adventure travel Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

Nine Reasons to Stay in Saint-Sauveur Quebec

Paula — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 16:10:27 +0000

It’s no secret that we adore Quebec in any season. In the wintery months, we often take at least one road trip to Mont Tremblant ski resort and village to revisit the extraordinary trails where we learned to ski as a family. While Tremblant is a huge draw for tourists both nationally and internationally, there’s so much more to see in the Laurentians. In this area of Quebec there are numerous villages and cities that are charming, relaxing, scenic and affordable. You won’t have to search too long to find great food or a spectacular relaxing spa for the day. Places like St Agathe, St Jerome and Saint-Sauveur Quebec each offer an alternative to the more well known Quebec ski resort locales. If you want to save money while visiting the nearby Tremblant ski resort then you can easily opt to stay in a quiet spot like Saint-Sauveur Quebec. Many Reasons to Love Saint-Sauveur Quebec Saint-Sauveur is located in between Montreal and Mont Tremblant which makes its location ideal. We arrived here via Chelsea, Gatineau and Ottawa areas where we visited and explored for a couple of days prior to driving two more hours into the Laurentians. Location Saint-Sauveur is an easy drive from Gatineau, but that said tune into the winter weather reports if you are driving in the snowy months. Roads can be slippery during ski season. Head out on a hiking trip or a ski trip, depending on the season. Saint-Sauveur Quebec is a small town with gorgeous scenery, architecture, food and history so you might even consider staying here simply for a quiet break. The Architecture The Food Saint-Sauveur has quite a few bars and restaurants who serve alcohol, the atmosphere at these places varies from classy wine tastings to drinking at the local pub with friends. Either way, it is à great way to unwind and enjoy your evening regardless of the season. The Shopping Saint Sauveur has a super cute Main Street that is highly walkable and fun. Closer to the nearby Saint-Sauveur Quebec.. A few of my personal favorites were à handmade soap and beauty products store, a crystal shop, an antique store, as well as an art store with works from local artists. There is a vintage candy shop that has been operational for 50 years, a great place to take the kids and enjoy the sweets and vintage toys. The History Saint-Sauveur was established in 1855, and a lot of the original architecture still remains in the area. The city combines the charm of a small historical town with modern amenities and culture to create a colourful and rich area for tourism. The Community When we visited Saint-Sauveur, not once did we feel like outsiders. The community and people there were so friendly and helpful, many were fluent in English and French which makes it easy for those who are not fluent. The servers gave great recommendations and made us feel so welcome. The town itself was very accessible, everything was within walking distance making it very easy to travel around the town. Skiing Obviously there’s a lot to be said for skiing in the Laurentians. There’s a cute local ski hill open all year round called Le Sommet Saint-Sauveurs. Use their adventure activities and water park area in the summer and stop by for a lift ticket in the winter. Visiting Saint-Sauveur When travelling with family through Quebec and planning to spend some time in the Laurentians exploring, it pays to think outside the box and widen your search to include small friendly areas such as Saint-Sauveur. From gorgeous architecture, to relaxing accommodations and a walkable Main Street, this destination is well worth exploring. Happy Travels!

The post Nine Reasons to Stay in Saint-Sauveur Quebec appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.

How to Spend Two Days in Lake Placid

Paula — Tue, 23 May 2023 09:57:00 +0000

We were hosted by Lake Placid Tourism while staying in the area. Accommodations and attractions were provided in exchange for media coverage. My opinion is my own and it is truthful. With an extremely walkable Main Street area and majestic mountain views, there really are no bad places to stay in Lake Placid. This past winter we had the chance to visit Lake Placid for the first time ever. While we have been to Vermont many times, nearby Lake Placid was not on our radar as a ski destination until recently. Here’s why it should be top of mind next ski season if you are an outdoor loving family or couple. Where to Start in Lake Placid If you are frugal travellers like we are then you will most definitely want to consider a stay at Placid Bay Hotel. Newly renovated, Lake Placid Bay Hotel overlooking the majestic Whiteface Mountain has some of the most spectacular views you can find. From the hotel, it’s just a short drive to the Main Street, where the restaurants and museums along Mirror Lake beckon tourists. Check in to Placid Bay Hotel and drive to one of the restaurants on Main Street for dinner, but you might want to check ahead and make reservations. In fact, that’s one of my biggest takeaways after visiting during ski season. If you have a specific restaurant or dining experience in mind, plan to make reservations so that you won’t be disappointed. We visited in peak ski season in February near President’s Week and we encountered many long lineups at dinner time. Placid Bay Hotel Placid Bay Hotel has a roaring campfire pit with comfortable Adirondack chairs overlooking a smaller lake where at night you can tuck in and grab a s’mores kit to enjoy together as dessert. Skiing, after all, or hiking in the summer season, takes serious fuel. This was one of the first times we had separate rooms which were clear across the hotel parking lot and that was a change for our family. With younger kids we’d never have risked that distance but it works when you have independent teens or young adults accompanying you, plus ability to text or call made us all feel fine about staying in touch. Our kids both had spring break time so they came along for the skiing and also so we could tag a little Vermont and Boston onto the end of our adventure. Day One in Lake Placid Listen, if skiing was the sole goal of our trip to Lake Placid, we’d have had no issues at all spending all day every day at Whiteface Mountain. High in the Adirondacks, the skiing is exceptional. We will return as soon as the snow flies again. Whiteface Mountain A seven-to-eight-hour drive from southern Ontario, Lake Placid is perfect for skiers. Whiteface Mountain is paradise with the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies and challenging lovely long runs. Take Cloudsplitter gondola to the summit and chase your favourite ski buddy down until your legs quit. Whiteface Facts The trails are long and Whiteface felt challenging for us even as intermediate skiers with almost a decade of skiing under our belts. International events have carved Whiteface into a leading ski destination and recent innovations in sustainable snowmaking, lighting, trail grooming and more make this a trip you can also feel good about making. While we often pack our own snacks to eat on the hill and to avoid expensive lunches in cafeterias at chalets, this time we decide to sample the chalet food. You can see below how much my kids enjoyed the local snacks. There’s a wide assortment of food, from sandwiches to Asian cuisine and local pop shop kind of pops that will fuel a few more runs from top to bottom. Note: Whiteface doesn’t do night skiing so do not waste too much time eating or drinking or you might miss out. The Newly Renovated Olympic Museum After a gorgeous blue-sky day of skiing Whiteface Mountain, it was time to visit the Olympic Centre starting at the newly renovated Olympic Museum. With the largest exhibit of Olympic torches in the world and a story that begins in 1920 with the first Lake Placid Olympics, the Olympic Museum is inspiring and an impressive marriage of history and technology. Newly renovated and reimagined, the Olympic Museum reopened in December 2022. The Lake Placid Olympic Museum is an immersive learning experience featuring athlete stories, hands on exhibits and engaging displays. It is impossible to not be inspired when you visit. Maybe, just like me, you remember relatives travelling to Lake Placid shortly after the 1980 winter Olympics or watching the Olympics on TV as a kid, cheering athletes on, celebrating Miracle on Ice, one of the biggest moments in US sport history. But did you know that Lake Placid also hosted the third ever winter Olympics in 1932? Back when the Olympics were barely even a concept, Lake Placid vied for the Winter Olympics and won. Olympic history runs deep in Lake Placid, baked into every corner, street sign and landmark. James C. Sheffield Speedskating Oval Once you’ve had your fill of the Museum, check out the Olympic arena and the 1980 Olympic ice rink. Pop by the James C. Sheffield Speedskating Oval where the 1932 Opening Ceremonies were held and keep your eyes peeled for athletes currently training there. Mirror Lake In the winter, on Mirror Lake, you can try out dog sledding before shopping for souvenirs or breaking for food in one of the restaurants on Main Street. It’s a first come first serve family friendly kind of activity that you should definitely try if you have yet to ride on a dog sled. The Olympic Jumping Complex At the Olympic Jumping Complex take a gondola ride to the base of the jumps followed by an elevator to the top for a unique perspective and some incredible views of the mountains. Ski jumping, competitions and athlete trainings still happen here. Mt Van Hoevenberg On the way out of town, Mt Van Hoevenberg is an adventure lover’s treat with bobsledding, indoor climbing, a web of picturesque cross country trails and snowshoeing. Book time to cross country ski, snowshoe, or bobsled. There’s a bobsled adventure here that is more than worth planning to try! While we missed out the day that we were there, we watched numerous couples and families enjoy the bobsled ride. Our entire family embraced snowshoeing and explored the trails. Did you know that the Bobsled Skeleton World Championships are scheduled to take place in Lake Placid in February 2025? Embracing the Future With a well-known Olympic history, Lake Placid is now shifting the vision forward into a future which elevates the Olympic Region once again to a position on the world stage. ORDA, the Olympic Regional Development Authority, is ushering in a new era of excellence in winter sport, recreation, and tourism. Numerous recent construction projects are repositioning the region’s appeal and stature in the wide world of winter sport. Over the last six years, New York State has made significant investments in ORDA’s state-of-the-art training and competition facilities, including over $500 million across all ORDA venues and operations in the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains. As a result of these investments, ORDA facilities are open year-round for events, athlete training, and recreation. With each project the organization has implemented important venue improvements aimed at sustainability and mitigating climate change impacts to winter activities. These include reduced energy and water use through high efficiency snowmaking equipment, hybrid snow groomers and electric Zambonis, LED technology, new cooling systems and industrial refrigeration improvements, salt use reduction, solar arrays, and more. It can be hard to live in the long shadow of the Olympics, but Lake Placid has managed to carve a path into the future based on the foundation of the past. Our recent visit to Lake Placid proved that the Olympic Spirit is still very much alive and well and the area thriving. Don’t Miss Main Street Looking for a souvenir sweatshirt or a hat, some candy, snacks or treats for the ride home? Then take an hour or more just to shop the cute stores on Main Street. Everything is walking distance and if you are really into the Olympics you can definitely find some sports gear and memorabilia of your own. Lake Placid is Rich in Outdoor Experiences Decades after the 1980 Winter Olympic Games, through investment by the State of New York, the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) has modernized its venue infrastructure with a priority placed on eco-friendly renovations and practices. The effort has been massive. The investment, game changing. No matter the time of year, Lake Placid makes an impression that will inspire you to strive for greatness in life, in sports, or just in your overall outlook. That’s no small thing!

The post How to Spend Two Days in Lake Placid appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.

Ultimate Tips for Your First Yellowstone Visit

Paula — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 12:58:00 +0000

With parks cautiously opening up again in various US states and Canadian provinces, I thought it seemed like a great time to share some tips for your first Yellowstone visit. Planning is important to get the most out of your Yellowstone trip, so take the time now to read up on where to stay and what to see and get it right, whether you are visiting this season or next. I visited Yellowstone and Cody, Wyoming with Austin Adventures in 2019. Here, I gathered my research, personal experiences and reached out to some contacts and friends who are National Parks experts in the US. First and Foremost Did you know Yellowstone was the first national park in 1872? That’s just one of the things that makes Yellowstone so special. The Yellowstone National Park Act of 1872 stated that the Secretary of the Interior “shall provide against the wanton destruction of the fish and game found within said park.” My first Yellowstone visit knocked my socks off. An active volcano, Yellowstone is so insanely huge that you can’t really imagine the scope of the park until you are there inside driving to find Grand Prismatic, Lamar Valley, Biscuit Basin or Old Faithful. Rich with gorgeous scenery, unique geothermal features that you might never encounter anywhere else in the world, and animals that run freely throughout the park, Yellowstone is magical and it is a must see kind of destination. The park itself straddles three states! Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. I find that mind boggling. When Bigger is Better Covering 3,472 square miles, Yellowstone is bigger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined. Explore the 2.2 million acre wilderness, but be prepared, you can’t even start to do it in a day. Take all the time you have at your disposal. When we visited we were in Yellowstone for about two and a half to three days. One of those nights we stayed inside the park, one night we stayed in Cody and the last night we stayed in Silver Gate Montana, perfect for our first Yellowstone visit. Yellowstone Park History In 1871, the first official government expedition of Yellowstone was led by geologist Ferdinand V. Hayden. That expedition included artist Thomas Morann and photographer William Henry Jackson. Their images, combined with scientific findings, convinced Congress to set Yellowstone aside as the world’s first national Park in 1872. Let that sink in for a second. Yellowstone is the world’s first national park. Who says art doesn’t shape the world? This is one clear instance of the impact that art can have on life and, also on the future. I think that’s my favourite story about Yellowstone and also about the power of art. Where to Stay Inside Yellowstone: Stay In Yellowstone, if at all possible! Less than 1% of people get to stay inside Yellowstone. Let me tell you that it is more than worth the planning. If you can make this happen and can afford to stay inside the park, then, do it, even just once. For the Convenience and Experience The sheer size of the park means that you can spend hours driving. There are nine facilities featuring over 2,000 rooms inside the park. PLAN ahead or you will never be able to make this happen. These spots are extremely popular. Check this year by visiting the website because Coronavirus has meant there have been changes to what is open and when things are opening. Be safe. Don’t be disappointed. The Nine Spots To Stay Inside Yellowstone I am not going to get too into the breakdown of every property. We stayed in Canyon Lodge and toured a few other facilities, checking out some of the rooms. Each accommodation inside Yellowstone has benefits and is close to some unique park asset. These are the broad strokes of what you can expect. For more details on where to stay during that first visit to Yellowstone National Park check out the Yellowstone site. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and Cabins Built in 1936, open to summer and winter visitors. Such a cute spot for any time of the year. Grant Village Named for Ulysses S. Grant, Grant Village was built in 1984 and is a two storey with 50 rooms and no elevators. There are accessible rooms. This is closest to Grand Teton National Park. Old Faithful Lodge Cabins Located near Old Faithful Inn, this historic cabin facility includes a one-storey main lodge built in the 1920′s featuring massive logs and stone pillars. Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Cottages Luxurious and exceptional views from Lake Yellowstone Hotel. Nearby cottages are tiny but cute. Lake Yellowstone is stunning. If you have a Lakeview here then honestly that’s high luxury inside the park. Old Faithful Snow Lodge and Cabins Lovely facility. We didn’t tour these rooms, but the lobby area has a ski chalet vibe, featuring wood and open high rooftops. Completed in 1999, the Snow Lodge is the newest of the park’s full service hotels, recognized with the Cody Award for Western Design and Travel and Leisure’s Inn of the Month. Roosevelt Lodge and Cabins Built in 1920 near Yellowstone’s Tower Falls area. Lake Lodge Cabins Open June through September, Lake Lodge Cabins features a main lodge with a large porch and a spectacular view of Yellowstone Lake. The main lodge is constructed of logs and is a highlight of the building. There are 186 cabins with private baths behind the lodge in recently renovated Western and Frontier styles as well as the basic Pioneer cabins. The Timeless – Old Faithful Inn Built in 1903-1904 this is a classic. It is considered the largest log structure in the world. It reminded me a little bit of Montebello in Quebec. Rustic and a whole lot of history here at Old Faithful Inn. Right beside Old Faithful, so you can’t get more convenient than that. Could be a good pick for a first time visit to Yellowstone depending on what you hope to see and who you are traveling with. There is a restaurant and cafeteria inside. Canyon Lodge and Cabins We stayed at Canyon Lodge just one night and that was one of the newer lodges inside the park. It was a luxurious stay within walking distance of the Canyon Lodge Eatery, a clean cafeteria-style restaurant with post office and a few other amenities nearby. Canyon Lodge is centrally located in the park and from there, Lamar Valley and Mammoth Hot Springs are easily accessible. Camping and RV Sites Do check for availability and openings this year. Also, these will fill up fast this summer. Fishing Bridge RV Park is not likely to be open in 2020. But, here are some other options. Madison Campground, Grant Village Campground, Canyon Campground and Bridge Bay Campground are all good options. Canyon has the luxury of an exceptional location. How to Do the First National Park Things Not to Miss on Your First Trip to Yellowstone: If it’s your first Yellowstone visit, you’ll want to plan on spending at least one day on the “Lower Loop Road” and at least one day on the “Upper Loop Road,” says Kasey Morrisey of Austin Adventures. “Along the Lower Loop, you’ll want to see Old Faithful, Fountain Paint Pots, Grand Prismatic and Lake Yellowstone. On the Upper Loop, you’ll want to check out the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Mammoth Hot Springs and I always recommend making a side trip out to Lamar Valley near the Northeast Entrance (it’s worth the distance!)” Old Faithful The most famous of all the geysers in Yellowstone, you can’t miss Old Faithful. It’s relatively easy to catch this one erupting actually. It erupts every 60 to 90 minutes on average. There’s information inside Old Faithful Inn that tells you when to expect an eruption. Set within Yellowstone National Park and overlooking the famous Old Faithful geyser, this rustic seasonal lodge in a 1920s stone-and-wood building and it’s located overlooking Old Faithful. Biscuit Basin Located near Old Faithful, you can easily do Old Faithful and Biscuit Basin in one day. That should give you plenty of geyser highlights for your first Yellowstone visit. Fountain Paint Pot Fountain Paint Pot Trail consists of various geothermal features that are evidence of Yellowstone’s active volcano status. Due to the thermal activity in the area you need to stay on the boardwalk. The geothermal features inside the park are: geysers, hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles. Grand Prismatic Grand Prismatic is another one of those must see features for your first Yellowstone visit. It is simply iconic. This area gets extremely busy though so pick your time. Also, there are multiple viewing spots where you can see Grand Prismatic, but if you want some of the best photos, then you need to take a short hike up to a lookout that is elevated slightly. You will probably see bison on your way and the lookout might get crowded, but having that slight incline to look out over the prism of colours makes all the difference in the world. Lamar Valley and Glaciers Did you know that Lamar Valley was carved by glaciers? Lamar Valley is sprawling and a vast expanse of plains. It is also one of the best spots to spy wolves in Yellowstone. But early in the morning is your best bet for that. Also, Lamar Valley is gorgeous and you can often spy hundreds of bison crossing the “road.” Lamar Valley is on the northeast, in fact, we left for the night and stayed in Silver Gate Montana, returning through the northeast gate on our last morning. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is one of my favourite spots for photos. Roughly 640,000 years ago, a volcano erupted in Yellowstone emptying a large underground chamber of magma. Thousands of miles, the ash flowed until the roof collapsed and the lava flowed, forming a giant caldera, which filled with lava and sediments for hundreds of thousands of years. This area is now gorgeous multi-coloured rock and canyon, with a river running through it. Artist Point Right near Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Artist Point is aptly named. Should be plenty of parking nearby and there’s some nice hiking in the area. When you get there you will see why it is called Artist Point. If you paint, draw or sketch, take a photo for a reference image and then paint it later. Lake Yellowstone The largest body of water in Yellowstone National Park, Yellowstone Lake is 7,732 kms above sea level. Yellowstone Lake is the largest alpine lake above 7,000 feet in North America. Mammoth Hot Springs This was one of my favourite spots. It is a long drive though from all the other features that are popular like Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic so you have a couple of options. Come in via a different entrance, or do Mammoth Hot Springs and Mammoth Terraces on a different day. Soda Butte Cone We saw a pack of wolves not far from Soda Butte Cone. The cone is near the northeast area of the park. Safety in the Park Death by Selfie DON’t be that guy or that girl…on your first visit to Yellowstone or any visit to ANY of the National Parks. We hiked near Ribbon Lake and Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone which is also where roughly three tourists a year die as a result of poor choices. There’s a perch that is precarious here that too many tourists see as an invitation to take the perfect selfie. But that selfie actually often leads to death. So, play it safe and do not step outside the natural boundary. Follow the Rules Entire books have been written about all of the devastating accidents and deaths in Yellowstone, since it first opened. Follow the rules. If the sign says no pets near Old Faithful, then keep CUJO far far away from the geyser. There’s a reason the signs are up! You can get burnt, and little people could fall in, if not cautious and well supervised. When Is the Best Time of Day to Spot Wildlife? “If you know where to look, you can find wildlife any time of day in the park,” says Kasey Morrisey, president of Austin Adventures, a family-run award-winning group travel company based in Billings, Montana. Morrisey says any wildlife enthusiast will tell you that the best times to see wildlife in Yellowstone are at dawn and dusk. Especially in the summertime (when most visitors come to Yellowstone), the cooler temperatures in the mornings and evenings get the wildlife up and moving. The hot sun midday has most wildlife hanging back in the shady areas where they’re harder to see. Wildlife Spotting Tips Wolves Less than 2% see wolves when visiting Yellowstone. The wolves are next level wildlife spotting. The average lifespan of a wolf in Yellowstone is 4-5 years. Outside Yellowstone that lifespan is 2-3 years. “It’s worth it to catch a sunrise in Lamar or Hayden Valley (around 5:30 AM midsummer) to capture both the beauty of Yellowstone in the morning and a chance to see wildlife like wolves, bears, coyotes, elk, and bison,” says Kasey Morrisey. Want to See Exciting Wildlife, Wake Up Early The early bird, right? This is a lesson I learned when traveling with Sam Friedland, a guide with Austin Adventures. Time of day matters, as in go in the early morning or as the sun is setting. You have greater chances of spotting wildlife. But, listen, always be respectful. This is their home, not yours. Bring Binoculars Check visitor centres to see what’s been seen today and where. There’s always a report daily. Don’t forget binoculars, if you have a pair. You will use them in Yellowstone. Start at Tree Line Sometimes, you might consider following a commercial tour van. They have the info and will be in the loop on where the latest sightings have taken place. Don’t be annoying about it in any way. Just keep your eye on the people in the know. It might serve you well on the journey in the park. National Park Obsessed’s Jennifer Melrose says if you train your eye to start at the tree line you can pick up movement and colours that will help you to spy wildlife. Ask Ask someone at the side of the road with a gigantic lens what they are looking at. We found people super kind here and the one day when we were hunting for wolves but couldn’t see any, we saw a small cluster of people with telescopes. So we stopped and they let us look through their scopes too. Of course, right now everyone should still be using good judgement regarding social distancing. Take that into account. Rent a Spotting Scope It’s easy to rent a telescope or spotting scope in several places on the way in to the park. Or, the night before you go into Yellowstone get that in order in whatever town you are staying in or passing through before your visit. These rentals were super inexpensive. I was shocked that it was often less than $20 for a day. DEAL! Return if You Have to “You could do everything right and still not see anything, some days. Yellowstone National Park is not a zoo, animals go wherever they want,” says Jennifer of National Park Obsessed. Once you’ve been on a guided tour and then you return you are going to be the smartest person out there at figuring out where to go to see the wildlife and geothermal features. Random Yellowstone Trivia Snowmobiling capital of the world. Did you know that there’s a drive through snowmobile McDonald’s at Yellowstone? There are 6-12 visitor centres in the park. Northeast entrance is the one you take to get to Beartooth Scenic Highway. Beartooth, as the name suggests, is a mountain that looks like a tooth. While it is outside of Yellowstone, I highly recommend making this journey at some point as well. How many days should you spend Inside Yellowstone? “I think if you do your research and know what sights you want to hit, you can see the top features of the park in two days (one day for lower loop, one day for upper loop),” says Morrisey of Austin Adventures. “These two days will consist mostly of driving and walking a few boardwalks – but, you will get some epic photos of the classic sites of Yellowstone along the way. If you want to dive deeper into Yellowstone and fit in some hiking along the 900+ miles of hiking trails in the park, you should plan on spending 3-5 days. There’s also much to be seen and done outside the park that flies under the radar, but is just as incredible! When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Yellowstone? Yellowstone is amazing any time of year, but if I had to pick a favourite time to visit, I’d pick June, Morrisey says. “This is the time when the weather is relatively descent, many of the hiking trails are open (although you’ll probably still run into snow at the higher elevations), the baby animals are out and about, the wildflowers are popping off, and there is NO smoke from wildfires as it’s still green and wet. In a close second place for me personally is visiting Yellowstone in the winter when there’s no crowds and awesome wildlife watching opportunities.” Should You Choose a Tour Operator like Austin Adventures? I can think of a hundred reasons to go with a tour operator into Yellowstone, but will settle for sharing just a few. Size: First of all, Yellowstone is HUGE (2.2 million acres) and there is so much to see and do. Since most visitors have limited vacation time, many people don’t want to “waste” time trying to figure out where to go or what to do. Experience: “A local tour operator with a planned itinerary has guides who know the route, the must-sees, the secret hideaways, and the best wildlife hot...

The post Ultimate Tips for Your First Yellowstone Visit appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.

Why Not Spend Spring Skiing in Vermont?

Paula — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 01:05:53 +0000

For years, I have made no secret of my love for winter and summer too. Spring and fall were distant cousins at best. A couple of years ago though, I started to wonder what if we simply stretched winter out a little longer right into spring. Spring skiing! We are guests of Smugglers’ Notch while visiting which means we receive accommodations and lift tickets as well as activities. Spring Break Oh I know, spring break is often synonymous with heading south and we are technically heading south. Just not to the sunny south where the weather is warm. This year, we are on our way to Smugglers’ Notch to do some spring skiing. We can’t wait! Smugglers’ Notch Layout Smugglers’ Notch consists of three mountains – Morse Mountain, Madonna and Sterling Mountains. When we visited Smugglers’ Notch the first time in 2016, we were almost entirely on Morse Mountain because we were beginners. We returned last summer to see what Smugglers’ Notch had to offer in the summer months and now we are checking it out with an eye to spring skiing. That’s, right. I said Spring. Celebrating Spring Break In the last 2-3 years, we have become experts on family Spring Break ski vacations. Last year, we embarked on an epic 12-day road trip through Vermont, Maine and Quebec, culminating in a stay at Hotel Valcartier and the Hôtel de Glace, just outside Quebec City. Read all about staying in an ice hotel. Next week, we will drive to Jeffersonville, Vermont again, pretty much a straight ride through Ontario to Quebec and then down into Vermont until we see the sign that indicates Smugglers’ Notch is ahead. For Canadians, Smugglers’ Notch is an easy drive and an excellent choice. Why Take A Smugglers’ Notch Spring Break? Smugglers’ Notch was named #1 for Family Friendly Ski Resorts in the East by Ski Magazine 2020 and it’s easy to see why. It’s also a 2019 Traveller’s Choice on TripAdvisor. We have been to Smugglers’ Notch a couple of times and it’s incredibly family friendly as well as a great spot for teenagers too. For sure the kids will be checking out the teen lounge again. So, What Can You Do in the Spring at Smuggs? Pretty much everything that you did in the winter is available during the spring months too, weather dependent of course. This year, we are driving to Smugglers’ Notch to spend our spring break there skiing. We arrive just in time for St. Patrick’s Day! Hurray! So, we plan to go get some green shirts or hats and dress up that day. Here’s What’s on my Agenda for the Week Spring skiing can be just as awesome as winter skiing. I mean it’s typically a bit warmer and a few trails might be closed, but for the most part at night temperatures dip so snow guns are often still going. Also, the slopes are often less crowded and resorts can be a bit more peaceful. Oh, and also if you are on a budget, then you can save money if you time it right. St Patrick’s Day Festivities On St. Patrick’s Day we will be skiing and wearing green. This year on March 17, there are numerous activities happening at Smugglers’ Notch. Wear something green and look for the leprechaun on the hills. He will be handing out raffle tickets which you then turn in at the end of the afternoon for possible prizes! I love a good contest and so do the kids, so we will be looking for that leprechaun. Here’s hoping it’s not a rainy day. I’m aiming to do lots of spring skiing and potentially some other fun outdoorsy activities. Maplefest Spring is the ideal time for sugar shacks. The sap has been flowing and the maple products should be everywhere right now. You can stay at Smugglers’ Notch and then drive to a sugar shack to learn more. Or, you might consider sampling the goods close to the resort and stocking up to take some home. Spring Skiing Of course, this is the main reason we are looking forward to March Break! Spring skiing is glorious and like a last hurrah for the season. Go out with style. Ski all the trails possible and fall into bed at night. That’s typically my goal every season. Nothing is sadder for skiers than the day they have to put all the gear away. Glow Tubing Please let the weather gods – and the health gods – be kind. Glow tubing is being offered on March 17th at the end of the day to cap St. Patrick’s Day off. Cross-country skiing Join the Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Adventure Center and enjoy 34 kilometers of beautiful cross-country trails for every level from beginner to expert. Rental equipment is available there too. We also have several group and private cross-country lessons. Not sure if I will get to do this, but it is an option for any of you visiting right now. Snowshoeing Our Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Adventure Center also offers 24 kilometers of dedicated snowshoe trails for every level from beginner to expert. Atlas snowshoes are available for rent at the Nordic Center. We have an extensive list of snowshoe lessons and tours to choose from. Ice Skating My younger daughter has had this in her head for weeks now. We tried to go skating a couple of times but the weather for outdoor rinks around here has been a mess. We had rain in February and that did the rinks in. They have frozen a few times since but now they are a bit of a mess. Twirl and glide across the outdoor ice skating rink (weather permitting) at Smuggs. Located next to the Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Adventure Center. Access is FREE. Rental skates are available at the Nordic Center. Snowboarding Lessons So, my youngest daughter has been talking a bit about trying snowboarding. She’s the most athletic of all of us, so I feel like she could pick it up. When we are not on the slopes perfecting our technique and enjoying the scenery then I might sneak over to see her master snowboarding. Teen Lounge Now that my kids are teens one of their favourite things about this kind of trip and this resort is the teen lounge. They would spend all week there if possible. Follow Along for Spring Skiing and Family Fun this spring break.

The post Why Not Spend Spring Skiing in Vermont? appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.

19 Fun Things to Do on a Mobile Alabama Girl’s Trip

Paula — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 12:16:21 +0000

“Mobile Alabama is like the quirky teacher you had in high school, you know that one who wore mismatched Crocs?” ~ a Mobile resident. Born to Celebrate Born to celebrate is exactly the right tag line for Mobile Alabama. Rarely have I been to a city so exuberant, colourful or tasty. A couple of months ago, I landed in Mobile Alabama on a girl’s trip with three travel writers who are also friends. We arrived via Coastal Mississippi and our Mobile Alabama Girl’s Trip started with seafood at a famed restaurant. I mean, honestly, for me, that just hits a high note right out of the gate. Alabama was the last state we visited on our three state adventure and it was our second last stop on our hosted media trip. We were guests of Mobile Alabama for the two days that we stopped here during our Gulf Coast girl’s getaway. From the food tour that wowed us, to the vibrant art scene, Mobile is a rich spot to explore history and cultural influences in Alabama. Make it a spot to visit before your family cruise, or after a short cruise out of Mobile’s port, or do what we did and add it into a Gulf Coast girl’s trip. What is There to Do in Mobile Alabama? The History Mobile is a combination of funky, artistic destination and a heartbreaking city that has a tragic history. In 1860, buying and selling slaves was still legal, but importing slaves had been illegal for 50 years. The discovery of the last known slave ship, The Clotilde, happened here in Mobile Bay, Alabama. The slave trade in the US is inextricably tied to Mobile and it’s clearly not shied away from in art and history museums. The Culture But, there’s also this playful side that’s clear from the Oyster Art Walk to Mardi Gras and the Moon Pies and secret societies. If they made a movie about Mobile Alabama it would be a genuine blend of drama, comedy and historical biopic. At the start of said movie you might think “Wait, pick one….what are you? There’s too much going on here,” And, yet it works. Let’s Start with Where to Eat in Mobile Alabama Wintzell’s Oyster House Fried, stewed or nude? Google oysters in Mobile Alabama and Wintzell’s Oyster House is sure to pop up. This famous restaurant in downtown LODA’s entertainment district has it all – great food, excellent service and atmosphere in spades. Rumour has it that many celebrities have dined here. Our server, Miss Pinky, shown here, was a genuine southern character. If you want the inside scoop on what to eat and why this place is famous, you need to ask to sit in her section. Our oyster platter had a bit of everything you could imagine. Oysters Rockefeller, Oysters Bienville, and Chargrilled too. YUM. Highly recommend this place. And FYI, Mobile is one of those open carry destinations. So, in fact, we were encouraged to fill up our beverages before we headed off to the Gulf Coast Duck Tour. How awesome is that for a girl’s trip? Old Mobile Evening Tour with Bienville Bites Food Tour The Bienville Bites Food Tour was a highlight of the visit to Mobile Alabama for me. This evening was spectacular starting at Dauphins, located on the 34th floor of the RSA Trustmark Bank Building, with breathtaking views of the 75 nautical surrounding miles. We tasted the Gumbo here and got a tour of the kitchen as well as a private discussion with the chef. From there, we walked throughout Mobile and on to The Cheese Cottage. The guide was knowledgeable and we enjoyed her insider’s insights into the architecture and history of Mobile. Gumbo In fact, I discovered gumbo on this trip through the Gulf Coast. My first ever true gumbo was in New Orleans and I actually had no idea it could vary so wildly. I mean the basic concept is the same, but the flavours and the time spent layering spices for me seems to make the most difference. The gumbo we had at Dauphins was very good, but this stop was mostly about the views and the time spent with the chef. The Cheese Cottage Located on historic “Automotive Alley,” The Cheese Cottage features locally grown cheese and a scrumptious charcuterie not found anywhere else in Mobile. Our tasting featured a special wine and cheese pairing. You’ll be educated on how to taste it and what makes this tasting the “perfect pairing.” Squid Ink for Lunch Squid Ink Eclectic Eats and Drinks is one of Mobile Alabama’s newest restaurants in the downtown core. It’s a fun environment with a great menu. Best meal here was clearly the chicken sandwich Sharon ordered. Dinner at Southern National A sensational new restaurant, Southern National, is blessed with an extremely talented executive chef. Chef Dwayne Nutter, a James Beard award nominee, is right out front at an island cooking table ensuring every plate is perfect. From the decor to the server’s uniforms – denim, leather, utilitarian, everything here was spot on. The seafood stew was rich, locally sourced, fresh and flavourful. I thoroughly enjoyed the dinner and the atmosphere. The Pimento Cheese appetizer featured a hearty helping of my new favourite southern appetizer cheese. This is one spot you need to add to your Mobile Alabama Girl’s Trip itinerary. You owe it to yourself to dine here. Make reservations and go shopping first on Dauphin Street in the downtown Mobile area. Moe’s Barbecue This stop was also on our Bienville Bites Food Tour and it is extremely well known. Also white BBQ sauce? UM, what? That’s a new one for me. Other Food Hotspots: Three Georges – Candy, chocolate…pure yum. Fine southern chocolates since 1917 located on Dauphin Street. A & M Peanut Shop – A Mobile institution also on Dauphin Street. Buy all of the roasted peanuts you can imagine. If you are Things to Do in Mobile Gulf Coast Duck Tour Tour Mobile by land and water. Why? Because it is an amphibious vehicle and totally fun. Also, why not? You will get some great photos on the water, so don’t forget your cameras. Did you know that amphibious vehicles were made during the war? It’s true. Fort of Colonial Mobile Mobile is a super quirky little destination and, because it is a port city, it was also guarded. The Fort of Colonial Mobile guarded citizens for almost 100 years until 1820. It was built by the French and guarded against an attack by the Spanish and British. History Museum of Mobile Spend some time here at the History Museum of Mobile. Well worth it. Permanent exhibit Old Ways New Days 1 takes you back in time to Mobile’s earliest days. The history of Mobile Alabama is rich and this exhibit doesn’t shy away from discussing Mobile’s 300 year history which includes Colonial era, Slavery, WWII, the Civil Rights movement in Mobile, and more. Mobile Community Oyster Trail This is a very informal self guided art walk. But, in 2013 Mobile elected to have 13 large Oyster art pieces installed in various places. They are as quirky and charming as the city itself. This is a project that was initiated by the Mobile Bay Oyster Gardening Program and the trail itself feature four foot Oyster sculptures painted by local artists. Fun to check a few of these out on our Mobile Alabama girl’s trip. The USS Alabama Explore the Mighty A, the USS Alabama which was deployed for 37 months starting in 1942. Located on Battleship Parkway, the tour is self guided. The battleship was one of the lost ships, until a group of school kids collected enough money to have her towed from Washington State to Alabama in 1964/1965. Mobile Mardi Gras Museum Did you know Mobile was the birthplace of Mardi Gras? It was not first celebrated in New Orleans, although New Orleans is synonymous with it now. The Mobile Mardi Gras Museum is a great place to learn all about how Mardi Gras started. The costumes, floats and displays here are stunning. Shop at Urban Emporium LLC My favourite shop in downtown Mobile Alabama. Everything from gorgeous clothing at affordable prices to kid’s clothes and jewellery. The jewellery was super cute and I think we all ended up buying a new top or sweater while here. Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Visit the first Catholic Parish on the Gulf Coast. Alabama Contemporary Art Center Mobile has quite a thriving arts scene. The Alabama Contemporary Art Center is a launching pad for emerging artists to cultivate their practice, hone skills and give a wider audience access to their work. The Moon Pie Shop Find the Moon Pie Shop and stock up on the cutest containers and Moon Pie merchandise. Rumour has it they are also opening a restaurant. YUM! Did you know that Mobile Alabama drops a huge Moon Pie for New Year’s Eve in downtown Mobile? Mardi Gras Park Take a quick stroll in Mardi Gras Park. One of the nights we stayed in Mobile, the tree lighting took place. Such a pretty display. GulfQuest National Marine Museum Stunning new museum that incorporates some gorgeous technology to make marine history of the area real for all who visit. This building is dynamic and exhibits are very much hands on. So, this is also a very family friendly place to add to your trip if you are here with kids. Where to Stay Stay at the Renaissance Riverview Mobile Plaza Hotel. One of my favourite hotels of the entire 12 day trip through the Gulf Coast. The service here during our Mobile Alabama Girl’s Trip was exceptional and honestly the views from the higher floors are amazing. Stay Where We Did Highly recommend the Renaissance Riverview Mobile Plaza Hotel. Great location and even better service. Moon Pies delivered to our door two of the nights we stayed and that was the sweetest touch ever. We had high rooms facing the river and loved the view of the port and park. The guest lounge is open several nights a week, but not on Fridays. Snack on all the Moon Pies!

The post 19 Fun Things to Do on a Mobile Alabama Girl’s Trip appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.

Best DK Eyewitness Travel Greece Guide Books

Paula — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 15:35:05 +0000

I received DK Eyewitness Travel Greece Guide Books for consideration here. Post also contains affiliate links. This is the year I finally get to see Greece. I can’t wait! My one daughter and I are heading there in May, so for the new year I got some Greece guide books for her, and also for me of course too. We have already started reading these DK Canada Eyewitness Travel guides slowly and can’t wait to take these Greece Guide Books with us on the trip. For now, we are in the research and gather information phase, committing the details about climate and local cultural institutions to memory, making vast lists of what we cannot miss while there. Of course, in the next couple of months we will also need to whittle those down to a manageable shortlist. Of course, we are both pinning our favourite travel blog posts and articles to Pinterest. If you are thinking about traveling to Greece any time soon, you might also want to pin this post for later. Years ago, when my husband and I got married we considered Greece as a Honeymoon destination. Then we went with Manzanillo, Mexico and booked it until the tour group went broke and they cancelled our trip. Dominican Republic it was instead and we had a great two weeks. But ever since then I have wanted to visit Greece. So, it’s time to make that happen. Three Excellent Greece Travel Guides 1. Comprehensive Greece Travel Guide Book The DK Eyewitness Greece, Athens and the Mainland Guide is perfect. It contains 770 gorgeous photographs that make you want to visit immediately, plus a pullout city map that is super useful. Oh, I know some people rely entirely on Google Maps and Apple Maps, but there are still some of us who also need that good old traditional map as well. We see the benefit of both. What I Love About the Greece, Athens and Mainland Guide Book: This resource is the one you want to start with because it has a bit of everything in it. Look up a region by colour codes and every city that you can imagine is contained in this resource book. The pull out map of Athens is useful and so is the road map of Mainland Greece Where to eat and drink, where to stay, shopping in Greece and Special Holidays are all contained in the Traveller’s Needs section towards the end of this amazing Greece Travel Guide Book. HOW MUCH IS IT AND IS THE PRICE WORTH IT? $32 Canadian or $25 US. This guide book pays for itself fast. It contains maps, highlights, educational details, up to date information and recommendations for dining in Greece. Buy Before You Go: Greece: Athens and the Mainland 2. Athens Specific Highlights DK Eyewitness Top 10 Athens. This is the pocket guide to all of the highlights in Athens. Superb top ten lists with maps on the inside covers and a map of the local transportation service. Very good resource. In fact, if you are going to Athens also on your adventure this year you should take this one with you. It’s a tiny guide book that can easily be packed in a purse or carryon bag. DK Eyewitness makes worthwhile travel guide books. Check these out if planning a trip to Greece this year. With maps, airport tips, recommendations on what to see and do and also practical information like how to identify traffic signs, these books pay for themselves in no time. If you save yourself the cost of a parking ticket, then Greece: Athens and the Mainland has earned its price. What I Love About the Athens Guide Book: The size. This is compact and basically a pocket guide, so super easy to pack and take it with you. Top 10 Museums, Churches, Greek Foods, Strolls, Places to Shop, Archeological Sites etc. Bite-sized Listicles that zero in on exactly what you want to know when you visit a new country. HOW MUCH IS IT AND IS THE PRICE WORTH IT? $18 Canadian and $14 US Yes basically, if you plan to do Athens then you should carry this with you and I lover how lightweight it is physically. Buy Before You Go: Here’s how you can buy Top 10 Athens now and get ready for the trip. 3. Greek Islands As I mentioned, our trip is still taking shape and I don’t have the itinerary yet, so everything is basically still on the table. I don’t think we are able to spend more than 7-9 days there maximum so that might outrule the Greek Islands as we are starting in the North. DK Eyewitness Greek Islands is inspirational largely due to the stunning photographs used to illustrate the islands and tourists destinations. Inspire, Plan, Discover and Experience is exactly 100 % what this travel guide book is about. Explore Corfu, Old Town and Santorini. What I Love About the Greek Islands Guide Book: There is a map of the ferry routes inside the back cover. Travel safety advice and vaccination information. HOW MUCH IS IT AND IS THE PRICE WORTH IT? At $36 Canadian, this one is a bit pricier than the others. There’s a lot to know about the Greek Islands though so if you are specifically going to the Islands, then you would be wise to get this Travel guide to Greece. Buy Before You Go: Every one of these thorough guide books is like having your own tour guide to Greece. Very worthwhile purchase. You could also hunt for some of these in a second hand bookshop if that’s your style. Occasionally, you can also find them at Costco on sale. But, if you need them now see my notes above in each section for how to purchase. Don’t forget to visit DK Canada website for all the best travel guide books and educational resources for gifts. Mad About Greece With sample itineraries, maps and picks for the best things to visit while touring Greece, Athens and the Greek Islands, these DK Eyewitness guide books are extremely valuable. Get them all and take at least two with you on your trip.

The post Best DK Eyewitness Travel Greece Guide Books appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.

A Year of Adventures – Best of Travel 2019

Paula — Fri, 03 Jan 2020 15:05:47 +0000

What a year in travel! Since 2020 is here, I thought I’d take a minute to recap the best of travel moments here this year. Almost all the trips I took this year were sponsored by the destinations here. Post may also contain affiliate links. Family Travel, Girl’s Trips and Romance A lot of travel bloggers and writers reflect on their adventures at year’s end, so it’s time to revisit some of my favourite memories this year and tell you a bit more about why they were MY favourites. Maybe you will find inspiration to read more about these destinations and perhaps you will go ahead and book your own adventure right now. The Hotels Combined widget in this post works brilliantly and is secure should you want to book ahead now. Ellicottville, New York January started with a quick two nights in Ellicottville, New York. We were hunting for something enjoyable to do at the end of our Christmas vacation, so before the kids went back to school we drove to Ellicottville and skied Holiday Valley for the first time. The weather was a bit mild when we got there, but still we enjoyed the change. Loved the variety of trails there as they give you room to breathe and stretch your skiing. It definitely makes my best of travel list for the year. New York City At the end of January, I was back to New York for the International Media Marketplace, a travel writer and destinations forum. There’s a great speed dating style format that works brilliantly. It was a busy day and I got a lot of great ideas about destinations I wanted to cover in 2019/2020. Ice Fishing in York Durham Headwaters Later that winter, my younger daughter and I drove to York Durham Headwaters and we tried our hands at ice fishing and tubing. Amazing spot for a winter getaway. Then we raced home for one night, packed all of our skiing gear and loaded the van for the long drive to Vermont. Our 12-day March adventure was epic. The best of travel moments for the entire year launched here in Vermont first stop Okemo. Vermont – Okemo All The Pretty Things Indeed. Okemo is gorgeous. It is undeniably spectacular and I’d drop everything to go ski there again. Sugarbush Vermont Immediately from Okemo we headed to Sugarbush, one of our happiest places in Vermont. Sugarbush people are always so friendly and the resort itself features exceptional terrain. So glad we got to celebrate their 60th anniversary together as a family at Sugarbush. I live for JESTER from the top and need to return to do that run over and over again. We were first there in 2017 and we were still learning, as we are even still, but oh boy what a dramatic difference two years makes! From nervous skier to competent skier in two years. Maine – Sunday River Ski Resort Together, after three days at Sugarbush with amazing cold snowy conditions, we headed over through New Hampshire and on to Sunday River Maine. If you are hunting for great ski resort options, you should give Sunday River serious consideration. Loved the range of mountains they had and the terrain was varied if not quite as scenic as Sugarbush and Okemo. Indeed Sunday River has family friendly written all over it, with spectacular accommodations and ski in ski out access as well as great food. Lobster Roll, anyone? YUM. Book Your Own Adventure Here – > Hôtel de Glace and Valcartier in Quebec Three days and nights of skiing at Sunday River for a total of seven or eight days skiing in a row ended with us driving up through Quebec. Normally, we are all over the skiing in Quebec but this time we had a different agenda. We drove straight to Valcartier and got ready to do out night inside the Hôtel de Glace! If you have never seen Canada’s ice hotel, make it your mission to do so. If you have a chance to stay overnight in the ice hotel, do it. This was in my top three events of the year here. My entire family made it through the night in the ice hotel and let me just say that was no small thing as my older daughter was a bit anxious about the experience. Read more about our Hôtel de Glace stay here. Central Missouri and Lake of the Ozarks Helicopter rides, bass fishing and learning to golf! Central Missouri was a spectacular girl’s getaway. This time I took my youngest daughter with me, sporty spice in grade nine, and she was in heaven. The PR team there knocked this out of the park and she connected with Marjorie and Jo and genuinely loved spending time with them. Missouri and Lake of the Ozarks was a highlight on my best of travel 2019 list. Vermont – Smugglers’ Notch We have been to Vermont yearly for several winters, but until this season we hadn’t ever been in the summer months. There’s so much to do in Vermont in the summer and the hiking is wonderful too. Oregon – Tualatin Valley Wine country Tualatin Valley pulls so much from multicultural influences in the area. That’s something I never would have expected actually, until seeing it and tasting it for myself. Rochester At the end of the summer I thought I’d take a bit of time with both of my girls. They worked hard last summer, so it was time to take a break. Rochester was just the right ticket for the three of us. Finger Lakes – Corning and Watkins Glen Immediately after Rochester, we drove to Watkins Glen and hiked Watkins Glen State Park. Just 24 hours in Watkins Glen was not remotely enough time and the wineries!! I can’t wait to return with my husband for a romantic getaway. The next day we drove to Corning and visited the Corning Museum of Glass. Corning’s New Glass exhibit was breathtaking. Wyoming In September, I flew to Billings, Montana for TBEX travel blogger’s exchange conference, and then on to Cody Wyoming for a trip through the Wild West. Montana and Yellowstone National Park OH MY. If you never do anything else, go book the time to see Yellowstone. It is otherworldly. I did this trip with Austin Adventures as a group trip and it was stunning and memorable and challenging at times too. October was a quiet month on purpose because after all that travel I needed to get some writing done. New Orleans WE ended the year on a high note with a 12-day girl’s getaway that began in New Orleans. Three days in NOLA for the first time ever and we were sated. The food, the atmosphere, the burlesque brunch. New Orleans is larger than life in every way. So many of my favourite travel experiences have been with my family, but sometimes it’s such a treat to travel with your friends instead. Four women over 40 on a 12-day trip through the Gulf Coast. Magic. Louisiana Northshore Not even 45 minutes outside of NOLA is Louisiana Northshore and Tammany Parish. What a peaceful place along the shore. Coastal Mississippi NEVER had I ever been to Coastal Mississippi before. Here’s my take on the Romance of Coastal Mississippi. Mobile Alabama The food tour alone was worth the visit, but there’s so much more to Mobile Alabama than just food. We stayed at the Renaissance Riverview Mobile Alabama and I can’t say enough about the service there. Mobile was charming. Gulf Shores Alabama Back in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area again after a trip there in 2017! I was thrilled to end the trip at the beach in a gorgeous beach house with good friends. Any one of these destinations would be a great choice for 2020. Depending on what type of trip you are looking for…. What Do You Seek in 2020? Romance? Coastal Mississippi. Oregon for wining and dining and a bit of outdoor adventure. Vermont and Maine for skiing. Gulf Shores for the beach always. You can’t argue with their gorgeous sunsets.

The post A Year of Adventures – Best of Travel 2019 appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.

A Refreshing Visit to Louisiana Northshore

Paula — Tue, 24 Dec 2019 14:08:10 +0000

So close to New Orleans, and yet a world away in spirit, Louisiana Northshore is a little slice of something spectacular and a very refreshing soft adventure reprieve after our busy 3-day girl’s trip to New Orleans. Across the Shore, a World Apart Louisiana’s Northshore, St. Tammany Parish, is just a 45-minute drive from NOLA. With access to the same fresh seafood, cultural influences and chefs inspired by Acadian cuisine, Northshore Louisiana has a lot in common with The Big Easy, but without the hustle and the raucous streets of New Orleans. This makes the Northshore a charming spot for a soft adventure, romantic getaway or family vacation. I recently took a 12-day girl’s getaway Gulf Coast hosted media fam trip. We started in New Orleans and then drove to Louisiana’s Northshore. North of Your Expectations Louisiana’s Northshore drapes across the coast of Lake Ponchartrian, less than an hour away from the New Orleans French Quarter. New Orleanians have been using the Northshore as a getaway since the 1880s, way back when steamboats were the common mode of transportation leading people across the lake to stay in stately resorts shrouded by tall trees. The air in Northshore Louisiana was cooler and cleaner than it was in New Orleans and the deep-spring water was reputed to cure ills and calm nerves. Northshore Louisiana consists of: Madisonville, Old Mandeville, Lake Ponchartrain, La Combe, and Abiti Springs as well as Folsom, Pearl River, and Sun. Where to Stay in Northshore Louisiana As soon as we arrived in Louisiana Northshore, we checked into the stunning De La Bleau Bed and Breakfast in Old Mandeville. The decor in every room is themed according to colour. I stayed in the orange room which also had a bit of a safari feel with giraffe art on the wall. There was a small seating area, a large, private, well-appointed bathroom and reliable wifi. With a window seat that offered a view of the water from my room, and a very funky handmade headboard, the suites were all about the unique atmosphere. A Bit About this Charming Louisiana Bed and Breakfast De La Bleau was a passion project in retirement for husband and wife team Cindy and Clyde Touchstone. The bed and breakfast is spacious and clean and welcoming, with the sweetest personal touches. Located on Lafitte Street, you can easily walk to the boardwalk and water. Also, the Bed and Breakfast has bikes to borrow. De La Bleau can accommodate weddings and pets can stay in a lower level suite. High ceilings and a gorgeous breakfast bar, with fresh coffee always on hand, makes De La Bleau Bed and Breakfast cheery and bright, even for those who are not morning people. It’s hard to choose just one favourite feature here because it’s clear Cindy, a retired school bus driver, and husband Clyde, who both did some property flipping in their spare time, are genuinely talented at renovations and decorating. The space has character, but it also provides a lot of privacy for those who prefer that kind of stay. However, of all the endearing elements that make this such a great choice for a stay, the most memorable one is the food. The breakfast bacon here in this adorable Bed and Breakfast is worth the visit alone. It is the best bacon you will ever taste. Take a stroll along the water every morning. Grab a bike and go for a ride. A Sunset Pontoon Tour After checking in, we headed out to meet up with Louisiana Tours and Adventures for a pontoon boat tour. While the night was a bit cool when we were there, that pontoon boat ride was a fantastic way to get a good look at some of the prettiest spots on the water. View this post on Instagram We took a pontoon boat out on the Ponchartrain and watched the 🌅sunset, then we spied this swamp bar on the way back and asked the Captain to make a stop. When I came out of the restroom, @downshiftingpro was dancing with a real character. #hosted #lanorthshore #travel #wanderlust #tammanytaste #northofyourexpectations #travelling #canadalovesgulfshores #canadalovesgulfcoast #water #food #fun A post shared by Paula Schuck (@inkscrblr) on Nov 21, 2019 at 7:25am PST As the sun set, on the Tchefuncte River, the captain of the boat, Mike, showed us around and timed the ride perfectly so that we were right in front of the lighthouse as the sun lost its grip on the day. So glorious and appreciated! We spied a couple of our first tiny alligators of the trip out on the water. We had snacks and warm beverages on the boat and then a Northshore Louisiana swamp bar caught our eye. After circling around for a bit our amiable captain and PR guide Christina waltzed right in to T Rivers Bar and Grill with us. Because, when in Louisiana and you see a swamp bar, I mean, how can you resist? I left the room for five minutes and returned to find Margarita Ibbott dancing with a total stranger in a swamp bar in Louisiana. That’s something you don’t see every day. Of course, we had to try the swamp punch too, which was green and, while worth trying, not my kind of drink. I saddled up to the bar, where football was playing on multiple smaller screen TVs fixed to the walls behind the bar and asked for a cocktail. But literally, after running through maybe three possible drinks, I realized that I was clearly at a swamp bar. So, local beer it was then. Pizza Night Later that night, after returning to the shore and thanking Mike for an amazing pontoon ride, we drove to Duman Pizza. I had a wood oven fired pizza featuring shrimp and it was superb. In fact, I ate about four pieces, which for me, is unheard of, so but this point of our girl’s getaway I was all in on the gulf coast shrimp dishes. This would be a theme for me and I committed fully. After I finished some work back at the quiet B and B, I called it a night and woke up in time to meet everyone for breakfast. Liz’s Where Y’AT Diner on Florida Street in Mandeville is a must visit and a winner. The walls are all covered with bright beach colours and the bar, counter area is set up to resemble a Tiki Hut. But the cutest part of the restaurant is all of the fun sayings, quotes and witty anecdotes painted on the walls. The Bennies One of my personal favourite things here was that there’s a breakfast dish where you can mix and match the Eggs Benedict or the Bennies. So I had one crabby Eggs Benedict with Nawlin’s Eggs Benedict on a fried green tomato. The crabby bennies were rich and moist and such a southern Gulf Coast treat. Where Y’At? Are you ever on a trip where the restroom wows you so much that you have to take photos? Liz’s Where Y’at Diner is that kind of place. It’s a neighbourhood diner featuring scratch New Orleans cuisine. The vibe is beach mixed with 60s Hippy Flower Child Surfer Girl Vibe. Service was exceptional. Traveler Tip – > Try the Debris. Also the crabby Eggs Benedict was scrumptious. Debris is beef ends that are scraped off the end of the pot and are extremely flavourful. Grits and scramblers are also popular dishes here. Kayak with Alligators The four of us split up after breakfast. Both Margarita Ibbott and I were keen to try kayaking in the bayou. Again, I felt like how often in life do I have the chance to kayak in a bayou in Louisiana? So, for me it was not even a question. Whenever you have a chance to kayak on the bayou with alligators, embrace that opportunity. The paddling was leisurely and we spied two small alligators as we headed all the way to the lake. While you should always have a healthy fear of alligators, we heard repeatedly here that people and gators coexist. If you don’t feed them and leave them alone, they will leave you alone. Check Out Bayou Adventures Kayaking Bayou Adventures Kayaking, a family-owned business with bait shop and restaurant in the back, is a great place to rent what you need in order to do watersports in the area. They offer bike rentals, stand up paddle boards and kayaks as well as swamp tours. Bayou Adventures Kayaking delivers your kayaks and rental gear to the bayou, making your job the paddling and picture-taking. Take a Tour – Historic Mandeville QR Tours Explore the 31-mile Tammany Trace, on the Rail-to-Trail Hall of Fame project. You might also consider taking a fishing charter. Nuvolari’s In walking distance of De La Bleau Bed and Breakfast, Nuvolari’s is Italian food in a casual fine dining atmosphere on Girod Street, moments away from Lake Ponchartrain. We had dinner here on our second night in Old Mandeville and service was flawless. The oysters appetizer was scrumptious, but the Genoa Shrimp with candied pecans and fettuccini was exceptional. Candied pecans added texture and a dash of something sweet, making the Genoa Shrimp one of the best shrimp dishes I have had ever. Covington Browse the Shops in Covington There are dozens of adorable antique shops, a legendary hardware store, a cute shoe store and a few boutiques in downtown Covington. Founded in 1813, Covington is the seat of the parish of St. Tammany. It’s also quaint and walkable and it’s home to the Southern Hotel. Traveler Tip – Shopping Here in Covington? You will find many of the galleries and shops on Lee Lane and Columbia Street. The English Tea Room WOWZA. From the second we set foot inside this adorable Covington tea room we were all charmed. Sit in the Churchill room, surrounded by gigantic cardboard cutouts of Downton Abbey, and be transported. Order the high tea and by all means ask for suggestions! The servers are incredibly well informed about all of the teas here. It was insane how many different varieties of teas this restaurant had. Crafty DIY Ideas The day we left for Coastal Mississippi we drove over to Hammer and Stain Covington. The perfect Covington girl’s getaway activity for Northshore Louisiana and so affordable too! We spent a good three hours painting our Christmas snow globes. A similar activity costs about $35 each. Of course, there are dozens of projects to choose from at various price points. Hammer and Stain Covington also offers private DIY paint parties and Mini Makers parties too for the younger set. Louisiana Northshore Has A Quiet Southern Charm The northshore is full of character and opportunities for soft adventures. Consider it a quieter alternative to New Orleans, or do New Orleans for a couple of exciting days and then retreat to Louisiana Northshore to relax and start planning your next vacation.

The post A Refreshing Visit to Louisiana Northshore appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.

All the Best Things to Do on a Girl’s Trip to New Orleans

Paula — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 13:11:00 +0000

We are sipping bottomless mimosas watching a burlesque dancer tastefully strut through a New Orleans restaurant. Not your average Sunday morning, but then again nothing is ordinary about this city as we are discovering on our girl’s trip to New Orleans. I recently took a 12-day girl’s getaway Gulf Coast media fam trip. We started in New Orleans. Today started with Legs and Eggs, burlesque breakfast at Sobue, a restaurant named for its location, south of Bourbon Street (Sobue). This decadent brunch features a burlesque performer called Bella Blue, and today, it will end with us driving to North Shore Louisiana and then Coastal Mississippi to stop for two days in Ocean Springs. My first ever visit to New Orleans has been eventful, as well as satisfying. New Orleans is a full sensory feast you won’t soon forget. Our Girl’s Trip to New Orleans I am here with three friends and travel writers and together we are doing a 12-day trip up the Gulf Coast starting in New Orleans and ending in Gulf Shores Alabama. From our base in the Dauphine Orleans Hotel, in the French Quarter, we’ve been able to cover a huge amount of territory, walking for hours, hitting Bourbon Street, Canal Street, Conti Street, Decatur Street and the Warehouse District too. Together, we hunted down multiple versions of beignets, devouring muffuletta sandwiches and some of the richest, freshest, seafood I’ve ever had in the United States. Where Should You Go on Your First Night in NOLA? On the night we arrive, our driver gives us the low down on all the best places to eat. The Ritz Carlton lounge, for beignets, she says. It’s simply the best because of the dips. So, we tuck that information away deciding to visit later that weekend. Of course no trip to New Orleans could ever be complete without that mandatory stop at Café du Monde. These two restaurants are high on our list of spots we have to stop on our girl’s trip to New Orleans. Bar Marilou Speak Easy Bar Marilou is not an overly taxing walk from the French Quarter to the Warehouse District. Located in the former library of the City Hall Annex, Bar Marilou, is the perfect spot to celebrate the launch of our 12-day girl’s getaway. Our first three days will be spent here in New Orleans. The plush red velvet and rich brocade fabrics create a speak easy atmosphere inside the lounge, which is tucked away from the street. Enter through the side door. Look for the neon sign. It’s impossible not to feel mysterious and cool here. Order appetizers and drinks and admire the decor as well as the stunning speak easy attire on all of the bespoke employees. Traveler Tip: I recommend the liverwurst paté appetizer, which was delicious! Bourbon Street in New Orleans is iconic. Day 1 in New Orleans – Segways, Food and Jazz Court of Two Sisters Jazz Brunch In the morning on our first full day in NOLA, we walk to Court of Two Sisters for their daily jazz brunch. Eggs, bacon, smoked salmon, King Cake and Andouille sausage capped off with a made to order omelette bar, bread pudding and so much more. A Jazz trio sits in the corner of an ornate open courtyard behind the restaurant and they periodically move inside the restaurant to play for the patrons and tourists indoors. After a hearty leisurely breakfast and ample amounts of caffeine, we walk over to New Orleans Segway Experience Tour with City Segway Tours for a quick lesson before taking to the streets of the French Quarter. The New Orleans City Segway Tours This is the third time I have done a Segway tour when traveling and I highly recommend it as a great way to see any city you visit. It’s not too hard and is basically all about moving the pressure of your feet and back and forth on the sensors. Once you figure out how to start and stop and whether the instructor/guide is helping you or not, it’s smooth sailing and a fun part of any girl’s trip to New Orleans. The Perfect Way to See More of a City After dodging cars, delivery trucks and a staged parade that was part of a Netflix series filming in town that day, we weaved through the streets, noting the locations of spots like Café du Monde and Jackson Square for later. This is the perfect way to get your bearings learning all about New Orleans history and architecture early on your trip. After exploring on our Segways, we were ready for lunch at the famed Napoleon House. Traveler Tip: Do the Segway Tour early on in your visit to get your bearings in the city. Napoleon House What to Order Here Napoleon House is iconic and an essential part of any girl’s trip to New Orleans. Head to Napoleon House for a Pimms Cup, a cocktail made with Pimms, a British gin-based liqueur with lemon-lime soda, and a slice of cucumber, which is über refreshing, then add a Muffuletta sandwich. A Muffuletta sandwich is a made with cured meats, cheeses and olive spread served on a warm seeded bun. Insanely delicious when done well, and Napoleon House does these extremely well. I dream about this sandwich even still, a month after returning from this adventure. Also loved the shrimp po’ boy sandwich. Traveler Tip: if you take a New Orleans food tour make sure Napoleon House is included on the itinerary. I found two foodie tours on Viator that include this historic restaurant. One is a NOLA cocktail tour. Famous TV Shows and Movies Here Napoleon House has been featured in many movies and TV series. The cupola at the top of the buildings was part of the first season of NCIS New Orleans in an episode called Red Dress Run. Several other episodes of the show have been filmed inside the building. A room upstairs is also available for weddings. The house itself is a National Historic Landmark. In fact, part of Oliver Stone’s JFK was filmed downstairs and so was a Super Bowl commercial. Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture Fuelled by all of the outrageous food, we raced over to see if we could still take a quick tour of the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture. The staff were extremely gracious and walked us through the museum giving a detailed history of who wore the costumes, and how the museum came to be. All of the costumes were donated. Desire Oyster Bar After exploring the French Quarter, and freshening up back at Dauphine Orleans hotel, we walked to dinner at Desire Oyster Bar. These oysters were the best of the entire 12-day road trip through NOLA and the Gulf Coast. Get the grilled oysters if you are an oyster fan. The raw fresh oysters schucked nearby at the oyster bar are fantastic. The menu is HUGE and there’s a lot to choose from, but nothing beats their oysters. View this post on Instagram Oh my! Of course everyone has heard of how legendary the food is in New Orleans with French, Spanish, Italian and Irish influences as well as Vietnamese, the range of flavours and tastes is unlike anything else you’ll find anywhere in the world. Last night, we went to desire oyster bar in the French quarter of New Orleans. The oysters were unbelievable. They shuck them fresh right there at the oyster bar. The grilled oysters were seasoned to perfection. I will dream about that appetizer. #yum #onetimeinnola #travel #travels #wanderlust #neworleans #nola #hosted #canadalovesgulfshores #canadiangirlsgetaway #food #foodie #seafood #travelwriter #appetizers #frenchquarter A post shared by Paula Schuck (@inkscrblr) on Nov 16, 2019 at 6:09am PST Take in a show at the Jazz Playhouse while here because it’s literally less than two minutes away from Desire Oyster Bar. The Jelly Roll cocktail, had bourbon in it and hit all the right notes for this gal. If you are in New Orleans doing a girl’s getaway build in time to explore Frenchmen Street. It’s a compact musical district where the locals hang out. Day 2 – The Perfect Itinerary in NOLA Breakfast Beignets and Lattes On Day 2, we start at the Ritz Carlton for beignets because we’ve heard they have sauces and are spectacular. TRUE story. These beignets are affordable, scrumptious and they come with caramel, chocolate and also vanilla sauce. Byron, our server was exceptional. They also have fantastic lattes and you don’t have to be staying there in order to dine at the restaurant. Don’t forget to look for Byron! He has a huge amount of knowledge on all the best places to dine in New Orleans. St. Louis Cemetery #1 Tour One of the most entertaining things we did while doing our girl’s trip to New Orleans was the St. Louis Cemetery #1 Tour. This was our first excursion of the day, after a short walk to a nearby café where we met Loretta of Two Chicks Walking Tours. Loretta, from the start, was a kick, dramatizing some of the famous NOLA history and characters buried in the cemetery, and providing several educational tidbits. Look for Nick Cage’s oddball pyramid tomb which has been struck by lightning three times! Why Two Chicks? Be warned! This cemetery is extremely busy and there’s a lot to know about the tombs within. Also be respectful. Going with a guide from Two Chicks is highly beneficial. The one-hour tour is fast paced, but you also get enough of the meat and potatoes. Loretta Adkins launched our tour with a whole lot of humour and immediately advised: “Let’s not sully our vibration by talking politics.” What to Expect on This Tour Learn why New Orleans bury their dead above ground. The space where the cemetery is was once a trading post and the land was swampland. You can’t bury bodies underground in a swamp. Did you know that Yellow Fever in the 1700s killed a lot of people in Louisiana? Or that multiple people are buried in one tomb? In Louisiana, the heat creates a sort of sped up organic decomposition process. One year and a day after the burial, a worker goes into the tomb and uses a tool to push the remains into a section called the caveau. That makes room for more bodies. Roughly 50,000 people are buried in St. Louis Cemetery #1! Treme Creole Gumbo Festival Every weekend there are numerous festivals in New Orleans and many revolve around food. We started at the Treme Creole Gumbo festival for lunch, listened to some music in Louis Armstrong Park, browsed the artisan wares and sampled a couple of different beignets then headed over to Fêtes des Fromage and ate every variety of cheese we could find. Cheese Wheel at Fêtes des Fromages Seven different types of cheeses spin around on a pretend ferris wheel, while people reach for one of each to sample with crostini and small cranberry breads. Inside the Vermont tent a man uses a small butane torch to melt sugar onto local Vermont goat cheese. The sweet layer of sugar dusting the top of the melted cheese is the perfect compliment to the creamy taste beneath. Find the Festivals Fêtes des Fromages takes place each November featuring world-renowned and local cheeses. The French American Chamber of Commerce transforms the grounds of the New Orleans Jazz Museum and people wait in line to pair wines with hundreds of cheeses from around the world. The fall festival features international, domestic and Louisiana cheese samples. Red, white, and rosé wine imports from Europe are on offer for pairing with craft beers, ciders and water. Traveler Tip: Check the Visit New Orleans web site and find a festival worth exploring. Stay for the cracking of the wheel competition or wander consuming one of everything before starting all over again. The Fêtes des Fromages is a must do for any cheese lover visiting the city in November. Café du Monde We made it our goal that day to sample many different beignets and no NOLA experience would be complete without a stop at Café du Monde. Expect lineups and don’t skip the coffee. It has a hint of chicory which makes it rich and full bodied, sort of grounding the sweet powdery taste of the beignets. The outdoor market atmosphere adds to the experience. Sazerac House Whiskey and spirit lovers will love the brand new Sazerac House, which just opened in October 2019. There are free tours daily and samples of cocktails, bitters and whiskey too. Ideally, here you learn a bit about the history of whiskey in New Orleans, taste a few samples of the spirits and cocktails and then stop by the distillery. New Orleans School of Cooking After a busy day of walking and chewing up all the steps goals on our apps and Fitbits, we headed back to the New Orleans School of Cooking in the French Quarter for what would be one of the highlights of our New Orleans girl’s getaway. Our hands on cooking class started with a little bit of information about the cooking school, the chef and the range of dishes we were going to make. Much Cajun food derives from Acadia and relies on flavours layered in one pot. We started with a Shrimp and Tasso Maque Choux, a Duck and Andouille Gumbo and then finally moved on to Bread pudding. In fact, it was my first time making a roux ever, even though I have heard a lot about it. So being able to learn here and build gumbo from start to finish was a dream scenario for me. Frankly, I had no idea I liked bread pudding until I made one of my own in New Orleans! Roughly ten of us took part in the New Orleans Cooking class. We paired up with partners to execute all three of our dishes following the chef’s instructions. There were many couples taking part in the class. Sharon Mendelaoui of Daily Dream 360 and Merry Spooner-Kuchle or Merry About Town worked together. Margarita Ibbott of DownshiftingPro and I cooked at our station. It was incredibly satisfying watching that roux turn from light beige to peanut butter to a chocolate brown shade. Thankfully, this city is very walkable, because wine and beer were part of the New Orleans School of Cooking experience. NOLA Ghost and Haunts Nighttime Bus Tour As if that were not enough, after eating all the amazing food that we made, we hopped onto a bus for a ghost tour. This tour started at Washington Artillery Park and led us to another cemetery. Hear stories of murder, betrayal and the haunted hotels and landmarks in the city! But, be warned you may not sleep after hearing some of the creepiest stories. Our final day in NOLA ends with the burlesque brunch at Sobue and then off we go for a short drive across the causeway to North Shore Louisiana. Take a New Orleans Girl’s Trip With international influences, British, Italian, Irish, Scottish, Spanish, French of course, and even Vietnamese, the city’s food and flavours are unmatched. New Orleans food is a celebration and some of the best cuisine I’ve ever had, anywhere. The food, plus the culture, and history here make the perfect recipe for a memorable girl’s trip.

The post All the Best Things to Do on a Girl’s Trip to New Orleans appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.

The Cody Hotel – Wild Wyoming

Paula — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 12:20:40 +0000

Like the town it’s named for, The Cody Hotel is pure Wyoming. Cody is often called one of the last few western towns, and I could easily see why when I stayed there on the first night of my tour with Austin Adventures. The town itself may have grown and modernized itself over the years, but you’d never know it driving through downtown. When it comes to accommodations in Wyoming close to Yellowstone National Park, The Cody Hotel, ticks all the boxes. With great views of the surrounding countryside, comfortable accommodations, superb service and a distinctly wild west vibe, The Cody Hotel Wyoming is pretty close to perfect. Mere moments away from many iconic and historically significant local attractions, that makes this hotel and family friendly spot a good choice when traveling. Cruising the main strip in Cody Wyoming feels like the pure western experience, with shops lining each side of the street – all of them with a classic western front. Just getting to the Cody Hotel is an experience in and of itself. The Cody Hotel is Pure Wyoming The hotel is just across the street from the Cody Nite Rodeo and Stampede Arena and Old Trail Town and just a couple of blocks from Cody institutions like The Cody Cattle Company and The Cody Firearms Company. The exterior of the hotel is quite unassuming. It’s a simple, three-story affair that doesn’t put on a lot of airs. That being said you can feel the rustic, old west vibe even from the outside. The stonework sign welcoming you to the hotel, as well as the stonework that is prominent along portions of the outside of the hotel, lets visitors know immediately that they’re in for a relaxed rustic treat. The interior of the hotel just screams ranch and with its warm colours and natural materials, The Cody Hotel is relaxed at heart. Walking through the doors of the hotel is soothing. The tiles and a stonework fireplace are complemented by warm, wood furniture as well as chairs and sofas featuring leather and fabric that further add to the charm and western feel of the hotel. The Cody Hotel Accommodations The hotel features several room options, and a variety of amenities that make life at the hotel both more productive and more comfortable. Rooms The Cody Hotel room choices range from standard to suite options. The standard room features a custom-made king bed or two custom-made queen beds. The rooms also have a refrigerator and microwave, as well as an easy chair, desk, iron, hairdryer, I-pod docking station and more. The Deluxe King Room and Deluxe Queen Room feature everything the standard room has with an added patio or balcony for enjoying the beautiful Wyoming scenery and crisp, clean air. Finally, the suites feel like living in a home away from home. Their open airy design boasts a spacious living area complete with fireplace, making it a great option for a more homey feel while you’re away. Services and Amenities I liked this hotel for so many reasons, not the least of which is the available pool, bike access, and complimentary breakfast. However, those are just three amenities that make The Cody Hotel so wonderful. You wouldn’t expect some of these higher-end bonuses in such an unassuming hotel, but I think that’s what makes it so special. Amenities offered include: 24-Hour Front Desk Business Center with Printer Free Hot Breakfast Fitness Room Free Airport Transportation Free Shuttle Transportation from West End and Downtown Free High-Speed WiFi Throughout Indoor Hot Tub Indoor Pool Outdoor Firepit Indoor Corridors The Cody really thought of everything when it comes to its guests. As a blogger, I appreciated the FREE high-speed WiFi, the shuttle and as a frequent traveler, I thoroughly enjoyed the free hot breakfast. Those amenities alone are enough for any hotel to receive high marks in my opinion. Location The Cody Hotel couldn’t be more perfectly located. The hotel is close to the airport as well as everything that makes Cody Wyoming famous. In addition, road trippers have access to several main highways, making it easy to explore the surrounding area. This combination of proximity and navigability makes The Cody an excellent home base for a vacation to the area. Get Grounded at The Cody Hotel From the outside, The Cody Hotel is a simple, unassuming affair. In fact, without its stonework and little touches, you’d never know it was anything more than a standard hotel. But that’s part of its charm. The Cody Hotel is as much a staple of the Wyoming atmosphere as Cody is itself. Just like the town, The Cody Hotel is what it is without the need for lots of drama or flair. It welcomes you in with a friendly exterior and entices you to stay with an interior that is warm, inviting, and purely Wyoming. It’s one of the best hotels I’ve had the pleasure of staying at in months. If you’re planning a trip to the Cody, Wyoming area, I highly recommend The Cody Hotel. It has everything you’d ever want in a hotel, and it has it with a distinctly Wyoming flair.

The post The Cody Hotel – Wild Wyoming appeared first on Thrifty Mommas Tips.