Adventure Travel Photography Blog
When I started my blog, eleven years ago, it was simply written for my friends and family to know where I was on my year long journey across the USA in VANilla. Now I tend to write “Things to Do In” posts as that is generally what I am looking for when I research a new place. This post reverts back to my old ways.
HOP ON A HORSE!
Jupiter is the northernmost town in Palm Beach County and has a population of 61,000. The beach town is rated one of the top and happiest in the USA. Its barrier island is ranked as having the highest per capita income of any place in the country. It is home to the likes of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Celine Dion. While I did drive down the street of mansions blocked by high bushes, naturally I didn’t boondock nearby!
NOT THE PLANET!
Mount Dora is a city of 13,000 located in central Florida northwest of Orlando. Restaurants, cute shops, galleries, wineries, and more line the quaint historic downtown. Mount Dora is known for its arts and antiques and holds many festivals.
When visiting, definitely stay at the Lakeside Inn located on Lake Mount Dora on the edge of the historic district. Built in 1883, Lakeside Inn is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Florida. It has hosted many dignitaries and celebrities, including President Calvin Coolidge and Lady Grace Coolidge.
EXLPLORE!
For a quick tropical vacation and escape from the cold, my friend Tina and I visited Tulum, Mexico. In this crazy COVID world, it is remarkably easy to get to Mexico. No COVID test is required. It is actually harder to return to your own country! Though the Mexico resorts coordinate onsite COVID testing to facilitate an easy return as well.
Generally, when I go to Mexico, I fly directly into Cozumel to go diving, but with my non-diver friend we decided on the mainland as there are many things to do in Tulum. In fact, those that aren’t beach dwellers can still find lots of activities in Tulum which range from visiting nature preserves, exploring the ruins, swimming in cenotes and more.
EXPLORE!
While visiting Tulum, located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, we stopped in at the Tulum Ruins. The ancient Mayan city may be explored with a tour guide or on your own by reading the many posted signs or trying to work the app. Since we planned on having a tour guide at Chichen Itza, we walked the Tulum Ruins on our own. We likely missed out on some interesting facts that tour guides provide, but we managed with the signs.
REVEL IN HISTORY!
My friend Tina and I slipped down to Tulum, Mexico for a few days to escape the cold. During our trip, we visited some cenotes, explored the Tulum and Chichen Itza ruins, relaxed at the hotel beach, and went fishing. Given we are not avid fishermen, we weren’t sure how much we’d like it, but it’s always fun to be on boat. Fishing in Tulum did not disappoint!
GO FISH!
The Trinity River rises up near the Red River in far northern Texas. It travels 710 miles to Lake Livingston, making it the longest river in a single state. Lake Livingston’s waters drain into Galveston Bay, an inlet to the Gulf of Mexico.
During its travels, the Trinity River converges from three branches to one near Dallas, Texas. Growing up in Texas, as kid we only knew two things about the Trinity River. First, during intense rainstorms in the spring, the stinky river flooded. Second, upon hearing the words “Trinity River,” the likely question was “how many dead bodies were found,” as it passed through a very rough part of Dallas.
Consequently, you can imagine, walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers didn’t exactly spend much time in the River’s flood plain. Fortunately, in the last fifteen years, through a few bond issues and with many partners, the City of Dallas has spent substantial resources improving the area with a few parks and a vast trail system. While it’s nothing like Colorado where I lived for the last ten years, at least it is green space without all paved sidewalks.
HAPPY HIKING!
I’ve been to NYC many times…spring, fall, summer, winter. But despite the sometimes cold temperatures, I love New York City in December. I prefer going toward the beginning of December as it is after the Thanksgiving rush and before Christmas vacation for many. Consequently, I can enjoy the shows, dinner, and Christmas decorations among slightly lighter holiday crowds.
This December of 2021, my friend Tina and I were quite lucky. We spent three full days in New York and completely missed the Omicron spike and resulting shutdowns. Aside from enjoying savory dinners and seeing plenty of musicals, below are some things we did while visiting New York City in December.
EXPLORE!
Boy, do I feel so lucky to have visited New York City the second week of December. With COVID, Nor’easters and winter storms in Denver, my recent attempts to visit NYC over the past few years were thwarted. Fortunately, we timed this visit, with an intent to see several Broadway shows, perfectly.
We got to see five shows with their full cast before the Omicron version of COVID arrived in the city which has caused many cancellations through Christmas and some shows to close permanently.
While we visited, we saw Jagged Little Pill, Come From Away, To Kill A Mockingbird, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, and Hamilton. Of course, we enjoyed some excellent pre-theatre dining and also walked miles while taking in the holiday spirit, but this post is about the Broadway shows.
SING ALONG!
While NYC has much to offer, one of my favorite things to do while visiting the city is to go out to eat for dinner and to see the Broadway shows. In order to do both in the same night, it is easiest to make a dinner reservation in the Theatre District or in Hell’s Kitchen prior to the musical.
Both the Theatre District and Hell’s Kitchen may be found on NYC’s Midtown West Side which ranges from 34th to 59th Streets and between 5th and 12th Avenues. The Theatre District covers 41st to 54th Streets between 6th and 8th Avenues, and Hell’s Kitchen can be found to the West of 8th, near the Theatre District.
Below are a few delicious restaurants in the Manhattan’s Midtown:
EAT OUT!