
If so, then you’re like the majority of wellness
travelers that go on vacation for authentic
experiences and meaningful transformations.
You like to engage in wellness activities as part
of a trip.
Now, I know I’m not the only one
to over-pack, so I roll my clothes
saving both space and ironing time. If
however, unsightly wrinkles do work
their way into my clothes, I simply
hang them next to the shower and let
the steam do most of the work.
Or what happens when you buy too many
things while you are away and need to
bring them home?
This happened when I attended my
last conference. One of my friends was
stressed because she bought too many
things and couldn’t close her suitcase. So,
we tried some tricks like rolling the clothes
and stuffing things in shoes, and “poof”
everything fit like a glove.
Also, before leaving for the airport, write
out your itinerary on one index card with
flight numbers, times, connections and
seats. Keep this at your fingertips so you
aren’t fumbling around for pieces of paper
while juggling your carry on while flying
from airport to airport.
When you think about airports, healthy
food probably isn’t the first thing that
comes to mind. Consider packing dried
fruit, almonds, mixed nuts or sugar snap
peas as healthy alternatives until you find
nutritious dining options.
Today a number of airports are helping
travelers unwind and stay healthy during
their journey. Imagine escaping from the
stress of traveling with XpresSpa massages,
WELLNESS TRAVEL IS…more important
now than ever because of the added stress
that we encounter in our workplace, home,
relationships and finances. Wellness intersects
with everything from lodging… to food and
beverage… to shopping… activities…and
excursions.
WHAT ARE WELLNESS TRAVEL ACTIVITIES?
pedicures and manicures that are located
in many terminals across the country.
The Dallas airport promotes a “Healthy +
Happy” health and wellness campaign that
includes nutritious dining, retail therapy,
and amenities that enhance one’s wellbeing. Each restaurant in the airport offers
guests at least one low-fat healthy meal.
If you haven’t walked enough between
gates, try out the one-mile LiveWell
Walking Path. The Yoga Studio in Dallas
helps stretch and strengthen your muscles
after being cramped in your airplane seat.
If you arrive at the airport earlier than your
departing flight or get stuck at a terminal
because of bad weather or mechanical
problems, don’t stress. Instead, you can
look at it as a way to slow down, relax and
enjoy the pampering.
I can only imagine that other major airports
will soon offer healthy experiences for
travelers…it’s just a matter of time. So keep
an eye out for healthy dining, massages,
daybeds, showers and office workstations
to help you alleviate stress and arrive at
your destination refreshed.
Spa and Beauty
Mind-Body
Spiritual & Connection
Personal Growth
Eco & Adventure
Fitness
Healthy Eating
These seven base activities ensure physical
health, empower intellectual health, encourage
the emotional health, extend the community
health, enhance the environmental health,
and evolve the spiritual health of travelers.
According to “Institute for Healthy Destination
Accreditation”, this is the PIECES MODEL that
meeting professionals, business travelers and
general consumers regard as valuable pieces
when seeking wellness destinations.
As Founder of Sindelar Wellness Travel and
a wellness traveler myself, I have an interest
in personal well-being and participating in
wellness activities. It’s not a luxury anymore, but
a necessity to reduce stress and enhance the
quality of life.
When you are in the air and the fasten
seat-belt light is not illuminated, this is a
great time to get up and stretch your legs.
Walk back to the bathroom even if you
don’t have to use it. The movement will get
your blood flowing and reduce the chance
for vascular problems from sitting too long
in one place.
Most of all it’s a journey, a chance to
experience new things and see things from
a different perspective. Network with
other people and find out about where
they’ve been or where they are going. The
time will fly.

Vacation Rental Travels

Transcription

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