10.30.2011

October Foodie Penpals

While I primarily write about travel, one of the joys of traveling for me is trying new food.  When I heard about Foodie Penpals, I thought it sounded like a fun way to try new foods from all over the United States.  October was my first month to participate and here is what I received:

My box was from Erin @ Creative Soul in Motion who lives in the Boston area.  She sent me a wonderful "I ♥ New England" themed package!

 
Item #1:  Maple Syrup - So far I have only used the syrup for Saturday morning pancakes, but I plan to use it for a few more recipes including a Maple-Simmered Chicken recipe from my Clean Eating magazine (Oct '11). It tastes much better than the artificially sweetened types.  

Item #2:  Apple Butter - This apple butter was delicious and perfect for fall!  I have been using it on my toast in the morning for breakfast.

Item #3: Apples - Fresh apples picked by Erin from Honey-Pot Hill Orchard...Yum!

Item #4: Homemade Muffins - I had these for breakfast.  My husband really liked these, too.  


Item #5: Honey - Sadly, the honey jar broke during shipping so I did not get to try it.  Since it smelled nice, I'm sure it would have tasted delicious... 



 Along with all my goodies, Erin included some information about her recommendations for restaurants and activities in Boston:

"...Start at the Flour Bakery in Fort Point for breakfast, meander over to the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum for the morning, stop by a farmers' market on the way to lunch at Cafe L'Aroma.  Then stroll through the gardens and explore Beacon Hill before going up to Cambridge for a fabulous dinner at Upstairs on the Square.  Then I would explore Harvard Square while the sun slowly sets."

This sounds like such a fun day in Boston!  She also included menus for:
-The Cottage  They have a delicious looking brunch menu - think Stuffed French Toast, Tuscan Omelette, and Maine Lobster BLT+A...yummy! (I love breakfast foods!)
-Cuchi Cuchi  A place meant to capture "old world beauty and early hollywood" which has international small pair&share dishes including mushroom risotto, thai mussels, and duck a l'orange crepes.  They even have vintage cocktails!  (Sounds like a fun place for a girls' evening out!)
- Dali  This restaurant and tapas bar is a sister restaurant of Cuchi Cuchi with many items to pick from including queso de cambra montañas (baked goat cheese w/ tomato & basil), gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), and conejo escabechado (braised rabbit w/ red wine, juniper, & garlic). 
 
For more information on the foodie penpals, check out the details on The Lean Green Bean.
If you’re interested in participating in November's foodie penpals, please send Lindsay an email at theleangreenbean@gmail.com by November 4th and include the following information:
-Your full name
-Your email address
-Your blog name/address
-Your twitter handle (if applicable)

10.14.2011

Challenge: Niagara Falls, ON

The Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada is a beautiful place. It was designated as a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice® 2011 Winner (Destination and Family Categories).  Since this is only a 6hr drive from Columbus, it makes an easy weekend trip.  There are many things to do in the area besides view the Falls.  Please remember that you now need a passport to travel to Canada.  (For questions about passports go to the US Dept of State's website.)   
While some items are priced in US Dollars (USD) and others are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) the exchange rate is currently very close to even, so I did not bother to adjust Canadian dollars into US dollars.  All prices are US dollars unless otherwise noted.

Niagara Falls Photos
This photo of Niagara Falls is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Criteria:  Close to the falls and other activities.
Needs/Wants: Variety of activities beside seeing the Niagara Falls.
Time Frame:  Long weekend - prices based on May 10-13 (3nights/4days)
Budget:  #1 $1500 / #2 $1000 / #3 $600 TL for 2 people


Option #1: Niagara Fall - Fallsview
Hotel: The Tower Hotel - Standard 1Q Fallsview @ 20% for 3nt-rate (no breakfast); mostly positive TripAdvisor reviews   $622.92 TL
Car/Gas: 352 miles each way (~6hr); round trip 704 miles with 22mpg at $3.50/gal  $112.00 TL
Parking:  Valet Parking $15/day  $45
Transportation: Walking distance  $0 TL
Food: Breakfast (B): $10/day ($30); Lunch (L): $35/day ($105); Dinner (D): $60/day ($180); Drinks (Dr): $20/day ($60)  ~$375TL (for two people)
Based on Day 1 (D/Dr), Day 2 (B/L/D/Dr), Day 3 (B/L/D/Dr), Day 4 (B/L)
Activities: Maid of the Mist Tour $16.50CADpp; Niagara Wine Trail $0 OR use the Vino Visa Passport $25pp (Worth the money if you plan to visit multiple wineries for free tastings); Fallsview Casino $0 (unless you gamble); Niagara Sky Wheel $8.99pp (with $1off coupon on website); Butterfly Conservatory $12.25pp; Botanical Gardens $0; Niagara Helicopter Rides $132pp; Crystal Beach $0  $390 TL 
Trip Total:  $1544.92 TL

Option #2: Niagara Falls - B&B
Hotel: Greystone Manor Bed and Breakfast - Topaz Guest Room 1Q @ TripAdvisor 15% off-rate (must pay in cash to received discount); private entrance; breakfast; mini-fridge and microwave; ranked as #1 B&B by the Niagara Falls on TripAdvisor  $300CAD + 13% tax = $339CAD TL
Car/Gas: 352 miles each way (~6hr); round trip 704 miles with 22mpg at $3.50/gal  $112.00 TL
Parking:  Complimentary Off Street Parking  $0
Transportation: Walking $0 OR PeopleMover Buses  $8.85pp/day  $84 TL
Food: Breakfast (included): $0/day (0); Lunch: $30/day ($90); Dinner: $50/day ($150); Drinks: $15/day ($45)  ~$285TL (for two people)
Based on Day 1 (D/Dr), Day 2 (B/L/D/Dr), Day 3 (B/L/D/Dr), Day 4 (B/L)
Activities: Maid of the Mist Tour $16.50CADpp; Niagara Wine Trail $0 OR use the Vino Visa Passport $25pp (Worth the money if you plan to visit multiple wineries for free tastings); Fallsview Casino $0; Niagara Sky Wheel $8.99pp (with $1off coupon on website); Butterfly Conservatory $12.25pp; Botanical Gardens $0; Crystal Beach $0  $125 TL
Trip Total:  $915 TL

Option #3: Niagara Falls - Near Falls 
(may include long walk or very short drive)
Hotel: The Rex Motel - 1Q @ regular-rate; breakfast; mini-fridge and microwave; good value based on TripAdvisor reviews   $215CAD + 13% tax = $242.95CAD TL
Car/Gas: 352 miles each way (~6hr); round trip 704 miles with 22mpg at $3.50/gal  $112.00 TL
Parking:  Complimentary Parking  $0
Transportation: For parking if you do not feel like walking  $25 TL
Food: Breakfast (B): $5/day ($15); Lunch (L): $20/day ($60); Dinner (D): $40/day ($120); Drinks (Dr): $0/day (0)  ~$205TL (for two people)
Based on Day 1 (D), Day 2 (B/L/D), Day 3 (B/L/D), Day 4 (B/L)
Activities: Maid of the Mist Tour $16.50CADpp; Niagara Wine Trail $0; Fallsview Casino $0; Niagara Sky Wheel $8.99pp (with $1off coupon on website); Botanical Gardens $0; Crystal Beach $0  $75 TL 
Trip Total:  $605.45 TL

10.07.2011

If Money Grew on Trees...Dhara Dhevi

I love autumn!  Lucky for me, Ohio is currently getting plenty of beautiful weather with sunshine and temperatures in the 70s!  Want to know what makes it even better?!  It is supposed to stay like this for the rest of the weekend!

Even while I am enjoying this wonderful fall weather at home, I would love to travel to Thailand to visit the Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi hotel.  TripAdvisor ranks this hotel as a Travelers' Choice 2011 Winner (Luxury Category).  After looking at the photos, I can see why - it is stunning!  Their website lists several activities in the area including white water rafting, an elephant camp, and the Mae Si Waterfall, along with several places to shop.


Mandarin Oriental: Dhara Dhevi
Chiang Mai, Thailand

Photos of Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai
Main Entrance - This photo of Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Photos of Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai
The Spa - This photo of Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Photos of Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai
Reception Area - This photo of Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai is courtesy of TripAdvisor

10.05.2011

Challenge: National Parks

"The farther one gets into the wilderness, the greater is the attraction of its lonely freedom."
- Theodore Roosevelt

The National Parks in the US are diverse and beautifully preserved.  They are parts of nature that most of us do not get to see on a regular basis.  I have selected three National Parks from different areas of the country for this weeks' challenge.

Criteria: We would like to be able to do some hiking and outdoor activities, but would like some other options in case there is bad weather at some point in the trip.
Needs/Wants:  Preferably a good location (either in the park or outside) for exploring.  Once again...it's about value.  There will likely be more convenient locations, but you will have to pay (usually more) for it.  There are also cheaper options (like camping) if you want to spend less.
Time Frame: May 19-26, 2012 - Saturday to Saturday (7nts/8days)
Budget: $2000 TL for two people

Yellowstone National Park Photos
Old Faithful Geyser - This photo of Yellowstone National Park is courtesy of TripAdvisor
Hotel: Alpine Motel (West Yellowstone, MT) (5nts) - 1Q with mini-fridge and microwave - TripAdvisor Reviews $325+tx (estimated at 13%)  ~$367.25 TL
Hyatt Park Salt Lake City Airport (1nt) - 1K @ AAA-rate with complimentary breakfast - TripAdvisor Reviews  $80.22 TL
If you have your heart set on staying in the park, I would stay the first 4 nights in West Yellowstone and spend the 5th night in the park.  Last night is spent near SLC airport. 
Airfare: Southwest Airlines Columbus, OH (CMH) to Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)  $757.60 TL
Transportation: Enterprise Rental Car - Compact Sized for 1 week  $204.28 TL without additional insurance 
Before accepting any extra insurances from the rental company, check with your current car insurance or credit card company.  Some will cover your rental car in case of an accident. 
Car/Gas: 323 miles each way (~5hr 30min); round trip 646 miles with 30mpg at $3.50/gal  $75.37 TL
Food: Breakfast: $5/day (7day = $35); Lunch: $15/day (8days = $120); Dinner: $50/day (7days = $350)  ~$505TL (for two people)
Utilize the mini-fridge and microwave by stopping by the grocery store!  A bowl of cereal and a fruit or Greek yogurt with granola can make a cheap and filling breakfast.  Buy a cheap cooler and pack your lunch to eat in the park. 
While at any park, there are activities (ie: hiking) that will not be convenient to food.  I recommend packing easy snacks that can help keep you satisfied until your next meal such as granola, nuts, a PB&J sandwich, apples, etc.  
PLEASE be aware that wildlife may be attracted to your food, so take precautions! 
Activities: Park Entrance 7-Day Pass $25/vehicle; Hiking $0pp; Yellowstone IMAX Theater $8pp (if you print the $1off coupon); Yellowstone Mountain Guides Horse Rides (20mins away) - 2hr Trail $75pp/1/2 day Trail $95pp ~$191TL (with 2hr trail) 
Trip Total:  $2180.72 TL (without trail ride = $2030.72TL)

Option #2: Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park Photos
This photo of Acadia National Park is courtesy of TripAdvisor
Hotel:  Eden Village Motel (5nts) - 1K in Motel section with mini-fridge and microwave (renovated in 2010 according to their website) - Good value TripAdvisor reviews  (Between $49-$99/nt; no online reservations so I estimated at $75/nt) $375+tx (estimated at 13%) ~$423.75 TL (Could range from $277-$559)
Howard Johnson Plaza - Portland (2nts) - 1K @ AAA-rate (no breakfast) - Good TripAdvisor reviews  $190.32 TL
Airfare: United Airlines Columbus, OH (CMH) to Portland, ME (PWM) - One-stop each way  $601.60 TL 
Transportation: Budget Rental Car - Compact Sized for 1 week  $156.52 TL without additional insurance 
Car/Gas: 257 miles each way (~5hr); round trip 514 miles with 30mpg at $3.50/gal  $59.97 TL
Food: Breakfast: $5/day (7day = $35); Lunch: $15/day (8days = $120); Dinner: $50/day (7days = $350)  ~$505TL (for two people)
See food tips from above. 
Activities: Park Entrance 7-Day Pass (Discounted price from 5/1-6/22) $10/vehicle; Park Tours & Activities $0pp (most); Acadia Mountain Guides Private Half-Day Rock Climbing Tour $90pp; Bar Harbor Whale Watching Co Lobster Fishing & Seal Watching Tour $29pp (Whale watching not available until mid-June for $58pp); Kittery Premium Outlets OR The Kittery Outlets $depends how much you buy!; Lighthouses $varies  $250TL 
Some activities are a little far and may require planning.  Maybe stop at some places on your way from the airport to Bar Harbor or on your way back.  
Trip Total:  $2187.16 TL ($2007.16TL without Rock Climbing)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos
This photo of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Since there is no airfare for this location, we are able to upgrade our accommodations. 
Hotel:  Great Cabins in the Smokies - Rendezview Cabin - 1K with hot tub on deck, sauna, washer/dryer, 2 gas fireplaces  $1031.67 TL
Car/Gas: 400 miles each way (~6hr 45min); round trip 800 miles with 22mpg at $3.50/gal  $127.27 TL
Food: Food: Breakfast: $5/day (7day = $35); Lunch: $15/day (8days = $120); Dinner: $50/day (7days = $350)  ~$505TL (for two people) 
Take advantage of a full kitchen - stop by the grocery stop when you get there and buy food to make at the cabin.  
Activities: Park Entrance $0pp; CLIMB Works Canopy 3hr Zipline $89pp; Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies $22.99pp; Smoky Mountain Riding Stables 1hr ride $25pp; Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery Tour and Tasting $0pp  $273.98TL 
Trip Total:  $1937.92 TL

10.03.2011

Stay tuned...

I was out of town visiting the lovely city of New Orleans for some travel inspiration!

A new Challenge is in the making and will be up later this week so stay tuned!


 “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore. Dream. Discover.”  
-Mark Twain