Nov 30, 2018

Spa Break in Sweden

I've been enchanted with Sweden for many years so my dream came true when earlier this month I spent a few days in beautiful southern Sweden. My journey through Scandinavia was one of much sightseeing and walking.  I rarely gave myself time to take a breather until I checked into an Airbnb in Malmo. The small and charming Swedish cottage that I rented was the perfect place for a mini spa getaway. Inside the cottage was an equipped kitchen to prepare simple healthy meals, candles for burning since the days were so short in mid November and a traditional Swedish sauna next to the bathroom. A short walk away was Ribersborgs Kallbadhus, Malmo's best spa located on the sea.  I admire the Scandinavians love for the sauna and wish more countries around the world knew just how beneficial a hot sauna is.  Exposure to dry heat in the controlled environment of a sauna for a limited period of time 1) increases circulation 2) reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease 3) helps with weight loss 4) flushes toxins from the body 5) relieves stress. In Sweden and other Nordic countries the hot sauna/cold plunge is practiced often; a 15 to 20 minute sauna session followed by a cold water dip or cold shower. This hot/cold is repeated until there's not an ounce of tension in the body.

                                                       Ribersborgs Kallbadhus in Malmo

Sweden is known  for its outstanding spas and health resorts. The Swedes take full advantage of a break from their hectic lifestyle to have well deserved rest and relaxation. Sweden has plenty of nature with extensive forest coverage and over 90,000 lakes. Whether you prefer northern Sweden and the Lapland, the Stockholm Archipelago of Sweden's east coast, the large Swedish island of Gotland or the south of Sweden you'll be able to reward yourself with an unforgettable spa experience somewhere in Sweden. My trip to Sweden was amazing. I had such a wonderful experience interacting with kind Swedish people who I found to be friendly and helpful. I can't wait to go back to Sweden because it's a big country with much to offer. Don't miss out on all the Swedish designs from architecture to fashion, delicious Kanelbullar cinnamon rolls at local bakeries, sitting in a hot sauna and having a traditional Swedish massage.


                                               There's plenty of sea in the south of Sweden

What's a traditional Swedish massage? It's a classic massage that consists mainly of long strokes over oiled skin and kneading of the outer layers of muscle tissues to reduce stress and soothe sore joints and muscles. A Swedish massage is beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, and improving circulation & flexibility while easing tension.


                                              Take a plunge in a swimming pool
                                       


                                                       Enjoy a sauna when you're in Sweden


SPAS IN SOUTHERN SWEDEN:

Ribersborg Kallbadhus, Malmo
On a beach with sun decks, wood sauna, massage, cold baths, cafe & restaurant.

Milstenen Spa & Massage, Malmo
A relaxing oasis for spa treatements with glowing candles.

Palsjobaden, Helsingborg
Bathing culture has a long 150 year history with the locals who love the open-air baths along the seafront. 

Victoria Park SPA, Gym, and Bad, Malmo
A cozy spa with a relaxing environment. pools, jacuzzi, steam and dry bath. Facials and massage available.

Ystad Saltsjobad, Salt Creek Spa, Ystad
Heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, indoor ice hole, four hot springs, right by the sea. Not far from Malmo.

Oct 9, 2018

A Yoga Vacation in Paradise; BAHAMAS






Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat is located across the bay from Nassau!
One of the best vacations you can take is at SIVANANDA ASHRAM YOGA RETREAT
on Paradise Island, Bahamas because it will
melt your stresses away and provide renewal. I wish I could be there this very moment.There's simplicity here and it draws people constantly. Paradise Island has its share of luxurious lodging like the royal 4 star Atlantis Hotel but if you're yearning for tranquility and spirituality then the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat is a must.This ashram situated on turquoise Atlantic waters and surrounded by tropical gardens offers concerts, lectures, teacher's training, and workhops throughout the year and one of their most popular programs is the YOGA VACATION PROGRAM.

You arrive at the ashram and immediately experience bliss and calmness Accommodations 
are plentiful. There are beachfront deluxe suites, beach huts, a dormitary, garden rooms, tent huts, tent space, whatever fits your budget or needs. My first yoga vacation was in the majestic Catskill Mountains at the Sivananda Yoga Ranch in Woodbourne, New York and since then I've been devoted to the teachings of Swami Sivananda. My teacher's training course was completed at Sivananda Yoga Farm in Grass Valley, California and I was a karma yogi at Sivananda Seminarhaus for a few summers in Reith, Austria (Tyrol) in Europe.  My yoga vacation at Sivananda in Paradise Island wasn't that recent but I still reflect on all the healing that vacation brought me to this very day. Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat in Bahamas is the ultimate vacation if you're a devout yogi.

This is an outline of a typical day during your yoga vacation in Paradise Island, Bahamas at Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat....

S I V A N A N D A   Y O G A  V A C A T I O N  P R O G R A M



Early Morning Meditation at 6:00 am, followed by joyful chanting, and a spiritual talk or reading.


A two hour yoga class at 8:00 am

Delicious brunch at 10:00 am


Midday is free time to enjoy the beach, water activities, or exploring Nassau. There are opportunities for lectures, workshops, or pampering at the "Well Being Center"  How about a 
Ayurvedic Body Treatment or Thai Yoga Massage?


At 4:00 pm, yoga class


Dinner is served at 6:00 pm                            

                             
After dinner there's free choice activities

Evening is the time for Satsang (meditation, chanting, and talk)


Within a day of your arrival you'll feel relaxed and rejuvinated. The kindness and spiritulity felt throughout the ashram is quite special. You'll have a hard time leaving but you can always extend y
our vacation for as long as you wish.

THE FIVE POINTS OF YOGA:  SIVANANDA ASHRAMS AND CENTERS (WORLDWIDE)

Proper Exercise


Proper Breathing


Proper Relaxation


Proper Diet


Positive Thinking and Meditation


Classes are offered on a variety of subjects at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat; "From Anxious to Awesome,"  "Paradise Beauty from the Inside Cleanse" "Essentials of Positive Thinking" and "Manifesting Potential"  are some courses I noticed on their website. Speaking of websites, I've provided their link so that you can see first hand what a blessing this ashram is. Come experience real PARADISE at Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat!

You'll love the scenery, you'll love the teachings, you'll love the vegetarian food, you'll make new friends,  you'll improve your yoga practice and meditation,  you'll gain knowledge, you'll be rejuvenated from head to toe and you'll be a genuine yogi.

Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realize

Om Namah Shivaya!                        



sivanandabahamas.org 











Sep 10, 2018

A Thrilling Trio; Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, and Holland, Pure Michigan

If you live on the western side of the state of Michigan and need a quick getaway consider the trio cities of Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, and Holland; big city meets Dutchland, and a coastal town like none other.

A carefree summer with lots of travel? Not this summer. In fact this entire year I've failed to even leave the state with the exception of a few days in versatile Canada. Frustrated? Oh yes, I'm a traveler by trade so not being able to travel this year has been quite frustrating. Sometimes we have to create a trip not far from our own backyard just like George Bailey did in the iconic film "It's a Wonderful Life." With summer flying by as fast as an airplane I dreamed of a getaway. I interrupted my overwhelmed boss one afternoon and asked if I could have two consecutive days off in late August. She honored my request and I created an itinerary for my boyfriend and myself which took us on a journey to Grand Haven, Holland, and Grand Rapids.

Grand Haven; A Coastal Dream Town with a Coast Guard: 


I always thought that the best seaside towns were on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts until I discovered Grand Haven.Grand Haven is an absolutely beautiful beach town with a million dollar lakeview fit for a Hollywood film. Imagine sugar white sand, a turquoise freshwater lake free of sharks, a bright red nostalgic lighthouse on a pier, sand dunes for hiking, a bicycle trail meandering along the coast, a campground on the beach, a street called Washington that beckons diners and shoppers, and a colorful musical fountain that plays music at dusk. Farms dot the region and the produce is exceptional for those who like their fruits and veggies. With such a positive vibe it makes sense that"Coastal Living"magazine named Grand Haven; America's Happiest Seaside Town.


                                                                 Grand Haven City Beach is a charmer

Swimming in the grand freshwater Lake Michigan that resembles the ocean and has views of Milwaukee, Wisconsin on a clear day is the #1 thing to do in Grand Haven. Even if you're not a swimmer there's plenty of boating available and for a good workout the calm waters make kayaking and stand up paddleboarding ideal. Whatever stress you've brought to Grand Haven will dissolve within an hour. You can find lodging at roadside motels, beachfront resorts, or a bed and breakfast and enjoy a coastal vacation like none other. My top pick for lodging is theLooking Glass Bed and Breakfast ideally situated on a dune overlooking Lake Michigan. Don't leave Grand Haven without a stop at Patricia's Chocolates for artisan handmade chocolates that taste so exquisite you'll think you were in Paris, France.


                                            Patricia's Chocolates are worth the splurge!






                                 Enter the gates of Nelis' Dutch Village; a gem of a theme park
                                         

Holland; (Dutchland in America):


You don't have to be Dutch to love Holland. This college city with the most visited state park, a famous tulip festival and a village theme park that feels like a fairytale makes Holland a place that can be appreciated by people of all ages. Two must-see attractions are Nelis' Dutch Village and Windmill Island Gardens. If you can't make it to Europe you can get a taste of the Netherlands at these two idyllic spots.

Nelis' Dutch Village:

A unique theme park that feels like a fairytale. Enjoy amusement rides, cheesemaking, klompen Dutch dancing, farm animals, see how wooden shoes are carved and much more!

Nelis Dutch Village
www.dutchvillage.com

                                           Dancing at Nelis'Dutch Village
                                            There's plenty of shopping at Nelis' Dutch Village


Windmill Island Gardens:

This bountiful garden oasis located on the edge of the city of Holland has an authentic working windmill from the Netherlands. In the spring thousands of tulips flood the grounds of Windmilll Island Gardens. 


                                          Wooden Clogs at Windmill Island Gardens


Take a drive to Holland State Park one of the most popular state parks in Michigan. If you're hungry Deboer Bakkerij has a cute homey atmosphere and Dutch inspired dishes that are really good.

Grand Rapids; A River City with lots to do!

Only about a half hour drive from Holland is the exciting city of Grand Rapids. Here you'll find  breweries, museums, great shopping, and some of the best restaurants in the state. One of my favorite food markets in all of Grand Rapids is Martha's Vineyard. It's a haven for food connoisseurs. Speaking of food Grand Rapids has such an amazing array of restaurants from Ethiopian to Vietnamese that it's hard to decide which one to eat at. Indian Masala is my top pick. If I lived in Grand Rapids I'd eat the food on their lunch buffet every week. It's so affordably priced and every dish is phenomenal. The staff is terrific too. Indian Masala gets my vote for best Indian restaurant in Michigan. Another recommendation for dining is Little Africa where the owner prepares exotic freshly made dishes from scratch.

 
                                                Best Indian Restaurant in Michigan!

If you only have one day in Grand Rapids make a point of visiting Grand Rapids Art Musuem the Frederik Meijer Gardens and East Grand Rapids Gaslight Village. 

So there you have it Michiganians and visitors. The trio cities of Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, and Holland are closely linked together and full of fabulous things to see and do. 


                                          Grand Rapids can be enjoyed day and night!



Aug 21, 2018

Vegan Fudge on Mackinac Island!


Mackinac Island is famous for fudge and no trip to this lovely,magical island is complete without sampling and purchasing some fudge. I only live a couple of hours from Mackinac Island so naturally it's not difficiult for me to visit from time to time.On my last visit I was so impressed to see that fudge shops are now making vegan fudge that I decided to start making my own vegan fudge. 

Craving fudge? This recipe is so easy to make that your family and friends will think this fudge came right from beautiful Mackinac Island.




Vegan Chocolate Fudge:                      


1 can of coconut milk (13.5 ounces)
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
3 cups of quality dark dairy free chocolate chips
1 cup of pecans or walnuts (optional)

1. Line a 8 by 8 inch square pan with parchment paper with an overhang on all sides.

2. Place the can of coconut milk in a sauce pan (If there's too much liquid be certain to drain some of it otherwise the fudge mixture won't thicken). Cook over medium heat on your stovetop. When the coconut milk begins to steam, sift in the 1/2 cup of confectioner's sugar and whisk to combine. Do not overheat.

3. Add the chocolate chips and stir until fully melted. Don't burn the chocolate. If you prefer a nutty fudge you can add 1 cup of pecans or walnuts to the mixture.

4. Pour the mixture into the prepared 8 by 8 inch pan and spread evently.

5.  Let the fudge cool for 30 to 40 minutes.

6.  Place in the refrigerator for two hours until fudge is firm.

7.  Use the parchment paper to remove the fudge from the pan then slice the fudge into squares.

8.  Keep the fudge stored in the refrigerator until ready to eat.









Find a Hammock & Rest!

Walking through the woods on a sunny August afternoon, I met an empty hammock hanging on two trees. Do I dare get on the hammock? Why not? The allure of traveling is that you never know who or what you'll encounter. For two hours I rested on the hammock, with the lush trees above and beside me. A view of a sparkling lake just a few yards away and nobody in sight except for me and the hammock. Alas, two hours later a few people passed me by and I asked one of them to take a picture so that I could hold a vivid memory of those carefree and relaxing two hours on a hammock that was left alone in the woods for me to enjoy.

Travelling can be exhausting; so go ahead and rest on a hammock.

HAMMOCK HISTORY:


It began about 1,000 years ago in Central America by the Mayan Indians. They used their extraordinary skills and designed a hammock. Original hammocks were woven from the bark of the Hamak tree. The Indian nations of Central and South America had an extenstive trade route and word spread quickly about the new invention. As time progressed hammocks were made with better fabrics and materials, the styling changed too. When Columbus embarked on the Bahamas and saw natives lounging in hammocks during their siestas he decided to take some hammocks back to Europe and the appreciation for hammocks has never stopped.


Take time in your travels to enjoy a hammock. The world loves hammocking!

Aug 17, 2018

Land of Netherlands!



GO DUTCH and experience a country filled with unique attractions and landscapes; open fields with tulip bulbs and windmills, picturesque canals, bicycle trails, cheese markets, fishing villages, one of a kind city Amsterdam....it's all here, a small country with big opportunties.

It has two names; Holland and Netherlands

The official name of the country is the Kingdom of Netherlands. Holland is actually the two provinces of Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland. However, the name Holland is often used when referring to the Netherlands.



AMSTERDAM: No city compares to Amsterdam. It's in a class of its own. The most bicycle friendly city in the world (847,000 bicycles). 

Rent a bicycle and experience the authentic way to travel around the city.


Anne Frank House; take a tour
Canal Cruises; see Amsterdam by water
De Hallen; don't miss the Food Hallen for a variety of amazing foods
Heineken Experience; take a tour and learn about this classic beer
Jordaan; narrow lanes with art galleries, bars, and restaurants
Markets; for artisan foods, books, clothes, and more
Museumplein; famous museums: Rijkmuseum, Stedelijk, and Van Gough 
Vondelpark, 47 acres of public space; live concerts, and outdoor theater




EFTELING: Undeniably one of the best amusement parks on the planet. Everyone who lives in the Netherlands has probably been here. A fairytale setting with spectacular rides. Efteling opened on May 31, 1952 and it's here to stay. Located in Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands.

Efteling Amusement Park:
efteling.com/en

VOLDENAM is a fishing village best explored by foot. Walk along De Dijk and to the old quarters of Volendam known as Doolhof. This is where you'll find wooden houses painted green. If you'd like to try local fish,  Smit -Bokkum estabished in 1856 is a very popular place to eat.

MORE PLACES TO VISIT IN NETHERLANDS:

EDAM: Known for its famous cheese, Edam has lots of history and charm.

THE HAGUE: City on the North Sea and the seat of the Dutch parliment.

ROTTERDAM: Europe's biggest port city; second biggest city in Netherlands.

Book a flight with Dutch Airline KLM (oldest airline in the world) to Amsterdam and let your journey begin in the "land of the Dutch."




Spotlight on Stroopwafels:

A Dutch treat, a STROOPWAFEL is a waffle made from thin layers of baked dough with caramel syrup filling in the middle.

Wooden Clogs?

You can find wooden clogs all over the Netherlands:

KLOMPEN (Wooden Clogs): They've been worn by the Dutch people for hundreds of years because they kept their feet drier than leather shoes. Most Dutch people no longer wear Klompen (wooden clogs) but they're still available for purchase throughout the Netherlands.



The Dutch are very likable people so come to their land known as
NETHERLANDS!

Aug 14, 2018

Boyne City in Six Hours (A Pure Michigan Resort Town)


Situated on the sparkling blue waters of Lake Charlevoix, Boyne City is a walkable city with lots of charm. Boyne City beckons summer tourists with its idyllic setting and warm hospitality. It's proximity to Boyne Mountain Resort and Young State Park brings in the crowds who enjoy the dining and shopping options and some of the best scenery in Northern Michigan.



9:00 am Arrive in Boyne City and park wherever you wish for free. Boyne City doesn't have parking meters like other cities. How nice is that?

9:05 am  Time for Breakfast! Breakfast options? My favorite is Boyne City Bakery owned by chef Gildas Berrou who was born and raised in France. Outstanding breads, crepes, pastries, and sandwiches to choose from and a friendly staff. What a magnificent way to start your day.

10:00 am  Boyne City might be small but there's no shortage of unique shopping options. Here's a partial listing:

Alpine Chocolat Haus; boxed chocolates, fudge, caramel corn, ice cream, & other sweet treats.

Boyne City Hardware; everything from beach chairs to garden supplies, to tools under one roof.

Country Now & Then; artwork, glassware, furniture, pottery, jewelry and more.

Forgotten Treasures; consignment shop with an array of items.

Grain Train; natural foods grocery market (there's one in Petoskey too).

Inspired Living; lots of yoga inspired treasures.

Local Flavor; book store and internet cafe.

Peninsula; action sports retailier.






11:15 am  Visit Boyne District Library at 201 East Main Street. This two level library has lots of good books and comfortable seats for reading. The staff is friendly and helpful.

12:30 pm  Lunch at Lake Street Market, 306 South Lake Street. This place is bustling with people at lunch time for good reason. Lake Street Market is known for their delicious sandwiches, salads, pizza, and baked goods. They have free samples too. Don't miss out on the brownies made with shortbread crust or the famous chicken salad. There's outdoor seating out front or you can get carryout and head to the beach.




1:15 pm  Peninsula Public Beach on the shores of Lake Charlevoix has a pleasant sandy beach and picnic tables under shady trees. Relax, or take a swim.

Boating on Lake Charlevoix is extraordinary and another way to enjoy nature.

Boat Rentals: Boyne Watersports, 1 Water Street

It's 3:00 pm and you've been in Boyne City six hours. From Boyne City you can take a short drive to Boyne Mountain Resort, Petoskey, Young State Park, or Walloon Lake.

If by miss Boyne City you can always come back for dinner. Two outstanding restaurants are Boyne River Inn and Cafe Sante.






Jul 16, 2018

Copenhagen, Denmark; A city where life is enjoyed!

DENMARK IS THE HAPPIEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!
Copenhagen, with it's cobblestone streets and 17th century buildings is a bike friendly, cultural, sophisticated city that feels like the pages of a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. Denmark is the happiest country in the world and vibrant Copenhagen is a marvelous place to start your visit. Originally a Viking fishing village founded in the 10th century, today Copenhagen has a population of roughly 775,033. Copenhagen is situated on the eastern coast of the island of Zealand. Although the public transportation system in Copenhagen is top notch, biking and walking around the city keeps you in shape and more connected to the sights. You can take a tour with Copenhagen Bike Adentures or Copenhagen Free Walking Tours.

1.4 million kilometers are cycled on an average weekday in COPENHAGEN.


                                     Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen's top attractions!

First stop, TIVOLI GARDENS, the second oldest amusement park in the world which opened its gates on August 15, 1843. Situated on 20 acres TIVOLI GARDENS has beautiful scenery, lush gardens, nostalgic rides, and at night thousands of colored lights. Don't miss a ride on the wooden roller coaster. Admission: 110.00-120.00 DKK. Try booking a room at the TIVOLI HOTEL.

TIVOLI GARDENS:
tivoli.dk/en

Second stop, THE LITTLE MERMAID, this bronze statue created by Edvard Eriksen is displayed on a rock by the waterside at Langelinie Promenade. One of the most photographed spots in all of Denmark.

Third Stop, AMALIENBORG PALACE; Denmark has the oldest monarchy in Europe. The royal family still resides in Amalienborg Palace and there's lot of history here.Visitors enjoy watching the
changing of the guards daily at 12 noon. Admission: 95.00 DKK

Fourth Stop, NYHAVN, this is a commercial port with ships. The old houses overlooking the canal are picture perfect. NYHAVN is a gathering place for food, drink, and music. Bridge Street Kitchen is a popular place to dine. Famours Hans Christian Andersen lived in NYHAVN and wrote his first fairy tales in NYHAVN.

Fifth Stop, FREETOWN CHRISTIANIA is an alternative neighborhood that's quite unique. It's open to the public who come here for the art galleries, music venues affordable organic eateries, and nature setting.

Sixth Stop, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DENMARK for a variety of exhibitions, a popular museum enjoyed by people of all ages.


Although it's difficult to leave Copenhagen because of it's allure and charm there are a few places for exursions that are worth seeing. DRAGER is small and quaint with a delightful main street and lovely harbour. In Skagen enjoy a beach day on beautiful white sand beaches. This is where the Baltic & North Sea meet.

Sweden anyone? Thanks to the opening of the Oresund Bridge in the year 2000 a short 35 minute train ride will take you to Malmo, Sweden. After a day in Malmo you can return back to Copenhagen and keep exploring one of Europe's favorite cities.

Copenhagen, Denmark!












Jul 9, 2018

All the world's a stage in Stratford, Ontario, Canada

I absolutely adore the theatre so it's only fitting that I spent my birthday in lovely Stratford, Ontario.
                                                                                                                                      


                                                   At the Stratford Festival, loving theater!


All the world's a stage in this beautiful town with an idyllic setting that beckons to all, including William Shakespeare if he were still alive. It's especially alluring from April to October when the Stratford Festival presents play after play and audiences sit back and marvel at the actors and actresses performances. Stratford has an Avon River, it also has the Shakepearean Gardens, and sidewalks meant for walking. It's one of Canada's best places to live and it's one of Canada's best places to visit.

Lodging abounds in Stratford and an authentic way to feel at home is to stay at a bed and breakfast. You can easily walk to the theaters and most of the shops and restaurants are centered around the downtown which makes exploring this lovely city very easy. See a play, have afternoon tea, enjoy a glass of wine, take a river cruise on the Avon River, go shopping, picnic in the Shakespearean Gardens, or check out the nearby farms. There's even buses and trains that take you directly to Toronto from Stratford.

Stratford; beautiful, cultural, stimulating, wholesome, & Shakeperean!


                              Koch Haus Bed & Breakfast


Stratford Festival

stratfordfestival.ca

Stratford and Area Bed & Breakfast Association
BBStratford.ca

Shakespearean Gardens 
5 Huron Street
A tranquil setting with lush gardens and the flowing Avon River. Here you'll find a footbridge, a gazebo, and a statue of none other than William Shakepeare.



                                                     William Shakespeare

Stratford Perth Museum
4275 Huron Street
A historical museum with interesting exhibits.


Upper Queen's Park, Stratford
55 Queen Street
Home to Ontario's Parliment building as well as several historic monuments.

Stratford has food to please all palates; from diners to pubs to French, Indian, and Thai cuisine. Other options to eat are supermarkets. My favorite is 
Sobey's at 581 Huron Street.


                               A satisfying breakfast


Authentic Indian Food at RAJA




                     The Music Man, April 17- November 3 at Festival Theater
                            
 



Jun 27, 2018

Vacationing in Maine in Joyful June!

Rogers and Hammersteins song 
JUNE IS BUSTIN OUT ALL OVER
from Carousel is a joyful song about JUNE. 
Ironically the 1950's musical "CAROUSEL" starring
Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae was filled on location
in Boothbay Harbor and Camden, Maine.




The 1950's musical "CAROUSEL" was filled in Boothbay Harbor and Camden, MAINE




There's something special about the month of June in New England. Nature is in full bloom;the trees are verdant, flowers are colorful, the skies are blue, the days are warm and long, and the children are off from school. Soon it's vacation time and those seeking an idyllic getaway couldn't pick a more beautiful place to be than MAINE. Quaint fishing towns, peaceful harbors, rocky beaches,winding country roads, clapboard houses, lobster shacks, historic lighthouses, and farms with belted galloway cows are just some of the things that await you in the "Pine Tree State." Maine is located in the easternmost part of the United States with close proximity to Canada. 

Whether you want to visit Acadia National Park, hike the mountains, swim in the Atlantic, shop the outlets, explore a major city, or ride a carousel chances are you'll find what you're looking for in Maine. From campgrounds to bed and breakfast to five star hotels there's no shortage of accommodations. The only difficult part is choosing which region to visit in Maine. Why not visit all of them? Maine is divided into eight tourism regions:


1.Greater Portland

2. South Coast
3.Western Lakes & Mountains
4.Kennebec Valley and Moose River Valley
5.Mid-Coast
6.Downeast & Acadia
7.Arookstook
8.Katadin & Moosewood

Working in New England for a few summers gave me the opportunity to really explore Maine and even when I lived and worked in New York City I made a point to visit Maine when time permitted. There are so many places in Maine that are dear to my heart; Bar Harbor, Bangor, Bethel, Camden, Caribou, Kezar Lake, Monhegan Island, Ogunquit, Portland, Wells.....but one of my favorites is Camden.


CAMDEN, MAINE:




Camden has never left my mind. The moment the bus dropped me off in town, it was love at first sight.
I stayed in a private home for several days owned by a very kind woman. Her home was located 2 miles from town in a serene setting close to the Camden Hills State Park. Each morning I'd wake up to the sounds of birds singing from my window. I'd enter the kitchen and brew coffee and than make blueberry pancakes or eggs with toast. Afterwards I had the rest of the day to explore the beaches, the farms, the mountains and shops. Plenty of hiking at Camden Hills State Park, excellent kayaking on the bay, bicycling through the countryside and on a rainy day there's the Camden Public Library for reading books. One afternoon I went strawberry picking and made strawberry pies for an authentic Maine picnic. A picnic in coastal Maine is like no other.




                                
                                    

The picturesque Camden Harbor on Penobscot Bay feels likes the pages of a children's fairytale. It's June and all the shops and restaurants are open longer this time of year. The waters beckon and no trip to Camden would be complete without a windjammer cruise. If you prefer to be ashore than head to Barrett's Cove and enjoy swimming in Megunticook Lake. This grassy area with a sandy beach is relaxing and has lovely views of Camden Hills State Park.



Camden Attractions:     


Aldermere Farm in nearby Rockport. Visit the famous belted galloway cows. These breed of cows hail from Scotland


Camden Harbor Park and Amphitheater


Curtis Island


Kayaking on Penobscot Bay connects you to the Atlantic waters


Maine Windjammer Cruise


A picnic and swimming at Barrett's Cove


Shopping; lots of unique shops in Camden


sailmainecoast.com



Maine Windjammer

                      

                    Belted Galloway Cows at Aldermere Farm in Rockport                                 


Where to Find Good Food:

Boynton-McKay; winner of best breakfast in Maine by "Food Network Magazine"


Camden Farmer's Market, baked goods, breads, cheese, produce, it's all here.


French& Brawn Market; an array of specialty food choices


Natalie's Restaurant; sophisticated French fare, located on the harbor


Waterfront Restaurant; serves very tasty local seafood, on the waterfront



The Classic Maine Lobster Roll can be found all over Maine!




           Boynton-McKay is a super popular place to dine in Camden

BOOTHBAY HARBOR:


An hour's drive from Camden, Boothbay Harbor is quintessential Maine.

Known as "the boating capital of New England" Boothbay Harbor is a summer getaway dream.

                                         

                                  ATTRACTIONS:

Boothbay Railway Village, Carousel Music Theater, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Maine State Aquarium, Schooner Lazy Jack Cruises.





                                  LODGING:


Harbour Towne Inn on the Waterfront

The Thistle Inn & Restaurant


It's June in beautiful Maine; come visit the "New England Pine Tree State"and be swept away by all the marvelous things it has to offer!


                             

















Cancun, Mexico, A Sunny Destination

Today I've survived a major snowstorm that has dumped two feet of snow and brought icy road conditions, high winds, and frigid Arctic te...