Wildwood Beach Photos from Summer 2015

Last year my husband and I took an extended trip down to Wildwood in New Jersey. Over the past few months we've been sharing a lot of Wildwood reviews, traveling tips and various travel articles with all of you related to the gorgeous island known as Wildwood.

All of the posts we've shared here on the blog and all of the photos we've shared on our New Jersey Pinterest board have been extremely popular posts for us last year. We've been please with the response we've gotten from all of you and wanted to share a few more photos from summer 2015.

If you have never visited Wildwood...it's a beautiful place to visit. Out of all of the south Jersey Shore destinations...it's our favorite with Cape May running a close second. One of the things we love about it is that all of the beaches in Wildwood are free (no beach tags required) and their beaches are very clean!

The coastline is broken down into 4 main areas: North Wildwood, Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and Diamond Beach. Out of all four...our favorite is North Wildwood and we love to park our chairs & towels on the beach right behind the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse which is the prettiest area on the island (at least in our opinion).

The island is beautiful to visit during most times of the year but our favorite time is during the first half in the month of June or the first half in the month of September. During the months of July and August...well, it's extremely crowded since it's the height of the tourist season.

Today I am featuring a few more photos from our trip back in June and July of 2015. They are just miscellaneous photos of the Wildwood Beach area that I thought our readers would enjoy. All photos were scaled down so that this page would load quicker. If you click on each photo it will open up in a new window and in full-size so that you can view the details better.

We will be heading back down to Wildwood in New Jersey in early June 2016 and are looking forward to our next trip to this beautiful Jersey Shore destination. Enjoy!

Escape to Colorado to Unwind and Unplug

Image Credit - Matt Inden/Miles

Twenty year ago I was very fortunate to spend a lovely week in the great state of Colorado. At the time, we only got to explore southern Colorado and spent the entire week hiking, horseback riding and camping. It's a beautiful state with a lot to explore.

Today we are featuring 5 unique ways you can escape to Colorado to Unwind and Unplug courtesy of the Colorado Tourism Office. You can request a free visitor's guide by visiting the link at the bottom of this travel feature.

Colorado specializes in year ‘round stress relief, whether you want to spend time with friends and family or embark on a solo journey, there are countless ways to relax and rejuvenate in Colorado: unwind on a guest ranch, wander remote trails, partake in epic stargazing, or sip and stay at a winery. At mealtime, nourish your body with locally sourced herbs, meats, fruits and vegetables harvested straight from Centennial State soil. With summer on the horizon, spring in Colorado invites you to establish a fun and revitalizing foundation of health and happiness for endless adventures ahead.

Ranch Life: Take your sights off the stresses of everyday life by settling in to the distinct rhythm of a new environment at a Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch. Across the state, these rustic getaways offer inspiration and respite in the form of learning, playing, relaxing and adventuring. At Rawah Ranch, nourish the body and soul with gourmet meals designed to fuel a week of campfires, fly-fishing, horseback riding, wildlife watching, hiking and more. At Chico Basin Ranch, enjoy the intimacy of limited guests—never more than 6—and sleep like a true cowboy after a day of ranch work. Wake well rested and take a dip in the spring-fed lake that’s home to a host of waterfowl, then sketch, write or siesta on the shores before an evening hike next to Chico Creek. At Majestic Dude Ranch in Mancos, enjoy everything from horse rides to snowmobile adventures, saunas to skeet shooting, and work up an appetite for ranch-gourmet cuisine like fresh trout and prime rib. At Waunita Hot Springs Ranch, enjoy trail rides on National Forest land, then rest and restore your muscles at the on-site hot springs.

Close Encounters with Culture: An ongoing education is directly linked to health and longevity, and Colorado culture and heritage offer endless inspiration. The little-known Vogel Canyon in southeast Colorado is home to petroglyphs, wildlife, birding and a placid river that meanders through the stunning landscape. Colorado’s premier archeological wonder, Mesa Verde National Park, offers fourteen centuries of history accessible during the day; in the evenings, camp at the Morefield Campground and gaze at some of the best stars in the state. At the nearby Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch, follow the road early Mormons used to migrate to Utah to this guest ranch -originally owned by a legendary cowboy- in a region with more than 5,000 archeological sites. At Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site in La Junta, leave your wallet and your financial worries at home when you celebrate the Centennial of National Parks by visiting during “Fee Free” 2016.

Image Credit - Matt Inden/Miles

Forage, Feast, and Feel Better: Put good in to get good out, so give your body a break, learn something new, and reap the benefits of Colorado expertise and opportunities with foraging and farming opportunities across the state. At Earth’s Green Gifts, enroll in a wild edible plant workshop for springtime identification tips. Commit to the “Spirit of the Herbs”, a six-week introduction to herbalism at Three Leaf Farm in Lafayette. In Durango, celebrate Earth Day with Turtle Lake Refuge or stop by any Tuesday or Friday for wild harvested and locally grown lunches. In Silver Plume, get some R & R at Dram Apothecary’s new B & B, and learn all you can from owner and Colorado native Shae Whitney, who utilizes her collegiate background in Food Science, Ecological Agriculture and Botany to forage for the ingredients in her syrups and bitters. After a day helping with farm chores, rest easy at the Horse and Hen Farmhouse Inn, and wake to a bountiful, farm fresh breakfast. Make sure your vacation road map includes a stop at one of Meadow Lark Farms traveling farm-to-table dinners, which are held at various farms and prepared fresh from the day’s harvest. 

The Sublime vs. The Screen: On your next Colorado-cation, set screens aside and tune into the wonders of some of the country’s most stunning scenic places. Home to four National Parks and 42 State Parks, Colorado embraces the Centennial celebration of our National Park Service. For an approachable adventure, trace the rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison on the North Vista Trail and enjoy stunning views of the canyon and the Precambrian basement rock—nearly 2 billion years old—to put things in perspective. Seek serenity and solitude in the Arkansas River Valley’s newly designated Browns Canyon National Monument, where the nearly 3,000-foot elevation range boasts a variety of wildlife species and plentiful opportunities for fun. Nurture your soul stargazing at the John Martin Reservoir State Park, where the nearby Las Animas County has less than 1 person per square mile. Camp year-round at the Lake Hasty Campground for mesmerizing views, and for more epic skies in the northern prairies, head to the 193,060-acre oasis of grass and sky at Pawnee National Grassland. At Jackson Lake State Park in Fort Morgan, exalt in the reflection the Milky Way makes in serene lake waters.

Image Credit - Matt Inden/Miles

Sip the Stress Away: Uncork and unwind at one of the Centennial State’s interactive and unique wineries. Hunker down in a cool, underground cellar in Palisade for an old-world experience at Stone Cottage Cellars, where you can stay in the original stone cottage located in the center of the vineyard and constructed of fieldstone cleared from the vineyard. Lavender lends its calming, soothing scent to St. Kathryn Cellars, in Palisade, where their lavender wine is crafted with locally grown product. In Hotchkiss, camp, taste and pick at a visit to Delicious Orchards, home of Big B’s juices, where you can sample a wide variety of ciders. If you fancy a brew, beer tastes better at 12,000 feet, so grab a pint of Colorado craft beer, sit back, and enjoy one of Colorado's 300+ licensed craft breweries.

Through a rejuvenating combination of natural offerings and unplugged activities, Colorado offers an ideal escape to relax and restore. The mountains, canyons and plains all supply stunning vistas and opportunities for adventure or for a soothing, meditative stroll. Music festivals across the state provide respite, laughter and social interactions guaranteed to enhance your mind and uplift your spirit. Locally grown foods and craft wines, ciders and beers work together to nourish you, one nurturing bite or sip at a time. Ditch the screens and the stress, and head for some Colorado genuine and lasting peace of mind.

ABOUT COLORADO - Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and 25 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state's breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 11 national parks and monuments, over 850 farm and ranches that are open to visitors, and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the 2016 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide,
visit www.COLORADO.com or call 1-800-COLORADO.

Visiting Saturday's Market - Flea and Farmer's 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 it's a short 12-15 minute drive from Harrisburg. This indoor and outdoor flea market and farmer's market is the largest in the entire state of Pennsylvania.

GPS Users - The Market is located at:
3751 E. Harrisburg Pike
Middletown, Pennsylvania 17057

Saturday's Market is a combination flea market and farmer's market which is open year-round. There are over 300 indoor merchants and several hundred outdoor merchants at any given time. The outdoor stands and boots are 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! Just about anything that is legal to sell is sold here!

If you are handicap you will find some handicap parking that is close to the front entrance of the building. Inside there is a handicap accessible public restroom.

Once you are indoors you will find numerous food concession stands, fresh local produce being sold, bakery items, several meat counters, snack foods, beverages, etc. You can eat in or purchase meals and food for take-out. In addition, there are some indoor shops that sell antiques, furniture, clothing, collectibles, candles, bath & body items, gifts, etc.

We love visiting Saturday's Market a few times every year. We typically like to go in the late spring or early fall months when it's cooler outside and the market tends to be just a tad less busier. On beautiful summer days you really need to arrive early if you want to find a good parking spot. If you love visiting flea markets...this is definitely one that you need to check out!

Summer Packages Available During Baltimore Festival Season

Image Credit: Edwin Remsberg for the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts

Baltimore is about a 2 hour drive from south central Pennsylvania. During the summer season we love to spend some time down there enjoying the summer festivals, visiting the National Aquarium, the zoo, walking around Inner Harbor and all sorts of other great family-friendly activities.

Travelers headed to Baltimore this summer will be greeted with a host of outdoor concerts and festivals. And located in the center of it all, Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor has introduced new packages and offers that make the most of the steady stream of planned events.

· The Merryland Music Fest will entertain guests at the historic Merriweather Post Pavilion, July 8-11, 2016. The festival makes its debut this year with an exceptional lineup of musicians, local artisans, philanthropic organizations, and crowd performers. To celebrate the festival, Hampton Inn & Suites has teamed up with the festival and CID Entertainment to offer two overnight packages: a 3-Night VIP Travel Package for two ($1,829) and a 3-Night Super VIP Travel Package for two ($2,329), both of which include festival admission (pit access for the VIP package; pit and premium reserved seats for the Super-VIP package), round-trip transportation between the hotel and the festival, and two event posters.

· Guests looking to explore Baltimore’s landmarks at a more relaxed pace may book the hotel’s Segs in the City package, which includes overnight accommodations, a guided Segway tour of the Inner Harbor, and a gift bag packed with local favorites. Rates for this package start at $184 per night, and it is available until Sept. 13.

· Summer travelers may also opt for the flexible Baltimore Summer Concert & Festival Package, which allows guests to book overnight accommodations for up to four people during the festivity of their choice. A complimentary tote bag filled with treats will also be given to guests so they may snack between activities. Rates for this package start at $129 per night, and it is available until Sept. 15.

Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor is known for its collaborations with local music festivities. Most recently, the hotel worked with the WPOC Country Radio’s Ultimate Access Luke Bryan contest on April 8, where one lucky winner was selected to receive two front row tickets to Luke Bryan’s concert at Royal Farms Arena; an opportunity to meet Luke Bryan, Little Big Town, and Dustin Lynch at the show; backstage access to take part in the official pre-show toast with Dustin Lynch and his band; and overnight hotel accommodations for two at the Hampton Inn & Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor the night of the show.

Complimentary full breakfast and WiFi are available to all guests. For additional information and bookings, please visit the hotel’s web page or call 410-539-7888.

The Perfect Toiletry Travel Bag by Caboodles

When you travel, you have a lot of things you need to take with you. You've got clothing, shoes, accessories, toiletries and if your a woman...you've got cosmetics too! It's important that our items be organized, protected and packed in as little space as possible.

Let me introduce you to my favorite travel bag that is perfect for packing your toiletries and/or cosmetics. The style of this bag is called the "Doctor's Bag" and it's made by Caboodles. I received this bag several months ago and I've been using it ever since!

Once of the things I love about this bag is that it's very light-weight and it's big enough that it will hold my toiletries, my husband's toiletries and all of my make-up too! It features two carrying handles and has a large zipper closure pocket on the outside front.

When you enter the bag through the top zipper entry, you'll find that the bag is beautifully lined. I love that there are gusseted reach-in pockets that go around the interior of the bag to hold my items securely in place. You can use them to hold bottles of shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, body wash, suntan lotion or anything else you are taking along with.

On the opposite interior walls you'll find some attached elastic bands which are perfect for securing your smaller items like lipsticks, mascara tubes, eyeliner pencils, lip liner pencils, make-up brushes, tweezers, etc. You know, those smaller items that you don't want to get lost, but yet want to find them quickly and easily.

The bottom of this bag is flat, so it will stand upright when you set it down. Perfect for sitting on top of a counter, vanity top, table, etc. In addition, I love that I can easily wipe down this bag with a damp cloth, should anything get spilled and if it needs a little cleaning. Not only that, this entire bag looks stylish and totally in-fashion!

As you can see, I have a LOT of room still left in my "Doctor's Bag" by Caboodles and when my grand daughter travels with us, I do add her things into the bag...again, still plenty of room left! You could use this bag for all kinds of different things, but I love using mine for when we travel.

You can find this bag wherever Caboodles bags are sold. I love mine and I highly recommend it to all of you!

Disclaimer: Shelly H. received a complimentary Caboodles Doctor's Bag to review for her blog. No monetary compensation was received. Shelly's thoughts, opinions and words are 100% her own. Your thoughts and opinions may differ.

Roadside America - World's Greatest Indoor Miniature Village

Roadside America in Shartlesville Pennsylvania is one of the most unique tourist attractions in the United States. It is open year-round but the hours of operation depends on the season. See their web site for a complete list of their operating schedule.

Laurence Gieringer founded Roadside America and was one of the world's most respected builders of miniature models. His love for miniatures has said to begun when he was a small child, around the age of 5 years. Over the years that love grew and he built himself a large collection which is on display today for the world to enjoy.

The display first started in his home back in 1935 and moved to a bigger location in 1939. Then in 1953 it finally moved into it's final location along Interstate 78 in Shartlesville and has been there ever since.

Admission Rates:

* Adults ages 12 and over $6.75
* Children ages 6-11 years $3.75
* Children 5 and under are free

When you walk through the door you are in "awe" of the 8,000 square foot, fully landscaped miniature village display. There is something to see from every side, angle and corner. There are over 3,000 miniature buildings and up to 18 trains, trolley cars and cable cars running at any given time.

These are interactive miniature displays with animated working saw mills, construction sites, cable cars, circus animal parade, boats in simulated rivers & streams and so much more! In addition, these animations can be activated by visitors!

We went for a visit as a family. The oldest member with us is 55 years old and the youngest was 6 years old. Everyone...no matter what their age enjoyed visiting the Roadside America Miniature Village. We spent a good 90 minutes checking out all of the displays where are very realistic looking and interesting to see. It's like taking a step back in time and peeking in to see what it was like to live during that era.

From every angle...every scene has been meticulously recreated to look exactly like it may have looked back in those times. If you have ever sat down and look through old community books and newspapers...these scenes look exactly like those! It's amazing the attention that they paid to every little detail...from the cars, the landscaping, the clothing worn on the miniature people and so forth. I can't even imagine the hours and years it took to create something like this! Amazing!

You can learn more about the Roadside America in Shartlesville Pennsylvania by visiting their site online. You can find driving directions, GPS coordinates and hours of operation. If you are ever passing through this area or if you live nearby...we highly recommend that you stop in for a visit. We had a great time!

Note: All photos in this post are clickable. You can click on each one which will open it in a new window and in an enlarged size so that you can see all of the details up close.

6 Things to See and Do in Cape May New Jersey

Every year we take a trip down to Cape May in New Jersey. If you have never visited this coastal town it's really a beautiful place to visit. There is always something to see, do or experience in Cape May. While it is a south Jersey Shore destination in the summertime...it's bustling with activity year round.

Today...I am going to share some miscellaneous sites to see around Cape May. These are some of the things you might want to see or do while visiting.

1. Cape May Welcome Sign - This sign is actually located in town. It's like a billboard representing several different local businesses. It's an iconic sign and you will often see tourists stopping to take photos of it or them standing in front of the sign.

2. Historic Cape May Water Tower - The water tower can be see from a lot of different locations around town. It's considered to be a national historic landmark. All of the south Jersey coastal towns & cities have these water towers and again....tourists love to stop by and take pictures of them.

3. The Town Clock - The tourists often refer to the clock tower that sits in the middle of the Washington Street Mall as "The Town Clock" or the "Cape May Town Clock". The Washington Street Mall is the ONLY "real" mall in the city limits of Cape May. It's open year-round but during the summer tourist season...it gets extremely busy. We love visiting the mall around the holiday season when all of the store fronts decorate for the holiday. Really beautiful!

4. Morrow's Nut House - is located on Beach Drive in Cape May. Beach Drive runs along the coastline so you can't miss it if you are driving by. Morrow's Nut House sells all kinds of delicious nuts, homemade fudge, saltwater taffy and other candies. They have a second location which is in the Washington Street Mall.

5. Cape May Lighthouse - The lighthouse can be seen for miles away and is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Cape May. You will find it at the Cape May Point State Park which has free parking, a visitor's center, beach access and nearby beach walk. Everything is FREE except for the lighthouse itself...which charges a small admission fee to enter and climb all of the steps to the top.

6. Guardian Gift Shop & Consignment Store - Every time I visit the area I love to go shopping at the Guardian which is classic-style gift shop with sun catchers, clothing, souvenirs, etc. Right beside the Guardian is a boutique style clothing consignment shop if you are looking for items of that nature. There is a metered-parking lot across the street for you to park in. I can never find any nearby FREE parking, so I always pay to park.

These are just 6 miscellaneous things you can see and do while visiting Cape May in New Jersey. If you want detailed lists of Cape May attractions...take a peek in my New Jersey sections here on my travel blog for 100's of different posts! We love Cape May and think you will too!

Note: Click on each image in this post. It will open in a new window and in an enlarged size so that you can view all of the details up close!

Classic Comfort Food at the Gap Diner Family Restaurant

We've been traveling back and forth to the Jersey Shore from central Pennsylvania for 30+ years. When we travel down...we often go through Lancaster county and Amish country. The route that we like to take passes through Gap in Pennsylvania which is a beautiful country drive.

The Gap Diner Family Restaurant is a hot spot for travelers who pass through Lancaster county. Many of these travelers are heading down to the Jersey Shore. Over the years...this diner has changed but it has all been for the better.

Name: Gap Diner Family Restaurant
Location: 780 Pennsylvania 41, Gap, PA. 17527

On our trips down to the Jersey Shore we always stop at the Gap Diner for breakfast...it's a family tradition and we've been stopping there at least once a year...every year for 30+ years! On our trips back home...we stop again but for a late-lunch or dinner.

The restaurant offers your classic diner fare with menu items to please everyone. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and their staff is always smiling and very helpful when we deal with them. We have never had to wait more than a few minutes to be seated and our meals always arrive hot and fresh on our table shortly thereafter. All menu items are affordable and you can request to-go boxes if needed.

If you are passing through or traveling around Lancaster County in Pennsylvania...the Gap Diner Family Restaurant is one place you need to check out for hot, delicious and affordable meals.

Note: You can double-click on each photograph to have it automatically open up in a new browsing window and in an enlarged size.

Capt'n Jack's Island Grill in Wildwood

Capt'n Jack's Island Grill is one of the hottest places to grab a bite to eat on the Wildwood Boardwalk. Matter of fact, every time we are visiting the Wildwood island, we always make sure we grab a hot lunch or dinner at Capt'n Jack's Island Grill.

When we dine there...we always get some type of burger. One of my personal favorites to order is their Mushroom Swiss Burger which is out of this world delicious!!! Hubby likes to order the Big Jack Burger and my daughter loves their Pulled Pork Sliders. They seriously have something for everyone!

Capt'n Jack's Island Grill is located directly on the Boardwalk at 2701 in Wildwood. You can dine indoors in cool air conditioner or have your meal & drinks served on their second story deck which is where we prefer to dine.

We love their fun atmosphere and the employees are always nice & helpful. Our meal is delivered to our table quickly and always cooked to perfection. We have never had anything to complain about! Furthermore, their pricing is very decent and not over-inflated for a tourist town at all.

If you would like to learn more about Capt'n Jack's Island Grill you can check them out over on Facebook and view their menu & offerings online. You can click on the images in this post which will open them in a new enlarged window so that you can see the details up close.

In My Footsteps A Traveler's Guide to Martha's Vineyard

For Centuries, Martha's Vineyard, the Massachusett's island off the coast of Cape Cod, has attracted everyone from celebrities and presidents to everyday folks seeking a respite from the busier pace of the mainland. This travel guide takes you on a complete tour around the island, showcasing more than 75 locations. A mix of quaint charm and stunning natural beauty gives the Vineyard a truly unique allure.

Historic homes, lighthouses, renowned restaurants, and miles of pristine beaches are only the starting points for the wonders that have made this island of not quite 100 square miles a coveted vacation spot. Through clear and concise directions, including addresses, distances and GPS coordinates, this unique guide whisks you around the island, stopping at both must-see popular spots and lesser-known hidden gems treasured by the locals.

Title: In My Footsteps - A Traveler's Guide to Martha's Vineyard
Author: Christopher Setterlund
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing
ISBN: 978-0-7643-5019-1

My Thoughts: I love collecting travel books from locations I've visited and on destinations that I currently have on my travel bucket list. About twenty years ago I visited Martha's Vineyard and I know that it's changed quite a bit since I was there. The "In My Footsteps - A Traveler's Guide to Martha's Vineyard" by author Christopher Setterlund is a soft-cover travel guide that is one of the best that I've seen that covers just about everything that has to do with Martha's Vineyard.

I love that the author included some of the popular "hot" spots and included lesser known hidden gems within the pages of this book. He tells you exactly where each place is located so that you can easily find it yourself. In addition, he tells you a little bit about each location, including his personal thoughts on it. If you love looking at travel photos, you'll love all of the beautiful photographs included in the book.

The "In My Footsteps - A Traveler's Guide to Martha's Vineyard" is a great travel book for the newbie who's never visited the island and it's great for those who visit often and are looking for new places to see and new things to do. There is a nice index in the front of the book to help you find things quickly and easily.

This book is available from Schiffer Publishing and is a great travel guide on Martha's Vineyard. Along with this travel book, you can find thousands of other books there too!

Disclosure: Shelly H. received a complimentary copy of the book mentioned in this travel blog post for a review/feature here on her blog. No monetary compensation was received. Shelly's thoughts, words and opinions are 100% her own, unbiased opinion. Your opinion may differ.