As if experiencing the beautiful and colorful city of Seattle from street level wasn’t enough, seeing a 360° view of the city from 520 feet in the air was sure to put our day in Seattle over the top. Coming from Chicago though, which I truly believe has the world’s best skyline, I was feeling a bit partial to my hometown and skeptical that this would even come close. But what definitely sets Seattle […]
When thinking of outdoor adventure or unique things to do outside (especially in the winter), I often forget that fun can be found right in my own backyard–literally. No airfare, luggage or security lines here–only things needed are an entrance button and your best viking attire. In Fox River Grove, IL the last weekend in January, the Norge Ski Club holds its annual Norge Ski Tournament. This year’s competition (its 106th) hosted top rated ski jumpers […]
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks were the last stops on our Northern California Road Trip. Both parks lie in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Central California, about 230 miles north of Los Angeles and about 275 miles southeast of San Francisco. And, even though Kings Canyon and Sequoia sit adjacent to one another, there is a distinct difference between them. Kings Canyon features dramatic vistas, rock faces, and valleys while Sequoia is more […]
Kings Canyon National Park, sister park to Sequoia, was the final stop on our epic four National Park California road trip. While most feel it is not as grand as her neighboring sister or upstate cousin Yosemite, by some measures we felt it was much more and had saved the best for last. Most noteable is the fact that the park holds the deepest gorge in the United States and is home to the General […]
Yosemite National Park was the third stop on our Northern California Roadtrip and the one I was most excited about. What we weren’t aware of prior to our visit (surprising since I usually research these things to death) was that we would be participating in the park’s 125th Birthday celebration. And, despite the other half a million people also attending the birthday party, it was a great time and we felt very privileged to be […]
Lassen Volcanic National Park was our first of three National Park stops on this Northern California road trip. Our choice of lodging was the Drakesbad Guest Ranch located in the Warner Valley area inside the park. While not easy to get to, once there you will find a retreat like no other. But, this place is not for everyone–no television, cell phone service or internet. If, however, you are looking for a rustic adult summer […]
The drive around Lake Tahoe is 70 miles and, if driven without stops, would likely take around 4 hours. I’m quite sure though that there is no human who could make this trip without stopping–the views are just too spectacular (plus you have to eat, drink and empty the bladder right?) Make it a perfect sunny day in the high 70’s and throw in two girls who feel compelled to stop at every pull out […]
I definitely wouldn’t have chosen Reno as a vacation destination but my CMP designation brought me here for the annual Convention Industry Council Conclave and we decided to use it as a jumping off point for a week long California road trip. Growing up my mother always taught me “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all” so I’ll keep my post short and I’ll try and be sweet. If […]