207 Search Results for "cherry"

• Washington Monument Washington Monument

  • From: bdinphoenix
  • Description:
  • 1 month ago
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• Cherry Creek State Park, Denve Cherry Creek State Park, Denver, Colorado

  • From: pma03
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  • 4 months ago
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• Mexico Fun at the Grand Velas! Mexico Fun at the Grand Velas!

  • From: ajjordan2
  • Description:

    Sometimes we need a little luxury to supplement our budget travel…

     

    I’ve seen the term, “luxury redefined” written in brochures, broadcasted on different websites to describe a wide array of products, services, and accommodations. However, the phrase never crept into my mind before visiting the Grand Velas resort in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. The resort is a true, luxury all-inclusive resort. It stands in a class of its own; where most all-inclusive resorts offer complimentary room service, all-you-can-eat dining options, and bottomless alcoholic beverages, the Grand Velas takes it 10 steps further to create the first-rate service, fine dining, top shelf alcohol, and constant pampering that one would expect from a AAA five-diamond ranked property.

     

    The hotel contains one of the “Leading Spas of the World” (Spa Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit) and the spa experience begins at check-in. I arrived at the resort Thursday evening, and within minutes, was treated to a 5-minute complementary neck massage in the lobby. The suites also contain spa-themed accents, such as plush bathrobes, his and her slippers, luxurious Gilchrest & Soames bath products, in-room Jacuzzi, and a private sauna (located in the presidential suites). According to the manager of the property, Rodolfo Gonzalez, “room service at the resort is referred to as “suite service” because of the vastness of the rooms (the suites are 900-1,000+ square feet and 95% have ocean views).

     

    That evening, I had dinner at one of the hotel’s gourmet restaurants, Frida, named after the Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo. All of the hotel’s restaurants have ocean views, and present unsurpassed luxury, down to the cushioned purse stools. The neutral earth toned décor coupled with the Frida Kahlo recipe inscriptions on the wall offered a very Mediterranean feel.

     

     

     

     

    I sampled their six-course meal, some of which included the aguachile duo salmon and sea scallops, fresh tuna in chili seed crust, marinated duck breast in local honey, and the traditional lime pie.

     

     

     

    During the trip, I participated in a margarita tasting in the lobby bar, which featured all of the specialty margaritas that Frida offers. Out of the 12 sampled, I favored the Peanuts Signature Margarita, the Cilantro Coriander Margarita, and Tamarind Mint Margarita.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    After dinner, I overindulged and ordered room service (their 24-hour menu includes prime selections, such as grilled flanked steak, beef filet in black pepper sauce, mahi-mahi medallion, Hawaiian pizza, and coconut shrimp in mango and mint sauce).

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Despite the level of luxury presented throughout the property, the resort is very welcoming towards kids and families. The resort offers activities such as karaoke, guitar band performances, fiestas, and there is also a kids and teen club available. Some of the exciting inclusive activities located at the resort are windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking, cycling, tennis, aqua aerobics, boogie boards, as well as scuba diving demonstrations at the pool. There is also fitness center that offers exercise classes during the weekdays, such as Tae-Bo, Pilates, Hath yoga, Zumba, and Danza Polinesia.

     

    In the mornings, I either ordered room service or dined in their beachside restaurant, Azul. The restaurant offers panoramic views of the Bahia de Banderas, and is open from 7am to 11pm. Cuisines offered are Mexican, Italian, Japanese, and Chinese, as well as grilled selections and seafood.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Friday evening, I dined at the Italian restaurant, Lucca. The interior is inspired by Roman design, and there was a live piano performance during dinner.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The six course meal included items such as the Rustic Lucca style salad, poached artichoke carpaccio, tortelli in cherry tomato sauce, and baked zucchini.

     

     

     

     

    The next morning, I experienced my much-anticipated spa treatment at the multiple award-winning Spa Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. I chose the Four Hand Samunprai Massage, which included two massage therapists using hot compressions, exotic herbs, and medicinal heat to sooth muscles and release tension. The spa’s design was very calming, adorned with flowers floating in water, neutral earth toned décor, and a large marbled wall with cascading water.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Before my massage, I was treated with the complimentary hour long Hydrotherapy Ritual. This started with a revitalizing shower, followed by a visit to the herbal steam room, sauna time, Jacuzzi soak, followed by a dip in the two-temperature lagoon, with a final multi-jet Swiss shower. Currently, the spa is offering a special of purchasing one of their specialty massages, and selecting another massage for only $10.

     

     

    My last night at the Grand Velas was spent dining at the French cuisine restaurant, Piaf.  The décor was tastefully elaborate with breathtaking avant garde chandeliers, coupled with live violin music. Some of the selections from the menu included the tri-color cream soup (pumpkin, tomato, pea), grilled Scottish salmon in Chardonnay sauce, and the chocolate moelleux with English crème figs. My personal favorite was the Bourguignonne escargots, which were expertly prepared in a creamy butter sauce.

     

     

     

     

    Besides the opportunity to overindulge in the resorts many premier food selections, the Grand Velas offers the ultimate luxury all-inclusive vacation. Take part in the many complimentary water sports and activities available, experience a massage in one of the Leading Spas of the World, and relax by the serene private beach and pool.

     

    

     

     

  • Blog post
  • 6 months ago
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• Flying To The Smokies Flying To The Smokies

  • From: FlyingMark
  • Description:

    I love the Smoky Mountains.  I fly to Tennessee every year to celebrate both my father's birthday and my own.  I've fallen in love with Townsend, TN, which is in the Cades Cove area on the other side of the mountain from Gatlinburg and Pidgeon Forge.

    Growing up in Dayton, TN, I remember the days before Gatlinburg and Pidgeon Forge became commercialized as they are today.  I remember getting cherry apple cider at Hillbilly Village...and I remember going back as a young adult and not even being able to find Hillbilly Village.  While many travelers just love Dollywood and the other attractions in the area, I was disappointed that such a beautiful area could be turned into a virtual Vegas in the Mountains.

    Then my folks introduced me to Townsend and I go there every year.  The town is close enough to Gatlinburg if you want shopping or entertainment, but it's a much more peaceful area with Little River running through it and providing fishing, swimming and tubing fun.

    Cades Cove is an amazing place where you will see wildlife ranging from bear to wolves to deer to turkeys and more.  It's a 5 mile loop that you drive on a newly paved (but narrow) road.  It's very peaceful and there are some nice spots to stop and explore historic churches, cabins and other buildings.

    The Knoxville Airport is only about a 25 minute drive from Townsend, which makes it very convenient if you're flying.  The only thing I don't like about flying is the baggage fees, but I've learned to travel light.

     

  • Blog post
  • 10 months ago
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• Cherry blossom in Atlanta Cherry blossom in Atlanta

  • From: themurfs
  • Description:

    Cherry blossom against a blue-blue sky in Atlanta, GA.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 217
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• GUIDE 2 GOLFING IN DOOR COUNTY GUIDE 2 GOLFING IN DOOR COUNTY

  • From: ajjordan2
  • Description:

    Door County, Wisconsin is a quaint community of intriguing ancient history and lore that contains golfing grounds that once lay home to French immigrants 11,000 years ago. Named after the treacherous passage where the turbulent waters of Green Bay meet the open body of Lake Michigan, this “door” caused dozens of shipwrecks and thus gave birth to the name, Door County. Referred to as the Cape Cod of the Midwest by locals and vacationers alike, Door County, Wisconsin attracts thousands of golf lovers every year. The 483-square mile county is the largest county in Wisconsin, and offers a plethora of golf choices on its vast stretch of land.

     

     

    The aquatic layout of Door County grants scenic golf course landscapes. Sweeping views of the waters of Green Bay, Lake Michigan, and 400 million-year old limestone bluffs along the shorelines are some of the  awe-inspiring sights to take in while golfing. Each of the 11 golf courses in the county are unique and challenging in their own way.  

     

    The Alpine Golf Resort features 36 holes, with the 9^th hole on the Blue course famed as being the most scenic hole in Wisconsin. It features an exciting tee-off at 300 feet over a bluff, with the hole at ground level. According to Steve Habel, a seasoned golfer from Texas, the challenging Orchards at Egg Harbor is his favorite golf course in the county. The Orchards is a 72 par course with bent grass tees with at least 4 sets of tees on each hole, allowing for variable challenges. 

     

     

    

     

    A popular destination for travelers to Door County is Washington Island, Wisconsin’s largest island at 36 square miles. Here, you can find swimming and snorkeling at one of the island’s three beaches, cave tours, museums featuring local artifacts, and Icelandic horses ready to giddy up. Also located on the island is the 9-hole Deer Run Golf Course, where chances of a deer ambling across your path are favorable. The course has been recently renovated to feature more doglegs, elevated tee boxes, and challenging greens. Another course, the 18-hole Idlewild Golf Course located in Sturgeon Bay was given a 4-star rating by Golf Digest as “One of the places to play”. The course is meticulously landscaped with lakes and elevated views of the nearby Potawatomi Park.

     

      

                                                            To experience the local’s choice for golf, visit the 18- hole Peninsula State Park Golf Course. Dotted with cedar, oak, birch, and maple trees, the course offers a scenic backdrop of rolling woodlands. Views of Green Bay, Eagle Harbor and the village of Ephriam supplement this beautiful landscape. Also available in the Peninsula State Park are recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming. During the winter months, you can enjoy snow sports such as skiing and snowmobiling. Another prominent Door County golf course is the Cherry Hills course located in Sturgeon Bay. This 18-hole course offers three sets of tees on each hole, and is manicured with the popular local cherry tree.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Take a break from golf and enjoy some of the area’s off-the-green activities. Door County is one of the major contributors to the billion-dollar boating industry in the Great Lakes region. Take a sailing cruise or rent a boat at one of the marinas (Sister Bay or Sturgeon Bay). During the day, visit some of the wineries and breweries that offer free tours and wine tasting, such as Lautenbach’s Orchard Country Winery & Brewery. In the evenings, catch a performance at the American Folklore theatre (the oldest folklore theatre in the country), take part in quaint shopping in local villages, and sample boiled fish, one of the native cuisine choices in Door County.

     

                      

     

    

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    
     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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  • 1 year ago
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• Portland, OR, Cherry Blossoms Portland, OR, Cherry Blossoms

  • From: Martrese
  • Description:

    Although Portland, OR, is known as the City of Roses, there's a plethora of other blooms in this temperate town. The lane of cherry blossom trees along the Willamette River is seen under the Morrison Bridge. The red Broadway Bridge and I-405 Freemont Bridge are in the distance.

  • 1 year ago
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• Portland, OR, Cherry Blossoms Portland, OR, Cherry Blossoms

  • From: Martrese
  • Description:

    Although Portland, OR, is known as the City of Roses, there's a plethora of other blooms in this temperate town. The Steel Bridge rises above the lane of cherry blossom trees along the Willamette River.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 579
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• Portland, OR, Cherry Blossoms Portland, OR, Cherry Blossoms

  • From: Martrese
  • Description:

    Although Portland, OR, is known as the City of Roses, there's a plethora of other blooms in this temperate town. Cherry blossom trees line the promenade along the Willamette River with downtown Portland behind.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 735
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• White Stag Sign and Cherry Blo White Stag Sign and Cherry Blossoms

  • From: Martrese
  • Description:

    Although Portland, OR, is known as the City of Roses, there's a plethora of other blooms in this temperate town. This is the historic White Stag sign in Old Town.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 274
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• White Stag Sign and Cherry Blo White Stag Sign and Cherry Blossoms

  • From: Martrese
  • Description:

    Although Portland, OR, is known as the City of Roses, there's a plethora of other blooms in this temperate town. This is the historic White Stag sign in Old Town.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 359
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• Washington monument and cherry Washington monument and cherry blossoms

  • From: OshKoshBGosh314
  • Description:

    Washing monument and cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 453
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• Jefferson Memorial and cherry Jefferson Memorial and cherry blossoms

  • From: OshKoshBGosh314
  • Description:

    Jefferson Memorial and cherry blossom in Washington, D.C.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 410
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• Tidal Basin cherry blossoms Tidal Basin cherry blossoms

  • From: denesmeyer
  • Description:

    Photos taken April 2011 of the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 241

• Tidal Basin cherry blossoms Tidal Basin cherry blossoms

  • From: denesmeyer
  • Description:

    Photos taken April 2011 of the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 260
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• Tidal Basin cherry blossoms Tidal Basin cherry blossoms

  • From: denesmeyer
  • Description:

    Photos taken April 2011 of the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 210
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• Tidal Basin cherry blossoms Tidal Basin cherry blossoms

  • From: denesmeyer
  • Description:

    Photos taken April 2011 of the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 209
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• Tidal Basin cherry blossoms Tidal Basin cherry blossoms

  • From: denesmeyer
  • Description:

    Photos taken April 2011 of the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 179
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• Tidal Basin cherry blossoms Tidal Basin cherry blossoms

  • From: denesmeyer
  • Description:

    Photos taken April 2011 of the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 194
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• Tidal Basin cherry blossoms Tidal Basin cherry blossoms

  • From: denesmeyer
  • Description:

    Photos taken April 2011 of the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC.

  • 1 year ago
  • Views: 348
  • Not yet rated