Visiting the Hofsas House in Carmel California

Living in California has it perks, one of which is the amazing west coast of the Pacific Ocean. One of my favorite places to go is the Monterey area which is located a few hours south of San Francisco. It is home to gorgeous shorelines, mild weather and cozy communities like Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, Monterey and Carmel. My husband and I were invited to stay at a lovely inn in Carmel for a weekend getaway and we could not have chosen a better time to visit this amazing area.

What we think of as the town of Carmel is actually made up of two different towns; Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel. They both blend together to create an amazing area of gorgeous shops, small inns and hotels, superior eating establishments and, of course, the stunning coastline and beaches.

Our home away from home for the weekend was Hofsas House. This is a delightful boutique inn that boasts old world charm with many of today’s amenities that we look for in a hotel. Owned and run by the granddaughter of the original owner, this charming hotel has a European flair with the architecture and the décor in the rooms. The exterior features a Bavarian theme mural by Maxine Albro on the wall of the driveway that welcomes guests and several paintings by her are hanging adding to the charm of the décor.

Hofsas House is unique in that it is built into a hill. The hotel is four stories high and street level is actually the 3rd level. Parking is either on the street or behind and below the hotel with a steep walk up or several levels of stairs, depending on where your room is located.

My husband is disabled and with no elevator, this did present a bit of a dilemma with the fact that our room was located on the 4th floor. However, the staff was fabulous and was able to move us to the street level, with parking right outside of our door. Cheers!

Our room was a great size and offered a king size bed plus a kitchenette with a small table and chairs, refrigerator, microwave and sink. The updated bathroom was a good size with a tub and shower combo plus plenty of space. The room also featured a private balcony with two chairs and a small table to enjoy the ocean view. Heaven. The room also has a small TV with tons of channels (who needs TV on vacation?) and free wi-fi that was fast and reliable.

Other rooms offer personal fireplaces and even larger rooms that sleep 6 that is perfect for families. They also have a nice swimming pool, heated, and a conference or party room that can be booked for special events. It offers a fireplace and kitchen too.

We were greeted with a selection of specialty cheeses and a bottle of white wine that was fabulous. Engraved glasses are a nice touch. This is an option that is available as part of the Hofsas House offerings for your enjoyment during your stay. You can also choose Champagne and cheese instead.

Other offerings the Hofsas House has available include a couples massage, special decorating in the room for romantics getaways for birthdays or anniversary’s. You can also enjoy a fun Beach Fire and S’mores bundle for an enjoyable evening on the beach with the family or choose a romantic touch with flowers and a message in the sand. Because of the rain we had during our stay, we opted to skip the one that was booked for us.

Friday evening, after we enjoyed our appetizer of wine and cheese in the comfort of our room, we headed over to Anton + Michele’s in Carmel for a wonderful dinner. My husband had the Kobe Beef Short Ribs that they are known for and they were amazing! Fall apart tender and so delicious! I opted for the New York Steak and it was prepared perfectly and tasted wonderful. The ambiance in the restaurant was just right for an intimate gathering with friends or family and enjoying a delicious meal. I would definitely eat there again!

Saturday dawned wet and cool but that did not stop us from hitting the town running. We started at Hofsas House and their light continental breakfast that consists of pastries from a local bakery that were to die for as well as fruit, yogurt, coffee and juice. You can sit in the cozy office sitting area and enjoy the toasty fire in the copper fireplace or take it back to your room.

Armed with a tasty picnic deli lunch, compliments of 5th Avenue Deli in Carmel, we headed to the beach for our first taste of the ocean. Between the fabulous sea air and the delicious lunch of Rueben sandwiches, Macaroni Salad, chips and a sweet treat of mouth-watering Lemon Bars, we were in heaven! Great place to grab your lunch to go!

Carmel has a fabulous Wine Walk that I just had to check out. The area is rich in wonderful wineries and is quickly becoming known for the winery and wine tasting destination in California. I was excited to be able to sample several tastings along the Wine Walk in Carmel with the Wine Walk Passport. What a fun way to spend the afternoon!

Finding things to do in the Monterey area is not hard. We spent several hours at the famed Monterey Bay Aquarium. It had been at least 10 years since we had visited and the changes are wonderful. The sealife and cool displays are perfect for adults and kids of all ages! If you have not visited, you simply must.

All of these arrangements were made by the folks at Hofsas House as a part of their activity offerings. If you are a golfer, you can also enjoy many of the famous golf courses at Pebble Beach or just enjoy a walk around Carmel, a quaint small town, rich in history and unique architecture, which is structured to be enjoyed on foot.

While the area and town is often thought as too expensive, we found it to be in line or cheaper than many of the hotels and areas that we have stayed in before. The hotel offers free wi-fi, no extra taxes or fees, and comfortable, affordable rooms. The restaurants and shops we visited were all priced well and in many cases, less than my own home town!

My husband and I had a fabulous weekend at Hofsas House and we would definitely enjoy staying there again. Carmel is a delightful town that cannot be missed during your visit to the Monterey area.

Disclaimer: Chris and her husband enjoyed a complimentary weekend stay at the Hofsas House. This lodging review was conducted on behalf of the Pennsylvania and Beyond Travel Blog. Her thoughts and opinions are 100% her own. To learn more about Hofsas House please visit their web site, find them on Facebook and on Twitter.

10 Tips for Holiday Travel with Your Dog

The holiday season is quickly approaching and many pet owners will be traveling with their pets. If you are a dog owner, you need to do some pre-holiday planning so that your holiday travel is stress-free and a pleasant experience for both you and your dog.

Here are some timely tips from Paris Permenter, co-author of the published DogTipper's Texas with Dogs guidebook. In addition to Paris' tips, I wanted to add this one. Don't assume that hotels, stores, entertainment venues, family's homes, friend's homes, etc. are pet friendly! If in doubt, ask and seek out pet friendly locations before you hit the road!

10 Tips for Holiday Travel with Your Dog

Ready to go walking in a winter wonderland with your dog? Holiday travel, whether to visit friends and relatives or to enjoy a great getaway, is all the more fun with your dog as a faithful travel companion.

“Traveling with your dog can be a stress reliever during what is a stressful time of year for many people,” explains Paris Permenter. “Not only will you not have to worry about boarding your dog while you’re traveling, but having your dog along can also serve as a great icebreaker at family get togethers.”

Before making plans to deck the halls on a trip with your dog, here are 10 tips to make sure you—and your dog—have a jolly time this holiday season:

1. Plan in advance. Make plans early during this peak travel time. When booking, call the hotel directly and let them know the size and breed of your dog so there are no surprises at check-in.

2. Watch out for ornaments and decorations. Decorations, from tinsel to ornaments to lights, present chewing and choking hazards. Even if your dog ignores decorations at home, he may be tempted in a new environment.

3. Be prepared for accidents. Pet accidents happen, even with the most reliably house trained pets. Carry a roll of paper towels and a cleaner such as Rug Doctor Urine Eliminator spray for quick cleanups and to keep from putting your hotel pet deposit (or your relatives’ good humor) at risk.

4. Make a pre-trip vet visit. If you’re traveling out of state by car or traveling anywhere with your dog by plane, visit your vet to obtain a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). Make sure your dog is current on vaccinations and ask for an immunization record to carry as well.

5. Carry your dog’s food and treats. The holidays may be a time for us to indulge (or over-indulge) on food and treats but our dogs should be kept on their usual diet to avoid tummy upset.

6. Place an extra ID tag on your dog. Consider a special dog tag with your cell phone number. If you’ll be at one location for several days, make a tag with your holiday number and address as well.

7. Buckle up. Icy roads and heavy holiday traffic are two more reasons to always buckle up furry family members, just as children are always buckled up in the car.

8. Keep your dog warm and dry. If you’ll be walking in snow or ice, be sure your dog’s paws are protected with booties. Many dogs also appreciate a warm sweater or coat.

9. Carry the scent of home. Whether a blanket, a doggie duvet, or just a plush toy, bring along the scent of home for time on the road and for your hotel stay.

10. Be prepared to travel more slowly. Just as if traveling with a small child, your holiday travel is going to be enjoyed at a little slower pace with your dog. Make time for more frequent potty stops and at least one hour of walking per day. And don’t forget to work plenty of time together into your schedule. After all, isn’t that what a holiday with your best friend is all about?

About DogTipper’s Texas with Dogs: DogTipper’s Texas with Dogs (Open Road, distributed by Simon and Schuster) features the best dog-friendly destinations across Texas. The full-color book was written by Paris Permenter and John Bigley, founders of the award-winning DogTipper.com. The 10,000+ page site features tips for dog lovers, giveaways, recipes, and more. Paris Permenter, a certified dog trainer and America’s Pet Economist™, also co-hosts the weekly Dog Travel Experts radio show with tips on traveling with your dog. For more information, visit www.dogtipper.com and www.TexaswithDogs.com.

Book Review: Snowbirds by Jo Ann Bender

I love to read, especially books on travel. With that said, the book has to have a great story line behind it that will keep me entertained. Today's travel book review is just that, a great travel book with a fabulous story line.

Book Title: Snowbirds
Author: Jo Ann Bender
ISBN: 978-0-9897571-5-7

Book Synopsis: A woman talks her husband into buying a vintage RV and soon the couple depart on a two thousand-mile road trip from Spokane, Washington, to the Texas border and back. She's completely enamoured with the RV's charming interior, he's just hoping all the rig's mechanical problems have been fixed.

Along the way, they face breakdowns aplenty, but the little turquoise RV also provides bushels of life lessons and lots of aha moments ~ from how to navigate an older RV over hill and dale to how best to stock a motor home to the joy of seeing a flaming red sun set in a desert sky.

Somewhere between the mile markers, the couple realize plenty of adventures still await them...in their marriage and in the forty-year-old RV they've grown to love.

My Thoughts: Obviously my husband and I love to ravel, hence our blog and our preferred method of travel is by taking road trips. Sure, flying there can get you quicker but you definitely miss out on some beautiful sites along the way. Road tripping is definitely the way we prefer to go.

Recently we have been thinking about investing in an RV or a pull-behind travel trailer so when I saw the press release for this book, I knew immediately I wanted to read it. I wasn't disappointed. The book is full of great RV and road travel tips and I love that the author shares her personal feelings on marriage, travel, etc. in the book which really adds to the well-written story line.

As soon as I sat down to start reading the book, I found myself unable to put it down. I spent 3 hours in one sitting just reading and taking-in everything she had to say. Frankly, I would of been frustrated with the RV breaking down immediately but this couple sure does have patience and their patience paid off.

Now that I am done reading the book my sister-in-law wants to read it next, so I will definitely be passing it on. One final thing...in the back of the book is a Snowbird Q&A and I absolutely loved reading the questions that were asked and her response to them. Very enlightening!

Indispensable Items for a Snowbird Trip

1. The trip log with tickler notes
2. Frozen, easy-to-cook meals, prepared at home and packaged in freezer bags, laid flat
3. A map for each state
4. Baggies
5. New wiper blades
6. Bathrobes and slippers
7. Gifts representing our state (potatoes, apples, handmade items, the cookbook we wrote)
8. Easy-going companion with a sense of humor
9. Tool kit with wrenches, sockets
10. Rolls of quarters for laundry, tolls, phone calls, gambling (minimum of sixty dollars in cash for each day we’ll be on the road for groceries, attractions, and cash-only service stations)
11. Flashlight for each occupant, plus one spare for the person who can’t find theirs
12. Flood lamp

About the Author: Jo Ann Bender received a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Iowa, 1953. She did graduate work at the University of Northern Iowa and Gonzaga University. She has worked as a Medical Book Editor Mosby Publishing, St. Louis; Managing Editor Florissant Valley, MO (Reporter); and Public Relations Director American Red Cross Chapters in Waterloo, Iowa, and Great Falls, Montana. She lives with her husband Bud in Colville, Washington.

Disclaimer: Shelly has personally reviewed the product listed above. Shelly has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Shelly did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ. The PA Travel Blog is not responsible for delivery/shipping of giveaway items won from this blog nor are we responsible for mis-use or injury caused by items won from this Blog. Content on this blog is copyrighted, all rights reserved. We reserve the right to legally pursue anyone who violates our rights and/or steals our copyrighted material.

Top 20 Hotel Amenities to Consider When Choosing a Hotel

We love to travel and when we do...we like to find new and unique places to stay at. With that said, not all hotels, motels, resorts, inns or bed & breakfasts are created equally. Some offer minimal services beyond your room and others offer a wide variety of extras.

When making any type of lodging accommodations it is important to find out what kind of hotel amenities are offered to help you narrow down your decision on where to stay.

Let's take a look at the hotel amenities that you need to consider.

* Size and Number of Beds
* Microwave
* Mini Fridge
* Coffee Maker
* Free Local Calling
* 24 Hour Front Desk
* Free Parking
* Elevator Service
* In-Room Safe
* Smoking/Non-Smoking Rooms
* Cancellation Policy
* Key Card Entry or Standard Keys
* Swimming Pool
* Fitness Room
* Fax Service
* Guest Laundry Services
* Ice, Food and Beverage Services
* Airport Shuttle Service
* Breakfast Included or is it Available for a Fee?
* Concierge Services

In addition, here are a few other things you need to consider.

1. Check to see if the hotel has had a recent problem with bedbugs. You can usually do this research online.

2. Are they located in a safe location? Are there any major reports of crime in or around the place you are considering. If so, do they have security?

3. Do some online searches for "unbiased" lodging reviews on the places you are considering staying at. Read them and take everything that is said into consideration when making your choice.

Before booking your accommodations these are all of the things that you to need to consider. Some items listed are more important than others. Hopefully this list will help guide you in finding the perfect accommodations for your next business or vacation trip.

Top 10 Winter Events in Manchester Vermont

The Top 10 winter event, Manchester Merriment, is back with six weeks of holiday activities in picturesque Manchester, Vermont. The series of events kick off into full swing November 29th and run through January 3rd, 2015.

The Wilburton Inn is one of 15 historic and beautifully decorated inns participating in the Inn-to-Inn tours (on Saturday, December 6 and SATURDAY December 13 from 12-4 pm; $15 ticket grants access to all 15 inns). Wilburton innkeeper Melissa Levis, a former New York City kiddie rock star best known for leading her band Moey’s Music Party, will entertain guests with holiday sing-a-longs during these tours.

On Sunday, December 28th from 4-8 pm, Levis will host an interactive family music concert as part of Manchester Merriment. Infants, toddlers, and lower school children are all provided with instruments so they can actively participate in the holiday jamboree. Tickets to the concert are $15. Cookies and tea are provided. The most enthusiastic family dancer team wins a free award-winning Moey’s Music Party CD!

On Saturday, January 3rd, 2015 from 6:30 – 10 pm, the Wilburton Inn and Manchester Designer Outlets collaborate to host a Downton Abbey Dance Party, complete with Charleston lessons, waltzes and more. Come dressed as your favorite Downton Abbey character for a chance to win a free night in the Wilburton Inn bridal suite. Admission is $40 and includes hors d'oeuvres and desserts. The cash bar will feature Downton Abbey-themed cocktails.

Manchester Merriment is a six-week tradition in Manchester, long awaited every year. Other popular Merriment activities include the Elf Express, a whimsical holiday train ride for kids amid elves and holiday helpers; which includes a chance to meet Santa. There’s also a lighted tractor parade, wine tastings for adults, and a backroad discovery tour offering sweeping mountain vistas, an antique covered bridge and the oldest marble quarry in the US, among other Norman Rockwell-esque photo opps.

There’s fun for the whole family at the Wilburton Inn, with optional evening babysitting! The family and pet-friendly -friendly inn lets you rent a guest room, or a private 2-bedroom cottage to a 14-bedroom mansion. RATES START AT $235 per night for 2 people and include a hearty country breakfast and tickets for two to the Holiday Open House Tour.

The Wilburton Inn sits on 30-private acres and features its own sculpture garden, pool and tennis court. For more information or to reserve your room, visit. http://www.wilburtoninn.com or call 802-362-2500.

Cape May is Beautiful in the Rain

A few months ago we were down vacation in the Cape May and Wildwood areas in New Jersey. When people particularly think of the Cape May area...they think of all of the beautiful Victorian homes and mansions that are in the area. However, Cape May is so much more!

On one of the days we were visiting the town it happened to be quite ugly outside. By that,  I mean it was raining on & off all day long and it was very cloudy outside. It was definitely a gloomy, rainy...weather day in Cape May!

We decided to occupy our time by doing a little sight-seeing, shopping and dining out. Even if it is raining, there are still plenty of things to see and do! We went shopping at the Washington Street Mall and then headed over towards the Atlantic Ocean coast.

By accident, we stumbled upon the New Jersey Coast Guard station and their residential housing for the coast guard members. There is a great pull-off the road section where you can park your car & get out to see all of the boats tied up at the docks on the bay.

Usually when I feature a "Travel Photo of the Week" here on the blog, it is one featuring some kind of beautiful photo shot during sunlight. Today, I am flipping the tables and showing you two photos that I took on a rainy day in Cape May. Even then...this is one beautiful New Jersey coastal town! Enjoy!

El Dorado Royale Casistas Suites - Riviera Maya Mexico

El Dorado Royale & El Dorado Royale Casistas Suites came highly recommended to us by a travel agent that we were dealing with. We read reviews and were impressed with what we saw. We decided to book our accommodations there for our honeymoon and haven't regretted it.

The path leading up to the resort was nicely landscaped but still had the tropical jungle feel. When we arrived to the resort, we were immediately greeted by their friendly staff who took and tagged our luggage and escorted us into the main lobby. The stairs leading to the lobby doors were made of gorgeous marble, which was throughout the entire resort. Once inside, we were then welcomed by another employee who handed us a glass of champagne and showed us to the front desk. The lobby was huge and there was a big fountain in the middle of the room where a large crystal chandelier hung above.  The lobby also included a few of the resorts shops as well.

We checked in at the front desk around noon but the check-in time for the rooms was not until 3pm. We took advantage of that time to explore the resort. I am a tropical beach lover so I immediately made a bee-line to the beach. The sand was soft and white, the water was a bluish-green...crystal clear! The grounds around the resort were in pristine condition.

The El Dorado Royale Resort featured 2 areas; the El Dorado Royale Suites and the El Dorado Casistas Suites. The Casistas Suites were the higher end suites with private balconies and were located in their own private section of the resort. You traveled through the resort by golf carts that ran every 15 minutes. Each group of rooms in the Casistas also featured their own Concierge service. The Concierge was there to assist you with anything you needed like transportation around the resort, reservations at 2 of their featured restaurants or reservations to their on-site spa or the candle-lit dinner on the beach.

This gourmet all –inclusive resort featured 7 restaurants which served a variety of different foods. They had everything from the traditional Mexican cuisine to American, authentic Asian foods, even an Italian Restaurant, a pizza place and seafood! You could also opt to pay extra to have a lobster dinner or a Candle-lit dinner on the beach in your own cabana.

I must say, we did not eat anything that we did not like. Everything was absolutely delicious. The only suggestion that we have is that since the resort is known for their gourmet dining, order extra food where-ever you eat because the portions were smaller. My husband and I would each order an appetizer and we would each order 2 entrees.

The resort also had 13 swimming pools, which included swim-up bars and an infinity pool which leads around the resort, some rooms on the bottom floor had the ability to walk right out of the room into the pool.

We had what they called a Jacuzzi junior suite to start, but then they upgraded us to the Casistas Suites due to us being on our honeymoon. Both rooms were exceptionally clean, roomy and the beds were super comfortable. Our room in the Casistas was beautiful, it featured a king size bed, in room Jacuzzi that had a rock waterfall where the water came out of, a private enclosed balcony, indoor and outdoor showers and an in-room safe. We also had our own soft luxurious robes and slippers.

Another amenity that the resort offered was free daily and nightly entertainment. One night it was a magician, the next it was live music the following night they had fire dancers and one night we attended a wine tasting event. There were also daily activities like a 5k marathon through the resort, volleyball tournaments in the pool, scuba lessons in another pool, excersize classes in the water as well as an onsite gym.

There is a location in the middle of the resort as well as the main lobby where you can also go to book your excursions outside of the resort. I highly recommend booking them through the resort instead of hailing a cab and just venturing out, it is much safer to do that. The excursions are paid at the time of booking and the hotel sets up the time and transportation for you. We did the deep sea fishing and we swam with the dolphins.

In conclusion, I highly recommend this resort to anyone traveling to Riviera Maya, Mexico. In fact anyone who is looking for an all-inclusive resort at a reasonable cost, I personally give The El Dorado Royale 5 stars ! The Resort is clean, the staff is friendly, the food was out of this world and our overall experience was a dream come true. We give it two thumbs up and we will definitely be returning in the future!

Disclaimer: This is a guest post by Jenelle Cribari who personally traveled to Mexico and stayed at El Dorado Royale & El Dorado Royale Casistas Suites. All information contained within this blog post is copyright 2014 by the Pennsylvania and Beyond Travel Blog. Your opinion and experience may differ from our guest blogger.

Cambria Inns Collection for Coastal Holiday Fun

Looking for something fun to do this holiday season? In California or plan to visit California for the holidays? If so, consider staying at the Cambria Inns and check out all of their festive holiday activities and events! I love traveling during the holiday season & seeing all of the festive holiday displays!!!

Cambria Inns Collection Keeps Coastal Holiday Cheer on High

Those in search of a holiday destination that swaps chaotic commercialism for storybook charm will rejoice in a cheer-filled visit to Cambria Inns Collection – a group of boutique hotels in Cambria, CA, that gifts guests with cozy beachfront accommodations close to the quaint village’s festive holiday activities.

Offering a Moonstone Beach property to fit nearly every type of guest and budget, Cambria Inns Collection includes the luxurious Blue Dolphin Inn (pictured below); the warm and welcoming Sand Pebbles Inn; the family-friendly and economical Castle Inn; and the private Moonstone Cottages.

From San Luis Obispo County’s most spectacular light show to indie store holiday shopping, Cambria Inns Collection is just a short distance from the area’s most popular “Holidays in the Pines” offerings:

· Christmas in Cambria (December 1-24): Enjoy the delightful festive ambiance as Cambria’s storybook-like downtown village gets decked out with brilliant holiday lights and décor. A magical setting for stress-free holiday shopping, the small-town streets feature a plethora of fine art galleries and indie shops boasting handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts. Even more, local merchants and restaurants like Bronze, Silver & Gold Gallery, Fermentations Wine Shop and Robin’s Restaurant offer special discounts, coupons, raffle prizes and more. www.cambriaholidays.com

· Cambria Christmas Market (Friday, Saturday, Sunday; December 1-23): Cruise a California winter wonderland created with thousands of vivid lights (*pictured above) that create a path from Cambria Pines Lodge to the Cambria Nursery. Sip on hot cocoa – spiked with a shot, if you’d like – and peruse the spectacular light show, a German-inspired “street market” featuring locally-made items and food, and even Santa’s house, amidst cheerful holiday music. www.cambriachristmasmarket.com

· Christmas at Hearst Castle (December 1-31): As if Hearst Castle wasn’t ornate enough, the majestic hillside compound in San Simeon (just six miles north of Cambria) gets even more grandiose during the holidays with lavish decorations of handmade garlands, brilliant red poinsettias and two massive Christmas trees bejeweled with traditional ornaments and lights. Expect a tour that’s even more magical and memorable. www.hearstcastle.com

Cambria Inns Collection December rates start at $99 (Castle Inn). To make a reservation, visit www.cambriainns.com for contact information by property.

Cambria Inns Collection offers a collection of distinct boutique hotels located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles in beautiful San Luis Obispo County, CA. The group’s four Cambria, CA hotels, situated off iconic California Highway One and just steps from pristine Moonstone Beach, offer breathtaking ocean views, comfortable accommodations and convenient access to a bounty of area activities, from Hearst Castle to the acclaimed Paso Robles wine region. Cambria Inns include the luxurious Blue Dolphin Inn and private Moonstone Cottages, both for guests 18 and older; the family-friendly Castle Inn; and the warm and welcoming Sand Pebbles Inn.

The 115th Annual Mummers Parade in Philadelphia

One of the beauties of living only 90 minutes from downtown Philadelphia is that we can drive in and out of the city several times every year to partake in various festivities. Philly is busy all year round and is known on the east coast for throwing a good party and parade, not to mention awesome sporting events and music concerts!

Every year on New Year's Day the city is host to the Philadelphia Mummers Parade. It is a 115-year-old tradition in which 10,000 men, women and children dressed in colorfully lavish costumes twirl, sashay, pirouette and strut down one of the city’s main streets. This year, the Mummers are making some changes to the nation’s oldest folk parade. That means a shorter route, marching in a different direction (north to south), judging at the start of the parade instead of at the end and performances that run the length of the route and not just in certain locations.

Mummers are men and women of all ages who belong to more than 40 organized clubs that make up the parade participants. The clubs, split into five divisions—Comics, Wench Brigades, Fancies, String Bands and Fancy Brigades—function mainly to stage their playful performances on New Year’s Day.

The day’s highlight is the parade itself, which this year begins at City Hall and marches south—the opposite of past parades—on Broad Street to Washington Avenue. Each division knows its role: the Comics and Wench Brigades satirize issues, institutions and people; the Fancies impress with glamorous outfits that rival those of royalty; the String Bands gleefully play banjoes, saxophones, percussion and other reed and string instruments; and the Fancy Brigades produce tightly choreographed theatrical extravaganzas.

The parade begins in the morning at 10:00 a.m. and ends sometime before 6:00 p.m. The shorter route lends itself to denser crowds, so for sidewalk seating, fans should arrive early to claim their spots. First things first: Spectators are encouraged to leave their cars behind and take public transportation into the city. Those who drive should park in a garage. One of the best places to view the spectacle is from the judging stands near City Hall, but tickets must be reserved in advance.

Tickets for bleacher seating at City Hall (15th & Market Streets) are available at the Independence Visitor Center (6th & Market Streets, (215) 965-7676) for $20. Tickets to both Fancy Brigade Finales can be purchased online for $20-$25 at comcasttix.com or at the Independence Visitor Center.

If you plan on visiting the Philadelphia Mummers Parade this year...now is the time to purchase your tickets and/or make your hotel reservations for the festivities. This parade draws thousands of people so you want to plan well in-advance for the event.

Disclosure: Information and photos for this blog post were provided by VISIT PHILADELPHIA.

Carlton Hotel St. Moritz in Engadin Valley Switzerland

Photo Courtesy of Carlton Hotel St. Moritz

Unfortunately, I have never had the pleasure of visiting Switzerland but it is on my travel bucket list for 2016. In the meantime I have been enjoying various travel blog posts on it and of course...the thousands of photos over on Pinterest. Today I am sharing some information with all of you who may be planning a trip. This info is courtesy of the Carlton Hotel.

During the 2014/2015 winter season, the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz will be celebrating 150 years of winter tourism in the Engadin Valley of Switzerland. Located in the birthplace of winter tourism, the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz is offering experiences reminiscent of “the bet” that established this international winter hotspot 150 years ago.

The original bet in St. Moritz involved a confident hotelier and four skeptic English guests who did not believe the Engadin winter sunshine could be enjoyed short-sleeved on a terrace – the hotelier undoubtedly won the bet as the four sceptics stayed in St. Moritz from Christmas to Easter 150 years ago. “The Bet” experience offered at the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz allows guests to follow in the footsteps of these pioneers.

Photo courtesy Carlton Hotel St. Moritz

“The Bet” at the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz includes a ride in a Bob Taxi on the Olympic Bob Run, a chance to learn how to play Bavarian Curling, and a Cresta Run beginners’ course. In addition to the sporting activities, the offer includes four nights’ accommodation in a suite or junior suite with a daily breakfast buffet, access to the luxurious Carlton Spa, private butler service, ski shuttle to Corviglia ski resort, 24-hour chauffeur service in St. Moritz and much more.

Also offered this year at the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz is the “St. Moritz Gourmet Festival” experience. The St. Moritz Gourmet Festival, held from January 26-30, 2015 will also be part of the 150th anniversary celebrations, launching this year’s “British Edition” of the festival in honor of the areas very first visitors.

The “St. Moritz Gourmet Festival” allows guests to enjoy the culinary expertise of the new Head Chef at the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz, Gero Porstein and guest-chef Angela Hartnett’s award-winning Cucina Italiana. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy the Welcome Cocktail Party at the Kempinski Grand Hotel as well as the legendary Kitchen Party at the Badrutt’s Palace. The offer includes three nights’ accommodation from January 26-29, 2015 in a suite or junior suite with a rich and varied buffet breakfast, private butler service and access to the luxurious Carlton Spa.

About the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz: The Carlton Hotel St. Moritz reopened in December 2007 following a substantial refurbishment by renowned Swiss architect Carlo Rampazzi. It is now one of the most fabulous hotels in the Alps – with 60 lake-view rooms, two restaurants, one of the best spas in St Moritz, and the only indoor and outdoor heated pool overlooking the Alps in this area. en.carlton-stmoritz.ch/. The Carlton Hotel St. Moritz is part of the privately owned Tschuggen Hotel Group. The group comprises three multi-award winning luxury hotels in the 5-star superior category and two holiday hotels in the 3- and 4-star segment. It is synonymous with unique experiences, unostentatious hospitality, award-winning fine dining, superlative spa and wellness facilities, bright and colorful interior designs, and breathtaking views at Switzerland’s premier locations: Arosa, St. Moritz and Ascona. With their attractive innovations and offers, the hotels aim to appeal first and foremost to discerning individual guests seeking something out of the ordinary.

Late Fall Foliage in Central Pennsylvania

The Fall foliage peak here in Pennsylvania is over with but that doesn't mean that there still isn't some great Fall foliage out there to see, especially in the central and southern parts of the state.

Just recently here in south central PA...we took a drive and then a walk through an area park and saw some great foliage still out there. If you think you missed it...you missed some of it but there is some great stuff still left to see!

All of the photos in this particular blog post were taken around the Harrisburg and Hershey area. Right now we are seeing extremely red, fiery orange and golden yellow trees every where! It is really pretty right now and since we just had a few days of mild temperatures, we were outdoors and enjoying it!

Nature is so beautiful, especially during this time of the year. Beauty is everywhere if you just get outside to see it. You can see it in your local neighborhood or get in your car and take a short drive. Look for those "pop" of colors especially when the background features green trees like the photo above. Enjoy!

Beautiful Holiday Decor - The Christmas Tree Shops

Several weeks ago I was introduced to the Christmas Tree Shop and fell in-love with that store as soon as I walked through the doors. Here in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. - it is your one-stop holiday store!

When you shop there you will find non-holiday items too like yard art, food, beverages, kitchenware, toys for the kids, garden items, home decor, linens and more! The store is open all year long! The store is super big and they have all kinds of products at great prices! Can't visit the store? You can shop online too!

On a recent shopping tree I purchased all kinds of holiday decor. I got a wreath for my front door, holiday table linens, all kinds of Christmas decorations & outdoor lights and I was able to pick up some great holiday gifts for the family.

The store is open 7 days a week, closed major holidays and there is plenty of free parking. There are now over 70+ stores and you can use their store locator to find one near you. If you shop online, make sure you check out their "Thrill of the Day" for some great items at discount prices.

While other stores here in our area carrying holiday decor, you will find a bigger selection at better prices at the Christmas Tree Shop! Never visited, I highly recommend it. If you are visiting the Harrisburg location, make sure you stop & shop at the other stores that are within the same shopping plaza. Yes...let's shop LOCAL this holiday season!

Disclaimer: I was NOT compensated for this post. My thoughts & opinions are 100% my own.

Saturday's Market - Pennsylvania's Largest Indoor - Outdoor Farmer's Market and Flea Market

Saturday's Market is a short drive from all south central Pennsylvania locations. You can get there in less than an hour from Lancaster and York and is a short 12-15 minute drive from Harrisburg. It is Pennsylvania's largest indoor and outdoor flea market and farmer's market combined. There is plenty of free parking available too!

Saturday's Market is located at:
3751 E. Harrisburg Pike
Middletown, Pennsylvania 17057

There are over 300 indoor merchants and several hundred outdoor merchants. Outdoors is open weather permitting. You can shop for new and used clothing, handbags, footwear, collectibles, housewares, toys, gifts, pet items, new and used books, antiques, crafts, quilts, jewelry, cleaning products, sporting goods, gifts and more!

You will find indoor restrooms with one of them being handicap accessible.

There are indoor food concession stands, fresh local produce, bakery, meat counter, snack foods, beverages, etc. You can eat in or purchase meals and food for take-out.

During the busy summer season, you will want to arrive early as it can get pretty crowded and you may need to park far away. Plus, all of the good flea market items seem to sell fast and early in the morning. They are open year-round and buses and large groups are welcomed.

Hours of Operation:

Saturday - Indoors is open from 8am to 4pm, Outdoors 4am to 4pm
Sunday - Indoors is closed, Outdoors 7am to 1pm

If you are interested in selling your products and items at Saturday's Market you can contact them directly to purchase outdoor space and/or indoor retail space. All of the "indoor spaces" are for merchants who are there weekly and monthly. The outdoor spaces are for those who are just looking to sell their items in a flea market atmosphere.

We like to visit the Farmer's Market and Flea Market a few times every year. We personally find it best to visit in the springtime and during the fall season when it isn't as crowded. During those times of the year we find ample parking and we really enjoy ourselves more due to smaller crowds of people. You can visit our Middletown Pennsylvania post to learn more about the surrounding area.

Plan a Vacation to CostaBaja Resort & Spa for the Holidays

Are you planning a vacation for the upcoming holiday season? Do you want to head to a tropical destination that has beautiful weather year round? If you answered yes to those questions then you want to consider a holiday vacation to CostaBaja Resort & Spa in Mexico.

Experience a stress-free holiday season in the "City of Peace" at CostaBaja Resort & Spa, a 5-star beachfront retreat overlooking a scenic mountain range and the balmy Sea of Cortez, dubbed the "Aquarium of the World" for its rich biodiversity.

Currently accommodating guests displaced by Hurricane Odile further down the Baja California coast in Los Cabos last month, CostaBaja has holiday availability for travelers looking to truly relax and create unforgettable memories with loved ones. The resort is fully operational and suffered no storm damage.

CostaBaja is situated on 550 acres of environmentally protected coastal lands 10 minutes from downtown La Paz, a cultural pearl known as the "City of Peace" that was named a top 10 place in the world to retire by the New York Times. The resort's luxurious hotel accommodations are the perfect home-away-from-home for the holidays and include private, furnished balconies with marina, mountain and ocean views. CostaBaja is also home to the region's finest destination spa, Mexico's only Gary Player-designed golf course, three pools, a 250-slip double-basin marina and, multiple onsite dining choices that include one of Mexico's finest restaurants.

Relax at the resort or head out to explore the amazing Sea of Cortez, dubbed the "Aquarium of the World" by Jacques Cousteau. Glide by boat or kayak to nearby Espiritu Santo Island, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Bio-Reserves, alongside humpback and gray whales migrating to the balmy Baja California Sur for winter. Snorkel or dive amid schools of vibrantly colored fish and coral reefs, and meet a playful colony of sea lions as enamored with you as you are with them. La Paz also offers some of the world's best sportfishing, with coveted species such as black and blue marlin, Dorado and Wahoo plentiful. On land, explore ancient cave paintings dating to 10,000 B.C., experience an off-road desert excursion or visit a beautiful cactus sanctuary.

Look and feel your picture-perfect holiday best after a visit to the Espiritu Spa at CostaBaja, featuring custom crafted essential oil blends or choose from other holistic wellness and beauty treatments. Spend the evening under the impossibly bright stars while enjoying sweeping ocean views and world-class cuisine. Onsite dining choices include Steinbecks, CostaBaja's signature restaurant where one of Mexico's top chefs, Alejandro Villagomez, works his culinary magic using local ingredients and seafood caught fresh daily. Additional onsite dining spots include beautiful Mosaic restaurant's indoor/outdoor breakfast buffet and additional, scenic venues at the golf club and beach and pool bars.

Penn's Cave House in Centre Hall Pennsylvania

The Penns Cave House, formerly known as the Penn's Cave Hotel sits right on the Penn's Cave and Wildlife Park property in Centre Hall Pennsylvania.

The original hotel was constructed by Daniel F. Luse of Centre Hall for Jesse and Samuel Long. The structure is classified on the National Register of Historic Places as "A Fine Example of Late Nineteenth Century Rural Pennsylvania Architecture."

The overnight guests were accommodated until 1919 and meals were served until 1929. The exterior has had minor alterations and the interior, although altered on the first and second floors, has the distinction of having the entire third floor unaltered.

Today, the Penn's Cave House is a private residence and is not open to the public. You can walk around the grounds and see the exterior when you visit Penn's Cave and Wildlife Park. The most famous guest to ever stay at the Penn's Cave Hotel was Alexander Graham Bell.

The Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park is located at 222 Penns Cave Road in Centre Hall, Pennsylvania. You can visit their web site for hours of operation, driving directions and to learn more. You can click on each photo in this post which will enlarge them in a new window so you can see the details.