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TAKE ME BACK {TO CHICAGO}

Monday, September 23rd, 2013

I seriously fell in love with Chicago. A direct, mid-morning flight from Seattle got us to the Windy City in time for cocktail hour. We explored the city by foot, taxi, train, and boat! We took the Blue Line into the city from the airport. For $5 it was a total bargain and kicked off a weekend of adventure. It was great to walk Chicago because it was totally flat! I felt like we could walk for miles and miles-which we probably did! I highly recommend the Architecture Boat Tour on the Chicago River. The 90-minute tour provided excellent history and stories regarding the buildings, the architects, and the city itself! My favorite building was the Chicago Tribune building [sadly, I don’t have a picture!]. The food was outstanding. We ate late [since we were on rock star- I mean Pacific time]. Dining with a party of 8 can be a challenge, but we had excellent service and outstanding food! One evening at a tapas bar we ordered the entire left side of the menu. We were having so much fun, decisions were easy. It was a luxury to travel with dear friends, dress up, dine out, stay up late, and have little [well, actually no] responsibilities.

We ate well, slept little and laughed heartily. The deep dish pizza, 4am closing, and social media may have got the best of me-but the trip was fantastic. I wasn’t fully recovered until Wednesday. Thank you, thank you, thank you Chicago! I will be back.

Stay::

Fairmont @ Millennium Park Centrally located just a few blocks from the Chicago River and Michigan Avenue. It was an easy walk to Millennium Park [home of The Bean] and The Art Institute of Chicago.

Eat::

Quartino Delicious Italian. So good.

Xoco Mexican done right by Rick Bayless [none of us knew how to pronounce it….we were told it was “cho-co”]. Casual dining. My favorite was the Guacamole Bar [add mix-ins] and fresh to order churros!

Giordano’s Home to the famous stuffed pizza. Death by cheese, but oh so right! Can’t go wrong. [They also offered gluten-free thin crust.]

The Gage Great place to grab a drink and something to eat before the game. I loved the interior. Felt like old school, Chicago [what ever that is!].

Play::

Divvy Bikes All over the city we saw racks and racks of awesome blue bikes. It was a bike share program. Too cool!

The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise Awesome. You have to do it!

The Magnificent Mile Every shop you could want! Get your credit cards ready.

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Tags: Chicago, travel
Posted in Travel | 11 Comments »

LET’S BE HONEST

Thursday, September 12th, 2013

We are off! My husband and I are headed for a long weekend in Chicago. And the party starts as soon as we back out of the drive way. If you travel with kids, you know exactly what I am talking about! Without them, everything is 100% easier. [I have almost missed flights when traveling alone. I am too darn relaxed.] My carry on has earphones, a new book, a couple of magazines and my camera. THAT’S it! I don’t need to worry about snacks or on-board entertainment. I won’t need to light a fire under anyone’s ass. We simply drive to the airport, breeze through security, sit back, relax and arrive just in time for cocktail hour in Illinois. The plan is to eat, drink, and take in the city from ground and water. We can’t wait!

Have a wonderful weekend. See you back here Monday! xoxo-denise

{This someecard created by moi! I couldn’t help myself.}

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Tags: travel
Posted in Travel | 1 Comment »

DESTINATION: CHICAGO

Wednesday, August 21st, 2013

In just a few weeks, my husband and I {sans children} are headed to Chicago for a long weekend. We are traveling to watch our beloved Huskies play at Soldier Field. It has been 15 years since I was last in Chicago. I remember loving the city, so I am more than excited to be going again. There will plenty of time to eat, shop and drink! Where should we go? If you know Chicago, I would love and need your suggestions. Where should we eat dinner, grab brunch, shop for a great pair of shoes, and stumble in for last call?

{Image via}

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HELLS CANYON RAFTING

Monday, August 19th, 2013

Our family was lucky enough to spend three days rafting the Snake River through Hells Canyon. It is North America’s deepest river gorge at 7,993 feet. Yes, that is deeper than the Grand Canyon. It’s beauty is undeniable. I found myself looking up with my mouth dropped open for much of our time on the river.

The 3 day trip through class 4 rapids and over 30 miles of river was a guided by experts from Mountain River Outfitters. MRO gets 5 stars in every category. Simply top notch. We were joined by two other families-for a total of 6 adults and 6 kids ranging in age from 6 to 10. [An extremely kind German couple booked the trip at the last minute and were a great addition to our group. Lucky them, right?] Just prior to our trip I was nervous about taking my young boys, especially my 46 pound little man. Once we were through our first set of rapids, I knew I had worried for nothing and purely enjoyed the rest of our time on the river.

We arrived in Riggins, ID [population 424] the day before our trip. After a sleepless night {for me} and an early wake up, we left the hotel at 6am. We had a four-hour drive [in a large passenger van] to the launch point just below Hells Canyon Dam. The weather was amazing-hot and sunny! Armed with sunscreen, a camera, our dry bags and courage…we pushed off.

We witnessed a ton of white water, paddling and adrenalin! Right away. (more…)

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AN AFTERNOON IN NAPA

Monday, July 15th, 2013

We spent less than 24 hours in Napa Valley this weekend. We didn’t arrive until 1pm on Saturday, but it was worth it! The summer brings large crowds on the weekend, yet the beauty of the valley somehow makes up for the “big business” of wine tasting. We started north in Calistoga and worked our way south toward Napa. Using Silverado Trail for much of the afternoon, we avoided the traffic and we were able to visit three wineries plus have lunch before 5pm. Then a quick rest and dinner in downtown Napa. Pictures tell the best story.

First stop, Chateau Montelena . Amazing grounds, historic chateau, and the winery that put California on the map of the wine making world in 1976. [If you haven’t seen Bottle Shock, rent or stream it tonight. It tells the story perfectly!]

Lunch in St. Helena. La Condesa. A girl can not survive on wine alone. Chips, guacamole, and tacos paired with the most refreshing margarita! It had me at cactus lemongrass-infused salt rim.

A quick jump over to the Silverado Trail and Rombauer after lunch. Red wine a hot day is tough, but the views from the deck cannot be beat. Rombauer is a great spot for a picnic! Tables are scattered throughout their gorgeous trails and grounds.

Mumm Napa was our last stop. We were able to grab a table on their patio [umbrellas and misters help with the heat] and we each enjoyed a glass of sparkling wine. We couldn’t have asked for a more relaxing way to end our afternoon of tasting. I highly recommend the Santana Supernatural Rose. Delicious!

After a thirty minute power nap at the hotel, we were off to The Thomas in downtown Napa. I will not belabor the point, but this place is top rate. Food, service, ambiance. The entire package. The dining room is cozy with an open kitchen. It is keenly decorated, with one entire wall displaying antique white table cloths and windows into their wine collection. In the heart of downtown on Main Street, The Thomas also has a roof top bar and deck which looks over the Napa River. I tell you-it is a must visit! While everything we ate and drank was outstanding, the warm cinnamon, sugar doughnuts with black pepper strawberry sauce put the meal over the top!

Our afternoon is Napa was the end to a great weekend in California. We had time together [just the two of us] and we were able to see our dear friends get married! A huge thank you to my mom and dad for holding down the fort and keep our boys fed and watered.

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Tags: California, Napa
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Salt Spring Island: more favorites and travel tips.

Tuesday, June 4th, 2013

I am so happy to be able to share the rest of our favorites from our trip to Salt Spring Island and our travel tips. [Read my first post here.]

1. The food!
We ate WAY too much on this trip and enjoyed every minute it. As you may know, my husband has Celiac Disease and eats gluten free. And this island was a gluten free haven. Every restaurant we ate at offered gluten free options, including gluten free breads, beer, pizza crusts, and buns. Most importantly, the food was amazingly fresh. Farms are abundant on the island and the cuisine is truly farm to table.

Our favorites:
The Treehouse Cafe– Delicious breakfast. They even had gluten free french toast on the menu. I am sure lunch or dinner would be just as great! The cafe is built around a tree and is open air. Heaters at your feet and blankets keep you warm if there is a chill. My kids loved this place. [more on why in a bit.]

Burger Bar 537– Seriously one of the BEST burger I have ever had. Gluten free buns and beer for my man!

The Harbour House – The freshest meals are prepared using much of the bounty from the 15-acre farm that sits behind the hotel/restaurant.

2. The Elves
A small door at the front of The Treehouse Cafe made this trip for the boys. Elves live on the island. There were pictures, in the treasure box, of small doors at the base of trees all over the island. Little Man spent a great deal of time searching for a door on our hikes! If you leave a note-they will send a reply. My kids were eager to write the elves questions and anxiously await their response.

3. Tsawaout First Nation Reserve
A hidden gem!! A waitress gave us the lead on this amazing place. At the very end of Bridgman Road [on the way to Ruckle park], you find a simple marker and a narrow trail. It was the most beautiful place we visited. We did not see a single person on our hike and had the entire beach to ourselves! Simply breathtaking.

You may not go this summer or this year, but I highly suggest you put Salt Spring Island on your “must visit” list. I was not disappointed.

Travel Tips if traveling to Salt Spring Island:

Getting there: BC Ferries
Crossing times vary depending on which ferry you catch. The crossing is beautiful, with amazing scenery and lovely views.

Stay: We stayed at Harbour House Hotel. It was not fancy, but it was very clean and the staff was incredibly friendly. You can visit the farm and the restaurant was amazing. Located in Ganges-the heart of the island.

Other lodging choices:
Hasting House Hotel
a Bed and Breakfast [so many to choose from]
Vacation rentals

Eat:
Salt Spring Island restaurants via TripAdvisor

Other resources:
Things to do in Salt Spring Island via TripAdvisor
Salt Spring Chamber of Commerce
Salt Spring Market

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Salt Spring Island

Monday, June 3rd, 2013

My family packed it up and headed north to Canada over Memorial Day weekend. Our destination was Salt Spring Island, part of Canada’s Southern Gulf Islands. The island has been featured in Sunset Magazine [ here , here and here]. It has been on my “must visit” list for quite some time. We actually planned our trip last minute and I am so happy we did. It was the perfect place for our little family. Our trip was remarkable.

[a sunny ferry ride]

Here are our highlights and must-sees for Salt Spring Island:

1. Salt Spring Island’s Saturday Market
Each Saturday, from Easter weekend (or first Saturday in April) through the last Saturday
in October. From about 8:30am – 4pm, rain or shine. More than 140 artisans and food producers gather in Centennial Park in the heart of Ganges.

[Big W was drawn to the booth with rocks from all over the world.]

2. Ruckle Provincial Park

An amazing park with easy trails, beaches and breathtaking views! [We actually didn’t spend enough time here.]

3. Taking in the views and the amazing open space.

[Ganges Harbor, Little Man at Ruckle Park, the boys watching sea planes take off one after another]

4. Mount Maxwell

The road is narrow and bumpy, but this was chosen as the favorite outdoor activity by all three Thomas boys. It was pretty spectacular and well worth the drive. The morning we visited was especially misty. It blocked the spectacular view, but made the forest seem magical!

5. Farmstands

There are on-your-honor farm stands all over the island. Usually at the end of a long drive way, we saw stands offering baked goods, eggs, flowers, preserves, and coffee. Our favorite was the farm stand at the 15-acre farm run by the Harbour House Hotel.