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positivityfortoday · 3 years

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☀ PositivityForToday’s 10K Celebration ☀

There are SO many things worth living for and reasons to smile and be happy! With the help of my lovely followers/friends, I have compiled a list of 1,000 things that make people happy, for my 10,000 amazing followers! Hopefully, this list is able to help you, make you feel better, or give you a reason to smile today!

☀ 1,000 Happy Things ☀

Seeing cows while driving

Moss on really old fallen trees

Seeing a lil baby you don't know in public, and they smile at you!!!

Parents doing their kids hair or just people doing someone they care about’s hair

Really ragged old and well-loved stuffed animals

When the dandelions start blooming

Spring blossom

Daffodils

Bluebells

Sharks

When you're sitting outside your house or something and people passing by wave and say hi

That feeling in the summer when you have your window open and you're listening to your favorite music

When someone does a hobby just because they enjoy it even if they aren't the best at it

Comfort shows and books

People speaking their native languages

When my brother gets something to eat and always gets me something he knows I like

When I finish a crossword

When I see something that reminds me of someone I care about

Paintings

My best friend (I love her so much shhhh don't tell her)

My dog! I love him

My little sisters! Adorable, creative, and very witty. I love them

Music! I get the happy shaky feelings and just,,, y e a h/listening to songs

Singing! Especially for band practice!

Sunlight beams in the morning

The moon

Eagles

That feeling when you’re with friends and you’re all laughing so loudly, and you just feel complete

Talking to my favorite people/talking to my best friend

Sunrises and sunsets

Seeing the stars

Cats

Butterflies/Moths

Snails

Warm sunshine

Purple gel pens

Hugs

My children

Sunny days

Beautiful views

Spending time with my family and friends

Playing badminton

Cycling

Playing with little kids

Playing with dogs

Whales

Animals doing daft things

Talks and walks with my son

Morning breakfast and coffee

A good spicy lunch

Laying in my bed at night and just checking on current affairs and news

My boyfriend

My friends

Art

Owls

Minecraft

Voice acting

Petting my dog

Smelling Flowers

Feeling a cold thing when I’m warm or a warm thing when I’m cold

Giving and getting kisses

Random texts from friends

Coffee flavored chocolate

Singing

Moths with big white wings

Underdone scrambled eggs

A rainy night

Bubbles

That first warm day of spring

Going on hikes

Being outdoors

Candy

Chocolate

The smell of playdoh

Taking photos

Getting new clothing

Candles

Birdwatching

Going on picnics

Writing poetry

Reading books

The holidays

Making people smile/laugh

Coffee

A nice warm blanket

Eating ice cream

Snow globes

Lightning bugs

Flowers after the snow melts

The smell of rain

Sitting on the steps early in the morning

Being the first to wake up

The feeling I get after running

The comfort of a favorite shirt

My girlfriend

Family

Random acts of kindness

Babies

When I play with my dog by pretending to run at her and she goes crazy with excitement

My cat

Rain

Baking

Piano (playing or listening)

Small flowers

Flowy skirts/dresses

Wholesome romances

Hearing a song for the first time and loving it immediately

Playing my flute

Horses

Listening to vinyls on a record player

When someone remembers a little detail about you

Painting my nails

Doing yoga

Doing exercise

Beating a personal record

Rainbows

Making crafts

Taking a shower after a long day

Going to the zoo

Going on vacation

Being at the beach or near water

Watching Netflix

Going to the movie theatre

Watching a live play at a theatre

Learning something new

Teaching someone how to do something

Toasting marshmallows and eating S’mores

Cupcakes

Seeing a shooting star

Taking a nap

When someone compliments me

Decorating my room

Picnics

My favorite band

My favorite celebrities

My favorite actors

Setting a new goal

Collecting rocks

Putting on fresh clean sheets

Seeing Christmas lights

Listening to birds chirping

Giraffes

Camping

Sitting by a bonfire

Eating mashed potatoes

Bullet journaling

Driving in the car with the windows down

Dancing

Looking at pretty pictures

Concerts

Funny jokes/puns/memes

Fireworks

Sparklers

Pretty clouds

My favorite shoes

Getting new art supplies

Making photo edits

Making gifts for my friends and family

Getting gifts from people

Balloons

Succulents

Playing an instrument

Drinking a nice cup of tea

Iced tea on a summer day

Eating fresh fruit

Getting my hair braided

Eating at a restaurant

Being on a boat

Swimming

Making new friends

Finding an animal in nature

Pumpkins and pumpkin patches

Carving pumpkins

Autumn and all the beautiful colors

Acting for theatre

Making video edits

Wearing a costume for Halloween

Dressing fancy

Finding four leaf clovers

Pressing flowers

Scrap booking

Handwritten letters

Stickers

Hummingbirds

Elephants

Eating breakfast

Gardens

Inspirational quotes

Wearing my favorite necklace

Baby animals

Little streams and ponds

Foxes

Sun shining through trees

When it’s foggy out and you can see dew drops on plants and spider webs

Being on a swing

Finally accomplishing a goal you’ve been working on

When a new season of your favorite show comes out

Doing my makeup

Cleaning and organizing

Daydreaming

Taking a bath

Christmas

Watching funny videos

Wearing sweaters and hoodies

Fuzzy socks

Helping people

Little figurines and objects

Popcorn

Brownies

Looking out the window

Wolves

Opening a window for fresh air

The smell of coffee

Watching YouTube videos

Getting a haircut

Seeing a deer in the woods

Watching birds fly

Finding shapes and objects in the clouds

The smell of fresh laundry

When someone tells me something reminded them of me

Stepping on crunchy leaves

Animal crossing

My switch

Softball/baseball

Basketball

Soccer

Seeing cool cars/old cars

Rollerblading

Drawing with chalk on a sidewalk

Going to bed early

Stargazing

Making progress

Checking things off my to-do list

Taking Polaroid pictures

Going for walks

Jogging

Going to the library

Starting a new book

Finishing a good book

Playing board games

Koalas

Slippers

Big trees

Sunlight coming through the windows

Waking up on Christmas morning

Getting book, song, movie, etc. recommendations from my friends

Making music playlists

Finally receiving packages I ordered in the mail

Baking desserts

When my favorite song comes on

When people make playlists for each other

Finding new characters to ship

Having free time

Sticky notes

Sunbathing

Traveling

Peace and quietness

Alone time

Meeting my step/exercise goal for the day

The people who love me

Soup

Coloring books

Getting into bed after a long day

Pillows

Fandoms

How unique and different everyone is

Getting a lot of work done

Looking forward to my future dream job

Playing video games

Being on Tumblr

Taking time for myself

Practicing self-care

Face masks

Finding money you forgot about

Holding hands

The smell of apple pie

Starting a new tv show

Getting letters in the mail

When the seasons change

Summer

Mugs and teacups

Smoothies

Breakfast food

Disney

Going into the woods/forest

Trying new creative outlets

The smell of sunscreen

Eating the food you’ve been craving

Knowing and feeling that people care

Telling a good story

Laughing so hard can’t stop and your stomach hurts

Late summer nights

Late night drives

Sparkles

Glitter

Listening to people I love talk about their favorite things and what they’re passionate about

Listening to podcasts

Turning up the volume of my music

Putting my headphones in

Blasting my favorite songs through my speaker

People accepting and supporting others for who they truly are

Wearing something cozy

Soft light

Love

Warm weather

A well-rested night

Waking up in the morning and feeling refreshed

Knowing that every day is a fresh start

Well written characters

A book I can get lost in

Sloths

My parents

My siblings

My grandparents

The feeling of sand beneath your feet

Heated blankets

Bagels

Toast

Getting something for free

Samples

Constellations

Mason jars

Practicing a new skill

Finding a new hobby

Lazy weekends

Mac n cheese

French fries

Having deep conversations with my best friend

New jeans

Going to IKEA

Skirts

Dresses

Doodling

When other people are happy (especially people I know and love)

Marching band

Sleeping in

Having the day off

Getting new books

Playing guitar

Playing ukulele

Random compliments

A change of scenery

Cuddling

Waking before the sun is up

Reading old letters

Zebras

Exploring

Building Lego sets

Using photoshop to make edits

Journaling

Walking along the seafront and breathing in time with the waves

A good rom-com or nostalgic show

Writing lists

Pinterest boards

Looking back at my accomplishments

Talking on the phone with a friend or family member

Wrapping presents

A blue sky

Loving someone

Waterfalls

Washi tape

Penguins

Donuts

The color yellow

Sleepovers

Cooking dinner

Kind gestures

Trust

Inside jokes

Songs that make you feel nostalgic

Seeing other people’s art

Comfy clothes

Wearing pajamas

Calligraphy

When someone calls you by your nickname

Going to Target

The first sunburn of the summer

Ramen noodles

Chinese food

Thrift shopping

Flower fields

Flowers growing in random places, like through a crack in the sidewalk

Writing

Sparkly snowflakes

When it snows on Christmas

Mixing paint colors together

Perfectly shaven legs

Puddles

The color red

Thunderstorms

The smell of flowers

The ocean

Adult sized onesies

Driving a golf cart

Fairytales

Cartoons

The color blue

Pasta

AO3

Crickets chirping

Seeing everyone’s houses decorated for the holidays, especially Christmas

Other people sharing what makes them happy

Monkeys

Being understood

When someone texts to make sure I got home safely

Iced coffee

Becoming better at communicating with others

Seeing a friend for the first time in a while

Good morning and good night texts

Drinking a cold glass of water

Deep conversations in the middle of the night

Collecting sea shells

Building blanket forts

Tan lines

Being under lots of blankets

Making better health and money choices

Getting chills from a song even after hearing it countless times

Liking how I look

Hot chocolate

Finding new music

Buying cute things

Wearing an outfit I really like

When someone tells you how glad they are to be your friend

Gardening

Watching raindrops race down a window

Trying new food

Finding exactly what I was looking for

Planning my future

Finding a song that perfectly fits my mood or describes how I’m feeling

Writing little notes to people

When someone tells me I did something good

Eating ice cream on a hot day

Making friends with animals

Going to football games

Seeing people genuinely interested in something

Snow days

The last day of school

Winter break

Spring break

Thanksgiving

New Year’s Eve

Turtles

Sitting outside on a cool summer day

Watching rain

Watching the ocean waves come in

Netflix binges

A new movie release I really want to watch

Driving with a window down for the first time in the spring

Taking a cruise

Giving helpful advice

Getting helpful advice

Doing a favor for someone who needs it

Someone referencing one of my fandoms or something I love out of no where

Learning and knowing stuff

Doing something physically challenging or scary

Listening to my bedroom fan while I fall asleep

Coming up with a new creative idea

Finding something I wanted at the store on sale for a good deal

Finishing all my assignments on time or even early

Hugging my dog

Taking my dog for a walk

Teaching my dog a new trick

When strangers stop to say hi to my dog

Listening to audiobooks

The weekend

Finding a new flavor of chapstick

Drinking Kool-Aid, it makes me feel so nostalgic

Watching nature shows on a weekend morning

Watching cartoon shows on a Sunday morning

A good TV show, most likely something I've watched before because that way I know it ends well

A good, delicious comfort meal on a Friday night by myself

A café in the city centre at noon when it's not filled with the morning rush or afternoon coffee breakers

The stars from my childhood bedroom because they're the brightest here

Listening to my favorite playlist really loud on a long road trip and singing to myself loudly in my car

Having an entire day to myself without interruptions from anyone

Opening the curtains first thing in the morning

A new jacket

Going to the cinema on a first release day because it's always super exciting and full of people anxious to see a movie they've been waiting for forever

Listening to live music

Riding roller coasters

Going to amusement parks

Lizards

Seahorses

Starfish

Eating fair food

Feeling an instrument vibrate when you’re playing it

Hearing my dog snore

When my dog dreams in his sleep

Wearing a new piece of clothing for the first time

Feeling the sun on you

Eyes in the sunlight

Seeing city lights

Singing in the shower at the top of my lungs

Looking at someone and them knowing exactly what they’re going to say

Laughing till you cry

Being under a blanket

Going to craft stores

Watching boats

The idea of traveling the world

When my dogs let me lay my head on them

Listening to an old song and having it bring back memories

Candy corn

Crazy socks

Quotes

Fall and the leaves changing color and the crisp feeling in the air

Making snowmen

Making gingerbread houses for Christmas

Making videos with family

Burning a candle

Booping a dog’s nose

Getting letters/notes from people; writing them

Snow globes

Dr. Pepper

Doc martens

Fortune cookies

Potatoes

Easter

Finishing something

Skipping rocks

Warm rain

When someone opens up to you

Finding the right words to say exactly what you wanted

Animal footprints

Eating outside

Fairy lights

The smell of a hotel

Windows

Meeting a new dog

Dolphins

Getting magazines in the mail

Being in the woods as the sun starts to rise and the animals wake up

Warm days

Adirondack chairs

A warm breeze

Clothes and blankets hanging outside to dry

Feeding birds

Aquariums

The color green

Tie dying things

Going to art museums

Going to science museums

New albums from my favorite artists

Seeing moss in nature

Finding cute little mushrooms

When a dog wags its tail a bunch and is excited to see me

Playing fetch with my dog

Obsessing over something and having someone to talk about it with

Going on a walk with my best friend and talking about life

Looking at old pictures and reminiscing on good memories

Reading a book that's so good your brain wants to read faster than it can

Laughing with friends about the weirdest things

Being appreciated for doing small things you wouldn't even have thought about yourself because it's something you *just do*

Being creative

Watching animals

A story I can't put down

Stretching

The moment when you listen to a new song/album by your favourite artist

When you're at a concert and anticipating the moment before the band comes out

When at a concert and they play your favourite song live

The moment when someone compliments your outfit

When you see someone wearing merch of something you like

Seeing the sunrise/sunset

Watching the sun rise out of the water or sink down into it as it’s setting

This ecstatic feeling in general when you're just living in the moment with people who love something as much as you do

Hugging my cat and smelling his fur

Listening to my music by myself and singing to it

Making edits I’m really proud of

Losing hours in a good book or fanfiction

Writing sentences that I actually like

My siblings and my parents when they're being chill and funny

Watching my favorite tv shows and movies and yelling about them into the void

Finding a new good song

Fresh out of the shower + fresh clean sheets feeling when you go to bed

When I come downstairs in the morning and my dog greets me right at the bottom step with her lil’ tail wagging

Knowing that if I ever needed someone to chat with, someone would be there to lend an ear

Tigers

Lions

When you shuffle your music and the exact song you want to hear plays

When all my family is around the outdoor fire on a summer’s evening

When my nieces and nephews give me squishy kid hugs

Being home alone and being able to cook or bake in the kitchen without disruption

Driving around with a friend in the evenings and just belting our favorite songs

Seaside walks

Disney World

Seeing live theatre

The sun shining on leaves and stone buildings

Dancing when I'm alone

Color-coordinating my outfit

Floating on my back in the sea

The smell of summer nights

The smell of winter mornings

Colorful things/environments

Bunnies

Walking along lakes/rivers/the sea

Spending time in nature

Taking care of my plants

Giving affection to my loved ones

Listening to other people's stories

Reading about people I've never met before or places I've never visited before (especially if they are now just a part of history)

Embroidering

Pandas

Swimming in a river or the sea

Stargazing (my favorite moments usually happen an hour before sunrise)

White-caged-bird

Feeling the breeze when I spin and my heartbeat when I dance for an hour at a time

All the wonderful smells of flowers and colours that nature has to offer

Sharing good laughter with someone

Feeling like I belong

Travelling and discovering new customs of different cultures

Hiking or foraging

That feeling when I'm approaching the end of a really good book and I let myself be engulfed by the fact that it's a unique experience, that I'll never experience as the first time again

Observing my local fauna

Petting and taking care of an animal (double the joy if it is friendly with strangers)

Drinking a good cup of honey tea

Finding a perfume that suits me

Eating something sweet

Enjoying a meal with others

Cat paws tapping on the floor

Dipping a biscuit into tea

Trying to catch leaves falling from the tree

Having sunlight hit your face when you’re napping

Objects that cast a rainbow when the sun shines through them

Seeing patterned shadows

Ambient mood lighting

Sleeping

Wearing jewelry

Cheese

Playing chess

Fresh air

Going somewhere new

My Mom’s cooking

Being inspired

When someone holding your hand rubs their thumb lovingly in circles

Picking strawberries

Otters

Painting the walls of my room

Wind chimes

Seeing that your favorite people are active online

Finally understanding something you were struggling with

The excitement you get when someone reblogs your writing or art

Getting a new notebook or journal

Appreciation

Validation

When someone tells you they love you and mean it

The smell of freshly baked bread

When my dog falls asleep on me

Making new online friends

Found family

Finishing cleaning my room

When someone lays their head on your shoulder

Doing something right on the first try

Finally sitting down after standing for a long time

Getting goosebumps from hearing or seeing something you love

Seeing a gorgeous view

Loving someone and them loving you back

Freshly baked gooey cookies

When a song comes on and everyone starts singing

When I’m out for a run and it’s hot and it starts raining. Nothing makes me feel more like a human than getting caught in the rain on a run

Swimming in the ocean

When people are talking about something they really love and get carried away trying to explain it all to you

Puppies

Being in the middle of nowhere and actually getting to see the whole sky of stars that you never get to see in a city

Finding people that love the same things you do

When something silly reminds you of someone you love; like every time I see an orange and green gummy worm I think of my sister

When you’re hugging someone and they squeeze you a little bit before they let go

Weather where you can leave all the windows open in your house

Trampolines

Driving with no destination in mind

Falling asleep to the sound of rain

Hearing other people laugh

Laughing only because you hear someone else laugh and it's just so contagious

The first snowfall of the year

Disney movies

Listening to someone tell stories and they have like 15 side stories in between the main one

Romantic movies

Bubble baths

Smiling between kisses

Wearing sweatpants

A clean house

Pizza

My computer

Cheesy pickup lines

When people tell me they miss me

Cool spring mornings after a storm

My job

Butterflies

New shoes

Oversized shoes

Caramel apples

Volunteering

Meditating

Running my blog

Finding sea glass at the beach

Getting my nails done

Planning vacation

Hot cider

Telling people I love them

Writing in my gratitude journal

Eating homegrown vegetables, fruit, and herbs

Remembering a good dream I had

Happy endings

Colored pens

Decorating for the holidays

Finishing a really good tv show

Leopards

Summer rain

Thunderstorms where I can just open my window to the full extent and just watch and listen

Calls with my best friend

Seeing a meme and sending it to my friends

Getting an email from AO3

That moment when you get an idea for creating something

Walking barefoot on the grass

Sending thank you notes

Writing events I’m looking forward to on my calendar

Dippin' Dots

Spicy food

Seeing a full moon

Eating cookie dough

Eating seasonal food

Bubble wrap

Going to the car wash and getting rainbow soap

Dark chocolate

Soft blankets

Weighted blankets

Soft drinks with crushed ice

When I get an unexpected phone call from someone I love

Wearing flip flops

Longer daylight hours

Having a BBQ

Frosting cookies

Making cupcakes in the microwave

Watching the Hallmark channel during the holidays

Taking selfies or photos with people I love

Putting on lotion

The smell of a baby’s head

The Office

Online shopping

The smell of freshly cut grass

Surprising my family or friends

Looking at the clock when it’s 11:11

Being productive

Quilts

Doing good on an exam

Someone doing a favor for me (especially when I didn’t ask)

Eating pancakes with syrup

Origami

Sprinkles

Confetti

Waving at people

Giving high fives

Complicated Handshakes between you and your best friend

Naps/feeling well-rested

Eating one of my favorite foods

Hearing good news from/about a friend or family member

Looking at nature (these days it's seeing squirrels in my neighbour's garden and looking at my plants and trees)

When make someone happy or feel like I made a difference (including a satisfied client)

Success (good grades, a gifset that does well)

Hugs from my mom

Learning new things

Chatting with my friends because they’re all amazing people

Group watches of my favorite tv show or movie

That feeling when the house has just been cleaned/when I’m freshly showered

Making jokes/laughing with people

Reading fluffy fanfics

Driving on the road to a destination far away, I love the trip as much as (if not more than) arriving at the actual place

Reading affirmations

Green tea

Getting breakfast or lunch from a nice restaurant

Learning about topics that won’t benefit me; like Chinese history, geography, ancient flora and fauna, etc. just things that I find cool

The jokes my girlfriend makes, especially when they’re the same ones she always makes

Stories from the past! Stories from history from people who actually lived through it

Stories in general, just hearing the life experiences of people in completely different positions from me. I love hearing people’s stories

Drawing intricate things, like old buildings, landscapes, and plants

Cooking a nice meal

Grocery shopping and farmers markets especially

My cat! All of her weird little habits too, like how she stands in front of my feet so I’ll push her where she wants to go

Botanical gardens

State parks

Museums

Art galleries

Listening to stories my grandparents tell

When people tell me about their life goals and dreams

Being surrounded by the people I love

Living the best life I can

Partying hard the night away

Daydreaming

Sunflowers always make me smile

Warm tea

Big fluffy clouds in a blue sky

Friendly babies

Hearing a past favorite song

Singing karaoke

Biking riding

Helping others

Chocolate milk

Sweets and fruits

Having fun doing things I love

Dragons

Video games

My favorite things

Writing

Affection

Exercising

Being on Tumblr

Looking at flowers and plants

Playing with my cats

Chatting with my friends (at the moment it’s through zoom, of course)

Finding new ways to decorate my room

Window shopping

Spending time with my boyfriend

Wearing my favorite outfit/accessory

Eating something delicious

The cool side of my pillow

Tears of joy

Woodpeckers

Reading poems

Hugging trees

Tree houses

Airstreams/campers

Playing frisbee

Making sculptures

Puppy ears

The first day of spring

The first day of summer

Sending silly photos to my friends

Building sand castles

Winning prizes at the fair or arcade

Marbles

Cacti

Scrolling through my phone

Writing fanfiction

Seeing someone you haven't seen for a really long time

Putting together collages

Printing out photos I love

DIY projects

Sewing

Crocheting

Listening to steel drums

Haunted houses

Going through a corn maze

Picking fresh fruit or vegetables

Bubble tea

Starbucks

Dunkin donuts

Disneyland

Disney Princesses

Climbing trees

Finishing errands

Rewatching my favorite episodes

Scrunchies

Milkshakes

Ice cream blizzards

Listening to acoustic versions of songs

Hot tubs

Rubber ducks

Coconut flavored food

Dipping fries in ice cream

Discovering a new type of animal

Seeing hot air balloons

Frogs/toads

Splashing in puddles

Having plants inside my house

Teddy bears

Iridescent/holographic things

Bird houses

Breakfast in bed

Crystals/gemstones

Ziplining

Dew drops

Glow sticks

Flower crowns (especially handmade ones)

Spring rain

Watching other people make art

Lighthouses

Finding heart shaped things in nature

Thinking of getting my own apartment

Coming up with a new recipe for food

Cookbook recipes passed down through families

Bookshelves

Making pretty yogurt bowls

Seaside houses

Flying on planes and being in/above the clouds

Flower bouquets

Looking at and learning about the planets

Fruit snacks

Palm trees

Weeping willow trees

Cherry blossoms

Eating cake

Decorating cakes with eccentric icing designs and colors

Whipped cream

Having snowball fights

Hearing Christmas music

Tattoos

Wearing rings

Green grass

A tidy organized desk with cute desk supplies

My craft room

Hammocks

Little cottages

Cotton candy (and cotton candy flavored things)

Looking at all the paint pallet colors in paint stores

Stamps

Taking silly photos in photobooths

Going to the mall

Making jam, especially strawberry jam

Reading outside

Finding a bird nest and watching eggs hatch

Looking at photos of my family and friends

Finding old flora and art books

Eating fresh corn on the cob with butter on a summer day

Lily Pads

Icicles

Inner peace

Sitting under a tree

Not having to turn on the light in your room when the sun is shining through

When restaurants have patios you can dine at

Fishing on a pier

Seeing old couples in public

Making gifs

Trees swaying in the wind

Anime

Dying Easter eggs

Laying in the trunk of a car and watching the clouds or stars

Night lights

Flower shops

Outer space

Kitchens

PB&J sandwiches

Toasted Cheese

LoFi music

Listening to/watching ambience videos

Turtle necks

Peaches

Looking at old maps

Figurines of the earth/globe

Honey and bees

Cheesecake

Seeing footprints in sand and watching them be washed away by waves

Anything related to the moon, stars, and sun

Reading my horoscope (even if I know it’s not real)

Archways decorated with hanging flowers

Yogurt

Pudding

Knowing that I’m not alone

Ancient roman sculptures

Macarons

When someone tells me they care about me

Weddings

Watercolour

Birthday parties

My brother

My sister

When my dog leaves his bed to lay in the sunlight

Doing mini photoshoots with my friends

Hand making bracelets/necklaces (friendship bracelets)

When someone calls me darling or honey

Love letters

Game night

Skateboarding

Stress balls and squishy toys

Starting something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time

Playing cards

Doing puzzles

Word searches

Kittens

Ordering takeout

Stepping out into the fresh air

Creating vision boards

Getting a massage

Writing positive affirmations

Lunch dates

Standup comedy

Listening to classical music

Nature/animal documentaries

Having someone there to listen to me

Listening to someone when they need it

Accepting myself for who I am

Looking back and seeing how far I’ve come and all the progress I've made

Doing something my future self will be thankful for

Speaking up for myself

Being near loved ones

Finding time for my hobbies

Giving myself time to rest

Saturday mornings

Marrying the one I love

Discovering new things

Going to new cities

My idols

Pastries

Feeling the wind on my face on a car ride

The sensation of music in my ears and like nothing else matters

People who have my best interest in mind

Simplicity

Fulfilling my dreams

Discovering a new ice cream flavor

Knitting

Making myself a priority

Knowing that I am important, and I matter

Thank you all so much for following me and supporting my blog! It means a TON! I never expected for this blog to become popular, especially because I originally started it to help myself get through some mental health issues. I am so happy to be able to share my journey of healing with you all! It means the world to me to help or make a positive impact on even just one person’s life! Each and every single one of you is amazing!! You matter and you are SO important! Thanks again for your everything! Have a great day!!! Sending sunshine your way!!

#10K Followers!!!#WOW!!#Thank you so much!!#Positivity #Happy List #Reasons to Smile #Happy #Happy Things #You are so amazing #You Matter #<3 #jkshdfka #this is the project I was working on #thanks everyone for the help #ilyasm #I loved reading all your submissions so much #you all are so sweet ahh #this was so fun to do #I hope you like this

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dark-eyed-elegance · 5 years

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Meme: Muse Aesthetics

Tagged by @everarddelanden

BOLD any which apply to your muse! Add what you’d like.

Tagging ALL OF YOU

[COLORS]

red. brown. orange. yellow. green. (sky) blue. purple. pink. black. white. teal. silver. gold. rose gold. grey. lilac. metallic. matte. royal blue. strawberry red. charcoal grey. forest green. apple red. navy blue. crimson. cream. mint green. ocean blue.

[ELEMENTS]

fire. ice. water. air. earth. rain. snow. wind. moon. stars. sun. heat. cold. steam. frost. lightning. sunlight. moonlight. dawn. dusk. twilight. midnight. sunrise. sunset. dewdrops.

[BODY]

claws. long fingers. fangs. teeth. wings. tails. lips. bare feet. freckles. bruises. canine. scars. scratches. wounds. burns. spikes. feathers. webs. eyes. hands. sweat. tears. feline. chubby. curvy. short/normal height (not small but not his full height if he’d continued to grow). tall. muscular. beards. piercings. tattoos. lithe.

[WEAPONS]

fists. sword. dagger. spear. arrow (hi dad). hammer. shield. poison. guns. axes. throwing axes. whips. knives. fire. throwing knives. pepper sprays. tasers. machine guns. slingshots. katanas. maces. staves. wands. powers (the Mind gift). magical items. magic. rocks. mud balls. kitchenware. fangs. hair pins.

[MATERIALS]

gold. silver. platinum. titanium. diamonds. pearls. rubies. sapphires. emeralds. amethyst. metal. iron. rust. steel. glass. crystal. wood. porcelain. paper. wool. fur. lace. leather. silk. velvet. denim. linen. cotton. charcoal. clay. stone. asphalt. brick. marble. dust. glitter. blood. dirt. mud. smoke. ash. carbonate. rubber. synthetics.

[NATURE]

grass. leaves. trees. bark. roses. daisies. tulips. lilies. pansies. lavender. petals. thorns. seeds. hay. sand. rocks. roots. flowers. ocean. river. lake. meadow. forest. desert. tundra. savanna. rainforest. caves. underwater. coral reef. beach. waves. space. clouds. mountains.

[ANIMALS]

lions. wolves. eagles. owls. falcons. hawks. swans. snakes. turtles. ducks. bugs. spiders. cockroaches. worms. birds. whales. dolphins. fish. sharks. horses. cats. dogs. foxes. bunnies. praying mantises. crows. ravens. mice. lizards. werewolves. unicorns. pegasi. dragons. rats. doves. tigers. macaw.

[FOODS/DRINKS]

sugar. salt. candy. bubblegum. wine. champagne. vodka. hard liquor. beer. ale. cider. coffee. tea. spices. herbs. apple. orange. lemon. cherry. strawberry. watermelon. vegetables. fruits. meat. fish. pies. desserts. chocolate. cream. caramel. berries. nuts. cinnamon. burgers. burritos. pizza. soup. cheese. meat pie. sandwiches. cheesecake. soda. blood. rum. whiskey.

[HOBBIES]

music. art. watercolors. gardening. smithing. sculpting. painting. sketching. fighting. writing. composing. cooking. sewing. training. dancing. acting. singing. martial arts. self-defense. electronics. technology. cameras. video cameras. video games. computer. phone. stand-up comedy. movies. theater. libraries. books. magazines. CDs. records. vinyl. cassettes. piano. violin. guitar. electronic guitar. bass guitar. harmonica. harp. woodwinds. brass. bells. playing cards. poker chips. chess. dice. motorcycle riding. eating. climbing. running. parkour. spinning. walking. magic. languages. antiques.

[STYLE]

lingerie. armor. cape. dress. tunic. vest. shirt. boots. brogues. heels. leggings. trousers. jeans. skirt. jewelry. earrings. necklace. bracelet. ring(s). cuff links. pendant. hat. crown. circlet. helmet. scarf. brocade. cloaks. corsets. doublet. chest plate. gorget. bracers. belt. sash. jumper/sweater. coat. jacket. hood. gloves. socks. masks. cowls. braces. watches. glasses. sun glasses. visor. eye contacts. makeup. cane. suit. leather pants. robe(s). boyfriend shirt

[MISC]

balloons. bubbles. cityscape. light. dark. candles. war. peace. money. power. percussion. clocks. photos. mirrors. pets. diary. fairy lights. madness. sanity. sadness. happiness. optimism. pessimism. loneliness. family. friends. assistants. co-workers. enemies. loyalty. smoking. drugs. kindness. love. hugs. dreaming. nightmares. daydreaming. silence. noise. politics. anger. pity. cars. mechanics. alchemy. religion. travel.

#rp meme;#{ dial paris yourself; ooc -- }#// thank you!!

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grandhoteloceancity · 2 years

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Things to do on a rainy day in Ocean City

This blog will cover some of the perfect activities you can do as a family on a rainy day in Ocean City, MD.

Tanger Outlets

Don’t let the clouds rain on your parade! Visitors to Ocean City can take a trip to the Tanger Outlets and the many gift shops around the Boardwalk. You and your kids can spend hours in the Kite Loft playing with the many colourful kites inside. You can also stop by a surf shop, such as K-Coast or Quiet Storm to find yourselves the best gift for loved ones back at home. Turn a rainy day into an opportunity to experience the ultimate shopping experience in Ocean City.

After a day exploring the 3 miles of Ocean City Boardwalk, why not continue your Ocean City experience with a stay at The Grand Hotel Ocean City, an affordable oceanfront stay in a prime location, making it the perfect destination for you and your family.

Relax and unwind

Even on vacation it can be difficult to switch off completely so why not take the chance to unwind at one of the many tranquil Spas in Ocean City Md. If the weather decides to spoil your plans, why not make the most of it and immerse yourself in a spa, beauty or health treatment? Treat yourself to a full body massage or a hydrating body wrap, and come away feeling relaxed, refreshed and re-energised.

Food for thought

As the rain pours down around you, why not sit down for some classic Italian cuisine, or watch the sunset over the bay while eating fresh fish from the Atlantic? You can try traditional Maryland delicacies or even hand rolled sushi from a sushi bar overlooking the ocean. Restaurants in Ocean City Md offer a huge variety of cuisines ensuring that everyone will have a memorable dining experience, no matter the weather!

Will it strike in the same place twice?

Not a strike of lightning, but a strike at Alley Oops bowling alley. Bowling is the perfect activity for any family or group when it’s raining outside. The perfect combination of fun and competition, bowling always strikes the right note!

Hole in one

If bowling doesn’t suit your interests, you can also play some mini golf at Old Pro! This indoor course will make you feel like you’re in an underwater world. Navigate your way around the course as whales, fish, and eels surround each holes. If you’re lucky, you might even get a hole-in-one while it’s cloudy outside!

Smile!

With authentic costumes and historic props, Flashback Old Time Photos has been providing customers with classic antique portraits and fine antique-style frames for 40 years! Situated on the Boardwalk and close to other attractions, it’s affordable family fun for children, families and groups. Ready in minutes and with no appointment necessary, it’s the perfect place for an unexpected weather break.

Ready to book your trip to Maryland? Check out these Ocean City Package Deals and start planning your visit today.

#Ocean City Package Deals #Restaurants in Ocean City Md #Spas in Ocean City Md #The Grand Hotel Ocean City

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theresabookforthat · 6 years

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Friday Reads: Photography

With the 21st century’s advent of smart phone cameras and social media sharing, we have certainly become tourists in our own lives like never before… snapping and posting photos whenever inspiration strikes. Thusly, vicarious travel is at an all-time high in the summer. Depending on the trips of your circle of “friends”, you may visit Japan, Giverny, Maine, Greenland, etcetera through their photos. In that vein, we’ve turned our lens to some of the best photography books for the summer – from instruction to stunning works of art to pictorial travelogues:

THE BEGINNER’S PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE, 2ND EDITION by Chris Gatcum

Fully updated to reflect all the latest developments in technology and creative trends in digital image-making, The Beginner’s Photography Guide, 2nd Edition is DK’s bestselling manual for any novice photographer who wants to unlock the potential of their new digital camera.

COASTAL CALIFORNIA: THE PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY AND BEYONDby Jake Rajs; Foreword by Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr.

An unprecedented book showcasing the California coast via the Pacific Coast Highway and beyond. As America stands to the rest of the world, so stands California to America—a shining promise of endless possibility. California is both dream and reality. Coastal California is for anyone who has felt the lure of a Pacific sunset. From the physical beauty of Monterey to the grandeur of Southern California, photographer Jake Rajs displays his skillful command of capturing the coastline and Pacific Ocean in every season and the land that is affected by it.

ZEN CAMERA: CREATIVE AWAKENING WITH A DAILY PRACTICE IN PHOTOGRAPHY by David Ulrich

A beautifully illustrated guide to developing a daily photography practice that draws on mindfulness and Zen Buddhism, featuring accessible lessons on the mechanics of photography, in order to tap into one’s unique, innate creativity.

NEW YORK CITY ON INSTAGRAM by Dan Kurtzman

From gorgeous skylines and jaw-dropping aerials to hidden treasures, this timely collection showcases 300 striking images of NYC by more than 40 acclaimed Instagram photographers. New York City has become the most photographed city in the world on Instagram, and at no time has its humming energy been more passionately and extensively captured than right now. This first-of-its-kind book brings the Instagram experience into a beautifully curated collection that reveals New York City in a vivid, new light.

THE ATLAS OF BEAUTY: WOMEN OF THE WORLD IN 500 PORTRAITSby Mihaela Noroc

Based on the hugely popular website, and finally brought together in book format, this collection features 350 photographs of women from more than 50 countries, with captions that reveal each woman’s unique story and environment. The book features new and unpublished photographs, as well as favorites from the site, many with commentary from the author about her travels and stories about the amazing women she has encountered.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC VISUAL ATLAS OF THE WORLD, 2ND EDITION

Featuring more than 200 fascinating maps, 350 new photos, and state-of-the-art cartography and satellite imagery, this is an essential reference for families, travelers, students, librarians, and scholars. Each page, created in collaboration with the world’s premier scientists, geographers, and cartographers, is packed with up-to-the-minute information, making this book the most beautiful and authoritative visual atlas available today.

100 GREAT STREET PHOTOGRAPHS by David Gibson

This celebration of contemporary street photography—in all its edgy, strange, beautiful, haunting, colorful, and humorous glory—brings together the work of a new generation of talented artists. The Curated by David Gibson, a street photographer and expert in the genre, this stunning book offers a truly global collection of images. Gibson’s insightful introduction gives an insider’s overview of street photography, illuminating its historic importance and its renaissance in the digital age.

PHOTOGRAPHY: THE DEFINITIVE VISUAL HISTORY by Tom Ang

Written by world-renowned photographer, writer, and broadcaster Tom Ang, Photography lavishly celebrates the most iconic photographs and photographers of the past 200 years.

Dissecting classics such as Daguerre’s Boulevard de Temple, Stieglitz’s The Steerage, Rosenthal’s Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, and McCurry’s Afghan Girl, this amazing reference not only showcases incredible photographs, but tells their stories, in-depth, and is a must-have for anyone who appreciates the beauty of photography.

THE BEST LOVED VILLAGES OF FRANCE by Stephane Bern

An insider’s tour of France’s most beloved and beautiful villages uncovers the country’s hidden treasures. The Best Loved Villages of France brings the reader on a tour of forty-four of the country’s most treasured destinations. This book offers an illustrated tour around all twenty-two regions of France, from Provence and the Alps, to Normandy and the Loire. Aerial and intimate photographs invite the reader to explore these splendid locales, while the descriptions, anecdotes, and interviews with local village-dwellers plunge you into the individual history and character of France’s diverse regions. The villages featured in the book were selected in a popular vote by the French public and they represent an authentic journey into the heart of France.

THE COAST OF MAINE by Carl Heilman II

With a coastline that rivals California’s, Maine attracts millions of visitors each year who come to swim, fish, hike, or just enjoy the views. Many of the images present a near panoramic scope, placing the viewer in the middle of a wilderness splendor. The photographs capture the region’s famous sandy beaches, tree-covered mountains, tidepools brimming with life, and secluded harbors, as well as quaint villages, historic lighthouses, cranberry bogs, and lobster boats. The book also celebrates offshore Maine, with images of whales, puffins, and other elusive sea creatures. The Coast of Maine makes an affordable and charming gift for anyone planning, or dreaming of, a visit to this glorious region.

THE ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE (DK)

Packed with practical advice, handy equipment and settings checklists, and hundreds of inspirational and instructive images, The Advanced Photography Guide gives you the know-how and confidence to produce truly stunning images and develop your own style.

For more on these and other stunning photography books, visit Photography

#penguin random house #photography #dorling kindersley #rizzolibooks #there's a book for that #friday reads

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southrift-galaxy-safaris-blog · 5 years

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Reasons to visit Madagascar

As the biggest island in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is famous for its unique wildlife and biodiversity. With breathtaking views of nature, white sand beaches, stunning rainforest and delicious local food, this spot offers an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here’s why it should be on your bucket list.

1. It’s home to some seriously cute lemurs

Found only in Madagascar, lemurs are the country’s ultimate hallmark, notably the black and white ring-tailed Lemur Catta species. With more than 60 species present throughout the island, these mammals are currently classified as an endangered species. Visitors can take photos with them while visiting national parks, while luxury hotels built within natural reserves here also offer the chance to see them in the wild where they are no longer afraid of humans. You will certainly fall in love with them.

2. The whale-watching is spectacular

Madagascar is lucky enough to be located close to a migration route for whales and, twice a year, the creatures are visible from the coast. Between July and September, Sainte-Marie island is the best place to admire a whole legion of humpback whales where females come to calve in the warm sea. From October to December, baby whales and their mothers bask in Nosy Be shallow waters in the north-west. In addition to this mind-blowing spectacle, you can also listen to the powerful song of the males.

3. The beaches are beautiful

What else would heal the soul more than resting on a calm and peaceful beach away from home? In front of an emerald sea offering stunning views at sunset, a large part of the south-west of Madagascar has become one of the country’s top destinations for tourists. These places are perfect for that crucial wedding proposal moment and as a honeymoon destination for newlyweds. You can also have this same experience in the north and within the surrounding islands of Nosy Be.

4. You’ll get to taste the local koba cake

Don’t judge the flavour of this cake by its appearance! In western society where people tend to prefer European-style dishes, this brown cake has recently gained a prestigious place among desserts during luxury weddings, being presented with vanilla ice cream. One of the most traditional Malagasy foods, koba is a cake made of peanuts and rice flour. It is sold by street vendors, or in a tightly-packed tin in supermarkets. It makes for an authentic gift for friends upon your return.

5. You can help through volunteering

Madagascar is the fifth poorest country in the world and, with our time on this earth being so short, giving a helping hand at least once in your life is always more than welcome. Many volunteering opportunities are available with local organizations: you can teach French or English to children in remote villages, help environmental NGOs with scientific research and above all, work in the humanitarian sector by helping non-profit organisations which look after sick children from impoverished areas, most of whom suffer from critical illnesses.

6. It’s home to the biggest baobab ever

Known as the bottle tree, the baobab is also called ‘reniala,’ which means ‘mother of the forest’ in the Malagasy language. Six out of eight existing baobab species can be found in Madagascar, where they form a vast forest in semi-arid regions in the south. Some baobab can reach 29.52 ft (30 meters) high and 98.4 ft (9 meters) in circumference. Enough to remind how small you are regardless of your size, these natural jewels will leave you mesmerised.

7. The local rice-and-romazava-soup combo is a delight

If you’re tired of eating heavy and fatty meals, it’s time to go to Madagascar and try this particular traditional meal. Romazava is a soup essentially prepared with different leaves and meat, which is an optional addition. Though its preparation varies from one region to one other depending on available leaves, the final mixture is a tender tasting dish typical of tropical regions. When prepared without meat, romazava is suitable for vegetarians knowing that its taste comes primarily from the leaves it contains.

8. Isalo, the Malagasy Grand Canyon

Madagascar has its own version of the American Grand Canyon: Isalo National Park. Covering more than 80,000 hectares in the south, millions of years ago this wonder was beneath the sea, and today is the most visited park in the country with more than 30,000 visitors per year. Though you can swim in natural pools if you’re tired between trecks, Isalo is Madagascar’s first wildlife hotspot, so be ready for extreme adventures and sensational views in the wild. A whole week may not be enough to see it all but enjoy your stay, regardless of how long you’re here for.

9. It offers affordable living

For a short stay or a gap year, living in Madagascar is not that difficult. Unless you a are very particular about food or hotel quality, you can have good and affordable meal with €5 (USD$6.25), and rooms start at around €12 (USD$15). You can spend even less if you eat local food. Because of this, many Europeans have decided to spend their retirement here, as you can live far better in Madagascar than in Europe. If you’re a digital nomad, you can easily work and travel here at the same time.

10. There are some great surfing spots

From May to October, you can enjoy great surf breaks in some epic surf zones. These are located in the southernmost or northernmost points of the island, and along the whole region of the vezo people in the south. Part of the eastern region also offers amazing surfing waves due to its rugged coastline. Madagascar opened its surf school in 2003 in Mahambo, and while the island is ideal for beginners, it’s also a must-see surf trip destination for advanced surfers too. If you’re looking for awesome waves, put Madagascar on your bucket list.

11. It has a stunning World Heritage Site

You’ll need a guide to visit this World Heritage Site. The Bemaraha Tsingy is one of the oldest national parks in Madagascar and is formed with majestic limestone formation covering a labyrinth of 72,300 hectares. Created in 1927, the park has long piques the curiosity of geologists and botanists around the world. With unique views, the park can be visited on a four-day excursion offered by most local tour operators, and is home to some 90 bird species, 10 types of lemur, and eight species of reptiles. RELATED POSTS Are you in doubts where to spend your Easter Holiday? Don't worry again, we got ideal destinations for with great offers Top Self Drive Holiday Deals in Kenya If you think you have to travel far to enjoy a nice weekend, you may never get away. Besides, you can enjoy a beautiful weekend right here in Kenya. There are countless wallet-friendly Kenyan self drive getaways that won’t even break your budget. Don’t spend your weekend, doing absolutely nothing at home. Whether you are looking for romantic destinations, pristine beaches, and adventurous outdoor activities, there are plenty wallet-friendly getaways that will satisfy your weekend desires. Malindi & Watamu Self Drive Deals Mombasa South Coast Self Drive Deals Mombasa North Coast Self Drive Deals Masai Mara Self Drive Holiday Packages Lukenya & Machakos Self Drive Meru Holiday Self Drive Deals Mt. Kenya & Aberdare Self Drive Holiday Deals Nyeri Holiday Self Drive Deals Samburu Holiday Self Drive Deals Top Outdoor Activities in Kenya Outdoor activities in Kenya are a great way to experience Kenya, Choosing where to start in Kenya can be overwhelming. The country has many different outdoor activities, ranging from adrenaline-pumping adventures to more meditative outings. Kenya is always a fantastic destination for family bonding. Spending time with the family on weekend is a great opportunity to re-connect and communicate while having fun. Outdoor activities are perfect for those who want to experience a relaxing and refreshing weekend in an amazing place. Do something fun this weekend and spend worthy time with your family. For great weekend bonding, we present to you 6 fun outdoor activities for the family. These outdoor activities are great adventures for you and your family. Hike To Ol Donyo Sabuk & 14 Falls, Thika Chaka Ranch Day Trip – QuadBikes, PaintBalling Ngare Ndare Day Trip Hike (Nanyuki) Kereita Zip Lining & Hiking Day Trip Top Madaraka Express SGR Holiday Deals 2 Nights Malindi & Watamu holiday with SGR 2 Nights Amboseli Holiday With SGR 2 Nights Tsavo Holiday With SGR Sa 2 Nights Voi Holiday With SGR 2 Nights Mombasa North Coast With SGR 2 Nights Mombasa South Coast With SGR Read the full article

#travelholidaydestination

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krystangreen-blog · 5 years

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If you’ve never been to Oceanside on a visit to San Diego, make it a must-see this year. This coastal city, affectionately dubbed O’side by residents, is one of only 14 designated California Cultural Districts in the state. Easy to get to, it’s the last stop on a Coaster ride from downtown San Diego to North County.

Once thought of primarily as a military town with Camp Pendleton on its northern edge, it’s come into its own with a burgeoning culinary and art scene that includes new restaurants, wineries, and breweries, plus emerging cultural, artistic, and tourist attractions. The many things to do in Oceanside won’t disappoint.

Hit the Oceanside Beach

It’s SoCal, after all, so the beach usually tops everyone’s must-do list. Oceanside has plenty of choices with nine public beaches. Perhaps the most popular Oceanside beach is Pier View South on the south side of Oceanside Pier. It’s adjacent to Pier View North. It’s also a short walk down The Strand to Tyson Street Beach and Wisconsin Street Beach.

Harbor Beach, adjacent to Oceanside Harbor, is the largest beach in Oceanside and is equally popular. Both beaches are lifeguard protected and have numerous amenities. Paid parking lots fill up fast. The blocks surrounding the pier have paid parking, but a street parking is free a couple of short blocks away (if you can find space).

Walk, Drive, or Pedal The Strand

The Strand is a 1.5-mile-long street that runs parallel to the Oceanside shoreline from Breakwater Way on the northern end to Wisconsin Avenue on the southern end.

All summer, you’ll see cars crawling along The Strand as people check out the waves and the crowded beach scene. Cars share the one-way, single-lane street with pedestrians, dog walkers, bicyclists, and surreys.

Dine on the Oceanside Pier

Historic Oceanside Pier is the largest wooden pier on the West Coast. It’s a two-minute walk from downtown and a four-minute walk from the Coaster station.

This neighborhood icon provides visitors with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is a favored spot to watch whale migrations and frolicking dolphins. Ruby’s Diner, a Swing Era inspired eatery, sits at the end of the pier serving classic American fare including hamburgers with fries, sandwiches, soups, salads, milkshakes, and fabulous views.

Fishing is allowed on the pier, and there is a bait shop at the pier’s halfway point. You can get great photos of the coastline from the end of the pier.

Make It a Family Day at Tyson Street Beach and Park

Tyson Street Park includes Tyson Beach. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see Lifeguard Tower 5 on the beach. You can access the park via The Strand, which runs between the grassy park and the sandy beach. Another access point is at the top of the hill at Pacific Street.

There is a colorful multi-level stairway leading from the metered parking above to the park. You’ll find picnic tables with benches, a public telephone, restroom and shower facilities, an expansive grassy area for lounging, a children’s playground, and of course beach access across The Strand. The beach between the flags is marked for swimming only, no surfing.

Channel Your Inner Hodad at The California Surf Museum

Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a dedicated hodad, you know that enthusiasm for surf history and surfing, in general, is peaking. The California Surf Museum is an international repository for surf history, presenting all aspects of the surf lifestyle and culture to the public.

Be awed by surfboards, surfing equipment, bios of surf greats, surf art, memorabilia, photos, videos, magazines, and all things surf related on your visit to one of the best things to do in Oceanside.

Experience Regional Art at Oceanside Museum of Art

Oceanside Museum of Art is located blocks from the beach on Pier View Way with views of the ocean and Oceanside Pier.

This fine arts museum presents regional and international exhibitions of contemporary art designed to surprise and engage visitors. You can expect landscape paintings, art quilts, architectural glass, studio furniture, neon sculptures, and other examples of fine art that represent community culture.

Kids will appreciate the interactive nature of the museum.

Take a Self-Guided Mural Tour

You can learn a lot about a community through their public art, particularly their street art. Oceanside, which is a state-recognized cultural district, has several vibrant murals throughout the city that pop off walls to grab your attention.

See all two dozen of them on a self-guided tour that follows a carefully designed map from your smartphone. Drive or bike the route and soak in the Oceanside vibe.

Explore Oceanside Harbor Village

One of Oceanside’s favorite waterfronts is picturesque Oceanside Harbor Village. You’ll find a collection of nautical-inspired souvenir, gift, and apparel boutique shops, and casual to upscale waterfront dining.

Popular things to do in Oceanside here include renting paddleboards and kayaks for a cruise around the harbor, joining a sport fishing excursion, or simply fishing from the harbor pier.

A wide sidewalk with occasional benches encircles the harbor for seal-watching or a relaxing sunset stroll. Paid parking lots are conveniently located all around the harbor, and a free lot is on the east end through a tunnel.

Taste the Wines of Orfila Vineyards & Winery

SoCal wineries have established themselves as a competitive California wine force, and Orfila Vineyards & Winery in Escondido is among them. The vineyard has been a San Pasqual Valley wine producer for 25 years, but they just opened their new tasting room in Oceanside in 2019.

Known for French and Italian varietals, guests can choose from the winery’s standard six tastings, or the expanded eight tastings, plus glass. A menu of small plates is available. They also host music, art, comedy, trivia, and other events, so check their schedule to see what’s on tap during your visit.

Hit the Links at Oceanside Municipal Golf Course

If you’re ready for some golfing in Oceanside, the Oceanside Municipal Golf Course in the San Luis Rey Valley is the place. This 18-hole public course overlooks the valley’s scenic hillsides and native habitat.

The course has a grass practice range, two well-manicured putting greens, a grill for light bites, and a bar for post-round relaxation. The course hosts annual qualifying matches for the PGA Farmers Insurance Open held at Torrey Pines.

Take a Selfie on Waverider Helicopter Tours

Here’s a new attraction to Oceanside that’s a perfect fit for ‘adventure selfie culture.’ Impress your friends with an Instagram photo of your feet dangling from a helicopter high above the Oceanside Pier and the Pacific Ocean. You can do that and more aboard Waverider Helicopter Tours.

Rides go from ten minutes to 75 minutes for up to three passengers at a time. Get a bird’s-eye view of Coastal California from Laguna Beach to downtown San Diego and inland to wine country. Ask for the Ultimate Selfie Package.

Learn California Mission History at Mission San Luis Rey

Dubbed the King of Missions, Mission San Luis Rey is the largest mission in California. The extraordinary architecture at The Mission includes hand-painted colorful murals, hand-carved wood doors, original hand-hammered copper baptismal font, and numerous Baroque and Classical updates.

The architectural beauty alone is worth a visit. Self-guided and docent-led tours are available. There is also a museum and gift shop on-site.

Surf the Waves with Sumo Surf Tubes

UP Sports Oceanside Surf Shop has added a newcomer to its range of water sports equipment — sumo surf tubes.

You can rent these wacky looking red-and-gold inflatable surf suits and hit Oceanside’s famously consistent waves for the entire day for only $25. You can even rent them by the week at discounted rates. If standing on a surfboard isn’t your thing, enjoy the thrill of the wave anyway with a sumo surf suit.

Attend an Event at Junior Seau Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre

The Junior Seau Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre, located next to the Oceanside Pier on Pier View South Beach, has been a local landmark since its original construction in 1919.

The famous amphitheater has hosted everything from the annual Samoan Cultural Celebration to live sunset jazz performances to sustainability festivals. The versatile venue hosts numerous cultural and community events year-round, but particularly in the summer, so check the schedule.

Learn Natural History at Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center

Located on Oceanside’s southern end, the Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center is the perfect place to spend a few hours with the kids learning about local natural history and the importance of conservation efforts by everyone.

The nature center provides opportunities to explore the lagoon and birdlife, native plants, and endangered species at the lagoon in an interactive and informative environment.

Get Your Adrenaline Pumping at GoJump Oceanside

For the adrenaline junkies of the group, GoJump Oceanside has just the thrill you’re looking for. It’s SoCal’s only tandem sky-dive experience with Pacific Ocean views.

You and your instructor step off the custom-built Sky-dive Aircraft at 13,000 feet within a mile of the Oceanside shoreline and take in full ocean views during the entire free fall. You’ll find the Sky-dive Center on Oceanside’s northern end at 480 Airport Road off the 76.

Join a Whale Watching Excursion

Whale watching is a classic SoCal experience, and there’s no better place to catch a whale watching excursion than Oceanside Harbor. The best time to go is from December to April when gray whales are migrating to breeding grounds off Baja, Mexico, and passing by the San Diego/Oceanside coastline.

Tours go year-round though, because there are always other spectacular marine mammals around, including sea lions, dolphins, and blue whales. Head to Helgren’s at Oceanside Harbor for experienced captains, and licensed boats with up-to-date equipment.

fishing pier is your spot. It’s set in idyllic surroundings where the view is beautiful and always changing.

There are plenty of nearby amenities, including restrooms and places to eat. Street parking is free.

Step Back in Time at Heritage Park Village and Museum

Walking through Heritage Park Village and Museum is like walking through downtown Oceanside at the turn of the century.

The buildings assembled in this heritage village are original structures like Oceanside’s first General Store, Portola Inn, Libby School, Blacksmith Shop & Livery Stable, The Blade Newspaper, a doctor’s office, and the city jail. You can visit the charming historic park Wednesdays through Sundays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours are available on weekends.

Explore the Local Art Scene at First Friday Oceanside ArtWalk

First Friday Oceanside ArtWalk is a self-guided art walk along Artist Alley in Oceanside. It’s the first Friday of every month from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Visitors will see all kinds of art by local artists. Pop-up art galleries include custom jewelry, painting and portraiture, glasswork, woodwork, live music, dance performances, and poetry among other artistic expressions. Find Artist Alley a half-block east of Coast Highway between Mission Avenue and Pier View Way.

Join the Fun at Thursday Sunset Market

Oceanside’s Thursday Sunset Market goes beyond your typical farmers’ market. If that’s all you’re looking for, no problem, just come earlier in the day. After dark, it grows into a hot spot of eating, shopping, and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.

The market features live music, foods from around the world, an arts and crafts fair, and a farmers’ market all rolled into one.

Cruise The Strand with Wheel Fun Surreys

Wheel Fun Rentals is located beachside at the Oceanside Pier. It’s the perfect spot to grab a wheeled rental to cruise up and down The Strand alongside the beautiful, blue Pacific Ocean.

Though they rent an array of sports equipment, including bikes, specialty bikes, standup paddleboards, and more, colorful surreys provide the most family fun.

Go Deep Sea Fishing

Deep sea fishing excursions leave from Oceanside Harbor daily. You can join half-day, full-day, multiday, twilight, and nighttime fishing excursions with Helgren’s Sportfishing and Whale Watching Center.

They’ve been guiding fishing trips for over 40 years, know all the best spots, and what fish to expect where and when. Their boats are USCG licensed and equipped with state-of-the-art navigation, safety, fish-finding, and communication equipment.

Watch the Paul Mitchell NEON Supergirl Pro

There’s a surfing competition of one sort or another nearly all summer thanks to the great waves off of the Oceanside coastline. The biggest annual event is the all-female Paul Mitchell NEON Supergirl Pro, where top female surfers from around the world come to compete and share the surf lifestyle.

You’ll see more than 150 top female pro athletes from surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding. The wildly popular event includes sustainability organizations, surf industry village, seminars, fashion, yoga, pro autographs, free Paul Mitchell hairstyling, music, and food, plus the planet’s best female surfing.

Experience Your First Grunion Run

If you’ve never experienced a SoCal ‘Grunion Run,’ here’s how it’s done. First, a grunion run is when thousands of little silvery fish ride the waves onto the beach at night to spawn. To experience it, you’ll need to time your visit with the most likely beaches on three- to four-day intervals occurring just after high tide following a full or new moon.

If that seems like too much calculating, you can also Ride O’side and stop by the Oceanside Welcome Center and grab a pocket map of routes and sightseeing opportunities. (Please scooter with care.)

Indulge in Authentic Japanese Fare at Ramen MENMA

Fresh on the culinary scene from Tokyo, Japan, four-time Michelin Bib Gourmand Master Chef Ryuichiro Shinagawa, recently opened Ramen MENMA on Mission Boulevard just off Coast Highway. You can expect authentic Japanese gourmet ramen handcrafted from natural ingredients — no artificial seasonings or chemicals.

Ramen dishes come in standard, deluxe, and mega portions; hot and cold dishes; and vegan options. The restaurant has a long list of Japanese-inspired appetizers, plus wine, beer, and saki. You can top off your meal with mochi ice cream in four flavors.

Take a Culinary Journey at Exhale

Exhale is a newcomer to the Oceanside culinary scene and has taken the city by storm. With a unique fusion of white oak wood-fired, grilled, and smoked Mexican dishes, this culinary journey is a must. Their signature handmade blue corn tortillas from Oaxaca sourced masa provide the canvas for Chef Daniel’s creative cuisine.

The modern, chic restaurant has an urban vibe with garage-door-style windows, stainless steel finishes, a black and gray color palette, edgy street-style art, and casual outdoor dining. You can expect dishes like smoked brisket tacos with mole Oaxaca, peanuts, queso blanco, grilled spring onions, and grasshopper crema.

Find a Table

Grab Dinner with a View Hello Betty Fish House

Does it get any better than seafood with an ocean view? Hello Betty Fish House is an Oceanside favorite serving fish tacos, peel and eat shrimp, grilled fish platters, steamed mussels, Baja ceviche, and so much more.

The two-level restaurant with a beachy vibe is at the corner of Mission Avenue and Meyers Street, a block from the Oceanside Pier and South Pier Beach. The restaurant has Happy Hour on the rooftop deck Monday through Friday, brunch Saturdays and Sundays, Taco Tuesdays, and premier sunset views every day.

Find a Table

Experience History at The Fin Hotel

The Fin Hotel is a 27-room boutique hotel on Oceanside Boulevard that’s within walking distance of downtown, the beach, and the Coaster. The historic hotel was built in 1927 and was all the rage with LA celebrities in the 1930s and 1940s.

After a long period of decline, it was recently renovated in 2018. Guests can expect tastefully reclaimed historic charm combined with modern amenities — simultaneously elegant and straightforward.

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duncanbarker-blog · 5 years

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When we visited Abeno Harukas, the tallest building in Japan, we expected a good view of Osaka, but we didn’t realise we’d spend three hours enjoying this stunning space.

The skyscraper opened in 2014 and is 300 metres tall with 62 storeys that house a department store, hotel, museum, and the observation deck Harukas 300, which we visited.

The observatory is on the 58th, 59th and 60th floors of the building. Here are some of the things to do at Abeno Harukas 300.

Main Observation Deck on 60th Floor by Day

Our visit started at the ticket office on the 16th floor from where a cool, futuristic lift whisked us up to the main observation deck on the 60th floor at 288 metres.

From here there are 360º views of Osaka through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows on every side of the building. You can see everything in Osaka—the castle, bay, nearby temples and parks, distant mountains, and the highways that crisscross the third biggest city in Japan (with 2.7 million inhabitants).

We arrived at 4.30pm, about an hour before sunset in February. This was perfect timing as we could see the city by day, at sunset, and best of all, at night when the lights of the city come on.

Everywhere in Japan has a mascot, and you might get the chance to meet Abenobea (Abeno Bear), the official mascot of Harukas 300.

It’s an impressive space full of light and I especially liked the view down to the 58th floor.

Edge The Harukas

As the sun set we did Edge The Harukas, a paid experience that allows you to get even closer to that view.

We were escorted up to the very top of the building where we donned overalls and a harness and followed our guide up to The Edge. We attached our harnesses to a safety rail and climbed up the stairs to a narrow deck on top of a glass fence.

From here we could lean right over the waist height barrier and look down 300 metres below. Simon was rather nervous, but I was too busy enjoying the unobstructed view as the sky turned orange over Osaka Bay. It’s a short but fun experience.

Edge The Harukas costs an extra 1000 yen ($9) on top of the entrance ticket and lasts seven minutes. It includes a photo. You can get tickets from the 60th floor (ID needed). You can’t take anything with you that could fall including watches, jewellery and phones, so leave them in the coin-operated lockers.

Heliport

Another paid experience (500 yen/ $4.50) is a 30-minute tour of the heliport on the roof of the building. There’s no glass between you and the 360º views here.

You can book a tour at the counter on the 60th floor.

Gift Shop and Toilets with a View on 59th Floor

Floor 59 is worth visiting for the gift shop and the toilets which have a stunning view (not from the cubicles though!).

Sky Garden on 58th Floor

The double height Sky Garden on the 58th floor is a beautiful space that’s open to the sky above.

It’s well worth spending some time on the large wooden deck where you can have a drink or snack surrounded by trees lit up with fairy lights and amazing views of the city.

In winter, low tables are set up right next to the windows with heaters underneath (and warm padded gowns are provided), and you can enjoy warming winter specialities like oden (not vegetarian friendly, sadly). I can’t imagine there’s any restaurant in Osaka with a better view than this.

We took a seat on the other side of the Sky Garden for a snack of french fries (surprisingly well done) and their signature sweet treats— pineapple soft serve ice cream with crunchy pineapple candy (better than Dole Whip!) and Abeno pudding, a creamy dessert topped with marshmallows and chocolate figures of Abenobea. If it’s too cold outside, there’s an indoor section of the cafe.

You can see the full menu on the Harukas 300 website. Vegetarian options are limited so after your visit I recommend the nearby Iduco stand where you can make your own tacoyaki or Okonomiyaki Chitose (which can make a vegetarian okonomiyaki).

The Harukas Heart photo spot is also on the 58th floor.

Light & Sound Show

Once night falls, the Harukas 300 Light & Sound Show takes place on the 60th floor. The exact show differs throughout the year, but when we visited images were projected directly on the windows so that it looked like whales and other creatures were flying across the Osaka nightscape.

There were different shows throughout the floor, some interactive where you could pop bubbles with your hands. The show repeats throughout the night.

There’s also an interactive light show on the large twin towers in the Sky Garden—touch them and multi-coloured fireworks shoot up.

Main Observation Deck on 60th Floor by Night

After we’d seen the light shows, we returned to the 60th Floor to take photos of Osaka at night. I think the view is even better than by day.

Abeno Harukas 300 Details

Harukas 300 is open all year from 9 am to 10 pm. Tickets cost 1500 yen ($13.50) for adults and from 500–1200 yen for children (depending on the age). Children under 3 are free. You can buy tickets on the day (until 9.30pm) at the ticket office on the 16th floor of Abeno Harukas.

You can get there on the Midosuji metro line or JR Osaka Loop train line to Tennoji station. In the station follow signs for the elevator which will take you to the 16th floor. It’s about 10 minutes from the Shinsaibashi/ Dotonburi area where we stayed in an Airbnb. We used Google Maps for route details.

Universal Studios VIP Pass

Harry Potter World at Universal Japan

If you are planning to visit Universal Studios Japan as well (which we highly recommend, especially for Harry Potter fans), you can buy a VIP Wristband for 3850 yen ($35) which gets you into the park slightly earlier through a special entrance, as well as entry to Harukas 300.

You have to pick up the wristbands from Harukas 300 one to five days before you visit Universal. You can buy the VIP Pass on Voyagin.

See our guide to the best Universal Studios Japan rides for more details on visiting the park.

Summary

Abeno Harukas Osaka was a fun experience with fantastic views in a beautiful space. We recommend heading up there for sunset and make sure you allow time to enjoy a drink or snack, see the light show, and maybe even walk The Edge.

Enjoyed this post? Pin for later!

Thanks to Harukas 300 and Voyagin who hosted us on our visit.

#japan #osaka"

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travelonlinetips-blog · 6 years

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New Post has been published on https://travelonlinetips.com/5-adventurous-things-to-do-in-provincetown-massachusetts-2/

5 Adventurous Things to Do in Provincetown, Massachusetts

Few places in New England match the raw natural beauty of Massachusetts’ seashore. And few places along the coastline are more quaint, fun, and adventurous than Provincetown.

As lifelong Northeasterners, we visit at least once a year so we know a thing or two about the best things to see and do in this quintessential New England town. Here are five of our favorites …

Things to Do in Provincetown, Massachusetts

#1: Explore the Cape Cod National Seashore

The Cape Cod National Seashore is quite literally a national treasure. Really — that distinction was codified by JFK in 1961 to officially protect more than 43,000 acres of beachfront, ponds, and woods of Massachusetts coastline. Hiking the dunes is arguably the best way to explore it because you’ll always see more on foot and the entire coast is staggeringly beautiful.

Hiking Across the Breakwater in Provincetown

Don’t miss a hike — a walk really — out to Race Point Lighthouse. The two-hundred-year-old lighthouse is an icon of the P-Town shoreline. For travelers who book well in advance, the beautifully restored Keeper’s House is also available for overnight and weekly stays.

But … it’s a massive area and, unless you have a few days (or a week) to explore, it can feel overwhelming. Art’s Dune Tours provides a great alternative. Professionally narrated tours are provided through the dunes via the company’s air-conditioned Suburban SUVs. One-hour and half-day tours are available, although we’d opt for the sunset tour because … sunset.

#2: Watch for Whales on a … Whale Watch

Getting Ready for Our Provincetown Whale Watch

The coastal waters of New England are well-known as some of the most whale-rich in the Atlantic. Hop aboard a purpose-built Dolphin whale watching ship with Dolphin Fleet Whale Watch — a company which has the claim to being “New England’s First and Finest Whale Watch.” Their fleet provides professionally guided tours of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary — a world-renowned marine sanctuary that’s home to minke whales, finback whales, sei whales, and pilot whales, plus dolphins and porpoises. On a three-hour tour with them on any given day, it’s possible to spot all of the above!

#3: Grab a Gelato and Walk Commercial Street

Commercial Street is the beating (and touristy) heart of Provincetown. You can’t visit the town without seeing the strip. The town proudly embraces anyone with a lot of character and the strip provides some of the best people-watching in the Northeast.

I Dream of Gelato, Provincetown

So, bring your camera, open your mind, and grab a frozen treat from the aptly named I Dream of Gelato. The long-standing gelateria serves a extensive list of housemade gelatos including staples like Cookie Dough and Coffee, plus specialty flavors like Chocolate Madness, Banana Killer, and Nutella (but, really, if you know Nutella is on the menu, just put the damn menu down …). There’s also sorbetto, vegan options, and specialty coffee. Did I mention the Nutella?

#4: Get “YAR” Pirate on at Whydah Pirate Museum

If you’re a fan of The Goonies and International Talk Like a Pirate Day, you have a friend in us. But, sadly, there’s only one museum in the entire world dedicated to a sunken pirate ship. Not-so-sadly, it’s located in Provincetown.

National Geographic’s Whydah Pirate Museum is a tiny but altogether fascinating museum run by a friendly and super-enthusiastic group of folks. There are a replica pirate ship to explore, 300-year-old coins, authentic pirate pistols & sword pieces, and a handful of interactive, pirate-related exhibits. Admission is $18.50 (adults) and it’ll take you less than 45 minutes to tour the whole thing, including chatting up the staff and shopping the gift stand for fake gold doubloons.

#5: Sit on the Dock … of the Bay

Lawn and Deck at The red Inn in Provincetown

There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the beauty of the Massachusetts coastline. But, one of our hands-down favorites can be found at The red Inn. This iconic Provincetown restaurant/hotel is a local institution. It was built in 1805 by Captain Freeman Atkins for his wife and much of the beautiful, original architectural detailing remains.

Drinks on the Deck at The red Inn, Provincetown

As a hotel, it’s pricey — though we would argue it’s well worth the splurge. But, for “average folk” like us, just grabbing a properly poured cocktail at the quaint bar and relaxing in an Adirondack chair on their outdoor deck overlooking Provincetown Harbor is all you need after a long day of exploring P-Town.

Where to Stay in Provincetown

Throw a rock in any direction from the center of P-Town and you’re likely to hit an inn or B&B. They’re almost literally everywhere. Seriously, the town seems to have copyrighted the idea of the quaint New England inn. But this can make it difficult to pick a place to stay! Here are our two favorites …

Land’s End Inn

Land’s End Inn Luxury Hotel in Provincetown, Massachusetts

Our #1 choice for lodging in Provincetown is Land’s End Inn (no surprise, really, as it’s consistently ranked #1 on TripAdvisor as well). Particularly for couples, it’s a no-brainer.

Guest Room at Land’s End Inn, Provincetown

It’s quaint, romantic, charming, and luxurious, but not stuffy. Think of it as a bed-and-breakfast for non-B&B-lovers (like us). Each of the 18 rooms is uniquely designed, but all feature plenty of privacy and luxurious amenities like pillow-top mattresses, plush bathrobes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. But for us, the real win is the ridiculously amazing view from the meticulously landscaped garden — one of the highest vantage points in all of Provincetown. The delicious deluxe breakfast every day is pretty sweet too (and it’s free!).

Harbor Hotel Provincetown

For a more budget-friendly option, check out Harbor Hotel Provincetown. We’ve previously covered the hotel before and it remains one of our favorite go-to accommodations. It has plenty of vintage charm and is situated right on the beach — what’s not to like?

The post 5 Adventurous Things to Do in Provincetown, Massachusetts appeared first on Vagabondish.

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rosypagesofmylife · 7 years

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Making Memories of Us

I have always loved the idea of taking photographs not only for the aesthetic side of it but to capture moments I would love looking back to in the future. If you have been reading my blog for some time now you would have already known as well that that’s the main purpose of this blog.There’s something fulfilling about being able to preserve little pretty moments, I just really fancy that idea which is whyyy I just cannot not take out my phone / camera to capture places, people, moments and everything in between whenever I have the chance to do so. That’s just me. ^^

Last weekend just happened to be a very memorable weekend for me but even more memorable for my bestfriend, Jessa. It was her graduation day last April 22, 2017 reason why I traveled all the way from Baguio to Iloilo. :) Before I could even reach Iloilo I was already imagining everything I’d be doing there, from eating baked talaba, to taking photos with Jessa, attending her graduation, and roaming around the city! I did them all. Hahaha.. I did not miss a chance. ^^ It’s not all the time that I get to have a break from the usual life I have in Baguio ya know, haha. Not saying I’m tired of life here in Baguio, just saying being able to travel is a privilege I have to enjoy! Specially since it’s sponsored by Mama Jiji, my bestfriend’s Mom. Hahaha.. :>

On Jessa’s graduation day, we started the day with a mini reunion over coffee and talks. It was sooo awesome to be with her again, we always have something to laugh our hearts out about. Hahaha. Oh whale. ^^ And then after coffee-ing she headed to school for their mass while I wait for her at their house where I stayed for the entire weekend.

I really wasn’t plannin on having this photo taken but Jessa’s younger sister had me do it hahaha She’s only like 7 years old. Hahaha. Love that girl..

As soon as Jessa came back she had her makeup done by a makeup artist while I watched at the corner and tried to get tips from it haha. :D Then we headed to Esplanade for a very short fun shoot before the graduation ceremony. Here are some photos I took of her. She’s just as lovely as usual!

Then we proceeded to the university and thankfully I was able to capture a few graduation photos despite the big event being very crowded hahaha I love Jessa’s smiles here! Ngiting tagumpay!

She was actually laughing so so hard because I was cheering for her like a crazy lady hahaha I was like “There she is!!! Woooo! Go Jessamemooch!! Go Jessa! Go Jessa! Go Jessa!” hahahaha Yes, I know! I’m sucha bff goal joke hahahaha of course we had some photos of us taken on her graduation too but this one is personally my fave!

Huhu.. I miss this girl already, uff. I wish Iloilo were closer to Baguio! Plane tix are darn expensive hahaha..

After the graduation ceremony we headed out to Smallville 21 for dinner, best part of the day! Haha Just kidding! I mean the food was good but the best part about that day was really seeing how happy Jessa was and me feeling all happy for her too. Huhuhu. She deserved it for sure. I know how she struggled for that diploma hahaha <3

The next day we spent the entire day catching up over food and coffee. We hadn’t seen in each other since last December so there was a loooot of catching up to do hahahahaha My instagram stories was filled with all that. Oh boy I was having too much fun. :D

You know when they say we should all have that friend who’s willing to take photos of us while we ain’t looking? Hahaha That’s sooo true to me. :D I’m so lucky to have Jessamemooch! The girl knooowsss :>

But of course I took photos of her too! She’s just effortless sometimes I hate her for it!!! Naaah, I’m kidding haha Not that kind of friend tbh hahaha

Now for my favorite part! Festive walk ~ Well it was def an eye candy, loved every corner of it since it’s the mixture of vintage and pastels. Hahaha. Kinda reminded me of Venice Piazza in BGC but I would say it’s a better place to visit simply because it’s not crowded at all! I really cannot enjoy a place if it’s too crowded. Hehe.

While we were there we stayed at Dulgies cafe and chatted for some minutes while we waited for the sunset! We heard the place looks magical during sunset so we were eager to wait for it and then take pics hahaha.. Was it worth the wait? Definitely! It’s just as pretty ( if not, prettier ) in person!

Ahh yeah, one more thing! I met with Nang Angging, a close friend of mine of more than 8 years while we were at Festive Walk! She gave me handmade gifts made by herself and they were love!!! She gave one to Jessa too. She’s the sweetest!

Photo on the bottom right is a photo of her work with my name and fave verse in it! Follow her and see some of her amazing work on instagram it’s @anggingvallejo.. :)

It was just soooo nice to have a weekend off! I owe all of this to Jessamemooch and her family. Shout out also to Bangers and Bonbon, ( my cousin and nephew ) for the baked talaba treat! and Tatay Ming, Nanay Lorns, and En-en ( uncle, aunt and cousin ) for the lovely dinner before I left Iloilo and for taking me to airport late at night. ^^ Love you all!

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wikitopx · 5 years

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Santa Barbara isn’t just the setting of one of my favorite TV shows (Psych)

It’s an artsy beach town in southern California. Endless beaches, tourist worthy piers and museums, lush gardens, and historic taverns are just some of the things you’ll find here.

1. Start by exploring State Street

State Street is part of the main hub of downtown Santa Barbara, full of shops, restaurants, and interesting things to see. Santa Barbara has a love of art, so if you’re there on a Sunday you’ll likely see an art walk, where artists from all over the county come to display and sell their work. The Santa Barbara Courthouse is also an interesting site, known for its architecture and incredible panoramic views.

2. Go to Shoreline Park

Shoreline Park is located on the bluffs of Santa Barbara; there’s plenty of grassy areas and paths to walk around on, and you’ll have great views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and the ocean from the cliffs—I’ve heard it’s also great for whale watching. If you want to get closer to the ocean, there’s a staircase down to the beach; another ramp at the end of the park leads to Leadbetter Beach.

3. Or go to one of the other popular beaches

As a beach town, there are many other popular beaches in Santa Barbara, but I’ll only mention a few here. The East and West Beaches are popular because they’re next to the Stearns Wharf Pier. A biking path trails along both beaches, and there are sand volleyball courts on both; West Beach is more known for kayaking and boating, and East Beach is more known for swimming and its seaside café. The previously mentioned Leadbetter Beach is popular with the locals, and its windy conditions make it perfect all kinds of water sports, like surfing and windsurfing, or other activities like sailing and flying kites. And finally, Arroyo Burro Beach, known as Hendry’s Beach by the locals, is a cliffside beach with walking paths that mostly run through the forested area of the Douglas Family Preserve.

4. Have a photo op at Stearns Wharf

Dubbed the number one tourist spot in Santa Barbara, this gorgeous pier boasts some of Santa Barbara’s best restaurants, some unique recreational activities, and plenty of souvenir and specialty shops. You can visit the Sea Center and play with some marine life, do some fishing, get your fortune told, take some epic pictures, and more!

5. Tour the Old Mission

Founded in 1786 by the Spanish Franciscans, this beautiful historic church is open for tours, and its grounds also include acres of gardens (including a historical garden), a cemetery with a mausoleum, and a museum with a gift shop. One of the cool things about it is that the Franciscan friars and their parish are still active here, and you can either take a tour with a guide, or take a self-guided tour.

6. Visit a museum

Since Santa Barbara is an art-loving town, you should definitely make a stop at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. And if you love museums, there’s more where that came from; there’s also the Museum of Natural History, the Maritime Museum, and El Presidio de Santa Barbara, a state historic park that preserves a Spanish fortress from 1782, as well as other historical exhibits and displays.

7. Immerse yourself in Lotusland

Lotusland is a public garden with 21 different gardens, including a topiary garden, an Australian garden, two different orchards with around 100 fruit trees, a theatre garden with statues and a horticultural clock, and so much more; there is, of course, also the Lotus flowers in the water garden, which was once a swimming pool. A special note about Lotusland: You must have a tour reservation to visit here, because it is located in a residential neighborhood; self-guided tours are for members only.

8. Hang out with animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo

Who doesn’t love a zoo right? Well, aside from seeing all the awesome animals, the Santa Barbara Zoo also has some interesting attractions, such as visiting the Animal Kitchen to watch the food be prepared for all the zoo animals, be an honorary zookeeper for a day and help care for some animals or take a behind-the-scenes tour, or even feed a giraffe! (Yes, you really can feed a giraffe with your hands!).

9. Eat at the Cold Spring Tavern

The Cold Spring Tavern was built in 1886, and back then it was a stagecoach stop and way station. Today, this piece of history has been preserved, and aside from the tavern and bar itself, the property also has a few other historical buildings. Come for the great food, the history, and the musical entertainment.

10. Enjoy the Santa Barbara Waterfront

If you’re looking for even more beachside activities, try the Santa Barbara Waterfront. Though it includes some of the places I’ve already mentioned (such as the beaches and Stearns Wharf), there are other areas, such as the harbor and Chase Palm Park, which includes a skate park called Skater’s Point. You can also board the waterfront shuttle (which runs every half hour from midday to sunset), or go on a whale watching tour.

See also: Top 10 things to do in Nashville

From : https://wikitopx.com/travel/top-10-things-to-do-in-santa-barbara-702946.html

#Wikitopx #Wikitopx - Feed

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glanzer2 · 5 years

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You probably want to read it, so here it is… EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED ON OUR ROAD TRIP!!!!

Day 1: Austin-Dallas-Tulsa

The trip got started bright and early Thursday morning. In a very rare instance of John out-sleeping me, I woke him up. “John, wake up, it’s time to go on our trip!” The boy leapt out of bed and threw his clothes on. We said our goodbyes and were on the road by 8am.

The first item on my to-do list was brunch in Dallas at the acclaimed Maple Leaf Diner, a Canadian themed breakfast spot. Johnny opted to eat only a scone, while I snarfed down an eggs Benedict. The most difficult driving I encountered on the trip was in southern Dallas on 35-E, where road construction had the interstate down to two very narrow lanes. I was in the left lane attempting to get around a semi, going 75mph, with literally two inches of space on each side between a concrete barrier and the truck. White knuckle driving, indeed.

North of Dallas, things cleared up and it was a pleasant drive to the small town of Denison, TX. I stopped to see the birthplace and museum of 34th president Dwight Eisenhower. Johnny screamed, pouted, and threw a fit that we stopped because it interrupted his watching of Ghostbusters cartoons. He perked up though when he remembered he had $50 of souvenir bucks for the trip, and bought a cheaply made army tank kit from the gift shop. Onward we went into Oklahoma, where I came upon a famous peanut shop, the Peanut Shoppe. We loaded up on peanuts, pretzels, taffy and jerky and hit the road again. Later, I slammed on the brakes and pulled over to buy the boy some fruit at a roadside fruit stand. Even then, the shop proprietor gave him a popsicle. He fell asleep as we headed up the turnpike to Tulsa.

Upon arrival in town, we checked into our cozy little Airbnb and relaxed. The boy would have been highly content staying at the house for the rest of the day, but I coaxed him into the van and over to Tulsa’s renowned park, The Gathering Place. Wow. This park had it all. Apparently the heir to an oil fortune donated $600MM to construct the most amazing playground I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. We played in 100º heat for two hours and left with both of us soaked to the bone. We returned to the Airbnb and showered, and planned our dinner. Johnny wanted pepperoni pizza, so I texted my company’s CEO and asked if he knew a good spot. My company, ConsumerAffairs, is based in Tulsa, after all. That was part of the reason for stopping there overnight. Rather than direct us to a good restaurant, he instead invited us over to his house for dinner. John played with my boss’s two kids while I enjoyed a couple beverages with the adults. Good but late night! We were asleep around 11:30.

So long, suckers! Road trip ahead.

That’s why this place is famous.

Big silverware

John enjoys breakfast at the Maple Leaf Diner in Dallas

My tasty Canadian eggs Benedict dish

John and a patriotic horsey

The boy pays his respects to Dwight Eisenhower

The Eisenhower house

The boy was saying “I like Ike!” by the end of this visit.

Peanut Shoppe sign

The Peanut Shoppe was a fun stop for some road snacks

Roadside fruitstand. Yes.

All tuckered out by 3.

Wow, cool Airbnb!

The American Pie family in the Airbnb house was a nice touch.

The Gathering Place in Tulsa is le-GIT. Coolest playground/park I’ve seen.

Day 2: Tulsa-Independence-Topeka-Auburn

We awoke and headed to my office first thing in the morning, where every Friday they cater breakfast and have an all-company standup meeting. I was called to the front to say a few words, and was surprised when my colleagues pulled out masks of my face, forming a Glanzer flash mob. How welcoming! We had plans for more Tulsa stops, but it was raining heavily so we just hit the road north into Kansas.

I stopped near the small town of Independence to check out one of the Laura Ingalls homesteads. John again showed zero interest of this roadside attraction and sulked on the front porch, refusing to budge. As we were there alone, way out in the country, I left him to sort out his feelings and explored on my own. He later perked up and wasted a few bucks in the gift shop on a log cabin toy and a cowboy that grows in water. In town, we spotted a free zoo, so I pulled over. Turns out it was the zoo where the original monkey blasted into orbit was from! A bit of space history. We motored on north through miles of rolling prairies of eastern Kansas with virtually nothing to stop and see.

Finally we made it to Topeka, where I had a handful of items to check out, but we wound up visiting only one—the Evel Knevel Museum, which is inside a Harley dealership. If you ever get to Topeka, it’s worth a visit! We each took our turn on a virtual reality 4D bus-jumping motorcycle experience. While it made me a little nauseous, Johnny loved it and went twice! We were running a little behind schedule, so I skipped plans to see the Brown vs Board of Education building and state capitol and ventured on into Nebraska, where we arrived at the home of Dorrie and Ken Heronimus, parents of my good friends Jason and Jeff LaPlant.

The Heronimuses and LaPlants were very welcoming. We enjoyed a home-cooked shrimp boil dinner and caught up. Once nearly inseparable, I had not seen either LaPlant brother since at least 2012. Johnny was wound up on sugar and caffeine and put on quite a display of silliness in the basement, whacking people with pillows and stealing socks. In the morning, we enjoyed a tasty biscuits/gravy breakfast and headed out.

First to work! John enjoys breakfast at ConsumerAffairs in Tulsa

Johnny poses with the Glanzer masks made by my colleagues

Ingalls gift shop

Ingalls porch

This Laura carving is guaranteed to haunt you in your dreams

John was furious with the stop-off and vowed to stay on the front porch.

Pa built that with his own two hands!

The Ingalls’ shanty

The Ingalls post office

The Ingalls schoolhouse.

A very interesting exhibit – home to the first monkey in space. In… Independence, Kansas? Apparently so.

Angry like a lion

You guessed it – another stop, buddy boy!

Some Knevel jackets

Outside the refurbed Knevel bus

Evel’s cushy lounge in his bus

Evel himself

Ready for his first VR experience

Johnny loved the VR Knevel experience

Some Knevel toys

Jeff meets Johnny

Jason meets Johnny

I reunite with the LaPlant boys after far too long

Day 3: Auburn-Vermillion

The long drive along I-29 through Nebraska and Iowa was uneventful. Sure, I could have stopped off and done some fun stuff in either Omaha or Sioux City, but in the end the boy was sick of stopping, and I am already quite familiar with that area of the country. So, we cruised straight into Vermillion, SD, home of my sister’s family. Jordan and her boys Hudson and Colton were eager to take Johnny to the town’s new pool. Johnny had a blast swimming with the cousins all afternoon. In the evening Jordan left for a photo shoot and Abul and I were in charge of heating pizzas for dinner for the kids, but wound up with black smoke billowing out of the house. 13-year-old cousin Emmy graciously volunteered to babysit the younger kids so the adults could enjoy a trip to the bars. Some of Jordan’s co-workers joined us and we were out til around 1am. I’d venture to say not everyone woke up feeling terribly perky, though I was A-OK.

What’s this, daddy?

Swimming, swimming, swimming… so much swimming.

I later found out I was using the little kid tubes.

High dive, no floatie… what could go wrong? Yes, I did have to jump in and rescue him.

Vermillion pool

Fun in the cousins’ room

Big dog

Cousins and dog

Pizza and cousins and screens

Trampoline time! I guess this beast was laid to rest after we left.

Abul stokes the flames

Dessert on the trampoline

Bar fun in Vermillion with the old gang!

Abul bought a growler to pass around AT the bar… I like this guy!

Vermillion bar

Day 4: Vermillion-Sioux Falls-Watertown

We made the quick drive north to Sioux Falls primarily so I could get fitted for a tux for a friend’s upcoming wedding—I had to get fitted there or Des Moines, so it worked out well that it happened to be on the path. We also wandered the mall, ate lunch at Huhot Mongolian Grill, and I saw Falls Park for the first time. Afterwards we headed north to Watertown, specifically Lake Kampeska, where good friend C.M. Walsh allowed us to stay at his family’s lake cabin free of charge for two days. I could have just headed to the family farm in Carpenter, but I figured this would be more fun. Brother Alex and his family joined us at the cabin Sunday night, and we enjoyed dinner at The Prop and then swam off the dock until dusk. There were no late-night shenanigans this time!

The legendary DakotaDome, last thing we spotted leaving Vermillion

John climbs the rocks at Falls Park. An adventurous little scamp.

My first trip to Falls Park. Some South Dakotan I am.

Taking in the beauty of the falls

John was getting a little too close to the water for my taste

Nice.

Lunch at Huhot. Sioux Fallsians love this spot.

Shirt shopping for Luke’s wedding

Culver’s at the world’s largest single story mall

Cute little niece Auden sucking down some lemonade at the bar

4 of the 5 cousins who bear the Glanzer name. Edie not present.

My dollar bill (borrowed from Alex) immortalized on the Prop’s ceiling.

What’s a trip to a SD bar without some video lottery? Alex won big.

Some evening swimming off the Kampeska dock

Swimming at Kampeska

Look there, nephew John, a beached whale!

Swimming at Kampeska at sunset

Sun setting on Kampeska

Cousin hijinks at bedtime

Not at all edited sunset

Day 5: Watertown

The first day totally off the road was spent at the Walsh family cabin. I did, however, make a quick trip into town for breakfast groceries. There was more swimming in the morning, and around noon my parents arrived. The original plan was that Dad would be bringing his boat and we’d spend the day zipping around the lake tubing, but due to mechanical problems the boat was left at home. Instead, it was just a lot more swimming and a little kayaking. Some of the adults did some quality day-drinking, otherwise things stayed pretty calm and some of the kids even napped during the day. At night, all the family left for home. John and I were faced with a tough decision of following them out to the farm for the night or just staying in Watertown at the cabin. Seeing how going to the farm would have added 125 miles of driving onto our trip, we opted to just stay by ourselves at the cabin and bid the family adieu.

Breakfast fixins from HyVee

Lunch moments later!

No boat, so… more swimming!

Grandma Marcie and Grandpa Dick bask in the hot summer sun

The view from the kayak

Not our first or second kayaking adventure

Alex wears a very small life jacket to kayak

Me in the kayak on the rough waters

Toss the kids in

Farewell for now, grandson

Grandpa and John say goodbye

Ouch! Back injury for boy

A safe return to shore

Day 6: Watertown-Minneapolis suburbs

After packing up the cabin in the morning, John and I embarked eastward for the first time on the trip, heading into Minnesota on backroads due to road construction. As I approached the Twin Cities, we stopped in Chanhassen at the site of my first job, Microboards Technology, better known today as Afinia. There, we were given the tour of the changes to the building since I last was there in 2011. It was a very weird feeling being back there—in some ways it felt like I had been to work just yesterday. So little had changed. The personnel was almost all people I had known from before. I walked into a bathroom and immediately remembered every word to the Abraham Lincoln poster hanging on the wall. Johnny, needless to say, was bored senseless.

Next, we had a pretty wide open agenda. It was only 2pm, and we had a couple hours to kill. There were numerous friends, restaurants, bars, or attractions I could have taken the lad to, but he wanted to see his Grandpa Steve and Granny Anne, so off we went to Bloomington to visit with them for a couple hours. After being carted around for 1,300 miles and stopping for many piddly things, John looked perfectly content to just stay at his grandparents house and play Legos all night, but it was not to be. I loaded him back in the van and headed to Eden Prairie to visit friends Liz and Curt right before their big move. John was forced to acclimate to more new friends in short order, and just as they were getting acquainted, we loaded up and headed further west!

We arrived in Minnetrista where our friends the Walshes were enjoying National Night Out, serving root beer floats on the street corner. After Johnny and his old buddy Lorenzo got reacquainted, they attempted to have a sleepover. Naturally, Johnny wound up in bed with me again. I was up relatively late catching up with Walsh and Sarah, but we just ain’t as crazy as we used to be. Midnight was about all I could handle.

Microboards still looks about the same as I left her

Amuk the elephant, Microboards’ famous mascot.

John got some brief Lego playtime in with the grandparents

Popsicles with the Burke-Assmann kids

More new friends

John and Lorenzo get reacquainted

National Night Out in Minnetrista… it was a par-tay!!!

Bedtime for the boys

The boys’ sleepover lasted all of six minutes

Day 7: Minneapolis

This day was 99% based around the Twins-Braves day game at Target Field. It was a scorcher, too. Our seats were in the direct path of the sun and there was nowhere to hide. Before the game even started, we were seeking shade. John burst out in tears in the top of the first. I assumed it was because he was hot and uncomfortable, but it was due to the Braves hitting a pair of solo homers! This poor kid, what have I set him up for… The boy pleaded to leave early many times, but was bought off with sno-cones and mini donuts. As we departed the stadium in the eighth inning, we popped into a lower-level section to see if a friend was sitting there. He wasn’t, but we snagged some seats near the playing field and immediately had a foul ball wiz past us, and were spotted on the JumboTron. As we left the park for good, an usher asked if the boys wanted to go on the field and run the bases… of course we did!

The kids seemed to enjoy the experience, but I am sure Walsh and I were even more eager to step foot on the sacred grounds. I attempted to film ourselves running the bases, which was a mistake… I should have just enjoyed the moment. The kids were both out cold in the car on the drive home, and it was an early bedtime for me on the couch as we attempted to watch TV with Mr. Bradley Feeney.

Lorenzo and John at First Ave

In our seats, in the sun’s direct path

Me at my favorite place on Earth

Popcorn and a cap were first on the order for the boy

Grainbelt Nordeast, a Mpls favorite

Popcorn in the shade

The kids were being filmed for something… I wonder what?!

The boys meet TC Bear

Cooling off at the Bat & Barrel

Braves and Twins duking it out

The Twins rallied a little while we were sitting here

Just after the Twins turned a triple play

The boys stack hats on Walsh

Walsh and Lorenzo on the warning track

Me touching home plate

The boys at the Twins dugout

John and I on the field

Walking the field

Me at the dugout

Day 8: Minneapolis-Wisconsin-Iowa-Galena, IL

We said goodbye to the Walshes and headed to the Minneapolis airport to pick up Lauren and Edie for the Poulter family get-together. This was the part of the trip we probably would have done in some form, week-long road trip leading up to it or not. Johnny sure missed his baby sister! We loaded them in the car and made a quick pit stop for breakfast at Hot Plate Diner. The road to the northwestern corner of Illinois took us through Iowa and Wisconsin where we saw some surprisingly nice scenery.

The ride with the baby in tow certainly slowed things down compared to just the boys. We had to stop off fairly often as she was screaming and sick of the car. Around 4:00 we got to the small town of Galena and headed out into the country to the Eagle Ridge Resort. Lauren’s family arrived from around the Midwest throughout the night and we hung around chatting and such.

Good to see Pops again!

Siblings reunited after a week apart

Edie at a random Iowa gas station

Edie and I enter Wisconsin briefly

Edie frolicks in the meadow

Our townhome at the resort

The Farmstead townhomes at the resort

The van reached the elusive 55555 on the way to Galena

Edie makes her Wisconsin debut.

Day 9-10: Galena

The time at the resort was mostly very laid-back and relaxing. There were a couple of connecting townhouses rented out, a floor for each family basically. We ate all meals in, with different groups in charge of preparing each meal. Activities during the day ranged from swimming and pontoon rides to horseback riding and board games. But swimming at one of two pools seemed to be the kids’ preference. One day while Lauren was out with Johnny and the cousins, I took Edie into town on my own and saw the home of former president Ulysses S. Grant. Edie, unlike her brother, was a good sport and posed nicely for all of the pictures I asked for without making a fuss.

Baby hanging in jammas

A hearty breakfast

The cousins

Swinging

Cousins on a swing

Giant checker board

Baby swimming

Family swimming – man I’m getting sick of typing captions, can you tell?

Grandpa Steve and Edie

Tim and kids

Baby on daddy belly

Caption

John and great uncle Dave pontooning

The navigator

Pontoon

Resort pool

Edie getting a history lesson

Ulysses S. Baby!

Edie and the first lady

Birthday cake time for Julia

Happy birthday

Poulter siblings and offspring

Three girl cousins born within about a year of each other

Glanzer family normal

Glanzer family crazy

Day 11: Galena-St Louis-Rural Arkansas

When the Poulter family fun was through, the Glanzers hit the road around 10am and started south towards St. Louis. At one time, it was believed that the drive home would be just as leisurely as the first two days. John and I would dump the gals in St Louis at the airport to fly home, and we’d take our time seeing fun sites, and grazing parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Unfortunately, we received word too late in the game that John had to be back in Austin by Monday at 4pm for kindergarten orientation, which did turn out to be very important and something we would have regretted missing. So out went the fun and it was pedal to the metal. We dropped Lauren and Edie at the airport around 5:30pm Sunday, giving us 22.5 hours to make it 14 hours back to Austin. Even though there was a more direct route through Missouri that connected back with I-35, I decided to do something different and see a part of the country I’d never visited before.

So, we went south of St Louis through Mark Twain National Forest. It was very nice scenery and very minimal traffic on a 4-lane divided highway for hours. When we finally hit the state line in far northeast Arkansas, however, the roads turned to two lanes, the sun went down, and towns were very sparse. At this point, John was sick and tired of the trip and regretted not flying home with the girls, which at one time was on the table. He bawled and bawled. So I gave in and let him grab whatever junk he wanted at gas stations to calm him down—he bought a toy gun, Gatorade, and M&Ms. It quieted him down for a while, but soon he was bawling again. He cried himself to sleep as we continued through Arkansas well into the night.

I had made the decision earlier in the night to try to pull an all-nighter, so I stopped for coffee at every McDonald’s on the way. But at 1:30, even though I was still feeling alright physically, I was getting blown off the road by semis on I-30. I kept spotting deer in the ditches, and was afraid of hitting one, so I was going at best 58mph. I guess the semis wouldn’t have cared too much if they hit one cause they kept blowing around me at 80mph. So, I finally vowed to pull off at the next lodging sign I saw. It happened to be a random motel called the Southfork Inn, outside a town called Gurdon, Arkansas. I buzzed on the intercom holding a limp child, asking for a room. I got the key and tossed him on the bed. Despite being wildly caffeinated, I quickly went to sleep. I got about four solid hours before waking at 6 to continue onward.

Day 12: Gurdon-Texarkana-Austin

The final push was Monday morning. A road-weary Johnny was promised fresh donuts for the drive, but had to settle for pre-packaged powder mini donuts from a dumpy truck stop. We reached Texarkana, and I had the option of heading south towards Shreveport or heading on west towards Dallas. It wouldn’t have been too much further to hit the Louisiana border and then drive over to Austin, but I decided the quickest route was best, and continued on towards DFW, site of the worst traffic of the trip. And once again, upon reaching the giant metro, it was more white knuckle driving. I regretted the decision to cut a few miles off and visit a new state only to wind up back in that mess. With a brief stop here and there for snacks, we finally reached Austin around 1:30 and had arrived home with 3,008 miles on the van. So close to a round 3,000!

The IA/IL border

Roadstop rest

Bye girls! Dropping Mama and Edie at St Louis airport

Sun setting somewhere on the road

A fricking exhausted kid

Wiped out at the rural Arkansas roadside motel

HOME AT LAST

Post-Trip Thoughts

Unlike last year’s Black Hills trip, I returned home from this trip feeling very good about the things we were able to do and see. I upped my game tremendously in terms of pre-trip research this time around. I had about three possible attractions in every town between Austin and Vermillion to stop off and see, and every time the mood struck, we pulled off and saw one of them. The trick for researching fun road trip to-do items is not to rely on sites like RoadTrippers.com or RoadsideAmerica.com or whatever. Strictly Google the town, and Google provides a “travel guide” with top attractions. That’s where I found almost everything fun we did. No, we didn’t do everything on my list due to time constraints, but the fact that we did even half of them is pretty amazing.

We also had a blast catching up with old friends, colleagues, family and strangers along the way. Special thanks again to the Carmans, the LaPlants and Heronimuses, the Krogmans, and the Walshes for their hospitality!

What might I do differently if we were to do this trip again? For the first three days, nothing. Those days were perfect! Day 4 where we went from Vermillion to Sioux Falls to Watertown, I rushed things a bit. We could have easily found more interesting things to see on the way. I was anxious to get to the Walsh cabin, believing the whole family would be there when we arrived. But it turned out we had several hours alone. I might also have gone out to the farm for a day instead of spending two nights at the cabin. We were sad to not get to see Grandma Bell! Same goes for the drive from Watertown to Minneapolis… we made great time and got into town early, but didn’t really have a plan. I should have thought that out a little more and capitalized on a rare free afternoon in the greatest city on earth. After that, there wasn’t really much room to rethink things. The Galena part was pretty well structured, and the drive home left for virtually no lallygagging. I think it was the right amount of time to be away… Johnny was sick and tired of it by the very end, though, so I wouldn’t have extended it any. And I came back to work very refreshed.

Future Trips

Oh, my 2019 does not slow down at all. In the coming months are trips to Tulsa, a mystery Luke Katuin bachelor party destination, Des Moines for Luke’s wedding, probably Tulsa a second time, and maybe even a 10-year wedding anniversary trip in November if we can make it work. But for road trips like this? I fully intend to do something of this nature every year from now on. The kids have long breaks from school and daycare, and I work remotely and have a great PTO plan at my job, so it should be easy to get away. Also, I kind of enjoy driving in general. I get to drive outside the Austin city limits so infrequently, it feels very good to just hit the open roads for an extended period of time. I just wish I could avoid Dallas! The kids probably won’t actually enjoy long car rides for a while yet, but they will learn to like them eventually. I remember distinctly in 1991, nearly 9 years old, so stoked to go on the 7-hour drive to the Black Hills. I sat in the backseat of the Oldsmobile with a notebook and wrote down everything I saw on the way: every town name, every attraction, etc. But to that point in my life trips were extremely rare/nonexistent, so of course it was a thrill.

I hope you’ve enjoyed hearing every detail about my journey.

Road Trip 2019 You probably want to read it, so here it is... EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED ON OUR ROAD TRIP!!!!

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suitcasetales · 5 years

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Hump Day Alaska Style

[Wednesday, July 24]

We finally checked in to our room at Glacier Bay when we got back from yesterday’s boat ride. This is not a typical “National Park lodge.” The main building consists of a first floor lounging area with comfy chairs in front of a fireplace, a small gift shop and the dining area. Upstairs is the park’s official Visitor Center with a theatre, bookshop and standard educational displays. In historic photos of the lodge, the upstairs is just an open balcony and children are sitting on the ledge with their feet dangling over the folks below.

The rooms are not in the lodge but are first floor duplex cabin-ish rooms in several rows parallel to the cove. None have water views but are amongst trees. The lighting is terrible in them but they have upgraded the plugs so multiple devices can be charging at the same time. Wifi is only available in the lodge.

Wednesday morning, we were scheduled to kayak in two groups: half would kayak while the others had free time and then vice versa. This was necessary because the boat taking us to our put-in spot could only hold six participants. Since we had 14, it still wasn’t going to work out mathematically. But then one woman said she was happy to stay back and do some laundry and then another woman took one for the team and said she was okay not going either. Lucky for her, though, because she had spent a lot of time interviewing Captain John during our boat ride, he let her stowaway on Wednesday’s boat ride! (They did not see orcas but did watch a coastal bear with her two cubs on a beach.)

In the end, all twelve of us were able to go in the morning, the Lodge helping out the outfitter with transportation and the outfitter hiring a second fishing boat to take half. We arrived at the Gustavus marina and if the kayak outfitter in Sitka was five star in efficiency, this one was the opposite. It took forever and a day to get us fitted with rubber boots and life jackets and for them to load all the kayaks, oars, skirts and lunch on to the two boats. And the whole time, we were growing impatient and worrying that “weather was coming in.”

We did have some entertainment at the dock. Crab for breakfast? Yes, please.

The boat rides, to and from, ended up being the roughest of all our traveling. Luckily, I had taken drugs. And even though I took the non-drowsy ones, believe it or not, I fell asleep in both directions. The boat captains got us as close to shore as possible and then one of them had a ladder off the front of his boat so we could get down to the shallow water.

Today, we were the ones being left behind on the beach!

Once onshore, the two guides had to unload the boats, pack them with food and the emergency kit, get us all skirted up, assemble and distribute the paddles, give the required safety talk, customize the rudder settings for those riding in the back of the kayaks and lastly, teach us how to use bear spray because by this time, some folks needed to visit the bushes. And oh, did I mentioned that this uninhabited-by-humans Island has one of the densest populations of black bears, one for every mile, and the coastal bears, one for every 1.3 miles [or vica versa]?

Finally....ready!

Alas, we may have kayaked 90 minutes. This time, I went with Sue......

Can you see me in this picture?

and Janet went with Kate.

If we stayed too close to shore, the kelp beds made paddling difficult. If we got out of the kelp beds, they yelled and said we were too far out. Then, “the weather started getting rough, the tiny ship was tossed” (not actually tossed but sing along if you know the tune) and we had to head back to bear island. But not before some sea lions came close to us and then even barked at a pair of men who were trying to paddle on the outside of them instead of inside like the rest of us.

Back on shore, in a light mist, we enjoyed a plentiful spread including hot drinks, veggies, hummus, crackers, peanut butter, jelly, smoked salmon, cream cheese and bagels.

My head was on a swivel, knowing that bears can smell from a mile away and we were eating salmon! But sitting on the beach and looking out over the water, we could not only see humpback whales but we could hear them expelling water through their blowholes when they surfaced to breathe. They were not that close to us but you know how well sound carries across water. I only had my little camera with me so I only have a blurry picture to share with you of at least a pod of four whales swimming together but that image and sound is imprinted on my mind and in my spirit.

Luckily, the fishermen remembered to come back to Point Adolphus for us!

On the return trip, our boat captain had to stop in the jostling waters because there was an orca in front of the boat. The folks up front probably got a good look at it but I only caught a glimpse of its tail. I read that the general rules are not to get any closer to a whale than a quarter of a nautical mile; never put your boat in reverse; if one surprises you, try to slowly maneuver away from it; and, never, ever pursue a whale.

When we got back to the Lodge, we showered and just chilled for a bit in the lounge, caught the movie upstairs in the Visitor Center about life underwater 8and I got my passport stamped. Notably, I also resisted buying any books.

Following dinner, we went to the Huna Tribal House...

...and listened as a Tlingit Park Ranger introduced us to her culture and talked about the building, including the carvings on the four corner posts and the front screen. I will quote “The Fairweather Visitor Guide” who best sums up this joint venture:

“Time and new understandings have brought much healing. In recent years the NPS and HIA [Hoonah Indian Association] worked cooperatively to reinvigorate traditional activities, develop cultural programs for youth and adults, amend regulations to allow for a broader range of traditional harvests in park boundaries, and preserve oral histories.”

There is also a “healing totem” between the House and the waters of Bartlett Cove. The collaborative effort to envision, convince, design, construct and dedicate the totem and the Tribal House within the Park boundaries is worthy of a book or documentary, if not a movie. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is an excellent example of the breadth and depth of our parks and one more reason to love, tout, visit, financially support, vote and lobby to fund and preserve the National Park System.

———

Sunset at Bartlett Cove. We were already back in our room and Sue knocked on our door and told me to grab my camera and follow her to the back deck of the lodge.

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topfygad · 5 years

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30 Things to Do in Oceanside, California

Hit the Oceanside Beach

Walk, Drive, or Pedal The Strand

The Strand is a 1.5-mile-long street that runs parallel to the Oceanside shoreline from Breakwater Way on the northern end to Wisconsin Avenue on the southern end.

Dine on the Oceanside Pier

Historic Oceanside Pier is the largest wooden pier on the West Coast. It’s a two-minute walk from downtown and a four-minute walk from the Coaster station.

Fishing is allowed on the pier, and there is a bait shop at the pier’s halfway point. You can get great photos of the coastline from the end of the pier.

Make It a Family Day at Tyson Street Beach and Park

Channel Your Inner Hodad at The California Surf Museum

Experience Regional Art at Oceanside Museum of Art

Oceanside Museum of Art is located blocks from the beach on Pier View Way with views of the ocean and Oceanside Pier.

Kids will appreciate the interactive nature of the museum.

Take a Self-Guided Mural Tour

See all two dozen of them on a self-guided tour that follows a carefully designed map from your smartphone. Drive or bike the route and soak in the Oceanside vibe.

Explore Oceanside Harbor Village

Popular things to do in Oceanside here include renting paddleboards and kayaks for a cruise around the harbor, joining a sport fishing excursion, or simply fishing from the harbor pier.

Taste the Wines of Orfila Vineyards & Winery

Hit the Links at Oceanside Municipal Golf Course

Take a Selfie on Waverider Helicopter Tours

Learn California Mission History at Mission San Luis Rey

The architectural beauty alone is worth a visit. Self-guided and docent-led tours are available. There is also a museum and gift shop on-site.

Surf the Waves with Sumo Surf Tubes

UP Sports Oceanside Surf Shop has added a newcomer to its range of water sports equipment — sumo surf tubes.

Attend an Event at Junior Seau Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre

The Junior Seau Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre, located next to the Oceanside Pier on Pier View South Beach, has been a local landmark since its original construction in 1919.

Learn Natural History at Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center

The nature center provides opportunities to explore the lagoon and birdlife, native plants, and endangered species at the lagoon in an interactive and informative environment.

Get Your Adrenaline Pumping at GoJump Oceanside

For the adrenaline junkies of the group, GoJump Oceanside has just the thrill you’re looking for. It’s SoCal’s only tandem sky-dive experience with Pacific Ocean views.

Join a Whale Watching Excursion

Book a Whale Watching Tour

Fish from Oceanside Harbor Fishing Pier

If you’re the laid back type fisherman who likes to catch a good bass, jacksmelt, croaker or perch without a whole lot of effort or fanfare, the Oceanside Harbor fishing pier is your spot. It’s set in idyllic surroundings where the view is beautiful and always changing.

There are plenty of nearby amenities, including restrooms and places to eat. Street parking is free.

Step Back in Time at Heritage Park Village and Museum

Walking through Heritage Park Village and Museum is like walking through downtown Oceanside at the turn of the century.

Explore the Local Art Scene at First Friday Oceanside ArtWalk

First Friday Oceanside ArtWalk is a self-guided art walk along Artist Alley in Oceanside. It’s the first Friday of every month from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Join the Fun at Thursday Sunset Market

The market features live music, foods from around the world, an arts and crafts fair, and a farmers’ market all rolled into one.

Cruise The Strand with Wheel Fun Surreys

Wheel Fun Rentals is located beachside at the Oceanside Pier. It’s the perfect spot to grab a wheeled rental to cruise up and down The Strand alongside the beautiful, blue Pacific Ocean.

Though they rent an array of sports equipment, including bikes, specialty bikes, standup paddleboards, and more, colorful surreys provide the most family fun.

Go Deep Sea Fishing

Watch the Paul Mitchell NEON Supergirl Pro

Experience Your First Grunion Run

If that seems like too much calculating, you can also grab a Grunion Run schedule from the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife. Kids love this, so don’t miss out.

Ride O’side Scooters

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly activity that’s tons of fun, electric Model Fat Tire Scooters may fill the bill. The fat tires make them easy for anyone to balance on, and they’re so low to the ground you can either sit or stand while making your way around town.

The scooters are approved for bike lanes and trails and reach speeds of up to 20 mph. Rent at Ride O’side and stop by the Oceanside Welcome Center and grab a pocket map of routes and sightseeing opportunities. (Please scooter with care.)

Indulge in Authentic Japanese Fare at Ramen MENMA

Take a Culinary Journey at Exhale

Find a Table

Grab Dinner with a View Hello Betty Fish House

Find a Table

Experience History at The Fin Hotel

After a long period of decline, it was recently renovated in 2018. Guests can expect tastefully reclaimed historic charm combined with modern amenities — simultaneously elegant and straightforward.

Book an Oceanside Hotel

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