A Few of Our Favorite Places

By

Sharon McKarns and Kendra Thornton

With all the great options available for travel these days it can be difficult to choose where to go and what to do when you get there. Some of the best places I have visited were recommendations from friends, fellow bloggers, and travel experts who have been through the trenches looking for that perfect trip or outing. Travel expert Kendra Thornton and I thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite places with you.

Family Fun on the Strip by Kendra Thornton

Las Vegas is both a great place to live and a spectacular destination for a family vacation. There is literally so much to do here that you might find yourself feeling a little torn about what to experience next. Don't waste a single minute of your trip trying to decide.

Learn to Golf Like Tiger Woods

When my husband and his buddies tried this, they had a great time! Tiger’s swing coach, Butch Harmon himself, teaches the Butch Harmon School of Golf in the Rio Secco Golf Club. While his expert staff heads most classes, Mr. Harmon teaches in person once per year in three-day stretches. This activity can be purchased along with a stay at Caesar's Palace, and transportation is included. It's an ideal surprise for the man in your life, and it gives you an excuse to hit the spa!

Unique and Interesting Museums

Despite the plethora of casinos and bars, Las Vegas isn't lacking in the finer things. With a variety of unique and interesting museums to visit, you'll find it easy to get your culture fix. My kids really enjoyed the Discovery Children's Museum. I particularly enjoyed the Neon Museum downtown, which is an outdoor attraction designed like an artistic junkyard. It features walkways, ramps and stairways that do a great job of highlighting the city's neon tradition. Another great place to visit is the National Atomic Testing Museum, only 65 miles from the Nevada nuclear test site.

Rock Star Mini Golf

My children are huge fans of miniature golf, and I love taking them to new and interesting courses. Although Myrtle Beach features pirates and dinosaurs, Las Vegas is home to Monster Mini Golf's KISS course, a tribute to one of America's greatest rock bands. Here, you'll find 18 holes of KISS-themed glow-in-the-dark indoor mini golf. The course consists of monstrous electric guitars, an animated imitation of the group and a 12-foot Gene Simmons head to putt the ball into.

Family Vs. Food

Las Vegas affords ample opportunity to engage in your own version of Man vs. Food, so be sure to come very, very hungry. In the BRAND Steakhouse at the Monte Carlo, you can choose to take on a whopping 7.5 pounds of steak, which comes with two special sauces and a side dish. At a staggering $250, you have every incentive to finish it all, because it's free if you do. The Monte Carlo also offers another challenge: an 8-pound burger. It's so much fun to watch people test their mastication mettle with these delicious challenges!

Las Vegas is truly a unique place with one of a kind attractions and restaurants. Even the hotels are unique and new ones are being built seemingly everyday. With so many options of places to stay, sites like Gogobot make it easy to read user reviews so you can find the perfect hotel for you and your family.

Beauty and Adventure in the Red Rocks

by Sharon McKarns

As one of my favorite places to visit, Sedona, Arizona has something to offer everyone.  There is plenty to do to keep you amazed, entertained and challenged during your visit to this unique, world class destination. You can bask in the glory of a beautiful sunset as it reflects off the majestic red rocks of Sedona, or you can enjoy one of these great activities:

The Verde Valley Wine Trail

Sedona is a great starting point to indulge your passion for wine in Northern Arizona. You can visit one of several exceptional wineries in the region including Alcantara Vineyards, Page Springs Cellars, Oak Creek Vineyards, and Javelina Leap Vineyard and Winery.  All four stops offer a unique variety of wines to satisfy any taste.  Consider taking a tour with your girlfriends, or quench your palate with that special someone in your life.  The Verde Valley Wine Trail makes for a great day or weekend!

The Verde Canyon Railroad

Verde Canyon Railroad

Travel back in time as you and your family enjoy the beauty of the Verde Canyon on what some call Arizona’s longest running nature show.  Young and old alike will enjoy this twenty mile train ride as it winds through the most pristine part of Verde Canyon.  Sip champagne, grab a snack, relax in your vintage locomotive, or spend time on the open air car listening to a narrator share the remarkable history, geology and wildlife of the canyon.  Keep your eyes peeled.  You might spot a bald eagle, a great blue heron or some fascinating rock formations on the Verde Canyon Railroad.

Slide Rock State Park
Beat the heat as you experience the exhilaration of cool mountain water thrusting you down the natural rock water slide at Slide Rock State Park, in Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona.  Just a short drive from Sedona, Slide Rock is a thrilling way to spend the day with family and friends.  Pack a picnic and enjoy the picturesque surroundings of northern Arizona.  Don’t forget to take your bathing suit and a pair of water shoes. You’ll be glad you did.  If you go, plan to arrive early as the park often fills to capacity.
Sedona is a scenic, extraordinary destination with noteworthy resorts, restaurants and activities.  Visitors from all over the world savour the beauty of the red rocks and all that northern Arizona has to offer.

Now that we have shared a few of our favorite places, feel free to comment and share some of your favorite places.  We would love to hear from you.

Contributing writer, Kendra Thornton, appears as a travel expert on television stations across the country to offer travel tips and deals to millions of people every year. She makes regular appearances on ABC, NBC and CW stations in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. She has also made special guest appearances on The Nate Show, Fine Living Network and The Tyra Banks Show. Her firm, Thornton Public Relations LLC, is an independent, boutique public relations firm providing personal service and proven results. The agency’s distinguished work ethic and deep industry knowledge have earned it credibility with the media and respect from industry leaders.  Contact Kendra Thornton at:mail@thorntonpr.com

Sharon McKarns is a travel writer eager to explore the world and share her travel experiences. Her goal is to pack her blog with interesting stories, beautiful pictures and useful travel information. Guest bloggers/contributing writers are encouraged to contact Sharon at travelpacked@gmail.com.  She is also on twitter: @travelpacked1.

 

Butch Harmon School of Golf

2013 Fiesta Bowl Parade

Fiesta Bowl Parade

Onlookers lined the streets of Phoenix, AZ today to watch the 2013 Fort McDowell Fiesta Bowl Parade.

Fiesta Bowl Float

Locals and visitors alike, including fans from Central Florida and Baylor, and Kansas State and Michigan cheered as floats and marching bands representing their teams passed by.






Tostitos Balloon Floats

                                                                   


It was a beautiful day for a parade! 

Papago Park-Part 1: Hole-In-The-Rock

Hole-In-The-Rock

What do unique sandstone formations that mark the passage of time, a prisoner of war camp, lagoons, desert flora, and a vast array of animals have in common?  They are all part of the diverse history and present day activities associated with Papago Park, located in Phoenix, Arizona.  Today’s post marks the first in a series of interesting lore and points of interest about this unique urban retreat.

With the winter solstice just around the corner, I thought it would be a great time to feature an ancient time piece known as Hole-In-The-Rock, located within Papago Park. Hole-In-The-Rock is a beautiful sandstone butte with large cave like holes in it.  The holes, called tofani, are the result of water eroding the minerals in the sandstone over time.

Visitors enjoying the view from Hole-In-The-Rock

Archaeologists believe the Hohokam, a native tribe of ancient desert farmers who inhabited the region until the mid-15^th century, used Hole-In-The-Rock as a way to keep track of the seasons.  During the Winter Solstice, a ray of light from the sun interacts with a seam in the sandstone rock.

The Summer Solstice, which occurs on June 21, is believed to have been marked by the sun shining on a metate grinding slick on the floor of the opening.

 

 

For pagans and non-pagans alike, Hole in the Rock is a fun easy hike with great views of the city. There is an easily accessible trail on the back side of the rock formation. The climb takes about 10 minutes.  Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and take your camera.  You could even pack a picnic!

Hiking trail on the back side of Hole-In-The-Rock

If you go: 

Papago Park is located at 625 N. Galvin Parkway

 

And remember, stay tuned to Travelpacked for part two of this urban park series.

Hole-In-The-Rock at Papago Park

Travel Quote Slide Show

Please enjoy my favorite travel quotes paired with pictures I have taken during some of my travels.  Comments are welcome.
  

Travel Tips for People with Hearing Loss

October is a great time to travel. The leaves are changing colors.  There is a crispness in the air.  It is also National Audiology Awareness Month in the U.S.  As such, I thought it would be a good time to address the challenges that people with hearing loss experience while traveling.  After consulting several professional resources, I compiled a list of the best travel tips for people with hearing impairment:

1. Do not pack your hearing aids or cochlear implant in your checked luggage. Carry them on.
2. Bring an extra set of hearing aids with you, especially on long trips. Consider purchasing an inexpensive set of hearing aids as a back up.
3. Keep paper and pens handy for communication. You can also use various apps on your smart phone if you find yourself in a situation that is too noisy to verbally communicate.
4. Take a vibrating alarm clock with you. Not all countries have special accommodations for people with hearing loss.
5. Take extra batteries, cleaning tools, wax guards, domes, and a mini dry aid kit with you.
6. If you have a cochlear implant or other implantable device make sure you take your medical ID card with you.
7. You do not need to take your hearing aids off as you go through security.
8. Train stations and airports can be very noisy. Do not rely on your ability to hear boarding announcements or directions. Check monitors often for changes in flight or train schedules.
9. Make sure your travel documents are in order and handy. If you can't hear the customs officials, just hand them your documents and let them know you have a hearing impairment.
10. Check ahead of time if your hotel is equipped for the hearing impaired. If so, book that room, if available. In the U.S. larger hotels are required to have handicapped accessible rooms. This includes amplified telephones and visual alerts for both the phone and smoke alarm.
11. Use your T-coils while traveling, especially in Europe. Looping is very popular there.
12. Ask your tour guide to use an Assistive Listening Device (ALD).
13. Set your phone to vibrate or go off near departure time in case you can't hear the boarding announcement.
14. Take the name and phone number of your audiologist or customer service department of the device manufacturer with you. They can ship spare parts or direct you to a professional near your travel destination in case of emergency.

For further information and helpful tips for travelers with hearing impairment consult these resources:

• http://www.cochlear.com/wps/wcm/connect/us/recipients/baha-3/baha-3-lifestyle/how-to/travel/travel
• http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Travel-Tips-for-the-Hearing-Impaired.cfm
• http://sath.org/
• www.earboutique.com

Beachy Keen

 

The gentle ocean breeze, sounds of the surf crashing to the shore, surfers, and bikini clad sun worshipers scattered along the white sand beach make Oceanside, California a great beach destination.



Oceanside Beach



A quintessential beach town along the California coast, Oceanside has a lot to offer.  The classic wooden pier reminiscent of days gone by is a prominent landmark of this friendly beach town.  While there, make sure you walk to the end of the pier to grab a bite to eat at Ruby’s Diner.  The kids will love it and so will you.

Take a break from the beach and head inland to Mission San Luis Rey, the largest of the California missions, or cruise the coast highway (Historic Route 101) through downtown Oceanside.  Next, stop at Oceanside Harbor Village to shop, have dinner, or enjoy the boats.  We went to Harbor Village at sunset and had some spectacular nautical views.

Oceanside Harbor Village

Whether you love to ride the waves, bask in the sun or just enjoy the laid back vibe of a beach town, Oceanside, CA is for you.  It truly is beachy keen.

A Toast in the Desert

Arriba, Abajo, Al Centro, Al Dentro, Salud!  These words make for an interesting start to happy hour at the JW Marriott Starr Pass in Tucson, Arizona.  This traditional tequila toast, shared with guests at sunset each evening, is one of the many traditions that make this hotel a great place to stay the next time you visit Tucson, AZ.

The toast is completed on the hotel’s back patio amidst the magnificent beauty of the Sonoran Desert.  Guests in attendance are treated to the Legend of Arriba Abajo as they enjoy the stunning views, a complimentary shot of tequila, and an occasional glimpse of desert wildlife.  We were lucky enough to spot a family of mule deer amongst the amazing flora of the desert surroundings.

According to the legend, a Mexican revolutionary, General Pancho Villa, was madly in love and wanted to marry his beloved, Juanita.  When he asked Juanita’s father, Don Pablo, for her hand, Don Pablo devised a plan to avoid losing his daughter.  He challenged General Villa to a tequila drinking contest.

I am not going to tell you how the legend ends.  You will have to visit the JW Marriot Starr Pass to find out!  And while you are there, take time to enjoy a round of golf on the Arnold Palmer golf course, float on the lazy river, relax at the Hashani spa or just drink up the beauty of the Sonoran desert.  Salud!